(Long Island, NY) The Fourth Squad reports two arrests for Criminal Possession of Marihuana which occurred on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at 2:35 P.M. in Elmont.

According to detectives, Fifth Precinct Officers in plain clothes on patrol observed a vehicle violate several Vehicle and Traffic laws in the Elmont area. A car stop was made at James Street and Butler Avenue where the driver, Gregory M. Day, 31, of Brooklyn was observed to be in possession of marihuana.

Nassau County Police reports two arrests for Criminal Possession of Marihuana which occurred on Thursday, July 30, in Elmont. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The passenger of the vehicle, Sha Ron Harris, 30, of Hempstead was also found to be in possession of marihuana. Both men were placed under arrest at the scene without incident. An investigation revealed a box in the car contained approximately 14 pounds of marihuana.

The men are charged with Criminal Possession of Marihuana 1st degree and Criminal Possession of Marihuana 5th degree. Additionally Day is charged with five traffic tickets. They will be arraigned on Friday, July 31, 2015 at First District Court in Hempstead.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Third Squad detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred at a Bay Shore barber shop on Thursday, July 30.

A 30-year-old Bay Shore man was shot inside the Headfellas Barber Shop, located at 1773 Union Blvd., at approximately 12:30 a.m. The victim left the shop and walked a short distance where he collapsed.

Suffolk County Police are investigating a shooting that occurred at a Bay Shore barber shop on Thursday, July 30. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Police were called and the victim was transported to a local hospital by ambulance with two gunshot wounds to his abdominal area. He is currently listed in critical condition.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this incident to call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.

(Long Island, NY) Smith Haven Mall will transform its Lifestyle Village into an outdoor cinema as it hosts Movies Under the Stars, a weekly event featuring family-friendly films on a big screen. Taking place on Mondays from August 3 through August 24, guests are invited to bring a folding chair and enjoy this free event, which kicks off at 5 p.m. with a Kids Expo, followed by the scheduled film at 8 p.m.

“After last year’s successful movie night, we are excited to extend Movies Under the Stars to a weekly event,” commented Ann M. Schultz, director of marketing and business development for Smith Haven Mall.  “Our Lifestyle Village is tailor-made for hosting outdoor events such as this and the summer season is the best time to gather together with friends and family and enjoy a cinematic experience under the stars at Smith Haven Mall.”

Each week, prior to the movie, there will be a Kids Expo offering free activities and giveaways, including a moon bounce and popcorn. Families can take advantage of complimentary child identification kits from New York Life; Macaroni Kid and Juice Plus+/Tower Garden will host crafts for children; and face painting will be provided by Face Painting by Tara and Dina’s Dynamics. In addition, Tupperware will host a coloring contest; kids can participate in a number search, 24 Challenge and Towers of Hanoi activity, courtesy of Mathnasium; Healing Tree Family Wellness is bringing crystal singing bowls, drumming and painting; and North Shore Eye Care will be on-site as well. In addition, guests will enjoy delicious food samples provided by the mall’s restaurants and eateries.

The August movie night schedule includes:

• August 3 – Night at the Museum: A night security guard at the Museum of Natural History discovers that the animals and exhibits on display come to life.
• August 10 – Shrek: An ogre agrees to rescue a princess for a villainous lord in order to get his land back.
• August 17 – Ice Age: Set during an ice age, a sabretooth tiger, a sloth and a wooly mammoth find a lost human infant and try to return him to his tribe.
• August 24 – Puss in Boots:   This journey chronicles the events leading up to the sword fighting cat’s meeting with Shrek and his friends.

Movies Under the Stars at Smith Haven Mall is free and open to the public.  Seating will be limited so guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

Every week guests will have the opportunity to sign up for the Simon Kidgits Club, a fun and informative program that focuses on health, wellness, education, safety and entertainment for children 3-8.  Since 2003, the Simon Kidgits Club has kept children and parents alike amused with various events and activities while providing incentives for club members, such as special offers, rewards and games.

The annual membership fee is $5 and includes VIP monthly treatment at monthly Kidgits events, free goodies at all events, a special birthday gift and exclusive offers.  Sign up during Movies Under the Stars and receive a goodie bag, cushion stadium seat, T-shirt, retailer discounts and a spin on the prize wheel.  For more information about the Simon Kidgits Club visit simon.com/kidgits/.

For additional information about the Kids Expo contact Barbara Kaplan with Specialty Connections at 516-621-1446 or visit specialtyconnections.com for all booking and event inquires.

Find out more about Smith Haven Mall and Movies Under the Stars by visiting facebook.com/SmithHavenMall.

About Smith Haven Mall
An expansive retail destination for fashion, discovery and community, Smith Haven Mall is located at Routes 347 and 25 in Lake Grove, and managed by Simon, headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Renovated in 2007, the mall is anchored by Sears, JCPenney and Macy’s and has over 130 specialty stores.  Its Lifestyle Village, an outdoor plaza-style shopping environment, features an attractive courtyard of specialty retailers and premium eateries including Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, Barnes & Noble and Dick’s Sporting Goods. For more information, please go to simon.com. Visit shopsmithhavenmall.com for the latest mall events and retailer updates. Smith Haven Mall is on Facebook – check out facebook.com/SmithHavenMall.  Follow the mall on Twitter too: @SmithHavenMall.

(Long Island, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman wrote an op-ed in City and State on the need for New Yorkers to weigh in on the Puerto Rican debt crisis, and the steps that should be taken to remedy the situation. Highlights from the op-ed are below:

ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE PUERTO RICAN DEBT CRISIS TO NEW YORKERS:Puerto Rico and New York have long had a close, almost familial relationship. Nearly one in ten New York City residents is Puerto Rican or of Puerto Rican descent. The fiscal crisis there is deeply personal for the people of New York. That is why it is so important for New Yorkers to weigh in to make sure that the federal government’s financial decisions over the next few months balance the needs of Puerto Ricans and their families with the need for the commonwealth’s long-term fiscal help.

ON GRANTING PUERTO RICO THE SAME BANKRUPTCY RIGHTS AS OTHER STATES: Congress should immediately grant Puerto Rico the same rights as states to allow distressed government entities to declare Chapter 9 bankruptcy and restructure their debts.

ON LESSONS LEARNED FROM NEW YORK’S 1970S FISCAL CRISIS: The simple threat of bankruptcy itself may help Puerto Rico weather the crisis by forcing all parties back to the negotiating table to stave off bankruptcy. New Yorkers know this from our own experience because it worked for us in the 1970s.

The full op-ed can be read here.

(Long Island, NY) The First Squad is investigating a Robbery that occurred in Uniondale on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at 2:15 am.

According to detectives, a 24 year old male victim was walking on Park Avenue when he was approached by two male subjects that displayed black handguns and demanded cash. The victim complied and handed over a cell phone, credit cards, and an undisclosed amount of US currency.

Nassau County Police are investigating a Robbery that occurred in Uniondale on Thursday, July 30. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The subjects then fled on foot with the proceeds south on Summer Avenue. There were no injuries reported.

Detectives request that anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

(Long Island, NY) The Seventh Squad is investigating multiple Criminal Mischiefs that occurred on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 at 3:00 am in Massapequa.

According to detectives, Seventh Precinct Police prepared reports from victims regarding damage to vehicles that were parked on Cameo Drive on Wednesday, July 29, 2015 between the hours of 2:45 and 3:00 am. The following vehicles either had its passenger door or hood scratched by an unknown person.

Nassau County Police are investigating multiple Criminal Mischiefs that occurred on Wednesday, July 29 in Massapequa. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

2007 Acura, 2015 Acura, 2014 Lexus, two 2014 Jeeps, 2009 GMC, 2003 Cadillac, 2004 Mercedes Benz, 2015 Buick, 2012 Infinity, 2015 GMC, 2000 Acura, 2003 Yukon, 2003 Dodge, 2010 Infinity, 2014 Acura, 2014 Chevrolet, 2007 Mercedes Benz, 2015 Jeep, 2008 Acura, 2013 Nissan, 2015 Subaru, 2013 Infinity, 2008 GMC, 2013 Cadillac, 2011 Lexus, 2007 SAAB, 2014 Lexus, 2014 Mercedes Benz, 2011 Lincoln.

The subject is described as being male, white, heavy build, tan shorts, dark colored shorts, and baseball cap.

Detectives request that anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Nassau County Cime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.

(Long Island, NY) SUNY Old Westbury Panthers women’s basketball guard, Raven Pentz of Walkill, NY, helped Team USA win the gold at the 2015 World Deaf Basketball Championship this July in Taoyuan, Taiwan. Pentz, a rising senior majoring in Adolescence Education: Mathematics, was one of 12 players that had the honor to represent the United States, which competed against teams from Taiwan, Greece, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lithuania, Sweden, Turkey and Ukraine.

“The game is completely different, but it allowed me to progress as a player both mentally and physically because it forced me to adapt,” said Pentz of playing in the World Championship. “It felt surreal to represent the United States. I am grateful that I was able to have this experience.”

Team USA registered a perfect 7-0 record, which included a victory over Lithuania to secure the championship on July 12. Pentz was named to the All-World Deaf Basketball Championships Team for the second-consecutive year, having also earned a gold medal as a member of the U.S. team in the 2014 championships in Turkey.

“Earning a second gold medal illustrates the power of Raven’s conviction and stands as testimony to her hard work both on and off the court,” said College President Calvin O. Butts, III. “She exemplifies what we who teach and work at Old Westbury hope for all of our students – that she is willing and prepared to stand tall and own the future she wants for herself.”

In between her international experiences, Pentz played her junior season for the Panther women’s basketball team, ranking 23rd in assists per game in NCAA Division III and enjoying career-highs in points per game (10.3), rebounds per game (5.4), assists per game (5.1) and steals per game (1.9).

SUNY Old Westbury is a selective public liberal arts college with more than 4,500 students studying in more than 40 undergraduate degree opportunities in its liberal arts and professional programs and 16 graduate programs in business, education liberal studies and mental health counseling. On the College’s 604-acre campus, students are challenged to take ownership of their futures through an environment that demands academic excellence, fosters intercultural understanding, and endeavors to stimulate a passion for learning and a commitment to building a more just and sustainable world. For more information on SUNY Old Westbury, visit www.oldwestbury.edu.

(Long Island, NY) On Oct, 23, 2015, the Fair Media Council holds the largest conference in the country to bring media and community together for a day of open dialogue, story pitching, relationship building and mutual understanding.

Hundreds of businesses and nonprofits turn out to meet nearly 100 reporters, editors, news directors, producers, writers, anchors and more from the New York metro area.

“It’s basically one-stop shopping,” said FMC CEO Jaci Clement. “To meet this many media under one roof only happens on Long Island at Connection Day.”

The day is filled with panel discussions, featured speakers, networking opportunities and exhibitors with stories to tell.

More details about FMC Connection may be found here. Sponsorship, exhibit opportunities and ticket information may be found here.

Census Bureau Report Looks at Average School Spending, Misses NYS’s Huge Inequities

(Long Island, NY) Today the U.S. Census Bureau issued a report that outlines the average per pupil spending in states around the country. While New York ranks as having the highest spending statewide, that does not mean that that is the case for all students in New York State.

“The Census Bureau report excludes one key factor: New York has among the greatest inequity in school funding in the U.S.,” said Zakiyah Ansari, Advocacy Director. “The fact that wealthy school districts spend over $30,000 per pupil pushes up the state average, but does nothing to help students in poor communities. With an average gap between rich and poor schools of $8733 per pupil—and a gap that is more than twice that large in many specific schools, New York has a lot of catching up to do. In 2006, a lawsuit won by parents that formed the Campaign for Fiscal Equity proved that these students in particular were being grossly underfunded by the State; something the state has yet to repair. The result is severe underfunding and program cuts in schools serving high numbers of Black, Latino and low-income students. To this day there is still over $5 billion owed to our students in order to provide them with the sound education they deserve.”

A copy of the report is available at this link: www.scribd.com/doc/272958128/Public-Education-Finances-2013

(Long Island, NY) WSHU Public Radio has launched a brand new, all-classical music frequency for the residents of Eastern Long Island. The new frequency, 107.5 FM, replaces 103.3 FM. The 107.5 FM signal can be heard from Riverhead to Montauk, and from Mattituck to Shelter Island.

Long Island listeners living in the 107.5 FM coverage area can also receive WSHU’s 89.9 FM frequency, which airs an all-talk format of NPR News and quality public radio programs including the award-winning Diane Rehm Show, the immensely engaging Fresh Air, and the highly regarded BBC World Service.

WSHU General Manager George Lombardi says, “We’re thrilled about this development because now we’re able to give our Long Island loyal listeners a choice.  Classical music fans can tune in any time of day for extraordinary music selections, while folks who’d like to hear insightful news and talk programs have that option too.”

One hallmark of WSHU’s classical music programming is the extensive knowledge of its on-air hosts.  Wading River resident Lauren Rico, the host of Afternoon Classical, is a former French horn player who is continually inspired by the kind of passionate, committed listeners that WSHU has.  Kate Remington, WSHU’s Music Director and host of Morning Classical, received a degree in piano performance and mass communication from the University of Wisconsin.  Before joining WSHU in 2000, she honed her considerable skills as a music announcer at Wisconsin Public Radio, the Beethoven Satellite Network in Chicago, and Vermont Public Radio.

Long Islanders tuning in to the new 107.5 FM signal will enjoy favorites by Beethoven, Mozart, Brahms and their colleagues, along with selections that are off the beaten path, and new releases and composers.

About WSHU
WSHU Public Radio Group is a not-for-profit, member-supported station that brings the best in public broadcasting to over 264,000* listeners in Long Island and Connecticut. WSHU airs NPR programs such as Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Fresh Air, as well as Sunday Baroque, local classical music and award-winning regional news coverage that can be heard on WSHU 91.1 FM, WSUF 89.9 FM, and www.wshu.org.

* Source: Arbitron National Regional Database Spring 2014