Last year Jones Beach had to close Field 1, one of the park's largest parking areas, because of the state's budget mess. (Even worse, the MTA suspended buses to Jones Beach amphitheater, making it a real headache getting out there for Creed.) But a couple of forward-thinking lawmakers have come up with a solution to the budget shortfall: Build a casino at the beach! Reactions to the idea have been mixed, to put it mildly. more ›

A 20-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to manslaughter yesterday in connection to the fatal beating of a 17-month-old boy. Pedro Jones was babysitting his girlfriend's child at the Shinnecock Indian Reservation on Sunday, and killed him "by striking him several times throughout his body with his closed fists and grabbing him by the neck," according to court documents. When asked why, Jones said, "I was trying to make him act like a boy instead of a little girl." more ›

The NY Times reports, "Gov. David A. Paterson has endorsed an Indian tribe’s bid for federal recognition." Paterson sent a letter to the Department of Interior, "to say federal recognition of the Shinnecock is long overdue would be an understatement." The Shinnecock Nation wants to build a casino in the Hamptons and is thrilled with the support, calling the governor a "man of principle." more ›