Newsday's top stories on LI for 2023

Updated February 1, 2024

These were the biggest stories on Long Island this year.

LI's top stories of 2023

As the year comes to an end, here are the top stories that made an impact on Long Island. NewsdayTV's Jasmine Anderson reports.

Gilgo Beach killings investigation complete coverage

Follow every step of the investigation into the Gilgo Beach serial killings, from its first moments to the latest developments and expert analysis.

Two adults dead, five critically injured, after bus with Farmingdale High School kids on way to marching band camp crashes

Farmingdale director of bands Gina Pellettiere and retired teacher Beatrice Ferrari were killed.

Officials: Boys, 14, killed in wrong-way DWI crash were Roslyn students

"We are experiencing unimaginable grief," said Roslyn Board of Education president Meryl Waxman Ben-Levy of the teens killed and injured in the Jericho wrong-way crash. "Our community was destroyed. These were beautiful people; beautiful babies."

Complete coverage: George Santos scandal

Former Rep. George Santos (R-Nassau/Queens) faced various allegations before even taking office, after reports surfaced that he lied on his resume and questions were raised about his campaign finances. See Newsday's coverage on Santos here.

'Very unhealthy' pall of smoke thickens on LI

Poor air quality was forecast for Thursday and Friday as fires continue to burn in Canada.

Ex-Suffolk chief of police arrested on sexual misconduct charges, officials say

James Burke, who served federal prison time in a corruption scandal, was charged with offering a sex act, indecent exposure, public lewdness and fifth-degree criminal solicitation, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison said.

NTSB: Passenger dead in plane crash near Republic Airport, 2 injured

The pilot and a second passenger were critically injured when the single-engine plane crashed Sunday in North Lindenhurst, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The passengers were a mother and daughter from New Jersey, according to the attorney of the plane's operator.