Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. recently released a summary of new New York State laws that will take effect in 2003. The laws include women's health coverage, more than $242 million in tax cuts for businesses, married couples, low-income families and college tuition expenses, and a measure that will provide for enhanced security for debit card transactions. FULL STORY

Members of the Farmingdale American Legion recently met with the family of Hugh C. Newman, after whom the post was named. The Hugh C. Newman III Memorial Post 449 was formed last summer and was named after lifelong Farmingdale resident Newman, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and firefighter. The post selected Newman because he was so well-known and respected in the community. FULL STORY

Well over 1,100 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes crossed the 5-Kilometer finish line at Bethpage High School, and more than 100 youngsters successfully completed the 1/4 mile fun run that preceded the main event, as the Long Island running community celebrated the holidays with the 15th annual Vitamin World Ho Ho Ho Holiday Run on Saturday morning, Dec. 21. FULL STORY