Joe Werkmeister

22 hours 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.

1 day 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.

4 days 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.

4 days 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.

5 days ago | newsday.com | Joe Werkmeister

Suffolk County officials, joined by state lawmakers and the families of victims killed by impaired drivers, advocated Friday in support of stronger drugged driving laws that they said will close a loophole and help prevent future tragedies. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, in her 2025 State of the State proposed changes to the state’s drugged driving laws that would expand prosecutable substances and add penalties for refusal to participate in testing. At a news conference at the H.