Maureen Mullarkey

3 days ago | newsday.com | Maureen Mullarkey

Before the Mass at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre, Bishop Barres told reporters how Pope Francis’ teachings were relevant to Long Islanders. For example, he had a “heart for our wonderful immigrants and a great passion for serving them,” as the Holy Family themselves were refugees. “We know that so well on Long Island," Barres said.

3 days ago | newsday.com | Maureen Mullarkey

Around 7:25 a.m. staff at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre hung two purple-and-black awnings outside its front doors, symbolizing the pope's death. Then, as the 7:45 a.m. Mass began, a photo of Pope Francis was placed on the altar, surrounded by flowers from the previous day’s Easter Sunday services. Diocese of Rockville Centre Bishop John Barres led the Mass for more than 30 attendees.

3 days ago | newsday.com | Maureen Mullarkey

Maria Traversa, 76, of Rockville Centre, who came to St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre Monday to attend the 7:45 a.m. Mass, said she didn’t agree with all of Pope Francis’ teachings but felt lucky to have his service for so many years. “He was a good pope,” Traversa said. “He brought a lot of the country together.”When she heard the news Monday morning, she felt a sense of relief because Pope Francis was sick for so long. “In a lot of ways it’s sad to say goodbye,” Traversa said.

1 week ago | newsday.com | Maureen Mullarkey

At least 15 people were displaced and three people suffered smoke inhalation after a fire caused by spontaneous combustion broke out at a Glen Cove apartment building early Thursday, authorities said. Glen Cove firefighters and Glen Cove police used ground ladders and interior stairs to rescue more than a dozen residents from the three-story, 10-unit apartment building on Glen Cove Avenue after the fire was reported around 3:36 a.m., Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro said.

1 week ago | newsday.com | Maureen Mullarkey

Long Island will experience warm conditions and sunny skies on Easter weekend, with highs reaching the upper 70s in some areas on Saturday. But the National Weather Service issued a special weather statement for Thursday, cautioning that the area has an elevated fire risk. NWS meteorologist Matt Wunsch said that due to high pressure and the dry and gusty conditions, fires can spread easily.