Latest News
Racial Data Collection Law in NYC Raises Questions on Policing Practices
Despite the intention to enhance transparency and curtail racial bias in policing, the law has faced criticism from various quarters, including Mayor Eric Adams. A former NYPD sergeant, Adams has expressed concerns that the new requirements might divert officers' focus from public safety to bureaucratic record-keeping. "Police officers are forced to fill out additional paperwork rather than focus on helping New Yorkers and strengthening community bonds," Adams stated, highlighting the apprehension that the law could compromise the efficacy of police work.
Taxpayer Funded Health Care Costs Explode in New York
The amount of money Suffolk County and all New York State taxpayers paid for publicly subsidized health care and Medicaid increased at an alarming rate of 78% over the past four years, according to a new report released by the Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
Palumbo Eyes Re-election: A Commitment to Suffolk's Future
Senator Anthony H. Palumbo has announced his bid for re-election to the New York State Senate, underscoring a comprehensive legislative agenda focused on key issues such as affordable housing, public safety, bipartisan collaboration, and education funding. Palumbo, who has served the First Senatorial District following a tenure in the New York State Assembly and an initial career in the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, is poised to continue his efforts in making Suffolk County a safer and more affordable place to live.
DiNapoli Pegs New York Migrant Problem
Unsustainable spending on the migrant crisis is a serious challenge for New York as the city struggles to deal with the migrants officials invited in under their sanctuary policies, according to an assessment released by the state comptroller.
From Albany to the Border: N.Y. Republicans Push for National Guard Deployment
Amidst the escalating migrant crisis at both the southern and northern U.S. borders, New York State Republican leaders have taken a decisive stand. Assemblyman Will Barclay and Senator Rob Ortt have directly appealed to Governor Kathy Hochul, urging the New York State National Guard deployment to Texas and along the New York-Canadian border. This bold request seeks to bolster efforts to curb the illegal flow of migrants into the country, spotlighting a deepening national issue at New York's doorstep.
Rothang Appointed to Open Space Committee
The chief of staff for Suffolk Legislator James Mazzarella, Rothang previously served as executive assistant to former town supervisor Edward Romaine, who's now the county executive.
Officials Double Down on Green Energy, Urge Governor to Move on Sunrise Wind
The $700 million plan to build 90 turbines off Montauk Point and connect them to the mainland via a 123-mile cable at Smith Point is facing some headwinds due to increased construction costs. The state Public Service Commission denied a request by the project's developer, the Denmark-based firm Ørsted, to raise electric rates to cover the higher costs, and Hochul decided to put the project back out to bid.
USO PART II United Service Organization
In 1947, the USO was disbanded, due partly to lack of funds. In 1951, after the United States had entered the Korean War, Secretary of Defense George Marshall and Secretary of the Navy Francis P. Matthews requested that the USO be reactivated "to provide support for the men and women of the armed forces with help of the American people." Between 1952 and 1953, not a day went by without the USO providing services somewhere in Korea, at home or overseas. In 1952 the USO was serving 3.5 million in the armed forces using much the same methods of operation as it did in World War II.
The Housing Crisis -- Part I
That's what the "median home price" in Suffolk County had risen to—a record high—as was reported late last year based on data provided by OneKey MLS. (With a Long Island base in Farmingdale, OneKeyMLS describes itself as New York State's "largest multiple listing service" for real estate and the "ninth-largest multiple listing service" in the U.S.)
Panico's Bold Move Deserves Praise
The town council veteran outlined his plan to vastly improve the quality of life in communities such as his Mastic Beach hometown in a letter to Romaine shortly after he moved up to county executive. In what appears to be a coordinated strategy, Panico requested that the county Department of Social Services not send money to landlords for rentals that do not have town permits. These permits require inspections, and Panico went as far as offering town inspectors to assist the county in making sure rentals are up to code.
Rafay Cheema is the Rotary Student of the Month
Suffolk Legislator Jim Mazzarella joined with fellow Rotary Club members, Dr. Fred Miller and Josephine Piech, in recognizing William Floyd High School's Rafay Cheema as Rotary Student of the Month.
Jake's 58 Supports Community Events
The Boomer Esiason Foundation raises money for awareness, research, and support for the Cystic Fibrosis community. Learn more about the Boomer Esiason Foundation: https://www.esiason.org/(https://www.esiason.org/)
Suffolk County Water Authority Hosts Official Forum
Meeting at the authority's Education Center in Hauppauge, the officials engaged in crucial discussions on emerging contaminants, aging infrastructure, advanced treatment systems, lead service lines, and efforts to connect homes to the public water system.
Romaine Names Police Leadership Team
Continuing in the role as acting commissioner will be Robert Waring, who took over the department after the November departure of Rodney Harrison, the Steve Bellone administration's top cop. Romaine announced Kevin Catalina, a Suffolk Sheriff's Department undersheriff, as a deputy police commissioner, along with Belinda Alvarez-Groneman, a retired county police detective.
Brookhaven Celebrates Early Spring Prediction at Holtsville Hal's Groundhog Day Event
Among those in attendance were Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael A. Loguercio Jr., Deputy Supervisor Neil Foley, Town Clerk Kevin J. LaValle, and Daniel P. Losquadro, Superintendent of Highways. A sense of camaraderie and excitement marked the gathering as attendees eagerly awaited Holtsville Hal's forecast.
Stephanie Bontempi Spearheads New Era for Suffolk's Education & Diversity
Legislator Stephanie Bontempi has been named chair of the Education and Diversity Committee, with Legislator James Mazzarella serving as vice chair. This committee is tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, from overseeing Suffolk County Community College to managing diversity initiatives across the county.
Sachem Tobaccus, Early Land Broker
The native people did not subscribe to the concept of land ownership, the divvying up of parcels into private hands. They believed the Earth belonged to all of its inhabitants and were naïve to the intentions of the foreign settlers. This changed when the Montauk Sachem Wyandanch enlisted the help of Lord Lion Gardener to rescue his daughter from the Narragansetts, a hostile tribe from across the Long Island Sound. The Sachem sold a wide swath of land to the Englishman and began approving lots of "accommodation" to the settlers.
Historic Water Protection Plan Announced
A bipartisan coalition of elected officials, environmentalists, and business and labor leaders assembled Monday in Hauppauge to announce an "historic" plan aimed at protecting Suffolk's water resources. The strategy calls for raising the county's sales tax an eighth of a cent to fund new sewers and upgrade private cesspools.
Suffolk Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg
Previously in the majority, the Democrats in the Suffolk Legislature are led by Minority Leader Jason Richberg of the 15th District. The Wyandanch lawmaker took some time to talk about his priorities with the South Shore Press.
Daily Feed
Bo Knows Fantasy
This week, the New York Mets lost out on Kyle Tucker and quickly pivoted to Bo Bichette, and for fantasy purposes, this is an absolute win for Bichette managers and those targeting the star. You will hear talk that Bichette is switching positions, and long term that is why some teams were hesitant to commit to lengthy contracts, but for fantasy players, that should not matter at all.
Ex-Giants and Jets Wife Runs for Congress
The wife of former New York Giants and New York Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress has announced her run for New Jersey’s 9th Congressional District. Attorney and former Penn State athlete Tiffany Burress is seeking the seat currently held by Rep. Nellie Pou.
Desai is Now #1 in the Country
Smithtown East High School junior Trishna Desai delivered a historic performance recently, bowling an impressive 804 series. The milestone marked the first 800 series recorded in Suffolk County girls bowling in more than six years, a rare achievement that immediately turned heads across the county. Desai’s remarkable series featured game scores of 268, 279, and 257, showcasing consistency, power, and precision throughout the set.