A storm of smoke covering Long Island and most of New York State has traveled thousands of miles from its source in Canada and the Midwest, leading to multiple air quality alerts here and giving an eerie cast to the skies.
From Farm Fields to Food Pantry
Teenagers are working the land in a summer internship program with Share the Harvest Farm and Pitch Your Peers Teen, a youth-led philanthropic and service organization that introduces students to local nonprofits, meaningful volunteer opportunities, and charitable funding.
July 16, 2026
State Error, or Issue With Building Inspector Certification?
A week after Richard Normoyle, East Hampton Town’s chief building inspector, told the town board that progress was being made on a large backlog of applications, rumors began spreading among building industry insiders that he is not New York State Code-certified to perform inspections.
July 16, 2026
Police & Courts
Following two recent shootings by ICE agents, one in Maine and one in Texas, the appearance on Monday of two Suffolk County Sheriff vehicles parked with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection truck on Long Wharf in Sag Harbor created a stir.
Jul 16, 2026
In the early morning hours Saturday, someone named John reported that he was “trapped inside Dive Bar” in Montauk by a drunk who was refusing to let him leave.
Jul 16, 2026
Boards Irked by Scofflaw Applicants
Angry board members. That was the theme last week at meetings of both the East Hampton Town Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Jul 16, 2026
Stage 1 Water Alert Issued
Amid the continuing and worsening drought, the Suffolk County Water Authority issued the season’s first Stage 1 water alert on Tuesday for all customers in Southold, Shelter Island, Southampton, and East Hampton Towns.
Jul 16, 2026
Government
Two locations in Montauk, one at the southwest corner of Lake Montauk and the other at the northwest corner of Fort Pond, will be improved with so-called “living shorelines.”
Jul 16, 2026
Aircraft and firearms, two things America has more of than any other country in the world by a wide margin, are causing frustration to boil over in Wainscott.
Jul 16, 2026
A plan to improve water quality at Havens Beach, where elevated levels of nitrogen and bacteria, including fecal coliform, have concerned residents for decades, had its first public hearing before the Sag Harbor Village Board on July 8.
Jul 16, 2026
The East Hampton Village Z.B.A. appeared disinclined to grant variances allowing a freestanding sign to be erected at 28 Newtown Lane, the former Odd Fellows Hall, which now houses the Rolex Boutique.
Jul 16, 2026
Arts
BCM Celebrates America’s 250th
Bridgehampton Chamber Music’s summer series will celebrate this country’s 250th anniversary with an emphasis on American composers, among them Steven Banks, a saxophonist and composer.
Jul 16, 2026
“Bar,” a 400-page, limited-edition coffee-table book about the “wild ride of the Stephen Talkhouse” since 1987, is set for release on July 25.
Jul 16, 2026
Billy Stritch and Klea Blackhurst will be at LTV Studios to pay tribute to the music of Hoagy Carmichael with their cabaret show “Dreaming of a Song.”
Jul 16, 2026
A conversation about the importance of evergreens for America’s culture and economy, and a jazz concert by the Rez Abbasi and Kiran Ahluwalia Quartet will happen at The Church.
Jul 16, 2026
Villages
A Brit’s Surprise Role in America’s 250th Celebration
Toby Haynes, an artist who splits his time between East Hampton and Cornwall, England, built the belfry that supported the Wavertree ship bell rung to welcome 40 tall ships into New York Harbor.
Soldier Ride Rolls Again Saturday
Soldier Ride, which was conceived in an Amagansett bar and has grown into a nationwide awareness and fund-raising effort, will once again return to its roots on Saturday, when veterans and others ride from Amagansett to Sag Harbor and back.
Opera Singer Is Bridge Shul’s New Cantor
The Bridge Shul in Bridgehampton has a new cantor, a professional singer and voice teacher who has served as a cantorial soloist in synagogues across the United States.
Sports
Long Island Books
Food
News for Foodies 07.16.26
An acclaimed chef is up next in Guild Hall’s Stirring the Pot, a panel on Long Island wines at the Hampton Library, Navy Beach launches Sunday brunch, and catering-to-go from Art of Eating.
Jul 16, 2026
News for Foodies 07.09.26
Omakase is coming to the East End at LDV at the Maidstone and Gurney’s in Montauk, and Lion’s Nook is open at the former Rowdy Hall.
Jul 9, 2026
South Fork Somm: Sparkling Wine for Your Sparklers
With July 4th on the horizon, The Star’s sommelier turns her attention to sparkling wines, with options including a great value from New Mexico and Champagnes that won’t break the bank.
Jul 2, 2026