First, the good news. Long Island has consistently been named one of the safest major metropolitan areas in the United States. And in recent years, Nassau County has repeatedly been named the safest county in the nation. Violent crime is down to levels that are among the lowest ever recorded. The Nassau County Police Department is second to none, and we are fortunate to have our law-and-order procedures under the leadership of Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and District Attorney Anne Donnelly, who are tough on crime and willing to enforce our laws to protect the public at the highest levels legally allowed. more

On Jan. 27, a New York City police lieutenant and an officer were trying to disperse a disorderly crowd outside a migrant shelter in Midtown Manhattan when they were viciously attacked by several people. After the melee, seven suspected assailants were arrested. Three were charged with felony assault and robbery. Of the seven, only one, who had a previous record of disorderly conduct, was held in lieu of $15,000 bail. All of the others were set free. more

The practitioners who deliver physical, speech and occupational therapy services to babies and toddlers under age 3 with disabilities and developmental delays have not gotten a raise from Nassau County in nearly three decades. As homelessness continues to grow, Nassau has slashed its funding for the Department of Social Services, and its Homeless Intervention Team has been disbanded. Yet before dealing with these issues, the county sank $10 million of federal pandemic recovery aid into its 125th-anniversary plans. more

Long Island lost an American icon with the passing of Baldwin resident Bob Beckwith last week. The image of Beckwith standing with President George W. Bush amid the ruins of the World Trade Center days after the Sept. 11 attacks will forever personify America’s unyielding courage and quiet determination in the face of horrific tragedy and massive challenge. more

“When the terrorists attacked, Bob suited up. And, like so many brave first responders, raced toward the danger to save and search for others.” more

In between the presidential campaign, this week’s special election in the 3rd Congressional District and nightly news headlines, our nation’s border crisis has risen to the forefront of … more

With rising fears of contaminated drinking water for residents across Long Island, I am disappointed by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to cut $250 million from the Clean Water Infrastructure Act. … more

An influx of refugees from Latin America, U.S. political wars, and the 2024 presidential campaign has fueled anti-immigrant campaigns in the United States. In statements echoing Adolf Hitler and Nazi … more

For Nassau County, 2024 is a year of new beginnings — a fact that is evidenced by the ascension of two new legislative caucus leaders and five new legislators. I was looking forward to a fresh start and greater bipartisan cooperation as we confront the county’s most important issues. more

After a contentious special election, Tom Suozzi has won back his old seat in Congress with 5.8. Despite a vigorous campaign by his Republican opponent Mazi Melesa Pilip, Suozzi’s election … more