“This bar is what you spend on things that no one ever, ever needs.” That line is from an episode of the TV comedy show “The Office,” but it can easily be applied to some of the real-life decisions Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York City politicians who control Albany are considering as part of this year’s state budget negotiations. more

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

Ever since they met in sixth-grade French class, Wantagh High School seniors Lee and Ibrahim have been friends. Over the years they have shared a number of classes, and both said that their friendship developed naturally because of how often they saw each other. more

Levittown native Jimmy Failla has jumped around from driving cabs to working comedy clubs and now hosting his own show on cable television. more

Levittown's 25th WinterFest, held at the Island Trees Public Library on Feb. 10, delighted attendees with a range of activities and entertainment. Hosted by the Levittown Community Council, the … more

Kindergartners at Seaford Manor Elementary School achieved the second milestone of their young academic careers on Feb. 8. After successfully conquering the first day of school in September, they have now reached the 100-day mark. more

Wantagh Middle School eighth graders experienced history like they never have before. On Feb. 2, they attended a performance in the high school auditorium of “Conversations With Anne,” a … 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