Affordable Housing Push (Brooklyn): Gov. Hochul highlighted progress on the Vital Brooklyn Initiative, including completion of Utica Crescent and the start of Sparrow Square in East Flatbush, adding 583 affordable apartments plus community services. Rent-Fixing Allegations: Tenants’ group claims major brokerages and CoStar shared confidential lease data to coordinate rents, setting up a fresh legal fight over market conduct. Local Zoning for “Missing Middle” (Maryland): A Rockville upzoning proposal that would allow more townhomes/duplexes by right is projected to add 21 units over a decade and expand homeownership access without harming nearby values, per a Realtors’ association study. Closing Tech Against Wire Fraud: CertifID is buying CloseSimple to modernize real estate closings and reduce wire-fraud risk as transactions shift online. Development Watch (Georgia): Seaport 16 Trade Center in Ellabell remains stalled despite infrastructure being in place, with delays blamed on tariff policy and geopolitical uncertainty. Design-Led New Homes (Dubai): Ellington launched Everly Place in Meydan with 209 residences, leaning on lifestyle and amenities over price. Rental Scam Alert: A local investigation warns fraudsters are increasingly impersonating landlords and property managers on social media.