A dozen volunteers gathered on April 20 for a city-wide cleanup effort in honor of Earth Day, collecting over 200 pounds of trash. The cleanup, echoing the global spirit of Earth Day, honored the late Beautification Commissioner Bill Byrne, who initiated the city's Earth Day cleanup in 2017. Their collective action demonstrated a commitment to environmental stewardship and honored Byrne's legacy as an environmental champion. more

Luz Hurtado's journey with her son James reflects the challenges of accepting an autism diagnosis, with initial disbelief giving way to recognition of the importance of early intervention and support. Efforts in April, dedicated to autism awareness, include advocacy for the Neurodivergent Strength Awareness flag, championed by individuals like Assemblyman Charles Lavine and Josh Mirsky, aiming to combat stigma and promote acceptance. Institutions like the Tiegerman School District exemplify the positive impact of tailored education for neurodiverse individuals, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing each student's unique strengths and challenges. more

Walking on the trails of Garvies Point Preserve on a warm spring day, you’re greeted by the vibrant greenery of newly budding trees and blooming wildflowers. The air is filled with the scent of … more

A proposal to include a Faith-Based Housing Act in the New York state budget has sparked debate on Long Island, with concerns about its potential impact on local zoning laws and the ability of … more

Exciting developments are underway at Glen Cove’s fields as the city embarks on a series of ambitious upgrades aimed at transforming the beloved sports hubs into premier destinations for … more

Former U.S. Representative George Santos has announced his withdrawal from the race for Congress, marking the end of his bid to return to Capitol Hill more

New York unveils groundbreaking payroll tax credit for local news outlets, boosting journalism sustainability and democracy. more

The deaths of Nadia Vitel and the prevalence of squatters in New York City and Long Island have prompted bipartisan legislative action. Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz and State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick have introduced bills aimed at clarifying tenant definitions to exclude squatters, empowering law enforcement to address the issue effectively. Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, highlighting firsthand experiences in her district, emphasizes the urgent need for bipartisan solutions to tackle the widespread problem of squatters, transcending political divides. more

Adrienne Alexanian commemorated the Armenian Genocide by presenting her father's memoir, "Forced into Genocide," at the Holocaust Tolerance and Memorial Center of Nassau County. Through her father's firsthand account, she unveils previously hidden history, documenting the brutality of the genocide while also shedding light on the experiences of Armenian soldiers conscripted into the Ottoman Turkish army. The publication of the memoir not only honors her father's memory but also ensures that the voices of survivors resonate with future generations, inspiring remembrance and recognition of the Armenian Genocide. more

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's program to enlist civilians as provisional special deputy sheriffs during crises has sparked controversy, with supporters emphasizing enhanced emergency response capabilities and opponents expressing concerns about increased firearm presence and lack of transparency. Residents like Laura Burns and Allison Dzikowski distrust the necessity of civilians in law enforcement roles, while county legislators, including Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, criticize Blakeman for insufficient consultation and raise doubts about the adequacy of training provided to the special deputies, with DeRiggi-Whitton drawing comparisons to historical paramilitary groups, sparking outrage from Blakeman and his supporters. more