Libraries have evolved far beyond quiet reading rooms lined with shelves full of books. They are vibrant community centers that welcome residents of every age and every background. They’re places where curiosity is encouraged, lifelong learning is celebrated and neighbors come together at author readings, musical performances and movie screenings.
Microplastics are everywhere in the modern environment. They’ve been found in oceans, in rain, in the food we eat and in some water supplies. The health effects are not yet fully understood, and the science is still developing.
For many residents, this may seem like something that shouldn’t require government action. After all, mothers and fathers have been the foundation of families and communities since the beginning of our nation. Yet recent actions in Albany have made it clear that what once seemed self-evident can no longer be taken for granted.
Unfortunately, the 340B program has strayed far from its original purpose, becoming a major source of revenue for health care systems, and not just for safety net providers. An analysis by the Empire Center for Public Policy found that some of New York’s most well-funded hospitals are taking in hundreds of millions of dollars through the program each year. But there is remarkably little transparency into whether patients are truly benefiting from that funding.
Every legislative session reveals what Albany truly values. With families across New York struggling with rising expenses, public safety concerns and a state that continues to become less affordable, they deserve a Legislature focused on the issues affecting their daily lives. Instead, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the legislative majorities used another year of one-party control to advance the same misplaced priorities that have made it harder for families, seniors and small businesses to stay in New York.
The former Woodfield Road School property, now home to the Lakeview Public Library, has been designated a historic site by the Town of Hempstead and New York State following a student-led effort to preserve an important piece of Long Island's civil rights history.
The City of Long Beach has coordinated with the Long Beach Arts Council to invite local artists to paint murals on the beachfront ticket booths along the boardwalk. After the first phase, the renovation of six booths, was completed in May, the project was expanded to an additional 10 booths. In early July, the work was finished, and the booths were officially unveiled.
The Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce launched a new educational workshop series with an AI seminar, giving local business owners practical tools to improve marketing, productivity and business operations.
