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Thursday, August 28, 2025 ~ Volume 70 ~ Issue Number 45 ~ $1.00
Stefanik Stumps in Suffolk By Matt Meduri
Elise Stefanik at a private event in Smithtown (Credit - Matt Meduri)
ADA Playground Completed at Gardiner Park
All eyes are on the 2026 gubernatorial race in New York as Republicans are hoping to defy decades of drought to win the seat for the first time in over twenty years. New York, hardly a competitive state at virtually every level, has received national attention over the last couple election cycles. Then-Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-Shirley) came about six points away from flipping the state red in 2022 gubernatorial race, Republicans’ path to the House majority ran straight through New York, and the state took the sharpest rightward swing in last year’s presidential election. Now, both parties expect a fully engaged race in the Empire State next year as Republicans seek to challenge the entrenched Democratic status quo in a midterm year expected to be at least somewhat unfavorable to the presidential party, while Democrats seek to defend their platform in a state that leads the nation in net population loss. Continued on page 4
By Matt Meduri Gardiner County Park in West Bay Shore sits on the Great South Bay, just off the Robert Moses Causeway - the lifeline to Fire Island - and serves as the destination for the annual Suffolk County Marathon. Naturally, Gardiner Park is hot on many Suffolk residents’ radars. But the playground there left much to be desired, so much so that elected officials, agencies, and community members formed a steering committee to gain input on what the new playground should include, namely as it relates to accessibility and inclusivity features pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Continued on page 3
Continued on page 10
Legislator Flotteron cuts the ribbon at the new playground at Gardiner County Park (Credit - Matt Meduri)
FULL STORIES ON:
Hauppauge School Meal Plans Page 3
Senator Weik: Connetquot Alum Signs ‘Learn Narcan Training’ with Brooklyn FC Page 7
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