Happy Monday. After the sunny skies and multi-colored rainbow fun of PRIDE weekend, we’ve arrived at a very gray start to the week. Today will have cloudy skies and most likely some very heavy rain! However, the rest of the week will be sunny… so we’ve just got to get through Monday!

It’s time to get out and vote again. If you’ve not already made an early vote — your day is tomorrow (Tuesday). W42ST asked the Democratic primary candidates competing to represent the 75th District, covering Hell’s Kitchen, in the New York State Assembly to share their West Side Stories. You can read about Layla Law-Gisiko, Chris LeBron and Tony Simone — the fourth candidate, Harison Marks, did not respond to our request.

Layla Law-Gisiko
Layla Law-Gisiko during a break at Sergimmo Salumeria on 9th Avenue.
Chris LeBron The Gaf
Chris LeBron at one of his favorite local bars, The Gaf.
Tony Simone
Tony Simone’s official campaign photo.

What we’ve been reading

The Governor’s Penn Station plans face opposition from local businesses and bars. (New York Post)

What landlords say behind closed doors about New York real estate. (Curbed)

New York Public Library wants to know your fave summer read! 📚 🕶 🏖 ☀ (NYPL)

For the time being, the masks will be staying on at this New York theater. (New York Times)

The history of the New York loft, from industry to artists to luxury. (Bloomberg)

Freeze Frame

Susan Magnano Luminescent Portraits PRIDE

The weekend started with Hell’s Kitchen photographer Susan Magnano painting the rainbow with her Luminescent Portraits of the Deep Playas PRIDE Ride participants. We plan to run Susan’s West Side Story soon with details of how she creates these stunning images.


Thank you for your readership. If you can support our ongoing work to keep Hell’s Kitchen connected, updated and upbeat in 2022 — please hit the button below.