What you notice first about Herald Community Newspapers Executive Editor John O’Connell is his magnetic smile, those who are close to him say. As you get to know him better, you quickly realize that he is a kind soul who is always willing to give of himself to others. more

Many people get their bytes of information as alerts on their smartphones. From war to weather to the economy, the news of the world comes digitally to our many devices. more

Orange sunlight slanted through the tree branches that hung over West Loines Avenue in Merrick, and the pungent-sweet smell of freshly cut grass and barbecued meat permeated the air as I bicycled east on this virtually empty street on a steamy Friday evening in late August. more

Next year’s budget for Baldwin schools makes the best of a bad situation. The choices district officials had to make on spending were grim, but they were realistic, and based on many hours of careful consideration. While there may be regret about the plan’s cost-cutting measures, there should not be anger, and voting “no” on the budget as an expression of vitriol would be a mistake. Voters who do so would actually be disadvantaging the students they hope to protect. The outcome would not be a restoration of programs, schools or jobs, but rather an even more savage slashing of funds that would gut district activities and significantly reduce the quality of life for students and non-students alike. more

Herald Community Newspapers had a strong showing in both the New York Press Association’s and Local Media Association’s 2011 contests. more

Herald Community Newspapers had a strong showing in both the New York Press Association’s and Local Media Association’s 2011 contests. more

“What does an art gallery do? It provokes the imagination,” says photographer Susan Grieco, who, along with about 10 other professional photographers who shoot for the Herald, has … more

The Herald's photo editor, Christina Daly, but together this video slideshow of homes in the Herald coverage area that have been decorated for the season. more

Houses from all around our coverages areas decorated for the holidays. Is your house in the video? Check it out. more

These days, it’s hard to find a government that isn’t teetering on the brink of financial collapse. Too often at the local, state and federal levels, years of runaway spending have led to massive … more