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The Town of Southold building emergency response team for food and heat
Most of the states’ inflation reduction checks have been sent to mailboxes, but the payout of up to $400 won't be going to every state resident. Tiffany Cusaac-Smith reports in NEWSDAY that the checks — aimed at compensating New Yorkers for overpaying sales tax during heightened inflation — might not go to certain Social Security recipients who opted not to file state taxes because doing so wasn’t required, state officials confirmed on Wednesday. The inflation refund check program has several requirements, including that residents file their 2023 state tax returns, officials said. There is also an income threshold and the person can't be named as a dependent on someone else's tax returns.
Because of that stipulation, inflation refund checks might not go out to some recipients of both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), benefits that help people who are low-income, disabled, and 65 and older, according to officials.
Those beneficiaries who receive all their income from either program generally do not have to file state or federal taxes, experts say. Therefore, the nonfilers don’t meet the tax-filing requirement for the state inflation refund check, experts say.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration instituted the $2 billion check program to repay taxpayers after the state saw a surge in sales tax revenue amid heightened inflation, tax officials said. In New York, 6.5 million of the roughly 8 million inflation reduction checks have been sent out as of Wednesday, state officials said. The state's population is almost 20 million.
The payout on the checks can be as high as $400 for a couple who files together or a qualifying surviving spouse who earns a maximum of $150,000, officials said. It can be as low as $150 for a person who files by themselves or as the head of a household and makes "more than $75,000, but not more than $150,000."
***
Turning Point USA, a conservative organization founded by Charlie Kirk, has been thrust into the national spotlight since Kirk's assassination in September. New Turning Point USA chapters have been proposed at Stony Brook University and Farmingdale State College. At least two academic institutions on Long Island have affiliations with Turning Point's K-12 educational arm, known as Turning Point Education.
Lorena Mongelli reports in NEWSDAY that Turning Point — whose founder had been criticized for espousing viewpoints like opposing same-sex marriage and advocating for traditional gender roles — has seen a surge in interest in opening new chapters across the country.
As an example of Turning Point's influence, the U.S. Department of Education announced shortly after Kirk's death that it had partnered with the organization and several other conservative groups to help launch civics programming in schools ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary next year.
Turning Point has also started making forays into elementary and middle schools, where it has sought to advance a "Christian, conservative values education."
But even while the organization gains new ground, experts said it is unclear whether it will have lasting power, particularly with young people.
"Whether or not a group like that can really shift a generation's politics, it remains to be seen," said Melissa Deckman, author of "The Politics of Generation Z: How the Youngest Voters Will Shape our Democracy."
Erasing the line between church and state is concerning, according to Michael O. Emerson, director of and chavanne fellow in religion and public policy at Rice University in Houston.
"The founders worked pretty hard at this idea of separation of church and state. Their ideal was we will not limit the practice of religion, nor will we as federal government, state governments, support any particular religion, because if we do, we limit the practice of other religions. So that is the concern," Emerson said.
Jason Rose, a lecturer in Stony Brook's political science department who also serves as a club faculty advisor to College Republicans, College Democrats and others, said he would welcome the group if a new chapter is accepted.
"Democracy is everyone's voice being heard," he said. "If in the free dialogue and free debate, one seems to win over another, then so be it. I have to say, I'm very proud that at Stony Brook, we don't shut people up. We want to hear all those points of views."
***
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is offering a unique opportunity for students passionate about American history. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the DAR America 250! Scholarship will award ten students with a one-time $25,000 scholarship in 2026.
Undergraduate and graduate students majoring in American history at accredited colleges or universities are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, and submit a one-page essay either on the founding of the nation or on their personal volunteer achievements for community and country.
Applications must be submitted through the DAR online scholarship portal (https://dar.academicworks.com/)
Students are encouraged to apply well ahead of the January 31, 2026, deadline. The application process includes transcripts and letters of recommendation, which must be submitted by others, so early preparation is essential.
Students can also explore additional scholarships available through the DAR portal. Questions may be directed to [email protected].
***
The statement this week from hundreds of U.S. Catholic bishops expressing solidarity with immigrants and criticizing "indiscriminate mass deportation" energized some of Long Island’s 1.2 million Catholics and worried others.
"I would say it’s about time," said Sister Janet Kinney, director of the Long Island Immigration Clinic for the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood. "This sends a message to our political leaders who we voted into office of how we feel — how we feel when we see indiscriminate sweeps of people off the streets, day laborers picked up, stakeouts outside of our schools."
William Donohue, president of the Manhattan-based Catholic League, faulted the document for failing to distinguish between "legal and illegal immigrants" and described the bishops’ dismay over deportation as selective. "Where were the bishops when we had indiscriminate mass invasion of our borders?"
Issued Wednesday at the U.S. Bishops’ annual conference in Baltimore, the bishops state that. "Catholic teaching exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants. We bishops advocate for a meaningful reform of our nation’s immigration laws and procedures."
The statement decries the "climate of fear and anxiety" surrounding profiling and immigration enforcement, vilification of immigrants, conditions in detention centers and "threats" against the special status of houses of worship, hospitals and schools, an apparent reference to the Trump policy allowing immigration enforcement in those locations. "We are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones," the bishops wrote.
Nicholas Spangler reports in NEWSDAY that advocates like Sister Kinney and Richard Koubek, a former Catholic Charities policy advocate now working with Long Island Jobs with Justice and Long Island Immigrant Justice Alliance, said they hoped the statements would galvanize believers.
"They were, in certain ways, rebuking the Trump administration for its treatment of immigrants on the most fundamental of church teachings, the dignity of every person," Koubek said, adding the administration's policies were "instilling fear. They are, in effect, violating basic rights."
Koubek said he hoped Bishop John Barres of the Rockville Centre Diocese would encourage Long Island Catholics to read and discuss the statement from the state conference. "I want them to bring it into our parishes, ask our parishes to preach about it," he said. "I want them to celebrate a Mass for immigrants and ask all of us to read the document."
***
The Town of Southold is putting together an emergency response team to address the need for food and heat in the community, as North Fork community non-profits and volunteer groups work to provide food to those in need.
Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that even with the federal government no longer shutdown, uncertainty continues over the future of the federal SNAP ‘food stamp’ program and local food pantries are seeing a noticeable increase in demand for their services at a time of year that many working families are already under financial stress.
Southold Town Senior Citizens Program Director Jacqui Martinez said the Senior Center is giving additional meals to seniors who had been receiving SNAP benefits and is working with Suffolk County to provide them with shelf stable meals to last a week or so. She said anyone over the age of 60 can receive hot meals at the Senior Center, which can be reached at 631.298.4460.
Town Community Relations Specialist Sonia Spar said it’s believed about 1,500 people and 600 households in Southold Town receive SNAP benefits, including 8 percent of seniors and 5 percent of children, and there are no statistics on the number of veterans who receive SNAP benefits.
CAST (Community Action Southold Town- Food Pantry) is welcoming volunteers, and held successful food drives last weekend at the Southold IGA and Cutchogue King Kullen. CAST is located at 53930 Main Road in Southold and can be reached at 631.477.1717.
***
The East Marion Community Association holds a public forum, “Is It Ok to Drink the Water Here?: Considerations of Pesticides and Health” with Jack Caravanos, Special Consultant to the UN Environmental Program, tomorrow from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon at East Marion Firehouse, 9245 Main Road, East Marion, NY 11939
The event is free.
Jack Caravanos, an environmental hazards scientist, is best known for global work in reducing lead poisoning in low- and middle-income countries. He led the environmental health program at CUNY’s School of Public Health and NYU’s School of Global Public Health. Jack is a practicing field-based environmental and occupational health scientist who has travelled to over 25 low- and middle-income countries. He recently retired and lives full-time in East Marion.
Long Island farming history has left a legacy of pesticide contamination, and the shift from potatoes to grapes has raised new concerns about drinking water quality. This forum will explore the Long Island aquifer, how regulators are protecting our drinking water, and the emerging challenges the North Fork community faces in ensuring our long-term safety.
The EMCA Forum: “Is It OK to Drink the Water?” at East Marion Firehouse is tomorrow starting at 10 a.m.
***
Plans for the first large-scale cannabis growing farm in Calverton are drawing pushback from residents concerned about the prospect of skunky odors wafting toward their homes.
Tara Smith reports in NEWSDAY that the developer, Brother Bear Canna, is seeking Riverhead Town approval to build a 33,700-square-foot greenhouse on a 5.3-acre property on Middle Road, just east of Deep Hole Road in Calverton. The proposed growing facility also includes rooms for fertigation — a form of fertilizing — trimming, drying, curing and packaging cannabis.
Though cannabis cultivation is allowed in Riverhead Town’s Agricultural Protection Zone, town planning officials want more information on odor and noise mitigation before the application review continues. Dozens of residents packed a planning board meeting last week to voice concerns about odors, security, noise and traffic associated with the growhouse, despite assurances from the developers that the facility will be airtight and well-screened from view.
Odor control is a key issue in cultivating the pungent plant. Plans filed with the Town of Riverhead call for a climate-controlled structure with HVAC units to mitigate odors.
“This is a completely sealed facility,” according to Jerry D’Amaro, of Manorville, an engineer for the developer. “All of the HVAC units have activated carbon filters on them. In other facilities similar to this, there’s never been any odor that emanates from the sites, even in close vicinity to the building,” D’Amaro claims.
Senior Riverhead Town planner Greg Bergman said the town needs more details on the units and filter maintenance details, as well as more specifics on sound mitigation, since the HVAC systems and other mechanical equipment could generate noise.
The Calverton property sold for $1.25 million in July, according to Suffolk County property records. The site is surrounded by hundreds of homes and a 41-acre town preserve. Nearby neighborhoods include Windcrest East and Foxwood Village, which are both 55-and-over communities.
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By WLIW-FMMost of the states’ inflation reduction checks have been sent to mailboxes, but the payout of up to $400 won't be going to every state resident. Tiffany Cusaac-Smith reports in NEWSDAY that the checks — aimed at compensating New Yorkers for overpaying sales tax during heightened inflation — might not go to certain Social Security recipients who opted not to file state taxes because doing so wasn’t required, state officials confirmed on Wednesday. The inflation refund check program has several requirements, including that residents file their 2023 state tax returns, officials said. There is also an income threshold and the person can't be named as a dependent on someone else's tax returns.
Because of that stipulation, inflation refund checks might not go out to some recipients of both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), benefits that help people who are low-income, disabled, and 65 and older, according to officials.
Those beneficiaries who receive all their income from either program generally do not have to file state or federal taxes, experts say. Therefore, the nonfilers don’t meet the tax-filing requirement for the state inflation refund check, experts say.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration instituted the $2 billion check program to repay taxpayers after the state saw a surge in sales tax revenue amid heightened inflation, tax officials said. In New York, 6.5 million of the roughly 8 million inflation reduction checks have been sent out as of Wednesday, state officials said. The state's population is almost 20 million.
The payout on the checks can be as high as $400 for a couple who files together or a qualifying surviving spouse who earns a maximum of $150,000, officials said. It can be as low as $150 for a person who files by themselves or as the head of a household and makes "more than $75,000, but not more than $150,000."
***
Turning Point USA, a conservative organization founded by Charlie Kirk, has been thrust into the national spotlight since Kirk's assassination in September. New Turning Point USA chapters have been proposed at Stony Brook University and Farmingdale State College. At least two academic institutions on Long Island have affiliations with Turning Point's K-12 educational arm, known as Turning Point Education.
Lorena Mongelli reports in NEWSDAY that Turning Point — whose founder had been criticized for espousing viewpoints like opposing same-sex marriage and advocating for traditional gender roles — has seen a surge in interest in opening new chapters across the country.
As an example of Turning Point's influence, the U.S. Department of Education announced shortly after Kirk's death that it had partnered with the organization and several other conservative groups to help launch civics programming in schools ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary next year.
Turning Point has also started making forays into elementary and middle schools, where it has sought to advance a "Christian, conservative values education."
But even while the organization gains new ground, experts said it is unclear whether it will have lasting power, particularly with young people.
"Whether or not a group like that can really shift a generation's politics, it remains to be seen," said Melissa Deckman, author of "The Politics of Generation Z: How the Youngest Voters Will Shape our Democracy."
Erasing the line between church and state is concerning, according to Michael O. Emerson, director of and chavanne fellow in religion and public policy at Rice University in Houston.
"The founders worked pretty hard at this idea of separation of church and state. Their ideal was we will not limit the practice of religion, nor will we as federal government, state governments, support any particular religion, because if we do, we limit the practice of other religions. So that is the concern," Emerson said.
Jason Rose, a lecturer in Stony Brook's political science department who also serves as a club faculty advisor to College Republicans, College Democrats and others, said he would welcome the group if a new chapter is accepted.
"Democracy is everyone's voice being heard," he said. "If in the free dialogue and free debate, one seems to win over another, then so be it. I have to say, I'm very proud that at Stony Brook, we don't shut people up. We want to hear all those points of views."
***
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is offering a unique opportunity for students passionate about American history. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the DAR America 250! Scholarship will award ten students with a one-time $25,000 scholarship in 2026.
Undergraduate and graduate students majoring in American history at accredited colleges or universities are eligible to apply. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, and submit a one-page essay either on the founding of the nation or on their personal volunteer achievements for community and country.
Applications must be submitted through the DAR online scholarship portal (https://dar.academicworks.com/)
Students are encouraged to apply well ahead of the January 31, 2026, deadline. The application process includes transcripts and letters of recommendation, which must be submitted by others, so early preparation is essential.
Students can also explore additional scholarships available through the DAR portal. Questions may be directed to [email protected].
***
The statement this week from hundreds of U.S. Catholic bishops expressing solidarity with immigrants and criticizing "indiscriminate mass deportation" energized some of Long Island’s 1.2 million Catholics and worried others.
"I would say it’s about time," said Sister Janet Kinney, director of the Long Island Immigration Clinic for the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brentwood. "This sends a message to our political leaders who we voted into office of how we feel — how we feel when we see indiscriminate sweeps of people off the streets, day laborers picked up, stakeouts outside of our schools."
William Donohue, president of the Manhattan-based Catholic League, faulted the document for failing to distinguish between "legal and illegal immigrants" and described the bishops’ dismay over deportation as selective. "Where were the bishops when we had indiscriminate mass invasion of our borders?"
Issued Wednesday at the U.S. Bishops’ annual conference in Baltimore, the bishops state that. "Catholic teaching exhorts nations to recognize the fundamental dignity of all persons, including immigrants. We bishops advocate for a meaningful reform of our nation’s immigration laws and procedures."
The statement decries the "climate of fear and anxiety" surrounding profiling and immigration enforcement, vilification of immigrants, conditions in detention centers and "threats" against the special status of houses of worship, hospitals and schools, an apparent reference to the Trump policy allowing immigration enforcement in those locations. "We are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones," the bishops wrote.
Nicholas Spangler reports in NEWSDAY that advocates like Sister Kinney and Richard Koubek, a former Catholic Charities policy advocate now working with Long Island Jobs with Justice and Long Island Immigrant Justice Alliance, said they hoped the statements would galvanize believers.
"They were, in certain ways, rebuking the Trump administration for its treatment of immigrants on the most fundamental of church teachings, the dignity of every person," Koubek said, adding the administration's policies were "instilling fear. They are, in effect, violating basic rights."
Koubek said he hoped Bishop John Barres of the Rockville Centre Diocese would encourage Long Island Catholics to read and discuss the statement from the state conference. "I want them to bring it into our parishes, ask our parishes to preach about it," he said. "I want them to celebrate a Mass for immigrants and ask all of us to read the document."
***
The Town of Southold is putting together an emergency response team to address the need for food and heat in the community, as North Fork community non-profits and volunteer groups work to provide food to those in need.
Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that even with the federal government no longer shutdown, uncertainty continues over the future of the federal SNAP ‘food stamp’ program and local food pantries are seeing a noticeable increase in demand for their services at a time of year that many working families are already under financial stress.
Southold Town Senior Citizens Program Director Jacqui Martinez said the Senior Center is giving additional meals to seniors who had been receiving SNAP benefits and is working with Suffolk County to provide them with shelf stable meals to last a week or so. She said anyone over the age of 60 can receive hot meals at the Senior Center, which can be reached at 631.298.4460.
Town Community Relations Specialist Sonia Spar said it’s believed about 1,500 people and 600 households in Southold Town receive SNAP benefits, including 8 percent of seniors and 5 percent of children, and there are no statistics on the number of veterans who receive SNAP benefits.
CAST (Community Action Southold Town- Food Pantry) is welcoming volunteers, and held successful food drives last weekend at the Southold IGA and Cutchogue King Kullen. CAST is located at 53930 Main Road in Southold and can be reached at 631.477.1717.
***
The East Marion Community Association holds a public forum, “Is It Ok to Drink the Water Here?: Considerations of Pesticides and Health” with Jack Caravanos, Special Consultant to the UN Environmental Program, tomorrow from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon at East Marion Firehouse, 9245 Main Road, East Marion, NY 11939
The event is free.
Jack Caravanos, an environmental hazards scientist, is best known for global work in reducing lead poisoning in low- and middle-income countries. He led the environmental health program at CUNY’s School of Public Health and NYU’s School of Global Public Health. Jack is a practicing field-based environmental and occupational health scientist who has travelled to over 25 low- and middle-income countries. He recently retired and lives full-time in East Marion.
Long Island farming history has left a legacy of pesticide contamination, and the shift from potatoes to grapes has raised new concerns about drinking water quality. This forum will explore the Long Island aquifer, how regulators are protecting our drinking water, and the emerging challenges the North Fork community faces in ensuring our long-term safety.
The EMCA Forum: “Is It OK to Drink the Water?” at East Marion Firehouse is tomorrow starting at 10 a.m.
***
Plans for the first large-scale cannabis growing farm in Calverton are drawing pushback from residents concerned about the prospect of skunky odors wafting toward their homes.
Tara Smith reports in NEWSDAY that the developer, Brother Bear Canna, is seeking Riverhead Town approval to build a 33,700-square-foot greenhouse on a 5.3-acre property on Middle Road, just east of Deep Hole Road in Calverton. The proposed growing facility also includes rooms for fertigation — a form of fertilizing — trimming, drying, curing and packaging cannabis.
Though cannabis cultivation is allowed in Riverhead Town’s Agricultural Protection Zone, town planning officials want more information on odor and noise mitigation before the application review continues. Dozens of residents packed a planning board meeting last week to voice concerns about odors, security, noise and traffic associated with the growhouse, despite assurances from the developers that the facility will be airtight and well-screened from view.
Odor control is a key issue in cultivating the pungent plant. Plans filed with the Town of Riverhead call for a climate-controlled structure with HVAC units to mitigate odors.
“This is a completely sealed facility,” according to Jerry D’Amaro, of Manorville, an engineer for the developer. “All of the HVAC units have activated carbon filters on them. In other facilities similar to this, there’s never been any odor that emanates from the sites, even in close vicinity to the building,” D’Amaro claims.
Senior Riverhead Town planner Greg Bergman said the town needs more details on the units and filter maintenance details, as well as more specifics on sound mitigation, since the HVAC systems and other mechanical equipment could generate noise.
The Calverton property sold for $1.25 million in July, according to Suffolk County property records. The site is surrounded by hundreds of homes and a 41-acre town preserve. Nearby neighborhoods include Windcrest East and Foxwood Village, which are both 55-and-over communities.