Assemblyman Joe DeStefano says Long Islanders are being wrongly billed for New York City congestion fees tied to trips they never took, which forces them into months-long disputes. At the same time, the city’s transit program collects record revenue.
DeStefano, who represents parts of Brookhaven, first noticed unexplained fees on his E-ZPass statement this winter.
“When I reviewed my bill, I found charges for Manhattan’s congestion zone,” he said. “I’ve never taken my personal vehicle into the city — not once.”
The congestion pricing program, which began January 5, imposes a $15 fee on most vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street. State leaders say the effort will cut traffic, lower emissions, and support critical transit upgrades. The system relies on cameras and plate readers at numerous locations throughout Manhattan.
Islip Tables Vote on Cannabis Sales After Heated Debate
By Raheem Soto
After months of debate, the Islip Town Board voted on Tuesday to table a proposal that would have allowed retail cannabis dispensaries in town, maintaining its 2021 opt-out stance and leaving the future of local marijuana sales uncertain.
The move came after more than four hours of impassioned testimony from residents, prosecutors, youth advocates, and industry representatives, who packed Town Hall to weigh in on whether Islip should join nearby towns that have opted in to New York’s cannabis retail program.
Megan O’Donnell, executive assistant district attorney to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, opened public comments by urging caution. She stated that her office was not taking an official stance. Still, she laid out concerns about the lack of roadside testing for marijuana impairment and rising cannabisrelated hospital visits.
“Unlike alcohol, our state is devoid of any standardized roadside test for driving under the influence of cannabis,” O’Donnell said. “There is no breath test or immediate measure to protect drivers and pedestrians.”
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Town News
Islip Tables Vote on Cannabis Sales After Heated Debate
“Unlike alcohol, our state is devoid of any standardized roadside test for driving under the influence of cannabis,” O’Donnell said. “There is no breath test or immediate measure to protect drivers and pedestrians.”
O’Donnell cited state data showing that 4,500 Long Islanders sought hospital care in 2024 for cannabis-related issues, with teens ages 15 to 19 representing the highest rate. “Someone is paying those bills, and paying for the aftercare. That’s a cost to the entire community,” she said.
She also reminded board members that under state law, once a town opts in, it cannot later opt out, regardless of problems. “Local laws are strictly limited to regulating time, place, and manner — and all are subject to being overruled by Albany,” she said.
Dozens of residents took turns urging the board to keep marijuana shops out of Islip, raising concerns about youth exposure, traffic safety, and community values.
Kevin Crumblish, a retired NYPD detective, said he had seen the damage firsthand. “I spent 20 years in law enforcement. I’ve seen nothing but horror. I’ve seen homicides tied to marijuana,” he said. “Why even consider this when our town has existed for centuries without it?”
Debbie Kavanagh, a Central Islip school board member, warned that cannabis could set children on a dangerous path. “Marijuana is a gateway drug for our kids. It damages their bodies, their minds,” she said. “If you vote for this, I promise I’ll work tirelessly to see you don’t get reelected.”
Even teens stepped up. Adonis Cheese, a 15-year-old Oakdale student, said he was there to protect his peers. “Putting dispensaries here is almost like trying to get rid of us,” he said. “We need to protect my generation.”
Longtime Islip resident John Bugler, 89, drew on his own experiences with strokes to warn about the dangers to young brains. “Marijuana cripples the developing brain. It leaves kids fishing for words later in life, like I do now,” he said.
Cannabis advocates countered that legal sales would displace thriving illegal shops and bring tax revenue to fund local services.
Gary Oali, president of the Long Island Cannabis Coalition and an Islip native, said illegal shops flourish because the town has shut out licensed businesses. “They have no fear. They sell untested products, advertise to kids, and pocket cash tax-free,” he said. “Licensed dispensaries can’t market to children, can’t display products in windows, and are regularly checked by state regulators.”
Oali noted there have been no complaints filed against any licensed dispensary on Long Island. “Legal sales actually reduce crime and nuisance issues because they remove the criminal element,” he said.
Kiana Beier Anderson of the Long Island Progressive Coalition argued the decision also carried weight for racial and economic justice. “The same communities that were arrested and jailed for marijuana are now shut out of the profits,” she said. “Is that what we want for Islip?”
Michelle Cole, a small-business owner in Babylon, described how tax dollars from dispensaries have indirectly helped the local business districts thrive. “I encourage you — take a drive to Babylon and see how tightly regulated these stores are. It’s parents and professionals shopping, not what you see on TV,” she said.
Board split on path forward.
In the end, Councilman Michael J. McElwee Jr. made a motion to table the opt-in resolution, saying the town first needed to crack down on illegal sales.
“This isn’t saying there will never be a path forward,” McElwee said. “But for now, the wise move is to table this, work with Suffolk County
police and code enforcement, and shut down these shops that are selling to kids.”
The motion passed 4-1. Councilman James P. O’Connor cast the lone “no” vote, saying the board should have taken a clear stand that day.
“People came here month after month to make their case. Let the chips fall where they may. The public deserves to know where each of us stands, not to see more delays,” O’Connor said.
Supervisor Angie Carpenter reaffirmed that youth safety remains the board’s top priority. “We’ve heard loud and clear from parents, schools, and health professionals,” she said. “This board will always put the health of our children first.”
What’s next for Islip?
For now, Islip remains opted out, even as neighboring towns like Babylon, Brookhaven, Riverhead, and Southampton have moved ahead with cannabis retail. The board did not set a date to revisit the issue.
Meanwhile, residents and advocates on both sides are expected to continue pressing the board as New York continues its statewide push to establish a regulated cannabis market.
Bay Shore Man Hit with Charges for Alleged Sex Trafficking Scheme
By Madison Warren
A Bay Shore man is facing serious prison time after being slapped with an indictment that paints a chilling picture of sex trafficking right here on Long Island.
Daniel Soto, 37, stands accused of using beatings, drugs, and flat-out intimidation to force a woman into prostitution, pocketing every dollar while she bore all the pain. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney announced the charges on Monday, underscoring just how determined his office is to crack down on human trafficking.
“This is about securing justice for victims and making sure predators are held accountable,” Tierney said. “This multi-agency investigation shows our commitment to building strong cases against people who exploit the most vulnerable.”
According to investigators, Soto’s scheme began sometime last year and continued into this year. Prosecutors say he lined up clients for the victim, collected the cash, and didn’t think twice about resorting to violence or withholding drugs if she ever pushed back. The woman, battling addiction, was allegedly an easy target for Soto’s twisted control.
When she didn’t want to meet up with buyers, Soto would beat her or dangle drugs in front of her until she caved, authorities said. It’s a grim cycle, one that experts say is all too common in trafficking cases, where addiction becomes a leash around a victim’s neck.
the DA’s own H.E.A.T. Unit, which handles hate crimes, elder abuse, bias crimes, and trafficking. Detectives spent months gathering evidence before finally taking him into custody.
He was arraigned on July 14 before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen Wilutis. The list of charges is long and ugly: one count of Sex Trafficking with Force (a Class B violent felony), two additional counts of Sex Trafficking (Class B felonies), Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree (a Class C felony), and Promoting Prostitution in the Fourth Degree (a misdemeanor).
Judge Wilutis didn’t take any chances. She ordered Soto held on $500,000 cash bail, a $3 million bond, or a $5 million partially secured bond. Meanwhile, he’s already locked up at the Suffolk County Correctional Center on unrelated sexual assault charges.
If convicted of the top charge, Soto could face up to 25 years in prison. He’s due back in court on August 13. Katherine Fernandez is listed as his attorney.
Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Cappiello from the H.E.A.T. Unit is prosecuting the case, with Detective John Paul O’Connor and members of the Sheriff’s Anti-Trafficking team credited for the heavy lifting on the investigation.
Prosecutors hope this case sends a clear message: if you exploit people for profit in Suffolk County, they’re coming for you, and you’ll pay the price.
Soto’s arrest came after a joint effort by the Suffolk County Police Department’s Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office’s Anti-Trafficking Initiative, and
Phantom NYC Tolls Hit Local Drivers
DeStefano makes regular trips to Albany using plates registered to his Assembly office, typically avoiding Manhattan altogether. Yet four days after congestion pricing began, he received two charges for entering the city’s central district.
“It used to take about five business days to clear up a billing mistake,” DeStefano said. “Now it’s 60 to 90 days, with no live person to talk to. Everything’s automated.”
His concerns grew in April when he was charged for traveling the New Jersey Turnpike on a day he was upstate. This spring, he spotted two congestion tolls listed for the same minute, each with a different amount.
“They told me sometimes cameras only catch part of a plate number,” he said. “But that doesn’t explain duplicate tolls or phantom charges from New Jersey.”
Not just an isolated glitch
Other local officials have run into similar problems. State Sen. Dean Murray says he also received congestion charges for trips he never took. A local firefighter, Greg LaGrange, is fighting fees tied to a transponder he no longer uses. Meanwhile, DeStefano’s office says they now receive regular calls from residents who are stuck in lengthy disputes with the toll authority.
At the same time, the program is meeting its main targets. Transportation data shows vehicles entering Manhattan’s toll zone are down about 11% since January, keeping roughly 67,000 cars a day off the streets. Regional traffic delays in the Bronx, Staten Island, and parts of New Jersey have dropped by approximately 10%.
Financially, congestion pricing is on pace to deliver more than $500 million this year for the MTA. In February alone, the agency collected roughly $48 million, followed by $52 million in March, according to state finance reports. Those funds are earmarked for subway and commuter rail upgrades.
Local frustration growing
DeStefano says that while traffic in Manhattan may be easing, billing problems are costing Long Island residents and businesses.
“It’s basically the suburbs footing the bill to balance city budgets,” he said. “When these errors happen, people have thousands tied up in disputes.”
He argues that congestion pricing was billed as a fair way to fix traffic and fund transit, but so far, not enough is being done to protect drivers outside the five boroughs.
“This isn’t about party lines,” he said. “It’s about fairness.
Long Island families shouldn’t be paying for roads we never used.”
DeStefano is now pushing for tighter state oversight of the MTA’s toll systems. He also encourages residents to keep close watch on their E-ZPass statements.
“Go through every line. If it doesn’t look right, file a dispute right away. Don’t assume it’s correct just because it came from the system.”
Looking
forward
With congestion pricing expected to generate half a billion dollars this year, state and transit officials say they will continue to improve plate readers and online dispute tools. For now, DeStefano says he’s waiting to see whether lawmakers who championed the plan will also step up to address its flaws.
“There hasn’t been much pushback in Albany,” he said. “The city legislators wanted this to fund the MTA. But we need to make sure Long Islanders aren’t left paying for mistakes that aren’t ours.”
As the program completes its first year, drivers across Suffolk County are hoping the next bill doesn’t come with surprise charges for roads they never drove on.
Cuomo Proposes, Will the Others Say ‘I Do’?
New York City is in multiple types of turmoil: economic, social, and political – the last of which cannot be understated.
The mayoral race in November is also operating under unprecedented circumstances. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn) is facing abysmally low approval ratings while also holding status as the first Big Apple mayor to face federal charges. He also abandoned his party’s label for the election after sparring over differences on immigration; he now seeks re-election as an Independent.
Meanwhile, firebrand conservative and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa (R) is making a second bid for Grace Mansion after failing to win the seat in 2021 to Adams. Sliwa easily wins the contest if were based on ear-tothe-rail politics, but it’s difficult to see how he and the firebrand liberal City Council would work together.
Then we have Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria), a Ugandanborn former pop artist looking to push the city into fully-fledged socialism. His upset victory over disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D-Sutton Place) threw the race into further turmoil, but not before Cuomo filed as an Independent on the Fight and Deliver Line to not only stave off NYC from socialism, but to also save his own unquenchable ego.
Now, Cuomo makes an interesting proposition: have an independent firm conduct a four-way poll – sans Mamdani – in the home stretch of the race. Whoever is not leading – again, sans Mamdani – should drop out and rally behind the strongest remaining candidate.
Our first take is it puts Cuomo’s ego on a higher pedestal than previously conceivable – or maybe not. He desperately tries to stage his own phoenixfrom-the-ashes moment by running the nation’s largest city, spectacularly fails due to Mamdani’s come-from-behind win, then pivots to an Independent line while trying to call the shots.
Second, Cuomo’s proposal implies that only he and Mamdani will be the frontrunners come September. By conventional political wisdom, it’s a softace bet – in Blackjack terms. Cuomo likely remains Mamdani’s most credible threat for the keys to Gracie Mansion. However, anything is possible if the June primary is any indicator. Who’s to say enough NYC voters don’t genuflect to a rally-around-the-flag and decide that Adams is the “devil” they’d rather know than the “devil” they don’t?
Some polls have also suggested that Cuomo is narrowly ahead of Mamdani if Adams stays in the race. In a two-way race, Mamdani takes a more sizeable lead. It seems Cuomo might benefit from vote-splitting, courtesy of
Adams, Sliwa, Jim Walden (D-Brooklyn Heights), the third being the former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York – which includes Suffolk. Walden has also put this whole proposal forward.
Other polls suggest that about 60% of the total NYC electorate is undecided, enough for the race to go virtually any way. Some say this wide margin of error might be enough for Sliwa to stage an upset victory himself and slide between the four Democrats running – although three are running as Independents – and become the first elected Republican mayor of NYC since Michael Bloomberg in 2005.
We say it’s possible, but not the likeliest scenario, as the electorate in the city is far too Democratic to conceivably give way to a Sliwa win, even in the jump-ball environment we’re seeing. However, we can understand that it’s marginally more possible now than it is in a three-way race, for instance. Sliwa likely knows this, and we wouldn’t imagine he’d balk with an increased chance of winning, even if those chances have increased only slightly. To indulge ourselves in Blackjack terms again, imagine the dealer is the NYC electorate with a ten facing up and Sliwa has a fifteen or sixteen – a tough hand all around. It’s not impossible to win this hand, but it takes a special set of circumstances and instincts. At the very least, it almost entirely depends on what other cards belong to the other players at the table.
Adams knows he’s not getting re-elected either way, so he’s throwing caution to the wind and spiting his party to perhaps help a dark horse candidate win or see if his hand plays out and he somehow remains mayor for another four years.
The only candidate who could afford to fold – we’ve switched to poker terms – is Walden, who doesn’t pose much of a threat to any candidate’s prospects. However, his support seems limited. Whatever support he’s culminated at this point probably doesn’t translate to much residual support if he takes Cuomo’s – and his own – proposal and drops out to endorse Mamdani’s toughest opponent in the autumn.
However, a percentage point or two here and there adds up. The question is, do Walden voters stay home or does his base go to the “wrong” candidate in denying Mamdani the keys to City Hall?
Our analysis: this proposal is moot. It seems designed to only help Cuomo, arguably the candidate with best odds to beat Mamdani, but simultaneously, no candidate really has a reason to take it.
We can only hope whoever wins the race does well for the city and that his policies don’t vicariously hurt Suffolk County.
Fentanyl Crisis Is Still Claiming Lives. We Can’t Keep Reacting After the Fact.
The sirens in Coram were familiar. But what happened last week should shake us all.
Three men are dead. A fourth person is recovering in the hospital. Police say they all likely thought they were using crack cocaine. What they got instead was fentanyl—an ultra-potent synthetic opioid that now claims the lives of nearly 200 Americans every day.
This was not a crime story. It was a community story. And like too many before it, it ended with body bags instead of second chances.
In recent years, Suffolk County has seen too much of this. Fentanyl-laced street drugs aren’t just hitting traditional opioid users. They’re showing up in substances many people think are less dangerous—cocaine, counterfeit pills, even marijuana. That’s what makes it all the more lethal. One bad decision, one tainted bag, and a life is over.
And it’s not just happening in shadows or back alleys. It’s in our neighborhoods, at our parks, near our schools. The opioid epidemic no longer has a predictable face. It could be your friend. Your neighbor. Your child.
We can’t keep acting surprised. We’ve known this was coming. We’ve already buried too many people who didn’t fit the usual profile.
Law enforcement continues to do its job and then some. Detectives in the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics and Homicide sections responded immediately, working to trace the source of the drugs. The department’s Medical Crisis Action Team, trained in overdose response, was on the ground within hours. Their work is not the problem, and they cannot be expected to solve this alone.
This crisis is bigger than any one department or agency. It’s a public health emergency. And it needs to be treated like one.
Right now, we have tools that save lives—Narcan, fentanyl test strips, recovery programs—but we’re still not getting them in the hands of enough people, fast enough. A few pharmacies carry naloxone. Some schools stock it. But what about corner stores? What about town halls and community centers? What about reaching people before the moment everything goes wrong?
This isn’t a matter of politics or posturing. It’s a matter of will.
Suffolk County is expected to receive millions in opioid settlement funds. Residents deserve transparency on where that money is going and what impact it’s having. We need more than just press releases and ribbon cuttings. We need proof of progress. Lives depend on it.
Make no mistake, stopping the spread of fentanyl isn’t just about compassion. It’s about responsibility—to the families who’ve already lost someone and to the ones who haven’t yet.
The Messenger Papers believes in local accountability, smart law enforcement, and community-driven solutions. But we also believe this: we cannot enforce our way out of a crisis that’s evolving faster than our playbook.
Fentanyl isn’t waiting for us to get it right.
It’s already here.
Let’s act like it.
By Will Sussman
Long Island’s Affordability Crisis
I was born in Stony Brook, attended school in Port Jefferson Station, and went to summer camp in East Setauket. When I left the nest for college, I never changed my voter registration. Brookhaven is my home.
Now I live in Port Jefferson, commuting to the city for work. But thanks to the failed policies of New York Democrats, many Long Islanders can’t afford to stay here. I understand why our neighbors to the West nominated “freeze the rent” Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Queens) to be Mayor — a tragic mistake that threatens not only the Jewish community, but our regional economy.
Mamdani’s proposals — like raising property taxes for “whiter neighborhoods” — will only worsen the affordability crisis. However, he did not create this crisis. That distinction belongs to his fellow Albany Democrats — including our own Assemblywoman, Rebecca Kassay (D-Port Jefferson).
Before entering the Assembly, Kassay was Deputy Mayor of Port Jefferson and a Village Trustee. In those roles, she raised property taxes and voted to override the state’s 2% cap on property tax increases. Albany was a natural next step for someone who thinks taxpayers always have more to give.
Since taking office this year, Kassay has already cast a key vote for New York’s bloated state budget, which hikes spending by more than 12% the most in over a decade. It raids more than $7 billion from our rainy-day
reserves while driving the projected budget gap to exceed $14 billion by 2029, leaving us unprepared for potential federal cuts or an economic downturn. Mamdani, of course, joined Kassay in supporting this fiscal disaster.
Kassay and Mamdani also share radical stances against natural gas, supporting bills like the NY HEAT Act, which would force costly energy conversions onto homeowners and businesses. Mamdani loudly calls for dismantling natural gas infrastructure; Kassay quietly votes the same way.
What makes Kassay so dangerous is that she knows better than to say things like “whiter neighborhoods,” even as she votes alongside Mamdani on taxes, spending, and energy — pushing Long Islanders toward financial ruin.
If we don’t draw the line now, we might soon find Long Island as unaffordable and unlivable as New York City.
Will Sussman is a Brookhaven resident and the author of the Substack newsletter, Where There’s a Will. Follow him @realWillSussman.
How to Stop Runaway Costs and Taxes in New York
By Steve Levy | Long Island Life and Politics
Once again, an exposé on the outrageous salaries of public employees on Long Island was published and once again, we can bet the farm that not a damn thing will be done about it by our state or local representatives.
The article noted how pressure from the public unions on Long Island and New York has led us to the point where a “pool of Nassau County employees making more than $300,000 nearly doubled last year, after Suffolk County saw a similar spike the year before, a Newsday analysis found. A group of 178 current Nassau employees took home between $300,000 and $457,000 last year, up from 91 the year before. Suffolk saw a similar trend in 2023, when 258 employees made more than $300,000 versus 81 the previous year…Nearly 240 Suffolk employees made more than $300,000 in 2024.”
Newsday quoted Lillian Clayman, a labor history professor at SUNY Old Westbury. Politicians gain power by satisfying union demands, Clayman said, describing the practice as “quid pro quo.” Nassau and Suffolk unions are “very vocal about who they support and don’t support,” she said. “Any politician worth their salt who is looking for votes,” she said, is going to support good union contracts.
Ar Rafee of the Empire Center for Public Policy stated the following: “The higher pay you see is kind of a product of how strong the [union] bargaining units are,” he said.
They’re absolutely correct in their analysis that these outrageous salaries, overtime and pensions are a direct result of the undue influence of municipal unions on the elections of candidates for elected office.
So, how do we mitigate the influence of these municipal unions? One way is to legally challenge the concept of municipal unions donating to the elected officials who will negotiate their contracts as being a violation of the Constitution’s Guarantee and Equal Protection clauses.
The Guarantee Clause prohibits measures that farm out the decision-making powers of management, says constitutional attorney Philip Howard. That’s what
happens when contracts tie the hands of managers to implement efficiencies.
Secondly, as we have stressed at the Center for Cost-Effective Government, the argument could be made that taxpayers are placed at a disadvantage vis-àvis public employees because the employees’ union is able to legally influence the elected officials who are sitting on the other side of the negotiation table by handing them a donation.
That’s why both Franklin Roosevelt and union leader Samuel Gompers took positions that opposed the creation of public unions.
There is another way that avoids court challenges. It is through the use of the public financing system, which is now in place at the state level and in other jurisdictions. A simple condition can be tied to the acceptance of public funds, whereby no one can accept the public funds unless they first agree to refuse donations from the municipal unions.
Another solution to the huge pensions bulked up through excessive overtime is to ban overtime payments from being factored into the base of an employee’s pension.
The state Legislature limited the use of overtime for these purposes with the Tier 6 legislation that took effect in 2012. But when no one was looking last year, they started to reverse these reforms.
Our center’s analysis noted that, if overtime were prohibited as of this day for all employees who retire in the future, state taxpayers could save $50-$80 billion over the next two decades.
The problems have now been identified, as have the solutions. The only question remaining is whether there will be the political will to effectuate them.
Steve Levy is Executive Director of the Center for Cost-Effective Government, a fiscally conservative think tank. He served as Suffolk County Executive, as a NYS Assemblyman, and host of “The Steve Levy Radio Show.”
Why Are There More Abortions Since Roe Was Overturned?
By Hank Russell | Long Island Life and Politics
Here’s a news flash on something you’ve probably heard very little about: The number of abortions was actually up in 2024.
Wasn’t the overturning of Roe v. Wade supposed to lead to thousands of back-alley, unregulated, unsupervised abortions?
For a while, it seemed that way, according to many Democratic operatives and their friends in the media. And that resonated into electoral gold for the left. What should’ve been a Republican red wave in 2022 became just a ripple, in large part because of the abortion issue.
However, over time, the issue has dissipated and is now at nearly the same level of intensity as it was before Roe was overturned. That’s because most
abortions these days are not taking place in an operating room, but rather, with a pill.
The Plan B abortion pill, which can be obtained quite easily, is the preferred method of terminating a pregnancy these days. Even if there are some laws trying to prevent access to the pills, it is almost impossible to prevent someone who really wants it from getting it.
That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have an honest debate as to how available these options are, but it does show that the abortion issue itself is now losing its potency. And that’s because the crisis that was supposed to have developed never actually did.
Long Island News
“I Got My Life Back”: A Remarkable Kidney Donation Brings Two Long Islanders Together
By Madison Warren
A simple act of generosity has blossomed into a life-saving bond between two strangers from Long Island. On Thursday, July 10, at Stony Brook University Hospital, a Nesconset man finally met the woman whose selfless gift gave him a second chance at life.
For Scott Scannell, 61, of Nesconset, the journey began ten years ago when he was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease after noticing blood in his urine. His children, who tested positive for the same genetic condition, couldn’t donate. After spending three years on the transplant list — and nearly a year enduring grueling dialysis treatments three times a week — Scott’s family decided to take matters into their own hands. They launched a Facebook campaign, distributed flyers, and even shared their story on News 12, in the hope of finding a donor.
Their prayers were answered. In January, shortly after a Christmas Eve broadcast, they received a call that changed everything.
Ann Marie Hassett, 56, of Coram, came across Scott’s story in what seemed like a random email, but proved to be fate. Moved by the family’s plea, she stepped forward despite her own family’s concerns.
“I don’t see myself as a hero,” Ann Marie said. “I believe I was simply meant to help this person. I’ve lived a full life — running
marathons, finishing an Ironman, volunteering as a firefighter, and teaching chemistry for over two decades. I just wanted to give someone else the chance to live their life fully, too.”
On April 22, Ann Marie underwent surgery to donate her kidney to Scott. The road to recovery wasn’t easy, including persistent back pain, but she remained positive, knowing she had changed someone’s life forever. Just days later, Scott received his transplant at Stony Brook University Hospital.
“The entire transplant team was incredible,” Scott shared. “They turned what could have been a frightening experience into something hopeful. I’m so grateful to the team at Stony Brook.”
The transplant has completely transformed Scott’s daily life. Free from dialysis, he now has the energy to return to the things he loves, like fly fishing, spending summer days in Montauk, and planning family trips to Florida. He credits Ann Marie not just with saving his life, but also with restoring joy to his entire family, including his wife, Karen, and their three grown children.
Last week, Scott and Ann Marie finally came face-to-face, embracing for the first time (pictured right) — a moment filled with emotion and gratitude.
“She saved my life and my family’s — made us whole again,” Scott said. “She’s a miracle worker, an angel. Thanks to her, I got my life back.”
National, State, and Local Temperature Checks
By Matt Meduri
National
July 13, 2025, marks the one-year anniversary of the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump (R-FL) in Butler, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee is putting the Secret Service under further scrutiny for the lapse in protection.
The committee report blames the Secret Service for a “cascade of preventable failures”, adding that the organization’s “lack of structured communication was likely the greatest contributor to the failures” of the rally.
The committee and its Chair, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), take particular issue with the Service’s inability to collect and disseminate crucial information, such as would-be-assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks’ possession of a rangefinder at the venue before the formal rally kicked off. The information was relayed by the Pennsylvania State Police about a half hour before the shooting, but the Secret Service failed to radio Trump’s security detail on the matter.
The committee also found that the countersnipers tasked with protecting the president had an obstructed view of the rooftop from which Crooks had conducted the attack. The Secret Service was also found to have denied the Trump security detail some resources during the 2024 campaign, while former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle had falsely testified to Congress that no resources were denied for the Butler rally.
Six Secret Service employees were given suspensions ranging from ten days to fortytwo days, but no one was or has been fired in connection to the incident.
Last week, the Secret Service said that of the forty-six recommendations made by congressional oversight bodies to streamline communications, twenty-one have been implemented.
Meanwhile, Democrats have not gotten a leg up in their quest for the U.S. House for which they’ve hoped for the last couple years.
nearly as much as its western counterpart in WI-03.
Meanwhile, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has conducted a raid on a marijuana farm in Camarillo, California.
As of press time, at least fourteen migrant children have been recovered from the facility, where it is believed they were working. ICE and DHS officials say that the recovery rescues the children - of some 300,000 believed to have gone missing in the U.S. over the last four years - from exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking.
The raid at Camarillo, coupled with another farm in Carpinteria, is said to have apprehended 361 illegal migrants, some of whom have dangerous criminal records. Roman Izquierdo, of Mexico, has been convicted of kidnapping, attempted rape, and attempted child molestation; he previously deported in 2006.
ballot as an Independent after bucking his party’s stances on immigration.
Guardian Angel founder and 2021 nominee Curtis Sliwa (R) ran unopposed in the June Republican Primary.
However, Cuomo complements his Independent foray with a proposal to stop Mamdani from moving into Gracie Mansion: any candidate - himself included - besides Mamdani who is not in the lead come mid-September should drop out of the race. Cuomo is asking the candidates to pledge their support to this proposal so as to coalesce as many votes as possible to whomever is the second-most desired candidate to Mamdani by the time the race enters the home stretch.
The pledge, however, is not an original Cuomo. It comes from another Independent in the race, Jim Walden, who posits on his campaign website that the November election will come down to capitalism versus socialism.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently delivered a unanimous ruling to uphold the current House maps in the state. The state has eight congressional districts, two of which are solidly Democratic and four of which are solidly Republican, with the remaining two being red-leaning districts.
Democrats had been hoping for the map to be redrawn, long arguing it has been an uncompetitive, partisan gerrymander. The April election of a liberal State Supreme Court justice led some to believe that the map would be tossed and a new one would be instated, giving Democrats a possible edge in flipping the lower chamber next November.
However, the court rejected the lawsuits arguing that the maps should be overturned since they employed the “least change” approach from last decade’s district lines. This was done in response to Republican-drawn maps being vetoed by Governor Tony Evers (D-WI), prompting the State Supreme Court to step in and draw a “least change” remedial map.
The point of consternation comes from Wisconsin political geography, in that some believe that Democrats’ voting power is concentrated in Milwaukee and Madison, while Republican voters are distributed somewhat evenly across the rest of the state. Others, however, posit that the once-solidly workingclass Democratic parts of the state - the Dairyland counties making up western and northern Wisconsin - have merely raced to the right in the Trump Era, erasing Democrats’ generationally-held geopolitical dominance.
WI-03 is the most competitive district. It covers the western border of the state along Iowa and Minnesota, ending in the northwestern-central part of the state. Moderate Ron Kind (D) represented the district until his retirement ahead of the 2022 cycle. Kind had run unopposed in this district in 2018 but was held to a narrow win in 2020. Derrick Van Orden (R, WI-03) won the open seat in 2022 and defended in 2024.
WI-01 is the only other potentially competitive seat. Once a ruby-red part of suburban Milwaukee represented by former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI), the district’s new lines have caused it to become slightly more competitive, but not
Another, Juan Duarte-Velasquez, of Mexico, was convicted of rape and DUI. Jose Orellana, of El Salvador, was convicted of a DUI and a hit-and-run with property damage.
The operation saw over 500 protestors attempt to disrupt the operations, and four U.S. citizens are being criminally processed for assaulting or resisting officers. One agitator allegedly fired a gun at law enforcement officers; the FBI is offering $50,000 for any information leading to the arrest of this rioter.
One worker, Jaime Alanís Garcia, took to the greenhouse roof to flee law enforcement, unfortunately falling thirty feet to his death. He was transported to Ventura County Medical Center and placed on life support, but succumbed to his injuries. Mexican officials are willing to expedite the return of his remains to Mexico.
State
The New York City Mayoral race just took another interesting turn, with disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) adding a steep ultimatum to the already-unprecedented fourway race.
Cuomo lost the June 24 primary to Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani (D-Astoria), a self-avowed Democratic Socialist who promises free bus fares, city-owned supermarkets, and making the Big Apple an “LGBTQ Sanctuary City”, among others. Cuomo lost the primary in a massive upset to the dark horse Assemblyman, but quickly pivoted to an Independent run. He launched the “Fight and Deliver” ballot line in the wake of his loss.
Cuomo’s candidacy as an Independent makes for two candidates not running on either major party lines, the other being incumbent Mayor Eric Adams (D-Brooklyn). Neither Cuomo nor Adams have unregistered themselves from the Party of Jackson.
Adams’ abysmal approval ratings have made his quest for a second term nearly impossible, but he remains on the
“Given the widespread opposition to socialism, many are concerned that—in the November election—the free-market candidates will split the vote, allowing socialism to win,” says Walden on his campaign website. “Socialism represents an existential risk to the city—politically, financially, and morally. Defeating socialism is now central to the mayoral campaign.” Walden continues by saying that all four major candidates should agree to a rankedchoice poll conducted by an independent polling firm. The results of the poll, according to Walden’s proposal, should prompt the losers to drop out of the race and endorse the winner.
The campaign op-ed also says that socialism is not “coasting to victory”, as only 30% of Democrats - fewer than one million people - voted in the primary.
“There are more than one million Independents among NYC’s 5.1 million registered voters,” says Walden. “And, given the strong feelings against socialism, the November election could see record turnout.”
Recent polls have shown that Mamdani beats Cuomo 35%-30%, but without Adams on the ballot, Cuomo opens up a four-point lead over the Assemblyman.
Local
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches) has announced the expansion of the Long Island Greenway Trail (pictured above)
The extension connects seven train stations, fourteen bus stations, and seventy-three parks with a route for pedestrians and safe cycling.
The design phase commences for the eastern portion of the Greenway Trail, a collaborative effort between public entities to create a trail from Battery Park, Manhattan, all the way to Montauk.
“This engineering contract brings us one step closer to a continuous trail from Long Island’s East End to the heart of New York City,” said Romaine in a statement. “Such a trail will be a win for Suffolk residents on the East End and for nature conservation.”
The trail is estimated to have 36,000 New Yorkers living within one mile of the trail, along with four “historically disadvantaged” neighborhoods on the East End.
Residents living adjacent to the trail will be connected to green spaces and twenty-one nodes of public transportation.
“The Long Island Greenway’s more than fifty miles in eastern Suffolk will be a wonderful link to the Empire State Trail and will help residents get off the roads and connect with our beautiful parks, green spaces, and communities along the way,” said Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst).
The East End portion of the trail is planned to begin in Riverhead, tracking through Flanders and Riverside to Hampton Bays. From there, it extends through the Shinnecock Nation and forking at Southampton Village. The northern route extends through Noyac and North Sea, while the southern route stays closer to Route 27 through Bridgehampton. The trail continues through East Hampton Village and Amagansett and terminates in Montauk.
By Anthony Cacciato
Community Gives Back to Scouts, Donates Refurbished Trailer
What started as a tragedy for Boy Scouts of America Troop 151 has become a lesson in the strength of community, as members of the community came together on July 9th to donate and refurbish a new trailer following the theft of their trailer last December.
Two weeks before Christmas, an individual stole the troop’s trailer from the parking lot of St. Mark’s Church in Islip. Inside the trailer was nearly $5,000 in equipment and several priceless items belonging to the troop.
“I don’t know how much worse it could be, stealing a Boy Scout trailer from a church two weeks before Christmas,” said Scout Master Tyrie Bacon. “We reached out to news outlets because we wanted our stuff back, because everything was in the trailer.”
The following March, the Manorville Fire Department donated a department trailer to the Boy Scouts. “The Chief of the Manorville Ambulance had reached out to me, and [he] wanted to donate their old youth squad trailer. The paint was a little faded, it’s a 2006 trailer, but it was certainly a wonderful donation,” said Bacon.
Though even after Troop 151 was given a new trailer, the community continued to give back to the troop. With the weathered condition of the trailer, Legislator Steve Flotteron (R-Brightwaters) saw an opportunity to help unite the community behind the troop yet again. To do so, Legislator Flotteron connected the troop with Joe Divilio, owner of Perfect Bodies Auto Body Shop in Bohemia. Mr. Bacon recalled that “Mr. Flotteron came up to me and said, ‘I’ve got a guy who can help.’ He got me Mr. Divilio’s number… he was very enthusiastic. We talked, brought the trailer down, and he said, ‘We’re going to give it all the love it needs.’”
Legislator Flotteron has long been a supporter of local Boy Scouts troops in
his community. “Mr. Flotteron, the County Legislator, is a huge supporter of [the Boy] Scouts. He’s been at every one of our Eagle Scout Court of Honors, he’s at our Pancake Breakfast… he’s got his hand on the pulse of what goes on in the community,” said Bacon.
On the importance of Boy Scouts for the community, Legislator Flotteron remarked, “I see how important this is for our future, raising well-rounded boys and girls. As an adult… I wish I had half [of] those skills.”
Mr. Divilio has also long supported the organization. As Assistant Scout Master for Troop 3333, a life scout, and father of two Eagle Scouts, Mr. Divilio emphasized his appreciation for the mission of the Boy Scouts, which drove his enthusiasm to help refurbish the trailer.
“I saw in the news that the trailer had gotten stolen, and then that was the last I heard of it,” said Mr. Divilio. “Then Steve reached out to me about a month later, and said ‘Hey, did you hear about the trailer that got stolen? Would you mind helping the Scouts out?’, and I [said] sure.”
Mr. Divilio and his team at Perfect Bodies Auto Body decided to go above and beyond in their work on the trailer. “We were supposed to just paint it, and then we were looking at it, [and] the fenders were bent…so we straightened the fenders. None of the lights worked, so we fixed all the lights…and now they can be proud of their trailer, and I think it will help other Scouts. I think it’s [a] good advertisement for the troop.”
“The generosity of folks in a time of tragedy, it really renews your faith in mankind. We’ve had great support,” said Mr. Bacon. “This was a community project, it didn’t happen in a vacuum. And I have to say, God puts the right people in your life at the right time, and this is the perfect example.”
Ribbon Cut on Vespa Italian Kitchen & Cocktails at Station Yards
By Cait Crudden
The Station Yards development added a flavorful new chapter to its revitalization story this week, as community leaders, local business owners, and residents gathered for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Vespa Italian Kitchen & Cocktails, one of the hottest new restaurants on Long Island’s dining scene.
Nestled right in front of the Ronkonkoma LIRR station, Vespa has already created a buzz with its inviting atmosphere, exceptional food, and prime location. A sister location to the well-loved Farmingdale eatery, Vespa’s arrival in Ronkonkoma brings with it a blend of classic Italian cuisine and modern culinary flair served in a space that feels equal parts upscale and welcoming.
At the ribbon-cutting event, community members and officials praised the family-owned restaurant not just for its menu, but for the energy and charm it brings to the newly developed Station Yards, the flagship project of TRITEC Real Estate Company.
“We are thrilled to welcome Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar to Station Yards,” Kelley Heck, executive vice president of development for Tritec, said in the statement. “Vespa is a beloved local restaurant with a history of serving authentic Italian food, and we are confident that they will be a popular destination for residents and visitors alike. We are thrilled to have them join the Station Yards family, and we know that they will be a welcome addition to the community.”
Vespa’s owner, Benedetto LoManto, thanked attendees for the warm welcome. “I’ve been hesitant to expand the Vespa Italian Kitchen & Bar concept, that is, until I was introduced to the Station Yards project,” Vespa principal Benedetto LoManto said in a statement. “I was, and still am, in awe of Tritec’s vision and execution of building an entire downtown area that will benefit Ronkonkoma and all of Long Island.”
And judging by early reviews from locals, Vespa is already earning that status.
The menu is a celebration of Italian flavors with a few bold surprises. The baked clams oreganata and arancini have quickly emerged as must-try appetizers, while the brick oven pizzas bring a perfect balance of crispy crust and rich toppings. One standout is the Osso Bucco, a hearty and tender favorite that’s becoming a go-to order. The restaurant’s Nonna’s Sunday Dinner is a comforting pasta dish inspired by your grandmother’s recipes and is the kind of entrée that invites nostalgia with every bite.
For weekday diners, Vespa offers a three-course prix-fixe menu with a complimentary glass of wine Tuesday through Thursday, adding value to the already exceptional experience. Happy Hour, held Tuesday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., has also taken off, with pizzettes, burrata caprese, and calamari leading a menu of tempting small plates that pair perfectly with handcrafted cocktails.
Inside, Vespa’s décor fuses rustic warmth with contemporary design, making it ideal for both casual dinners and special occasions. A private dining room is also available for parties, celebrations, and business meetings, offering a quiet, elegant space with full-service dining.
Leaders from the Chamber of Commerce, local government, and neighboring businesses attended the grand opening, praising the restaurant’s addition to Ronkonkoma’s rebirth as a bustling hub for commuters, residents, and tourists alike. With its central location, Vespa is poised to become a staple for commuters seeking a quality meal after work, as well as for families and foodies across Suffolk County.
As Station Yards continues to grow with new residential, commercial, and entertainment offerings, Vespa Italian Kitchen & Cocktails is setting the tone, one plate at a time for what Ronkonkoma’s future looks like: vibrant, flavorful, and full of community spirit. Reservations are already filling up fast and for good reason. Run don’t walk, to Ronkonkoma’s new culinary star.
A Taste of Local: The Sayville Farmers’ Market
By Madison Warren
The Sayville Farmers’ Market has long been a beloved staple for residents of the Islip and Smithtown areas. Held every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Islip Grange, 10 Broadway Ave in Sayville, the market continues to run each week until the cool days of fall arrive. This lively atmosphere is rain or shine and has plenty of parking.
The market features a wide variety of local and small businesses, offering everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handcrafted items such as candles and soaps. Visitors can also enjoy home-baked goods such as muffins and bread, and sample fare from local food trucks. It’s the perfect spot to spend a sunny Saturday morning.
Local favorites are found there every week, like Horman’s Best Pickles stand, the smoothie truck, Groovy Smoothie, and one of my personal favorites I found this past week, Nao Bars which are artisan snack bars made with homemade almond butter and hand wrapped in beautiful packaging that retains the organic and natural ingredients.
CreditMadison Warren
These are perfect for those with a busy schedule who love an on-the-go snack that provides up to three hours of energy.
The Sayville Farmers’ Market is a just another wonderful way to support local businesses right here on Long Island. When you shop at markets like this, your dollars go directly to local growers, bakers, artisans, and food makers — not large corporations — which helps keep your neighbors in business and strengthens the local economy. Plus, the produce you’ll find is often picked just that morning or the day before, making it more nutrient-dense, better tasting, and longer-lasting than grocery store produce that’s traveled hundreds of miles to reach your plate.
Skip the usual routine this Saturday and check out the Sayville Farmers’ Market. From just-picked produce to homemade treats and unique crafts, there’s something for everyone. It’s an easy way to support local businesses and enjoy a taste of Long Island’s best.
Michelle Athenas is New York State’s Powerlifting Champion
By Ashley Pavlakis
Isn’t it fascinating how sports can evolve in so many different ways? It’s no different for competitive strength sports, especially powerlifting. West Islip native, Michelle “Angel” Athenas recently competed in the New York State Special Olympics and took home four gold medals.
Athenas has staked her claim as the ranking county, state, and national powerlifting champion. Athenas started powerlifting competitively in 2017 and has since taken the landscape by storm. At the NYS Special Olympics, Athenas, a middleweight, went on to bench press 165lbs, squatted 185lbs, completed a 265lb deadlift.
The weekend of June 20th, over 1,200 athletes and coaches congregated in Ithaca, NY for the New York State Special Olympics for the fourth straight year. Seven sports were on the docket for competition and powerlifting was one of them. The powerlifting competitions took place at Ithaca College at the A&E Center.
The strength sport modernized in the United States in the 1950s but has a history dating back to the Mayan and Persian eras. Powerlifting is different from weightlifting as the main focus is on completing three lifts while holding the most weight. Lifters must complete three types of lifts: bench press, squat, and deadlift.
Powerlifting for the Special Olympics has a set of rules and specifications to follow. The competition can either be equipped or raw. In equipped cases, the lifter has to wear a special lift suit, a lift shirt, knee and wrist wraps, and a belt. Athenas complies with the equipped rules. While the uniform has constricting qualities, it plays a role in aiding the lifts.
The term “gym rat” could be apply to Athenas, as she spends six days a week and three hours a day at the gym. She works hard training to increase her strength and endurance levels. Powerlifting also requires a level of efficiency to maintain the proper techniques. This has proved to be an enjoyable task for Athenas as she is highly motivated and loves to get to work in the gym.
Athenas won four gold medals at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games that were held in Abu Dhabi at the United Arab Emirates. The competition saw 72 powerlifters compete with eight from the United States. Of the eight US natives, Athenas was the only woman to return home with four gold medals. She has been training since 2014 under the guidance of John Ponce, a residential supervisor at the Family Residence and Essentials Enterprises. At the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Athenas took home another quad of medals, earning gold in all four competitions.
In 2023, Athenas was inducted into the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame. The West Islip Native was one of 25 inductees and one of five women in the 2023 class. The Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame was established in 1990 to honor those in Suffolk County who have made exemplary contributions to sports at professional and amateur levels. The HOF has five exhibits on Long Island honoring their inductees.
Strength sports are still sports, Michelle Athenas happens to be very good at powerlifting. She continues to hone her crafts in the gym, looking for the next big competition to put her skills to the test. With her sights set on gold, Athenas remains at the top of her game.
Hauppauge Fifth Graders Soar with Drone Coding Challenge School Highlights
Fifth grade students from Forest Brook, Bretton Woods and Pines elementary schools in the Hauppauge School District took STEM learning to new heights—literally. In collaboration with Eastern Suffolk BOCES, the students used Tello drones and block coding to participate in an exciting challenge that tested their problem-solving, collaboration and critical thinking skills.
First, students were tasked with programming
their drones to land inside a hula hoop placed on the ground. Once mastered, the challenge escalated as students were tasked with landing the drone on a much smaller target: a stool.
To successfully complete the challenge, students had to measure carefully and calculate the flight path, collaborating closely to determine the precise distance, duration, takeoff and landing times needed for a smooth flight.
Hauppauge BOE Celebrates Student Achievements and Staff Milestones
There was much to celebrate at Hauppauge Board of Education meeting on June 3. The evening was filled with pride and recognition as the board and district leadership honored a number of exceptional students and staff for their achievements and contributions.
Among those recognized were students entering the military, as well as academic standouts earning a GPA of 100 or higher. The board also celebrated Hauppauge’s winners of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge and Long Island Science and Engineering Fair, the Earth Day Poster Contest winner, participants in the Long Island Science Congress and the recipient of the SAAWA Innovative Health Diagnostic Award. NYSSMA AllState musicians and winter athletes across basketball, cheer, swimming and diving, track and wrestling were also applauded for their hard work and dedication.
The evening also included heartfelt recognition of several beloved staff members retiring this year, including Pines Elementary Principal Dr. Claudine DiMuzio and Bretton Woods Principal Mr. George Gagliardi. Their years of leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the Hauppauge community. The board also celebrated educators receiving tenure and warmly welcomed new teachers who will be joining the district.
Looking ahead, the district proudly introduced Mr. Scott Bullis as the new principal of Pines Elementary, set to begin his role in the 2025–26 school year.
The Necessary Standard for American Education
The Senate Parliamentarian
By Matt Meduri
A recent point of consternation arose in the U.S. Senate regarding the Big Beautiful Bill, in which portions of the bill were blocked by the Senate Parliamentarian. Many expressed their dismay, while others were not sure of the role of the Parliamentarian. This week, we’ll take a look at what the job entails.
History and Overview
The history of this job is relatively short. Only six have served with the role having been formally created in 1935. Before that, the role had existed, but not in any official capacity. The position’s intended occupant is an expert of the Standing Rules of the Senate along with consistent and objective interpretation of those rules. Since the Senate is a smaller body than the House and many conditions allow for long debates, Cabinet and judicial confirmations, among other crucial responsibilities, having an expert on the rules of the chamber allows it to run as smoothly as possible.
Before the official creation of the Parliamentarian role, the Assistant Secretary of the Senate carried out the associated duties.
The Parliamentarian shows his/her strength during budget reconciliations. We discussed the Senate Budget Committee last week and how the Byrd Rule requires that budget reconciliation provision must not be extraneous - that is, it must address only budgetary matters. The Parliamentarian is often the arbiter of what provisions abide by the Byrd Rule during contentious budget processes. Rulings under the Byrd Rule are also significant because certain bills can be approved by a simple majority, and not a sixty-vote quorum to end a filibuster against a certain provision. With crucial budgetary matters hanging in the balance, often at the discretion of the Parliamentarian, the difference between a simple majority and a sixty-vote majority can be a night-and-day distinction.
The Parliamentarian is a nonpartisan role; the occupant is expected to interpret and adjudicate the rules of the Senate fairly and objectively.
The Office of the Parliamentarian also refers bills to the appropriate Senate committees and oversees any efforts made by the majority party to change Senate rules.
The Parliamentarian is appointed by the Senate Majority Leader and serves at his/her pleasure. The Parliamentarian can be fired at any time; there are no term limits. The Parliamentarian is often chosen from the senior staff in the Parliamentarian’s Office to ensure that a seasoned expert is taking the reins.
The Parliamentarian’s salary was $216,591.63 for the 2024 fiscal year.
There have only been six Parliamentarians, with the longest term having been served by the firstCharles L. Watkins, of Arkansas, who served from the position’s creation in 1935 to 1964. Two Parliamentarians - Alan Frumin and Robert Dovehave served two non-consecutive terms.
The current Parliamentarian is Elizabeth MacDonough, of Virginia, the first woman to hold the post. She was appointed by then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) in 2012, meaning she has served under Presidents Barack Obama (D-IL), Donald Trump (R-NY), Joe Biden (D-DE), and Trump again.
Since this post is obscure to some, we’ll take a look at what traditionally qualifies one to hold the post. We’ll look at the incumbent Parliamentarian’s history.
Elizabeth MacDonough (pictured above) earned her bachelor’s degree from George Washington University in 1988, kicking off her career as a legislative reference assistant in the Senate library in 1990. She then served as assistant morning business editor to the Congressional Record, the official record of debates and proceedings by Congress. She then attended Vermont Law School in 1995, where she earned her J.D. in 1998. During law school, she interned with Judge Royce C. Lamberth, the U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Columbia, as well as the Immigration and Naturalization Service in Burlington, Vermont.
After graduating from law school, she worked as trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice handling immigration cases in New Jersey. She then joined the Senate Parliamentarian’s office in 1999 as an assistant, becoming a senior assistant in 2002. She was an advisor to then-Vice President Al Gore (D-TN) on the procedure for counting the Electoral College ballots following the Supreme Court case Bush v. Gore following the contentious 2000 election.
Upon being named to the post in 2012, she earned bipartisan support, including from Senators Richard Shelby (R-AL), Mark Warner (D-VA), and now-Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).
A Parliamentarian’s Position
Much consternation has arisen from MacDonough’s seemingly-arbitrary rulings against the Big Beautiful Bill, but a look back over the last decade or so gives us an idea as to what the Parliamentarian is responsible for and how such an officeholder might find themselves in difficult situations.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) opined in 2015 that MacDonough should have been fired for requiring a sixty-vote minimum on a spending package that would have partially repealed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) - although Cruz contended it wouldn’t have made a difference with a Democratic administration at the time.
This column will seek to address the long-forgotten concept of civics and how it relates to American government in general, from the federal level to the local level. This column will explore Constitutional rights, the inner workings of government, the electoral process, and the obligations and privileges of citizens.
MacDonough advised Chief Justice John Roberts on parliamentary procedure as he presided over President Trump’s first impeachment trial in 2020.
On January 6, 2021, MacDonough and parliamentary staff safeguarded the Electoral College ballots for the 2020 election amidst the protest and riot at the Capitol.
Despite MacDonough’s reception of flack for blocking portions of the Big Beautiful Bill, she also prohibited some aspects of Biden-era legislation. In February 2021, she ruled against the $15 federal minimum wage provision in Biden’s proposed COVID-19 relief package, citing the Byrd Rule. This time, progressive Democrats called for her to be overruled or fired, including Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D, MN-05). Then-Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA) refused to override MacDonough.
In September 2021, MacDonough ruled against a path to legalization for millions of immigrants. The provision was included in the Democrat-backed $3.5 trillion domestic policy bill. She stated that “changing the law to clear the way to (Legal Permanent Resident) status is tremendous and enduring policy change that dwarfs its budgetary impact. Some protestors took to shutting down the Golden Gate Bridge, calling for a path to citizenship for all illegal immigrants and for MacDonough to be overruled.
The Big Beautiful Bill negotiations saw Majority Leader Thune confirm that the Senate would not override MacDonough on key provisions, namely her advice that the bill would not survive a Democratic filibuster. Some of her notorious rulings included those that would crack down on provider taxes used by the states to fund their Medicaid programs and measures to prohibit illegal immigrants from receiving public benefits.
The Need for a Referee
The primary reason that neither party has taken calls to override or even fire the Parliamentarian seriously is that doing so would set a precedent dangerous for the health of the Senate, and therefore, the overall health of the republic.
Abiding by the Byrd Rule means that provisions can be passed with a simple majority; otherwise, the sixty-vote rule is invoked. The last time any party had a majority of sixty-plus seats in the Senate was 1976 - save for a brief period in 2009. In today’s hyperpartisan environment, a sixty-seat majority is hard to come by, let alone one that would be guaranteed to vote lock-step with the rest of the caucus. Keeping items within the more doable simple majority rule means budgetary items are honored, extraneous items are considered elsewhere, and preserve the filibuster for when it’s most necessary.
In short, the Parliamentarian tends to come under fire the most when the Senate attempts to consult the budget reconciliation process in a party-line matter. In fact, it can be argued that the Parliamentarian is a line of defense against pork barrel omnibus bills - albeit only in trace amounts by virtue of the job itself.
The Parliamentarian remains solely an advisor, but one honored by both parties over generations for the sake of precedent, decorum, and keeping the complex rules of the Senate intact.
A Parliamentarian’s Résumé
Town of Bayshore Re-Welcomes Roto Cafe
By Madison Warren
The Bay Shore community is thrilled to welcome back one of its most beloved food spots, Roto All Day Cafe—now back and better than ever. With a refreshed brand, an expanded menu, and a larger location, Roto is ready to start this exciting new chapter, once again serving its iconic, delicious sandwiches, pastries, and specialty coffees to the people who love them most, the people of Bay Shore.
In 2022, the Bay Shore community was introduced to what would soon become a local favorite, thanks to owners Brock Ferraro, a lifelong Islip resident, and his college friend Jack Monahan. Both had long dreamed of owning a place like this and are grateful to be living out that dream together. With that shared vision, they launched Roto Grocery—a cozy yet stylish breakfast-and-lunch café tucked next to Fire Island Vines. The spot quickly took off, and it wasn’t long before Brock and Jack realized they needed more space to meet the growing demand.
They drew inspiration from the vibrant café scenes of Brooklyn and their college stomping grounds in Charleston, aiming to create a welcoming, relaxed space right in their community—one that everyone could enjoy.
One testimony online to their success says, “Best place to grab breakfast/lunch in the Bayshore area without question! Gourmet but approachable food that’s well thought out from start to finish. This place just opened up in December next to Fire Island Vines, and I’m blown away by everything I’ve tried. I highly recommend the egg rollups, avocado toast, crispy egg, and chicken salad sandwich. Honestly, try anything that catches your eye!”
Now, after months of planning and construction for their move, they were ready for their grand opening this week at their new location at the Shoregate complex, located at 4th Avenue & Mechanicsville Road, a residential hub with up to 418 units.
With their new location, Brock and Jack plan to do exactly what they did at their original spot—only bigger and better. Positioned near Main Street, the LIRR station, and the Fire Island ferries, the new space offers a significantly larger footprint, allowing them to expand on everything that made Roto special in the first place.
At Roto All Day, you can expect a rotating menu of breakfast and lunch offerings crafted with high-end ingredients and paired with specialty coffees. The ever-changing menu highlights seasonal favorites and showcases locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re craving a classic bite or something with a unique twist, Roto delivers—from hearty breakfast sandwiches and fresh salads to comforting soups and house-baked treats like their standout banana bread. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Brock and Jack have always prioritized their community and the people who have supported them since they first opened their doors in 2022. By intentionally sourcing from nearby farms and local producers, they not only help the region’s agricultural economy but also foster a genuine sense of place, serving food that quite literally comes from the community they cherish. They love being active in the community—partnering with fellow local businesses, taking part in fundraisers, and making appearances at Bay Shore’s iconic “Live After 5.”
Brock said, “We want to incorporate other people’s businesses…like bringing in our wine guy to do wine tastings, our coffee guy to talk about coffee beans, and really just educate people on the products. We want to be doing more parties and making this a community experience.”
The future is bright for Roto, with plans that are virtually endless. Soon, customers can look forward to prepared meals stocked in their fridges for quick grab-and-go options. A full liquor license is also in the works, paving the way for toptier cocktails. Looking further ahead, Roto hopes to expand beyond a breakfast and lunch café by introducing a thoughtfully curated small dinner menu.
Brock is deeply grateful to be starting this new chapter and for the unwavering support he’s received along the way. “I do it for the people and just love seeing their reactions,” he shared. “I’ve made great friends through this process, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m so happy I took this step and that we made it happen.”
We are all thrilled to have Roto back in the Bayshore community, and we look forward to seeing all their success!
Photo Credit - @rotoallday on Instagram
By Ellyn Okvist, B.Sc.
Celebrating a centennial is a remarkable milestone which marks one-hundred years. It is a time to reflect on the past and celebrate achievements. The word “Centennial” demands respect for its historical and temporal significance. Lake Ronkonkoma is proud of its devotion to historical facts and heritage, and I will outline a few of our forerunners. I will add significant members that are approaching their Centennial. This is a good time to become familiar with our village, as many events and activities are on the cusp. Remember one thing- HISTORY SHOULD BE FREE. No cost should be attached to anything that delivers or recounts our heritage.
1904 – 121 years: Ronkonkoma Hook & Ladder Company #1. The first official notation of the existence of some form of firefighting group was on September 11, 1903 when twenty-four men from the Ronkonkoma and Lake Grove area came together to set the machinery in motion. On June 15, 1904, Ronkonkoma Hook and Ladder Company #1 was officially organized.
1912 - 113 years: Now twist and turn with me as I explain The Lake Ronkonkoma Equal Rights Suffrage Club 1912 and how it weaves with the library. Lillian Devere took a keen interest in civic affairs and was a firm advocate of Votes for Women and an untiring worker for the well-known Suffragist Rosalie Gardiner Jones who was her frequent guest when organizing the LR Equal Rights Suffrage Club.
Lillian had the full support of her husband, and they marched together in New York City and Brooklyn suffrage parades. In town, she marched, attended rallies and events bringing support to their cause with great style. The club sponsored dances, held Euchres (a card game), held booths at athletic events, and on Declaration Day, fourth of July and Labor Day. Note should be taken, as many of us born and raised in our village still meet and study the Club started in 1912. We are proud of the heritage, and we celebrate the stand that our great great- and great- grandmothers made for Suffrage right here in Lake Ronkonkoma.
History
Our Centennials
1914 – 111 years: The Lake Ronkonkoma Free Library had its roots in the Women’s Suffrage Movement. In 1914 Lillian Devere acquired eighteen books on loan from the Equal Franchise Society. She kept the books in the pantry closet of her dining room. The time had come to expand the library, and Lillian was told by the NY State Education Division that, being a woman, she could not initiate the request herself, she would need 5 men to validate the application. So be it. After her hard work the dream came true for the Lake Ronkonkoma Free Library, which opened in 1916. Most of the early librarians were members of our Suffrage Club. Lillian Devere remained Vice chairperson of the library until her death on 3/29/1955. The Provisional Charter of The University of the State of New York was issued on May 25, 1916; The Absolute Charter of the Lake Ronkonkoma Free Library was issued by The University of the State of New York on March 27, 1919; Preparing for the move to the new building, March 24, 1961 the Sachem Public Library was issued a Provisional Charter; April 28, 1961 Approval of Transfer of Library Property from Lake Ronkonkoma Free Library to Sachem Public Library; April 28, 1961 Cancellation of Charter issued March 25, 1916 was issued. The Absolute Charter of the State of New York Educational Department issued on September 22, 1966 granted the library to now be called Sachem Public Library. It has been a long successful period for the Sachem community. The Sachem Public Library has kept up with the promise made to our community in 1916. To remind us, the library had its roots in the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Visit the Lillian Devere Room at the Library next time you stop in.
This first race of the LRIBYC was held on 2/3/1923. The Ronkonkoma fleet took to the ice during the week of 1/25/1923. Almost 102 years later to the day, the Long Island Championship was held on the weekend 1/25/25 -1/26/25 on our Lake.
1923 - 102 years: since that November 11th when the Patriotic village of Lake Ronkonkoma dedicated their World War I Memorial on the Lake Ronkonkoma School grounds. It was Armistice Day, November 11, 1923. It had taken 5 years to collect, save, and arrange for the moment they were all waiting for. Lillian Devere, our local Suffragist leader, was Chairlady; Thomas Fish Sr. and John O. Winshe were also on the committee as Vice-Chairmen. Three Veterans were appointed to join the committeeLeRoy Vollgraff, Frederick Amott and Joseph Kirk. All meetings were held at the Lake Ronkonkoma Free Library. Lillian Devere and the others worked tirelessly. Knowing of a native rock located in a road bed of the Hoss Block at Holtsville, which had been used by the British Army during the Revolutionary War as a Troop Road leading to their supply base at Coram, NY, it was accepted and the stone was set as the strength of our Country was remembered.
1925 - 100 years this month: Rosemary Cleary opened Camp Peter Pan, the absolute first summer camp for the deaf in the United States, it accepted children ages three through eight. Lessons in speech, language, and lip reading afforded educational goals as well as camping activities and games. Rosemary R. Cleary, founder and the first Director/Principal, took a bold step in the face of uncertainty and started a school for the deaf. Rosemary was the consummate visionary who taught at St. Joseph’s School for the Deaf, in Bronx, New York for 20 years. To fill the need for a specialized school on Long Island, Ms. Cleary channeled her energies to the establishment of Cleary School for the Death, a school at her father’s residence in Ronkonkoma.
1926 – 99 years: William Merrit Hallock American Legion Post #155. ‘Proposed meeting for Organization of the American Legion Post at Ronkonkoma, Long Island’ meeting was held 5/16/1926; Original application for Post of the American Legion filed 7/12/1926; 1st meeting in new building Memorial Day 5/25/1929 9:30 pm; Post application for Permanent Charter 1/16/1931; 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance 10/29/1976; The forming of the America Legion Post #155 was sparked by the WWI Memorial work led by Lillian Devere and the Veterans of WWI.
1930 – 95 years: Lake Ronkonkoma Study Club 1930. Founded by Lulu Newton Girardet (1884-1957), this club concentrated on meetings to discuss and verify Lake Ronkonkoma heritage and history. The meetings were held in the homes of the members, and you will be pleased to know that we still meet on a regular basis and follow the exact same format.
1941 – 84 years: With the formation of the Lake Ronkonkoma Home Bureau Unit Organization. Organized by Mrs. George Pearsall, Mrs. Ivar (Elsie) Okvist, Mrs. Frank Dehe, and Mrs. Eric (Billie) Okvist from an advertisement in the Mid-Island Mail on 2/12/1941. Eighty-Four Years strong this year, and they still have their CHINESE AUCTION every year which is their main fund raiser, and known as the Lake Ronkonkoma Homemakers since 1989.
Thank you to all of our organizations and the community members that serve Lake Ronkonkoma. Please contact us if you have anything to add.
1923 – 102 years: Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat & Yacht Club. In 1922 our own Walter “Bunny” Gubner traveled to Poughkeepsie NY with the intention to purchase the famous Poughkeepsie racer, “THE ISIS” and to return to Lake Ronkonkoma with a dream of The Lake Ronkonkoma Ice Boat and Yacht Club.
Fire Alarm
The Legend of Lake Ronkonkoma
Lake Ronkonkoma Free Library 1916
WWI Monument
When Software Subscriptions Feel Cozy—but Costly— AI May Offer a Way Out
By Mollie Barnett
Local firms love the convenience of big-name software-as-a-service tools like HubSpot and SAP Business One, but infrastructure-level artificial intelligence could wipe out those recurring fees altogether—and put control back in Main Street’s hands.
Ask any small business owner along Long Island’s Main Streets why they keep paying for brand-name software subscriptions, and you’ll hear the same answer: It’s safe. The cloud programs handle customer lists, invoices, and payroll, and if something breaks, a toll-free support line is only a click away.
But that warm, cozy feeling comes with a price tag that’s starting to pinch.
National surveys show that companies with fewer than 100 employees now spend more than half of their technology budgets on monthly software-asa-service (SaaS) fees. On Long Island, that share climbs to nearly 60 percent, according to the Long Island Association’s 2025 Small Business Outlook survey. “Seat creep” and premium add-ons can turn a $50amonth starter plan into a fourfigure bill by the end of the year. Some owners now joke that the monthly charge feels less like rent and more like paying a neighborhood “protection” fee—an offer you can’t refuse, as the old-school Long Island joke goes—keep paying or risk losing access to your own records. In one recent poll, 20 percent of business owners said they’ve been surprised by a renewal quote they hadn’t budgeted for (nypost.com).
Now that same cohort—local accountants, shopkeepers, and manufacturers— is starting to look at new options powered by artificial intelligence. Instead of renting software seats, entrepreneurs can rent AI agents that charge only for the work they complete, a support ticket resolved, a sales lead qualified, or a set of books closed for the month.
Recent survey data commissioned by marketing automation firm ActiveCampaign found that small companies using AI assistants save an average of 13 hours and $4,739 every month by automating routine tasks like customer support tickets, adcopy generation, and invoice prep.(nypost.com)
Why is the change coming now?
Technologists describe the shift as the next rung in a decades-long ladder. In the 1990s, we bought boxed software and installed it on-site. The 2000s ushered in SaaS, moving the same programs to distant servers for a recurring fee. The 2020s are shaping up as the era of agentic AI, systems that can reason and act on our behalf by talking straight to databases through secure pipes (hbr.org).
The cost curves are dramatic. The latest AI “foundation models” have fallen roughly 80 percent in price over the past year, while their accuracy has improved, according to analysts cited by Forbes (forbes.com). That means it can be cheaper to let an AI script an email campaign or reconcile receipts than to keep paying a pre-set license for the same task.
Signs Your SaaS Bill Is Ripe for a Reconsideration. Local tech consultants suggest watching for these red flags:
1. Seat inflation. Your headcount rises 10 percent, but your subscription jumps 30 percent.
2. Feature creep. Must have tools—like advanced reporting—live in a higher-priced tier.
3. Rigid exports. You can’t pull your own data without a CSV download, making a switch painful.
4. Out of blind pricing. You pay for logins, not results.
Industry research shows that when two or more of those red flags appear, firms typically discover they’re using barely half of the licenses they pay for—and may face up to 247 separate SaaS renewals a year, according to Zylo’s 2025 SaaS Statistics report. (zylo.com)
Freedom lives in the plumbing, not the logo
Experts warn that swapping one shiny interface for another won’t fix the underlying dependency. True flexibility comes from owning—or at least
controlling—the infrastructure layer: the databases where records live and the open standards that let different tools speak the same language. Think of it this way: the old model sold you the front door to your data; agentic AI lets you own the hallway and invite whichever helper you want. That might mean hosting a small vector database on a low-cost server or adopting common protocols so an AI agent can “talk” to your ledger without going through a pricey middleman.
What local businesses can do today:
• Audit workflows. List every repetitive task—emails, invoice matching, inventory updates—and price what you pay per month to finish it. Compare that to the new breed of AI tools that quote per task or per thousand actions.
• Negotiate contracts. Ask vendors to tie renewals to business outcomes instead of headcounts. Larger players like Salesforce and Intercom have begun offering such models after customer pushback (forbes.com).
• Protect your data. Before linking any AI service, make sure the terms stop the provider from training models on your proprietary information.
• Educate the team. Host a lunch-and-learn on writing simple prompts and reading API output. The goal is to demystify the tech, so staff see it as a helper, not a threat.
• Tap local resources. The Suffolk County Small Business Development Center at Stony Brook University offers free workshops on AI adoption
The bottom line
SaaS isn’t going away overnight, and the biggest names will adapt. Yet the economics are tilting in favor of pay-per-result AI agents, and early adopters are already trimming costs and reclaiming margin. For small businesses juggling tight budgets, trading the cozy subscription blanket for a toolkit they truly control could be the smartest climb they make this year—whether you’re shipping widgets out of Ronkonkoma or roasting coffee in Riverhead. Some analysts go further, arguing that once AI is embedded deep in the data layer, the very idea of a paid software seat may disappear altogether. MOLLIE BARNETT is an AI Advisor for Business and Strategic Growth Architect on Long Island. Her team
Congressman LaLota: Major Tax Relief, SALT Cap Increase and Middle-Class Wins in a ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’
By Cait Crudden
In a landmark legislative achievement, Congressman Nick LaLota (R–Suffolk County) proudly announced the House passage of H.R. 1 – the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, a sweeping budget package that delivers broad tax relief for working families, restores critical SALT deductions for Long Island residents, and invests in national security, job training, and healthcare infrastructure.
Calling it a “historic win for middle-class families,” LaLota said the bill, which now was signed by President Trump, would deliver more than $5,000 in tax relief to many Long Island households through a dramatic increase in the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000.
“Just the SALT provision alone means that a Long Island family earning $250,000 and paying $18,000 in property taxes will get $5,000 more back when they file their 2025 taxes,” LaLota remarked. “Real relief I fought tooth and nail to deliver.”
The bill, long championed by LaLota, reverses what many suburban lawmakers have called a regressive cap instituted in the 2017 tax law, which penalized high-tax states like New York. The new provision is indexed to inflation and will remain in place for five years, offering consistent savings to working and upper-middle-class families in Suffolk County and beyond.
But SALT wasn’t the only win. The One Big, Beautiful Bill includes major middle-class tax cuts, such as the elimination of federal taxes on tips,
overtime pay, and auto loan interest on American made cars, all aimed at increasing take-home pay for workers. The Child Tax Credit will rise to $2,200 per child, and the bill establishes newborn savings accounts and expands 529 education savings plans to include apprenticeships and job training programs.
“This is a pro-worker, pro-family, pro-growth bill. It avoids the $1,700 Biden tax hike that would have taken the equivalent of eight weeks of groceries from many households. Instead, it expands 529 education savings, creates newborn savings accounts, and protects Social Security and Medicare—while finally ending the provider tax scam that let states game Medicaid. Taxpayers deserve transparency, not gimmicks,” LaLota added.
LaLota touted the bill’s protections for Social Security and Medicare, emphasizing that none of the deficit reduction provisions touch those vital programs. Instead, the bill closes a longstanding loophole that allows states to manipulate Medicaid reimbursements and redirects that funding more efficiently.
Key Provisions for Long Island and Suffolk County include the SALT Cap Raised to $40,000 for five years, tip and overtime tax relief for working-class earners, expanded 529s for job training and apprenticeships, newborn and childcare savings accounts, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) threshold increased, PTET Fix to support small businesses, $18.5 billion in shipbuilding investments which includes local yards, $3.3 billion for EQIP and $1.375 billion for CSP to support local
agriculture, hospital & Medicaid funding preserved for institutions like Stony Brook, and Medicare telehealth access extended.
The legislation also delivers significant investments in border security, air traffic control modernization, and law enforcement, including $625 million to support police departments and emergency services ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
LaLota emphasized the local impact of the legislation, pointing to Long Island’s maritime and agricultural economies, which will benefit from increased federal grants, specialty crop support, and workforce development funding. He also credited the bill’s passage as the culmination of months of bipartisan negotiation, despite deep resistance to SALT relief from both ends of the political spectrum.
“Raising the SALT cap was the toughest legislative fight of my time in Congress. Some on the right called it a ‘blue state bailout.’ Many on the left dismissed it as welfare for the wealthy and refused to fix it—despite years of empty rhetoric. But despite opposition from 213 Members and 53 Senators, I didn’t blink. The SALT cap is now $40,000. That’s a hard-earned win for Long Island families,” said LaLota.
President Trump’s signature on July 4th made this bill into a law. Congressman LaLota remains committed to fighting for affordability, transparency, and economic security for every Suffolk County resident. He has shown his constituents with the passing of this bill that it is only the beginning of good things to come to the residents of Suffolk County.
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Big Tax Breaks Ahead for Seniors Thanks to One Big Beautiful Bill — Here’s What You Need to Know
The Association of Mature American Citizens | AMAC
Americans are set to see meaningful tax relief starting in 2025, thanks to a sweeping new law the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This legislation delivers real savings for retirees and working seniors alike and putting more money back in your pocket.
Here’s what AMAC members need to know about what’s in the law, how to claim these deductions, and who qualifies.
1. Higher Standard Deduction
One of the most significant changes in 2025 is the higher standard deduction, which applies to all taxpayers who don’t itemize.
• For single filers, the standard deduction increases to $15,750.
• For married couples filing jointly, it rises to $31,500.
You don’t need to do anything special to claim it — simply choose the standard deduction when you file your federal return, and the new amount will automatically apply.
2. Extra Deductions for Seniors
If you’re 65 or older by the end of 2025, you’ll also qualify for an additional senior deduction — on top of the standard one.
Single filers 65+ get an extra $2,000.
Married couples where both spouses are aged 65+ get $1,600 each, or $3,200 total.
Again, this is automatic. Just make sure you (or your tax preparer) indicate your age on your return.
3. Special $6,000 Deduction for Seniors with Modest Incomes
In addition to the standard and senior deductions, the new law provides a temporary $6,000 deduction specifically for Americans age 65 and older with modest incomes.
Who qualifies?
• This deduction is designed for seniors whose adjusted gross income (AGI) falls below a certain threshold.
• The exact income limits will be finalized before the 2025 tax season, but it is expected to cover a large share of middle- and lower-income retirees — especially those who rely mostly on Social Security and modest retirement savings.
How to claim it?
• Unlike the standard and senior deductions, this one may require a separate line on your tax form.
• Updated IRS forms and instructions are expected to make this clear, and AMAC will provide guidance as soon as those details are released.
• If you use tax software or a preparer, they’ll help ensure you don’t miss it.
Other Tax-Friendly Changes
The law also includes additional ways for Americans — including seniors — to save at tax time:
• Tips and overtime pay for most Americans are now tax-deductible at the Federal level.
• Auto loan interest is deductible again.
• The cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions jumps to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000.
These provisions are especially helpful for older adults who still work part-time, support their families, or live in states with high taxes.
A Victory for Seniors — Thanks to Bold Leadership
At AMAC, we believe good policy happens when leaders listen to the people they serve — and this new law is proof of that. We applaud President Trump and congressional Republicans for pushing the One Big Beautiful Bill through and
making seniors a top priority.
We also applaud the tens of thousands of AMAC members who made their voices heard in support of this critical legislation –often on short notice. The One Big Beautiful Bill is more proof that when AMAC members speak, Congress listens.
By increasing deductions, simplifying the process, and ensuring older Americans keep more of what they’ve earned, this law represents a rare and welcome victory for retirees and working seniors alike.
Overview - AMACThe Association of Mature American Citizens
The Association of Mature American Citizens represents Americans 50 plus. AMAC is centered on American values, freedom of the individual, free speech, and exercise of religion, equality of opportunity, sanctity of life, rule of law, and love of family, with benefits at all levels.
AMAC plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors. AMAC Action, a 501 (C)(4) advocates for issues important to AMAC’s membership on Capitol Hill and locally through grassroots activism. To Learn more, visit amac.us
What You Should Do Now
• Know your income: Your adjusted gross income (AGI) will determine if you qualify for the $6,000 senior deduction.
• Plan ahead: If you already claim the standard deduction, the new higher amounts and senior bonuses will happen automatically.
• Get help if needed: Updated forms and guidance will be available before the 2025 filing season — AMAC will keep you informed every step of the way.
• Know the truth: Don’t buy into media lies about the OBBB.
WHERE BROADWAY MEETS MAIN STREET
WORD OF THE Week
Etymology:
late Middle English: from late Latin palpabilis, from Latin palpare ‘feel, touch gently’.
PALPABLE
adjective
Pronounced: /pal·puh·bl/
Definition: (of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to seem almost tangible
Example: The tension leading up to the election was practically palpable throughout the town.
Synonyms: discernible, detectable, noticeable
Antonyms: undetectable, inconspicuous, concealed
Source: Oxford Languages
July 18, 1980:
Billy Joel’s “Glass Houses” album tops U.S. charts, featuring “It’s Still Rock ‘n’ Roll to Me”.
July 22, 1686: City of Albany, New York, chartered.
See how many words you can create. Must have center letter in word and can use letters more than once. 4 letter word minimum.
July 23, 1944: Bretton Woods Conference ends, establishes the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, later part of the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund.
July 21, 2024: U.S. President Joe Biden (D-DE) abandons his campaign for re-election and endorses Vice President Kamala Harris (D-CA).
July 19, 1848: First U.S. women’s rights convention held in Seneca Falls, New York, organized by Elizabeth Cady Stanton (pictured above left) and Lucretia Mott (pictured above right).
puzzle
July 20, 1921: Congresswoman Alice Mary Robertson (R-OK) becomes the first woman to preside over the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives.
July 17, 1959: “North by Northwest” directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint premieres in Los Angeles
By PJ Balzer
When Long Islander’s think of our top soccer programs, Brentwood is usually first in mind. A school and community that has produced some of the best varsity soccer teams and individual players that our island, state and ultimately our nation have seen. The sport of soccer is undeniably a long time passion that runs through the veins of the Brentwood community, for decades now.
‘The Kings of the Hill’
Ron Eden grew up in the Brentwood community where he still coaches today. He played soccer in Brentwood and was a part of their first Suffolk County championship teams in 1969 and 1970. His junior year he attempted to quit the team due to personal struggles at home. His mother was a single parent and he felt it would help her if he worked after school and contributed to the household. But Ron was ashamed to hand his uniform in because he knew Coach Lown would be disappointed. He attempted quietly handing it off to another player and leave under the radar, before being confronted by Coach Lown. Eden did continue to play going forward having an extremely successful high school career and went on to play at the pro and national level.
During that era Coach Lown was promoted to Athletic Director and Coach Ray Perez took over the varsity program. Eden reminisced on many fond memories of Coach Perez including him coming to visit and help Eden when he was paralyzed in the hospital years back. “He came to visit me often and helped me as I laid in that hospital bed for months not sure if I would walk again. He spoke such encouraging words to me in that room which I never forgot. It helped me to recover and walk again,” said Eden.
Coach Perez ended up suffering a sudden brain aneurysm while only in his 40’s and passing away without warning. The Brentwood community was both in shock and grieving a totally unexpected loss. Eden would be the next to take over the boys varsity program at Brentwood in succession to Perez. While at his wake Coach Eden had a moment where he promised his friend, “I won’t let this program die out or lose the passion that you had for it.”
Coach Eden has undoubtedly kept his promise, and then some, for thirty years now. His varsity team has been in the playoffs all thirty years with him at the helm of the soccer ship. They have won five New York State championships in years 1989, 2008, 2010, 2019 and 2023. They have won their league twenty five times, won the Suffolk County championship fourteen times and been crowned long island champs ten times. The longstanding record of the team under Coach Eden is 464 wins, 67 losses and 30 ties. With twenty five of those losses coming in highly competitive playoff games including county, island and state championship games. Brentwood was the national champs in 2008 with a record of 24-0, and are often ranked among the top ten teams in the United States. They have sat at the number one ranked team in the nation several times. From their most recent state title in 2023, eighteen players from that team went on to play at the college level.
Several of the his players have received All American honors, some playing for pro teams and even one young man who has played for the national team of Haiti. The soccer ball and the Brentwood program has allowed many of the kids to travel, see the world outside of Brentwood and at the very least to implement discipline and a lasting sense of team and community. Eden says that Brentwood has unwavering ambition and dedication to this sport and uniform. “It’s hard to explain unless you’re a part of it. There’s already a history of success so the kids grab that torch ready to be held to the same standard as the graduating players were. Their pride in their community, work ethic and intensity is second to none.”
While Coach Eden has himself been highly decorated with honors like National coach of the year and inducted into the Suffolk County Hall of Fame as both a coach and a player. He constantly rolls the praise towards his players. “They are the ones who get out on that field and get it done, fighting, battling and winning. My kids are just incredible and I couldn’t be any more proud of each one of them.”
Eden admonishes the Brentwood community for its passion surrounding the soccer ball. He recognizes that many of the kids here are literally born with a “futbol” next to their foot. By five years of age they are already sitting in the stands at our Suffolk County Championship games desiring to be like the big boys out there playing. This stirs their love for the sport and for that green and white jersey that reads Brentwood across the chest. This is a place that breathes in soccer and breathes it out too. “Success breeds success, this is a system that works,” said Coach Eden.
With an undeniable harsh contrast, the Brentwood community has also had it’s struggles along the way with some highly publicized gang issues. It’s also a community that statistically has a high rate of child and teenage poverty. Coach Eden isn’t naive to or afraid to address these topics
as he’s also using the soccer ball to directly combat them. He’s involved in holding intermural programs that gives an opportunity for all kids to play. Even the kids that won’t necessarily make the varsity team, have recently graduated or dropped out of high school. He believes and practices in keeping kids busy with the soccer ball rather than idle on the streets. Eden also has his varsity players coaching, refereeing and giving their time to the younger players in Brentwood. Giving back is also a part of his program.
“I also really believe in personally working at fundraising for my kids to have everything they need to play. It’s a passion that goes hand in hand with the game, at least here in Brentwood,” says Eden. He really likes for each player to have the opportunity to take their warm up suit with them after they graduate as a remembrance for their time on this team. He likes the kids to look sharp in uniform and take pride in what they are wearing for games. But many of these items have to be fundraised for, so Coach Eden is known to roll up his sleeves.
His relationship with with his players doesn’t stop after the last whistle blows on the field their senior season. Coach Eden does his best to follow the kids into their future, keeping in touch and being a part of their lives. He’s seen former players get married, have families of their own and has even coached some of their children as well. One of his former players recently planned a surprise 70th birthday party for his former coach. Coach Eden walked into a room full of family, friends and hundreds of his former players.
He’s also witnessed former players lose their lives at an early age and has had to help their families navigate that side of life off of the field. He’s been a part of helping to rally their community to give former players a burial of dignity for families who just didn’t have the means. Eden believes that this is all part of being a true community that cares for each other.
As a brand new season is quickly approaching. The Brentwood soccer Instagram page has the community counting down the months and days until the soccer ball is placed on that center circle for the opening kick off. Later in August the Kings of the Hill will kneel together once again for their opening prayer and words of encouragement for one another as another title run begins.
When asked what were the goals for this upcoming season, Coach Eden answered. “The goal is to win the National title again. Many people tried explaining away our first one with us being lucky or the chips falling in our favor. I’d like win another one that can’t be explained away.”
Photo credit - Manny Estrada of Brentwood School District
22 Theatre & the Arts
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Engeman Theater’s Exhilarating ‘Footloose’ A Fun Treat for the Whole Family
By Cindi Sansone-Braff
Are your teens bored this summer? Could you use a positive energy infusion yourself? Then “kick off the Sunday shoes” and go see “Footloose: The Musical” at the beautiful Engeman Theater. This upbeat show opened on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on October 22, 1998, with a book by Dean Pitchford and Walter Bobbie, lyrics by Dean Pitchford, music by Tom Snow, and additional music by Eric Carmen, Sammy Hagar, Kenny Loggins, and Jim Steinman.
Based on the iconic 1984 film of the same name, this mega-voltage stage adaptation revolves around Ren and his mother, who must leave the big city life in Chicago behind to go live in a rural farm town somewhere in the middle of nowhere. Ren, fully aware that it would take some time to adjust to small-town life, was nonetheless shocked by the strict local edicts instituted by an overzealous, unhappy, arch-conservative preacher.
energy, intricate choreography, especially during the big production numbers “I’m Free/Heaven Help Me” and the electrifying finale, “Footloose.”
Tommy Ranieri, a talented Long Island native, directed this magical production. Ranieri has staged this show across the country, and in the Director’s Note of the program stated, “Directing ‘Footloose’ at home reminds me why I fell in love with this show in the first place. It calls on each of us to trust ourselves, to move freely despite fear, grief, or hesitation. It urges us not just to watch the dance, but to join in, because to dance without inhibition is to fully live.”
With that said, a round of applause goes out to Trent Soyster for his high-
Tanner Gleeson mesmerized the audience with his charismatic, spot-on performance of the troubled protagonist Ren McCormack. With his wide variety of dance moves, including hip-hop and line dancing, Gleeson embodies Ren’s fiery, can’t stand still, got to keep moving spirit. Karina Gallagher, another native Long Islander, delivered an awardworthy performance as Ariel Moore, the intelligent but rebellious preacher’s daughter. The chemistry between these two young actors ignited the stage, and their powerful rendition of the romantic ballad, “Almost Paradise,” was one of the show’s high points.
The Reverend Shaw Moore, Ariel’s father, isn’t your typical all-bad
hilarious song “Mama Says,” Bronston proved he can sing and dance as well as he can deliver a perfectly timed punch line.
Two other notable performers were Jennifer Byrne in the role of Ren’s devoted mother, Ethel McCormack, and Brooks Andrew as Chuck Cranston, Ariel’s bad-to-thebones, high school dropout, drugdealing boyfriend.
The first-rate ensemble includes Brooks Andrew, Connor Barton, Isaiah Baston, Ryan Bronston, Paul Chamberlain, Alan Chandler, Richard Chaz Gomez, Olivia Hellman, Chance K. Ingalls, Phoenix Assata LaFreniere, Juan Romero Muñoz, Madeline Raube, Julia Rippon, Molly Samson, Scott Silagy, Emily Ann Stys, Channing Weir, and Carson Zoch.
Engeman assembled a top-notch
antagonist. Sure, he is overly strict and rigidly judgmental at times, but he is also a disillusioned man drowning in grief, who has allowed his fears to obliterate his faith. Dan Fenaughty brought a nuanced performance to the role of the control freak preacher, allowing the audience to empathize with this well-intended, yet misguided, shell of a man. Fenaughty, with his rich baritone voice and commanding stage presence, delivered a moving rendition of “Heaven Help Me.” Larissa Klinger was believable as Vi Moore, Reverend Moore’s loving but lonely wife. Klinger showcased her beautiful Mezzo-Soprano voice during the gorgeous ballad “Can You Find It in Your Heart?”
Grace Ellis Solomon aced the role of Rusty, Ariel’s best friend, and stole the show with her pitch-perfect rendition of “Let’s Hear It for the Boy.” Two other standout performers were Channing Weir as Wendy Jo and Olivia Hellman as Urleen, two of Ariel’s other loyal friends. Solomon, Weir, and Hellman rocked the plot-driven song, “Somebody’s Eyes.”
Ryan Bronston, a natural-born comedian, was well-cast as Willard, the dim-witted, warm-hearted country bumpkin who befriends Ren. During the
Creative Team, including Cole P. Abod (Musical Director), Kyle Dixon (Scenic Design), Dustin Cross (Costume Design), John Burkland (Lighting Design), Laura Shubert (Sound Design), Megan Cohen (Props Design), Julia Rippon (Associate Choreog)apher), and Jeff Knaggs (Wig/ Makeup). This fun-for-the-whole-family musical will have you “Still Rockin’” long after the curtain falls. “Footloose” runs through August 24, 2025. For a complete show schedule and more information, contact the theater directly at 631-261-2900, visit the box office at 250 Main Street, Northport, or go to their website: https:// www.engemantheater.com/
Cindi Sansone-Braff is an awardwinning playwright. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of “Grant Me a Higher Love,” “Why Good People Can’t Leave Bad Relationships,” and “Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic.” Her full-length Music Drama, “Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music,” is published by Next Stage Press. www. Grantmeahigherlove.com
CreditThe John W. Engeman Theater
Published by Messenger Papers, Inc.
Legislator Kennedy Hosts Suffolk County Heroes Breakfast
By Cait Crudden
In a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who dedicate their lives to serving others, Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy recently hosted the Fourth Annual Suffolk County Heroes Breakfast at the historic Oheka Castle in Huntington. What began as an event to honor healthcare heroes during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic has now grown into a cherished tradition that celebrates first responders of all kinds, including firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and military veterans.
With panoramic views of the North Shore and Long Island Sound setting the stage, the ballroom at Oheka Castle was filled with gratitude, emotion, and stories of extraordinary courage.
The ceremony opened with Raymond Meyer from the nonprofit Paws of War leading the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a solemn invocation from Reverend Bill Minson, known for his advocacy in mental health care for 9/11 first responders. A stirring medley performed by Liam of the Suffolk County Pipe Band added a moving musical tribute.
The first keynote address came from Jim Jacobs of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, who emphasized the importance of honoring heroes not only in times of crisis but yearround. He shared the story of Firefighter Stephen Siller, who selflessly ran through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel on 9/11 carrying 60 pounds of gear, ultimately sacrificing his life to save others. The foundation created in his memory continues to support families of fallen first responders and catastrophically injured veterans.
Two Jacob’s Light Humanitarian Awards were also presented during the event. The award, founded by Diane Kenney in honor of her late son Specialist Jacob Fletcher, recognizes individuals who embody hope, perseverance, and sacrifice. Diane continues her son’s mission of supporting soldiers through the Jacob’s Light Foundation, which sends care
Join Us for a Family-Fun Day at Hoyt Farm
Patriots’ Picnic Saturday, July 26, 2025 12:00-4:00 pm
Patriots’ Picnic at Hoyt Farm
BBQ, Concert, Raffles, Children’s Entertainment, Playground & Water Park At The
Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve
200 New Highway, Commack
A Great Family Day w/Specialty Selections offering…
Food Trucks, Ice Cream & Pretzel Trucks, & much more!
BBQ & Music & Entertainment : *WHERE STARS COLLIDE Band
Sponsorship Opportunities:
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*Band Sponsor
Food & Beverage
Picnic Area
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$1,000
packages to deployed troops.
The first award was presented to Suffolk County Police Officer Brendon Gallagher, who has shown unwavering commitment to his community despite facing life-threatening injuries on the job. Since joining the force in 2022, Officer Gallagher has been wounded twice while protecting Suffolk residents. Once in December 2022 while responding to a violent threat and again in January 2025 during a high-speed pursuit of an illegal street racer. Still recovering from his latest injury, Gallagher’s award was accepted by Sergeant James Spoerel on his behalf. Legislator Kennedy thanked Gallagher for his bravery and extended well wishes for a full recovery.
The second Jacob’s Light Award was given to Stephanie Diller, widow of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed in the line of duty in March 2024. In her emotional tribute, Stephanie described her husband as a man of “gentle strength, steady moral compass, and a heart full of kindness.” To honor his legacy, she launched the Officer Jonathan Diller Memorial Scholarship, aimed at supporting students who exemplify values of courage, integrity, service, and compassion.
“It’s important to recognize the unsung heroes that walk side by side with us but never get that acknowledgement. I’m thankful for all those who made this ceremony possible and gave thanks to those whose actions were extraordinary” said Legislator Leslie Kennedy on why the ceremony is important to her, and she looks forward to keeping this tradition alive for the coming years.
The Fourth Annual Suffolk County Heroes Breakfast was a celebration not only of heroism but of community, a reminder that behind every uniform is a story of dedication, resilience, and hope.
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Thank you for Your Continued Support Helping Us Maintain
Our Beautiful 911 Responders Remembered Park
Call To Reserve Your Sponsorship or Email the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce (631) 979-8069 smithtownchamber@gmail.com
LI Ducks Bring Irish Pride to the Field
The Long Island Ducks brought some Irish cheer to the ballpark on Friday with their annual Irish Heritage Night. Fans enjoyed the sounds of traditional music, lively step dancing, and a ballpark decked out in green. The team also took time to honor Whitey Ford’s Irish roots, adding a special touch to the night. It was a fun way for families and friends to come together and celebrate Irish culture right here on Long Island.
