Crime · New York, NY
Federal prosecutors urged a New York judge to impose life sentences on luxury real estate brokers Oren Alexander, 39, Tal Alexander, 40, and their brother Alon Alexander, 39, convicted in March of sex trafficking and related charges involving at least 70 alleged victims over two decades. The brothers, once known as real estate's "A Team" for high-ticket sales and celebrity clientele, face sentencing on Oct. 27 before Judge Valerie E. Caproni. Prosecutors cited a pattern of drugging and assaulting women during luxury getaways beginning around 2001–2002, while defense attorneys recommended 15-year terms and maintained the brothers' innocence. The Probation Office recommended consecutive 15-year sentences per victim, totaling up to 195 years for Oren Alexander.
Community News · New York County
New York University is doubling its financial support for Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village, committing $6 million over the next four years through the Washington Square Park Conservancy and NYC Parks. The funding will support maintenance and operations staff, horticulture, enforcement, and potentially expanded seasonal lawn restoration. NYU has contributed to the park's upkeep for more than two decades, treating it as its unofficial campus quad. In 2025, NYU also helped expand the Conservancy's Park Open Studio program offering free art workshops and funded community volunteer cleanup days.
Community News · New York, NY
The DOT has marked completion of the Avenue B redesign in Manhattan's East Village. NYC Parks is set to present three options for the Tompkins Square recreation area, and a development team for the 324 E. 5th St. affordable housing project will appear before Community Board 3. A nine-story hotel has been proposed for Allen Street, while an e-bike battery sparked an apartment fire on Avenue A. The roundup also notes restaurant openings and closings, Kotobuki's return to full-service dining, and the Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade.
Social Events · New York, NY
The 36th annual Tompkins Square Halloween Dog Parade took place Saturday, Oct. 17, in Manhattan's East Village, with costumed dogs marching from 13th Street south on Avenue B to Seventh Street before finalists were judged on a runway in the park. Popular costume themes included the NBA champion Knicks and characters from films and TV, while celebrity attendees John Legend and Chrissy Teigen appeared dressed as Colin Kaepernick; their pet food brand Kismet sponsored the event. Judges included Boris & Horton owner Carol Krakowski and Assembly Member Keith Powers, with Puppy Bowl referee Dan Schachner serving as emcee. Separately, a new Instagram account launched questioning why the parade no longer supports the Tompkins Square Dog Run.
