Teacher Sues Westhampton Beach School Over Charlie Kirk TikTok
Music teacher Laura Mara claims she was fired for a TikTok responding to Charlie Kirk's death, alleging First Amendment and discrimination violations.
Maria Santos
Education Reporter
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About Maria
Maria is a former elementary school teacher who left the classroom to hold administrators accountable. She's a parent of two Long Island public school students and covers schools from a parent's perspective.
Stories by Maria
Squirrel Chews Solar Panel Wiring, Sparks Roof Fire
A squirrel chewing through solar panel wiring may have caused a roof fire at a Floral Park home, drawing 60 firefighters from seven departments.
Jane's Addiction Organization Transforms Homes and Lives
Port Washington's Jane's Addiction Organization goes beyond tidying to help families reset their lives through professional home organizing services.
Wilbur Breslin, Breslin Realty CEO and Chair, Dies at 99
Wilbur Fred Breslin, CEO and chairman of Breslin Realty Development, died April 1 at age 99, leaving a 70-year legacy in Long Island commercial real estate.
Top 5 Long Island Stories: Acid Attack, Illegal Vapes Seized
Nassau County officials seized 28,000 lbs of illegal vapes, and a former boyfriend was arrested in a 2021 acid attack on a Hofstra student.
Life's WORC Helps Adults With Autism Find Employment
Life's WORC and the Family Center for Achievement are creating real jobs and opportunities for young adults with autism on Long Island.
3 Brooklyn Men Arrested in Roslyn Heights Burglary
Three Brooklyn men face burglary charges after hitting a Roslyn Heights gas station and grocery store overnight, stealing a cash register from one.
Sands Point Proposes $16.7M Budget, Earns Clean Audit
Sands Point village received a clean audit and proposed a $16.7M budget for fiscal year 2027, staying within New York State's property tax cap.
Mineola Condo Tower Gets $5.5M in Tax Incentives
Nassau County's IDA approved over $5.5 million in financial incentives for The Bridge, a 101-unit mixed-use condo tower near Mineola's LIRR station.
14 Tons of Illegal Vapes Seized Before Reaching Nassau County
New York officials seized over 28,000 pounds of illegal vape products from Buffalo distributor Ecto World, mostly destined for Nassau County retail shops.
Herb Alpert at 91: 50th Album, Tour & Tijuana Brass
Herb Alpert turns 91 and shows no signs of slowing down, releasing his 50th studio album and hitting the road with wife Lani Hall.
Sea Cliff Tackles Low Recycling Rate with State Help
Sea Cliff's recycling rate has fallen to 18%, well below its 30% target. Village officials are seeking state DEC help to boost resident participation.
William Bodkin Appointed Nassau County District Court Judge
After nearly two decades of legal service, Port Washington resident William Bodkin was unanimously appointed to Nassau County District Court on March 9.
Glen Cove Rapid Response Network Monitors ICE Activity
A network of 50 volunteers in Glen Cove is monitoring ICE activity and supporting immigrant families facing federal immigration enforcement in 2026.
Nassau County Bans Kratom Sales in New Legislation
Nassau County legislators unanimously voted to ban kratom sales, going beyond state law amid FDA warnings and pushback from residents who rely on the plant.
East Hills Approves $2.5M Bond for New Village Playground
East Hills trustees approved a $2.5M bond to build a new village playground, with construction starting in April and completion expected by mid-July 2026.
Hempstead Fire Kills Two, Displaces 10 at Albemarle Ave
A fatal fire at 73 Albemarle Ave in Hempstead killed a 42-year-old man and a 12-year-old boy. No working smoke detectors were found in the building.
Teen Artist Andres Valencia Debuts Solo Show at Nassau Museum
14-year-old painter Andres Valencia brings his first solo museum exhibition to Nassau County Museum of Art, opening March 21 with 50+ works.
Fire Causes Extensive Damage at Syosset Elementary School
A three-alarm electrical fire struck West Side Elementary School in Syosset early Tuesday, causing extensive structural damage and displacing hundreds of students.
North Shore School District Proposes $129.4 Million Budget for 2026-27 School Year
The North Shore School District has unveiled a $129,396,901 budget proposal for the 2026-27 school year, representing a $3,761,053 increase from the current year's spending plan, according to district officials.