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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.
Smithtown Fire Department mourns loss of Ex-Chief Richard Keller
The Smithtown Fire Department has announced the passing of Ex-Chief Richard Keller.
Army Corps to Update Home Raising Plan
Mastic Peninsula residents will get an update this spring on a federal effort to raise homes in the floodplain, the area that was inundated during Hurricane Sandy and the two coastal storms last month, according to the program's sponsor, the Army Corps of Engineers.
Grand Marshal Named for St. Patrick's Parade
The Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will march down Main Street in Center Moriches on March 10, with George Keller serving as Grand Marshal. sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches, the popular parade is in its 20th year.
Over in the Meadow
Editor's Note: Wadsworth was the pen name of Katherine "Kitty" Floyd Dana, 1835-1886, a great-granddaughter of William Floyd, signer of the Declaration of Independence. She lived in Old Mastic at the fabled Moss Lots estate where she worked as an artist and poet. This is one of her nursery rhyme counting poems.
Mastic's Moss Lots and the Dana Family
Forge River in Mastic was the setting for a great mansion known as Moss Lots, built in 1883 by William "Buck" Dana, husband of a great-granddaughter of William Floyd, the noted Patriot who signed the Declaration of Independence.
Panico Champions Reforms and Cutting Red Tape
In a bid to cut bureaucratic red tape and enhance the efficiency of local processes, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico is spearheading transformative reforms. The proposed changes aim to simplify the accessory apartment registration process and streamline planning procedures, heralding a more resident-friendly and responsive governance approach.
New Starbucks Planned for Shirley
The 1,800-square-foot coffee shop will be built near the Montauk Highway entrance of the center, which is also home to Applebees, Harbor Freight, and Aldi's supermarket. The new building is permitted by town code on the commercial property, and the developers, Damianos Realty Group, are looking to secure site plan approval for the construction. It will be the subject of a Brookhaven Town Planning Board hearing on February 21.
Shirley Mosque on Zoning Board Agenda
The center is requesting a rear yard variance of 25 feet, which will put the house of worship 35 closer to the adjoining property than allowed by town code. The applicant is also seeking approval for a six-foot high fence in the front of the property, as well as larger-than-permitted signage. They would also like to place the sign closer to the parkway than currently allowed.
Monumental Moment in Suffolk Environmental History
The first was a bipartisan gathering of elected officials, along with Long Island's environmental, business, and labor leaders, to restate our support of green energy and to urge Gov. Hochul to keep the Sunrise Wind project on track. This $700 million effort will provide massive benefits to our region. It will bring clean, renewable energy for more than 600,000 homes, hundreds of jobs, and millions of dollars in training and operational programs.
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Easter 2026: Hope and Joy in the Risen Christ
This Easter Sunday, Easter Octave, Divine Mercy Sunday and Easter Season we continue to pray and contemplate our Lord’s Resurrection appearances, and we give thanks for Pope Leo XIV and his worldwide spirit of Catholic mission.