Diagnosed with brain cancer at 17, deployed to Afghanistan to fight the war on terror -- Rick Bruno has survived it all.

Neither snow nor sickness . . .

A homeless man was arrested Monday in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man outside a Hempstead residence, Nassau police said.

The party's chairman, who has served for a record 35 years, has been nominated to be U.S. Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago.

"There's more than sufficient evidence for this case to go to the jury on all counts," U.S. District Judge Joan M. Azrack said of the indictment against Edward Mangano and John Venditto.

Tempus fugit

The eastbound lanes of Jericho Turnpike between Plainview Road and Juneau Boulevard in Woodbury reopened overnight Monday after an accident, Nassau County police said.

Mayor Scott Strauss said that homeless people in the vicinity of the Long Island Rail Road station near NYU Winthrop Hospital will "from time to time" panhandle in the area.

Once prosecutors rest their case, it's the defense's turn. But John Venditto's attorney is the only defense lawyer who has indicated he may produce witnesses.

The toned and carb-conscious of the North Shore can notch up a new place to get their pitaya bowls and chicken chili on.

Whether the topic of the day's testimony is former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano's penchant for cigars and chicken Milanese, former Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto's limo rides or the more staid matters of securities and loan guarantees, the political corruption trial for the once-powerful men draws a crowd.

Residents across Long Island set canned and dry food out by their mailboxes Saturday to help restock local pantries as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers 26th annual "Stamp Out Hunger" event.

Marian Goldstein was awarded $5,121.31 for her suit, which claimed the utility's negligence led to damage to electrical equipment in her home.

The Hicksville location of the Mediterranean chainlet Miraj Healthy Grill has closed. Now, a mini-chain of Afghan restaurants is gearing to set up an eatery and take over the space, which has hosted a revolving door of restaurants in the past decade.

It's astonishing what a federal subpoena and an FBI forensic accountant can do in following an electronic money trail of the type we all leave behind.

The fatal overdose of a 34-year-old woman in a Lynbrook motel last week led to the arrest of two men who police are linking to her death, Nassau police said.

LIU Post held its 60th commencement on the university's Brookville campus Friday.

Physicians at Cohen Children's Medical Center said 4-month-old Nathan suffered cranial and brain injuries that resembled war wounds.

"It would alleviate problems, if I had them in the future," Anthony Gulino testified of former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano. "If something came up, he would take care of it."

The four plaintiffs say $405,000 was misspent on proceedings against LaMont Johnson, who later was reinstated to the seat.