Today’s Sponsor:
This Week’s Episode:
Congressman Mike Lawler Interview
- Constituent Services: Congressman Lawler highlighted his continued efforts to meet with constituents, with plans for town hall meetings. Last year, he closed over 5,000 cases and passed 11 bills through the House, 6 of which became law.
- Funding & Legislation: Lawler secured $38 million for the district through community project funding and aims to bring more funds and grants to the area.
- Legislative Process: Lawler discussed differences between Congress and the New York Assembly, emphasizing the robust committee process in Congress.
- Government Spending: Discussed waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending, particularly through USAID. He aims to reform government programs to ensure efficiency.
- Tax Policy & Affordability: Lawler pushed for lifting the cap on the SALT deduction and emphasized reducing costs for middle-class and working-class families.
- Government Efficiency: Supports the Department of Government Efficiency’s efforts to reduce waste and revamp the appropriations process.
- Foreign Affairs: As the Chair of the Middle East Subcommittee and Vice Chair for Communications on the Financial Services Committee, Lawler is focused on stability in the Middle East and scrutinizing U.S. aid to Ukraine.
- Bipartisanship: He underscored his dedication to creating bipartisan support for impactful legislation.
Senator Bill Weber Interview
- Congestion Pricing: Senator Weber expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for halting the $9 congestion pricing tax for drivers entering New York City below 60th Street. He hopes this tax will not resurface.
- MTA Service Issues: Rockland County residents face a $40 million value gap due to poor service from the MTA. Weber criticized MTA leadership for acknowledging the service issues without presenting solutions.
- Transportation Alternatives: While exploring additional commuting options such as increased bus lines and ferry services, Weber stressed the need for long-term transportation planning and infrastructure improvements.
- Tax Concerns: He warned against potential future taxes that could negatively impact Rockland residents, emphasizing the high existing costs of commuting into New York City.
3. Seth Breslaw from Brenner Tools Interview
- Smart Water Assistant Device: Breslaw introduced the Phyn Smart Water Assistant, a device that detects leaks, prevents floods, and allows remote water shutoff via a mobile app.
- Functionality: The device can alert homeowners to potential issues such as freezing pipes or dripping faucets, helping avoid expensive repairs and water waste.
- Entrepreneurial Journey: Breslaw shared his story of developing innovative plumbing tools, including the “Smakt” tool, which increases efficiency in plumbing installations.
- Future Innovations: He expressed interest in developing a gas leak detection device, highlighting the importance of safety and proactive maintenance for homeowners.
Additional Sponsors for This Week:
- IVY Rehab Physical Therapy – West Haverstraw, NY | Contact: 845-579-5677
- Dana Pest Control – Family-owned for over 40 years | Contact: 845-786-5226 | Website: danapestcontrol.com
More stories:
Salvator Ndoja
Salvator Ndoja, 79, of Shkoder, Albania, passed away on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Beloved husband of Mirjam (nee Shehaj). Loving father of Salmi and his wife Azalina and Eder and his wife Elona. Caring grandfather of Gloria, Kleisti, Salma, Ama and Roi. Proud brother of Valentin, Franceska and Albina. He was predeceased by his other…
Body of Bear Mountain Bridge Jumper Recovered
Stony Point, NY – The body of a 20-year-old man was recovered from the Hudson River by the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office four days after authorities said he jumped from the Bear Mountain Bridge, according to New York State Police. State Police said troopers assigned to the Haverstraw barracks responded to the Bear Mountain Bridge…
Continue Reading Body of Bear Mountain Bridge Jumper Recovered
Cancer Advocates Meet With NY-17 Candidates
Nyack, NY – Cancer survivors and advocates in New York’s 17th Congressional District are meeting with both candidates in this year’s congressional race as part of an effort to make cancer research, prevention and access to health care issues in the 2026 election. Local cancer survivors and volunteers with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action…
Continue Reading Cancer Advocates Meet With NY-17 Candidates
Truck Strikes I-87 Overpass, Overturns
South Nyack, NY: A tractor-trailer struck an overpass on the New York State Thruway in South Nyack on Monday, Aug. 10, overturning and colliding with a car parked along the highway, according to New York State Police. The crash occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. on the southbound side of Interstate 87 near the South Broadway…
Mark Michael Piano
Mark Michael Piano, 71, of Airmont, NY, passed away on May 9, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY. Despite being otherwise healthy almost his entire life, Mark died from an aortic aneurysm that ruptured. Mark was known for being a loyal, steadfast friend and co-worker, and a devoted, loving family member. Born on…
Peter Pastras
Peter Pastras, age 67, passed away on August 8, 2026. Beloved husband of Debra Thompson, loving father of Thea Pastras and Devin Pastras. Dear brother of Constance Pastras and Dean Pastras. Brother-in-law of Deborah Bajakian, Lesley Thompson, Laurie and Edward Wikoff, Joanne and Robert Maransky. Son-in-law of Roger and Mary Jane Thompson. Peter was born…
This Week’s Featured Event:
Rockland Music Fest: Sept 2025
Thanks for joining us on this week’s edition of the Rockland News Week in Review.
