Latest news with #Italian-American
New York Post
3 hours ago
- Business
- New York Post
NYC's only Italian record store will close after family feud following matriarch's death: ‘This is my identity'
This is no amicable arrivederci. The city's only Italian-language record store faced a changing neighborhood, streaming services and a pandemic — but it was the death of a matriarch and family feud that brought about the final curtain. Advertisement SAS Italian Records in Bensonhurst will close after nearly 60 years in business once it sells off its inventory of Italian-language CDs and records, owner-operator Silvana Conte tearfully confirmed to The Post. 6 SAS Italian Records on 18th Avenue will shutter for good once its inventory of Italian-language CDs and records is sold off, 69-year-old owner-operator Silvana Conte tearfully confirmed to The Post. Gabriella Bass 'This is breaking my heart, I'm having a breakdown: this is my identity,' said Conte, whose parents opened the store in 1967 after emigrating from Ponza, Italy. 'The store was everything to my family … [but] inheritances being what they are, it's not up to me anymore.' Advertisement Conte, 69, 'held on' to the store after years of declining sales and pandemic-related struggles in order to preserve her mother Rita's legacy – but was forced to make the decision to close up shop following the death of her mother on May 12 , she said. 'We haven't been making money in a long time. I was just keeping it open for my mom,' Conte explained. 'My brother and my sister, they don't want this,' she added. 'My brother thinks my sister's right – he thinks it's a waste of time, why would you want to keep this open? [But] he doesn't live here, he lives far away.' 6 'This is breaking my heart, I'm having a breakdown: this is my identity,' said Conte, whose parents opened the store in 1967. Gabriella Bass Advertisement The wood-paneled time capsule of Italian movies, magazines, accessories, rosaries and other ephemera is a treasure trove of Conte family history, the owner said. 'I had my first kiss right there,' Conte recalled, pointing across the counter. 'My grandmother died right over there. 'This store is everything, it's history … My whole family is represented here.' 6 Ciro Conte (middle right, white shirt) and his wife Rita Conte (blue dress) opened the store in 1967. Gabriella Bass Advertisement SAS — named for the original owners' children Silvana, Adrianne and Silverio — once peddled thousands of Italian music CDs and 'all the Italian DVDs,' Conte said. At its peak, the store would purchase about 50 weekly Italian puzzle magazines – 'La Settinana Enigmistica' – and would regularly sell out in the once booming Italian-American enclave. 'Today we order five and we're left with two at the end of a month,' Conte sighed. 'This neighborhood has changed – [there's] very few Italians left.'. The record store's closing comes on the heels of another 18th Avenue decades-old institution, Bari Pork Store, closing its doors later this month. 6 'My identity is here, and it's disappearing — just like this neighborhood,' Conte said. 'The Italian identity is disappearing from here. Gabriella Bass 'There's not that much business anymore,' an employee told the Italian Enclaves Instagram account on Monday. 'The area changed so drastically that you can't keep up anymore … local people don't patronize. 'We can't survive the 'holiday' customers only,' another worker said, referring to those who moved out of Bensonhurst and only come back to shop for special occasions. 'We need them steady.' Conte said the cultural identity 'is disappearing.' 'My identity is here, and it's disappearing — just like this neighborhood,' Conte said. 'This really was a 'Little Italy' – but once all the families moved out and lost the language … every year you could tell a little less a little less.' Advertisement 6 'I'm going to miss this place, a lot of people in this neighborhood are going to miss this place,' said Sergio Macaluso, 63, who rode to the store Wednesday on a Vespa. Gabriella Bass Longtime customers and neighbors paid their respects to the beloved mom-and-pop shop last week. 'I'm going to miss this place, a lot of people in this neighborhood are going to miss this place,' Sergio Macaluso, 63, a retired copper salesman, told The Post. 'Now it won't be here, it's another memory going away.' Angela Scimone, 72– who grew up in the neighborhood but now lives in Staten Island — was in the store shopping for banners from Italy with her husband. Advertisement 'When I first came here from Sicily, I was 19, [and] I met your father right here in the store,' she told Conte in Italian, 'and he said he was going to marry me! He was so funny.' 6 An array of Italian-language DVDs remain at the Bensonhurst store. Gabriella Bass Conte told The Post the only Hail Mary the store has left would be for an 'angel' investor to take over. Advertisement 'I want to keep this because this is part of a culture – people here are calling this a landmark and I tried,' Conte added. 'I tried to keep it going, but she died, and that was it. 'I can't hold this up anymore,' she added. 'You got to live.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Chess champion Gukesh Dommaraju speaks out after Magnus Carlsen's post-defeat outburst
Reigning World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju has spoken out after his stunning victory over the former World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in round six of the Norway Chess 2025 tournament. The two faced off Sunday, with Dommaraju of India, 19, beating the Norwegian grandmaster Carlsen, 34, in a match that lasted more than four hours. Advertisement While Carlsen had led most of the game, he ended up losing his knight in a faulty move, eventually leading to Dommaraju's victory. When Carlsen realized he had lost, he instantly slammed his fist on the table, causing the chess pieces to fall. Standing up, he shook Dommaraju's hand before turning away and huffing, 'Oh my god,' in frustration. He then quickly apologized to his opponent. After the match, Dommaraju admitted that his win was 'not the way I wanted it to be, but okay, I will take it,' per Addressing Carlsen's outburst, he sympathized, saying: 'I have also banged a lot of tables in my career.' D Gukesh (left) defeated Magnus Carlsen in round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 tournament ( In shock at his triumph, Dommaraju humbly admitted that '99 out of 100 times I would lose. But it was just a lucky day.' Advertisement Dommaraju's win increased his point total by three, putting him in third place at 8.5. Carlsen remains tied for first with Italian-American chess grandmaster Fabiano Caruana at 9.5 points in the five-player round-robin tournament. The ongoing tournament, which lasts until June 6, has a 1,690,000 Norwegian Krone ($167,000) prize fund. Sunday's match marked Dommaraju's first time beating Carlsen in a classical match. It was also their first classic match since Carlsen returned to individual classic chess after taking a brief break. Carlsen, who's been ranked the No. 1 chess player in the FIDE world rankings for nearly 15 years straight, declined to defend his world championship title in 2022, citing his frustration with the current format. 'I think if we reduce the time controls, made it more games, that would be a very good start,' he previously suggested. Advertisement In December 2024, Dommaraju went on to defeat China's Ding Liren to become the youngest chess world champion at 18 years old. Carlsen sat out of that tournament as well. 'Becoming the world champion doesn't mean I am the best player in the world. Obviously, there is Magnus Carlsen and he will always be a motivating factor for me,' Dommaraju said after his world championship title win. He went on to credit Carlsen's world championship win over Indian chess wizard Viswanathan Anand in 2013 as his motivation to one day 'bring back the title to India.' 'I was in the stands and I was looking inside the glass box and I thought it'd be so cool to be inside one day,' Dommaraju remembered at the time. 'And when Magnus won, I thought I really wanted to be the one to bring back the title to India and this dream that I had like more than 10 years ago has been the single most important thing in my life so far.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rob Gronkowski is set to star in a coming-of-age film called Bad News on the Doorstep
(Image via Getty: Rob Gronkowski) New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has been on the silver screen for the longest time now! This time, the FOX Sports Analyst will star in a film that involves his favorite game! The football. According to Raymond Baccari of Bad News on the Doorstep is a coming-of-age film focusing on two Italian-American high school football players, Frank and Gino, in 1950s New Jersey, who dabble into the world of organized crime. On May 31, Mike D'Abate of Sports Illustrated shared that the film, which recently finished filming in Rhode Island, will co-star Academy Award-nominated actor Chazz Palminteri , who is best known to audiences for his work in films such as A Bronx Take, The Usual Suspects, and Bullets Over Broadway. Movie filmed in RI features Rob Gronkowski, Chazz Palminteri Football meets Crime for Rob Gronkowski's next film: Bad News on the Doorstep Raymond Baccari further shared that the film is directed by Tom DeNucci and produced by Chad A. Verdi, Sera Verdi, Michelle Verdi, Paul Luba, and Chad Verdi Jr., all of whom are Rhode Islanders. Real-life father Dante Palminteri and son Chazz Palminteri, real-life father Robert Davi, and son Nick Davi feature in the film Bad News on the Doorstep. The fathers play two mafia kingpins. The film also features the daughter of Sylvester Stallone, 26-year-old Sistine Stallone. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Producer Paul Luba told 12 News that the film was wrapped last week before shooting in Providence, Cranston, Warwick, and East Greenwich. The production employed more than 100 people, many of whom are from Rhode Island itself. Even though the shooting's over, the film is set to release in the third or fourth quarter of 2026. Bad News on the Doorstep is a story of crime, family, loyalty, heartbreak, and football On May 30, Deadline reported that Bad News on the Doorstep portrays how the two Italian-American high-school football prodigies, Frank and Gino, confront a myriad of trials, deal with the complexities of post-football existence, and get allured into the underworld of organized crime. Verdi Production President Chad A. Verdi shared with the Deadline, 'The entire cast of this film is a powerhouse of talent and showcase a remarkable range. From veteran actors to former athletes to famous musicians - and hidden gems like Sistine(Stallone), an incredibly gifted up-and-coming actress with a remarkable presence every time she is on screen. We are eager to transport viewers back to the 1950s to experience this exceptional story of crime, family, loyalty, heartbreak, and football. ' Looks like here's one film that will truly touch 36-year-old NFL star Rob Gronkowski's heart! Also Read: 'Purple hair ready to play': JuJu Smith-Schuster's new hairdo invites criticism to compliment | NFL News - Times of India
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Club awards scholarships to local students attending YSU
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) – An Italian-American Club formed in 1953 once again awarded scholarships to Mahoning County high school students planning to attend Youngstown State University. Six of the nine students posed for a photo Wednesday before the Wolves Club scholarship banquet at Michael Alberini's restaurant in Boardman. A total of $103,000 in scholarship money was handed out, which was $11,400 per student. 'It's a great organization. Youngstown State University, we're partners, and it's a matching fund as far as, if we give 50, Youngstown State gives 50, so we match our funds. It's one of the few organizations that Youngstown State does that with,' said Chairman Jim Frankino. The scholarship recipients are the following: Paul Armour, of Struthers Robert Carcelli, of Struthers Gianna Clement, of Lowellville Rocco DiLisio, of Ursuline Morgan Hollister, of South Range Ryan Nigh, of Ursuline High Gianna Noble, of Canfield Maximus Scott, of Cardinal Mooney Vincent Tufaro, of Poland Seminary Throughout its 71 years, the Wolves Club has given out $1.4 million in scholarships — all to Mahoning County students attending YSU. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
A Historic Turning Point for Sicilian Publishing: Palella Holdings Acquires the Newspaper La Sicilia and Its Publishing Company, Including Its Stake in ANSA
CATANIA, Italy--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new era is beginning for Sicilian publishing. La Sicilia, the most widely read newspaper on the island and a reference point for millions of Sicilians worldwide, is now officially under the control of Palella Holdings, the family office led by Italian-American entrepreneur Salvatore Palella, originally from Acireale and long residing in the United States, from where he oversees numerous international business ventures. Acquiring La Sicilia is not just a publishing initiative—it's a heartfelt gesture of love for my homeland. La Sicilia will continue to be the voice of Sicilians deeply rooted in our identity, yet open to the world. It's time for Sicily to rise again. The transaction, finalized through the Sicily Investment Fund and the establishment of a new publishing company with Gianluca Spriano appointed as CEO, marks a historic handover after 80 uninterrupted years of management by the Ciancio Sanfilippo family. Through Dse, the family has published the newspaper since its founding in 1945 by Domenico Sanfilippo, a lawyer and landowner from Adrano. His grandson, Mario Ciancio Sanfilippo, led the paper for 51 years, becoming a central figure in Italian journalism, also serving as president of FIEG and vice president of ANSA, and transforming a regional newspaper into the strategic asset of one of Southern Italy's most important media groups. For eighty years, La Sicilia has been a key player in regional life and the voice of the Sicilian people. It has been a training ground for some of the country's most respected journalists. The publication has always stood out for its authority and independence, as recently acknowledged by President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella during the 80th anniversary celebration of the newspaper. Under its new ownership, led by Salvatore Palella, La Sicilia now enters a new phase of development, focused on maintaining and enhancing its deep-rooted identity with Sicily while expanding its national and international presence. Special attention will be given to technological innovation, including the launch of a new app and an innovative platformization of the editorial product. Leveraging the global recognition of the 'Sicilia' brand—also the name of the newspaper—the new vision aims to build a symbolic bridge with the millions of Sicilians living abroad, especially in the United States. The acquisition also includes a stake in ANSA, and goes beyond the editorial field. Palella Holdings plans major investments in the acquired real estate assets, including the Centrale del Latte in Catania—an iconic city institution included in the Dse portfolio—which is set for a significant relaunch based on a strategy of enhancement and reuse. The same philosophy underpins the selection of a new headquarters for the newspaper, in a prestigious property located in a residential area of Catania, which will become the symbol of a new editorial and cultural era for the publication. STATEMENTS The Ciancio Family: 'We have decided to entrust our newspaper to a young and visionary entrepreneur like Salvatore Palella, confident that his international vision will lead La Sicilia toward new achievements, while respecting the tradition our family has built with passion and independence over the past eighty years—supporting key battles for the development of the island, championing the region's most vibrant forces, and serving as a tool for democracy and legality.' Salvatore Palella: 'Acquiring La Sicilia is not just a publishing initiative—it's a heartfelt gesture of love for my homeland. As a Sicilian who has lived abroad for many years, I feel both the responsibility and the desire to contribute to the island's future, starting with free, modern, and forward-looking communication. La Sicilia will continue to be the voice of Sicilians—deeply rooted in our identity, yet open to the world. It's time for Sicily to rise again, together. For me, acquiring La Sicilia is both a personal and professional milestone. I return to my homeland with a clear goal: to invest meaningfully in the future of this newspaper by focusing on digital innovation, an authentic connection with the region, and the enhancement of the exceptional talents I have already had the chance to meet. We want to make La Sicilia a national and international benchmark, a source of pride for Sicilians everywhere.' Antonello Piraneo, Editor-in-Chief of La Sicilia: 'The newsroom, which I have had the honor of leading for the past six years, is ready to take on this new phase with confidence and enthusiasm. I want to thank the Ciancio family for the trust and editorial freedom they have given me over the years. I now look to the future with optimism, alongside the new publisher, with whom we share an ambitious and tangible growth project. I am confident that the independence of our journalism will be preserved and expanded.' Domenico Ciancio Sanfilippo, Deputy Editor of La Sicilia: 'The newspaper looks to the future by staying true to its history. I will continue, with the same passion, to work toward enhancing a brand that has represented the values of sound journalism and democracy for 80 years. I am grateful to my father for what he built, and we will continue to draw inspiration from his teachings.' Santo Russo, Sole Director of Dse S.p.A. (confirmed by Palella Holdings): 'We are leading an important media enterprise and an authoritative information model into the future. This acquisition is a positive signal and a vote of confidence in Sicily's potential. Palella Holdings' strategic approach aims not only at relaunching a media company, but also at fostering broader economic and cultural growth across the entire region.' Gianluca Spriano, CFO of Palella Holdings: 'The challenge ahead is significant, but so are the enthusiasm and the ideas with which we plan to face it. Our goal is to preserve the identity and autonomy of the newspaper, while at the same time instilling it with a modern and global entrepreneurial vision.' The new era of La Sicilia is ready to begin—anchored in a prestigious legacy and looking boldly toward the future.
