News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Collectors Clamoring for Trump Portrait by Local Artist
Artist Elaine Thompson has done it again, winning rave reviews and hot sales of her new work, "Trump—The Party of Lincoln." She's created stunning portraits of Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, and John F. Kennedy, and expects to soon sell out 2,500 limited edition prints of the 45th president.
Cash Aplenty in Congressional Races
Running for Congress gets more expensive with every campaign, and local candidates have been raking in the cash to compete.
Easy Path for Non-Citizens to Vote in New York
If you want to vote in the upcoming election and can't prove you're a U.S. citizen, no worries: they'll take your word for it.
Prop 1 Opposition Growing
Momentum is growing against a seemingly innocuous proposition on the November ballot that promises to give equal rights to all but, upon further review, will allow for a host of consequences many find undesirable. 
Suffolk is Trump Country Say 7-11 Patriots
Judging by the displays springing up along local highways and front yards, Suffolk is Trump Country. One such demonstration appears nearly every day on William Floyd Parkway, staged by a group going by the name of 7-11 Patriots Corner.
Some TLC for Historic Headstones From Local Scout
Dating back to the American Revolution, the historic cemetery at the Manor of St. George is looking better thanks to the hard work of a local scout.
Upgrade for Volunteer Firefighters Museum
Volunteer firefighters have been serving Long Island for decades and have a museum dedicated to them in Ridge, a facility that was recently upgraded thanks to state and town grants. 
Stunning Ecological Discovery in Stony Brook
The collapse of Stony Brook's Harbor Road dam and the draining of the centuries-old Mill Pond may have uncovered a previously unknown amphibian species, a discovery that has sent ripples of excitement through the environmental community.
Park Fee Fiasco at Smith Point
The handling of the fees people pay at Smith Point Park in Shirley has been lax, according to the county Comptroller, who singled out cash drawers that consistently had discrepancies.
$8.2 Million Down the Drain in Suffolk Billing Bungle
Suffolk taxpayers are out $8.2 million from the county's failure to bill for services provided at methadone and mental health clinics, according to a recent report by Comptroller John Kennedy.
Meet the Women of Distinction
An impressive group of Suffolk residents were recognized as Women of Distinction at a recent ceremony in Medford. Organized by state Assemblyman Joe DeStefano, the event included Congressman Andrew Garbarino, Senator Dean Murray, Legislators Dominick Thorne, Nick Caracappa, and Chad Lennon, and Brookhaven Town Council Members Mike Loguercio and Karen Dunne Kesnig. The annual ceremony demonstrates the dedication and commitment of the women who go above and beyond in service to their communities. 
Trump Announces 'Operation Aurora' to Eradicate Illegal Alien Criminal Gangs, Promises to 'Liberate America'
Named after a Colorado town besieged by Venezuelan gang members who entered the country illegally, former President Donald Trump announced "Operation Aurora," a plan to arrest and deport them through the power of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
Poll Shows Trump Ahead, What Voters Think
When it comes to polling, you can count on one side or the other to put out results favorable to their candidates. This strategy can drive partisans to the polls if they think their favorite is losing or keep them home if it looks like they have it in the bag.
Veteran Services Information List
The recent Vet Fest featured a number of organizations offering services to veterans, including suicide prevention, nutrition, housing, education, wellness, and more. Here is a list of resources available to all who served our country.
Steamfitter Janet Powers Honored
Friends, union leaders, and supporters from across Long Island came together recently to honor Janet Powers for her decades-long career in standing up for the men and women of organized labor. She is a champion of the middle class, according to her proponents, who helped set the standard for decent wages and benefits for the hard-working people of New York.
Host of Issues Aired at Pattersquash Civic Meeting
A host of issues were aired at the regular meeting of the Pattersquash Civic Association, including squatters, speeding, and Sunrise Wind, which has started the installation of a 17-mile transmission cable through the heart of the community.
Brookhaven Goes Digital with Land Use Applications
Property owners looking to file land use applications can save a trip to town hall under a digitization program put in place by Brookhaven Clerk Kevin LaValle.
Local Officials Red Hot After 'Fast and Furious' Incident
Local officials came out in force in response to a town-wide "Fast and Furious" incident that threatened motorists and left a young woman severely injured.
Stunning Renovation of the Tiana Life-Saving Station
It was the place of the sentries charged with searching the sea for ships gone asunder on Eastern Long Island's treacherous shoals. It was manned by an all-African-American crew and was the home of the famous Neptune Beach Club. Now, the Tiana Life Saving Station in East Quogue is nearing the completion of a stunning restoration that returns the 1912 monument to its historic glory.
Daily Feed
Push on for Tier 6 Pension Reform
Fix Tier 6 is the rallying cry in Albany as Albany works through the legislative session.
Free Trees in the Town of Brookhaven
On Arbor Day (Friday, April 25), the Town of Brookhaven will hold its annual tree seedling, mulch, and compost giveaway in the South Parking Lot of Brookhaven Town Hall, located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville from 1:00-6:00 p.m.
Doctor sues New York homeowners' association for religious discrimination and harassment, seeks over $1 million in damages
A first responder and medical doctor is embroiled in a legal battle against his homeowners' association, alleging discrimination and harassment based on his religion.