News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
Baby Animal Day at the Suffolk County Farm
Youngsters and their folks got to see a real farm in action at a recent open house at the Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank. It was a sunny Saturday for visitors strolling among agricultural exhibits, food trucks, and all kinds of activities, including a hay ride around the spacious grounds.
College Anti-Semitism Act Blocked by State Democrats
Republicans rallied in Albany to push for a bill that would combat anti-Semitism on college campuses, a measure blocked by state Democrats.
Suffolk Water Authority Wins Drinking Water Contest
The best water in the county comes from the Suffolk Water Authority, according to 240 participants in last week's drinking water contest at Farmingdale State College. Sponsored by the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC), the 36th Annual Drinking Water Tasting Contest featured dozens of public providers in a blind taste test.
Nationwide Honors for Teacher Lisa Navarra
Nationwide honors for her excellence in education have been bestowed on Nissequogue teacher Lisa Navarra, the first-place winner of a Teacher's Federal Credit Union grant.
Historic Manor of St. George Open for the Season
Historic Manor of St. George Open for the Season
Cross Biden, Face the Justice Department
What do U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, New York Mayor Eric Adams, and now indicted Rep. Henry Cuellar have in common? They all questioned the policies of fellow Democrat Joe Biden and found themselves in the crosshairs of the Justice Department.
Peaceful Activities at Suffolk Community College
While pro-Palestine demonstrations were breaking out at Stony Brook University and other colleges across the country, Suffolk Community College staff and students were taking a different approach, holding peaceful activities meant to bring people together.
Blow to Trump Florida Case
One leg of the Democrat lawfare against former President Donald Trump suffered a blow this week when the federal judge overseeing the classified records case in Florida declined to set a trial date and called for hearings on a series of motions made by Trump and his co-defendants.
Buffet Says Tax Hike Inevitable
"They may decide that someday they don't want the fiscal deficit to be this large because that has some important consequences," Buffet said of the nation's policymakers. "So they may not want to decrease spending, and they may decide they'll take a larger percentage of what we own, and we'll pay it."
Operation Smoke Out Nets Vape Arrests
Suffolk shops selling vape products to minors found out how seriously county officials take such offenses as "Operation Smoke Out," which led to a crackdown that netted 3,000 illegal devices and the arrest of four merchants. Of the 53 establishments recently checked by police, 30% were found to have broken the law in what officials said was the second-largest confiscation of vapes in county history.
House Report Details Biden Censorship
The consequences of the Biden White House coercing media companies to suppress news were "disastrous" to the country, according to a report released by the House Judiciary Committee. "From unnecessary extended school closures to unconstitutional vaccine mandates that forced workers to take a newly developed vaccine or risk losing their jobs, the Biden Administration and other officials needlessly imposed harm and suffering on Americans across the country," the report states.
State Boost for Journalism
Journalism in New York, the media capital of the world, will get a $30 million boost under a first-of-its-kind measure approved in the state budget providing tax credits to cover up to half of a reporter's salary. Aimed at helping publishers build up their newsroom and retain staff, the credits will cover up to $50,000 of a journalist's pay every year.
Hochul Attempts Cannabis Rollout Cleanup
Looking to clean up the mess caused by her administration's botched rollout of legal cannabis, Gov. Kathy Hochul pushed through measures in her budget that give the state and local municipalities more power to crack down on the thousands of illegal weed shops that have sprung up across the state.
Katherine Ann Cavanaugh (Eberhard), 84
Long-time East Moriches resident Katherine Ann Cavanaugh (Eberhard) passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side on April 24 at the age of 84.
Thousands of Suffolk Students Turn Out for Police Week
"We have opened our doors to give students of all ages an up-close look at police operations," said Department Commissioner Robert Waring. They were introduced to the ins and outs of a law enforcement career, viewed the workings of a mock crime scene, and took part in demonstrations about distracted and impaired driving. High schoolers also participated in mock car stops to learn what they should do when stopped by the police.
Lawsuit Challenges Law Lumping Elections on Same Day
An Albany initiative that rankled suburban officials–holding federal, state, county, and local elections all on the same day–is the subject of a lawsuit brought by Long Island municipal leaders. The measure is seen as a heavy-handed move by the Democrats to make inroads into suburban elections that trend toward the GOP.
Penn Station Improvements
Commuters exiting Penn Station will experience a more welcome streetscape thanks to $65 million in upgrades planned for the 114-year-old station. A major hub for Long Island riders, the upgrades will include new sidewalks, trees, flowers, and granite pavers, the owner of the property, Vornado Realty Trust, announced.
Lawsuit Challenges Law Lumping Elections on Same Day
"We write to urgently call for action to address the migrant crisis that continues to unfold at the southern border of the United States," wrote the president of the New York Association of Counties, Daniel P. McCoy, the Albany County executive.
Murder Charges Leveled in Babylon Body Parts case.
Arrested for second-degree murder were Alexis Nieves, 33, and Jeffrey Mackey, 38. They were occupants of an Amityville home where evidence of the gruesome dismemberment of Malcolm Brown, 53, and Donna R. Conneely, 59, both of Yonkers, took place, according to Tierney. 
New Suffolk Social Services Director
Suffolk’s beleaguered Department of Social Services will have a new commissioner under the Romaine administration, a former Nassau County social services veteran who pledges to bring a “new era” to the agency.
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.