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Funding Flows: Inside New York's Surprising Financial Shift with Federal Funds
In a momentous financial shift, New York State has recently found itself in an unprecedented position: receiving more financial aid from Washington than it contributes, primarily due to the infusion of historic federal pandemic relief funds. This substantial change in New York's financial dynamics, as revealed in a detailed analysis by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2022, is a significant departure from the state's traditional role as a net contributor to the federal treasury.
Hochul's Housing Hiccup: $400M for 1,100 Homes Raises Concerns
Governor Kathy Hochul's recent allocation of $412 million towards affordable housing initiatives across New York has ignited a heated debate and intense scrutiny. The initiative, which aims to create and preserve nearly 1,100 affordable homes, has come under fire for its allocation disparities in various regions. This controversy has raised significant questions about the responsible use of taxpayer funds.
Senator Dean Murray, Long Time Capitol Voice
If there's anyone who knows the way around the state Capitol, it's Dean Murray, a Senator who's also served separate terms in the Assembly. The East Patchogue resident has been the area's voice in Albany since 2010 and stands at the forefront of every critical issue that affects Long Island.
Three Clowns in a Room: State Budget Circus Continues
New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar perfectly summed up the dysfunction better known as passing an on-time budget in Albany, when he called the secretive, closed door process as "budget shenanigans."
Public Sector Pays As Hochul Hauls in Millions
Public service sure is paying off for New York Governor Kathy Hochul and her husband Bill. Full disclosure, I know both personally.
Smithtown Fire Department elects new chief and assistant chiefs
On Thursday, April 8th, 2021, the Smithtown Fire Department conducted its annual elections for officers as required by state law.
Smithtown Fire Department conducts remote elections amid social distancing
A historic election took place at Smithtown Fire Department's headquarters and online on Thursday, April 9, 2020.
Hope for Calm: Israel's Move to Withdraw Troops from Gaza
Amidst ongoing conflict and international pressure, Israel has taken a significant step towards easing tensions in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military has announced the withdrawal of most ground troops from Gaza, marking a pivotal moment in the region's volatile landscape.
Border Riot Fallout: Judge's Decisions Under Fire Amidst Immigration Debate
The aftermath of a border breach incident in El Paso has ignited a legal and public discourse surrounding immigration policies, law enforcement responses, and judicial decisions. The incident, which occurred on March 21 at a border gate along the Rio Grande, involved a group of approximately 1,000 migrants attempting to breach the gate and enter the United States illegally. Among them, nine migrants were singled out as the main instigators and assailants who assaulted Texas National Guard members.
Battle for Fairness: Trump's Recusal Bid Casts Doubt on Legal Neutrality
In a high-stakes legal maneuver, just before the hush-money criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, scheduled to commence on April 15, his legal team has petitioned Manhattan Judge Juan M. Merchan to recuse himself from the case. This request, based on concerns of potential bias and conflict of interest, is a strategic move by Trump's attorneys, Todd Blanche and Emil Bove, who are revisiting longstanding grievances against the judge.
Tesla's Bumpy Ride: Are Green Energy Dreams Facing Reality?
The electric vehicle (EV) industry, often touted as the future of transportation and a cornerstone of green energy initiatives, faces notable challenges, as exemplified by Tesla's recent first-quarter performance.
The Wage War: Unintended Consequences of Rising Minimum Wages
As California and New York move forward with their progressive minimum wage policies aimed at bolstering the livelihoods of low-wage workers, a closer examination reveals a complex tapestry of economic impacts that are not without their challenges. The recent surge in minimum wage rates, notably California's implementation of a $20-an-hour minimum wage for fast-food workers, has triggered a cascade of concerns, including job losses, increased costs, and potential economic imbalances. These imbalances could have far-reaching effects on the overall economic health of these states, a cause for concern for all stakeholders.
Hunter Biden's Legal Saga: A HighStakes Battle Amid Tax Charges
In a legal battle that has captured national attention, Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, faces a daunting challenge as U.S. District Judge Mark Scarsi denied motions to dismiss tax charges against him. The ruling has sparked discussions about potential corruption and political influence, echoing past cases involving prominent figures.
Fair Lending Fiasco: Judge Puts Brakes on Biden's Regulatory Overreach
In a momentous turn of events, a federal judge has put a halt to the Biden administration's endeavor to expand fair lending rules, effectively curbing what critics have labeled as regulatory overreach. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk on March 29, has found that the government's interpretation diverges from the law, sparking a contentious legal battle over lending regulations.
Nebraska Senator Mike McDonnell Switches to Republican Amidst Party Conflict
In a dramatic turn of events at the State Capitol in Omaha, Senator Mike McDonnell has officially registered as a Republican, departing from his decades-long affiliation with the Nebraska Democratic Party. McDonnell's decision to switch sides has ignited controversy and shed light on internal conflicts within the Democratic ranks.
RNC Chair Michael Whatley Stands Firm on Election Integrity in Ballot Dispute
A recent ruling by a federal appeals panel regarding Pennsylvania's mail-in ballots has ignited a legal battle with significant implications for election integrity. The decision, poised to reach the U.S. Supreme Court, centers on undated or incorrectly dated mail-in ballots, raising questions about voting eligibility and the need for stricter regulations to prevent potential voter fraud.
Shouldering the Cost: Who Will Foot the Bill for Hochul's Green Agenda?
In the corridors of power in New York, a fierce debate is underway. The state is grappling with the financial realities of Governor Kathy Hochul's ambitious green energy agenda. This discourse is not just fueled by environmental aspirations but also by mounting concerns over the economic burden and public backlash. The key players in this debate are the Governor's administration, environmental advocates, and critics of the state's climate policies.
Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry Opens Rocky Point Office
It is now possible to get a complete set of permanent teeth in one day, thanks to the new state-of-the-art Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry office in Rocky Point.
A TOTAL ECLIPSE IN SUFFOLK
Drawn together by the moon and their sun, the inhabitants of Earth stood united during one special moment Monday to witness the cosmic spectacle of a solar eclipse. People of all ages, races, and philosophies communed in a joyous spirit as they peered skyward to take in the rare event at locations across America.
Brookhaven Town to Launch Innovative Farmers Market Initiative
The Town of Brookhaven is poised to introduce a dynamic farmers' market initiative to cultivate community engagement and bolster local agriculture. Championed by the Town Board, this visionary project aims to unite residents, local farmers, and businesses to celebrate fresh produce and community spirit.
Daily Feed
The King is Back in the South Shore Press
The legendary Long Island journalist Karl Grossman’s latest column.
Don't Expect Bregman to Pay Off
This week, one of the bigger names in the free agency cycle signed with the Chicago Cubs, and fantasy managers everywhere sighed. Usually, anyone heading to Wrigley Field is viewed as a positive, but for Alex Bregman, more information has emerged suggesting this move could spell trouble for his fantasy outlook. Bregman is a right-handed pull hitter who previously played in two of the more favorable home parks for that profile in Houston and Boston. Both parks feature short left-field dimensions that reward pulled fly balls and help inflate power numbers.
Futures Bettors Will Be Smiling
The College Football Championship is set, and it pits two of the more unlikely teams against each other. Indiana may have the largest living alumni base in the country, with more than 800,000 graduates, but few expected the Hoosiers to reach this stage. They feature zero five-star recruits and have instead relied on depth, discipline, and consistency while dominating all season long.