Hurricane Sandy was our worst nightmare realized. This monster storm packed as much energy as two World War II era atomic bombs, causing massive destruction, the likes of which had not been seen since the Long Island Express of 1938, a now legendary Category III hurricane. Trapped on an island jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, we were front and center when Sandy attacked with a vengeance. Thousands of homes were inundated with seawater and sewage. Hundreds were left uninhabitable. Two and a half years later, we continue to rebuild our tattered shoreline. In this series we will look in the coming months at the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery’s ongoing effort to reconstruct worst-case homes, businesses and communities that Sandy ravaged on Oct. 29, 2012 — and the myriad issues that residents and officials face as they piece together our shredded infrastructure. At the same time, we will look at state and local officials’ efforts to reinforce Long Island in the hope that we might be able to withstand nature’s fury better when the next monster storm hits. —Scott Brinton, senior editor more

New York state’s recent mandate to electrify all school buses is a fantasyland, progressive step toward a not-so-green future. Beneath the surface, there are glaring issues that threaten the feasibility of this ambitious initiative. While the intentions seem commendable, the lack of infrastructure, exorbitant costs, and practical challenges in certain regions cast a shadow over the state’s commitment to a cleaner environment. more

I have frequently spoken and written about courtesy being contagious, and not being that person who feels entitled to break the rules — or the law — for their own convenience. I’m sure we have all noticed a disturbing trend. People do what they want, when they want, regardless of how it affects others. more

I am committed to being responsive to the concerns of every constituent more

Since the pandemic and the collapse of the social life we once enjoyed, I dress down. more

Late last month, Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony Santino held a Town Hall meeting that gave residents the chance to speak to town officials in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. In addition to … more

“Just because you can’t speak doesn’t mean you don’t have a voice,” Jessica Pormigiano, a 19-year-old with selective mutism wrote. She communicates using a white board, because her condition prevents her from speaking in social settings. more

We've lost hundreds of thousands of residents, and with them crucial tax revenue. more

A dozen Elmont neighbors joined County Legislator Carrié Solages for a community cleanup in Elmont on April 20 in observance of Earth Day. more

Have you noticed how irritable everyone is these days? There seem to be more irate drivers pounding their steering wheels and honking, nastier language on social media, more grumpiness, more rude sarcasm. more