June 29, 2023 By Jessica Militello Pride month is well underway and each year the celebration only seems to get bigger than the last. Western Queens has a ton of reason to celebrate with so many LGBTQ-owned businesses in the area. From delicious restaurants, to bars, and barber shops, here’s a list of places to… Read more »
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Celebrate diversity, togetherness at Astoria’s inaugural Pride Picnic in the Park Saturday
June 21, 2023 By Czarinna Andres Astoria is preparing to host its first-ever Pride Picnic in the Park, organized by Astoria Has Pride, a local pride group that champions diversity and inclusivity. The event is slated to take place at Astoria Park’s Great Lawn from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 24. The Picnic… Read more »
10 weeks of pizza heaven: New York Pizza Festival to take place in Long Island City
June 16, 2023 By Czarinna Andres The New York Pizza Festival, hosted by TF Cornerstone, Caputo’s Market & Deli and Lavazza Coffee Company, is set to take place from June 24 to Sept. 3 at The Piazza at Hunter’s Point South Park, located at 52-03 Center Blvd. in Long Island City. The 10-week event will… Read more »
Fueling LGBTQ+ business growth: 2023 Queens LGBTQ+ Business Convening coming to La Guardia Community College May 31
May 25, 2023 By Czarinna Andres The 2023 Queens LGBTQ+ Business Convening is set to bring together over 600 business professionals and entrepreneurs from across New York City at LaGuardia Community College on Wednesday, May 31. The highly anticipated event, now in its third year, aims to provide diverse workforce development opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs…. Read more »
Senate committee passes Queens lawmaker’s bill to strengthen cybersecurity
May 22, 2023 By Czarinna Andres A bill that would strengthen cybersecurity in New York state passed the Senate Internet and Technology Committee on May 22. The bill, S6474, is sponsored by Committee Chair Kristen Gonzalez. The bill would require governmental entities to use multifactor authentication (MFA) for local and remote access to networks. MFA… Read more »
“Why are you refusing to resign?” Controversial Queens Assemblymember accused of sexual assault lampooned at Community Board meeting
May 5, 2023 By Christian Murray If he thought it was business as usual—he was very much mistaken. Controversial Assemblymember Juan Ardila, who was accused earlier this year by two women of sexual assault, addressed Community Board 2 via Zoom Thursday night. He initially began by discussing his “victories” in Albany and the work he… Read more »
Nearly 1,000 runners have signed up for the annual LIC Waterfront 5K event this June
May 3, 2023 Staff Report Nearly 1,000 people have signed up to participate in this year’s LIC Waterfront 5K, with the event expected to sell out. The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC) is hosting the 8th annual rain-or-shine 5K for both runners and walkers. The event will take place on Saturday, June 3, at 9 am…. Read more »
Persona non grata: Scandal-scarred Queens Assemblymember blasted for social media posts following uninvited appearance at community event
April 26, 2023 By Christian Murray Juan Ardila, the Queens assemblymember who has been accused by two women of sexual assault and refused to step down from office, has come under fire for posting photos of himself at a community event without the permission of the attendees and the organizers. Ardila attended an Earth Day gardening… Read more »
Two cannabis shops seek licenses to open storefronts in Astoria
March 29, 2023 By Julia Moro Community Board 1 will hold a meeting Monday, April 3, to discuss the Office of Cannabis Management’s (OCM) intent to grant licenses to Blaze Astoria on Steinway Street and Urban Weeds on Ditmars Boulevard. The board received a 30-day notice regarding the licensure of the two cannabis shops set… Read more »
‘He preys on vulnerable women’: Queens Assemblyman Ardila accused of sexual assault, issues apology
March 14, 2023 By Christian Murray Freshman Assemblyman Juan Ardila, who represents western Queens, faced political fallout Tuesday after being accused of sexual assault by two women—allegations that the lawmaker did not refute when asked for comment. Ardila, who first took office in January after winning a vacant 37th District assembly seat last year, allegedly… Read more »