By Celia Bernhardt | cbernhardt@queensledger.com New York Solidarity Network, a 501(c)(4) founded in 2021 to support pro-Israel candidates for New York’s state legislature, was gifted $200,000 from Keenan Lantz — a figure in the network of disgraced crypto-mogul-turned-fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried. Top officials from the group seem to be financially cozy with Lantz in multiple ways, according to documents from 2022.  NYSN is back in the news after New York Focus reported that the newly-registered Solidarity PAC, set to spend in New York’s Democratic state legislature primaries, is operated ..read more

By MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@queensledger.com A diverse group of volunteers gathered on April 20 for an Earth Day cleanup event along the future site of the QueensWay park, organized by Trust for Public Land, Friends of the QueensWay, NYC Parks, and Councilmember Schulman. Credit: Mohamed Farghaly. In a collective effort to revitalize a neglected part of Queens, a diverse group of volunteers joined forces on April 20 for an Earth Day cleanup event along the future site of the QueensWay park. Organized by Trust for Public Land, Friends of the QueensWay, NYC Parks, and Councilmember Schulman ..read more

By MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@queensledger.com Northwell Health has transformed Glendale’s former Shiro of Japan space into a healthcare hub, unveiling the Northwell Health Physician Partners at Glendale within Atlas Park. Courtesy Northwell Health. In a stride towards accessible and comprehensive healthcare, Northwell Health has repurposed the former Shiro of Japan space at Atlas Park into a healthcare hub, officially unveiling the Northwell Health Physician Partners at Glendale.  Now located within Atlas Park at 80-40 Cooper Ave Suite 4204, Glendale, the multi-specialty practice marks ..read more

By MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@queensledger.com Customers and community members rally behind Nick’s Bistro, signing petitions and voicing support to preserve its outdoor dining structure, emphasizing its significance as a beloved community hub and dining destination. Credit: Mohamed Farghaly. In a move set to reshape the city’s culinary landscape, new seasonal regulations pose a dire threat to the flourishing al fresco dining scene, leaving restaurateurs and patrons alike reeling. Passed by the City Council in August, the legislation allows for year-round sidewalk seating but deals a heavy bl ..read more

MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@queensledger.com Thousands flocked to the Grand Avenue Street Fair held on April 27, spanning from 69th St to 72nd St and proudly sponsored by the Maspeth Chamber of Commerce. Families and children reveled in the diverse array of attractions the fair had to offer. From fun rides and engaging games to captivating arts and crafts, vibrant live music performances, delectable food stalls, and enlightening informational booths, there was something for everyone.  Children delighted in winning prizes and taking home goldfish, while adults seized the opportunity to acq ..read more

Courtesy Woodside on the Move Woodside on the Move, a community-focused organization, recently conducted a successful food distribution event in Astoria, serving nearly 200 meals to residents in need.   MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@queensledger.com Woodside on the Move, a longstanding organization dedicated to community enrichment, recently hosted a successful food distribution event in collaboration with local partners. The event, which took place in Astoria, served nearly 200 meals to residents in need, highlighting the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting the community. The f ..read more

Queens Ledger Staff Queens DA announces indictment of Glendale resident for fatally stabbing girlfriend at Maspeth tavern; suspect arraigned on murder charges as domestic violence concerns persist in NYC. Marcin Pieciak, a 36-year-old resident of Glendale, was indicted on charges of murder and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with the fatal stabbing of his girlfriend, Sarah McNally, at a Maspeth tavern in March, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced. McNally, a 41-year-old bartender, was tragically killed during the incident at Ceili House Bar, where she was working at ..read more

Mohamed Farghaly Principal Keri-Ann Wade-Donohue leads efforts to reverse declining enrollment and fundraising shortfalls, emphasizing the school’s legacy of academic excellence and Christian values. MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@queensledger.com The St. Matthias Catholic Academy in Ridgewood is facing a critical juncture in its 114-year history as financial woes threaten its existence. With the specter of closure looming over St. Matthias, the Ridgewood community rallies behind desperate efforts to stave off the shutdown of the cherished neighborhood institution. The announcement of the school ..read more

Department of Transportation Ydanis Rodriguez, NYC DOT Commissioner, announces the launch of the Pollinator Port Project during Earth Week, highlighting the city’s commitment to supporting native bee populations. By MOHAMED FARGHALY mfarghaly@queensledger.com In a bid to bolster urban biodiversity and support at-risk native bee populations, the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), in collaboration with The Horticultural Society of New York (The Hort) and Rutgers University, has launched the Pollinator Port Project. Unveiled during Earth Week, this initiative aims to create ha ..read more

US Representative Gregory Meeks speaks about the important to private and public partnerships. Credit: Jean Brannum By Jean Brannum | jbrannum@queensledger.com On the walk from the Air Train to Terminal Five, visitors at JFK Airport can get a glimpse of the upcoming new Terminal Six. At this point, you won’t see or hear much except a steady banging sound and a dusty construction sight surrounded by a chain-link fence. But in Building 111, a crowd of business executives, investors, and community leaders celebrated the $2.3 billion in contracts for Minority-and-Women-Owned Business Enterprises ..read more