Teacher's Photo Caption Sparks Outrage: LI Patch Week In Review

Here are some of the biggest stories that Long Island Patches covered this week.

Parents Say Suffolk Teacher Compared Kids To Monkeys: Report

Some parents were upset at a photo caption the teacher used on a picture of students taken at the Bronx Zoo, according to a report.

LI Child-Care Provider Burned Toddler In Scalding Bath: Police

Police say the toddler suffered second-degree burns over 20 percent of his body.

Northport Middle School Parents Furious Over High Mercury Levels

Elevated mercury levels were found in the cesspool area outside the building, officials said. Parents were outraged.

Community Knits Kangaroo Pouches, Koala Mittens For Australia

Haunted by defenseless koalas and kangaroos desperate to escape Australia's raging fires? Here's one way you can help.

Sheriff Puts Faces To New Bail Reform Law, Calls For Repeal

One man was charged with 1st degree rape, 1st degree course of sexual conduct with a child; another is an alleged gang member, sheriff says.

Macy's To Close 2 Long Island Locations In 2020

Macy's is closing dozens of stores across America in January and February, according to reports.

Teen Stabbed, Beaten While Leaving School

Police say the 15-year-old is in serious condition after he was stabbed and hit in the head with a baseball bat on his way home from school.

Baby Who Had Christmas Heart Transplant Home At Last

"She got lots of snuggles from mom and dad and a full night's sleep.'" Baby Ruby is all smiles as she returns home after a heart transplant.

Suffolk Sporting Goods Store Owner Illegally Sold Guns: SCDA

He sold assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, according to the SCDA.

Also worth a read:

• Homeless Man Dies After Riverhead Assault: Cops
• Video: Cuomo Rescues Man Trapped In Crashed Van On BQE
• Dog Whose Owner Died Suddenly Could Soon Be Helping Vets
• Woman Dies After Altercation With Spring Valley Police: DA
• Man Files $5M Lawsuit, Claims Shelter Secretly Adopted Out Dog
• Freeport Woman Suing Village, County For Alleged Police Brutality
• LI Woman Arrested For Second Time Under New Bail Laws
• Our Lady Of Mercy School In Hicksville To Close
• Duo Charged With Attempted Murder For New Year's Knife Attack: PD
• Three Dozen LI Students Named Regeneron Science Scholars
• Cuomo Vows To Legalize Marijuana In 2020
• HS Senior Discovers Planet During Internship
• Long Island Sees Double Digit Increase In Flu Cases
• Army Sergeant Seeks Help Bringing Dog Home From Afghanistan
• Senator Ken LaValle Set To Retire After 44 Years In Office