News by Robert Chartuk
News by Robert Chartuk on South Shore Press
New System for Suffolk Financial Watchdog
County Comptroller gets some new power as Suffolk’s financial watchdog.
DOGE for New York
State legislators get behind a DOGE for New York to cut government waste.
Bridge Snares Another Victim
The tractor-trailer hit the Long Island Rail Road trestle so hard it flipped over into the opposite lane. Heavy wrecker crews dragged the rig from under the bridge and took hours to upright it and tow it away. The driver was airlifted by a Suffolk Police helicopter to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries.
Local Officials Freak Out Over MTA Payroll Tax
They first tried it in 2009, and the public backlash was so heavy they rolled it back. And now, as if New Yorkers aren’t taxed enough, they’re thinking about it again: a payroll tax to shovel more money at the black hole known as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
South America Crime Fighter Offers U.S. a Hand in Corralling Criminals
Nassau Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican, has assigned 10 detectives to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and offered the use of his county’s jails to hold prisoners for deportation.
Social Media Posts Take Ugly Turn About Proposed Mosque in Shirley
“Funny how everyone forgot about 911 and all is wonderful now,” Vincent Gentile said. His comment was followed by, “Wow, super racist,” from Amanda Green.
Steamfitter Richard A. Harkin, 93, Promoted Long Island Economy
“He was a good man,” said his Center Moriches neighbor Ed Romaine, the current Suffolk Executive who issued him a proclamation back in 1989 when he was a county legislator.
Man on the Street Asks About Sex Changes for Children
President Trump issued an Executive Order to block sex change operations on children. In response, Attorney General Letitia James told New York hospitals to ignore the President. The South Shore Press Man on the Street asked residents what they thought about this.
Food Inflation is EggStreme
Still struggling with record inflation over the last few years, consumers have been shell-shocked by the soaring cost of eggs. A dozen on Long Island has shot up to $10 as more than 150 million fowl have been euthanized to fight a new strain of bird flu that is sweeping across the nation.
Mark Danowski to Lead St. Patrick’s Parade
He’s watched the St. Patrick’s Day Parade march past his business on Main Street in Center Moriches for 21 years. And now Mark Danowski gets to lead the annual event as Grand Marshal.
SSP Opinion: Trump Derangement Syndrome Extends to Melania
Vogue magazine couldn’t contain its anti-Trump bias in a recent article trashing the First Lady. The catty piece by fashion writer Hannah Jackson had nothing nice to say about Melania Trump’s official portrait, declaring that she “looked more like a freelance magician than a public servant.”
Trump Skewers Deep State Agency, Looks to Save Billions
Taxpayers loathe wasteful government spending, especially on bizarre programs that do nothing for them, such as transgender comic books in Peru, DEI in Serbia, and transgender operas in Colombia. These are just a few of the items the Biden administration threw billions at, leading President Trump to declare enough is enough.
Private Education Fund Estimated at $10 Billion
Despite spending nearly $30,000 per student on education—almost twice the national average—New York ranks at the bottom in student performance.
SSP Analysis: Illegal Immigration Stance Sends Hochul Under Water in Poll
According to the survey, 79% of those asked think criminal immigrants should hit the road, while 39% think even those without a record must go. They’re also adamant against giving illegals free health care through Medicaid, a huge government benefit supported by Hochul. The majority of Republicans and independents polled believe the state should support federal efforts to deport the migrants.
Global Impact of Micron’s $100 Billion New York Investment
Once famed as the Empire State, New York has the bones to rise up from its financial morass and become an economic superpower once again. That’s the assessment of Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, who nailed down a $100 billion investment from Micron for a mega computer chip project in his area.
President Trump Expresses Gratitude for Conservative Support at NYS Conference
The New York Conservative Party certainly has the attention of President Trump, having delivered 321,788 votes for his reelection. He expressed his gratitude in a letter read by Chairman Gerard Kassar at the party’s 57th Annual Conservative Party Political Action Conference in Albany.
Suburbs Key to Electoral Success
Meeting with President Trump during his 2024 campaign, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman told him the road to the White House runs through the suburbs. He elaborated on the subject as a featured speaker at the state Conservative Party’s recent conference in a talk titled, “Winning the ‘Burbs, How Common Sense Conservatism is Holding the Line on Long Island.”
Andrew Giuliani Center Stage at Conservative Conference
Leading off the annual state Conservative Conference was Andrew Giuliani, a former candidate for governor and Trump surrogate who gave a rundown of the President’s first days in office and some insights into his personal character.
South Shore Press: Team Coverage at the NYS Conservative Conclave in Albany
The South Shore Press will be on point this week covering the state Conservative convention in Albany. They have a full lineup of speakers covering everything from the state of affairs in New York to the impact of the new Trump Administration, and the South Shore Press will bring it to you as it happens.
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.