News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
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.
Blydenburgh Park
Protecting the headwaters of the Nissequogue River, which meanders north on its way to the Long Island Sound, is Blydenburgh Park, a 627-acre preserve in Smithtown offering visitors panoramic views of Stump Pond, miles of trails, and a wide array of cultural and recreational activities.
Suffolk Officials Push Volunteer Responder Bills
Looking to make it easier for local fire departments and ambulance services to recruit and retain volunteers, Suffolk officials called on the state legislature to pass a package of bills to benefit first responders.
Macy's Drop Off Causes Migrant Stir
Dozens of passengers getting off a bus in front of Macy's in Hampton Bays caused a Social Media stir among many families fearing they were illegal immigrants.
Casino Cash Cow for Islandia
Speaking before a group of more than 100 dignitaries kicking off the construction of the 111,000-square-foot facility was former state Senator Phil Boyle, president and chief executive officer of the casino's operator, Off Track Betting. "We owe a great deal of thanks and appreciation to the Village of Islandia, our partners in this ambitious effort," Boyle noted. With approvals from the village in hand, officials wielded ceremonial gold shovels to remove the first loads of soil for the new facility.
State Drops Ball on Stolen Vehicle Program
With a 15% increase in thefts from 2022 to 2023, the Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Program hasn't done much over the last three years of tapping motorist insurance premiums.
Natural Gas Hike Set for Long Island
National Grid customers in Nassau and Suffolk will see a $16.3% rate hike, while their Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island counterparts will see their gas costs increase 17.2%. Con Edison, New York State Electric and Gas, and Rochester Gas and Electric were permitted to raise their rates as well. The utilities argue that the increases are needed to force energy efficiency and fund renewable energy projects.
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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.
South Shore Press Reporter Makes a Stop at the Grand Canyon
South Shore Press Reporter Robert Chartuk makes a stop at the Grand Canyon.