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.

10: The founder of Pirate’s Booty raids Sea Cliff Village Hall

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.

8. A possible LIRR strike threatens commuters and The Ryder Cup

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.

7. Judge rules red light camera fees are illegal, but decides Nassau doesn’t have to pay you back

The decision means Nassau County can keep its red light cameras in place, but can't tack on additional fees beyond the $50 penalty.

6. Long Island pays far more in taxes than it ever gets back from Albany

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.

5. Securing the border

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announces stepped-up security measures, including increased police patrols and enhanced cameras and technology, after the election of Zohran Mamdani as New York City's next mayor. Blakeman says the incoming mayor's "radical policies" prompted the change.

4. Congestion pricing grips the city, clears the air and squeezes drivers as the Trump administration threatens to shut it down

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the MTA remained defiant -- and the cameras have stayed on -- as we near the one-year anniversary of the controversial tolling program.

3. Inflation refund checks are sent out to Long Islanders

Another Gov. Kathy Hochul-backed initiative gave up to $400 directly back to New Yorkers. Still, some Long Islanders say it’s not nearly enough.

2. Protests against the Trump administration across Long Island

Demonstrations against ICE and more than a dozen "No Kings" rallies take center stage throughout the year, as Long Islanders make their voices heard in the form of peaceful protest.

Republicans stood tall once again in Nassau and Suffolk in 2025. Both counties continue to be controlled by the GOP-- Bruce Blakeman's re-election as Nassau county executive headlined wins for Republicans, who also maintained control of both county legislatures. Just days after his big win, Blakeman announced he was considering a run for governor. Today, he's the presumptive GOP nominee.