New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed restricting use of internet-connected phones, smartwatches and tablets during the school day to cut down on distractions and improve students’ mental health. Many Long Island educators and parents support limits on screen time, but some want school districts to set their own policies. Existing smartphone restrictions on Long Island tend to prohibit smartphones through eighth grade and allow limited use in high schools.

Maura McDermott reports in NEWSDAY that the governor’s proposal, unveiled in January, aims to create “distraction-free” school days and improve students’ mental health. It comes as a growing body of research shows excessive screen time is harming kids’ ability to learn and their psychological well-being. In a research letter published yesterday in JAMA Pediatrics, researchers led by Lauren Hale of Stony Brook University found that teens spent an average of 1½ hours on their smartphones during school hours. Much of that time was spent internet browsing, text messaging, video streaming, listening to audio or using email or Instagram. “As a public health researcher and a mother of two middle schoolers, I am concerned that too many kids are missing out on both learning and in-person social opportunities during the school day by looking at their phones," stated Ms. Hale of S.B.U.

Governor Hochul wants to allocate $13.5 million to help schools buy cubbies, pouches or other phone storage devices. The proposal requires lawmakers’ approval as part of negotiations over the NYS budget, which is due April 1. If approved, the policy would take effect this fall.

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The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has invited the public to a meeting to discuss a multiyear habitat restoration project in response to impacts of the Southern pine beetle at Napeague State Park and Hither Hills State Park. Christopher Walsh reports on 27east.com that the meeting happens on Thursday, February 13 at 6 p.m. at Montauk Downs State Park, at 50 South Fairview Avenue. It will include a summary of already-completed emergency work and an overview of planned work for 2025 and beyond, addressing efforts to ensure the safety and sustainability of the park. Those attending will also learn about phased tree removal efforts, trail safety improvements and upcoming work to reduce wildfire fuel loads. Project highlights include creation of fuel breaks near residences adjacent to pitch pine forest; the cutting of dead trees along the Promised Land Trail and the Paumanok Path; and continued development and implementation of a restoration plan to support resilient habitats. The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will also discuss environmental considerations guiding the work, including compliance with federal protections for the Northern long-eared bat. Public input is encouraged, and officials will be available to answer questions. Those seeking more information about the meeting or the project can contact the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation at 631-321-3529.

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Student artists at East Hampton High School have spent the last three months creating a mural of Ruby Bridges — an African American civil rights activist — displaying their creativity, teamwork, and passion for art. For the past three years, students in Margaret Zubarriain’s art club have worked in collaboration with the East End Arts Council to create an artistic piece honoring Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s group of young artists collectively decided to create a mural of Ruby Bridges after noticing they had yet to explore age as a focal point. Bradley Rodriguez reports on 27east.com that Bridges was one of the first African American girls to be integrated into the New Orleans Public School system. At the age of 6, Bridges was tormented and faced waves of racism. Despite the racism she faced, Bridges would attend school every day, empowering those faced with similar bigotry. Students worked on the mural after school during art club, during school in their free time, and even some working on their panel at home, driven by their artistic passion. E.H.H.S. students agreed to follow a New Orleans color palette, sticking to colors such as purple, yellow, and green. With the framework set, students were given free rein on each one of their panels, allowing the young artists to express their creativity and artistic abilities. The completed mural will be displayed and put up for auction at the East End Arts Council in Riverhead, with all proceeds going toward local scholarships.

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Long Island retailers and manufacturers spent yesterday bracing for potential price hikes before President Donald Trump reached an agreement with Canada and Mexico to temporarily suspend his plans to impose a 25% tariff on both allies. As reported in NEWSDAY, hours before the tariffs were to go into effect, leaders from Canada and Mexico announced Trump had agreed to a 30-day pause, as they pledged to boost their border security spending. But the threat of a tariff war still sent stocks tumbling on Monday morning and left local business owners weighing the potential impact should Trump decide to impose the tariffs.

"We need long term stability and we need clarity when it comes to trade," said Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, a nonpartisan group that promotes local businesses.

Cohen told Newsday, "at the end of the day" a trade war "helps no one," noting "small businesses and merchants are not going to be able to absorb increased costs without passing them on."

On Long Island, most store owners and manufacturers interviewed by Newsday said tariffs on imported goods would likely lead to price hikes and higher construction costs.

Some Long Island store owners and managers said they expect that if tariffs were to be implemented, it will lead to higher wholesale costs that they will have to pass on to retail customers.

Developers and construction groups on Long Island said they were hoping tariffs could be avoided, noting any future tariffs would lead to price hikes for construction materials like steel and lumber.

Cohen also said potential tariffs on Canadian gas and oil, though only 10%, as proposed by a carve-out included in Trump's executive order, could still lead to a hike in energy costs for Long Islanders already struggling with affordability issues.

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation yesterday aimed at protecting medical providers by allowing them to request that only the name of their practice be printed on prescription abortion medication labels instead of their personal name. The law, which is effective immediately, looks to shield physicians from being prosecuted in other states that have limited abortion access. Hochul signed the bill contingent on the New York State Legislature passing an amendment that would legally require pharmacies to comply, heading off any potential issues.

"This is an urgent situation," Hochul told reporters.

Keshia Clukey reports in NEWSDAY that the legislation comes after a grand jury in Louisiana on Friday indicted a New York doctor for providing abortion pills to a Louisiana resident. The physician, Dr. Margaret Carpenter, was identified because her name was found on the prescription label. She was charged with criminal abortion, a felony in Louisiana.

Governor Hochul vowed she would "never, under any circumstances" sign an extradition agreement to send the doctor to be prosecuted in Louisiana.

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) said "While other states escalate efforts to criminalize abortion, New York stands firm. We will not allow anti-abortion extremists to intimidate providers or block access to care."

The doctor had been operating under the state’s shield law, enacted in 2023, which protects New York-based doctors who serve patients in restrictive states through telehealth.

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Yesterday, NYS Attorney General Letitia James wrote a letter to groups that receive federal funding saying the freeze that President Donald Trump wanted on certain federal grants was on hold and they could not deny gender-affirming care to minors. James and 22 other attorneys general had sued to block the freeze which could have impacted federally funded programs at the state and local level. James noted that withholding services from an individual because they are transgender is discrimination under state law.

Advocates and members of the LGBTQ+ community said they were heartened by James’ letter but still deeply worried about the future.

Lisa L. Colangelo reports in NEWSDAY that President Trump has signed executive orders that would only allow male and female genders to be recognized and end gender-affirming treatments for people under the age of 19.

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The Corwith Windmill, on the village green in Water Mill, is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Town of Southampton and, along with the water mill that provided the inspiration for the small hamlet’s name, it is a cherished monument to the area’s roots and history. On the south side of Montauk Highway, the Water Mill Green area has undergone massive changes since the windmill was built for its original location in North Haven and moved to Water Mill in 1813 by James Corwith. Corwith and his family then ran the mill for the next 75 years. While the mill was considered to be on the small side, it served a vital service to the farming community of Water Mill. Cailin Riley reports on 27east.com that for the past several weeks, evidence of Water Mill’s 21st century community dedication and teamwork has been on display for anyone passing through Water Mill via 2...

Gov. Hochul proposes restriction on personal internet devices during school days