By Mike White 🇺🇸 Jan. 15, 2026

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☕ Good morning, Long Island!

📆 I'm still trying to get used to writing 2026 on these. I feel like I'm back in grade school, screwing up my page headings all January. That said, we're really looking to grow the list from 16,000 subscribers in the new year, so please forward this newsletter to friends.

🦀 And to my Long Island expats, if you now live in Florida, North Carolina or Jersey, even Alabama, you might be familiar with the steam pot sensation featured on Shark Tank called Topsail Steamer. They're looking to come to Long Island. Click here to read all about them. Maybe open your own!

✍🏼 Feel free to respond to this email with feedback.

Weather: A 30 percent chance of rain before 7 a.m. Mostly cloudy through mid morning before becoming sunny, with a temperature rising to near 42 by 10 a.m., then falling to around 33 the rest of the day. 🌥️

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🛡️ The Cirigliano Agency has been protecting Long Island families and businesses for over a decade with personalized insurance and financial planning services tailored to every stage of life.

First, Hoptron plans its triumphant return, this time in Port Jeff

🍻 Six years after Hoptron Brewtique closed in Patchogue, founder Amanda Danielsen is bringing the beloved craft-beer bar back this winter in a new Port Jefferson Village spot with an evolved concept and community focus. It also happens to be in the old Toast Coffeehouse.

Second, bald eagle visits have stopped this Bellmore neighborhood in its tracks

🦅 A rare bald eagle sighting over Meroke Pond in Bellmore thrilled neighbors two mornings in a row. Experts say the unusual South Nassau visit shows how the species’ comeback is spreading across Long Island. We've even got a video.

Third, Krazy Ramen opens with noodles and anime nostalgia in W. Babylon

🍜 West Babylon’s Krazy Ramen is officially open with slurp-worthy noodles, anime-themed décor and a full menu of ramen, poke, rice bowls and Japanese snacks that had crowds lined up during its soft opening.

More headlines to highlight

🚨 A fundraiser is quickly gaining support to help the family of Nassau County Police Officer Sean Ledwith, a 12-year veteran who recently died.

🏢 A 420-unit affordable apartment complex in Hempstead has been sold to new owners who plan major renovations and upgrades.

🍦 Ben & Jerry’s opened a new scoop shop at Station Yards in Ronkonkoma, serving up classic flavors and sweet treats.

🎤 James Taylor is coming back to Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater on June 23 as part of his 29-date U.S. tour with his All-Star Band.

Island Symphony Bach Festival returns to Bay Shore Jan. 25

🎼 The Island Symphony Orchestra is bringing its annual Bach Festival back to Bay Shore on Jan. 25, featuring guest soloists and timeless music by Johann Sebastian Bach. The family-friendly concert will be held at St. Peter’s By-the-Sea, with a dessert reception to follow.

Greater Babylon coverage is funded in part by The Argyle Theatre, where Broadway comes to Babylon. Click here for tickets to Newsies.