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Final body found in Surfside collapse was Brooklyn native, to be returned to borough for funeral services
By Anthony Payero (BROOKLYN, N.Y.) Funeral services are set to take place as early as Tuesday in Brooklyn for the last victim from the Surfside, Florida collapse, according to ABC 7 NY. Officials identified 54-year-old Estelle Hedaya as the 98th and final victim of the building collapse. She moved to the Sunshine State in 2015. Her body will be brought back to the Midwood section of the borough, where her family lives, for a funeral service.
Brooklyn cop who illegally stopped and searched a car was not adequately punished, review board determines
(Drew Angerer/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A New York City Police Department sergeant who wrongly stopped and searched a car while inappropriately threatening the driver with a summons was let off too lightly, according to the Civilian Complaint Review Board that investigates wrongdoing by NYPD officers. Sgt.
Antonio Reynoso declares victory in Brooklyn Borough President race
(Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) City Council Member Antonio Reynoso declared victory in the Brooklyn Borough President race on Saturday after the recent release of updated ranked choice voting results, Patch reported. Reynoso led his second place opponent, Robert Cornegy, by over 10% on election night, according to NewsBreak, but the new ranked choice voting system left room for a comeback.
Jail bus crashes near Brooklyn Courthouse, injuring 4
(David Dee Delgado/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner A Department of Corrections bus used to transport prisoners crashed into scaffolding near the Brooklyn Courthouse on Thursday, injuring four, PIX11 reported. The driver, who is a correction officer, lost control of the bus on Jay Street near Johnson Street around 5 p.m. Two prisoners and another correction officer were on board at the time.
New roller coaster coming to Coney Island
(Andrew Burton/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is building a new roller coaster, The Phoenix, as the latest addition to the iconic Coney Island boardwalk, the Brooklyn Paper reported. The 68-foot-high coaster, which is painted red and yellow to evoke the mythical bird that is its namesake, has dangling seating that hangs from a track and goes over 34 miles per hour.
NYC greenlights a new marathon in Brooklyn
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A new Brooklyn Marathon will join the New York City Marathon as the second major foot race event in the five boroughs, The New York Times reported. The marathon was approved by the city on Tuesday and is scheduled to take place every year on April 24. The 26.2-mile race will wind its way from north to south through Brooklyn and will pass through parks in the process.
City proposes partial repairs for Brooklyn NYCHA tenants, activists and leaders demand full funding
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Maimonides Medical Center to open a new stand-alone emergency room in Brooklyn
(U.S. Navy via Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Maimonides Medical Center will open a new stand-alone emergency department at the location of the former Victory Memory Hospital on the border of Dyker Heights and Bay Ridge, the Brooklyn Paper reported. The hospital closed in 2006, and SUNY Downstate Medical Center purchased the property two years later. SUNY Downstate did not offer overnight stays, urgent care and laboratory work at the location.
Special interest groups spend big on Brooklyn candidates using campaign finance loophole
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Special interest groups are bypassing campaign donation limits by using a campaign finance loophole that allows for “independent expenditures” — spending in support of a candidate without formal attachment to their campaign, the Brooklyn Paper reported. Normally, candidates can accept $2,000 individual contributions if running for citywide office, $1,500 in borough president races, and $1,000 in City Council races.
Brooklyn Diocese starts solar panel installation for church-operated housing
(Photo by Ralph Orlowski/Getty Images) (NEW YORK) Brooklyn Bishop Nicholas DiMarzo last Thursday cut a ceremonial ribbon for a solar energy project that intends to bring solar panels to buildings managed by the church, The Catholic Sun reported. The project is in response to Laudato Si, a 2015 encyclical, or papal memo, that urged Bishops to take action against climate change.
Brooklyn College raises over $2 million for struggling students
(The Creative Exchange/Unsplash) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Brooklyn College raised over $2.1 million for students who are struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic, amNY reported. Funds were raised primarily through the Brooklyn College Foundation, the school’s main fundraiser for scholarships and philanthropy. When the pandemic reached New York last year, the BCF started soliciting donations for a student emergency fund.
How to vote early in the NYC Democratic primaries
(Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Early voting for the New York City Democratic primaries started Saturday and will end June 20, two days before the June 22 election day. Voters will decide mayor, comptroller, public advocate, borough presidents and city council elections. The primaries are often more important than the general election in determining who will hold office in the city.
Disbarred Brooklyn lawyer and ex-con allegedly stole over $500,000 from friends
(Scott Heins/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A former lawyer and an ex-convict from Ocean Hill teamed up to swindle their friends out of $544,000, according to a press release from Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. Gerald Douglas, a 52-year-old former attorney, allegedly pretended to represent Helen Lurene Elias, 55, in a fake multi-million dollar lawsuit and promised to pay back Greenridge’s friends with the settlement money.
NYPD stop-and-frisks targeted 91% people of color in 2020
(Mario Tama/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) The New York City Police Department targeted people of color in 91% of stop-and-frisks in 2020, a small increase from 2019, the Brooklyn Paper reported. The review of NYPD data carried out by the Legal Aid Society pointed to the continued disparity between the way white New Yorkers and everyone else are policed.
Tribeca Film Festival is hosting free screenings in Brooklyn parks
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Half of Brooklyn adults are fully vaccinated
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What to know about every candidate in every City Council race in Brooklyn
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Primary elections for the New York City Council will be held June 22. Over the past month, NewsBreak has compiled every candidate and the policies they are most vocal about in the thirteen contested races taking place across Brooklyn. Why should you care? The New York City Council is responsible for proposing and voting on legislation for the city.
Woman charged for allegedly orchestrating a $1.3 million Ponzi scheme in Brooklyn
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Brooklyn man charged with felony on suspicion of pointing laser at police and news helicopters
(Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A Brooklyn man was arrested on suspicion of pointing a laser at police and news helicopters Tuesday night, the New York Daily News reported. James Dowling, 42, was charged with felony reckless endangerment, directing a laser at an aircraft and criminal trespass. The incident took place just before 10 p.m., as police and news helicopters were monitoring a protest marking the one-year anniversary of the police murder of George Floyd.
Police hit protester with vehicle while pursuing driver who hit two other protesters on the Brooklyn Bridge
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A driver hit two protesters marching across the Brooklyn Bridge on the anniversary of George Floyd’s murder Tuesday night, NBC New York reported. Police arrested the 21-year-old driver, but not before a police vehicle struck and injured a third protester while pursuing the man. The police car kept driving after knocking the protester from his bike. All three protesters who were hit were injured, but none were hospitalized.
Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade will take the form of a motorcade for second year in a row due to coronavirus
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) The 154th annual Brooklyn Memorial Day Parade will take the form of a motorcade for the second year in a row in order to maintain social distancing and prevent the spread of coronavirus, the Brooklyn Paper reported. All are welcome to join the procession through Bay Ridge on May 31, though veterans will ride at the front of the parade.
Brooklyn man cleared of murder charges sues city for 14-months at Rikers
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A Brooklyn man who in January was cleared of charges that he murdered his girlfriend is suing New York City after spending 14 months detained at Rikers Island, the New York Daily News reported. Clayton Wilkins, 62, accused police of neglecting to investigate another potential suspect in the 2012 killing by strangulation of his girlfriend Renee Staton. “It’s a nightmare. I’m still traumatized,” Wilkins told the Daily News.
NYC proposal would raise gas prices to pay for Brooklyn pipeline despite a year of protests against it
(Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) The New York Department of Public Service and National Grid filed a joint proposal on Friday that would increase the cost of gas for residents of Brooklyn, Staten Island and parts of Queens and Long Island in order to pay for a pipeline that activists have been protesting against for about a year, BKReader reported.
City Point to throw block party for kids Saturday
(Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) City Point in Downtown Brooklyn is hosting a BKLYN Kids Block Party on Saturday with games, arts, educational activities and other fun events for kids ages 1 to 10, BKReader reported. Activities will include virtual reality games, spectator chess, a giant Jenga set, a drum circle and live guitar lessons.
Repeat offender: Brooklyn police officer arrested for third time in four years
(William Thomas Cain/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A Brooklyn police officer was arrested Wednesday for violating a restraining order by calling his ex-girlfriend, the Brooklyn Paper reported. Detective Nicholas Nelson, a 35-year-old who started his policing career in 2008, was first arrested in August 2018 when he drunkenly smashed his car into a guardrail in Staten Island.
Over 54,000 Brooklyn homeowners may be eligible for $300 tax rebate
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Over 54,000 Brooklyn homeowners may be eligible for a $300 tax rebate next year due to Mayor Bill de Blasio’s executive budget proposal, the Brooklyn Paper reported. In the proposal, De Blasio introduced a one-time rebate for Tax Class 1, which includes the owners of one, two and three-family homes whose owners live in the property as their primary residence .
Brooklyn pandemic relief fraudsters stole millions in unemployment benefits
(Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Federal attorneys on Tuesday charged eight Brooklyn men with stealing about $2 million through a pandemic unemployment scheme. Congress allocated additional funding for state unemployment insurance in March through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act.
Brooklyn Doctor who pushed pills pleads guilty to distributing narcotics
By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A Brooklyn doctor pleaded guilty Monday to dealing pills out of his East Flatbush medical practice, Patch reported. For over six years, Kesler Dalmacy, 70, prescribed pills like Vicodin and Adderall to patients who had no medical reason to take the drugs in exchange for cash until an investigation was launched in February of 2020. State prosecutors charged Dalmacy with illegal distribution of a controlled substance.
City to invest $31 million in Brooklyn parks, including new park in Williamsburg
(Yana Paskova/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) New York City will spend $31 million on a new park in Williamsburg and renovations in three existing parks, the Brooklyn Paper reported. “Increasing access to open space and improving parkland is integral to building healthy communities,” said Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, per the Brooklyn Paper.
NYC protesters demand Palestinian liberation in largest demonstrations since 2020
(Scott Heins/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) New Yorkers took to the streets over the weekend to demonstrate in support of Palestinian liberation. Outrage over the Israeli bombing campaign in Gaza, evictions in East Jerusalem and Israeli ultranationalist mob violence across the region has led to some of the largest protests in New York City since the racial justice protests that followed the killing of George Floyd in the summer of 2020.
Ferry collides with another ship at Brooklyn pier
(Drew Angerer/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A New York City ferry crashed into a docked barge at Brooklyn Bridge Park on Thursday night, the Brooklyn Paper reported. The ferry was attempting to dock at Pier 6 at around 8:35 p.m. when it collided with the construction barge, shattering its own side windows in the process. The transit ship was carrying 27 passengers at the time, but neither they nor the three crew members on board were injured in the accident.
Brooklyn mosque vandalized with anti-Palestinian graffiti
By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Vandals left graffiti reading “Death 2 Palestine” on a Coney Island Mosque late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning coinciding with one of the holiest Muslim holidays — Eid al-Fitr, PIX11 reported. The hateful graffiti follows a series of Israeli attacks on Palestinians, Arab protests in the West Bank and Israel and retaliation from Hamas.
Historical organization to host retrospective of 2020 protests and Black resistance in Brooklyn
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) The Center for Brooklyn History will host an outdoor installation examining the racial justice protests that swept the borough, the city and the nation in 2020 as well as the history of Black resistance in Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Paper reported. The exhibit will launch on Juneteenth and will feature historical documents and photos alongside images from the 2020 protests.
New Yorkers collectively roll eyes at mayoral candidates who don't know the price of a house in Brooklyn
(Matt Cardy/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) The New York Times editorial board asked the eight most prominent New York City mayoral candidates what they thought the median price of a house in Brooklyn is, and, despite a city-wide housing crisis, most answered laughably wrong.
Right-wing City Council candidate Heshy Tischler pleads guilty to inciting mob to attack journalist
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Right-wing Orthodox radio host and City Council candidate Heshy Tischler pleaded guilty Friday to inciting a mob of his supporters to attack a journalist during an anti-lockdown demonstration fall, Gothamist reported. Tischler spoke at a hybrid Sukkot celebration and lockdown protest in Borough Park on Oct. 7 where he called out Jacob Kornbluh, an Orthodox journalist who had written critically of Tischler’s anti-lockdown rhetoric.
Hundreds of bodies still stored in trucks at Brooklyn pier a year after coronavirus death peak
(Courtney Pedroza/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) The bodies of about 750 coronavirus victims are still being stored in refrigerated trucks at Brooklyn’s 39th Street pier over a year after a wave of mass death forced the city’s morgues and funeral homes to resort to overflow storage. Authorities have not disclosed a timetable for moving these bodies will be transported for burial or cremation, The City reported.
Renovated Central Library in Brooklyn to reopen after a year on lockdown
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) The iconic Central Library in Brooklyn will reopen its doors to visitors on May 10 after a year closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, NY1 reported. During the time away, the library finished renovations that took two years and $38 million to complete. The library now features a new business and career section as well as a variety of restorations and quality-of-life improvements.
Brooklyn 4-year-old buys $2,600 worth of SpongeBob popsicles with his mom's credit card
(Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A 4-year-old Brooklyn boy bought about $2,600 worth of SpongeBob Squarepants popsicles using his mom’s credit card. Noah Bryant, who is reportedly obsessed with the boisterous sea sponge, ordered 918 popsicles after he snuck into his mom’s Amazon account. They were delivered to his auntie’s house in 51 cases, according to an Instagram post from a colleague of his mother Jennifer.
Food charity to use $20 million donation to open new distribution center in Brooklyn
(Ben Hider/Getty Images for City Harvest) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) City Harvest, one of New York City’s largest food charities, announced its intention to build a new distribution center in Sunset Park this week using a $20 million donation from the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation, BKReader reported. City Harvest will name its new operation the Cohen Community Food Rescue Center in honor of the foundation’s generous gift.
Brooklyn Hospital to pay almost $200,000 for armed forces discrimination suit
(John Moore/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Maimonides Medical Center settled a lawsuit on Monday from former Maimonides pharmacist and U.S. Army Reservist Lieutenant Colonel Louis Rego, who claimed the hospital fired him after he was called for active military duty service. Firing an employee based on their former or current military service is prohibited by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. Maimonides will pay Lieutenant Colonel Rego $195,000.
Activists arrested for disrupting eviction court proceedings in Brooklyn
(Scott Heins/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Police arrested 12 activists who disrupted eviction proceedings in Brooklyn Monday after the pandemic eviction moratorium expired May 1, News12 reported. The protesters began demonstrating around 9:15 a.m. at Brooklyn Borough Hall, but were arrested later in the morning after blocking the entrance to the Brooklyn Family Court building. Police charged the demonstrators with civil disobedience and disorderly conduct.
Brooklyn Museum restarts First Saturdays event series after year on lockdown
(Brad Barket/Getty Images for Make Music Day) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) The Brooklyn Museum will restart its First Saturdays event series on May 1 after a year on hiatus due to coronavirus. The first First Saturday is billed as a “First Saturday Lite” — a low-key, outdoor and free event that aims to ease Brooklynites back into the swing of things.
New public school replacing historic police precinct headquarters in Sunset Park
By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A new public elementary school is opening at the former 68th Precinct headquarters at Fourth Avenue and 43rd Street in Sunset Park, the Brooklyn Daily Eagle reported. P.S. 557 will incorporate the brick facade of the old precinct building into its new design. The school will be between three to five stories and will teach 332 students from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade.
Brooklyn participatory budgeting winners announced: Where will your tax dollars go?
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Three city council districts in Brooklyn were allowed to vote on a participatory budget — over $3.5 million designated for community projects chosen by constituents, the Brooklyn Paper reported. Now, votes from residents aged 11 or older in Districts 33, 38 and 39 have been tallied.
City-run Brooklyn vaccination sites open for walk-in appointments
(Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) City-run vaccination sites in Brooklyn started offering walk-in appointments on Friday, amNY reported. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that state-run mass vaccination sites would offer walk-ins to anyone 60 or older. Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Friday that walk-ins at city-run facilities are available to all age groups. “We want to get everyone in who hasn’t been vaccinated yet. We want to make it simple.
Fundraiser aims to provide free safety alarms for Asian-American Brooklyners
(Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A GoFundMe campaign has raised $2,300 over the course of a week to distribute free safety alarms to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Brooklyners, Patch reported. Hate crimes against Asian Americans dramatically increased during the coronavirus pandemic, and attacks in New York City have become increasingly common. The campaign was organized by Carolyn Kang from Greenpoint.
Demonstrators chide Andrew Yang for joining Daunte Wright protest despite call for increased NYPD funding
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (BROOKLYN) Protesters against police violence who biked through Brooklyn on Tuesday in honor of Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man who police killed during a traffic stop, heckled and denounced Democratic mayoral candidate Andrew Yang, when he joined their demonstration. Yang was forced to leave, as the crowd called him out, Gothamist reported. “You do not care about the community,” said one protester with a megaphone. “Get your ass out of here.
Brooklyn man arrested for three anti-Asian attacks
Posted by 1 hour ago (David Dee Delgado/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) A Brooklyn man was arrested Wednesday for three separate hate crimes against Asian Americans over the course of a month, PIX11 reported. Police believe Joseph Russo, 28, is responsible for hate crime attacks against Asian Americans on March 5, March 22 and April 5. He faces three charges of hate crime assault, two charges of hate crime harassment and one charge of hate crime aggravated harassment.
Brooklyn DA to dismiss 90 cases that relied on testimony from cop charged with perjury
Posted by 1 hour ago (Scott Heins/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced Wednesday he will dismiss 90 convictions that relied on the testimony of an NYPD officer who is on trial for perjury. Prosecutors say Detective Joseph Franco lied during at least four drug arrests. Two of his alleged victims served jail time, according to ABC7.
Coney Island's Luna Park reopening after over a year closed due to the pandemic
Posted by 1 hour ago (Andrew Burton/Getty Images) By Curtis Brodner (NEW YORK) After over a year off due to the pandemic, Luna Park in Coney Island will reopen to the public April 9, reported the Brooklyn Paper.
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