From a snack tycoon’s takeover attempt to fees deemed illegal but you will never get back, News 12 is counting down the Top 10 most viewed Power & Politics stories of 2025 on News12.com.
Robert Ehrlich claimed it was all legal too, citing the state's Resident Empowerment Act. But the power grab didn't work. Not only did the state refuse to acknowledge his new village, but he also lost a traditional election in the real Sea Cliff Village to incumbent Mayor Elena Villafane.
In April, the gambling giant announced it would no longer pursue a casino at the Nassau Hub. The move foreshadowed what was to come across the state, with several high stakes bidders dropping out of the running for three coveted downstate casino licenses. In the end, only three contenders remained and were granted those licenses - two in Queens and one in the Bronx.
Members of five unions nearly walked off the job in September amid a contract dispute with MTA leadership, but decided right before the golf tournament at Bethpage Black to postpone a strike. The threat lingers on though. A federal review board will mediate the issue between the two sides again early next year.
The decision means Nassau County can keep its red light cameras in place, but can't tack on additional fees beyond the $50 penalty.
An independent study from the Long Island Regional Planning Council finds a $14.8 billion tax imbalance on Long Island, angering residents and worrying analysts.
On Wednesday, we reveal the top five most viewed Power and Politics stories of 2025.