Feb. 1, 2024 By Bill Parry Three New Jersey men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for kidnapping and viciously torturing an Astoria man in a 2022 extortion attempt. Jarrett Bruce, 40, of Englewood, N.J. was arrested on Thursday, one day after Aasim Boone, 41, also of Englewood, was taken into custody by… Read more »
Feb. 1, 2024 By admin Feb. 1, 2024 By Shane O’Brien The Long Island City Partnership (LICP) launched its annual Lunar New Year business festival Wednesday at the newly-opened Red Sorghum restaurant on Jackson Avenue. The event marks the beginning of a month-long LIC Lunar New Year celebration honoring the area’s rapidly growing Asian population and saluting the Year of the Dragon. More than 80 local businesses will take part in the festival, which will take place throughout the month of February. Council Member Julie Won, NYC Small Business Services Commissioner Kevin Kim, Chinese Cultural Center Executive Director Ying Yen,… Read more »
Jan. 31, 2024 Op-ed by: Richard Khuzami The Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA) is thrilled at the prospect of transforming Hallett’s Point Playground located at the westernmost tip of Queens, into a vibrant community hub, bustling with activity, laughter, and friendly competition. We propose the addition of a pickleball court, a move that aligns with the… Read more »
Jan. 30, 2024 By Iryna Shkurhan A political newcomer from Astoria announced last week that he is running to represent western Queens in the state assembly—drawing a swift rebuke from incumbent Zohran Mamdani. Steven T. Beard, in an extensive declaration on X, outlined his vision for the 36th District in an almost 4,000-word post that… Read more »
Jan. 26, 2024 By Ethan Marshall Musician and Astoria native Melanie Safka, best known for her hit songs “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain)” and “Brand New Key,” died Tuesday at the age of 76, her family said in a statement on Facebook. Better known by her stage name “Melanie,” she was among those who… Read more »
Jan. 26, 2024 By admin Jan. 26, 2024 By Czarinna Andres Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas and advocates held a rally in Corona Plaza Thursday to draw attention to legislation that she has introduced, that aims to provide assistance to non-citizen victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and torture. The bill, which is being called the New… Read more »
Jan. 26, 2024 By admin Jan. 26, 2024 By Czarinna Andres The Long Island City Partnership (LICP) is about to kick off its month-long Lunar New Year celebrations, marking the third year of this festive tradition. As Long Island City is recognized for its rapidly growing Asian community, LICP is dedicated to showcasing the area’s… Read more »
Jan. 24, 2024 By admin Jan. 24, 2024 By Czarinna Andres The Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC), a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the waterfront parks in Long Island City, has been awarded two grants totaling $35,636 to enhance Gantry Plaza State Park. The first grant, announced earlier this month, is for $10,625 and will… Read more »
Jan. 23, 2024 By Maxwell Murray A new fitness center has just arrived in Long Island City, centered on holistic exercise goals, community, and charity. The Trinity gym, located on 11th Street by 44th Avenue, is owned by Irish immigrants Seamus Keane, 34, and John Collins, 36, born out of an idea and an… Read more »
Jan. 23. 2024 By Iryna Shkurhan A former professional boxer, who’s won dozens of brawls in Ireland and New York, opened a new boxing gym in Astoria earlier this month. Donal Ward, the owner and gym’s only trainer, wanted to bring a first of its kind boxing gym to his neighborhood. But the move to… Read more »