Dario's — the spot that's been blowing up social media with their cheesesteaks and Roman-style pizza slices — is opening in Massapequa Park after two years of planning. Owner Pier Dario Carosi says the expansion comes from growing demand from customers farther east who've been making the trek to their current locations, according to Greater Long Island.
For those who haven't been following the hype: Dario's serves up Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks and Roman pizza al taglio (that's the rectangular, crispy-crust style that's been taking over NYC). The Roman slices are lighter than your typical New York slice — thinner crust, quality toppings, and they're served at room temperature, which sounds weird but works.
Two years of planning suggests this isn't just riding a social media wave — Carosi's treating this like a real business expansion, not a pop-up cash grab. Smart move bringing it to Massapequa Park, where there's actually parking and you won't circle the block for 20 minutes just to try a sandwich.
Preston Edmead, the Deer Park native who became a standout player for Hofstra basketball this season, has entered the transfer portal — meaning he's officially shopping around for a new school. According to Greater Long Island, the CAA Rookie of the Year who averaged 16.1 points and 4.4 assists per game could be "one-and-done" in Hempstead after just his first year with the Pride.
This is the new reality of college basketball, where even hometown heroes don't stick around. The transfer portal has turned college sports into free agency — players can essentially become available every season. For Hofstra fans who watched a local kid make good, it's got to sting a little. The Pride managed to land a talented player from their own backyard, only to potentially lose him before he's barely unpacked.
Edmead's decision reflects how much leverage players have now, which isn't necessarily bad for them. But for mid-major programs like Hofstra trying to build something lasting? It makes every recruiting win feel temporary.
The Friends of the Port Washington Public Library are rolling out the 57th annual Book & Author Luncheon on Friday, May 1, at The Garden City Hotel. This year's headliner is bestselling author Emma Straub, who'll be chatting about her new novel "American Fantasy" with fellow novelist Meg Wolitzer. The event runs 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., according to LI Press.
For context: this isn't just another library fundraiser with folding chairs and grocery store cookies. The Port Washington library has been pulling serious literary talent for decades — previous years have featured everyone from New York Times bestsellers to Pulitzer winners. It's become one of the more legitimate book events on Long Island, which is saying something given how many "author talks" happen at strip mall Barnes & Nobles.
Straub, who wrote The Vacationers and runs the beloved Brooklyn bookstore Books Are Magic, knows how to work a room. If you're into literary fiction that doesn't make you feel like you need a PhD to enjoy it, this might actually be worth the Garden City Hotel parking hassle.
Two firefighters suffered minor injuries Tuesday while battling a house fire in Jericho that also damaged a vehicle, according to Newsday. Both firefighters were treated and released — no word yet on what caused the blaze or how much damage the home sustained.
The incident is a reminder that our volunteer firefighters are literally running into burning buildings while the rest of us are running out. If you've been thinking about volunteering or just want to show appreciation, the Jericho Fire Department always needs help — and they hold fundraising events throughout the year.
What started as a simple idea for a coffee corner at the library has become something much bigger — a sensory-friendly space where kids of all abilities can actually feel comfortable. A Shirley mom took her original coffee concept and transformed it into a welcoming environment that works for everyone, not just the kids who can sit still and whisper.
According to Greater Long Island, the space addresses something most libraries struggle with: how do you serve families when some kids need to move, make noise, or process the world differently? Traditional library rules — quiet voices, stay seated — can make some children feel unwelcome before they even try to enjoy a book.
Suffolk County libraries have been working to become more inclusive, but parent-driven initiatives like this one often move faster than institutional change. When a mom sees her kid struggling to fit into a space that should welcome them, she doesn't wait for policy changes — she rolls up her sleeves and creates something better.
A Shirley teenager's Easter Sunday got a lot more adventurous than planned when he ended up trapped in the muddy waters of Carmans River inside Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. Suffolk County police had to call in a helicopter to help pull him out Sunday evening, according to Greater Long Island.
The refuge — that sprawling 2,550-acre preserve off Montauk Highway — is popular with hikers and nature lovers, but the marshy areas around Carmans River can be deceptively treacherous, especially during spring runoff season. The soft sediment and shifting water levels create conditions that can trap even experienced outdoors enthusiasts.
No word yet on how the teen ended up stuck or if he was injured, but getting a helicopter involved suggests this wasn't your typical "oops, my sneaker's muddy" situation. The refuge sees its share of rescues each year — a reminder that even familiar local spots can turn serious fast.