🌱Nassau Judge Rules Against Masks + Threat At Hempstead School

Hey, people of Merrick! Ash DeMello here with a fresh Merrick Daily.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and colder. High: 28 Low: 16.

Here are the top five stories in Merrick today:

1. Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Rademaker ruled Monday that the state's mask mandate is unconstitutional. Rademaker indicated that his ruling was a procedural decision rather than a medical one. He believes the state legislature is the body having authority to create such mandates, not the state health department. (Daily Voice)
2. In light of Rademaker's decision, many schools and other facilities are making masks a matter of choice. Both North Merrick and Bellmore-Merrick Central High School Districts are allowing students and staff to unmask. The mandate remains in place for Jericho, Baldwin, Syosset and all Catholic schools. (ABC7NY.com)
3. Students at Lawrence Road Middle School in Hempstead had a scare on Monday, January 24, because of a threat made against students and faculty at the school via 9-1-1. Nassau County Police Department and Hempstead Police responded and conducted a thorough search. The agencies determined that the school was safe. The threat and its source are still under investigation. (Daily Voice)
4. The Mineola Board of Education discussed the district's all-day pre-K and pre-K dual language program at a recent board meeting. District Superintendent Michael Nagler explained the reasoning behind the program, which added three hours in the 2019-2020 school year, saying that the foundation established in pre-K can lead to significantly improved achievement data for kindergarten and later grades. (The Island Now)
5. Looking for a new place for your morning treat? Duck Donuts held its grand opening in Garden City on Saturday, offering a free donut to everyone who showed up. Owner Omar Athar says he plans to open three more locations across the county. (Greater Long Island)

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Today in Merrick:

• Music for Aardvarks - Take your littles (4 months to 5 years) to the Community Room at The Merrick Library for an interactive musical experience. Registration required. (10:30 AM)
• NYS Homeowners Assistance - Freeport Memorial Library invites homeowners who are struggling to keep their homes because of the pandemic to a help session. (2:00 PM - 7:00 PM)
• Open Mic & Salsa Night - The Warehouse (203 Broadway, Amityville) is the spot for live music and pub food/drinks. Free admission. (6:30 PM - 11:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Online registration for the Town of Hempstead's Winter Programs started yesterday! It's not too late to get some fun things on your schedule! (Instagram)
• News 12 wants to know: Did you send your child to school wearing a mask today? Take the survey at Twitter.

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Ash DeMello