One of the worst early-season droughts in recent memory is hitting the East End just as a heat wave and July 4th crowds, expecting wall-to-wall greenery and willing to expend precious water resources to meet those expectations, converge on the area.
Hats Off to East Hampton’s Class of 2026
They were hard-working, kind team players with an impressive array of talents. Anyone looking to restore their faith in our future would have found great comfort at the East Hampton High School graduation on June 26, when 226 Bonackers flipped the tassels on their caps from right to left and officially became alumni.
July 2, 2026
Dead Whale Removed From Montauk Beach
A decomposed humpback whale found on a rocky stretch of shoreline at Ditch Plain in Montauk on Friday morning was removed by Saturday afternoon, thanks to some hard work by East Hampton Town, a contractor, and about a dozen volunteers with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society.
June 29, 2026
Police & Courts
Two drivers were at odds on North Main Street about what happened to a Manhattan man’s Mercedes-Benz on the afternoon of June 23, in an incident involving “metal objects and red liquid” and damages to the tune of $3,700.
Jul 2, 2026
A Manhattan man has been harassing and menacing people on the streets of East Hampton Village.
Jul 2, 2026
Does Chris Gallant Have a Shot at Congress?
Chris Gallant, who won the Democratic primary election last week and will face Representative Nick LaLota in November, calls CD-1 “a very flippable district.”
Jul 2, 2026
L.I.R.R. to Replace Moribund Cranberry Hole Bridge
Three years after the Cranberry Hole Road bridge in Amagansett was deemed structurally deficient and closed to all traffic, the Long Island Rail Road has awarded a contract for its reconstruction, which is expected to start by early 2027.
Jul 2, 2026
Government
New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul and Letitia James, the attorney general, have sued the Trump administration to protect new state laws that are similar to the East End Public Safety and Accountability Law, a version of which was passed by both East Hampton Town and Village this spring.
Jul 2, 2026
During a work session on June 25, the village board discussed the possibility of creating more stops and backups to make the village a less desirable cut-through for traffic heading to points east or points west.
Jul 2, 2026
Considering the fire at the East Hampton Energy Storage Center, which resulted in the release of over two million gallons of water from an on-site fire suppression system, it’s hard to imagine that a similar fire at a Montauk storage center wouldn’t have environmental consequences with no good way to remediate them.
Jun 25, 2026
Every year East Hampton Town’s shellfish hatchery aims to grow around two million oysters, six to eight million clams, and “as many bay scallops as the gods will allow,” its director, John Dunne, said — but at least 300,000.
Jun 25, 2026
Arts
Concept and Process in Balance
Matthew Satz’s exhibition at the Pollock-Krasner House reflects his ongoing engagement with the history of painting through works that are “conceptually based and process-oriented.”
Jul 2, 2026
The Soho Sessions, a concert series that supports worthy causes, will bring Dan + Shay, the Grammy-winning country duo, to the Stephen Talkhouse in a benefit for a mental health nonprofit.
Jul 2, 2026
The Hamptons Fine Art Fair will return to Southampton with over 140 galleries and special features, including a Marilyn Monroe centennial homage and a tribute to David Hockney.
Jul 2, 2026
The Church in Sag Harbor will host Jim Windolf and Susan Morrison on his book that unpacks the Dylan-Beatles connection, and Tom Freston, whose “Unplugged” covers his adventures at MTV and Viacom.
Jul 2, 2026
Villages
Amagansett's West End Sees a Business Boom
Like a fever breaking after a long illness, new businesses have sprung up in and around 136 Main Street, a 1920s-era building neighboring the Mobil station at the entrance to the hamlet’s business district.
And the Rockets’ Red Glare
Firework displays may sparkle a little brighter this year as the South Fork kicks off celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary, with the return of Fourth of July pyrotechnics to East Hampton’s Main Beach topping the list.
A Horse Trainer Turns Her Attention to Service Dogs
Mickey the Wonder Dog, Lora Tucker’s 10-year-old Shih Tzu, is the happiest dog Ms. Tucker ever met. He’s a wonder for another reason, though, she said: Mickey is her service dog, helping her manage her anxiety and physical disability.
Sports
Long Island Books
Food
South Fork Somm: Sparkling Wine for Your Sparklers
With July 4th on the horizon, The Star’s sommelier turns her attention to sparkling wines, with options including a great value from New Mexico and Champagnes that won’t break the bank.
Jul 2, 2026
News for Foodies 07.02.26
There’s a pop-up farm and artisans market coming to Sagaponack, daily beverage specials at Lobster Roll, a happy hour at Gosman’s, and small pies from Loaves and Fishes.
Jul 2, 2026
News for Foodies 06.25.26
Taco Tuesdays at Navy Beach, Ralph’s Coffee truck (that’s Ralph Lauren) at Mulford Farm, and an acclaimed mixologist is coming to Bridgehampton.
Jun 25, 2026