Happy Birthday America!
Thursday, July 3, 2025 ~ Volume 70 ~ Issue Number 37 ~ $1.00
Raheem Soto Takes the Helm at The Messenger By Messenger Papers Staff Raheem Soto stepped into a new role this week as Publisher of The Messenger, marking a first in the paper’s long history. He’s the first minority to hold the title since The Messenger began printing more than 140 years ago. Soto began writing for The Messenger in January 2025 and quickly became a recognizable byline. But his work in local journalism goes back much further. Before joining the paper, he wore many hats at The Brookhaven News and The South Shore Press—writing, editing, and handling layout and graphics across multiple sections. “I absolutely believe that Raheem is the right person to take the paper to the next level,” said former publisher Diane Caudullo, who officially passed the torch on Monday. “He understands how the business works—print, digital, advertising—and he really knows the communities we serve.” Soto has lived in Suffolk County for thirty-five years, with the last twenty spent on the East End. Over the years, he’s covered town boards, school budgets, public safety, and elections—often bringing attention to underrepresented voices and overlooked details. Continued on page 5
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FLAG DAY FLAG DAY The Washington Post Ranks ISP Among Top 50 U.S. Airports By Matt Meduri
Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) has long been heralded as an economic hub of Long Island. Moreover, the small, regional airport has prided itself on convenience for residents, reasonable rates, and a viable alternative from the New York City airports for departing and arriving travelers. ISP’s standing hasn’t gone unnoticed. Every year since 2020, ISP has been voted as one of the ten best small airports in the country in the USA Today 10Best Survey. In 2024, ISP earned the number three spot, just behind Myrtle Beach (MYR) and Grand Rapids (GRR).
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(Credit - Town of Islip)
FULL STORIES ON:
Carpenter’s Corner Pages 3
SCPD Ramps Up DWI Enforcement Pages 4
Leggio’s of Bay Shore Reopens Page 10