# A Williamsburg Wine Bar Revolution

![Baba on Withers](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/6772e004bdbffe236f705d9f/Copy-of-Baba-Event-NYC-Nov--7--2024-24/1960x0.jpg?fit=scale)

**BABA on Withers**, a female-owned wine bar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, is redefining the neighborhood bar experience.  Founded by New York City native Gabriella Mann, BABA offers a unique blend of natural wines, inventive cocktails, and a menu inspired by the flavors of Marseilles, France.

## A Community Hub

Mann's vision is to create inclusive, welcoming spaces.  The bar's atmosphere, with mirrored ceilings and a heated garden, encourages both intimate gatherings and lively celebrations.  Chef Jay Rodriguez's menu features fresh, bold flavors and shareable dishes, further fostering a sense of community.

![Baba on Withers Interior](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/677595829f94b2ef7f199cb5/Copy-of-Baba-Event-NYC-Nov--7--2024-126/0x0.jpg?fit=scale)

## Sustainability and Innovation

BABA prioritizes sustainability through initiatives like wine on tap to reduce waste and a "Yesterday's Wine" happy hour featuring opened bottles.  The rotating wine list and creative cocktails ensure variety and excitement.

## Gabriella Mann's Vision

Mann emphasizes the importance of human connection and creating an authentic space for the community.  She shares her journey as a female founder in the hospitality industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities she's encountered.

![Baba on Withers Exterior](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/6775969383f939776f23c7b3/Copy-of-Baba-Event-NYC-Nov--7--2024-41/1960x0.jpg?fit=scale)

## Future Plans

BABA plans to continue building community through pop-up events and collaborations, including a weekly vinyl DJ series called "OPEN Decks".  The space is also available for private events, making it a versatile venue for celebrations.

[Visit BABA on Withers Website](https://www.babaonwithers.com/)

The Brooklyn, New York wine bar features a wine, cocktail, and food menu inspired by the French city of Marseilles.

NYC's Hottest New Wine Bar: A Williamsburg Gem Redefining Community

## Hochul Holds Double-Digit Lead as Election Day Nears

With just weeks until **Election Day on Nov. 3**, a new **Marist Poll** reveals **Gov. Kathy Hochul** leading Republican challenger **Bruce Blakeman** by **11 points** among registered voters. The poll, conducted Thursday through Sunday, shows Hochul with **53%** support compared to Blakeman's **42%**.

This latest survey echoes recent findings from **Siena Poll** and **Quinnipiac Poll**, which had Hochul leading by **9 and 19 points**, respectively. The consistent advantage suggests a strong position for the incumbent as the campaign enters its final stretch.

## Hochul Touts Achievements, Blakeman Focuses on Crime

Gov. Hochul, leveraging the powers of incumbency, was in New York City on Wednesday to highlight the success of a pilot program that installed **fare evasion doors** in 20 subway stations. According to Hochul, the program led to a **35% drop** in riders skipping out on paying.

"Now, based on the results in this pilot, already we know that this will save ratepayers, taxpayers nearly **$100 million per year** that otherwise was stolen in fares," Hochul said. The good news for subway riders: **70 more stations** will get the doors by the end of next year, with the MTA aiming to outfit all **472 stations** eventually.

Meanwhile, Blakeman campaigned in **Queens** along **Roosevelt Avenue**, an area he says is plagued by **brazen shoplifting** and **unchecked prostitution**. He blamed Hochul for the rise of gangs like **Tren de Aragua**, **MS-13**, and the **18th Street Gang**, citing policies such as **cashless bail**, **Raise the Age**, and the **HALT Act**.

"These people are preying on our communities, and Kathy Hochul is responsible," Blakeman said. He promised change if elected, resonating with some residents. One New Yorker expressed fear: "Some residents stay away from shopping from Roosevelt Avenue out of fear. I do not know what the governor or the mayor is doing, but it's clearly not working. As a woman, I can say none of us feel safe."

## Trump Factor Looms Large

Blakeman is hoping that an appearance with **President Trump** in **Syracuse** on Friday will boost his campaign. However, the president's job approval rating in New York is **underwater**: only **38%** of New Yorkers approve of his performance, while **60%** disapprove. This could prove to be a double-edged sword for Blakeman, as he seeks to energize his base without alienating moderate voters.

As the race heats up, all eyes will be on the candidates' final pushes before Nov. 3.

With the clocking ticking down to Election Day on Nov. 3, a new poll in the New York governor's race has Gov. Kathy Hochul with a double-digit lead over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman.

Hochul Dominates: New Poll Shows 11-Point Lead Over Blakeman in NY Governor Race

**NEW YORK** – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced the appointment of **Christopher Watler** as Chair of the **Board of Correction (BOC)**, the independent body responsible for overseeing the City’s jail system. Watler will lead the Board as the Mamdani administration works to improve conditions for people in custody and the staff who serve them, strengthen accountability across the jail system and finally close Rikers Island.

Interim Chair **Felipe Franco** will continue serving as a member of the BOC.

Watler has dedicated his career to fighting for a more equitable criminal legal system. Most recently, he served as Executive Vice President of the **Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO)**, where he led efforts to connect people returning from incarceration with employment opportunities and reentry services.

The BOC is charged with establishing and ensuring compliance with minimum standards governing conditions of confinement, correctional health and mental health care in all City correctional facilities.

> “Christopher Watler has spent his career helping New Yorkers navigate a criminal legal system that too often fails to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. He understands that community safety and justice go hand in hand, and that means improving conditions for people in custody, supporting the staff who care for them and finally closing Rikers Island. I am confident he will lead the Board of Correction with integrity and an unwavering commitment to that work,” said **Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani**. “I also want to thank Felipe Franco for his leadership during this period of transition. Because of his service, the Board continued its essential work without interruption.”

> “I am honored by this appointment and deeply grateful to the Mayor for entrusting me with this position,” said **Christopher Watler, incoming Chair of the Board of Correction**. “For too long, the people under care in our jails have been denied the dignity, safety and justice that the law promises and our conscience demands. This great city is my home and the people incarcerated in our jails are our neighbors, sons and daughters. Like every New Yorker, they deserve the same access to justice, health care, jobs and housing that we all want. In this position, I look forward to working with my colleagues on the board, the dedicated BOC staff, NYC DOCs leadership, union leaders, advocates, City Council, the Correctional Health Services Team, Remediation Manager, Federal Monitor and other partners to ensure the safety and humane treatment of the people held in the city’s care and the safety of our staff and partners working in the jails.”

> “We have set this agency on a course to improve conditions for all who live and work in our jails and the Board of Correction is a vital partner in fulfilling that mission,” said **New York City Correction Commissioner Stanley Richards**. “Chair Watler brings a wealth of experience that makes him exceptionally well-suited for this role, and we look forward to working with him.”

> “The Board of Correction is critical to our shared goal of oversight and reform in New York City's jails.” said **Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams**. “The task ahead is immense, and I look forward to working with incoming Chair Watler to faithfully implement reforms like Local Law 42, expand transparency and accountability, and protect people on both sides of the bars as we reject failing practices and build systems that deliver justice and progress.”

## About Christopher Watler

Christopher Watler is a nonprofit leader who has dedicated his career to fighting for a more equitable criminal legal system.

As Executive Vice President of CEO, Watler oversees efforts to build and promote reentry and diversion programs in more than 30 cities across the country. He previously served as Executive Director of CEO’s New York State program, where he led efforts to connect recently incarcerated New Yorkers with job opportunities and supportive services.

Before joining CEO, Watler spent more than two decades at the **Center for Justice Innovation**, where he developed reentry and diversion programs for young people and adults, as well as eviction prevention programs for housing court litigants.

Watler is a graduate of the **State University of New York at Purchase**, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science, and **John Jay College**, where he received a master’s degree in public administration. A native New Yorker and the proud son of Jamaican and Honduran immigrants, Watler lives in **Bedford-Stuyvesant** with his family.

> “Chris’ appointment signals an opportunity to strengthen accountability, protect human dignity, and give communities most affected by incarceration a meaningful role in shaping the future of corrections in New York City. His willingness to listen, build relationships, and work alongside community organizations is essential to earning trust and advancing change,” said **Andre Ward, Executive Director Institute for Justice and Opportunity, John Jay College**. “At John Jay’s Institute for Justice and Opportunity, we know that safer communities require access to education, meaningful employment, housing, and support. At this moment, the Board of Correction needs leadership that can bring people together while remaining firm about the rights and safety of people held at Rikers. Chris brings the collaborative approach this work demands, and we look forward to working with him to turn those shared priorities into tangible improvements for justice impacted New Yorkers.”

> "The appointment of Chris Watler as the Chair of the New York City Board of Corrections is an inspired choice by Mayor Mamdani. At a moment when the City has committed to closing Rikers Island, shrinking the size of the jail system, improving conditions for those incarcerated as well as the staff who work in these facilities and, in a few years, opening smaller and more modern borough based jails, the oversight from the Board of Corrections has never been more important and meaningful as it is right now," said **Michael Jacobson, Director of CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance**. "Chris has spent his entire professional career, whether in his current role of Executive Vice President of the Center for Employment Opportunities where he has served for over a decade or his varied experience at the Center for Justice Innovation for over two decades, improving our systems of justice and the lives of those impacted by those systems. Chris has been one of New York City’s leaders in creating and scaling reentry programs, neighborhood-based community justice and mediation centers, and specialized courts that are designed to help and divert young people out of the criminal justice system. In all those jobs Chris has worked with the courts, the New York State prison and parole agencies and the New York City Department of Corrections. He is intimately familiar with how these systems operate, both formally and informally-knowledge that will serve him well as the Chair of this oversight and investigations agency whose mission is to help create and support safer, fairer, smaller, and more humane NYC jails. The entirety of Chris’s professional career and the unwavering respect he has from those he has helped as well as from community leaders, judges, advocates, government, nonprofit and elected officials all combine to make him the ideal choice for this important job especially at this historical moment.”

> “I'm pleased to see the appointment of Chris Watler as Chair of the NYC Board of Corrections,” said **Jonathan McLean, Chief Executive Officer of CASES**. “Chris is a leader in work to shrink our criminal legal system and ensure accountability for all system actors. His skill at building partnerships and leading collaboratively makes him a strong choice for this role.”

> “The Interfaith Center of New York welcomes the appointment of Chris Watler as Chair of the NYC Board of Corrections. It is good news for all New Yorkers: for the faith-based and community organizers who have labored for decades to support returning citizens; for the tireless advocates who have sought a safer, more equitable city that includes the closing of Rikers Island and opening of Borough Based Jails and mental health facilities; and for the justice-impacted individuals and their families for whom successful reentry into the community has been far too difficult,” said **Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer Executive Director, The Interfaith Center of New York**. “His whole career, Chris has fought for meaningful employment, training, and wraparound supports for people returning home from incarceration. His appointment as Chair of the Board of Corrections is a hopeful sign for a more transparent, humane, and fair corrections system and a new day in the City of New York.”

> “Legal Action Center applauds the appointment of Christopher Walter as Chair of the Board of Correction. Chris has been a tremendous advocate for holistic and just reentry for New Yorkers returning from incarceration. His tireless commitment to making New York a safer city by investing in human potential and ensuring that people with conviction histories have the resources they need to find and retain meaningful employment will be a powerful asset as he provides oversight of the conditions in our city jails. We look forward to working with Chris in this new role and to advancing a safer, more just New York together,” said **Megan French-Marcelin, Vice President of New York State Policy at the Legal Action Center**.

###

NEW YORK – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today announced the appointment of Christopher Watler as Chair of the Board of Correction (BOC), the independent body responsible for overseeing the City’s jail system. Watler will lead the Board as the Mamdani administration works to improve conditions for people in custody and the staff who serve them, strengthen accountability across the jail system and finally close Rikers Island.

Mayor Mamdani Taps Criminal Justice Reformer Christopher Watler to Lead NYC Jail Oversight Board

Governor Kathy Hochul has officially declared a **state disaster emergency** in New York as the state grapples with a growing measles outbreak. The declaration comes after the New York State Department of Health confirmed **108 measles cases** this year, with the vast majority occurring outside of New York City.

### Expanding Healthcare Access

To combat the spread more effectively, Hochul’s executive order significantly broadens who can administer vaccines and order tests. The new measures allow:

*   **Paramedics**, **advanced EMS providers**, **pharmacists**, and **midwives** to administer measles vaccines.
*   **Nurses** (in addition to physicians) to order measles testing.

These steps are designed to accelerate response times and increase accessibility for residents in affected areas.

"After reviewing the latest data on measles cases in New York State, I am declaring a State Disaster Emergency to strengthen our ongoing efforts to confront this disease," Hochul stated. "No one should get seriously ill or die from a vaccine-preventable disease."

### Outbreak Details and Response

The outbreak is heavily concentrated in rural communities. Since July 15, **92 cases** have been reported across **18 counties**, primarily among under-immunized populations. In response, local health departments have already administered over **1,000 doses** of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

To help the public track the situation, the state has launched a **Measles Dashboard**, allowing officials and citizens to monitor case counts and local health risks in real-time.

### Understanding the Risk

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that spreads through the air via coughs or sneezes, and potentially through contaminated surfaces. Serious complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling, hospitalization, and death. Those at highest risk include:

*   Unvaccinated individuals
*   Pregnant people
*   Children under 12 months
*   People with compromised immune systems

Symptoms to watch for include **high fever**, **rash**, **runny nose**, **cough**, and **red eyes**. Health officials urge all New Yorkers to verify their vaccination status and ensure they are up to date on their MMR shots. If symptoms appear, individuals should contact their healthcare provider before visiting a facility to prevent further transmission.

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency as New York reported 108 confirmed measles cases this year. The order expands who can administer vaccines and order testing.

NY Declares Measles Emergency: 108 Cases Spark Expanded Vaccine Access

The fast-rising dance-pop sensation **Slayyyter** proved why she is currently dominating the music scene with a powerhouse performance at the final North American stop of her **Wor$t Girl in the World Tour**. On October 3, 2026, the Missouri-born star took over **Terminal 5** and the following night, **Brooklyn Paramount**, delivering a show that was as visually stunning as it was sonically explosive.

Backed by a tight band and dressed in iconic costumes, Slayyyter brought the **electro-punk-meets-nu-metal** energy of her breakthrough album, *Wor$t Girl in America*, to life. The setlist featured all 14 tracks from the album, plus exclusive previews of her upcoming "brother album," *Wor$t Man in America*. She also performed her remix of Turnstile’s "Birds" and the unreleased hit "Broke B—h Freestyle."

### 5 Best Moments From the NYC Show

**1. An Immersive Trailer Park Aesthetic**
The stage design transported the sold-out crowd into a **Midwest gothic fantasia**. Upon entering, fans were greeted by a house set complete with a front door, porch, and cross, alongside plastic armchairs and red coolers emblazoned with her logo. The band even played atop a blue pickup truck, creating a unique, immersive atmosphere that perfectly matched the tour's theme.

**2. The Crowd-Surfing Remix of "Birds"**
Slayyyter’s decision to include her version of Turnstile’s "Birds" was a masterstroke. Knowing her audience’s tastes, she created a moment of pure unity as the crowd sang along to the lyrics. This choice highlighted the overlap between her fanbase and the punk-rock community, proving her versatility and deep connection with listeners.

**3. Couture That Tells a Story**
Her costume changes were not just fashion statements but narrative devices. Kicking off the show in a black leotard with bunny ears and a giant blue ribbon, she leaned into the **Bunny Man character** central to her new era. Outfits ranged from an "I LOVE NYYYC" cap to a vintage Vegas showgirl bodysuit, all tailored to enhance the secondhand glamour aesthetic of the *Wor$t Girl/Man* universe.

**4. Sneak Peeks Into *Wor$t Man in America***
The energy peaked when Slayyyter teased unreleased material. She debuted three tracks from her upcoming project: **"Nekromantic," "Hymn,"** and **"I Think He’s Got a Girl."** Fans, known for their dedication, sang along to these brand-new songs, making the live premiere feel intimate and special.

**5. A Full-Circle Encore**
The night concluded with a powerful back-to-back performance of **"Brand New Chanel$"** and **"Beat Up Chanel$"**. These two tracks bookend her career evolution, offering distinct tones while tracing her artistic growth. Ending on these defining hits provided a nostalgic and satisfying close to the North American leg of the tour.

With the North American leg concluded, Slayyyter heads to Europe, starting in Paris on October 18 and concluding in London on November 5.

Billboard ranks the best moments of Slayyyter's Worst Girl in the World Tour stop at Brooklyn Paramount in New York. Read the full show review.

Slayyyter’s Brooklyn Finale: 5 Unmissable Moments From The Worst Girl In The World Tour

Governor Kathy Hochul has officially declared a **state disaster emergency** in response to a significant surge in **measles cases** across rural New York and neighboring states. This executive order, issued on Monday, is designed to empower the state to respond swiftly to the outbreak and facilitate broader vaccination efforts for healthcare professionals.

The urgency of this declaration stems from alarming data: as of Saturday, there have been **seven confirmed cases in New York City** and **101 cases statewide**. However, the epicenter of the crisis lies in under-immunized rural areas. Since mid-July, **92 cases** have erupted across **18 counties**, with **Otsego County** in Central New York reporting the highest number of infections at 20 since January.

This move underscores the highly contagious nature of measles and the critical need for immediate public health intervention to protect vulnerable populations.

Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency on Monday after a surge in measles cases across rural New York and nearby states.

NY Declares Disaster Emergency as Measles Cases Surge in Rural Communities

## Liverpool, New York: A Small Village with a Big Heart

**Liverpool**, a roughly one-square-mile village near Syracuse with about **2,600 residents**, has been named **Reader’s Digest’s Nicest Place in America for 2026**. The magazine announced the honor in a story late last month, showcasing a community whose generosity travels well beyond its streets.

![Bench overlooking the Seneca River in Liverpool, New York](https://media.timeout.com/images/106454776/750/422/image.jpg)

*Photograph: Shutterstock | Bench overlooking the Seneca River in Liverpool, New York*

New York has a reputation for many things. Being aggressively *nice* isn’t usually near the top of the list. But one tiny Upstate village has apparently been too busy building wheelchair ramps, donating shoes and helping its neighbors to worry about that.

**RECOMMENDED:** [NYC is among the happiest cities in the world—yes, we're shocked, too](https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/nyc-is-among-the-happiest-cities-in-the-world-yes-were-shocked-too-050725)

The annual contest, which launched in 2017, recognizes people making a difference in their communities. Readers submit nominations, which the magazine’s editorial team vets with help from a judging panel. This year’s judges included *Today* co-anchor **Craig Melvin** and *Tuesdays with Morrie* author **Mitch Albom**.

## Operation Northern Comfort: Building Accessibility and Hope

Liverpool’s case for the crown starts with **Operation Northern Comfort**. Founded in 2005 as Operation Southern Comfort, the nonprofit initially sent Central New York volunteers to Louisiana to help communities rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. In 2012, it adopted its current name and turned those construction skills toward projects closer to home.

Today, volunteers primarily build **ramps and lifts** for residents with accessibility challenges. The organization completed **57 projects in 2025**, while its annual crawfish festival in Syracuse’s Clinton Square raised **$40,000** this year.

## Ralph Rotella: The Shoe Drive Hero

Then there’s Liverpool resident **Ralph Rotella**, who runs Discount Shoe Repair in downtown Syracuse. His shoe drive collected more than **45,000 pairs in 2025**, bringing its total since 2011 to **300,000**. The shoes go to the **Syracuse Rescue Mission** to help people who need them.

## St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church: A Helping Hand

*Reader’s Digest* also highlighted the congregation at **St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church**, whose support helped a woman experiencing homelessness connect with an outreach organization and eventually move into an apartment.

## Small-Town Charm and Everyday Kindness

The village has plenty of small-town appeal, too: **Onondaga Lake Park**, the longtime hot dog destination **Heid’s of Liverpool** and businesses with names like **Knitty Gritty** and **Dead Ends**.

But the most convincing endorsement might be the everyday relationship between neighbors **Simone McCarthy** and **Raiss Muya**. She brings his family meals and groceries; he rebuilt a snow-damaged fence that protected her driveway.

McCarthy’s advice, as she told *Reader’s Digest*: **“Just save your block.”**

Come for the hot dogs and lake views; leave with a few ideas for being a better neighbor.

Liverpool’s 2,600 residents have built a big reputation for lending a hand—and Reader’s Digest took notice.

NYC's Hottest New Wine Bar: A Williamsburg Gem Redefining Community

A Williamsburg Wine Bar Revolution

A Community Hub

Sustainability and Innovation

Gabriella Mann's Vision

Future Plans

Comments · 0

NewYorkNews.app

NYC's Hottest New Wine Bar: A Williamsburg Gem Redefining Community

A Williamsburg Wine Bar Revolution

A Community Hub

Sustainability and Innovation

Gabriella Mann's Vision

Future Plans

Comments · 0

Get the top stories by email

NewYorkNews.app