{"id":85599,"date":"2025-12-31T16:06:21","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T16:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/85599\/"},"modified":"2025-12-31T16:06:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T16:06:21","slug":"counting-down-the-top-10-bk-reader-stories-of-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/85599\/","title":{"rendered":"Counting Down The Top 10 BK Reader Stories of 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Here’s a look back at some of your favorite original stories published in BK Reader this year.<\/p>\n

As the year comes to a close, let’s take a look back at the top 10 original stories that readers enjoyed the most. Topics ranged from a labor strike at a movie theater chain, a photo essay from a summer Hip-Hop concert, to the closing of the Downtown Brooklyn Macy’s.\u00a0<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0This Former Brooklyn Detective is Now a Bailiff on TV<\/a><\/p>\n

Gina Findley, Brooklyn native and former Second Grade Detective with the New York Police Department, made her debut as a bailiff on HOT BENCH on CBS in September.<\/p>\n

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\nBrooklyn native makes her appearance on CBS Season 12 of HOT BENCH . Photo: Supplied\/CBS Media Ventures <\/p>\n

9.\u00a0Brooklyn Restaurateur Shocked He’s Targeted for Providing Meals to NYC Teachers, Students<\/a><\/p>\n

Andrew Walcott, owner of Fusion East, said he was surprised his work with over 100 city public schools for food services was singled out by the city Comptroller, who reprimanded the Department of Education for approving catering orders totaling $750,0000 in 2024.<\/p>\n

\"img_5731\"
\nAndrew Walcott, the owner of Fusion East, a restaurant in East New York, said he doesn’t unerstand why his orders from over 100 schools were scrutinized by city Comptroller Brad Lander. . Photo: Kaya Laterman for BK Reader <\/p>\n

8.\u00a0District 35 Race Heats up With Four Contenders<\/a><\/p>\n

The City Council race in Brooklyn’s District 35, which covers parts of Crown Heights, Prospect Heights and Fort Greene, in the June Democratic primary election was a hot topic.<\/p>\n

\"screen-shot-2025-12-30-at-111548-am\"
\nThe lineup of City Council District 35 candidates (L to R): (Top Row) Dion Michael Ashman and Crystal Hudson; (Bottom row) Sharon Wedderburn and Hector Robertson.Photo: Supplied by each candidate <\/p>\n

7.\u00a0Brooklyn Bar Celebrates Serving Cold, Cheap Beers For 50 Years<\/a><\/p>\n

Denny\u2019s, a beloved Kensington dive bar, marked its 50th anniversary with three days of music, free bites and throwback drink prices.<\/p>\n

\"img_5926\"
\nKevin Ryan, owner of Denny’s, a beloved dive bar in Kensington, is celebrating the family business being open for 50 years. . Photo: Kaya Laterman for BK Reader <\/p>\n

6.\u00a0Historic Macy\u2019s Closure Sparks Nostalgia in Brooklyn<\/a><\/p>\n

Macy\u2019s closed over 60 department stores in 2025, including the beloved store in Downtown Brooklyn.<\/p>\n

\"macys2\"
\nMacy’s Inc. announced that they will close over 60 department stores, including the Downtown Brooklyn location by the end of the year. . Photo: Emily Davis for BK Reader <\/p>\n

5.\u00a0Caribbean Vendors Say Revamped Flatbush\u00a0Central Market Lacks The Buzz<\/a><\/p>\n

Vendors selling Caribbean goods lament slow business at the new Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace, saying it pales in comparison to the bustling market they lost to a new residential development.<\/p>\n

\"img_0601-3\"
\nAngelina Civil, a vendor at the Flatbush Central Caribbean Marketplace, says sales have gone down since she moved back into the new space. . Photo: Ezra Nielsen for BK Reader <\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy Mourns The Closing of a Community Hotspot<\/a><\/p>\n

Bed-Vyne Brew, a beloved Bed-Stuy bar, closed in June after 12 years in business. Long-time patrons lamented the disappearance of a Black-owned business and community hub.<\/p>\n

\"img_0371\"
\nPhotographer Martei Korley took portraits of patrons in front of the Bed-Vyne Brew logo. . Photo: Meron Tebeje for BK Reader <\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Hip-Hop Royalty Shuts Down Brooklyn<\/a><\/p>\n

Fat Beats, the iconic Hip-Hop commerce brand, partnered up with SummerStage to bring some of the best artists to Herbert Von King Park in Bedford-Stuyvesant in July.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"22224ace-2020-4c42-b3da-36709d578e82\"
\nPete Rock, producer, DJ and rapper who is considered one of the best producers of all time, at SummerStage. Photo: Kris Julien for BK Reader <\/p>\n

2.\u00a0Alamo Drafthouse Lays Off 40 Workers at Downtown Brooklyn Location<\/a><\/p>\n

Employees from the Downtown Brooklyn location of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema were fired in February,\u00a0shocking current and ex-workers who were in the midst of contract negotiations.<\/p>\n

\"lieb\"
\nJoseph Leib hands out fliers about the layoffs to passerby in front of the City Point building, which houses the Alamo theater on the fourth floor. Photo by Asar John <\/p>\n

1.\u00a0A Healing Cafe Emerges in South Brooklyn<\/a><\/p>\n

Readers loved the profile on the Lighthouse Caf\u00e9 Lounge,\u00a0a hub for mindfulness and connection in Bensonhurst.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"lc7-edit\"
\nLighthouse Caf\u00e9 Lounge in Bensonhurst. . Photo: Emma Delahanty for BK Reader <\/p>\n

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