Newsday reporter, photographer honored

A Newsday reporter and photographer were honored by the Newswomen's Club of New York on Thursday night at its annual dinner at the Down Town Association in Manhattan.

In the newspaper category, reporter Sandra Peddie was recognized for her stories that raised questions about Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy's financial disclosure and campaign funding practices. In March, Levy, who ran unsuccessfully for governor, agreed to forfeit $4.3 million in campaign money to the Suffolk district attorney's office and agreed not to seek re-election to a third term.

Photographer Alejandra Villa was honored for her work on the story of Marisa Carney, a young Bayport girl who has struggled to live a normal life despite being diagnosed with a rare brain disorder.

"Newsday is extremely proud of Sandra and Alejandra," Debbie Henley, editor of Newsday, said in a statement. "These awards are a tribute to their commitment to tell the stories that make a difference on Long Island."

The Front Page Awards, established in 1937, recognize women journalists in the New York metropolitan area for their work in print, broadcast and online media.