On Wednesday night Bhavana Madini, a fifth-grader from Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School, won the Long Island Regional Spelling Bee with the word, "sophic,"  a Greek-derived adjective meaning of, relating to or full of wisdom. 


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Long Island Regional Spelling Bee  declares a winner

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The absences raise new questions about whether the school district missed potential signs of trouble at the girl's home. Newsday investigative reporter Payton Guion explains.

'There's no specific guidance'

High school athletes striving to play sports in college might want to look at niche sports that give them a better chance. NewsdayTV's Jared Valluzzi reports.

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The Mineola High School marching band and wind ensemble have been invited to perform at London's New Year's Parade in 2028. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

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"He finds simple, clever ways to help kids remember how to make a sound, then holds them to a high standard because he knows they can get there," one administrator said.

Glen Cove teacher is a pro musician who teaches kids it's OK to be beginners

Schools in Baldwin, Brentwood and North Babylon were chosen for a pilot program exploring alternative ways to measure student achievement rather than standardized tests.

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The competition challenged students to share the stories of "unsung heroes whose actions made a lasting, positive impact in history."

Jericho student's documentary wins national prize

Antoine Munfakh pleaded not guilty to first-degree sexual abuse, third-degree rape and third-degree criminal obstruction of breathing during an arraignment before Suffolk Judge Evan S. Tanenbaum on Oct. 16.

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The town has determined that a planned school at the former Montfort Missionaries site can't have a boarding component.

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High school staffer accused of stalking student, 17

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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.

Actor Gary Sinise partners with LI district on 9/11 education

The case illustrates how costly and time consuming it can be for districts to terminate tenured educators under state law. Newsday investigative Associate Editor Paul LaRocco has more.

'This is strictly a disciplinary case'

Long Island's Head Start programs are facing financial headwinds. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Not knowing how important this program is'

A 2023 Farmingdale High School crash led to New York mandating seat belts in charter buses, but enforcement remains challenging. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'This law is difficult to enforce'

There is a new push to look into the effect of screen time in classrooms. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn spoke to Newsday state reporter Keshia Clukey and other experts on the topic.

'I don't advocate for one blanket policy'

Two months into the state's "bell-to-bell" ban on electronic devices in schools, some districts are reporting positive changes in the classroom. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Students are much more talkative to one another'

NewsdayTV's Jasmine Anderson and Newsday education reporter Dandan Zou talk to Long Island school administrators about how the school cellphone ban is going so far.

'Kids are outside. They're playing. They're laughing together.'

Former Holy Trinity lineman Lance Swift spoke with Newsday high school sports reporter Jared Valluzzi after the Titans suspended their football program.

'Honestly, I was hurt'

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'

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

'Never underestimate your strength'

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Nassau and Suffolk counties have implemented a combined $57 million in technology upgrades to streamline the voting process.

New voting machines at Long Island polling places

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed steps into the vineyards at Bedell Cellars to get an inside look at the action, the artistry, and the fresh flavors shaping Long Island's latest vintage.

Out East: Harvest time at Bedell Cellars

Liberty Water has applied to raise rates in three of the areas it serves on Long Island. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

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Make the jump to light speed on this week's LI Works. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa meets with a member of The 501st Legion, Empire City Garrison.

LI Works: Explore the dark side of the Force with Ken

The report identified over half a million hateful posts on X between January 2025 and June 2026, with monthly growth of 75%. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Anti-South Asian rhetoric surging on some social media platforms, report says

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland talks to Andrea McCade, founder of The Social Mom Club LI, about how new moms can connect with others.

Working Moms: Making mom friends

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Co-Owner, Dough & Co. Pizza to try the Apple Bay Pizza, which is exclusive to their Oyster Bay location.

Trendy Bites: An apple pie ... pizza?

Video of two Suffolk police officers joining a group of teens playing soccer goes viral. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

Chance encounter turns into viral video

Niche sports might get you a leg up to play at college level

NewsdayTV's Carissa Kellman explores the historic and festive charm of Sleepy Hollow during a fall day trip.

A hauntingly good time in Sleepy Hollow

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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.

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