Joe Werkmeister

2 weeks ago | newsday.com | Joe Werkmeister

John D'Alessandro never planned on becoming a firefighter. But when he promised his youngest son — who dreamed of fighting fires from 12 years old — that he would join the ranks if his son earned his certification at 16, he had no choice, he said. D’Alessandro, secretary of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, recalled on Thursday how he became a firefighter at age 52. He shared his story in advance of the 16th annual Recruit NY campaign.

3 weeks ago | newsday.com | Joe Werkmeister

The best way to minimize damage caused by the southern pine beetle inside Suffolk County's natural spaces is to cut off the insect’s communication, experts say. Jessica Cancelliere, a research scientist with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, described how the insects release pheromones when attacking a tree, attracting other beetles to bring together the thousands required to kill the tree. "Beetles rely on that communication," she said.

3 weeks ago | newsday.com | Joe Werkmeister

Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine unveiled a $787.5 million proposed capital budget for 2026 that focuses on new sewers, improvements to roads and bridges, public safety projects such as repairs to correctional facilities and enhancing county campsites. The larger three-year capital plan for 2026-28 includes $3 billion in investments, an increase of $700 million compared to the previously adopted plan.

3 weeks ago | newsday.com | Joe Werkmeister

Standing before Suffolk County legislators on April 8, County Executive Edward P. Romaine repeated a pledge he first made as Brookhaven town supervisor: Every budget, "no matter how tough times get," will stay under the state-mandated tax cap. The Republican county executive, while projecting a positive outlook for the county's financials, hinted at economic uncertainty that lies ahead and the "extraordinary budgeting" it will require.

3 weeks ago | newsday.com | Joe Werkmeister

Finding a satellite 22,000 miles above Earth's surface requires precision. Tim Keller, of Coram, positioned a dish antenna outside the Longwood Youth Center on Saturday, aiming it toward the GOES-19 weather and environmental monitoring satellite. Millimeters can make a difference in "finding a very small point in the sky," he said.