Politics | Herald Community Newspapers

Voters in Lynbrook and East Rockaway headed to the polls on May 20 to elect school board trustees and vote on district budgets.

Voters in Lynbrook, East Rockaway approve all school-related ballot questions

Voters in Lynbrook and East Rockaway approved school budgets and elected four Board of Education members in uncontested races during Tuesday’s elections. Lynbrook voters approved the … more

By Ainsley Martinez | 5/21/25

Lynbrook officials say residents can expect increased enforcement of traffic laws, including seat belt violations, as part of a continued push to enhance public safety throughout the village. Many accidents occur on Sunrise Highway, one of the area’s busiest roads.

Lynbrook police accelerate traffic, seatbelt enforcement

Lynbrook officials are stepping up enforcement of traffic laws—including backseat seat belt violations—as part of a village-wide push to improve public safety and reduce preventable injuries, with Mayor Alan Beach and Police Chief Brian Paladino stressing education over punishment. more

By Ainsley Martinez | 5/16/25

David Barnes, outreach director of Yellow Bus ABA

An expert weighs in on autism, and therapy in Lynbrook

David Parnes of Yellow Bus ABA is calling for greater empathy, education, and scientific integrity in the national conversation around autism—emphasizing the wide range of needs across the spectrum and the importance of evidence-based care over rhetoric. more

By Ainsley Martinez | 5/16/25

L’ami African Market, on Merrick Road, serves primarily West African dishes including egusi and pounded yam, and efo riro, a spinach-based stew. Owner Amina Iduma said she was notified by her Nigerian wholesalers that her next shipment would arrive with a 14 percent cost increase due to tariffs being placed on imported products.

Lynbrook and Long Island businesses navigate rising costs amid new tariffs

Businesses across Lynbrook and Long Island are facing mounting pressure as the latest wave of import tariffs, largely targeting goods from China and other countries, forces local owners to raise prices, scale back spending, and reconsider long-term plans. From food imports to electronics and seasonal goods, companies are warning that the real cost of tariffs is being passed directly to U.S. consumers and workers. more

By Ainsley Martinez | 5/9/25

At East Rockaway Junior-Senior High School, students in seventh through ninth grades are prohibited from using phones except during lunch in the cafeteria. Upperclassmen may use them only in designated areas during breaks, or outside classrooms.

State may ban student cellphones ‘bell to bell’ starting next school year

Smartphones could soon be off-limits in New York public schools from the opening bell to the final dismissal under a proposed statewide ban backed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, aimed at cutting distractions and improving student mental health. more

By Ainsley Martinez | 5/2/25

Meet newly elected and reelected members of the Village: Richard Fasano, Michael Habert, and Michael Hawxhurst

Three newly elected and reelected officials have joined the Lynbrook Village Board, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to local government. Richard Fasano, Michael Habert, and Michael Hawxhurst each take on new roles with a focus on enhancing community safety, development, and services. more

By Ainsley Martinez | 4/4/25

It costs $85 per ton for waste incineration, compared to $110 per ton for recycling because of the labor involved in hand-processing the materials. This adds up, especially when people do not properly recycle.

How best to recycle in East Rockaway and Lynbrook

According to the villages of Lynbrook and East Rockaway, recyclable materials include plastics No. 1 and 2, corrugated boxes, cardboard, newspapers, paper, cleaned cans and glass bottles, magazines and junk mail. more

By Ainsley Martinez | 3/14/25

The possible impacts of the federal bill passed last month was discussed by Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi and several business and organization leaders at Hofstra University on March 1.

How Long Island could be impacted by federal budget bill

More than 700 people attended a live budget briefing with Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi at Hofstra University that focused on the potentially harmful effects of the partisan budget reconciliation bill passed by the House of Representatives on Feb. 25. more

By Jeff Bessen | 3/7/25

How Long Island could be impacted by federal budget bill

The possible impacts of the federal bill passed last month was discussed by Reps. Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi and several business and organization leaders at Hofstra University on March 1. more

By Jeff Bessen | 3/3/25

The Lynbrook village board has increased fines and introduced stricter penalties for illegal housing. Trustees Robert Boccio, far left, Michael Habert, Mayor Alan Beach, Deputy Mayor Michael Hawxhurst and Trustee Ann Marie Reardon voted on the measure on Feb. 18.

Lynbrook approves regulations to combat illegal housing

At its meeting on Feb. 18 the Lynbrook village board voted to increase fines and introduce stricter penalties for illegal alterations to one- and two-family homes, moves aimed at curbing illegal housing conversions and over-occupancy in residential areas. more

By Ainsley Martinez | 2/28/25