Two revelations of large-scale animal neglect earlier this month in Rockville Centre were shocking. While it was hard to believe that human beings could allow animals in their care to suffer the utmost cruelty and squalor, it was almost impossible to understand why neighbors were unaware that dozens of dogs and cats were starving to death mere yards away. more

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to reimburse Nassau County for more than $20 million in federal sewer construction funds so the county can end the … more

Bellmore-Merrick residents saw their water rates rise in January when the New York State Public Service Commission approved a three-year, 12.66 percent rate hike for Aqua New York, their water provider. The average customer's bill will rise from $593 to $643 this year, according to the PSC. When U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, a Democrat, heard from constituents about the rate hike, and a similar increase in December 2008 for towns in Westchester County, he and his staff began looking into Aqua New York and its parent company, Aqua America. more

Hundreds of thousands of temporary census workers are knocking on millions of doors in their neighborhoods across the country as the U.S. Census Bureau continues its efforts to count everyone living in the United States. more

On May 1, a Pakistani-born American citizen, Faisal Shahzad, attempted to detonate a car bomb in Times Square. His intent was simple — to kill innocent American citizens and create economic chaos. more

North Merrick Board of Education Trustee John Pinto called on board members to rescind money from the district's accrued liability reserve fund for employee benefits at a Jan. 12 public meeting, a move that the district's legal counsel warned could land board members in jail. The accrued liability reserve fund for employee benefits is used more

My colleagues Randi Kreiss and Alfonse D’Amato each published year-end lists two weeks ago, with Randi offering a holiday shopping list and Alfonse, a list of all the political issues he’d like resolved. I thought, how’d I miss the memo? Where was my year-end list? I must have been too busy looking back on the decade that was. more

Boosters to hold annual fund drive On Saturday, Nov. 21, the Calhoun High School Sports Boosters will hold their annual fund drive beginning at 10:30 a.m. All those who would like to participate should meet in Calhoun's west cafeteria starting at 9:30 a.m., where a bagel breakfast will be served. All students, parents and teachers are welcome and needed to make this event successful. The boosters ask the community to continue its upport for students by donating to this fund drive. Checks can be made payable to "Calhoun Sports Boosters" and are preferred, but cash is also welcome. Return envelopes will be left for mail-in donations for those who are not at home. Throughout the year, the Sports Boosters sponsor various events, including Homecoming, pep rally, parade, Battle of the Classes and Spring Fling. Boosters also donate to community and district events, including the "Midnight Madness" post-prom party for senior students. Calhoun Sports Boosters is there to support students in any way that it can, and to promote sportsmanship, school spirit and good will throughout the community. E-mail sportsboosters@optonline.net for further information. Any questions, call Phyllis at (516) 546-0994 or Debbie at 379-1661. more