The race for the New York State Legislature’s 14th Assembly District pits the incumbent, Republican David McDonough, of North Merrick, against Gaspare Tumminello, a Democrat from Merrick, who is deputy chief of staff for the Nassau County Legislature’s Democratic minority. Tumminello, a native of Franklin Square, had previously run unsuccessfully for Nassau County legislator in the 8th District in 2009. This year, the Herald asked each of the candidates to fill in a four-question survey about their positions on salient state issues. The 14th Assembly District takes in all or parts of Freeport, Roosevelt, Merrick, North Merrick, Bellmore, North Bellmore, Wantagh, North Wantagh, Seaford and Massapequa. more

If America was a person, it would be drenched in ice water. The Ice Bucket Challenge is simple — film yourself dumping a pail of frigid water on your head, upload it social media, and challenge others to do the same within 24 hours or donate to the ALS Association. Everyone from celebrities to professional athletes is taking part in the freezing phenomenon. more

Despite allowing 268 rushing yards and going 1-for-9 on third-down conversions, Long Island continued its recent dominance of New York City by capturing the 19th annual UnitedHealthcare Empire Challenge football all-star game, 24-18, before a record-crowd of 9,762 at Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium on June 25. more

His days wearing the New York Yankees pinstripes are behind him now, but Bernie Williams’ commitment and passion for the sport that brought him so much success and acclaim is unwavering. more

Walking through the East Meadow Little League Baseball Complex on Merrick Avenue on select Sundays, you’ll hear the crack of baseballs and softballs on aluminum bats, shouts of support from encouraging parents, and raucous cheers as a ball rolls into the outfield grass for a hit. more

For the next six weeks, you will hear Democratic and Republican candidates for county and town office complain about how bad a job members of the other party have done when they were in power, and how bad it would be if they were elected again. more