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Ben Brown's Big Debut
Ben Brown was as good as advertised as he made his major league debut this past week, and that comes as no surprise for anyone who watched him excel at Ward Melville just a few years ago. Brown was just what the doctor ordered, or in this case what his head coach Craig Counsell needed. After blowing an eight run lead the night before, Brown shut down the San Diego Padres in his first big-league start for 4 2/3 shutout innings at Petco Park. The Padres managed just three hits, one walk and struck out five times against the East Setauket native.
Spallina is Splendid
Senior day is always a special time for players and coaches alike, but this season there was a little extra something special for the Stony Brook women's lacrosse team. Head coach Joe Spallina won his 200th game as head coach of the SeaWolves, and doing it on senior day was just the icing on the cake. Spallina led the Stony Brook women's lacrosse to a decisive victory over Delaware, 17-4. The Seawolves were led by Kaitlyn Clark, who scored a career-high seven goals, six of which came in the first half of play.
Trump Earns Hall of Fame Endorsement
The greatest closer of all time just closed all speculation about who he will be supporting for president. Ex-Yankee Mariano Rivera told radio host Sid Rosenberg that he will be backing Donald Trump for president.
The Ducks Will Honor Our Heroes
The Long Island Ducks are bringing back one of their most cherished traditions this season. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, in partnership with Legislator Nick Caracappa, the Long Island Ducks, Flagstar Bank and the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, announced the return of the Heroes of the Game program for the 2024 season to honor local veterans and active-duty personnel.
Ducks Adds International Flavor
The Long Island Ducks are still adding to their roster as opening day closes in. This week the Ducks added some international flavor to the roster when they signed first baseman Rixon Wingrove and catcher Aaron Antonini. Wingrove hails from Australia while Antonini is originally from Venezuela. While both players are entering their first season with the Ducks they are not new to professional baseball. WIngrove has five seasons under his belt while Antonini will be starting his fifth.
Triumph in the Skies: Israel's Resilience and Biden's Diplomatic Dilemma
In a spectacle of technological prowess and unwavering resolve, Israel showcased its formidable air defense systems by thwarting an unprecedented onslaught from Iran. The skies over Israel became a battleground of interceptors and missiles, with the Israeli military successfully neutralizing 99% of the more than 300 drones and missiles launched toward its territory.
Top Priority for Congress: Send Another $60 Billion to Ukraine
Consider this: A billion dollars is a thousand millions. President Joe Biden wants Congress to approve sending Ukraine $60 billion more in U.S. taxpayer dollars to fight Russia. That's 60,000 millions. And this is on top of the $125 billion we already sent them.
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.
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Former Islander Makes Indoor Hockey Fun
Students at Charles E. Walters Elementary received a special visit this week when former New York Islanders star Benoît Hogue stopped by to support the Islanders Floorball program, bringing plenty of excitement and hockey spirit with him.