News by Deborah Williams
News by Deborah Williams on South Shore Press
WFHS Senior Nominated for Prestigious U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
Victoria Basharina, a senior at William Floyd High School, has been selected as one of just 25 New York State nominees for the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who represent excellence in education and the promise of greatness in the leaders of tomorrow.
Suffolk County Legislature Organizes for 2025
The Suffolk County Legislature held its annual Organizational Meeting, where Presiding Officer Kevin J. McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) and Deputy Presiding Officer Steven Flotteron (R-West Islip) were unanimously re-elected.
Suffolk County Wins Millions in State Regional Economic Development Awards
Empire State Development (ESD) announced more than $11 million has been awarded to support over 100 economic development projects through three programs during Round XIV of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative.
Hochul Unveils Free School Lunch and Breakfast Program
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a free breakfast and lunch program for more than 2.7 million students in New York.
Upcoming (French) Horn Festival Celebrates 20th Anniversary
More than 100 Suffolk County students will perform at the 20th Annual Day of (French) Horn Festival. Student musicians from Suffolk County schools will join together to celebrate the unique instrument - the French Horn.
Not the First Brush With Death for Suffolk County Police Officer
Officer Gallagher is no stranger to on-the-job danger and serious injury. Just two years ago, Gallagher was being released from the Stony Brook University Hospital after being stabbed while responding to a call about an argument between roommates.
NY’s Reparations Commission Blew Millions of Dollars, Wants Millions More
New York’s Community Commission on Reparations Remedies has asked for more time and money from the legislature to study and complete a report on the impacts of slavery and systemic racism.
Hochul Proposes Tripling of the Child Tax Credit
Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed tripling the Child Tax Credit for children under four years old and doubling the average tax credit for all families. Hochul released the proposal in advance of her upcoming State of the State 2025 address.
NYS to Ban Toll Evaders From the Thruway
There are 570 miles of NYS Thruway between Buffalo and New York City and if you are a serial toll evader get ready to be banned – maybe even have your vehicle impounded.
Rules For Thee, But Not For Me – Hochul Racks Up Private Plane Miles
Governor Kathy Hochul racked up a boatload of private plane miles while at the same time issuing dictates to average New Yorkers that they should not, and even cannot, use fossil fuels themselves.
Republican Senators say, ”Wait a minute” on Hochul Rebate Plan
The refund would return about $3 billion to New York taxpayers in direct payments to around 8.6 million New York taxpayers statewide in 2025. Those eligible would receive payments of $300 to single taxpayers who make up to $150,000 per year, and a payment of $500 for joint tax filers making up to $300,000 per year.
Automatic Voter Registration in New York is Coming - Two Years Late
What is AVR? AVR takes the individual’s decision to register to vote out of their hands and gives state agencies the mandate to register you to vote. This means that if you interact with the Department of Motor Vehicles, state social service agencies, or SUNY you will be registered to vote unless you specifically opt-out at that time.
Cuomo Lashes out at Congestion Pricing
Now Cuomo is knocking the incredibly unpopular Congestion tax as he looks to make a political comeback and run for Mayor of New York City. Now that it suits his political path,
Get Help to Stop Smoking in 2025
Suffolk County wants to help you stop smoking and it won’t cost you a cent. The program begins on January 9th. The county’s smoking cessation program is a seven-week course that uses a comprehensive approach to the treatment of tobacco product dependence. All cessation groups and programs are supervised by a nurse practitioner, and services are provided to residents at no cost.
New Down-Payment Assistance for First Time Homebuyers in New York
The awards will help low—and moderate-income homeowners make their homes safe and accessible and provide down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers.
New York Reacts to the Death of President Jimmy Carter
People from across the country and the globe shared their condolences for the family and their gratitude for his service to the nation in the Navy, as Governor of Georgia, President of the United States, and perhaps most fondly as what many call ‘The Best Ex-President Ever”.
Musk Calls for Hochul to be Recalled Over Subway Safety Posts
Musk took to the social media platform he owns, Twitter/X, and demanded that New York voters “recall” Hochul and remove her from office.
Looking forward to 2025
I also look forward to January 20th and the inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States. These last four years have been rough on us, many people we know, and for our country as a whole, and that has created a lot of daily stress we didn’t always recognize. After the election, when a sigh of relief was had, the realization of the effects of a failed presidency were apparent. A sense of relief and optimism took hold and our mood shifted.
National Fuel Gas Hikes Rates to Comply with New York’s Green New Deal
The New York Public Service Commission (PSC) approved National Fuel Gas's request to increase its base delivery rates and charges for gas service effective Jan. 1, 2025. Under the agreement, National Fuel cannot request any further increases to its base delivery rates before Oct. 1, 2027.
Hochul Doubles Down on New York’s Green New Deal Laws
New York plans to collect $75 billion over twenty-five years for climate change adaptation from what they say are ‘the parties most responsible for causing the climate crisis - big oil and gas companies’. The bill was carried by Democrats Senator Liz Krueger and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz.
Video Vault
Daily Feed
Repavement Project Underway at Blydenburgh County Park
“This project has really been 30 years overdue,” said Legislator Lesie Kennedy.
Letters to the Editor: Library Trustees Thank Taxpayers for Victories
I’m deeply grateful to the residents of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Library District for approving the library budget, as well as for re-electing me.
State Mandated Safe Boating Courses Coming Up
Long Islanders out on the water are looking to stay safe this summer.