Day: January 10, 2025

A BROOKLYN MAN WANTED SINCE 2017 has been arraigned for the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Justin Hackley, a college student.

The post Fugitive arraigned for 2017 murder of college student appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

AFTER FOUR YEARS OF FIGHTING for significant repairs to their building, tenants at 1616 President Street got $250,000 in rent waived.

The post $250K in rent waived for Brooklyn tenant organization appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

Erden Arkan, a Turkish national and businessman named in Mayor Eric Adams’ federal indictment, became the first individual to plead guilty in the case on Friday.

Arkan, who operates KSK Construction in Brooklyn, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to commit wire fraud charge in Manhattan federal court on Jan. 10. Referred to as “Businessman-5” in the mayor’s indictment, Arkan admitted to knowingly breaking the law by reimbursing 10 of his employees who each contributed over $1,200 to Adams’ mayoral campaign during a May 2021 fundraiser.

These contributions were allegedly part of a scheme enabling the campaign to qualify for public funds through the city’s generous matching funds program, a violation of campaign finance laws.

As part of his plea agreement, Arkan faces up to six months in jail and fines totaling up to $9,500. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 15, likely after Mayor Adams’ trial, set for April, concludes.

Arkan’s plea deal increases the likelihood that he will testify against Adams at his trial, which is set to begin on April 21.

Adams was indicted by the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s Office in September on charges of bribery, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign contributions. He has pleaded not guilty, claiming the case is merely political retribution for his outspoken criticism of President Biden’s approach to immigration.

Prosecutors allege that the mayor accepted free and deeply discounted luxury travel benefits and illegal foreign campaign donations from Turkish nationals over nearly a decade. In return, they claim, he used his position as Brooklyn borough president to fast-track the opening of a high-rise Turkish consulate in Manhattan in 2021.

The indictment claims that Adams met with Arkan at an April 2021 dinner, facilitated by a Turkish government official, during which Adams explained the city’s matching funds program. The Turkish official allegedly responded to Adams, stating, “We are supporting you.”

A REC CENTER run by the Parks Department at 261 Bedford closed for repairs a few weeks ago, leaving users wondering when it will reopen.

The post Williamsburg’s Metropolitan Rec Center suddenly closed, reopen time unknown appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

With apocalyptic scenes unfolding across Los Angeles County due to devastating wildfires, Brooklyn-based businesses are stepping up to help.

Through Sunday, Jan. 19, Time Out Market New York is partnering with the Red Cross Wildfire Relief to host a promotion on select beverages. The Dumbo-based market will donate 100% of proceeds from two drinks — the Blueberry Margarita and the Cucumber & Jalapeño Spritz mocktail — to aid those affected by the disaster, one of the most destructive in the country’s history.

Los Angeles County is grappling with catastrophic damage as wildfires, including the Eaton Fire and the historic Palisades Fire, have destroyed entire neighborhoods. An estimated 10,000 structures have been lost, and tens of thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate, leaving communities in desperate need of support.

More than 200 American Red Cross workers are on the ground assisting residents in southern California, while the organization itself partners with other groups and businesses like Time Out to raise funds for relief efforts.

“This initiative is an opportunity to bring the DUMBO community together for a cause that reaches far beyond Brooklyn,” said a representative from Time Out Market New York. “We’re proud to partner with the Red Cross Wildfire Relief and these brands to make a tangible impact.”

In addition to the market’s donation, beverage sponsors Tromba Tequila, Italicus, and Hagave have pledged to contribute $1 for each drink sold.

A handful of other North Brooklyn businesses are gearing up to give back, Greenpointers first reported.

Coz Salon is hosting a supply drive for essentials like toiletries and blankets, while Behrhaus is organizing baby product donations for families in need. Speakeasy Rentals is offering free rooms in Williamsburg this month to displaced individuals, and Pilates BKLYN will donate all proceeds from Saturday’s 2 p.m. class to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Archestratus is planning a bake sale fundraiser on Jan. 25, inviting locals to bake or buy for the cause, and Big Night is donating 10% of sales this weekend to support firefighters.

10 more migrant shelters are closing — including a violence-ridden Brooklyn facility — as the number of asylum seekers arriving in NYC drops to an 18-month low.