<p>
	In March 2020, the USDA issued waivers to provide&nbsp;free breakfast and lunch for all students&nbsp;nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic. Southampton High School students, along with the district&#39;s director of food services, talk about the importance of the program, which expires June 30.
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Southampton students, director of food services talk importance of free food program in schools

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The Department of Education announced it would be cutting its staff by nearly 50%. Newsday's Maura McDermott reports. 

What DOE cuts could mean for LI

West Islip students are learning a new skill: welding parts needed to build a submarine. 

'I'm really proud of them' 

A judge has ruled against four Long Island school districts challenging the state's mascot ban.

'They could lose state funding'

Kayleigh Hubschmitt, a senior at Lindenhurst High School, was awarded a $180,000 college scholarship to work towards becoming a military officer.

'I feel like I should give back'

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The White House will not renew a program that provided LI's two largest food banks $2.6 million they used to buy local produce.

USDA funding cuts to impact Long Island food banks, NY schools

Education Article Bottom Module

Educators sought to allay families' fears and inform them of their rights following the news that federal immigration agents can now make arrests at schools and other "sensitive" areas.

'Fear and uncertainty': LI educators express concern, caution over new ICE directive

Higher education officials on Long Island struggled to determine what the pause would mean for programs ranging from scientific research to tutoring.

Trump's funding freeze memo sparked concern, confusion for LI colleges and universities

The schools were warned by the Trump administration about potential civil rights violations against Jewish students.

3 SUNY schools could face punishment over antisemitism claims

Long Island educators, parents and students worry that the staff cuts could impact special education and student loans.

U.S. Dept. of Education is laying off 1,300 workers. How could LI schools, colleges be impacted?

"Anyone who came in contact with Laurette ... would leave her feeling like they just made a new best friend," Superintendent of Schools Lance Lohman said.

Ridge Elementary School teacher dies at 56

Enforcement agents may now go into churches under President Donald Trump's executive order that overturned years of U.S. policy.

Trump move allows immigration agents to enter houses of worship and other 'sensitive' locations

Education Video Playlist

Regina Agrusa, superintendent of the Sewanhaka Central High School District, said Elmont High School student-athletes will keep playing games against Bellmore-Merrick schools but with new protections against "hate and harm" following parents' complaints about racist harassment at games in recent years.

New protections against 'hate and harm' 

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. 

'It could result in issues for students who require special education'

Andrea Goldsmith, the dean of engineering and applied science at Princeton University, will be the seventh president of Stony Brook University.

New president named at Stony Brook University 

Baldwin High School senior Paul Fleck created a new app, Splash Tracker, aimed at cutting waste in the cleanup of Long Island's environment. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. 

'Makes what we do more efficient'  

The six Northport wrestlers who were ruled ineligible for the postseason this week will be allowed to compete after being granted a stay in a special court proceeding at the Riverhead courthouse late Friday afternoon.

'It's been an emotional rollercoaster' 

Martin Luther King III, son of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., spoke at Great Neck South High School, the same stage that his father spoke on during a visit to Long Island almost 60 years ago.

'Concerned right at this moment' 

President Trump said on the campaign trail that he wants to get rid of the federal education department and give states more power over schools. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports. 

'I think Long Island will feel that acutely'

Under Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan, there would be exceptions for students who need access, but the ban proposal still needs legislative approval. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports. 

'It was just a battle of policing phones willy nilly'

The high schoolers will head to Washington, D.C. in March to present their projects. 

Regeneron finalists include 6 LI students

A Newsday investigation found Hempstead Town issued 80,000 school bus camera tickets in districts that did not authorize the program. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie and Newsday investigative reporter Payton Guion have the story.

'A basis for somebody to bring a lawsuit'

Advisers say the Regeneron competition is much more than what the students are learning in the classroom. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

'They're changing our world for the better'

Two 10-year-olds were transported to Cohen Children's Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries as a result of an Old Westbury crash between a school bus, dump truck and SUV. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

School bus collides with truck

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Suffolk SPCA gave a tour of its mobile MASH unit that will be used to give medical treatment to animals in need of rescue from the Happy Cat Sanctuary fire in Medford.

Suffolk SPCA's mobile unit will treat cats rescued from the Happy Cat Sanctuary fire

Newsday food writer Andi Berlin learns all about one of Long Island's iconic foods: tidbits.

Ever heard of tidbits?

The Grove in East Patchogue is offering 38 apartments, with rents starting at $1,575 for a one-bedroom unit.

Affordable apartment lottery in Suffolk now open

Anthony Raio, Half Hollow Hills senior lacrosse player, is one of Newsday's Top 100 players for 2025 and spoke about his expectations for his team's success this year. NewsdayTV's Carissa Kellman reports.

Half Hollow Hills' Anthony Raio eyes an LI championship

Get limber, develop muscle and get stronger. NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland visits Monster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Smithtown.

Fitness Fix: Monster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Long Island lost at least 5,800 years of life to fatal crashes in 2023. Newsday examines LI's dangerous roads in a yearlong investigative series. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

Newsday investigates years of death, injury and heartbreak 

Big flavor is being brewed! NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits the Subtle Tea Company to learn what goes into making craft teas.

LI Works: Ken brews craft iced tea

Lawyers for Heuermann want DNA tests conducted by Astrea Forensics on hairs removed from most of the seven victims in the case to be tossed from the trial. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

DNA evidence hearing against alleged suspect Rex Heuermann

The 40th anniversary of the first Air Jordans was noted at a sneaker show in Melville on March 2. Vendors and customers said the Nike shoe is still gaining popularity. Newsday Sports' Laura Albanese reports.

40th anniversary of the first Air Jordans

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visited Buster Bunny at Wyandanch Plaza. 

Easter Bunny sighting: Wyandanch Plaza 

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<p>Long Island residents will go to the polls on May 21 to vote on school budgets, board members and propositions for the 2024-25 school year.&nbsp;</p>


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