Flesh-Eating Bacteria Found in Long Island Waters Pose Severe Health Risks A deadly "flesh-eating" bacteria, capable of killing people and dogs within 48 hours, has been detected in Long Island waters, according to a warning by Professor Christopher Gobler of the State University of New York at Stony Brook. Speaking at a press conference in Riverhead, Gobler highlighted the growing public health threat posed by the bacteria, which is linked to worsening water quality and climate change. Gobler, who presented findings at the annual State of the Bays Symposium, revealed that the bacteria, known as Vibrio vulnificus, has been spreading along the East Coast, reaching Long Island earlier than expected. While the bacteria was historically confined to the Gulf of Mexico, it has now been found in coastal waters, with hotspots including Sagaponac Pond, Mecox Bay, Georgica Pond, and areas on the North Shore. Gobler emphasized that the risk is particularly high for elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems, as they face a 20 percent chance of death within 48 hours of infection. The bacteria enters the body through open wounds, and Gobler urged people to avoid contact with contaminated water during the summer months. He also recommended wearing protective footwear to prevent cuts and open wounds. While no deaths have been reported in the region since 2023, Gobler warned that the situation remains critical. The presence of Vibrio vulnificus is tied to environmental factors, including rising water temperatures and nitrogen pollution from land-based sources like septic systems.#long_island #suffolk_county #vibrio_vulnificus #professor_christopher_gobler #state_university_of_new_york_at_stony_brock
Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann expected to plead guilty Rex Heuermann, a 62-year-old former architect accused of killing seven women and dumping their bodies along Long Island’s Gilgo Beach, is expected to plead guilty to the charges Wednesday, more than a decade after the discovery of human remains sparked national attention and deepened the mystery of the serial killings. The anticipated plea deal, which would spare him from a potential trial where he faced life in prison without parole, comes just five months before his original trial was set to begin. Heuermann’s attorney, Michael J. Brown, and Suffolk County prosecutors have not publicly commented on the plea agreement, though the court must approve the change of plea for it to proceed. The case centers on the deaths of seven women whose bodies were found between 2010 and 2011 along a beachside parkway in Gilgo Beach, a small oceanfront neighborhood on Long Island’s southern shore. Authorities believe the victims were primarily sex workers, though they have not confirmed all the killings are linked to a single perpetrator. Heuermann, who lived in Massapequa Park, a middle-class suburb about an hour east of Manhattan, was initially charged in the deaths of three women—Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, and Amber Costello—who disappeared in 2009 and 2010. These women were among the “Gilgo Four,” a group of sex workers whose bodies were discovered in 2010, bound at the head, midsection, and legs with burlap. The investigation took a major turn in 2022 when Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney reopened the cases, leading to the identification of a Chevrolet Avalanche registered to Heuermann. A tip from an old witness connected the vehicle to the disappearance of Amber Costello, one of the “Gilgo Four.#long_island #suffolk_county #rex_heuermann #gilgo_beach #raymond_a_tierney
Today’s Dylan Dreyer Files for Divorce From Brian Fichera Dylan Dreyer, 44, has officially filed for divorce from her husband, Brian Fichera, months after their separation was announced. According to Us Weekly, the paperwork was submitted on March 10, marking the end of their 13-year marriage. The couple, who tied the knot in October 2012, had previously shared updates about their relationship, including a decision to part ways in July 2025. A source close to the family revealed that Dreyer and Fichera’s three children—Calvin, 9; Oliver, 6; and Russell, 4—have relocated to Long Island following their split. The insider described the children as “thriving in their new town” and “happy,” emphasizing that they have established a “great new routine.” The source noted that Dreyer, who works as a coanchor on Today, is “very involved” in her children’s lives, particularly enjoying being home with them after school. The source also highlighted the couple’s commitment to co-parenting, stating that Dreyer and Fichera “do a lot together” for their children and have made “raising them a priority.” Despite the challenges of their separation, the family appears to be navigating the transition with support. The insider shared that Dreyer has received “a lot of support” from her colleagues at Today, who have been “helping her through this time.” Dreyer’s public statement, shared on social media, reflected her gratitude for the support she has received during the process. She wrote, “For many years I have shared my family with you all—the highs and lows. The ups and downs. And all of the blessings and beautiful memories in between. I am incredibly grateful for the support and love you’ve given me through it all. For that reason, I want to share with you that a few months ago, Brian and I made the decision to separate.#today #long_island #dylan_dreyer #brian_fichera #us_weekly
Dylan Dreyer Files for Divorce from Brian Fichera After 13-Year Marriage Dylan Dreyer, co-host of the “Today” show, has officially filed for divorce from her husband, Brian Fichera, following their split in July 2025. According to Page Six, the divorce documents were submitted on March 10, marking the formal legal step after their relationship ended. A source told Us Weekly that Dreyer has relocated with their three children to Long Island, where they are described as “thriving in their new town” and “happy.” The source emphasized that Dreyer is deeply involved in her children’s lives, balancing her career with time at home after school. Despite the couple’s separation, the source noted that Dreyer and Fichera have prioritized maintaining a strong bond for their sons, Calvin, 9, Oliver, 6, and Russell, 4. The family’s dynamic has remained stable, with the source highlighting their efforts to “do a lot together” to support the children. However, the split has been emotionally challenging for Dreyer, who admitted to struggling with the idea of starting over after 13 years of marriage. A representative for Dreyer did not immediately comment on the divorce filing, while a rep for Fichera was also unavailable for comment. In a statement shared with Page Six, Dreyer expressed gratitude for the support she has received during this transition. She described the decision to separate as a mutual choice, noting that the couple began as friends and would continue to maintain that relationship. “We will continue to co-parent our three wonderful boys together with nothing but love and respect,” she said, underscoring her commitment to their children’s well-being. The couple’s separation followed a 13-year marriage that began in 2012.#long_island #today_show #dylan_dreyer #brian_fichera #calvin_oliver_russell
Today Host Dylan Dreyer Officially Files for Divorce from Husband Brian Fichera Dylan Dreyer, the co-host of “Today,” has officially filed for divorce from her husband, Brian Fichera, according to Us Weekly. The filing was made on March 10, eight months after the couple’s public split. A source close to the family told the outlet that Dreyer has relocated to Long Island with their three children: Oliver, 6; Russell, 4; and Calvin, 3. The source described the move as a positive transition, noting that the children are “thriving” in their new environment and have established a “great new routine.” Dreyer expressed her commitment to being present for her children, stating she enjoys the balance of her career and family life, including being able to spend time with her kids after school. Despite the divorce proceedings, the source revealed that Dreyer and Fichera continue to collaborate for the sake of their children. They “do a lot together,” the insider said, emphasizing that their relationship remains focused on co-parenting. The source acknowledged the emotional difficulty of the split, describing it as “painful” for Dreyer, who struggled with the idea of starting over after a long marriage. However, she has gradually shifted her focus to her children, prioritizing their well-being. Dreyer has received significant support from her colleagues during this period, the source added. The couple’s split was first reported in July, when Dreyer shared a heartfelt Instagram post. In the message, she reflected on her family’s journey, thanking her audience for their support. She confirmed that she and Fichera had decided to separate, describing their relationship as having begun as friends and remaining “the closest of friends.#today #long_island #instagram #dylan_dreyer #brian_fichera
Wind Advisory Issued for Long Island with Gusts Up to 50 mph A wind advisory has been issued for Long Island, warning of potential damaging gusts and scattered power outages as a strong frontal system moves through the region. The National Weather Service in Upton reported that the advisory is in effect for Suffolk and Nassau counties from 2 p.m. Monday to 4 a.m. Tuesday. South winds are expected to reach 15 to 25 mph, with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph. Isolated gusts could exceed 55 mph, according to the weather service. The strongest winds are anticipated Monday afternoon through Monday evening as the area transitions into the warm sector ahead of the cold front. Forecasters also issued a dense fog advisory for Long Island, noting that visibility may drop below one mile at times. This advisory remains in effect until 11 a.m. Tuesday. Additional weather concerns include periods of showers and thunderstorms through Monday night, with the possibility of locally heavy downpours. The National Weather Service predicted storm-total rainfall in the 1- to 2-inch range, highlighting a risk of minor flooding in low-lying, urban, and poorly drained areas. Gusty winds could pose hazards by blowing around unsecured objects, downing tree limbs, and causing brief power outages. Drivers are urged to exercise caution, particularly with high-profile vehicles, while residents are advised to secure outdoor items. As the cold front progresses, winds are expected to shift to the west late Monday night, bringing colder air into the region. Conditions will turn drier on Tuesday, though breezy weather with west wind gusts up to 30 mph is likely in some areas.#national_weather_service #long_island #cold_front #suffolk_county #nassau_county
NYC Traffic Lawyer Warns of License Suspension Risks Under New DMV Rules New York State’s revised traffic enforcement policies, effective since February 16, 2026, have introduced stricter measures that could significantly impact drivers across the five boroughs. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has lowered the license suspension threshold from 11 points within an 18-month period to 10 points within a 24-month look-back window. Additionally, point values for common violations such as speeding and cell phone use have been increased, raising concerns among motorists about potential penalties. Brooklyn-based traffic ticket lawyer James Medows has issued guidance emphasizing that drivers should avoid paying citations without consulting legal counsel. “Paying a traffic ticket is an admission of guilt,” Medows stated, noting that under the new rules, even minor violations could quickly accumulate to the 10-point threshold that triggers a DMV suspension hearing. He highlighted that the extended look-back period means past violations, previously erased from records, now risk combining with new citations to exceed the suspension limit. Medows, who operates a law firm serving clients in New York City, Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester, and other parts of the state, explained that the new system complicates matters for drivers. His practice includes handling a wide range of moving violations, such as speeding, reckless driving, cell phone use, red light running, and unsafe lane changes, as well as CDL and trucking cases where a single conviction could jeopardize a commercial license. A critical distinction Medows pointed out is the difference in court procedures depending on where a ticket is issued.#new_york_city #nyc_traffic_violations_bureau #james_medows #department_of_motor_vehicles #long_island
