By Mike White 🌹 Feb. 12, 2026

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☕ Good morning, Long Island!

💘 Valentine's Day happens Saturday, so start shopping! We recommend the candy shop at Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace. And if you haven't booked a restaurant, try some of these GLI-endorsed options.

✍🏼 Feel free to respond to this email with feedback.

Weather: Today will be mostly sunny with a high near 37. Wind chill values between 15 and 25. Source: NWS

1. Trader Joe’s opens its 3rd Suffolk County location today in Miller Place

🌽 Trader Joe’s Miller Place will feature the chain’s signature offerings, including private-label pantry staples, organic produce, snacks, and frozen meals. There are also Suffolk locations in Commack and Lake Grove.

2. A new LEGO play space concept just built its way into Levittown

🧱 A new LEGO-themed play space and store called Block Party is set to open Tuesday at 630 Wantagh Ave. in Levittown, featuring new and retired sets, open play sessions and LEGO-themed birthday parties. It’s the first concept of its kind on Long Island, maybe anywhere.

3. Beloved Wading River bakery struggling to remain open, seeking lifeline

🍰 Beloved Wading River bakery A Pinch of Sprinkles Bake Shoppe is fighting to stay open as the owners launch a fundraising push to cover rising costs. The family-run shop, known for its creative treats and community ties, is asking neighbors for a lifeline.

More headlines to highlight

📩 Long Island chef Francis Derby’s name shows up in more than 1,300 emails in newly released Department of Justice files tied to Jeffrey Epstein — but the documents don’t allege or reflect any wrongdoing.

🏀 Long Island high school hoops gets a global stage as the LI Lutheran girls basketball team heads to an international tournament. It’s a big moment for the squad and local pride.

🎉 Ollie’s Angels Animal Rescue is marking 10 years of saving pups with a celebratory gala March 19 at The Piermont in Babylon.

🗞️ At the New York State Republican convention in Garden City, President Trump endorsed Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s bid for governor in a video played to delegates.

GREAT SHOWS

Two Legends. One Stage. Valentine’s Day event hits Port Washington

This Saturday, Feb. 14, Mor Koren-Schwartz brings her acclaimed double-header tribute show — Olivia & Grease Vs. Dolly & Divas — to the Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington.

Greater Babylon coverage is funded in part by The Argyle Theatre, where Broadway comes to Babylon. Click here for tickets to Newsies.