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Dad Guilty In Baby's OD: DA | Gift Card Uproar | Fire Cause? | Eagle

Also: $12M Medicare scheme: Feds / Son kills dad: PD / Soccer assault: PD / Grand marshal dies / School champs / Empanadas / House explodes

The cause of the fires is still under investigation, despite s'mores theory, supervisor says.
The cause of the fires is still under investigation, despite s'mores theory, supervisor says. (Courtesy Westhampton Beach Fire Department)

On the weekend, we present a week in review of the top stories and headlines from all across New York. Here's a roundup of some of the most-read stories, from the worst situations imaginable to most wonderful, across the state. You can also find your local Patch and catch up on those stories by clicking here.

Despite S'mores Speculation, LI Fire Cause Still Under Investigation

Days after brush fires burned fiercely on Long Island, investigators are still working toward a final determination, supervisor says.

Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Baysfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Former Businessman Pocketed $12 Million In Medicare Scheme: Feds

He will be arraigned in Brooklyn at a future date.

Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Baysfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Dad Who Admitted Guilt In Baby's OD Death In 'Tremendous Pain, Grief Over Loss': Attorney

He will serve five to 15 years in state prison as part of a plea agreement, his attorney says.

'Crime Family Soldier' On LI 'Tormented' Victim For Loan Payment: DOJ

He demanded payments while facing charges for illegal collection of a debt and under court supervision — forcing a man to strip naked: DOJ

Man Arrested After Shooting Father To Death: Police

The man, 43, was found hiding in a shed, and when officers brought him home, they found he had shot his father, 75, police say.

Woman, 76, Punched Numerous Times While Waiting At Bus Stop: PD

She had injuries to her leg, hip, elbow and ribs, and had lacerations on both of her hands — as well as broken ribs, police say.

Woman Assaults Fellow Soccer Player In Sports Complex: Police

She is accused of punching the victim in the mouth with a closed fist causing injury, according to Yorktown police.

Driver Turns Off Car Lights At Night, Leads Cops On Chase: PD

A BMW driver unlawfully fled from a car meet and then accelerated through multiple traffic signals to evade officers, police say.

Courtesy Town of Babylon / Steve Gravano

Hero's Legacy Honored With Street Renaming

The community paid tribute to local hero Salvatore Giulio Rubino's legacy with a recent street renaming in his honor.

Courtesy Amy Keyes

LI St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal's Death 'Almost Epic Irish Novel Tragedy'

Joe Keyes was "extremely humble," which is what makes it "so heartbreaking" that he was denied his dream to lead the parade, his son says

FBI Warns New Yorkers Of Spring Break Travel Dangers

The U.S. Department of State issued travel alerts for popular spring break destinations, and the FBI is warning New Yorkers to be cautious.

Girl, 7, In Cancer Fight, Feted For Organizing St. Baldrick's Event

Rayna Graziano received the Suffolk Sheriff's Community Leadership Award at Shaves for a Cure last Thursday.

Car Crash Victim Gets Emergency Help From Officer: Police

The 20-year-old was struck by a Nissan Altima, police said.

Man Dies After Brutal Assault: Police

The man who was hospitalized after suffering a brutal assault has died, according to police.

School District Wins 1st LI Basketball Championship Since 1946

The team advanced to the state tournament on Thursday.

Former Village Clerk Dies

Village officials say she loved her "village family and worked tirelessly" for residents. "She will be greatly missed."

Boutique Beauty Salon Celebrates Expansion

A first-generation Chinese immigrant, mother of 4 and wife of an NYC firefighter is expanding her boutique beauty salon.

Courtesy Town of Babylon / Steve Gravano

Firefighter Honored For Rescuing 1 From Fatal House Fire

Officials honored a firefighter who rescued someone from a house fire killed 1 person and seriously injured 2 on Long Island.

Police Officer Dead From Apparent Suicide: PD

The police officer's body was found at a state park, according to officials.

The Empanada Spot Opens: 'It's Been A Blessing Here'

The Empanada Spot, a Colombian eatery, features dozens of different types of empanadas. "We're hoping to stay here for many years."

Violent Escape From Psychiatric Hospital Leads To Indictment: DA

The patient repeatedly punched his psychiatrist, knocking her to the ground while taking her identification badge, police said.

Injured Bald Eagle Rescued, But The Story Takes An Unexpected Turn

A race to save the injured raptor turned tragic when the bird had to be euthanized due to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza.

Courtesy Hammer & Nails

Men's Grooming Shop Hammer & Nails Set For Expansion This Year

"I don't think anyone is doing what we're doing," franchisee owner Gray Bowman told Patch.

Farmingdale Voted Best Downtown On Long Island In 2025: FourLeaf Best Awards

"Farmingdale has to continue to be creative and do things other villages do not do," Mayor Ralph Ekstrand told Patch.

2 Dead In House Explosion, Authorities ID Victims

Once on the scene, troopers found the home completely leveled and engulfed in flames, according to New York State Police.

Fake Fire Inspector Tried To Shake Down Local Business, Cops Warn

Police said the grifter approached a business, demanding money for fake equipment inspections.

Peconic Landing Launches Cutting-Edge Dementia Care Pilot Program

"We continuously seek opportunities to enhance the well-being of our members."

Courtesy Anthony Frevola

Fire Ravages Car Dealership: Police

Firefighters battled a blaze that ravaged a car dealership on Long Island over the weekend, according to police.

Fire Departments Settle Discrimination Complaints: State

The complaints concerned membership practices, and one with the display of the Confederate flag on district property, state says.

Teen Trio Crash Stolen Rideshare Driver's Vehicle, Chased By Officers: Cops

They used their fists to punch the man and drag him out of his vehicle, police say.

'Dog Whisperer With Cesar Millan' Star Endorses Long Island's Paws Of War

Millan is asking people to help Paws of War bring home the dogs of two soldiers stationed overseas.

AG's Office Investigating Fatal Crash Involving Off-Duty MTA Officer

The man died at the scene, police say.

Man Charged With Firing Illegal Guns And Impersonating Police Officer: DA

The man is accused of firing weapons near parks and preserves, as well as near a home, DA says.

'Depraved Violence': MS-13 Leader, 1 Of FBI's Most Wanted, Nabbed: DOJ

"He will soon face reckoning in a courtroom on Long Island, where his transnational criminal organization has impacted so many communities."

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