High school graduates Bailey Jeffries and Williams Sun are excited about the opportunities college might bring them, but both are unsure what the fall semester might be like.


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High school graduates uncertain what the fall might bring

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The best friends, who are known at South Side High School as the "Dynamic Duo," are among Newsday's 2026 Extraordinary Seniors.

'They are both perfection in their own right, but together they are extraordinary'

Nick Cannon, host of the Wild 'N Out Live show at Barclays Center, visited Roosevelt High School on Friday.

'Excited about entertainment'

12-year-old Cesar Albarracin Guncay, a 6th grader in Sag Harbor, died during a rafting field trip in the Poconos after the raft overturned in the river.

'Cesar was a cherished member of our school family'

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland speaks to actor Gary Sinise about the Wantagh Union Free School District partnering with his foundation to raise money for field trips to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, as well as a commemorative 9/11 statue in front of Wantagh High School.

'To make sure those students never forget'

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The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Nassau County and western Suffolk through 8 p.m. Friday.

LI school districts set early dismissals due to heat

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One is a junior firefighter and another is a Science Olympiad medalist. Get to know the more than 130 top seniors from high schools across LI. Also, see this year's valedictorians.

Meet Long Island's Class of 2026 salutatorians

One is a junior firefighter and another is a Science Olympiad medalist. Get to know the more than 130 top seniors from high schools across LI.

The Hofstra University professor is being investigated for calling a colleague's proposal for new Jewish Studies courses "word salad."

Free speech group demands LI college drop harassment investigation against professor

One is a five-time state champion swimmer. Another has interned for GE Aerospace. Get to know the more than 150 top seniors from high schools across LI.

Meet Long Island's Class of 2026 valedictorians

"Times are hard and gas prices are high, and food prices are high, and people still dug into their pockets to give back, which means a lot," the school's principal said.

Middle school raises more than $15G for Make-A-Wish Foundation

See this year's valedictorians, salutatorians, and more.

Complete coverage: Long Island 2026 high school graduations

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Sara Lopez Garcia recorded an address to her class from her native Colombia. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Never underestimate your strength'

Chaminade twins John and Joseph Gomes were named valedictorian and salutatorian, a first for the all-boys Catholic school in Mineloa.

Twins make val and sal history

Jesse Findling, of Massapequa Park, made a stop at his alma mater on Monday. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'He just followed his dream'

A federal judge approved an agreement this week to phase out the Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, Plan. The move could affect millions of borrowers. Newsday's experts break it down.

'A lot of uncertainty'

The East Meadow school district is asking taxpayers to vote yes on a $71.5 million capital improvement bond. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'It's good for the school district'

Dental professor Ira B. Lamster said the break with Stony Brook University was unrelated to the funding he received from Epstein. Newsday investigative reporter Joshua Solomon has more.

$100G grant from Epstein

A new report says the risks of AI in education are greater than the benefits. NewsdayTV spoke with a panel of experts on the topic.

A look at the risks of AI in education

It's been 40 years since the space shuttle Challenger disaster. Long Islanders remember where they were on Jan. 28, 1986.

'We had no idea what would transpire'

Under Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget proposal, Long Island districts would see a 3.8% increase in state aid. However, some districts would see modest decreases. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'I'm concerned for the kids'

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'

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

'I'm ecstatic'

Mamdani made universal child care a cornerstone of his campaign. NewsdayTV's Macy England talks with experts on how his plan could impact Long Island.

'I think it's an awesome idea'

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Matthew Smith pleaded guilty in a Riverhead courtroom for a DWI crash that claimed the life of off-duty police officer Patricia Espinosa. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger has more.

Driver pleads guilty in crash that killed Nassau police officer

Sister Marie Mackey, a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood. The nuns have added an orange candle for the Knicks to their array of blue candles lit for peace.

Long Island nuns praying for a Knicks title

Police have raided nearly 240 spas in the last five years — 85 places more than once — and arrests are up more than 1200%. Newsday investigative reporter Sandra Peddie has the details.

Hundreds of LI massage spas sell sex. Neighbors complain. Raids are up. Business thrives.

Extraordinary Seniors: Seniors Alex Banilower and Luke Schauf

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed stops by the iconic Jamesport Country Store, your go-to destination for vintage antiques, vibrant local art, and charming homegrown goods.

Out East: Take a step back in time at the Jamesport Country Store

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Yaphank Deli to try their "chip bag sandwich."

Trendy Bites: It's a bag of chips ... it's a sandwich ... it's the chip bag sandwich! 

The lack of formal reporting requirements is part of a statewide effort to keep kids in homes and out of the child welfare system, advocates say. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn and Newsday investigative reporter Payton Guion have more.

Jor’Dynn Duncan missed 40 days of school before her death. Her district wasn't required to flag it.

NYU researchers are surveying the Eastern box turtle population to better understand how they are faring against habitat destruction, roadways and global warming.`

Turtle-sniffing dogs searching LI woods to help protect a species

Dennis Arfa, the architect of the Piano Man's record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden, was inducted on Saturday into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook. NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano reports.

Billy Joel inducts longtime collaborator into LI Music Hall of Fame

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland chats with LGBT Network President David Kilmnick and Newsday features reporter David J. Criblez about Long Island's 2026 Pride Month celebrations.

Pride Month: Parades, concerts, and more 2026 celebrations

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Newsday is highlighting the passionate, engaging and innovative educators of Long Island with its Teacher Spotlight feature.

Teacher Spotlight

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Residents in LI's more than 120 school districts weighed in on board candidates, budgets and propositions. See how your district voted. For additional information, read our article here.

2026 School Vote

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Follow Long Island school district news from Nassau & Suffolk  including rankings, budgets, test scores and educator pay. 

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