🌱 New Arcade Eatery + Nassau's Policy On License Plate Arrests

Morning, Merrick! It's Wednesday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on today in Merrick.

Nassau County is reversing course on a policy of arresting drivers on felony charges with improper temporary license plates. Two new restaurants are opening nearby, one with retro arcade games.

First, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds. High: 47 Low: 41.

Here are the top stories in Merrick today:

1. Patch talks to the owner of a new restaurant called Bluebird Kitchen coming to Bellmore. It will take over the former Red Robin on Merrick Road and feature American food. (Patch)
2. A retro inspired restaurant with arcade games opened in Levittown. Arcadia Retro Eats is at 2890 Hempstead Turnpike. and has 1980s and 90s games and classic fare. (Subscription: Newsday)
3. Gothamist and WNYC investigated Nassau County's policy to arrest drivers with improper temporary license plates on felony charges. The report alleges that 80 percent of those arrested, 739 in the last year, were either Black or Latino. Acting District Attorney Joyce Smith's office now says they will no longer prosecute people on felony charges for the offense and that drivers will be ticketed instead. (Gothamist)
4. The identity of the woman killed in a hit-and-run in Hicksville Friday has been released. Nayi Harsida, 43, of Westbury was hit by an unknown vehicle. (Daily Voice)
5. Jerry Barmash visited the menorah lighting in Merrick. organized by the Chabad of Merrick-Bellmore-Wantagh. Nassau County Executive-elect Bruce Blakeman helped Rabbi Shimon Kramer light the 12-foot menorah at the Merrick LIRR on Sunday night. (Patch)

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Today in Merrick:

• L- Winter Concert for School, Merrick UFSD, 9:30 a.m.
• SEPTA Meeting, 7:15 p.m. at Lakeside, Merrick UFSD.

From my notebook:

• North Merrick Public Library has a 'Preschool Fun with Mr. Potato Head' craft today, 11:15 a.m. (Facebook)
• Merrick Library is hosting a mental health during the holidays talk on Zoom next Monday, 1 p.m. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Jackie

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Merrick Daily? You can contact me at Merrick@Patch.com.