One of the worst early-season droughts in recent memory is hitting the East End just as a heat wave and July 4th crowds, expecting wall-to-wall greenery and willing to expend precious water resources to meet those expectations, converge on the area.
Hats Off to East Hampton’s Class of 2026
They were hard-working, kind team players with an impressive array of talents. Anyone looking to restore their faith in our future would have found great comfort at the East Hampton High School graduation on June 26, when 226 Bonackers flipped the tassels on their caps from right to left and officially became alumni.
July 2, 2026
Dead Whale Removed From Montauk Beach
A decomposed humpback whale found on a rocky stretch of shoreline at Ditch Plain in Montauk on Friday morning was removed by Saturday afternoon, thanks to some hard work by East Hampton Town, a contractor, and about a dozen volunteers with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society.
June 29, 2026
Police & Courts
Heavy damage was reported last week after a Springs teenager crashed his car on Springs-Fireplace Road near Shadom Lane in that hamlet.
Jul 2, 2026
A Brooklyn woman and a Montauk man are facing upgraded charges after being charged with drunken driving late last month.
Jul 2, 2026
A Ticking Time Bomb on Fort Pond?
Considering the fire at the East Hampton Energy Storage Center, which resulted in the release of over two million gallons of water from an on-site fire suppression system, it’s hard to imagine that a similar fire at a Montauk storage center wouldn’t have environmental consequences with no good way to remediate them.
Jun 25, 2026
Marking 40 Years of the Hatchery
Every year East Hampton Town’s shellfish hatchery aims to grow around two million oysters, six to eight million clams, and “as many bay scallops as the gods will allow,” its director, John Dunne, said — but at least 300,000.
Jun 25, 2026
Government
In a continued effort to spur the construction of A.D.U.s throughout East Hampton Town, the town board last week unanimously supported taking $1 million from the community housing fund and chopping it into 10 separate $100,000 loans for applicants. Applications became available on the town’s website Monday and are open until Aug. 21.
Jun 25, 2026
The Suffolk County Water Authority is asking East Hampton Village residents to conserve water following discovery of contaminated wells, for which the 2023 fire at a lithium-ion energy storage system at a Cove Hollow Road substation is the suspected culprit.
Jun 25, 2026
The East Hampton Village Board voted unanimously to approve its fiscal year 2027 budget, which lowers taxes by 0.29 percent.
Jun 25, 2026
Chris Gallant, an Army National Guard pilot, former air traffic controller, union leader, and volunteer firefighter, is the apparent winner of Tuesday’s Democratic primary for New York’s First Congressional District, having defeated Lukas Ventouras.
Jun 23, 2026
Arts
Concept and Process in Balance
Matthew Satz’s exhibition at the Pollock-Krasner House reflects his ongoing engagement with the history of painting through works that are “conceptually based and process-oriented.”
Jul 2, 2026
The Soho Sessions, a concert series that supports worthy causes, will bring Dan + Shay, the Grammy-winning country duo, to the Stephen Talkhouse in a benefit for a mental health nonprofit.
Jul 2, 2026
The Hamptons Fine Art Fair will return to Southampton with over 140 galleries and special features, including a Marilyn Monroe centennial homage and a tribute to David Hockney.
Jul 2, 2026
The Church in Sag Harbor will host Jim Windolf and Susan Morrison on his book that unpacks the Dylan-Beatles connection, and Tom Freston, whose “Unplugged” covers his adventures at MTV and Viacom.
Jul 2, 2026
Villages
Amagansett's West End Sees a Business Boom
Like a fever breaking after a long illness, new businesses have sprung up in and around 136 Main Street, a 1920s-era building neighboring the Mobil station at the entrance to the hamlet’s business district.
The Mulford Farmhouse, as It Was in 1776
The East Hampton Historical Society will reopen the extensively renovated Mulford Farmhouse, at 10 James Lane, on Saturday, coinciding with America’s observance of its 250th anniversary.
Rabbi Stein Steps Up at the Jewish Center
Following the departure of Rabbi Josh Franklin from the Jewish Center of the Hamptons, Rabbi Debra Stein, the center’s cantor, has assumed that role while the congregation continues its search for a permanent rabbi.
Sports
Long Island Books
Food
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
News for Foodies 07.02.26
There’s a pop-up farm and artisans market coming to Sagaponack, daily beverage specials at Lobster Roll, a happy hour at Gosman’s, and small pies from Loaves and Fishes.
Jul 2, 2026
News for Foodies 06.25.26
Taco Tuesdays at Navy Beach, Ralph’s Coffee truck (that’s Ralph Lauren) at Mulford Farm, and an acclaimed mixologist is coming to Bridgehampton.
Jun 25, 2026