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Residents Voice Concern Over Shirley Mosque Plan
A chief concern of residents speaking out against a Shirley mosque at a zoning hearing last week is the building is too large for the proposed site, while supporters, many from the Islaamic Center of Mastic-Shirley, said they welcome the 13,500-square-foot facility as an asset to the community.
Romaine Announces Police Promotions, Adds 24 Detectives
Keeping Suffolk safe is the stated goal of officials gathered at police headquarters in Yaphank Thursday to announce the promotion of 24 officers to detective and a number of leadership changes.
U.S. Vetoes U.N. Cease-Fire Resolution Amidst Gaza Crisis
In a pivotal moment at the United Nations Security Council, the United States cast a controversial veto against an Arab-backed resolution calling for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The move, which marks the third U.S. veto of such resolutions, has ignited a global debate over the diplomatic response to a crisis that has claimed approximately 1,200 lives and left 250 individuals hostage since it began on October 7.
Ukraine Enters the Third Year of War: Balancing Act with Western Support
As Ukraine enters its third year of conflict, the battleground extends far beyond its borders, intertwining with the complex tapestry of global geopolitics. Beyond the physical skirmishes on Ukrainian soil, the war's trajectory is increasingly shaped in Western capitals and diplomatic corridors. The resilience of Ukrainian forces, grappling with ammunition shortages and strategic setbacks, now hinges heavily on the support it garners from the Western world.
Capital One's $35.3 Billion Gamble on Discover
In the intricate dance of finance and technology, Capital One has unveiled a masterstroke, a $35.3 billion acquisition of Discover Financial, a bold move echoing through the corridors of Wall Street and rippling across the landscape of digital payments. If successful, this monumental deal would not only position Capital One as the largest credit card company by loans, surpassing even JPMorgan, but it would also secure its spot as the third-largest by purchase volume.
Vaccine Safety Scrutinized: A Call for Transparency and Accountability in America
In a pivotal hearing titled "Assessing America's Vaccine Safety Systems, Part 1," the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic highlighted critical deficiencies in the nation's vaccine safety reporting and injury compensation systems post-COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Representatives from key government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), testified, revealing alarming gaps in the existing systems and sparking urgent calls for reform.
Navigating Legal Waters: Trump's Legal Landscape Ahead of Potential 2024 Rematch with Biden
In the aftermath of Donald J. Trump's presidency, a significant subplot has emerged - a complex web of legal challenges that could shape the narrative of his post-presidential life. The Federal January 6 Case is at the forefront, a high-stakes inquiry into Trump's alleged endeavors to overturn the 2020 election and the subsequent Capitol riot. Special counsel Jack Smith has spearheaded this federal investigation, resulting in Trump's indictment on four charges, including conspiracy and obstruction. As this case inches closer to trial, the legal spotlight on Trump intensifies.
Romance or Recusal? Controversial Testimonies Cast Doubt on DA Fani Willis' Trump Indictment
A disqualification hearing has taken an unexpected turn in the unfolding legal drama surrounding Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her pursuit of charges against former President Donald Trump. Judge Scott McAfee is now grappling with the intricate details of a case that accuses Trump and his allies of trying to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results, complicated by allegations of a romantic entanglement between Willis and her special prosecutor, Nathan Wade.
Dollars and Chips: The Controversial Move Behind Biden's Tech Investment
The Biden administration's recent announcement of a $1.5 billion investment in GlobalFoundries, a semiconductor company, under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act has raised eyebrows, prompting skepticism about the administration's efforts to bolster domestic chip production. The move marks the third direct financial support for a semiconductor company. It forms part of the broader initiative allocating over $52 billion to rejuvenate computer chip manufacturing in the United States.
San Francisco's Bold Move: Noncitizen Elections Commissioner Stirs National Debate
Wing Kwan (Kelly) Wong, a 28-year-old Chinese immigrant from Hong Kong, was recently sworn in as the newest member of San Francisco's Elections Commission. This has sparked debates over allowing noncitizens to hold such crucial positions. Despite being a non-U.S. citizen, Wong is tasked with shaping policies for the city's elections. Critics have raised concerns that she will not be able to vote in the elections she will influence. This has drawn backlash from conservative circles. Republican U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt expressed disbelief on Fox Business, emphasizing the perceived disregard for national borders by those supporting such appointments. The controversy has also spilled onto social media, with posts critical of Wong gaining traction. Conservative commentators have seized the opportunity to frame Wong as emblematic of open borders and a potential national security threat. This has deepened concerns about the influence of noncitizens in U.S. politics. Wong arrived in the U.S. for graduate school at T
Historic Legal Battle Unfolds: Federal Jury to Decide Fate in Transgender Hate Crime
In a pivotal legal showdown unfolding in Columbia, a federal jury is set to determine the outcome of a landmark hate crime case, marking a historic moment in the pursuit of justice for transgender individuals. The trial centers around Daqua Lameek Ritter, accused of killing a Black transgender woman known as Dime Doe in court documents back in August 2019.
Illegal Entry, Tragic Outcome: UGA Murder Puts Spotlight on Immigration Challenges
In a devastating incident that unfolded on the University of Georgia (UGA) campus, the suspect in the murder of 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley has been identified as 26-year-old Venezuelan national Jose Antonio Ibarra, confirmed to be in the United States as an illegal migrant. This tragic event has sparked renewed conversations about the implications of the Biden administration's catch-and-release policy, with critics linking it to instances of violence involving individuals residing in the country without legal status.
Trump Triumphs in South Carolina as Haley's $76.4M Gamble Falls Short
In a pivotal moment, Donald Trump clinched a decisive victory in the South Carolina primary, securing his third consecutive win in the early Republican contests for the 2024 presidential race. Trump's commanding 59.8% of the vote and 451,905 votes underscored his enduring influence, earning him 47 delegates.
Hochul Poll Numbers Sink Across NYS
New York State Assemblyman Doug Smith is the ranking Republican on the Education Committee in Albany. He's heard from plenty of angry parents, PTA members, teachers, administrators, and stakeholders on Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed cuts to education funding.
2024 Community Medicaid Update
For 2024, an individual applying for Community Medicaid can have no more than $31,175 in assets, excluding the home if the equity is less than $1,071,000. Tax-deferred assets, otherwise known as qualified accounts, such as IRAs or 401(K)s, are exempt, so long as the applicant is taking minimum distributions. The amount of the distribution required by Medicaid will vary based on the applicant's county of residence. Regardless, the full amount of the distribution will be counted towards the monthly income. The 2024 Community Medicaid monthly income allowance is $1,732 per month (plus an additional $20 for being blind, aged, or disabled). However, do not be discouraged from applying from the program if you have excess income as applicants with income that exceeds this limit can still be eligible.
Praise for Departing Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr.
In covering thousands of government officials in Suffolk County as a journalist here for more than 60 years, Thiele has been at the top.
The Knicks are Dangerous
The Knicks sit in 4th place in the Eastern Conference standings and are within shouting distance of 3rd place and second is not too far away. They have been excellent at home and have one of the best defenses in the NBA. What is so impressive about this team though is that they are young and exciting. While the Celtics and Bucks have their mega stars, the Knicks are playing like a true team.
William Floyd Dominates at Section XI State Qualifiers
Joshua Jordan was the Suffolk County champion in the 55-meter dash – running a personal best time of 6.44! Joshua's record-setting time stacks up with some of the best runners in the state. Head coach Ed Noll said he is very confident heading into the state meet and expects to have a podium finish. Congratulations, Joshua!
Smithtown Fire Department reinstates Blue Line Flag after community feedback
The Board of Fire Commissioners, alongside the Chiefs Office, has decided to reverse its earlier decision to remove the Blue Line Flag from a rescue truck.
Smithtown Fire Department replaces Blue Line Flag with American Flag
On February 2, 2021, the Smithtown Fire Department received a notification from Newsday about a complaint regarding a Blue Line Flag placed on their rescue truck.
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Stay Melo: HOF Knicks Star Plugs Cannabis Brand in Farmingdale
Strain Stars will welcome the perennial All-Star on Saturday, April 19th for 1-3 p.m. meet and greets.
Who Will Run Against Hochul for Governor of New York?
The South Shore Press had a conversation with New York State Conservative Party Chair, Gerry Kassar on his thoughts who might be considering a race for the Governor’s office from the Republican/Conservative side of the race.
Greenport brewery founder on Reggae Fest: 'a kickoff of summer'
Greenport Harbor Brewing Co. in Peconic is planning a bigger-than-ever Reggae Fest for Saturday, May 3, with top acts and plenty of craft brews.