<p>In Dec. 2024, an East Patchogue teen went missing for 25 days. NewsdayTV&#39;s Ken Buffa spoke with reporter Shari Einhorn about the girl, her life, the search and some of Long Island&#39;s dark secrets the investigation exposed.</p>


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The Backstory: Missing and Unprotected

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'Really, really tough stuff to talk about'

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NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Made by Michael Russo in Cold Spring Harbor to learn some tips and tricks from a professional gift wrapper.

LI Works: Wrap your holiday gifts like a pro

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa trakes a deep dive into the grilled cheese smashburger at No Good Burger Joint in Rockville Centre.

Trendy Bites: Viral grilled cheese smashburger

Fire officials demonstrate how fast a Christmas tree can become a major fire and share tips on preventing disaster.

Christmas tree safety tips to avoid a fire

Smithtown High School West sophomore Nicholas Cardi, is working with NASA on a project called Radio JOVE.

LI student collaborates with NASA on project

Ralph Macchio, star of "The Karate Kid" movies and the Netflix series "Cobra Kai," made an appearance at this year's Huntington tree lighting.

'Karate Kid' helps Huntington kick off the holiday season

New York State officials are warning of AI-powered scams as shoppers look for deals throughout the holiday season. Newsday business reporter Victor Ocasio shares some tips to shop safely.

What to know about AI-powered shopping scams

"It's not good enough" said Giants general manager Joe Schoen on Tuesday as he spoke for the first time about moving on from head coach Brian Daboll and getting the franchise back in the proper direction.

Giants GM: '2 wins is not where we want to be right now'

Nassau police say Michael Dotzler's disappearance is still an active missing person's case, while a private detective suspects foul play. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

A court officer vanished nearly 2 years ago. His family hasn’t given up hope for his return.

NYS won't charge a site fee for PGA tournaments in 2028 and 2033 at Bethpage Black despite receiving $6 million for hosting the Ryder Cup in September. Newsday investigative reporter Peter D'Auria explains.

Bethpage won’t charge PGA to host future events, despite Ryder Cup costing public millions

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes us 'Out East' to Zuhoski Farms in Cutchogue, where you can cut your own Christmas tree.

Out East: Cut your own Christmas tree at Zuhoski Farms

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Andrew Dykes, 66, of Tampa, was indicted on a murder charge in Nassau County on Wednesday. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Arrest made in 'Peaches' case

A man and woman were found dead at A&A Italian Deli & Pizza in Plainedge. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

'I stabbed my parents'

The first naturalization ceremony since the government shutdown was held in Central Islip, where 86 people from 37 countries became U.S. citizens. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'I finally accomplished that goal'

Kevin McDonald was sentenced in the rape of a 14-year-old Patchogue girl who went missing for 25 days last year. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'He took full responsibility for what transpired'

Kacy Corso, 33, pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the fatal stabbing of her ex-boyfriend at the Stony Brook Yacht Club last month. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

LI woman pleads not guilty in fatal stabbing

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NYS won't charge a site fee for PGA tournaments in 2028 and 2033 at Bethpage Black despite receiving $6 million for hosting the Ryder Cup in September.

Bethpage won't charge PGA to host future events, despite Ryder Cup costing public millions

Long Island Article Bottom Module

Clients accused an LI firm of steering their savings into risky investments.

LI financial adviser ordered to pay $7M to clients, suspended from securities industry

The state is probing a company for allegedly providing unlicensed health services. The owner says it provides "companionship" and doesn't need a license.

Long Island home care company accused of operating without a license

Search this database of New York Department of Health approved home health care agencies.

Roughly 500 home health care companies can operate on Long Island. Is yours on the list?

Dr. Thomas T. Lee confirmed his departure in an interview while touting his dedication to transparency, patient care and removing "bad apples" from the system.

NYS' doctor discipline chairman retired after questions about his dual role

A former student alleged Brian Stellato began grooming a female student when she was a high school freshman in 2006 and then sexually abused her when she was a senior, according to court papers.

Huntington school district fired teacher in 2024 after student alleged grooming, sexual abuse

A Newsday analysis found its parent company has failed to break even for 24 out of the past 25 years.

$1.4B in debt. Ten days of cash on hand. NUMC is one of NY's most vulnerable hospitals.

Long Island Video Playlist

Jacob McMillan, of Baldwin, is accused of killing 19-year-old Amira McCleod at a Hempstead house party last month. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Baldwin man charged in Hempstead killing

The annual "Pennies for Charity" report found professional fundraisers took a big chunk out of donations last year. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

'That's not right'

An out of this world experience

Investigators said a dryer might be to blame for the fire at a North Bellmore home Monday.

Firefighters injured, family displaced

Ex-Suffolk police officer George Trimigliozzi on Monday was sentenced to two years in prison for managing brothels in Holbrook and West Babylon. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'We do not stand for corruption'

Mangione's lawyers are asking a judge to toss out key evidence in his murder trial. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Mangione's lawyers hope to suppress key evidence

Christine Lehmann and her son Nicholas Lehmann died in a house fire Sunday in St. James, and another occupant was hospitalized, officials said.

Mother and son killed in house fire ID'd

'Where are you? Please come back to us.'

NewsdayTV's Jasmine Anderson is joined by education experts to discuss the rising concerns of marijuana vaping in Long Island schools.

'Young people are turning to vaping ... to cope'

Festively decorated LIRR trains have made their debut will run through the end of the year, according to the MTA,

Festive trains to run through New Year's

Abigail Lopez, an 8-year-old from Island Park, has earned her adult CPR certification. She says she was inspired by her mother, a rescue company volunteer.

'I can save their lives'

Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. House taken about 3,300 privately funded trips have since January 2024. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

'You shouldn't be accepting money from anybody for trips'

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