Sunset Park residents want to fix a popular mural in decay.The mural was created nearly 25 years ago.

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Former interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon filed a bombshell, 251-page federal lawsuit Wednesday, accusing Mayor Eric Adams and senior NYPD leadership of using the department as a racketeering enterprise that allegedly engaged in corruption, obstruction of justice, and retaliation against whistleblowers.

Donlon, a former senior FBI executive appointed by Adams in September 2024, in the July 16 lawsuit accuses the mayor and top NYPD officials of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). He claims he was used as a public figurehead amid federal probes of City Hall while real control of the NYPD remained within Adams’ inner circle.

The lawsuit also names First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella, former Chief of Department Jeffrey Maddrey, Chief of Department John Chell, former Deputy Commissioner and current First Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Kaz Daughtry, and Deputy Commissioners Tarik Sheppard and Michael Gerber.

According to the complaint, Donlon — who served in the interim post between September and November 2024 before giving way to current Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch — said he uncovered a coordinated scheme to promote politically connected officers without merit, obstruct internal oversight, and manipulate investigations into misconduct.

He alleges that NYPD leaders forged internal documents using his official police commissioner stamp to legitimize unauthorized promotions, resulting in millions of dollars in unearned salaries, overtime, pensions, and benefits.

The NYPD and City Hall did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the claims in Wednesday’s lawsuit.

A City Hall spokesperson told CBS New York, “This suit is nothing more than an attempt to seek compensation at the taxpayer’s expense after Mr. Donlon was rightfully removed from the role of interim police commissioner. We will respond in court, where we are confident these absurd claims will be disproven.”

Forgeries and ‘coordinated humiliation’

Donlon alleges that Sheppard, then the Deputy Commissioner for Public Information, forged his signature on official NYPD promotion memos, using the Police Commissioner’s stamp without consent.

Donlon said he confronted Sheppard after discovering Sheppard wearing insignia for a rank he never lawfully earned, calling it “a testament to his disregard for regulation and unequivocally stolen valor.”

According to Donlon, Sheppard allegedly denied any wrongdoing. He also brought the matter to Maddrey, the Chief of Department at the time, and Mayor Adams.

He claims Maddrey and Adams acknowledged that Sheppard’s promotion was unauthorized but said neither took disciplinary action.

According to the lawsuit, Maddrey reportedly promised to address the issue and notify Internal Affairs, but did neither.

Despite Donlon’s repeated orders, Sheppard continued to wear the Bureau Chief insignia until November 2024, when Sheppard allegedly threatened to kill Donlon, after which Sheppard was finally demoted “from his stolen Bureau Chief rank.”

Donlon alleges that after the incident in particular, he was systematically excluded from decision-making, stripped of operational authority, and ultimately removed as police commissioner in retaliation.

The complaint also describes a personal retaliation campaign, including the arrest of Donlon’s wife, Deirdre O’Connor-Donlon, a retired New York State Supreme Court attorney, orchestrated by senior NYPD officials to intimidate Donlon after his whistleblowing.

She was handcuffed, searched, and told she would be sent to central booking, according to Donlon. Following her arrest, he claims personal information about the couple was leaked to the press by the NYPD.

“This coordinated humiliation was a direct warning: the NYPD Defendants would stop at nothing to silence and personally destroy Donlon, even if it meant violating the constitutional rights of his spouse,” the lawsuit states.

Alleged ‘predicate acts’ committed

Donlon accuses the named officials of multiple federal crimes as predicate acts under RICO, including wire fraud, mail fraud, obstruction of justice, honest services fraud, and witness retaliation.

He claims these actions formed part of a deliberate and ongoing criminal conspiracy directed from both City Hall and NYPD headquarters.

The lawsuit also details a broader culture of corruption, alleging that Adams’s administration systematically protected NYPD executives with histories of misconduct, including allegations of violence, dishonesty, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority, while sidelining those who spoke out.

Promotions, overtime, and key assignments were allegedly distributed as political rewards or used to silence dissent.

Donlon also claims that, beyond professional retaliation, Adams and NYPD leadership undermined the integrity of law enforcement and public safety.

Donlon stepped in to serve as interim Police Commissioner in September 2024 following Edward Caban’s resignation amid a federal corruption investigation into the department that involved his brother.

Tisch took over the role from Donlon some two months later, becoming Mayor Adams’ fourth police commissioner during his first term.

The lawsuit claims that Donlon was relieved of his duties as Police Commissioner less than three weeks following his last reporting directly to Adams about “the criminal acts” of Sheppard and the failure of Maddrey, Chell, and Daughtry to take corrective action.

After his removal as interim commissioner in November 2024, Donlon says he was reassigned as a senior advisor on public safety before being abruptly terminated in May of this year.

The lawsuit alleges his firing was part of a broader pattern of retaliation and an effort to erase his influence from city government.

Donlon also alleges emotional and reputational harm, financial loss, and the destruction of his law enforcement career.

The lawsuit seeks damages and the appointment of a federal monitor to oversee NYPD disciplinary practices, whistleblower protections, and promotion processes.

Donlon’s attorneys argue the alleged conduct represents a systemic abuse of power that continues to threaten institutional integrity and public trust in New York City.

Donlon’s lawsuit follows the bombshell lawsuits filed last week by four former NYPD chiefs who claimed they were forced out of the department after raising concerns about misconduct, political favoritism, and violations of department policy tied to Mayor Eric Adams’ inner circle.

As President of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, I regularly interact with all levels of government and have built relationships with many elected officials over my 30-year career. I’ve observed both exemplary public servants and others who have unfortunately lost their standing.

I am also the face of a disenfranchised voter, one of the 1.1 million voters who have chosen to register as “unaffiliated.” In fact, unaffiliated voters make up the second-largest voting bloc in New York City after registered Democrats.

This upcoming citywide election in November, we have a chance to end voter disenfranchisement and double down on more democracy, as most big cities across the country have already done. We have a chance to vote for open primaries and usher in the single most important voter reform in NYC history.

We will only get this chance if the NYC Charter Review Commission, a mayoral-appointed commission that reviews potential changes to the City’s governing charter, advances this recommendation to the ballot box.

Open primaries will strengthen democracy by allowing the 1.1 million unaffiliated voters to participate in the primary process. We already have open primaries; they are called “special elections,” and they occur when a vacancy in an elected office occurs prior to an election cycle.

Open primaries can take many forms, but essentially they allow for any registered voter to vote in a primary, leading to the selection of a select number of final candidates advancing to the general election, regardless of party affiliation. Open primaries will not only lead to greater voter participation overall, but general elections in NYC will now actually matter because they will be competitive.

It’s worth noting that 24 of the 30 largest cities in America have open primaries. And the results have been exceptional, increasing voter participation and expanding choices. Over time, open primaries can also lead to encouraging more people to step up and run for office, given that the playing field will be more equal and not controlled by party systems and insiders.

In fact, combined with ranked choice voting and public financing of campaigns, NYC has the potential to once again lead the nation in expanding democracy and voter rights.

In its recent interim report, the Commission declined to commit to advancing open primaries, citing unrelated concerns about ranked choice voting and contentious election cycles. This stance is questionable given that most public testimony at the many hearings favored open primaries.

While the Commission did commit to housing and land use recommendations, it remains unclear why the most requested reform may be excluded.

As we see an unraveling of democratic institutions on a national level, now is the time to act decisively in defense of more democracy, not less. I urge the Charter Commission to include the open primaries recommendation on the ballot this year.

Randy Peers is President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the largest Chamber of Commerce in New York State. He is also a registered “unaffiliated” voter.

An appellate judge on Tuesday halted the city’s plans to remove part of the protected bike lane on Bedford Avenue.

The decision came in response to an appeal filed by advocacy group Transportation Alternatives and local Baruch Herzfeld, whose lawsuit against the city and Mayor Eric Adams was tossed by a Brooklyn Supreme Court judge last week. 

A temporary restraining order issued hours before construction was set to begin on July 15 blocks the city from “removing or modifying the parking-protected bicycle lane on Bedford Avenue between Willoughby Avenue and Flushing Avenue” until a judge issues a decision on the appeal. 

“The bulldozers might be ready to destroy the Bedford Avenue safety improvements, but the Adams administration is going to have to spend their night preparing their legal case, not ripping out a critical safety project and central Brooklyn’s only protected bike lane,” said Transportation Alternatives Executive Director Ben Furnas, in a statement. “The fight to save the Bedford Avenue safety improvements continues, and we won’t back down until everyone can get home safely.”

Mayor Eric Adams abruptly announced that he would remove the parking-protected bike lane on a three-block stretch of Bedford Avenue in favor of a non-protected painted lane last month, citing safety issues and community concerns. Advocates and local politicians slammed the decision as dangerous and illegal, and Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo issued a similar temporary restraining order on June 18. But, last week, Walker-Diallo ended the TRO when she ruled in favor of the Adams administration, saying its decisions for removing the lane were “rational” and that since the parking-protected bike lane would be swapped with a painted bike lane, it counted as a “modification,” not a removal. 

Construction was set to begin on the evening of July 15. 

“After several dangerous incidents — many of which involved children — the Adams administration listened to the community’s concerns and moved to reconfigure the bike lane to its original model while still maintaining safety measures,” City Hall spokesperson Sophia Askari said in a statement. “Last week’s ruling clearly affirmed that the reconfiguration of this bike lane is fully within our legal authority. This unnecessary appeal will only delay easing the safety concerns plaguing Williamsburg parents. We will revisit this matter in court, where we are confident we will prevail yet again.”

According to StreetsBlog, the city has a week to oppose the order. After that, the judge can decide whether or not to block construction for the duration of the case.

Several children have been hit by cyclists in the bike lane between Flushing and Willoughby avenues since it was installed late last year. Video of several of those incidents shows children exiting buses or cars parked midblock and entering the bike lane between parked cars. Per court documents, the Department of Transportation installed designated bus loading zones in an effort to prevent those incidents, but they were frequently blocked by parked cars or ignored altogether. 

Since the bike lane was completed, injuries on Bedford Avenue between Flushing and DeKalb avenues are down 47%, court documents show. DOT believed that removing the protected lane would make the street less safe and could open the city to “potential legal consequences for going back to a known less-safe design,” but Adams opted to move forward anyway.

More than 200 New Yorkers vowed to sue the city if they or a loved one are injured on Bedford Avenue after the removal of the protected bike lane. 

At Foolproof in Williamsburg, the whiskey glows before you even walk in. 

Through wide windows on Driggs Avenue, near the L train and McCarren Park, nearly 500 bottles shimmer on a backlit wall. It feels less like a bar display and more like an invitation.

The invitation comes from Andy Lock, a hospitality veteran who opened Foolproof after years working in some of New York’s most iconic dining rooms, including Gotham Bar & Grill and The Lobster Club. This time, he wanted to create something of his own: casual, thoughtful and fun.

And it’s not just about the drinks. Foolproof’s menu is built with spirits in mind, ranging from sashimi-grade tartare and house-cured meats to beet-and-burrata salad and French onion dip. A whiskey ice cream sandwich closes things on a sweet note. Each plate is crafted to complement the complex layers of the bottles behind the bar.

“There’s a lot of room for flavor play,” Lock told Brooklyn Paper. “A rich bourbon can elevate the fat in cured meats, while the brightness of a Japanese whiskey might cut through something creamy. And smoky Scotch? Perfect with something briny or grilled.” 

The 900-square-foot space reflects Lock’s personal history as much as his professional chops.

Leather banquettes, terrazzo tile and wood accents throughout recall his childhood in central Pennsylvania.

“I grew up in a mid-century modern house,” he said. “We had terrazzo tiles on the floor, so we put terrazzo tiles in here too. For me, that’s a little bit of nostalgia.” 

That nostalgia extends to the handcrafted woodwork. “My mom had a few uncles who did woodworking, so we had a lot of handmade wooden tables,” he added. “And you can see the back bar is all wood, the bar’s wood, all the tables are wood.” 

Even the name, Foolproof, has personal meaning. 

“Ruth, my fiancée, came up with it,” he said. “We wanted to show off a little bit of confidence behind the concept. You’re going to have to really try to go out of your way to have a bad time. It’s going to be a foolproof experience.” 

Since opening July 12, the bar has quickly become a neighborhood fixture. Locals drop in after work, on weekends and often just to see what’s on the wall.

“A lot of people have been coming in, [saying] ‘Hey, we’ve been waiting for this place to open,’” Lock said. “A lot of  local business owners have been really supportive too, giving me the run of the land around the neighborhood.” 

But Lock’s ambitions go beyond the nightly crowd. He hopes to expand programming to include private tastings and monthly events with distillers and producers.

“I do want to do private events for [pairings],” Lock said. “I think it would be awesome to start doing either bimonthly or monthly tastings — whiskey flights, bringing in some distillers to talk about the product.” 

He’s even dreaming up more irreverent gatherings — maybe even a meat raffle night.

“Hey, maybe you walk out of here with 20 pounds of fillet,” he laughed. “You just get a few hunks of meat, sell raffle tickets, have people sit around and enjoy some drinks and snacks.”

That’s the joy of Foolproof: expertly run, deeply stocked and welcoming people to new experiences.

“I want to make sure it’s a nice, relaxing place to hang out for people who live around here or are on the way home from the commute to work,” Lock said.

Foolproof is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m., and on weekends from noon to 2 a.m., with brunch served from noon to 4 p.m.

12 Things To Do With the Kids This Weekend in Brooklyn!

This weekend, Brooklyn is bursting with exciting activities for kids that are sure to keep them entertained and engaged. Whether you’re craving something active, creative, or just plain fun, there’s no shortage of options.

As a born-and-bred Brooklynite, I might be a little biased, but I truly believe there’s no better place to raise kids. There’s always something happening here, making it ideal for families who want to explore and enjoy the city.

From outdoor explorations to hands-on workshops, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make the most of your weekend in Brooklyn with your little ones. Get ready for a weekend full of fun and memories!

Psst… Check Out the 2025 Guide to NYC Neighborhoods: Brooklyn

Free Kayaking

Free public kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park is offered throughout the summer on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons. All levels are welcome, including first-time kayakers — life vests and all equipment provided, as well as instruction. Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Advanced registration required, providing 20-minute timed slots, which open on a rolling basis 2 weeks out from each date.
Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5 – 7 pm; Saturdays, 10 am – 4 pm; Sundays, 12 – 3:30 pm through Aug. 27
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 4 Beach

Brooklyn Pop-Up x Red Hook Summer Market

Come discover one-of-a-kind treasures from over 60 local artists, designers, and makers. From handmade jewelry and vintage gems to must-have home goods and fresh fashion finds, there’s something for every vibe, including delicious eats from food vendors, live DJ spinning feel-good sounds, Tarot card reading, family-friendly fun for all ages, and a chill lounge + bar to kick back and unwind.
July 19, noon – 6 pm
hook studio, 76 Verona St.

Farmhouse Family Day: Creative Critters

Explore some of the amazing insects that call the Wyckoff farm home! Create different bug-themed crafts, meet some of the worms that help with composting, go on a scavenger hunt to find rollie pollies and more!
July 19, 11 am – 3 pm
Wyckoff House Museum, 5816 Clarendon Road

Community Science Fishing

Learn the basics of catch-and-release line fishing from the Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Education team. During this clinic, participants of all ages will learn how to tie knots, bait a hook, drop a line, and (with some luck) reel up a fish!
July 19, 4 – 6 pm; Aug. 16, 3 – 5 pm; Sept. 5, Oct. 3, 4 – 6 pm
Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 5

Gotham Roller Derby Double Header

The first doubleheader of the season features two games, four teams and lots of fun. Bronx Gridlock vs. Manhattan Mayhem at 6 pm and Brooklyn Bombshells vs. Queens of Pain at 8 pm.
July 19, 5:30 pm – 10 pm
Lefrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park, 171 East Drive

Toys“R”Us Play Day

Geoffrey the Giraffe will host a play celebration for families, leading a parade inviting Toys“R” Us kids of all ages to march, dance, and celebrate what makes play so special. To kick off the festivities, the first 100 customers will receive a free Geoffrey plush. Throughout the day, families can enjoy free activities, including crown-making, UNO gameplay and giveaways, coloring sheets, exciting giveaways, photo ops and so much more. Customers will receive exclusive in-store discounts on select products.
Macy’s at Kings Plaza, 5400 Avenue U.
July 19, noon – 2 pm

Nature Exploration: Lake Appreciation

Join the Prospect Park Alliance for nature education programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the first urban Audubon Center in the nation. Visitors will learn about Prospect Park’s watercourse and observe underwater invertebrates up close using magnifying glasses. See website for complete schedule.
Thursdays – Sundays through July 19, various times
Prospect Park Audubon Center, 101 East Drive

Families by the Seashore

This event is specifically designed for Coney Island families with children aged 2-10, providing a family-friendly environment filled with artistic and sensory fun. Each session will begin with a teacher-led circle time followed by activities centered around the theme of the ocean and ocean life. The experience will continue with sensory bins and hands-on art stations designed to spark creativity and exploration. Activities include an Icey Shark Water Station, Coral Reef Playdough Table, Seashell Exploration, and a Take-Home Art Activity where children can paint and decorate a large clamshell cutout. These stations are designed for children to explore at their own pace, offering an opportunity for independent play and discovery.
July 20, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Shooting Gallery Arts Annex, 1214 Surf Avenue

The Wizard of Oz

See L. Frank Baum’s Great American Fairy Tale adapted for Marionettes by Nicolas Coppola. (55 minutes, suggested for ages 3 and up)
Saturdays and Sundays, 12:30 pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 2:30 pm through Aug. 10
Puppetworks Inc., 338 Sixth Avenue (at 4th Street)

CREA Drop off Adventure

60-minute immersive experience that combines technology with traditional play in a sensory-rich environment. Kids are guided through interactive adventures following a light sensor pathway to each new zone. The entire environment – from floors to walls – is alive with projected wall-sized motion-controlled games, including a glowing cube puzzle challenge, a rotating rock wall, a physioball bouncing pool, and a meditation area. Kids are inspired to work together in mixed-age teams to achieve a group score.
Saturdays and Sundays noon – 6 pm, through Aug. 30
Industry City, 220 36th St

Waterfront Walks

Join Brooklyn Bridge Park docents for a free walking tour to learn about the history of the Brooklyn waterfront, Brooklyn Bridge Park’s sustainable design and ecology, and how the Park came to life! Tours last roughly 60-90 minutes and start from the entrance of Pier 1 and finish near Pier 3. Tourists and locals alike will learn new insights into the waterfront and the world-class Park.
Sundays through Oct. 26, 10:30 am
Brooklyn Bridge Park, 334 Furman St.

Kosher Wonderland at the Jewish Children’s Museum

Step into a magical world of giant treats and kosher adventures! Kids will explore kosher food and brachos through hands-on stations and whimsical scenes. This limited-time summer 2025 exhibit brings Jewish learning to life in a fairytale setting.
Through Aug. 28 (except Aug. 10), 10 am – 5 pm
Jewish Children’s Museum, 792 Eastern Pkwy.

Plan Your Family Weekend!

Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in NYC
Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in Staten Island
Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in Long Island
Things to Do with the Kids This Weekend in Westchester