Richard Lawrence of Merrick, a former Nassau County Family Court judge, longtime legal counsel to a state senator, and well-respected, well-loved community activist, died suddenly on April 21 of complications from a bone-marrow transplant. He was 66. more

New York State Assemblyman David McDonough, a Republican from North Merrick, was recently named to the state Transportation Budget Committee. more

"Our smiles have dulled, and our family will never be complete again," Susan Cirigliano said in a sullen voice to a room full of people at Farmingdale State College on Thursday. more

"This isn’t cocaine. This isn’t a Saturday-Sunday drug. It’s 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year," Bill Flanagan, the Nassau County Police Department’s second deputy commissioner, told the assembly of 20 elected leaders, law enforcement officials, drug-treatment specialists and educators at Levittown Public Library on Thursday. more

State Assemblyman David McDonough, a Republican from North Merrick, is reminding his constituents that the law banning texting while driving will take effect Nov. 1. The law was passed by the state to supplement the current law banning the use of a cell phone without a hands-free device while driving. more

Traditionally, food drives to benefit the hungry are scheduled around Thanksgiving and extended through the December holidays, at most through the turn of the New Year. This year, however, as the economy took a turn for the worse, Assembly Dave McDonough, a Republican representing Bellmore-Merrick, kept his annual food drive going year 'round, the need for food just as compelling this summer and early fall. Since November, hundreds of pounds of food have been collected, but much more needs to be done, the assemblyman said. Donations of canned goods and other non-perishable food items may be dropped off at McDonough's district office at 404 Bedford Ave. in Bellmore. All donations are delivered to local food pantries in the area for distribution to families in need. more