Friday, October 2, 2026
National Newspaper Week, Oct. 4–10, is an opportunity to focus attention on something Long Islanders experience every day but can easily take for granted: the value of having journalists paying attention to your own community.
I share this with you because we’re approaching Banned Books Week, which will be observed Oct. 4-10. This year’s theme is “Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.” The annual event seeks to bring attention to the issue of censorship, uniting librarians, educators, authors and readers against organized attempts to restrict access to information.
Thousands of water suppliers across the United States, including the Suffolk County Water Authority, have filed lawsuits against companies involved with PFAS. Last year the 3M Company agreed to a settlement of $10.3 billion. SCWA expects to receive $170 million of that. It got an initial payment of $34 million last year.
Although much of the concern focuses on young riders, this isn’t just a young-person issue. There are adults operating e-bikes and scooters carelessly, riding against traffic or on sidewalks, and ignoring traffic controls. Everyone operating one of these vehicles must follow the rules of the road and respect those around them.
The new documentary “The Mighty Mary” brings the story of the first all-woman team to compete in the America’s Cup back to the North Shore and Oyster Bay’s Oakcliff Sailing Center, where much of the film’s present-day footage was shot.
October means Oyster Fest is nearly here. The annual waterfront festival returns to Oyster Bay on Oct. 17 and 18, bringing food, live entertainment, shopping, carnival rides and family activities to Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park and Audrey Avenue.
Kiwanis Sea Cliff Mini Mart is returning for its 54th year, bringing vendors, live music and food to the village. Thousands typically show up to the annual fall event, from Sea Cliff and beyond.
