At the top of the headlines this week was the historic election of Zohran Mamdani, the borough’s youngest mayor in over a century. Other stories across the borough included the grand opening of discount grocery chain Aldi in Downtown Brooklyn, ice rinks are gearing up for the season, the debut of a new all-day café in Carroll Gardens, updates at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, and expanded service on the A and L subway lines. Read on for the latest!
Zohran Mamdani elected mayor of New York City
Zohran Mamdani was elected the next mayor of New York City Thijs week. The 34-year-old Democratic Socialist and New York State Assemblymember will be the city’s first Muslim mayor, the first South Asian mayor and the youngest mayor in more than a century. Voter turnout reached historic levels, with over 2 million New Yorkers casting ballots—the city’s highest turnout since the 1960s. Mamdani gave his victory speech at the newly refurbished Brooklyn Paramount in Downtown Brooklyn, where he was celebrated by a massive crowd. Learn more about how your Brooklyn neighborhood voted and more about Mamdani’s vision here.
Aldi discount grocery store now open in Downtown Brooklyn
A new location of the discount grocery store Aldi has opened at 625 Fulton Street in Downtown Brooklyn, offering Brooklyn residents “fresh, organic produce delivered daily, an unmatched selection of cheese, beer, and food for every taste and lifestyle”—from gluten-free to plant-based options, at famously low prices. The store is now open daily from 9am to 8pm daily and provides both curbside pickup and grocery delivery through ALDI’s online platform. Learn more about Aldi and more supermarkets coming to Brooklyn here.
Ice skating rinks open in Brooklyn
Various ice skating rinks have opened up this week and SKATE at Domino Park returns to the Williamsburg waterfront for its second season from November 10, 2025, through February 22, 2026. Learn more ice skating rinks in Brooklyn and lower Manhattan here!
All-day café Mister Cheeks has arrived in Carroll Gardens
Founded by local Brooklyn parents, Mister Cheeks opened their takeout window on October 29, and will fully open their all-day café and market next week. Located at 347 Couert Street, they will serve coffee and pastries in the morning—grabbed easily from their window—followed by sandwiches, soups, salads, and rotisserie chicken all day, with plenty of grab-and-go options. Dinner options will include their rotisserie chicken, chicken schnitzel, and other mains. You’ll be able to either dine in or take any item off the menu to go, including fun snacks for kids and their homemade soft serve.
Cruise ships can now connect to shore power at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal
The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal has expanded its shore power infrastructure, allowing massive ships like the MSC Meraviglia to plug into the city’s electric grid instead of burning diesel while docked—significantly cutting pollution. The move follows the City Council’s “Our Air Our Water Act,” which mandates shore power use for capable cruise ships and aims to reduce emissions and traffic impacts in Red Hook.
Added service on the A & L subway lines
Governor Kathy Hochul and the MTA announced added service to the A & L subway lines this week, effective November 3. The addition was made in response to more subway ridership since the launch of congestion pricing in Manhattan this year. The cost of the upgrade was $35 million, and is part of a four-phase initiative to enhance service. There will now be more more midday service on the A train, and more morning trips on the L train.
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Updated: November 7, 2025.
