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Thursday, April 23, 2026 ~ Volume 71 ~ Issue Number 21 ~ $1.00
County Legislature Debates Kratom Ban By Madison Warren At Tuesday’s General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature, officials heard lengthy testimony during a public discussion on what should be done regarding a proposed ban on Kratom. More than fifty speakers came forward to share how the ban would impact them, offering both support and opposition. The legislative discussion follows Nassau County’s recent prohibition on the sale and distribution of Kratom, which removed products from store shelves and imposed penalties on businesses that continue to sell it. The Legislation, I.R.1279, sponsored by Deputy Presiding Officer Jim Mazzarella (R-Moriches) and co-sponsored by Legislators Leslie Kennedy (R-Nesconset), RJ Renna (R-Lindenhurst), Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point), and Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon), would ban the sale and distribution of Kratom in Suffolk County. Continued on page 5
Town Unanimously Approves Verizon
A Kratom plant (Credit - Designed by Freepik)
Franchise Agreement By Matt Meduri The Brookhaven Town Board has taken the next steps in a monumental deal for the township. At their Thursday meeting, the Board unanimously approved a franchise agreement allowing Verizon to construct and operate high-speed Internet and cable television infrastructure throughout the town. The deal now goes to the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) for final authorization. For years, the Town, under different administrations, has implored Verizon to expand access across Brookhaven to break up the monopoly held by Altice/Optimum. The tentative deal with Verizon was announced two weeks ago. Continued on page 10
Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico (Credit: Matt Meduri)
FULL STORIES ON:
Debate Continues on Setauket Greenway Page 10
Town Retains Tress City Status Page 15
Long Island Ducks Open 26th Season Page 23