<h3>BACKGROUND</h3> 
<ul> 
 <li>Szika did not respond to Newsday’s request for comment.</li> 
</ul> 
<p data-atex-currentstyle="" data-atex-mc="0" data-atex-pstyle="" data-atex-tagstart="0"><span data-atex-cstyle="EM-SPACE" data-atex-currentstyle="EM-SPACE" data-atex-id="cmd" data-atex-mc="0" data-atex-name="EM" data-atex-tagstart="0" data-atex-uat="{}"> </span><span data-atex-cstyle="EM-SPACE" data-atex-currentstyle="EM-SPACE" data-atex-id="cmd" data-atex-mc="0" data-atex-name="QA" data-atex-tagstart="1" data-atex-uat="{ }"> </span></p> 
<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

BACKGROUND Szika did not respond to Newsday’s request for comment.  

Long Island Voters Guide 2026 | NYS, Nassau and Suffolk county elections

Jodi A. Giglio

Kimberly Wilder

Michael J. Szika

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New York Attorney General Letitia James visited Newsday's headquarters, where she spoke about the Cornell University rape investigation that she is leading. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

'The politics stop at the door'

On Tuesday night, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and Republican rival Bruce Blakeman squared off in the only campaign debate of the gubernatorial election. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Hochul, Blakeman clash in only debate

A Newsday analysis finds U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino has taken the third-most trips paid for by special interest organizations of all U.S. House members this year. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa and Newsday Congressional reporter Billy House have the story.

'More than $37,000 spent'

According a new report from the Rockefeller Institute there are nearly 13,000 service lines identified in the county so far. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'I wouldn't want it in my home'

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Five of the races are attracting big money totals. Multiple open seats will be filled by a new representative.

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A Siena research poll found that Long Islanders overwhelmingly want officials to crackdown on illicit spas. Newsday politics reporter Bahar Ostadan has the story.

'Looking for a more comprehensive solution'

Bruce Blakeman leads Kathy Hochul by 8 points on Long Island, but trails by 9 points statewide in the race for governor, according to recent Newsday/Siena University polls. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'Affordability is likely the number one issue'

Hampton Shipyard was bought by a new ownership group two years ago and it is seeking to expand. But nearby residents say the expansion would not fit their neighborhood. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'We want smart development. We want it environmentally sensitive'

A renovated Belmont Park unveils new amenities on Friday, as it reopens after more than three years and $550 million in renovations, NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Something for everyone': New grandstand, new grounds

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced utility discounts for up to half of all households in the state. Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman called the energy rebate a scam. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'Half of all households are eligible'

New York State is mailing out energy rebate checks between $100 and $200 to taxpayers who qualitify. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'A check is always nice. A little more would be nicer.'

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The law would require businesses to have proper state licensing, prove that their employees are paid and ban staff from living at the spas or sleeping there overnight. Repeat offenders could face penalties up to $25,000. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

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Lawyers for Oscar Belgal say he is in desperate need of surgical attention for the bullet lodged in his neck. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Disregard for care'

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'We can expect negative repercussions'

President Trump has pledged $5,000 to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans maintain control of Congress this November. Newsday White House correspondent Laura Figueroa Hernandez discusses the potential ramifications.

'It would be an uphill climb'

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'They have been steadily going down'

The county executive had not shown his hand as a state law banning cooperation agreements went into effect. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

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<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

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Gregg Sarra sounds off on the Nassau Conference II football matchup between Calhoun at Carey, plus the comeback story of New Hyde Park's Gabriel Peter, an update on the high school fantasy football standings and the plays of the week.

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