Newsday

17 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 | Melissa Azofeifa

For chef Eric LeVine of Farmingdale’s 317 Main Street, the opening of two new Brooklyn restaurants is a homecoming. LeVine, who won the Food Network's "Chopped" reality cooking show, is bringing two new concepts to the borough where he grew up: Evolution and Blackbird, a pair of restaurants at 42 Hotel in Williamsburg. "I’m not going anywhere. I’m just expanding like anybody else who wants to do more, have more opportunities," LeVine 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.

1 day ago | newsday.com | Marie Elena Martinez

Fire Island ferry riders will soon have a new thrill: Uncle Giuseppe's Italian supermarket is opening a summer pop-up at Ocean Beach. Located on Bayberry Walk, the shop will be within Ocean Beach Trading, joining the Kismet Coffee Company in the multiuse space near the ferry terminal. Opening May 9, Uncle G’s Ocean Beach Popup will offer prepared sandwiches, paninis, salads, grab-and-go dinners, fresh pasta and sauce, antipasto and cheese platters for entertaining, plus BBQ and grocery essentials.

2 days ago | newsday.com | Melissa Azofeifa

Babylon's former Horace & Sylvia’s Publick House is getting new life, transforming into Babylon Social this spring. The local eatery, Horace & Sylvia’s, operated for 20 years before it closed in 2024. As Cappiello and his business partner James Economou have been renovating, they discovered a historical sign dating to 1919, according to Judy Skillen, president of the Babylon Village Historical & Preservation Society.