Most beauty queen contestants keep their pageant answers pretty boring (well, not everyone—remember Carrie Prejean?), but not us New Yorkers! Nope, at least one of the ladies vying for the Miss New York crown has some rather eyebrow-raising thoughts about who she'd like to dine with. Meet 21-year-old Washington Heights student Merlix Ventura, who's competing at this weekend's pageant. more ›

It's one thing to have a party at home with drinks and dancing. But it's another thing to charge guests for entrance at your home basement nightclub. Newsday reports that Long Beach police, who were investigating a noise complaint, found 30 people inside—and 20 people outside—of Julissa and Joseph Naraine's home. Paying a fee would allow folks to enjoy music, dancing, a DJ and a buffet at the Naraines'. The couple, who "claimed the parties help pay for his daughter to perform in beauty pageants," now face charges related to violating zoning, building and alcohol laws. We hope Cafe Disco in Scranton, Pennsylvania isn't shut down! more ›

After a 16-year absence from the beauty pageant circuit, Miss Brooklyn returned this year -- which meant that maybe, just maybe, a Brooklynite would become Miss New York, or even Miss America. more ›