Take a look back at some of Long Island's top stories of 2019, from the Islanders' arena groundbreaking to the Mangano and Spota trials to a fatal LIRR collision and derailment.


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<p>John Harbaugh was introduced as the Giants' new head coach at the team facility on Tuesday.</p>

Giants introduce John Harbaugh as head coach

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., had strong ties to Long Island as he made several visits in the 1960s. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

MLK remembered on LI in day of parades, songs

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed, takes us to the only place on Long Island where they grow orchids.

Out East: Orchids at Bianchi-Davis Greenhouse

A storm brought a wintry mix of rain and snow to the region. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Winter storm brings snow to LI 

The soft-serve ice cream dipped in melted butter and sprinkled with salt has gone viral.

Ice cream dipped in melted butter? Stew Leonard's has it

Five years after a Newsday investigation into police hiring, neither county has diversified ranks to reflect the communities they serve. Newsday's Virginia Huie and Jim Baumbach reports.

Despite 30% increase in Hispanic officers, LI police forces still overwhelmingly white

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano gets a sneak peek of "The Diplomat" Tour, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at all the places at Planting Fields Arboretum where the Netflix thriller's season 3 finale was shot.

'The Diplomat' films on LI

NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger takes a look at some of the reasons behind the decline in family-owned hardware stores on Long Island.

Declining number of family owned hardware stores

Newsday's food team tasted and ranked sheet cakes from eight supermarkets on Long Island.

The great grocery store sheet cake taste test 

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa learns what it takes to troubleshoot a pinball machine in this week's edition of LI Works.

LI Works: A wizard at fixing pinball machines

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Gov. Hochul unveiled plans for her state budget proposal, including no new state taxes, a 4.3% increase in school aid and no taxes on tips. NewsdayTV political analyst Joye Brown has more.

'You can make historic investments'

Town officials said the property was the location of illicit activity and cited it for numerous code violations

Watch: Budget Inn Motel in Massapequa torn down

A 15-year-old was shot in the hand and a 17-year-old in the leg on Monday evening while sitting in a parked vehicle in Brentwood, according to Suffolk police.

Police investigating shooting

'We're marching in his memory'

Andrew Dykes' defense team added another attorney as the 66-year-old suspect is accused of killing Gilgo Beach victim Tanya Denise Jackson, also known as "Peaches." NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Mr. Dykes did not cause the death of Miss Jackson'

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The Maine coon cats were spotted throughout the home in "deplorable" conditions, according to the Suffolk SPCA.

More than 80 cats inside West Islip home, Suffolk SPCA says

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The clerk, whose relationship with a Uniondale attorney prompted conflict of interest allegations, has moved to an influential Nassau law firm.

Law clerk in alleged conflict of interest in LI inheritance dispute leaves Queens Surrogate's Court

A tip led the Sufolk police to launch an investigation into Ryan Yost, 22, of Bayport, according to a department news release.

Bayport man charged for allegedly possessing child porn

Subfreezing days and nights bring a host of potential hazards, both physical and financial, for Long Islanders.

Cold snap putting Long Island in deep freeze

Forecasters are watching two systems that may arrive on LI late Saturday into Sunday.

Snow or no? How forecasters predict a potential weekend storm

There were at least three demonstrations planned for LI as part of a nationwide movement.

Demonstrators on LI picket, protest to show resistance to Trump policies

The funding would be used toward the renovation and expansion of the Pierson Middle/High School in Sag Harbor.

LI district seeks approval of $40M bond proposal

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Lines out the door at open houses, offers above asking price: NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland and Newsday real estate reporter Rachel Weiss talk to local professionals about how to navigate this hot market.

It's Your Business: Tips on navigating another hot year for real estate

New court papers reveal details of Rex Heuermann's first 24 hours in custody. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'They include a prisoner log which noted he appeared calm'

Two months after Manuel Hernández Zelada disappeared after being arrested by ICE, his family has found him, in a federal facility in New Mexico.

Family reconnects with ICE detainee after judge intervenes

Republican Bruce Blakeman took the oath of office to begin his second term as county executive on Monday night. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Blakeman formally begins second term

The deposed Venezuelan leader made his first court appearance on Monday in Manhattan as large crowds gathered outside the courthouse. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Maduro makes first court appearance

Hundreds attended the funeral for Edeedson Cine Jr., 23, in Dix Hills on Friday.

Final farewell for CVS worker

Port Washington's Rapid Response Network aims to prevent or stop federal officials from making arrests by warning immigrants of ICE sightings. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

'This is not the way we operate in this country'

A South Setauket father, Vincent DiStasi, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Thursday for beating his infant son to the point where he needed brain surgery. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

The infant was 5 weeks old

Each semifinalist will receive $2,000 and their school will receive a matching amount. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'I'm ecstatic'

Gov. Kathy Hochul said she is preparing a legal fight. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Child care is needed more than ever'

John Pilaccio pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges in the fatal stabbing of CVS employee Edeedson Cine Jr. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'A violent criminal record'

The congressman said conditions appeared to be improving in the holding rooms that ICE uses for detainees. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Suozzi inspects ICE holding cells

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Tracking weekend storm, deep freeze ... Push to save 9/11 health funding ... Dangerous Roads: Scourge of speeding ... LI Volunteers: Beading Hearts

Tracking weekend storm, deep freeze ... Not-guilty plea in deadly Nassau crash ... Dangerous Roads: Scourge of speeding

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