Cuomo Proposes Local Property-Tax Freeze, Government Consolidation

The property-tax relief would be available only if local governments consolidate services.

Report: Cuomo to Launch Medical Marijuana Initiative in New York

Trotta Sworn In As Suffolk County Legislator

Fort Salonga resident starts his two-year term of office in Suffolk Legislature.

Gov News: Mangano Begins Second Term, State Senator Resigns

A look at some of the top government stories from around Long Island.

Town: Light Snow, Strong Winds Made Plowing Difficult

Smithtown Highway Supervisor said all town roads should be passable.

Live Cancellations, Delays: LIRR To Run Weekend Schedule Friday

Cuomo: LIE to Close at Midnight

Governor declares statewide emergency as winter storm Hercules nears.

Bellone: Storm Will Be 'Treacherous'

Freezing temperatures and heavy winds will challenge cleanup crews, Suffolk Executive says.

Gov: NY Bracing for Double Whammy

UPDATE: Snow Prompts Flight Cancellations, Delays at MacArthur

PenAir and US Airways are canceling some flights, Southwest facing delays ahead of winter storm Hercules.

PSEG Adds Contractors, Preps for Snowstorm

The utility said heavier snow, icing and strong winds could increase the possibility of downed wires and associated power outages.

Top Government Stories of 2013

Year in Review: Patch looks back at some of the top political stories.

Top 9 Smithtown Government Stories of 2013

The top stories out of Smithtown Town Hall in 2013.

Gov News: Medical Marijuana Hearing, Stalemate on Community Center

A look at some of the top government stories from around Long Island.

Cuomo Pokes Fun at Himself, Press Corps in Video Montage

Governor shows off his sense of humor.

Town Board Approves Special Exception Permit for Whisper Landing

Residents question legality of "rushed vote" for proposed assisted nursing facility on Route 25A.

Trotta Changes Mind on Retirement Day, Foregoes Vacation Pay

New Suffolk County legislator-elect decides to retire Dec. 28 as originally scheduled, give up $7,000 in vacation days.

Smithtown Town Board to Vote on Whisper Landing Proposal

Proposal for three-story skilled nursing facility faces crucial decision on Tuesday.

Cuomo Proposes Tax Credits for Renters

Governor says renters deserve a break, too.

Trotta Pushes Back Retirement to Collect $7,000 In Vacation

Suffolk County's legislator-elect to collect pay for 7 vacation days; move approved by ethics board.

Gov News: Town Buys Beach Club, Police Commish Ousted

A look at some of the top government stories from around Long Island.

Town Board Awards Bids to 2 Firms to Finish Sandy Debris

St. James company wins bid to grind down tree stumps dumped at town's Montclair Avenue Yard.

Bellone to Run for Re-Election in 2015

County executive announces Monday that he will seek a second term.

County Sued Over Solar Carport Contract

EDF Renewable Development is suing the county for $12.5 million after plans for a solar carports in Ronkonkoma never came to fruition.

New Tool Helps Voters Navigate Upcoming Special Elections

The Long Island Index unveiled Monday.

Detectives Get Raises, But Salary Steps Extended Under New Pact

Bellone says eight-year contact is fair and will make future officers more affordable.

Throgs Neck Bridge Toll Plaza Changes Coming Soon

If you pay your toll in cash to go over the Throgs Neck Bridge into Queens, as of Monday, Dec. 9, stay to the right -- that's where all cash lanes will be, the MTA says.

Cuomo Brings Meals, Aid to LI Cares

Governor tours New York food banks and pledges more state assistance.

No Second Public Hearing Necessary for Whisper Landing

Town Board votes 3-2 to move forward without a second public hearing despite extensive changes to the plans.

Cuomo: I'm Not Running for President

Cuomo says recent presidential poll numbers are pointless because he isn't running.

Jericho Tpke Blight Demolsihed

Abandoned and graffitied commercial structure torn down on Jericho Turnpike.

Map: 110 Suffolk Pedestrians Killed Between 2009, 2011

Federal agency maps areas in county where these tragedies occurred.

Town Board Takes Aim at Cleaning Up Blighted Properties

Smithtown Town Board will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday.

See Which Downstate New York County is Fattest

Bellies are only getting bigger across the state. Find out where your county ranks.

Suffolk County Water Authority Wins Contamination Suits

SCWA awarded $1.1 million from chemical companies that ignored their commercial clients’ habit of dumping dry cleaning products.

Dismissed Traffic Tickets Come With a Fee

Lawmakers seek changes as motorists get socked with fees even when found not guilty.

Poll: Christie Would Beat Cuomo - in New York

A Siena survey shows that Empire State voters are not as high on their governor as they used to be.

What Child Care Costs Mean for You and Your Family

Three Ways the Shutdown Hurt the Economy

A recent report from Washington lays out damage done by last month’s government shutdown.

Smithtown Joins Group to Protect Lake Ronkonkoma

Smithtown will work with Brookhaven, Islip to protect lakeshore property, water quality.