Tensions have been increasing between the "Bolivarian Republic" of Venezuela - under its Dictator Nicolas Maduro - and nearly all its neighbors, including the United States.   Maduro seized power in 2013 after having been named Vice President and heir-apparent by the prior dictator Hugo Chavez, who was dying of cancer.   The Maduro regime hasn't just been a dictatorship - it has been a kleptocracy that has stripped and sold-off the country's assets, leaving millions impoveris

By Elaine Phillips   The only thing that beats shopping online from the comfort of your couch is walking into a neighborhood business, owned by a local family, and keeping your hard-earned money right here in Nassau County.   Retail establishments employ almost 70,000 people in Nassau; accommodations and food services employ another 54,000. The arts, entertainment and recreation employ more than 50,000 – that’s approximately 174,000 workers who spend a good portion of their p

By Thomas Nothel   The Town of North Hempstead has dedicated a new 13 Foot clock tower at Blumenfeld Family Park in Port Washington, with dozens of local residents and the Town leadership present for the dedication.   The four-faced street clock is located on Main Street as is the Park.  The Clock is an elegant addition to the town park and enhances aesthetic appeal of the Park.   The clock is strategically located to serve as a central meeting point for visitors to the Park.

By Steve Levy   Good news for those who were dismayed that some Suffolk County officials employed questionable tactics in seeking approval for a countywide referendum that extended the terms of office from two years to four years.   The chairman of the Suffolk County Democratic Party has indicated that he will be initiating a lawsuit to have a court declare the proposition illegal. (Even though the Democratic loyal opposition from the legislature was AWOL on the issue, probab

By Thomas Nothel     The North Shore Land Alliance has elected Hollis Russell as its new Chairman of the Board. Russell succeeds Hoyle Jones who has been Chairman of the Board since 2017.   Russell has served on the Land Alliance Board since 2008.  The organization’s mission is to conserve and steward Long Island’s natural and historic lands, waters, and environmental resources.   Russell was directly involved in the creation of the O’Neil Conservation Stewards Internship Pro

By Nolan Cleary  The city of Glen Cove reported that the annual "Horsepower and Heroes" fundraiser for Glen Cove's first responders raised over $9,100.  The event was dedicated to first responders in the city, including the Glen Cove Police Department, Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department, Glen Cove EMS, Glen Cove Harbor Patrol, and Glen Cove Auxiliary Police. "Horsepower and Heroes" is an annual fundraising event celebrating Glen Cove’s community spirit while supporting local

By Leader Staff   The Commack-based Alure Home Improvements firm - sold recently by Huntington Councilman Sal Ferro (R-Commack) - filed for bankruptcy, stealing the deposits and leaving bathroom and kitchen projects half-finished and abandoned for up to hundreds of local homeowners.   Alure was founded in 1946, and was taken-over and run by Ferro from 1992 to 2022, when he sold a majority interest to Renovo Home Partners, a national home improvement firm.   "Sal and his team

By Rupert Deedes     In May 2025, Kamran Hekmati, a 70-year-old "Persian" Jewish-Iranian American citizen from Great Neck, traveled to Iran for what he believed would be a routine visit to see his family.   He entered Iran using an Iranian passport, which is required by Iran under Iranian law for those who were born in Iran, regardless of whether they hold dual nationality.   Then he was arrested in July 2025 in Tehran and charged with the crime of  "making a trip to Israel"

By Ishan Shah   Huntington's Town Archivist recently hosted an exhibit of precious records and artifacts from the Revolutionary War, that was open to the public.   The rich Revolutionary War history of Long Island's north shore was on display, with a "hands-on" archival experience.   Precious documents on display included the Huntington Declaration of Rights (1774); the Oath of Allegiance to King George III; and a statue of Nathan Hale.   The display was run every Tuesday las

By Maureen Daly   Old Westbury Gardens hosted a sold-out inaugural luncheon honoring the legacy of Mary Phipps.   Mary’s vision and leadership helped shape the Old Westbury Gardens into the community treasure and nature park that it is today.   Old Westbury Gardens was the original home of the Phipps family - one of Old Westbury’s oldest and most notable families.    John and Margarita Phipps built the Westbury House in the early 1900s, reserving almost half of the grounds to