Councilmember Inna Vernikov. Photo: Daniel Avila
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The Lede: An interfaith group of religious leaders and political representatives gathered Thursday at Brooklyn Borough Hall to denounce southern Brooklyn Councilmember Inna Vernikov for posting what they called a blatantly anti-Muslim remark on social media.
The Rundown
A proposed additive ban could change New York’s pizza and bagels, some say for the better: A looming ban on the additive, potassium bromate, may soon force thousands of pizzerias and bagel shops across New York into a similar transition.
Religious leaders denounce Councilmember Vernikov for anti-Muslim post: The May 15 post shows a video of Muslim men from a mosque within Vernikov’s district in Sheepshead Bay praying on the sidewalk. Her comment implies that the men posed a danger to “little Jewish girls” in a school next to the sidewalk.
Mayor announces expansion of new curriculum, to parent and teacher concerns: The city will expand its efforts to standardize math and reading curricula across several more elementary and middle school districts citywide with $17.3 million in new funding.
With developments on the rise in Downtown Brooklyn, green spaces are overlooked: The housing market in Downtown Brooklyn exploded last year with over 4,800 new units, smashing the previous record of 2,925. Since a 2004 rezoning, the neighborhood has added over 26,000 units.
Brooklyn Community Services appoints new executive director ahead of 160th birthday: BCS, which is located in Downtown Brooklyn, will celebrate its 160th birthday in a gala on May 28 at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, marking a new era for the organization.
A Bay Ridge tradition: 73rd Annual Norwegian Day Parade celebrates Scandinavian legacy in Brooklyn history: The celebration, attended by thousands of paraders on Third Avenue, commemorates the signing of the Norwegian constitution on May 17, 1814.
CB10 votes against 11-story building at Bay Ridge Staples site: The proposed rezoning and redevelopment of the former Staples site at 9305 Fifth Ave. continues to spark debate and concern.
City to focus on area south of Prospect Park for redevelopment: The planning effort is intended to work in concert with the MTA’s planned Interborough Express light rail train, which will run through southern and eastern Brooklyn and up into Queens.
Reynoso announces $20K for Mermaid Parade: Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso committed to saving the nearly half-century-old tradition at his 2026 State of the Borough Address.
EPA is sidelining its independent chemical referee, and that endangers public health: The IRIS program, as well as many of its formal assessments of over 550 chemicals developed over four decades, is being challenged under the Trump administration. (The Conversation)
Our world in photos: Birds, mangoes, hats and more.
Our World in Photos
ESTONIA — A thrush feeds a fledgling in a city park in Tallinn. Photo: Sergei Grits/AP
More Brooklyn News
"Israeli food boycott battle at Brooklyn food co-op exposes deepening NYC divisions” (Daily News)
"Brooklyn Man Wedged in Upstate New York Cave Is Rescued After 6 Hours" (NYT)
"Key financing measure for Brooklyn waterfront overhaul left out of state budget" (Politico)
Staff Picks
READ: "The Man Who Reads Books For a Living (One Every Two Days)" (The Literary Hub)
EAT: Here are the 15 best summer spots in New York City, including five in Brooklyn. (The Infatuation)
CARTOON: A revision. (The New Yorker)
LIVE: “Brooklyn developer lands state budget tax break for Williamsburg waterfront complex” (Gothamist)
The Wrap
⌛ ON THIS DAY
In 1898, the Eagle reported, "MORRIS PARK, N.Y. — The Westchester Racing Association winds up its meeting today with a good card, including the historic Belmont Stakes, for which the mighty Hamburg, game little Previous and the Metropolitan Handicap winner, Bowling Brook, will try conclusions." Click here to see what else happened on this day in history.
📔 IMPRINT
American model and actress Dree Hemingway graces the latest cover of C Magazine.
👑 ROYAL WATCH
"Andrew faces allegation over ‘incident with woman’ at Royal Ascot" (The Times)
🏀 SPORTS
"A Brooklyn sports bar starring Spike Lee, the mayor and, suddenly, joy" (Washington Post)
Roll Hall of Famer Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac)
Former N.Y. Rangers left winger Jimmy Vesey
Singer-songwriter Hank Williams Jr.
“Independence Day” star Margaret Colin, who was born in Brooklyn
Oscar-winning actress Helena Bonham Carter
Click here to see a full list of birthdays!
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Brooklyn Today’s editor is Scott Enman. Contact him at [email protected].