Michael Ebert

6 days ago | newsday.com | Michael Ebert

Sixty-nine Long Island school districts have been named Best Communities for Music Education. The districts are among 935 nationwide to receive the designation for their commitment and access to music education by the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports music education and participation in music-making. The award recognizes efforts to “make music education part of a well-rounded education,” the foundation said.

6 days ago | newsday.com | Michael Ebert

A Lindenhurst caregiver’s commitment to her clients is so strong that she continued working even after losing her home in a fire several years ago. Marie-Carmel Appolon, 61, is a senior caregiver for Right at Home of Nassau and Queens, an in-home care company that specializes in providing care for “seniors and disabled adults who need assistance maintaining their independence,” according to the company.

1 week ago | newsday.com | John Hildebrand |Michael Ebert

Cash reserves held by Long Island school districts climbed to nearly $3.64 billion during the 2024-25 academic year — up 12% from last year, Newsday found in a review of state financial records. About a fifth of those reserves, or $785 million, were "unrestricted" funds — that is, money that can be spent at districts’ discretion. State law bars districts from stockpiling this moneybeyond an amount equivalent to 4% of their annual operating budgets.

1 week ago | newsday.com | John Hildebrand |Michael Ebert

Cash reserves held by Long Island school districts climbed to nearly $3.64 billion during the 2024-25 academic year — up 12% from last year, Newsday found in a review of state financial records. About a fifth of those reserves, or $785 million, were "unrestricted" funds — that is, money that can be spent at districts’ discretion. State law bars districts from stockpiling these funds beyond an amount equivalent to 4% of their annual operating budgets.

1 week ago | newsday.com | Michael Ebert

A lifelong boxer from Huntington Station is introducing individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities to the sport after being inspired by his daughter’s journey with Down syndrome. Edwin Rivera is the co-founder and CEO of New York Fitness and Boxing in East Northport, which offers programs specifically designed for those with special needs and Parkinson’s disease. The gym also offers two free classes a month to people undergoing cancer treatment, he said.