Feb. 25, 2025 By Lauren Rapp The 121-year-old Carroll Gardens institution Ferdinando’s Focacceria abruptly closed last weekend, bringing an end to the oldest Sicilian restaurant in New York City and one of the oldest Italian restaurants in the state. The eatery announced on Instagram on Sunday that the family had made the decision to “permanently…
Feb. 18, 2025 By Lauren Rapp A federal funding freeze and a swift reversal recently left organizations scrambling. Now, Brooklyn nonprofits are bracing for a year of uncertain investment under the Trump administration. Late last month, the Office of Management and Budget announced a freeze on all federal grants and loan payments. The office…
Dec. 18, 2024 By Meaghan McGoldrick O'Neil Coney Island came together last week for the community’s first-ever Christmas Tree Lighting at Kaiser Park. Hosted by NIA Community Services Network, the Dec. 12 event marked the culmination of the organization’s seasonal tree lighting celebrations, which also included a festive gathering at Red Hook’s Coffey Park.…
Dec. 12, 2024 By Kirstyn Brendlen & Adam Daly How much is that doggie in the window? The state says it’s not for sale. Brooklyn’s pet store owners, known for selling furry friends, are hoping legal intervention will halt the incoming statewide ban, which they say will be detrimental to business in the lead-up…
Dec. 10, 2024 By Kirstyn Brendlen The controversial “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” passed in the City Council by a slim margin last week, earning equal amounts of praise and criticism from lawmakers and residents around New York City. City of Yes will update some of the city’s old zoning regulations, easing the…
Dec. 6, 2024 By Adam Daly The newly renovated Vinland Playground in Bay Ridge officially reopened Wednesday following a $3.4 million facelift. NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and City Council Member Justin Brannan joined residents on Dec. 4 to celebrate the upgrades, which include a toddler playhouse, two new swing sets, and a colorful…
Nov. 12, 2024 By Adam Daly More than $300,000 has been raised to support former U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm’s recovery after he was recently paralyzed in a horseback riding accident, according to an online fundraiser. Since launching the GoFundMe campaign on Sunday, organizers have received more than 3,000 individual donations to help cover Grimm’s…
Nov. 5, 2024 By Gabriele Holtermann & Meaghan McGoldrick O’Neil At a packed election night watch party, Democrat Chris McCreight conceded the race for the 46th Assembly District to incumbent Republican Alec Brook-Krasny, who is poised to secure re-election with over 52% of the vote. As of 11:15 p.m., with an estimated 95% of…
Nov. 1, 2024 By Jada Camille Kaiser Park is set to get its day in the sun. Council Member Justin Brannan announced he has secured $10 million for capital upgrades at Coney Island’s Kaiser Park. The funding, part of the Fiscal Year 2025 city budget, marks the first major capital improvement for the park.…
Sep. 24, 2024 By Naisha Roy Bay Ridge residents are banding together to help the family of neighbor Segundo Reina-Gaon after he was identified as the victim of a fatal hit-and-run crash on Sept. 11. Reina-Gaon, 74, was crossing Ridge Boulevard on Bay Ridge Avenue when he was struck by the driver of a…