July 2026 - Long Island Life & Politics

Baldwin Woman Arrested for Deed Theft

July 31, 2026 Hank Russell Comments Off

By Hank Russell A Baldwin woman was arrested for multiple Grand Larcenies that occurred between December 2025 and July 2026 throughout Nassau County in which she allegedly fraudulently obtained deeds to multiple properties. Aurelia Soogea, […]

Energy Rebate Checks: Ratepayer Relief or Election Day Ploy?

July 31, 2026 Hank Russell Comments Off

By Hank Russell Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that she will issue energy rebate checks to ratepayers in an effort to help them pay down their high electricity bills. While she says this will provide […]

Valley Stream Woman Arrested for Retail Theft

July 31, 2026 Hank Russell Comments Off

Two women — one of them from Long Island — were arrested for their alleged roles in a retail theft ring after a months-long investigation into an alleged organized retail theft and fencing operation. Maria […]

Senate GOP Must Remain Consistent on the Filibuster

July 31, 2026 Hank Russell Comments Off

Previously Published in The Messenger The Republican Party in Washington has prided itself on intense debate and ensuring that the filibuster remains intact. The filibuster is a rule in the Senate that effectively allows limitless […]

County Signs Kratom Restrictions, Tianeptine Ban into Law

July 31, 2026 Hank Russell Comments Off

Suffolk County elected officials, as well as agency heads and local law enforcement, took part in a press conference in Hauppauge on July 30 for the signing into law a bill that will place restrictions […]

Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Selling THC Gummies to Middle Schoolers

July 31, 2026 Hank Russell Comments Off

A Guatemalan national has pleaded guilty to selling narcotics to an undercover officer and selling tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) gummies that resulted in the hospitalization of more than 12 middle school students. In March 2025, Wilmer Castillo […]

Former Mineola Resident Sentenced for Investment Fraud Scheme

July 31, 2026 Hank Russell Comments Off

A former Mineola resident who moved to Florida was convicted and sentenced for operating a three-year securities fraud scheme that targeted the Haitian community in New York, Florida, and Georgia, and stole more than $600,000 […]

Town Helps Lake Ronkonkoma Resident Celebrate 110th Birthday

July 31, 2026 Hank Russell Comments Off

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico and Councilman Neil Manzella (R-Selden) joined family, friends, and residents at Brookwood on the Lake on July 30 to celebrate Mary Papilon’s 110th birthday. During the celebration, Supervisor Panico and […]

Town Marina Set to Undergo Long-Awaited Renovations

July 30, 2026 Hank Russell Comments Off

The Smithtown Town Board has approved a $6 million capital bond authorization to advance a comprehensive modernization of the Town Marina, an investment that will bring long-awaited improvements to what the town describes as one […]

Cemetery to Host 9/11 Remembrance Mass

July 30, 2026 Hank Russell Comments Off

Catholic Cemeteries of Long Island will host an open-air Remembrance Mass on September 11 to commemorate 25 years since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America. The Mass will be held at the Cemetery […]