News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Suffolk County Waitresses: Stop Taxing Our Tips!
The vote-getting ploys are based on electoral demographics: Biden is looking to curry favor with the college-educated, while Trump wants to portray himself as a champion of the working class.
Earth's Temperature Extremes
While we may be feeling a little uncomfortable at present, the temperatures are not as bad as the 102° record measured on Long Island in 1999 or the state high of 108° at Troy in July of 1926. It's a good thing we're not in the appropriately named Death Valley in California, where the thermometer topped out at 134° in 1913, which, by the way, is the world record.
Heat Wave Swelters Northeast
A heat dome parked over the eastern U.S. is bringing temperatures well into the 90s for over 11 million Americans in 14 states. Long Island's sea breezes are keeping things a little cooler, with the thermometer in the high 80s as heat advisories and air quality alerts are in effect.
Biden Election Order Under Scrutiny
The Administration Committee has issued subpoenas to 15 agencies within the Biden administration to determine if an Executive Order he issued to engage them in the 2024 election is unconstitutional.
Cuban Missile Crisis Evoked as Russian Warships Dock in Caribbean
In a situation that stirs up memories of the Cuban Missile Crisis during the Kennedy administration, Russia has deployed a Naval fleet to the island 90 miles from the U.S., including an armed frigate and nuclear submarine.
Fentanyl at the Jail Part 4 of a South Shore Press series on the Drug Crisis
Speaking at a recent summit designed to pressure state lawmakers to toughen up the drug laws, Sheriff Errol Toulon detailed some of the ingenious ways the contraband is disguised.
A Memory of My Dad
My dad, Michael A. Chartuk, followed in his older brother's footsteps and joined the Coast Guard in 1939. His first duty was patrolling New York Harbor and he said he was popular with the crew because he was the only one onboard who knew how to cook. He was sent to radio school and when World War ll broke out, he was dispatched to Hispaniola, an island in the Caribbean, to set up a radio station to intercept enemy messages.
Dispatch—Indonesia
Spending a lot of layover time on my journey to the Mentawais, l leafed through my passport and realized how patriotic the document really is.
Vietnam Vet Celebrates 40 Years in Engineering
Few drivers cresting over Bald Hill and viewing the stunning Vietnam Veterans Memorial towering before them are aware of the pivotal role that Stephen G. Hayduk played in making the red, white, and blue monument possible. Were it not for him, the landmark might never have been completed.
Suffolk District Attorney Overdose Team
Whenever a drug overdose happens in Suffolk County, a special team swoops in to see if illegal drugs were involved and apprehend the dealer so no one else falls victim.
Reporter Travels 12,000 Miles in Search of the Perfect Wave
Intrepid South Shore Press reporter Robert Chartuk traveled to Indonesia in search of the perfect wave. Here's his dispatch from the southern hemisphere.
Summer Solstice Festival
The Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, occurred on June 20. The celestial milestone was celebrated in Bellport at the Center for Environmental Discovery (CEED), which hosted a Summer Solstice Festival over the weekend.
Gilgo Murder Suspect Accused in Two More Deaths
The accused killer in the infamous Gilgo murders, architect Rex Heuermann, has been charged in the deaths of two more women, bringing the total to six in an investigation that unearthed clues dating back three decades.
Cultures on Display in Patchogue Village
Patchogue Village came alive with music, dancing, and vibrant cultural displays as thousands gathered to celebrate the 3rd Annual Hispanic Cultural Heritage Parade. Organized by Village Trustee Lizbeth Carrillo, the event highlighted Hispanic culture and served as a showcase for the variety of businesses in the area.
Suffolk Mental Health Videos
"Mental and behavioral health knows no boundaries and affects everybody regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, and profession," said County Executive Edward Romaine. "In Suffolk County, we are fully committed to providing our employees with the resources not only to do their jobs effectively but to live a prosperous life. Through this initiative, we want to remove the stigmas and stereotypes associated with mental health."
Human Face of Drug Epidemic at Fentanyl Summit
Organized by Suffolk District Attorney Raymond Tierney, the summit put a human face on the carnage wreaked by the fentanyl coming over the open southern border in a massive drug trade operated by Mexican cartels. An American dies every five seconds from the drugs, and law enforcement has intercepted enough of them to kill every American many times over.
Daily Feed
Smithtown's Marcus Wertheim Leads Team Australia
Former Smithtown lacrosse standout Marcus Wertheim is dominating on the world stage. The Smithtown alumnus, who currently attends Brown University, led all players at the Super Sixes tournament, delivering an elite performance against international competition.
Sachem's Coach Mercurio Elected to Lacrosse Board
Congratulations to Sachem Athletic Hall of Famer Rick Mercurio, who was elected to the World Lacrosse Board of Directors during the organization’s 2025 General Assembly. Mercurio fills one of two open Strategic Director positions, marking another significant milestone in his distinguished career in the sport.
LaFontaine Heads to the Isles Hall
Pat LaFontaine’s plaque has officially been added to the Islanders Hall of Fame wall, placing him among some of the most legendary figures in franchise history. The former star forward was inducted into the Ring of Honor at UBS Arena, becoming the 17th member to receive the prestigious distinction.