We’ve rounded up Brooklyn’s top stories of the week: the New York Liberty is getting a new head coach, the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge will be upgraded, Bernie Sanders joined Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the Starbucks picket line in Gowanus, Hoka will open their first store in Williamsburg, plus an exciting lineup of restaurant openings are headed to Brooklyn. Read on for the latest!
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A makeover Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and an upgraded park in Bay Ridge
The MTA has announced that they will upgrade the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, relocating and widening exit ramps, reconstructing roadways, installing noise barriers, and renovating John J. Carty Park. The changes will improve safety and reduce collisions, and aim to reduce traffic on the bridge. John J. Carty Park will get an adult fitness area, skate park, walking track, turf field, performance area, and courts for handball, basketball, and shuffleboard. The work will begin early next year.
Change to random number policy for DOE admissions to 3K, Pre-K and Kindergarten
In previous years, parents could view their child’s random number in their MySchools account as soon as 3K, Pre-K, and Kindergarten applications opened, but the DOE has changed its policy: random numbers will now only be visible after the application deadline. The shift comes in response to families creating multiple accounts to compare numbers. Parents are still encouraged to rank schools in true order of preference. To learn more about random numbers in admissions, click here.
Mamdani & Sanders join Starbucks picket line in Gowanus
This week, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders joined the Starbucks picket line in Gowanus on 4th Avenue and 11th Street as part of Starbucks’ longest strike to date. NYC has announced a $38.9 million settlement with Starbucks over worker-rights violations, with more than 15,000 baristas receiving restitution checks for lost wages. However, the settlement only covers past violations, not employees’ current demands for better staffing, higher wages, and improved working hours.
Chris DeMarco named new head coach of New York Liberty
The New York Liberty announced their new head coach: Chris DeMarco, formerly assistant for the Golden State Warriors. DeMarco will replace Sandy Brondello, who was fired in September following the 2025 season, which ended in the first round playoffs. DeMarco won four NBA championships with the Warriors, and hopes to lead the Liberty to victory next season.
Footware brands opening new stores in Williamsburg
Hoka will open their first Brooklyn store in Williamsburg, a 4,148 square foot space at 91 N. 6th Street. They are known for their athletic shoes, but also sell jackets, hats, socks, and more. Hoka will be joined on N. 6th Street by Western boot brand Tecovas, which will open a 4,174 square foot space next door.
Brooklyn restaurant openings
Gertie, formerly in Williamsburg, opened their new deli-counter concept in Prospect Heights this week, serving bagels, latkes, bialys, coffee, and much more.
Ingas Bar, a popular neighborhood restaurant in Brooklyn Heights, has announced that they will open a sister restaurant in Boerum Hill, in the former space of Café Kitsuné. They aim to open in late winter or spring. The new spot will have an adjacent bar on Bond Street, which will follow the restaurant’s opening.
Ugly Baby, the beloved Carroll Gardens Thai spot famous for their spicy dishes, has announced that they will reopen in Williamsburg. They will take over the former Emmy Squared Pizza at 364 Grand Street, and hope to open in February.
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Updated: December 5, 2025. Main Image: Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge connecting Brooklyn to Staten Island.
