The Long Island Daily
News & Politics
About
The Long Island Daily, formerly Long Island Morning Edition, with host Michael Mackey provides regional news stories and special features that speak to the body politic, the pulse of our planet, and the marketplace of life.
Episodes
- Record-setting retail transaction closes in Water Mill
Southampton police shot and killed a man armed with a knife who was stabbing his mother. The mother sustained serious injuries, and three officers were treated for minor injuries. The New York State Attorney General's Office is investigati…
- Trump border czar threatens to "flood the zone" if Hochul passes ICE limitations
LIRR unions are demanding a 14.5% raise over four years, threatening a strike on May 16. The MTA argues LIRR employees are the highest-paid railroad workers nationally, with average compensation reaching $200,427 in 2024. Unions contest th…
- Town of Southampton in roll out new mass alert system
New York State officials are reviewing nearly 100 allegations against seven Long Island day care centers for issues including corporal punishment and inadequate background checks. Four other centers have been shut down due to serious viola…
- Price of gas continues to rise for Long Islanders
The number of Long Island households using SNAP benefits has risen by 34% since 2020 due to the high cost of living and unaffordable housing, according to a NEWSDAY report. Experts note that even middle-class families are increasingly rely…
- Microplastic levels in drinking water not a required test
Microplastics have been detected worldwide and may be present in Long Island's drinking water. Currently, testing for microplastics is not mandated, and standardized testing methods are unavailable. The U.S. EPA is considering regulating m…
- Chronic absenteeism remains high in Long Island schools
Chronic absenteeism in Long Island schools was 17.3% in 2024-25, a slight decrease from 17.6% the previous year but higher than pre-pandemic levels. Experts cite various factors including changing parental values, student mental health, an…
- Southampton Town says Riverside can expect new sewer district to be active by late 2029
Business leaders on Long Island have voiced concerns regarding the potential economic repercussions of an LIRR union strike, citing negative impacts on tourism and the sustainability of potential raises for railroad workers.
- MTA claims large rate hikes would be required to meet LIRR worker demands
MTA officials state that meeting LIRR worker demands could necessitate fare hikes of up to 8%, service cuts, or job reductions. LIRR labor leaders have called these claims baseless, and negotiations are ongoing to avoid a potential strike.
- Trump war with Iran continues to raise cost of living for Long Islanders
Gasoline prices on Long Island are up over 12 cents per gallon, influenced by the U.S.-Iran war's impact on oil exports and the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, the Eleanor Whitmore Early Childhood Center is seeking a $3.5 million grant for…
- Village of East Hampton first to pass law to boost ICE accountability
The Long Island Rail Road is increasing its summer train service, including more weekday trains to Montauk, beginning May 18. Additionally, New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit to block the federal government's withh…
- Rotovirus on rise on Long Island, and nationwide
Rex Heuermann confessed to his wife and daughter in a new Peacock documentary that Sandra Costilla, murdered in 1993, was his first killing and it was unplanned. The documentary details conversations where Heuermann admitted to the crime,…
- Tick-borne illnesses on the rise across all of Long Island
Tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and babesiosis are on the rise on Long Island, with factors such as weather patterns and host animal populations potentially influencing tick season severity. Emergency department visits for tick bite…
- New scientific findings show worsening coastal water conditions
A bill passed by the New York State Legislature will provide rebates for commercial landscaping companies, governments, nonprofits, universities, and school districts to switch from gas-powered to electric lawn care and snow removal equipm…
- 23 Long Island schools flagged for subpar academic performance
Twenty-three Long Island schools have been flagged for subpar academic performance by the state. While some districts criticized the designations, state officials stated the ratings are an opportunity to improve academic outcomes by identi…
- East End police to take part in "No Empty Chair" statewide campaign for safe teen driving
This episode covers a Southampton Town police rescue of a kayaker, a 32% rise in Long Island's homeless population between 2022 and 2024, and Island Water Park's application to amend its site plan for new attractions.
- Southampton Town Highway Dept. to begin pedestrian enhancement in Noyac
Weekend ridership on the Long Island Rail Road has surged, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 27% last year, according to a report by the NYS Comptroller's office. This increase has helped offset lagging weekday ridership. Meanwhile, Southam…
- Arrests made over charges of bribery within East Hampton Town
An investigation by the Suffolk County district attorney’s office, initially sparked by former Chief Building Inspector Joe Palermo noticing unusual patterns in permit processing, led to the arrest and indictment of two individuals on brib…
- Riverhead Country Fair not being held on 50th anniversary
A federal racketeering lawsuit alleges orthopedic surgeon Dr. Alexios Apazidis provided unnecessary spinal surgeries to individuals involved in staged car accidents with FedEx vehicles. The lawsuit, filed by FedEx, claims a conspiracy amon…
- Sag Harbor proposed budget would hike village taxes $600 for median home
This episode covers Long Island Catholic reactions to President Trump's remarks about the Pope, and the firing of an LIRR worker involved in an ID card counterfeiting scheme. It also notes a proposed tax hike for median homes in Sag Harbor.
- Suffolk County may be declared "disaster area" over oyster crop
The podcast covers Suffolk County's potential disaster area status due to oyster crop issues and critiques the Trump administration's budget proposal. The proposal includes significant cuts to domestic programs, particularly affecting New…
- Land preservation efforts on up swing across North Fork
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has launched a customer engagement effort for the proposed redesign of Jamaica Station, including an online survey for rider feedback. Separately, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is completing a dredging operati…
- Rex A. Heuermann confesses to being Gilgo Beach serial killer
Rex A. Heuermann confessed to the murders of eight women, detailing his crimes in court. He pleaded guilty to seven murders and admitted to an eighth, with sentencing for multiple life sentences and a 100-year term expected soon. The inves…
- East Hampton Town officials to move forward on new law drafted by OLA of Eastern Long Island
East Hampton Town officials will proceed with a new law from OLA of Eastern Long Island. The episode discusses a significant increase in Long Island immigration arrests in early 2025, with trends and advocacy group observations. It also no…
- Riverhead's Alive on 25 likely to be approved after supervisor raises questions
Suffolk County officials are enhancing security measures for upcoming events, including counter-drone capabilities, due to potential terror threats. Additionally, East End school districts have seen significant improvements in English lang…
- LIRR to build second temporary platform at Hamptons Bays
The Long Island Rail Road is adding a second temporary platform at Hampton Bays station and making improvements to the Montauk Branch to prepare for a busy summer. These upgrades aim to increase operational flexibility and manage the expec…
- Southampton Town explores bill to to protect large trees and habitat from rampant development
The Diocese of Rockville Centre welcomed 404 new Catholic converts, the highest number in almost 40 years. Church officials attribute this rise to various factors including evangelization, a societal hunger for meaning, social media engage…
- Oyster industry dealing with fallout of "worst winter of the century"
Suffolk County is asking a judge to overturn a $112 million jury verdict awarded in a lawsuit concerning the detention of immigrants. The county claims the trial had significant errors and that they were following federal authority when ho…
- Police across New York to focus on enforcing distracted driving laws in April
The LIRR is making track and station improvements on the South Fork to enhance service, including extending tracks and building new platforms. Separately, a study found PFAS/PFOS chemicals in Long Island produce, raising concerns for the u…
- Today is the last day of WLIW-FM's Spring Fund Drive!
The final day of WLIW-FM's Spring Fund Drive is today. Separately, a proposal to allow farming at the historic Osborn Homestead in Wainscott faces opposition from residents concerned about environmental and historical impacts, despite the…
- Gov. Hochul and NYS legislators unlikely to meet budget deadline
New York's budget deadline is approaching, with Governor Kathy Hochul and legislators facing disagreements on key policies. Issues include environmental reviews, fossil fuel reduction targets, potential tax increases, school and child care…
- Several No Kings rallies to be held across East End
The Southampton High School robotics team, the Marinators, won the FIRST Long Island Regional competition. They qualified for the World Championship after designing, engineering, and operating a robot capable of complex tasks, defeating op…
- MTA to discuss raises for 5 LIRR unions
The MTA is prepared to negotiate higher raises for five Long Island Rail Road unions, with CEO Janno Lieber indicating a willingness to offer more than previously proposed, provided unions agree to concessions. The unions are seeking a 14.…
- U.S. State Department limits libraries' ability to aid with passport process
Gas prices on Long Island have risen by over a dollar in the last month, averaging $3.87 per gallon, driven by the conflict with Iran. AAA Northeast attributes this surge to soaring crude oil prices, exceeding the typical spring increase.…
- Lyne disease vaccine developers to seek federal approval
Agricultural businesses on Long Island are concerned about potential ICE crackdowns impacting their seasonal migrant workforce. Farms, like Pindar Vineyards, rely on these workers for tasks such as pruning, and face uncertainty due to work…
- Jet collides with fire truck at LGA, killing 2 pilots and leaving dozens injured
A regional jet operated by Air Canada Express collided with a Port Authority fire truck on a LaGuardia Airport runway, resulting in the deaths of the two pilots. The incident also led to dozens of injuries and the cancellation of hundreds…
- Local events across the East End celebrate first weekend of Spring
This episode discusses the impact of a recent court-ordered tax refund for the Friar's Head golf course on Riverhead, New York residents. It also notes local spring events across Long Island's East End.
- Trump war in Iran threatens farmer livelihoods on East End
This episode of The Long Island Daily discusses the rise in deer-vehicle collisions on Long Island, which have increased by 75% over eight years. The program examines the impact of deer overpopulation and reports on the challenges of track…
- Federal judge overturns arrest by ICE of Long Island man
A federal judge overturned the arrest of an immigrant from El Salvador by ICE agents, citing the man's valid juvenile immigrant visa and work permit. The judge criticized the agents' lack of legal awareness and the agency's policies during…
- Consider a donation to WLIW-FM today!
Cole Brauer, a Long Island native, became the first American woman to solo circumnavigate the globe, completing a 27,000-mile race in 130 days. She has written a memoir titled "First Light" detailing her journey and experiences as a woman…
- Winter wreaks havoc on oyster crops and farmer worries
Extreme winter weather damaged Long Island oyster crops and farm equipment, leading to substantial financial losses. Farmers are assessing the damage and seeking relief funding, with potential impacts on the industry lasting several years.
- Future of EPCAL remains unsettled
The episode discusses a proposed federal bill impacting voter registration requirements, potentially affecting millions of New Yorkers due to name discrepancies and lack of passports. It also covers the Southampton Town Board's unanimous a…
- Sag Harbor Village launches investigation into homophobic comment from Mayor Gardella
Sag Harbor Village has opened an investigation into Mayor Thomas Gardella following a social media comment that was described as homophobic. Meanwhile, energy costs in the NYC metropolitan area, including electricity and heating oil, saw a…
- Westhampton Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade this Saturday
Rising fuel costs, driven by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, are negatively affecting Long Island
- Trump directive could cause severe understaffing for LI school bus drivers
A Trump administration directive on commercial driver's licenses for temporary residents is expected to cause significant understaffing in Long Island's school bus industry. This policy change could force school districts to alter bell tim…
- Major traffic on South Fork caused by fatal crash on County Rd 39
A fatal multi-vehicle crash on County Road 39 in Southampton, involving a delivery truck, closed the road for four hours and resulted in one fatality and minor injuries to three others. In a separate incident, a flight instructor and a stu…
- Bridgehampton residents push back against proposed horse farm
Residents of Bridgehampton are pushing back against a proposal for a large horse farm on land with preserved development rights, raising concerns about misrepresented covenants and the scale of the project. The developer's attorney argues…
- Justin Timberlake files suit against Village of Sag Harbor
Security in Nassau County has been enhanced with increased patrols and coordination across agencies due to potential international conflict reverberations. Officials are increasing presence at religious institutions and gathering spots out…
- Archaeology at Sylvester Manor reshaping understanding of slavery
This episode covers the impact of archaeology at Sylvester Manor on understanding slavery. It also includes a report from Newsday about school snow days and calendar adjustments due to severe weather.
- Vigils for Justice to be held tonight at 6pm
New York State lawmakers are considering budget relief for school districts facing challenges in meeting the 2035 deadline for emission-free buses. Factors like rising costs, federal aid changes, and infrastructure concerns are impacting t…
- Recent blizzard makes history as one of top 3 biggest snowstorms to hit the East End
The Blizzard of '26 has become one of the three largest snowstorms to hit Long Island's East End, with reported snowfalls of up to 28.1 inches. Residents and crews continue cleanup efforts.