Former Hempstead Police Officer Robert Van Wyen has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to stealing an encrypted police radio. Prosecutors say he’d intended to sell it to a towing company for thousands of dollars. He was ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution. Newsday's Cecilia Dowd has the story.


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Former Hempstead police officer sentenced to probation

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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

Newsday's third annual Cheer Fest was held at Hofstra University on Sunday. Participants spoke about the thrill of competing and watching teams from other divisions. Newsday's Jared Valluzzi has more.

Energy, pride and school spirit: Newsday's 3rd annual Cheer Fest

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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'

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'

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Forecasters are watching two systems as they move toward the Atlantic coast from the interior U.S.

Snow or no? How forecasters predict a potential weekend storm

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According to Redfin, Long Island is the strongest seller's market in the country, with about 39.1% fewer home sellers than buyers.

For LI home sellers, 'It's great; unless you want to buy again'

The town and property owner were involved in a protracted legal battle.

Town starts demolishing Massapequa's Budget Inn Motel

Other Long Island municipalities say they are considering the move after state lawmakers passed legislation allowing towns, cities and school districts to do so.

2 LI towns plan to waive property taxes for permanently disabled vets

The 81-year-old was crossing Larkfield Road when he was struck by a northbound Subaru Outback, police said.

Police: St. James man killed crossing street in East Northport

King spoke at Hofstra the year after he won the Nobel Peace Prize and just months after "Bloody Sunday" in Selma, Alabama.

Before the 'Mountaintop' speech, MLK spoke at Hofstra's commencement about a 'poverty of the spirit'

A 15-year-old was shot in the hand and a 17-year-old in the leg, police reported.

Police: 2 teens shot in parked vehicle

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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

A Three Kings Day event took place at the Knights of Columbus in Brentwood on Sunday. The celebration provided a warm, welcoming environment in a time of uncertainty, according to some attendees. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Show a little love and compassion'

Take a look back at the exclusive stories Newday journalists brought you in 2025, from investigations to interviews with celebrities.

Look back at NewsdayTV's top exclusives and highlights of 2025

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