Desiree D'Iorio

News Assistant

Born and raised in Connecticut, Desiree now calls Long Island home. She is WSHU’s 2019-2020 News Fellow, covering local government, the environment and public affairs on Long Island. She received her A.A. in Communications from Nassau Community College and B.A. in Journalism from Stony Brook University. Her past internships were at the Long Island Press and WSHU. In 2019, she co-wrote a four-part series about the Long Island Pine Barrens, bringing to listeners the sights and sounds of this unique ecosystem nestled in the heart of Suffolk County. There are 300 tabs open across her devices at all times. 

Schumer Announces Federal Drug Treatment Money Available On Long Island

By • May 6, 2021
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.
Jacquelyn Martin / AP

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer visited Long Island to urge local substance use counselors to apply for federal funds to help combat the opioid epidemic.

Joint Chiefs Chairman Signals Support For Gillibrand's Military Sexual Assault Bill

By • May 4, 2021
Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley arrives to the chamber ahead of President Joe Biden speaking to a joint session of Congress, Wednesday, April 28, 2021, in the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
Melina Mara / Associated Press

The nation’s top general has signaled he might be open to the kind of military justice reforms that New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has pushed for to put sexual assault cases in the hands of civilian authorities.

States Expand Veterans Benefits to Former Service Members Kicked Out For Sexual Orientation

By • Apr 29, 2021
Colorado governor Jared Polis signed into law the Restoration of Honor Act in April, expanding state veterans' benefits to former service members who were expelled for being gay.
Jeronimo Anaya-Ortiz

Gay and lesbian military members have been able to serve openly since 2011, when the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was repealed. But for some who were expelled for being gay before the repeal, their less than honorable discharge status means they can’t access vital veterans benefits. Now, states are passing laws to expand benefits to LGBT veterans.

C19: No Appointment? No Problem.

By • Apr 27, 2021
Photo: Pixabay

No more appointments necessary at state-run vaccination sites in New York, Governor Ned Lamont backs Mike Bloomberg’s push to meet President Joe Biden’s climate goals, developers pour money into offshore wind research on Long Island, and Connecticut cities join a nationwide movement to lock-up guns.

C19: Crimes Against The Environment

By • Apr 23, 2021
Clker-Free-Vector-Images / Pixabay

Suffolk County, Long Island moves to prosecute water polluters, Connecticut Democrats face pushback on their budget from both sides of the aisle, a vaccine mixup at a CVS Pharmacy, and more green energy comes with higher demand for battery storage.    

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