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Early studies indicate the omicron variant is less severe than delta. But, "We are still at risk of having our hospitals overrun" because of how contagious it is, said Sean Clouston, of Stony Brook University.

'Tis the season to be jolly, Long Island officials said Thursday - so don't ruin the holiday cheer  by making it easy for thieves to steal your vehicle. 

An 85-year-old mother was stabbed to death in her Deer Park home by her son's ex-girlfriend — who then stabbed him — on Thursday, Suffolk police said.

Rain is likely Christmas Day, Saturday, mainly before 4 p.m., while the high temperature is expected to be near 50 degrees, the National Weather Service said.

Two new testing sites will open on Long Island next week: at IBEW Local 25 in Hauppauge, and at Kennedy Memorial Park in Hempstead. Testing will begin Wednesday.

"It wasn't clear to me that we were opting out of anything other than the money that could be used to address mental health issues or drug addiction," said Supervisor Jay Schneiderman.

There is a 50% chance of light snow Friday before the clouds thin, but chilly rain could dampen nighttime festivities and make for a wet Christmas morning, forecasters say.

After the ruling, Democratic backers of the redistricting plan said they would hold a vote on the plan at a special meeting Monday.

The number of new daily COVID-19 cases in New York State skyrocketed in test results from Wednesday, while Long Island shattered its one-day record. Islanders faced continued long lines for testing, with the existing apparatus strained by the high demand spurred by the omicron variant.

Guided New Year's Day walks will once again be held throughout the state as part of the national First Day Hikes program that encourages winter exploration of the great outdoors.

The expanded building will provide enhanced space for early childhood programs offered by Long Island Head Start and music and after-school programs provided there by the Children's Museum of the East End.

"Right now we're open and we want to make an impact on the community and seniors, feel good about ourselves and do good for other people," said Doreen Perrino, program director at Smithtown's Senior Citizens Department, where the bears were first dropped off.

State data from testing Tuesday showed 28,924 new cases, Gov. Kathy Hochul said, but she added that the state remains in a better position than in past surges.

A billionaire's son claims that the Ross School subjected him to threats and bullying after complaining about teacher-chaperones leading peers, all underage, in a whiskey toast.

Sunshine will blanket most of Long Island Thursday before clouds roll in at night with a 30% chance of light snow, and rain likely Christmas Eve, the National Weather Service said.

The council voted 5-0 to opt out, joining several other Long Island municipalities that have rejected plans to allow the sale and on-site consumption of marijuana.  

No one was hit when the man opened fire inside an LA Fitness in North Babylon, Suffolk police say. The slashing victim suffered nonlife threatening injuries.

Town officials said the change was intended to ensure that more than 130 mostly unused acres on the northwest corner of Horseblock Road and Sunrise Highway are not developed into housing and that there is no plan now to sell the property.

Suffolk Supreme Court Acting Justice Joseph Farneti blocked the legislature from "taking any action" on the plan until after a court hearing Tuesday — just hours before a scheduled vote on the measure.

After Tuesday's nighttime low of 39 degrees, Wednesday's chances of predawn showers are 60% after 3 a.m., the National Weather Service says.