QNS is looking back at our top stories throughout 2024 as we look forward to 2025. In terms of crime, the borough was shaken by several high-profile murders, police shootings and drug gang takedowns, many of which shocked the entire city. Here are some of the top 2024 crime stories in Queens.

The city’s first homicide of the year went down in an Elmhurst karaoke bar

New York City’s first murder in 2024 occurred on New Year’s Day when a Manhattan bouncer stabbed two men outside an Elmhurst karaoke bar near 76th Street and Roosevelt Ave. just before 4 a.m. Torrance Holmes, 35, of Hamilton Heights, was arrested by detectives days later at his home and transported back to Queens to face justice.

Dec. 23, 2024 By Shane O’Brien

As 2024 turns into 2025, QNS is looking back on its most popular stories from each month of the year.

Dec. 23, 2024 By Athena Dawson

U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks, who represents New York’s 5th District, which covers southeast Queens and parts of Nassau County, and U.S. Representative Pete Sessions, who represents Texas’ 17th District, which covers areas including Waco and College Station, have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at alleviating financial burdens for first-time homeowners.

Dec. 20, 2024 By Emily Davenport and QNS News Team

After decades of helping New Yorkers celebrate life’s biggest moments, Party City is throwing its final party—announcing the closure of all its stores, including its last two locations in Queens.

Dec. 20, 2024 By Shane O’Brien

Governor Kathy Hochul visited Queens Center Mall in Elmhurst on Thursday, engaging with local residents amid their holiday shopping to discuss the rising cost of living in New York and to promote her proposal to deliver Inflation Reduction checks aimed at easing financial burdens for New Yorkers.

Dec. 20, 2024 By Shane O’Brien

LaGuardia Community College is inviting internationally-trained nurses living in New York City to apply for the NYC Welcome Back Center, a tuition-free program that helps nurses transition into the US healthcare sector as Registered Nurses.

Dec. 20, 2024 By sobrien

Dec. 20, 2024 By Shane O’Brien

Dec. 19, 2024 By Czarinna Andres

Dec. 19, 2024 By Jessica Militello

Hundreds of warehouse workers and drivers walked off the job and joined the picket line outside the massive DBK4 Amazon fulfillment center in Maspeth on Thursday morning as the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) launched the largest strike ever against the $2 trillion corporation in New York City, Atlanta, Southern California, San Francisco, and Illinois.

Amazon workers at other facilities across the country say they are prepared to join them to protest unfair labor practices after the IBT set a Dec. 15 deadline for Amazon to begin negotiations on a new agreement. The union was ignored.

Dec. 19, 2024 By cmotherway

Dec. 19, 2024 By Colum Motherway

Dec. 19, 2024 By Barbara Russo Lennon and QNS News Team

Queens commuters frustrated with inadequate bus service can look forward to improvements as the MTA plans to enhance service on several key routes next year. Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that the upgrades, which will impact 24 bus lines across New York City, include a significant boost for Queens riders.

Dec. 19, 2024 By Shane O’Brien

Eviction rates at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) properties have surged under the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, raising concerns about tenant protections, according to a new audit by NYC Comptroller Brad Lander.

Dec. 19, 2024 By Athena Dawson

Tap-to-pay is here to stay, and the iconic yellow MetroCards will soon be a New York City relic.

Dec. 19, 2024 By Shane O’Brien

An exhibition by celebrated artist Amanda Phingbodhipakkiya exploring objects and their connection to human existence will remain on display at Material for the Arts in Long Island City until next month.

Dec. 18, 2024 By Shane O’Brien

A Forest Hills homeowners group has filed a motion for a preliminary injunction against the operators of Forest Hills Stadium due to the “harms caused” by the yearly concert series at the stadium. 

Dec. 18, 2024 By Ethan Marshall

The average rental price in Queens for studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units maintained an upward trend from the previous year in November 2024, according to a report by the real estate firm M.N.S. Real Estate.

Dec. 18, 2024 By Barbara Russo-Lennon and Lloyd Mitchell

The MTA Board approved on Wednesday a budget plan for 2025 that includes public transportation fare hikes and toll increases slated to take effect next summer.

Dec. 18, 2024 By Athena Dawson

In the heart of Southeast Queens, one creative entrepreneur is proving that big empowerment can come in small packages.

Dec. 18, 2024 By sobrien

Dec. 18, 2024 By Shane O’Brien

Dec. 18, 2024 By Ethan Marshall

New York City has launched a housing lottery for 72 units at AURA, a 37-story mixed-use building in Long Island City.

Dec. 18, 2024 By Tracey Khan

In the heart of Queens, a story of loss, resilience, and unwavering love unfolds inside Caribbean Cabana—a beloved restaurant, bar, and lounge that has stood firm for 17 years thanks to two extraordinary sisters.

Dec. 18, 2024 By Shane O’Brien 

MoMA PS1 has received a $1 million gift for new exhibitions from the Teiger Foundation, which supports curators of contemporary visual art.

Dec. 18, 2024 By Ethan Marshall

The median rent in Northwest Queens rose year-over-year in November 2024, marking the second consecutive month to experience such an increase, while the number of lease signings and available inventory continued to climb, according to a report by the real estate firm Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Dec. 17, 2024 By Jada Camille

With a new year comes new opportunities for New Yorkers making the minimum wage.

Dec. 17, 2024 By Colum Motherway

Grab your furry friends and get ready for a night of lights, lanterns, and wagging tails.