Editorial

No excuses: Voting starts Saturday

Think about what actually touches your week. The state legislators you elect decide how much aid flows to your school district, which shapes your property tax bill. They write the laws on housing, transportation and public safety. Your town officials decide whether that pothole gets fixed, how your parks are maintained and what gets built on the empty lot down the street. Judges on your ballot will rule on cases involving your neighbors, and maybe one day, you. These races are often decided by a few hundred votes, sometimes fewer. In a local contest, your single ballot carries real weight.

Columnist

Peter King: Blakeman will be the governor New York needs

Peter King

The issues are serious. The differences between the candidates are stark and real, as are the differences between the two major parties, and indeed among the American people. I’m strongly supporting Bruce Blakeman as the leader the state needs at this defining moment.

Columnist

Randi Kreiss: Hitting bottom on the decency meter

Randi Kreiss

Can we agree that a flagrant display of indecency should end any candidate’s quest for office, especially the presidency? The president must model moral leadership, compassion, forgiveness and inspiration. How have we spiraled so far away from those American ideals of American excellence?

Columnist

Jerry Kremer: Can A.I. regulate itself? I don’t think so.

Jerry Kremer

Up until a few months ago, A.I. was in the news but not dominating it. In July, Geoffrey Hinton, who’s been called “the godfather of A.I.,” warned lawmakers that humanity could lose control of it within a year if proper safeguards were not established. Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, has been arguing that robust ethical and technical guardrails are needed to prevent misuse or loss of control.

Columnist

Arnold W. Drucker: Don’t dismiss warning signs in county budget plan

Arnold W. Drucker

These are just a few examples of how the county has sought to delay a collision with fiscal reality, and hearings on the administration’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget are proving that the budgetary mirage has just about evaporated.

More local news

Legislator Viviana Russell focuses on connecting resources with the community

For the past year, Viviana Russell has represented Uniondale, Hempstead and surrounding communities in the Nassau County Legislature, focusing on securing resources for local institutions, expanding housing opportunities and connecting residents with services. 

Joylette Williams would take a people-first approach as Town of Hempstead clerk

For Joylette Williams, a run for Hempstead town clerk is an extension of a career she said has centered on education, community involvement and public service. 

For Kate Murray, town clerk is about ‘pure service’

For Kate Murray, serving as Hempstead town clerk is the latest chapter in a career in public service that has taken her from Albany to Town Hall — and back to the clerk’s office, where she first served more than two decades ago. 

Laura Gillen seeks re-election in New York’s 4th Congressional District, continues bipartisanship

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen has advocated for New York’s 4th Congressional District in the House of Representatives since 2024. She is seeking re-election because she, says, she believes Congress continues to be hyperpartisan, despite opportunities to effectively address problems affecting Americans.

Jeanine Driscoll looks to advance to seat in New York’s 4th Congressional District

Jeanine Driscoll has served the Town of Hempstead as receiver of taxes since 2019. A year before the completion of her second term, which began in 2023, she has entered the race to represent New York’s 4th Congressional District.

Pat Halpin cites experience in bid for Congressional District 2

Pat Halpin, a former Suffolk County executive and state assemblyman, is seeking a return to public office, arguing that rising living costs, housing shortages and political gridlock are threatening Long Island families and the region’s future. 

Richard LaMarca touts modernization of Town of Oyster Bay's clerk services

Republican Richard LaMarca, who is seeking his fourth two-year term as Oyster Bay town clerk, points to the modernization of the office and expanded online services as accomplishments he hopes to build on in another term. 
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At Dance Arts, Donna, left, and Carrie Dale provide dance opportunities for young dancers in Merrick.

A legacy that keeps dancing

For generations of students, teachers and families, Donna Carbone’s Dance Arts has become much more than a dance studio

Lynbrook is home for Natalie Smith and now she wants to be a resource for her neighbors

When Natalie Smith and her family found their home in Lynbrook they were looking for room for their blended family, proximity to relatives and convenient access to Manhattan.