Brooklyn's Weekly Roundup: Ferry Suspended, Family Summit, and More

From icy waterways to a new family leadership event, here's the latest community news from Brooklyn.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 3:07pm

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This week in Brooklyn saw the suspension of NYC Ferry service due to icy conditions, the inaugural BKLYN Family Leadership Summit, the discovery of a body in the Gowanus Canal, the debut of a new public art installation in the former Downtown Brooklyn Macy's, an update on the city's most expensive neighborhoods, and a lawsuit against St. Ann's School over alleged sexual harassment. The community also celebrated a free baby and toddler event called TODDLERTOPIA at Atlantic Terminal Mall.

Why it matters

These stories highlight the diverse issues and events impacting Brooklyn residents, from transportation challenges and public safety concerns to the evolving real estate landscape and efforts to bring the community together through cultural and family-focused initiatives. The coverage provides a comprehensive look at the week's most significant local news.

The details

NYC Ferry service was suspended due to icy conditions in the city's waterways, though the larger Staten Island Ferry continued operating on a normal schedule. A body was pulled from the Gowanus Canal on Thursday afternoon. In the former Downtown Brooklyn Macy's building, a new public art installation called "In Every Transition, a Pattern" debuted, featuring light patterns reflecting sounds captured on Fulton Mall. The annual report on New York City's most expensive neighborhoods revealed that Brooklyn's median sale price rose 6% to $867,000, with Cobble Hill ranking as the borough's priciest area. Two teenage girls also filed a lawsuit against St. Ann's School and a former teacher over alleged sexual harassment and the distribution of explicit images.

  • On Thursday, January 30, a body was pulled from the icy Gowanus Canal around 2:45pm.
  • NYC Ferry service has been suspended due to icy conditions in the city's waterways, though the Staten Island Ferry is running on a normal weekday schedule.

The players

Antonio Reynoso

The Brooklyn Borough President who gave opening remarks at the inaugural BKLYN Family Leadership Summit.

Winston Nguyen

A former teacher at St. Ann's School who pleaded guilty to enticing middle schoolers to send nude photos while posing as a peer on social media.

Ryan Edwards

The artist from the Boston-based Masary Studios who was commissioned by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership to create the public artwork "In Every Transition, a Pattern" in the former Macy's building on Fulton Mall.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.