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:
Tomkins Cove Man Arrested on Child Pornography Charges Following Eight-Month Investigation
STONY POINT, N.Y. — A Tomkins Cove man has been arrested and charged with 25 counts of possessing child pornography following an extensive investigation conducted by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today. The suspect in question is 21 years old, and…
John “JC” Cummings
John “JC” Cummings, 60, of Harrington Park, New Jersey, passed away on January 12, 2026.Born and raised in Harrington Park, JC lived a life marked by kindness, generosity, and an easy laugh that warmed every room he entered. JC was the beloved partner of 25 years to Nancy Shearman, a devoted brother to James Cummings,…
Stony Point Kicks Off 2026 with Reorganization and Forward-Looking Initiatives
Stony Point, NY — The Town of Stony Point held its first board meeting of 2026 at the Patriot Hills Community Center, opening with moments of reflection and remembrance and transitioning into a full agenda centered on governance, planning, and community engagement. Watch Town Board Meeting Honoring Community MembersThe meeting began with tributes to two beloved…
Continue Reading Stony Point Kicks Off 2026 with Reorganization and Forward-Looking Initiatives
Suffern man, 20, sentenced to 14 years for child rape
NEW CITY, N.Y. — A 20-year-old Suffern man has been sentenced to 14 years in state prison following his conviction in the sexual assault of an 11-year-old girl, according to the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office. Willmer Loja Aroca was sentenced in Rockland County Court by Judge David M. Ascher after pleading guilty to one…
Continue Reading Suffern man, 20, sentenced to 14 years for child rape
Palisades Center Mall Could Be Sold at Auction in February: $460M
Photo by Palisades Center. WEST NYACK, NY – One of the largest malls in the country, the Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack, may be sold at a public auction next month. A recent court notice confirmed that the auction is set for Wednesday, February 4, at 2:15 p.m., and will take place at 60…
Continue Reading Palisades Center Mall Could Be Sold at Auction in February: $460M
Frank John Carullo
Frank John Carullo, 92 of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Beloved husband of 62 years to Gladys (nee DeLaurentis). Loving father of Frank T. Carullo and Laura Butterworth and her husband James. Proud grandfather of Gabrielle, Alec, Allison, Nicole and Madeline. Frank was a proud veteran of the United States…
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.