Several Taco Bell restaurants across Long Island were closed last week after an outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 over the course of the past week. Last week, six Taco Bell restaurants within Nassau County were asked to voluntarily close down, discard their food and disinfect their premises. They include the Broadway and Roosevelt Field Mall restaurants as well as the East Meadow, Hempstead, Seaford and New Hyde Park locations. FULL STORY

Pat Scanlon was elected Hicksville Fire Commissioner on Dec. 12. Scanlon, who received 1,051 votes, defeated Mike Krummenacker, who received 751 votes. As fire commissioner, Scanlon said he'll work to improve communications between the department. "The membership - the people who do this job day in and day out - elected me and I hope to come through for them," said Scanlon, adding that being elected was a "win not only for the brothers and sisters in the fire service" but for the entire community. "Their voices will be heard," he said. Scanlon will be installed as fire commissioner on Jan. 1 and will serve a five-year term. FULL STORY

Speaking of records, Chris Fogarazzo of the Bellmore Striders set an incredible course record of 15:19 in this year's edition of the Run, eclipsing the old 15:50 record set by Michael Nehr in 2003 by 31 seconds! Runner-up Chris Mammone also broke the previous record, crossing the finish line in 15:35. Former Syosset High School superstar Mark Alizzi was the third finisher in an excellent 16:03. FULL STORY