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New York Post
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg scored comp tickets to 17 swanky galas last year, many by lefty groups
Soft-on-crime Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg was comped free tickets worth at least $9,400 combined to attend 17 swanky black tie-affairs and other galas last year — most of them put on by lefty groups doing business with the city, The Post has learned. Fourteen of the 17 freebies were dished out by nonprofits and other organizations with city contracts — and more than half ranged from $1,000 to nearly $5,000 in value, including some attended by music and sports industry celebs, according to a review of Bragg's yearly financial disclosure filings with the city's Conflicts of Interest Board. They included: The NYC Police Foundation's June 6 gala at the Intrepid Museum in Manhattan where tickets ran at least $2,500 each, and Giants Super Bowl MVP Phil Simms attended. A event also held June 6 for Brooklyn-based Center for Alternatives Sentencing and Employment Services, who provided Bragg tickets worth $50 to $999 in value. The three events Bragg attended that were not thrown by groups with city business included the April 10 'Keepers of the Dream' gala for Rev. Al Sharpton's civil rights group National Action Network, which holds plenty of clout with New York Democratic pols. The DA valued his ducats being worth anywhere from $1,000 to nearly $5,000. 4 Soft-on-crime Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg attended 17 swanky galas and other predominately $1,000-plus-per plate black tie-affairs last year with mostly groups pushing anti-jail and other lefty causes picking up the hefty tab, The Post has learned. WireImage Bragg — a Democrat who's has been slammed by critics since taking over as DA in 2022 for villainizing victims while going easy on suspects — reported his ticket totals were worth in the range of $9,400 to nearly $53,000. 4 Many of Bragg's comped tickets blur the lines of potential conflicts of interest because as Manhattan's lead prosecutor he should avoid schmoozing with groups pushing a woke social justice agenda, critics said. Bragg, seen here in the black suit, at an event. ManhattanDA/ X By comparison, Bronx DA Darcel Clark reported attending 10 events last year as gifts worth a combined $1,400 to nearly $13,000; Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez reported attending seven valued at combined $2,260; and Queens DA Melinda Katz and Staten Island DA Michael McMahon reported no such freebies. 4 Bragg, seen here shaking hands with Gov. Hochul, reported the value of the free tickets he was given to attend 17 galas last year as $9,400 to nearly $53,000 combined. ManhattanDA/ X Many of Bragg's comped tickets blur the lines of potential conflicts of interest because as Manhattan's lead prosecutor he should avoid schmoozing with groups pushing a woke social justice agenda, critics said. And Bragg 'should know better' than to 'accept complimentary gifts from businesses that do business with the city,' said Republican Maud Maron, a former Legal Aid Society attorney running against Bragg for Manhattan DA. 4 Bragg, fourth from left in the rear, poses with Gov. Hochul, actor Robert De Niro, Rev. Al Sharpton and other attendees at a National Action Network gala in 2023. Bragg did not report being comped to attend the event in his financial disclosure statements, but he did so for another NAN event in 2024. Alamy Stock Photo 'Of course he spends his free time rubbing shoulders with the moneyed elite whose luxury beliefs let them feel good about themselves while imposing steep costs on everyday New Yorkers who can't buy their way out of crime and grime,' she said. Bragg didn't list attending any events as free gifts in his previous financial disclosure statements for 2022 and 2023. 'Instead of focusing on making our streets safer, DA Bragg has focused on hobnobbing with special interests at glitzy events,' said Diana Florence, a veteran prosecutor running as an independent against him in November's general election. 'Since day one, he has pursued a social experiment that's made our city more hospitable for criminals and less safe for everyone else. Enough is enough.' Bragg spokesperson Danielle Filson said the DA 'fully disclosed his support and attended events for victims of domestic violence, NAN, the NYC Police Foundation … and other civic, charitable and community organizations whose work is relevant to the office – just like his predecessors and fellow DAs.' 'This is nothing but a pathetic attempt to smear Bragg's strong record of keeping Manhattan safe to score cheap political points,' she said of his critics.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Ole & Steen's Danish Pastries And Sandwiches: A Hit In NYC
Ole & Steen location at 100 Church Street Ole & Steen When Josh Pickens, the Brooklyn-based president of the Danish baker Ole & Steen, which has 5 locations in New York City, is asked why it's done so well in the city, he returns to one dessert, its Cinnamon Social as the linchpin of its success. That dessert, a take on the classic Danish kanelstang, is a 'soft, buttery pastry layered with cinnamon, vanilla custard, and soft dough,' he explains. New Yorkers, he suggests, gravitate toward ordering it. In Denmark, the bakery's name is Lagkagehuset (which admittedly would be too complicated for most New Yorkers) where it numbers 107 locations and is still growing. It also has 28 locations in the United Kingdom including London and debuted in NYC in 2019. Cinnamon Social from Ole & Steen Ole & Steen The company is based in Copenhagen, but Pickens leads a leadership team that operates out of NYC, so it can be close to its overseas operations in NY. Indeed, Ole & Steen has expanded the most of the several Scandinavian bakeries that are thriving in New York City that includes Smor Bakery, which has 3 locations, and Fabrique, which has 2 shops. Many eateries that expand from overseas to the U..S. are primed by private equity ownership. Such is the case with Ole & Steen where Nordic Capital, a private equity firm which ironically is based in NYC, is its primary owner with L Catterton, which has $37 billion in assets, as a minority owner. Its NYC shops, Pickens says, puts the emphasis more on food overall, not just its pastries, so salads and sandwiches are mainstays. Its most popular sandwiches are its toastie sandwiches, made on its house-made focaccia, and sourdough baguettes. It partners with Counter Culture Coffee, and develops original blends for its cafes such as its Kaffe Blend that it uses for its espresso beverages. Forbes Scandinavian Bakery Binge In NYC As Smor Bakery Opens Its Third Location By Gary Stern Pickens notes that one major adjustment it needed to make in the NYC market concerned the flour produced in the states because 'the milling process in the U.S. affects things like water absorption, which means we can't do a 1:1 recipe translation from Denmark.' Hence, everything in NYC must be made from scratch. Ole & Steen has been very strategic about where it locates its outlets in NYC, pursuing neighborhoods that attract 'locals, tourists and office workers that are busy from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,' Pickens notes. Its 5 outlets are near busy Bryant Park and Union Square, Upper East Side, Tribeca near the World Trade Center and Oculus, and Midtown East, near many hotels and office workers. Pickens says that Danish pastry shops have flourished in NYC because 'they bring a sense of everyday luxury inspired by a more balanced, European lifestyle.' Asked if Ole & Steen is exploring expanding to other American cities, Pickens replies, 'Of course. But we want to get NYC right first and grow from strength to strength.' He notes that it will soon be offered on so that will start its nationwide sales. He also added that it will explore adding more locations in NYC. Asked the 3 keys to Ole & Steen's continued success, Picken replies: 1) Maintaining its Danish roots while keeping its innovative approach, 2) Cultivating a relaxed café experience that provides a moment of relief to New Yorkers and tourists, 3) Keep encouraging the team to adapt and pivot to keep up with changing trends and customer feedback.
Malaysian Reserve
3 days ago
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
MetroPlusHealth Opens Community Office in Brighton Beach, Further Expanding Access to Care in Brooklyn
Insurance assistance and essential services are offered in collaboration with South Brooklyn Health Hospital and other local community partners NEW YORK, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MetroPlusHealth, New York City's high-quality, affordable health care plan, has opened its second Brooklyn-based community office at 225 Brighton Beach Avenue, further expanding access to culturally competent, people-first care in South Brooklyn. The new site serves as a vital resource hub for the local community, offering insurance enrollment information and support and access to essential health and social services. MetroPlusHealth providers are available to support chronic condition management, preventative care and behavioral health referrals, helping address disparities driven by limited access to care. The public grand opening celebration was held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony, music, refreshments, and appearances by local officials including Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny and representatives from Senator Scarcella-Spanton's office. This new community office will serve as a year-round center for care and connection, offering: Weekly community events and health screenings Monthly food distributions Facebook Live sessions with health specialists Cultural recognition events Quarterly wellness and spa days for residents aged 65+ Free tax preparation programs Meet-and-greets with elected officials SNAP enrollment partnerships, and more 'We are honored to deepen our commitment to the health and well-being of the Brooklyn community with the opening of our second office,' said Dr. Talya Schwartz, President and Chief Executive Officer of MetroPlusHealth. 'This new community office in Brighton Beach is a central access point for South Brooklyn residents seeking inclusive health care, insurance guidance, and vital community resources. Brighton Beach reflects the vibrant, diverse spirit of New York City, and we are proud to bring people-first care and support to the neighborhood.' According to New York City health data, residents of South Brooklyn experience higher-than-average rates of diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, as well as lower life expectancies compared to citywide averages. Mental health needs are also rising, particularly among elderly and immigrant populations. In addition to physical care resources, the new office serves as an access point for therapy services, crisis support, and long-term behavioral health care. The office is staffed with multilingual representatives fluent in English, Russian, Ukrainian, Urdu, Spanish and Bengali, enabling outreach to the area's diverse communities, including Jordanian, Ukrainian, Russian, South Asian and Latino populations. 'This new MetroPlusHealth office brings essential services directly into the Brighton Beach community,' said Svetlana Lipyanskaya, Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health. 'We are proud to collaborate on this initiative, which reflects our shared commitment to community-centered care and our dedication to ensuring that healthcare is accessible for all residents of South Brooklyn.' The new office highlights MetroPlusHealth's commitment to putting people over profit by providing not just health coverage, but comprehensive, community-based support. It is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm ET and Saturdays, 9:00 am to 5 pm ET. MetroPlusHealth is a wholly owned subsidiary of NYC Health + Hospitals. For more than 40 years, MetroPlusHealth has provided access to affordable, quality health care to the people of New York City. It is a leader in addressing social determinants of health and the only New York State plan to dedicate resources specifically to ensuring members have access to food, housing, and transportation. MetroPlusHealth serves nearly 700,000 members across New York City and its impressive network includes more than 34,000 providers and more than 40 hospitals and urgent care centers, including NYC Health + Hospitals, NYU Langone, Mount Sinai, CityMD, Montefiore, LabCorp, Lenox Hill Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Hospital for Special Surgery, and more. For more information about MetroPlusHealth, please visit MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Dominguez; domingmi@
Time Out
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
KAWS will transform the New York Botanical Garden with colorful, graffiti-inspired artworks
We're only halfway through 2025, but the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is already looking ahead. Way ahead. NYBG announced that it will bloom with a very special exhibition in 2027: a full, 250-acre takeover by Brooklyn-based artist KAWS, debuting May 22, 2027. Known for his pop culture-inspired sculptures, KAWS (aka Brian Donnelly) will present an outdoor installation of enormous proportions, turning the iconic Bronx gardens into a collision of nature and contemporary art. KAWS' work seems especially suited for NYBG, with his sly, gigantic takes on figures like The Simpsons and Snoopy, plus his famous Companions series, inspired by Mickey Mouse (and a year spent as a Disney animator) and threaded throughout his career as both paintings and three-dimensional sculptures. The melancholy of the figures, with their gloved hands and X'd out eyes, will no doubt feel even more powerful against the idyllic natural backdrop. NYBG has long held a reputation for creating opportunities for artists to engage in dialogue with its landscape, including landmark exhibitions by Yayoi Kusama and Ebony G. Patterson. Now KAWS will continue this tradition, inviting visitors to consider how human-made objects inhabit, disrupt, or enhance their environment. The Garden also announced a 2026 exhibit, Flower Power, opening May 23, 2026, and channeling the '60s with a celebration of the flowers as symbols of peace and love. The gallery exhibit will include photography and art from the 1960s, as well as installations throughout the grounds. Other upcoming exhibits include the beloved annual tradition, Holiday Train Show (November 15, 2025–January 11, 2026), and The Orchid Show: Mr Flower Fantastic's Concrete Jungle (February 7–April 26, 2026). Additionally, NYBG revealed that it will begin offering a new two-year membership option, which will include unlimited access and early entry to future exhibitions. No word yet on when tickets for the KAWS exhibit will go on sale, but NYBG members will receive priority access. Currently, the NYBG hosts the exhibit Van Gogh's Flowers, pairing his paintings with contemporary interpretations and living installations, including a field of real and sculptural sunflowers from French artist Cyril Lancelin. That remains on view through October 26.
Fox Sports
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Boxing takes over US Open tennis venue with Berlanga and Stevenson headlining
Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — Just as Wimbledon is winding down, action at the home of the U.S. Open will heat up. Boxing action, that is. Swinging rackets will be replaced by swinging fists Saturday night when the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center hosts boxing for the first time. Edgar Berlanga and Shakur Stevenson headline the show in separate bouts on the card, which sends both locally based fighters to a place they'd never visited before. The fights will be in Louis Armstrong Stadium, the No. 2 venue on the grounds. 'It's a new stadium, it's going to be a big arena, there's going to be a lot of fans there, so I'm excited to put on a show,' said Stevenson, who is from Newark, New Jersey. Stevenson (23-0, 11 KOs) will defend his WBC lightweight title against fellow unbeaten William Zepeda (33-0, 27 KOs). Berlanga (23-1, 18 KOs) then takes on Hamzah Sheeraz (21-0-1, 17 KOs) in a super middleweight bout in the main event. The second Ring Magazine card in New York caps a big fight weekend in the city, following Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano's third fight Friday at Madison Square Garden, and again bypasses a traditional boxing venue for an usual location. Times Square was the site of a tripleheader in May, with an outdoor ring set up in the middle of the tourist center. Both Berlanga and Stevenson were originally told that plans were for this card to take place in Central Park. It will be Flushing Meadows instead, but the Brooklyn-based Berlanga said his fans will find him. 'They're going to come,' he said. 'They're going to find a way. If they've got to take a bus, they've got to walk, train, plane, whatever, helicopter, they're there.' The National Tennis Center has hosted other sports, including the WNBA's first regular-season outdoor game, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and wrestling. The final Grand Slam tournament of the tennis season begins there in late August. The Times Square event fell flat because tickets weren't sold to fans, allowing for just a few hundred people — including Stevenson — to attend. There will be a crowd Saturday, which should provide the fighters with a boost of energy that Stevenson could tell they didn't have in May. Berlanga and Sheeraz shouldn't need any extra push, not when both hope an impressive victory could lead to a fight against 168-pound champion Canelo Alvarez, should he beat undefeated multi-division champion Terence Crawford in September. Berlanga sustained his only loss to the Mexican superstar but it hasn't dented his confidence. Sheeraz, who is moving up from middleweight, has been touted as a possible opponent if he wins Saturday — though Berlanga insists that he won't. 'These guys, they can study, they can come fight week acting like they've got the game plan to beat me. They're not beating me,' Berlanga said. 'They're not doing nothing that night. They're not going to stand a chance. I'm telling you. I'm going to be the best to ever do it in this sport of boxing, man. Discipline, dedication to the sport, that's all I need bro, and I'm going to take over the 168 division. I'm going to slice and dice this dude.' The card that will stream on DAZN as a pay-per-view also features Alberto Puello (24-0, 10 KOs) defending his 140-pound title against former champion Subriel Matias (22-2, 22 KOs), along with a light heavyweight bout between David Morrell (11-1, 9 KOs) and Imam Khataev (10-0, 9 KOs). Stevenson is probably the most talented fighter on the show — and in all of boxing — but has been criticized at times for an overly cautious style. The 2016 Olympic silver medalist shrugs it off. 'You stand there and you go toe-to-toe, I keep saying this, and you're going to end up in the damn hospital bed and you've got to sit there all night and they've got to check on your brain,' Stevenson said. He concedes, though, that Zepeda's style could make him win another way. 'I think he's going to force me into a fight and I'm going to have to show a different side of me that night,' Stevenson said. 'He's a great fighter, puts a lot of pressure, undefeated, he was No. 1 at every belt organization, so it's going to be an amazing fight.' ___ AP boxing:
