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Articles by Rob Flaks
Temporary service changes begin on NJ Transit due to Portal North Bridge construction
Planned construction on the Portal North Bridge could cause some headaches for NJ Transit commuters over the next month. Nearly all Midtown-bound trains will be getting a detour. Transit officials say the tradeoff is worth it in the long run because it will lead to fewer delays, but at places like the Hoboken Terminal, things are going to get a whole lot busier in the short term, especially during rush hour.
Victims identified in fatal Bronx chain-reaction crash
The two women killed in a chain-reaction crash in the Bronx that left multiple pedestrians injured Friday afternoon have been identified by police. The victims were identified as 39-year-old Angel Johnson and 57-year-old Robin Kennedy, according to the NYPD. The crash happened around 2:14 p.m. at the intersection of Allerton and Holland avenues in the Allerton section of the Bronx.
2 confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease at Queens apartment complex prompt NYC Health Department probe
The New York City Department of Health is investigating an apartment building in Queens, following two confirmed cases of Legionnaires' disease among the residents there. Officials said they are checking out the hot water system inside of North Shore Towers on Grand Central Parkway, but they confirmed the situation is not a community cluster investigation and Legionella has not been confirmed present at the complex.
Person killed in Jersey City house fire identified as 90-year-old woman
A 90-year-old woman was killed, and three people were hurt after a fire spread through a Jersey City home Thursday. The four-alarm fire ripped through the Boyd Avenue home just before 5 p.m. Dramatic video shows flames shooting out of the home's second story, and an occupant being dragged outside by neighbors with the help of a good Samaritan. "This guy came out of nowhere and just helped them kick the door open to pull people out of there," witness Joey Rohena said. "Thank God.
MTA plans to fix Brooklyn subway 'bottleneck' stations. Here's how.
4, 6 trains partially suspended in Manhattan due to track fire that injured at least 11
MTA report identifies Bushwick stations among city's worst transit bottlenecks, but no fixes slated
If your commute through Bushwick feels like it's constantly delayed, you're not alone. A new report from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority highlights some of the subway system's biggest bottlenecks; locations where track layouts and aging infrastructure regularly cause delays for hundreds of thousands of riders each day. Among the stations singled out in the report are Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenues and Myrtle-Broadway, two major transit hubs serving Brooklyn commuters.
Suspect In Custody In Shooting Of Woman Outside Coney Island Nycha Building
A man is in custody with charges pending after a broad daylight shooting that left a 49-year-old woman with multiple gunshot wounds outside of the Carey Gardens homes in Coney Island. Police say the shooting took place in the confines of Police Service Area 1, in the courtyard area outside of the building facing West 23rd Street and Neptune. They say the woman was shot multiple times in the leg. The victim is said to be in stable condition at Lutheran Hospital.
Greenpoint Businesses Brace For Another Month Of G Train Weekend Shutdowns
Greenpoint business owners are voicing concerns over the MTA's plan to suspend G train service every weekend in August starting this weekend. They warn that the disruptions could further hurt local businesses that are still recovering from previous service outages. According to the MTA, G train service will be suspended all day on weekends throughout August as crews continue infrastructure work. Riders will be directed to alternative transit options, including shuttle buses and nearby subway lines.
Brighton Beach, Coney Island residents call out boardwalk safety issues
A group of Brighton Beach residents is calling on New York City's Parks Department to address what they describe as dangerous conditions along the neighborhood's aging boardwalk. They say deteriorating planks, exposed screws and holes in the structure are putting visitors at risk of injury. Volunteers gathered on the boardwalk Thursday, placing orange flags in areas they believe pose safety hazards.
Residents Frustrated As Damaged Staircase Remains Unrepaired At Bed Stuy Brownstone
Residents of a Bedford-Stuyvesant apartment building say a severely damaged staircase has become a daily safety hazard, months after they first reported the problem. The crumbling front steps have been an issue since February, according to tenants, who say little progress has been made beyond the placement of a warning cone near the damaged area. Residents said they navigate the broken staircase every day and are increasingly concerned about the risk of injury.
Bed Stuy Residents Fear More Trees Could Collapse After 4 Left Injured By Falling Branches
Bed-Stuy residents fear more trees could collapse after 4 left injured by falling branches Rob Flaks • Jul 26, 2026, 9:09 PM • Updated Share: Bedford-Stuyvesant residents are calling attention to what they say are dangerous, overgrown trees throughout the neighborhood one day after a falling tree injured four people. The tree that fell inside the popular Herbert Von King Park has since been removed, leaving behind only a stump.
4 Injured After Tree Falls In Bed Stuy
Four people were injured Saturday afternoon when a tree fell in Bedford-Stuyvesant, according to officials and witnesses. Emergency responders say the incident happened at approximately 3:58 p.m. in Herbert Von King Park, near the intersection of Green and Marcy avenues. Officials say the victims included three men, ages 54, 59 and 67, and a 29-year-old woman. Witnesses described hearing a loud crash before they rushed to the scene. “I heard the crash and I ran out.
Black Spring Vintage Books Seeks To Recover After Devastating Flood
A Williamsburg bookstore owner is salvaging what she can after flooding from the recent storm inundated her basement, destroying hundreds of vintage books, records and pieces of artwork. Simona Blat, owner of Black Spring Books, watched in horror Saturday as roughly 3 feet of water rushed into the building's basement, damaging much of her collection. She said she raced up and down a winding staircase trying to save as many items as possible before the water took over.
Road Trip Close to Home: It's all about the bark at Bark BBQ in Bushwick
For this week's close-to-home road trip, the destination is the Dominican Republic by way of Bushwick. A new location of Bark Barbeque is serving up smoked meats and Dominican-inspired flavors, creating a dining experience that blends Caribbean culture with traditional barbecue techniques. The restaurant pays tribute to the Dominican Republic through its decor, drinks and menu. Guests can enjoy everything from cafecito to carnitas in a space designed to celebrate Dominican culture.
Fbi Person In Custody After Incendiary Device Deployed Outside Federal Building In Manhattan
Veteran accused of setting fire, firing pellet gun outside federal building now in custody Rob Flaks • Jul 20, 2026, 10:08 PM • Updated Share: A 43-year-old man is in custody after authorities say he set fire to the sidewalk outside 26 Federal Plaza and fired pellet guns at bystanders in an attack federal officials are calling anti-American and anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement motivated.
Giglio Feast Wraps Up Annual Williamsburg Celebration With Final Lifting
The sounds of music, cheers and Italian pride filled the streets of Williamsburg Sunday as the annual Giglio Feast celebrated its final day of festivities. The centerpiece of the celebration is the Giglio, a towering structure dedicated to the feast's patron saint. During the traditional lifting ceremony, dozens of lifters carry and dance the massive tower through the streets while a band performs from above.
Partial Vacate Order Issued After Wall Collapse At Sunset Park Salvation Army Center
The Department of Buildings issued a full stop-work order at 5005 5th Ave. following a partial wall collapse at the site. The DOB said it will also issue multiple OATH/ECB violations to the site’s general contractor, including failure to safeguard the work site and adjacent properties, failure to immediately notify the DOB of a work site incident, and failure to maintain adequate housekeeping.
Wrecking Ball Knocks Down Sunset Park Salvation Army Wall
The Salvation Army Community Center, located at 520 50th St., was evacuated Thursday afternoon. A nearby construction crew doing demolition struck the exterior wall of their structure just after 1 p.m. Sources tell News 12 the wrecking ball at the site missed the intended wall and instead struck the outside brick wall, causing instability throughout the site, shutting down work. The collapse also damaged the upper corner of a wall at an adjacent building located at 5005 5th Ave.
Cases of cyclospora parasite linked to fresh produce, swimming pools on the rise citywide
New York City is seeing a rise in cases of cyclospora, a microscopic parasite linked to fresh produce and tainted water - with 374 new cases reported citywide in the last month. The pathogen is known to cause severe stomach problems, including watery diarrhea, raising concerns among consumers and food retailers alike.
Firefighter Injured Following 2 Alarm Fire In Borough Park
A firefighter suffered minor injuries while battling a two-alarm fire that broke out in a multi-story residential building in Borough Park on Sunday afternoon, FDNY officials said. The fire occurred near 52nd Street and 16th Avenue and prompted a large emergency response and the closure of several nearby streets. More than 40 fire and EMS personnel responded to the scene after flames were reported on the top floor of the building.
Soccer Fans Flock To Norwegian Irish Bar In Sunset Park For Norway Quarterfinal World Cup Fans
A 93-year-old institution in Sunset Park drew big crowds for the World Cup Quarterfinal Saturday between Norway and England, as fans flocked to the Soccer Tavern on 8th Avenue. The Norwegian-Irish bar opened back when the neighborhood was known as "Little Norway." The owners told News 12 the area has seen many changes even since they took it over in the 1980s, but the bar has stood through them all.
Internal Nypd Investigation Launched Into 4th Of July Dollar Van Crash Response In Flatbush
A Flatbush business owner says she is relieved the NYPD is now reviewing officers' response to a July 4 crash that left her healthcare clinic heavily damaged and her property under a full vacate order. The crash happened when a dollar van slammed headfirst into the building on Flatbush Avenue, causing significant structural damage.
Tenants At Flatbush Building Demand Emergency Inspection Amid Fears Over Structural Safety
Tenants at 75 Lenox Road are calling on the city to conduct an emergency inspection of their building, saying years of neglect have left them fearing for their safety and questioning whether the structure remains safe to occupy. Residents point to deteriorating support beams in the basement that they say are crumbling and have been propped up with plywood.
Dollar van crashes into Flatbush healthcare clinic, owner seeks answers from police
The owner of a Flatbush healthcare clinic is demanding answers after a dollar van crashed headfirst into her business on Independence Day, leaving extensive damage and raising questions about the driver's condition and the police response. Surveillance video captured the moment the out-of-control van barreled into the clinic along Flatbush Avenue on July 4, causing significant damage to the building. Clinic owner Lourdie Honore said she saw the crash footage on her phone and rushed to the scene.
Gravesend Residents Spend Sweltering Fourth Of July Waiting For Power Restoration Following Storm Damage
Some Gravesend residents spent their Fourth of July without electricity and searching for answers a day after a large tree crashed into multiple power lines. The fallen tree knocked out service for neighbors who were already dealing with triple-digit heat. Residents on West 8th Street said the tree came down Friday night during the storm. The loud sound it produced had many saying it reminded them of Superstorm Sandy.
See Through Security Gate Requirement Repealed For Businesses As Part Of City Budget
Small business owners in New York City will no longer be required to meet storefront security grille visibility standards after the City Council approved a repeal of the law that was first set to take effect in 2004, as part of their budget negotiations this week. The City Council passed Intro 910-A on June 30, repealing the requirement for roll-down security gates to have a see-through section to the businesses behind it, as opposed to the solid covering that many businesses use citywide.
State Of Emergency Declared As Extreme Heat Moves Into Brooklyn
Extreme heat is expected to hit Brooklyn this week, with heat index values forecast to climb above 100 degrees. A statewide emergency has now been declared, and officials say Brownsville is among the neighborhoods most vulnerable to dangerous heat conditions. A new cooling center will open on Wednesday at 259 Bristol St. Health officials say the center is part of a broader effort to protect residents who may not have access to air conditioning or who face higher risks during heat waves.
Toñita Festival returns to Williamsburg, honoring community matriarch
The Toñita Festival in Williamsburg surged through the streets Sunday as thousands gathered to celebrate Puerto Rican culture with food, music and the neighborhood spirit that has defined the area for decades. Crowds were so dense around Toñita’s Caribbean Social Club, the longtime community anchor that inspired the festival, that the storefront was barely visible. Festival‑goers gathered for domino games, live music and a wide range of Puerto Rican dishes as the third annual event hit its peak.
Nyc Rent Freeze Sparks Outcry From Building Owners Over Rising Repair Costs
With the Rent Guidelines Board voting 7-1 to freeze rents for stabilized units, building owners are raising the alarm about repairs they were already struggling to afford, under their existing revenue. Chris Athineos, who owns a rent-controlled building in Bay Ridge, said the policy does not account for the rising cost of necessary repairs and upgrades required to keep older buildings safe and compliant.
Park Slope Coffee Shop Faces Backlash After Banning Rep Dan Goldman Over Israel Stance
A Park Slope coffee shop is facing community backlash after publicly banning Rep. Dan Goldman, citing his stance on Israel in a social media post that has since been deleted. The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into whether the post qualifies as discrimination against a protected class. Poetica Coffee posted a still image from surveillance footage showing Goldman entering its Seventh Avenue location and buying a coffee.
New York Ag Opens Investigation Into Fatal Police Shooting In Brooklyn
The New York Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into the death of a Brooklyn man following an encounter with police on June 19. Officials say 48-year-old Lamin Simmons died after being shot by NYPD officers inside a building on Kosciuszko Street. According to the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation, officers responded around 5:45 a.m. to a 911 call reporting gunfire inside the building. When officers entered, they allegedly saw Simmons holding a gun and retreated.
Ny District 7 Candidate Spotlight Julie Won
The race for New York’s 7th Congressional District is entering its final stretch on the heels of the New York primary. In a crowded field where candidates are emphasizing housing and affordability, NYC Council Member Julie Won is focusing on what she calls a “lifetime of care” approach, drawing on her experience as an immigrant and mother to inform her platform. “A lifetime of care simply means that from the moment you’re born until the day that you die, the government has your back,” Won said.
Coney Island Mermaid Parade Draws Crowds Back To Surf Avenue
The annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade returned to Surf Avenue Saturday, bringing colorful costumes, lively performances and large crowds to the neighborhood. Spectators packed the streets as mermaids, mermen, performers and themed floats moved along the parade route. Participants showed off elaborate sea-inspired looks, while others entertained with feats of strength and flame-throwing displays. Classic cars also made their way through the procession.
South Korean And Mexican Fans Unite In Brooklyn Ahead Of World Cup Matchup
A World Cup matchup between South Korea and Mexico is bringing fans together across the borough, even as their teams prepare to face off. Viral videos showing Korean and Mexican fans celebrating side by side have been circulating online. That same energy is on display in Brooklyn. From Korean eateries to Mexican bars, watch parties are drawing packed crowds and a blend of supporters embracing both cultures. Fans say the connection goes beyond soccer.
Police Investigate Multiple Stabbings Near Bushwick Puerto Rican Day Parade
Police are investigating a string of stabbings that occurred during and after the Knickerbocker Avenue Puerto Rican Day Parade in Bushwick on Sunday. Authorities said six people were injured in incidents along and around the parade route. Around 5:30 p.m., two 15-year-old boys were stabbed in the back, while two 14-year-old boys suffered stab wounds to the arm. A 21-year-old man was also slashed on his hands, according to police.
Brooklyns Puerto Rican Day Parade Returns With Pride Heightened Security
Thousands lined Knickerbocker Avenue in Bushwick on Sunday for Brooklyn’s annual Puerto Rican Day Parade, celebrating culture, music and community pride — with a renewed focus on safety. Among this year’s highlights was the appearance of NBA player Jose Alvarado, a Brooklyn native who proudly represented his Puerto Rican heritage while riding on a parade float and greeting cheering crowds.
Suspect In Custody After Man Slashed Near Puerto Rican Day Parade Route In Bushwick
Police say a suspect is in custody and charges are pending after a slashing left a man with a wound in his leg late Sunday afternoon near the Puerto Rican Day parade route in Bushwick. Investigators say it happened around 5:38 p.m. at the intersection of Knickerbocker Avenue and Grove Street. The victim was in stable condition as of Sunday evening. The slashing follows a similar stabbing during the event last year that left two teens injured.
Nyc Ramps Up Security For Fifa World Cup Knicks Watch Parties As Crowds Grow In Brooklyn
New York City is ramping up security ahead of a weekend packed with large public events, including watch parties, parades and gatherings expected to draw thousands across the five boroughs. At Brooklyn Bridge Park, preparations are already underway for a FIFA watch party that is expected to bring in large crowds. It is one of more than a dozen viewing events planned citywide, alongside Knicks watch parties and celebrations tied to the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Bushwick on Sunday.
Power Restored After Manhole Fires Knock Out Blocks Of Fulton Street
Con Ed says power has been restored to a majority of customers along the busy commercial area in Bed-Stuy, after multiple rows of businesses lost power around 6 p.m. Thursday. Con Ed tells News 12 that heat was “almost certainly the cause” of the multiple manhole fires that erupted Thursday evening, taking out power and closing stores. Some stores tried to reopen on Friday morning without power or air conditioning. "It was pretty dark. You had customers using their iPhone light.
More Lifeguards On Duty As Brooklyn Beaches Enter Peak Summer Season
Summer beach season is in full swing across Brooklyn, and city lifeguards say they are staffing up to keep crowds safe both in the water and on the sand. As beachgoers packed the shoreline this week, NYC Parks told News 12 there are already more guards on duty than this point in the season last summer, when crews performed more than 220 water rescues. Last year saw the highest number of lifeguards since 2019, at over 1,000 guards, with the summer season on pace to exceed that number.
Greenpoint sales slump during G Train shutdown
This weekend was the first of many planned weekend outages for the G train in Greenpoint, making for slow sales days that businesses and elected officials have been warning about since the plan was first announced. "It's a bit better Sunday but still 40% drop, at least from where we could be on a beautiful Sunday when people are out," said Perri Salka, the owner of Shop Small Greenpoint and Wondermart.
26-year-old man grazed in the head by bullet in Crown Heights
A 26-year-old man is in stable condition after police say a bullet grazed his head late Saturday morning near the Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights. The shooting around 11 a.m. was around the corner from where a man was fatally shot Friday during a Knicks viewing party in Ocean Hill. Police were investigating as of Saturday evening if the two are linked.
Dumbo residents call for better crowd control, action plan ahead of World Cup watch parties
Residents in DUMBO are urging the city to adopt stronger public‑space planning and crowd‑management strategies as tourist traffic continues to swell, a concern they say is growing more urgent ahead of this summer’s World Cup viewing events planned for the neighborhood. People who live near Washington Street, a block widely recognized for its iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge, told News 12 that even on what they described as the “least busy day,” the street is overwhelmed with visitors.
75-year-old Brownsville woman stabbed in broad daylight outside of NYCHA complex
Police are investigating a stabbing that sent a 75-year-old woman to the hospital in stable condition just after 11 a.m. Sunday morning, outside of the Glenmore Avenue Houses NYCHA complex in Brownsville. Police say they responded to a 911 call of a person being attacked and arrived at the scene to find the 75-year-old senior suffering from a stab wound to her neck. The attacker fled north on Stone Street, according to police.
The Ordinary's shuttle from Domino Park to Prospect Park shuts down without warning
A new and controversial shuttle bus from skincare company The Ordinary is no more, according to the brand's Instagram. The post was captioned "we tried," but did not say exactly what caused the service to be shut down less than a week into its advertised two-week run. The route had drawn criticism for skipping neighborhoods along its route, only running express from Domino Park to Prospect Park.
Canarsie Residents Say Growing Sinkholes On Flatlands Avenue Are Creating Safety Hazards
Canarsie residents are calling for immediate action after a series of sinkholes on Flatlands Avenue between East 95th and 96th streets continued to expand this week, creating what they describe as a dangerous situation for drivers and pedestrians. Neighbors say the holes first appeared more than a week ago and have grown deeper and wider with each passing day. Several are about six inches deep. Residents told News 12 they have watched cars bounce over them and swerve to avoid damage.
Caught on Camera: Bikers rescue unconscious driver, passenger and child in Brooklyn
A group of bikers jumped into action to rescue an unconscious driver and passenger who turned into oncoming traffic on Kings Highway and Beverly Road earlier this month. The dramatic footage, recorded on a head‑mounted camera worn by biker Chad Harris, shows a vehicle slowly crossing into the wrong lane as riders approach. Harris and others can be seen attempting to wake the unresponsive man and woman inside, shaking them and calling out with no reaction.
J and M partial train shutdown causes major delays for commuters
Commuters are dealing with long delays and confusion during the Memorial Day holiday weekend. A lack of J and M train service since Friday has left riders relying on shuttle buses and limited alternatives. At Chauncey Street, some commuters were being turned away and told to wait for shuttles that can take up to 40 minutes. For many riders, that wait is as long as their usual commute.
More Than 300 Eviction Cases Paused At Flatbush Gardens As Tenants Demand Repairs And Accountability
Tenants at Flatbush Gardens won a major victory after an eviction moratorium covering more than 300 open housing court cases was enacted, pausing proceedings against residents who say they have faced years of unsafe conditions, overbilling and harassment. The moratorium follows organizing by United Tenants of Flatbush Gardens, the Flatbush Tenant Coalition and Brooklyn Legal Services’ Tenant Rights Coalition.
City Plans To Upzone Prospect Park South To Add Thousands Of Units
Mayor Zohran Mamdani says the city is planning a significant expansion of housing in Prospect Park South, with a proposal to add about 1,000 new units along McDonald Avenue and Coney Island Avenue, many of them permanently affordable. The City Planning Commission is seeking zoning changes that would allow taller, denser and more affordable housing on the two corridors. Officials say the next phase depends on community feedback, and residents are already weighing in.
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