Middle school and high school classmates Robert Hanawalt and Kristen Rasmussen of Northport knew each other during school but didn't become romantically involved until getting reacquainted years later — as Facebook friends.


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Get a sneak peek inside the 2026 Fun Book with guides to apple picking, hidden shops, fall hikes, winter holiday activities and so much more.

Fall Fun Book guides

Scaredy-cat? Check our scare meter to see if you can handle the horror at these Nassau and Suffolk Halloween attractions.

Must-visit LI haunted houses

Explore our interactive guide to weekend fun, including family-friendly events, concerts, festivals and more.

Things to do this weekend

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In the 1960s and '70s, one reader argues, we became an individualistic society that viewed the 50s as a plastic time. But in deciding not to "be" there for one another, we collectively did not hold onto what was dear.

My Turn: Rituals, freedoms and what we've lost

A lot has changed over the years, from new grandchildren to aging parents, but for Gary Mantell the "freak flag is still flying."

My Turn: Mostly the same guy, just in an 'older, fraying package'

George Povall has a gift for making technical environmental issues clear. 

'People are ready for change,' LI energy advocate says

From monthly events in Westbury and Huntington to a three-day festival in Montauk, tango has proved popular among Long Islanders.

'Everything else disappears': LI tango lovers find community, connection

From records to cassettes and CDS, and then back again, Ian Ross of Plainview's music collection has come full circle.

My Turn: Loving life's liner notes

Resorts, dining, pickleball are popping up as venues for the unclothed.

The Column: Naked comes the senior citizen?

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"Why are you stepping on the little guy's toes?" one customer asked.

Burger chain opens next to local joint, sparking residential debate

The chopped bodega sandwich stems back to the '90s.

New deli serves viral chopped sandwiches

In interviews conducted with patrons in the parking lot outside the Westbury restaurant, the consensus opinion was that "they should be talking about more important stuff."

'Political screwiness:' LIers weigh in on Obama, Trump Cheesecake Factory sparring

Sales were down 15% this year, the owner said.

Restaurant group closes 2 LI eateries as sales dip

Offerings include the lemon chicken cutlet sandwich ($16), served on your choice of focaccia, spinach or gluten-free wrap.

New grab-and-go sandwich shop opens on LI

The eatery features a global-inspired menu crafted by chef Jose Nunez.

Gastropub-style eatery opens in former Friendly's

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The cost of living on Long Island is causing some Gen Zers to live at home with their parents. Newsday real estate reporter Rachel Weiss was more.

Cost of living keeps Gen Z at home with parents

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa heads to Hair we Share to see the process of turning donated hair into wigs.

LI Works: Giving wigs to those in need

Nassau and Suffolk counties have implemented a combined $57 million in technology upgrades to streamline the voting process.

New voting machines at Long Island polling places

Laura Otton, perinatal mental health therapist and owner of Therapy for Motherhood, talks to NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland about the logistics of returning to work after having a baby.

Working Moms: Negotiating a return to work

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed steps into the vineyards at Bedell Cellars to get an inside look at the action, the artistry, and the fresh flavors shaping Long Island's latest vintage.

Out East: Harvest time at Bedell Cellars

Rori Zura was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at the age of 33. Today, she helps others as a cancer exercise specialist. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Breast cancer survivor helps others take charge of their recovery

The report identified over half a million hateful posts on X between January 2025 and June 2026, with monthly growth of 75%. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Anti-South Asian rhetoric surging on some social media platforms, report says

Liberty Water has applied to raise rates in three of the areas it serves on Long Island. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Liberty seeks water rate hikes of $21-$28 a month for some Nassau customers

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Co-Owner, Dough & Co. Pizza to try the Apple Bay Pizza, which is exclusive to their Oyster Bay location.

Trendy Bites: An apple pie ... pizza?

Video of two Suffolk police officers joining a group of teens playing soccer goes viral. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

Chance encounter turns into viral video

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NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland takes a look back at the Kings Park Psychiatric Center.

'It's completely different when the lights are out'

'Movement is a form of medicine'

Karla Waldron, executive director of Mondays Cancer Care, received her breast cancer diagnosis after spending her whole career in the cancer community.

'I thought I knew everything'

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano has your look at what to know ahead of the 2026 Oyster Festival.

What to expect at this year's Oyster Fest

From a Halloween party at the LI Aquarium to Paul Reiser comedy show, check out all the fun things to do and explore this weekend.

What's up on LI this weekend

Newsday food writer Andi Berlin visits Taste of Chennai in Bethpage to try some of the vegetarian options on their menu.

Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Bethpage

Katherine Schiro talks about self love, body positivity and motherhood.

Best of both worlds? This Nashville singer/songwriter went viral for her song about Long Island

Med school or content creator? How this Long Islander's career change led to a six figure business

How this Long Islander's career change led to a six figure business

Tasty and trendy: How this Commack native turned food content into a thriving business

How this Commack native turned food content into a thriving business

At 4 years old, they met at a pool in Orlando, Florida, quickly realizing they were from the same town, going to the same nursery school.

Joe Hegyes and Andrew Muscarella talk about growing up on Long Island, pop culture and, more.

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