With the Fourth of July just days away, one Long Island family has been watching a symbol of freedom grow up in their backyard.
The winds toppled trees in several towns, and on Friday, schools in Central Islip and Amityville are being dismissed early due to the heat.
A fast‑moving fire tore through a strip mall on East Suffolk Avenue on Friday afternoon, destroying several small businesses and leaving residents and workers reeling from the loss.
Eyewitness News reporters Stacey Sager, Chantee Lans, Sam Ryan and Joelle Garguilo all won for their reporting and storytelling.
The pastor said they did not file a police report and they are praying for the person who committed the vandalism.
Steven Schwally allegedly told police that he drank until 3 or 4 in the morning the night before the crash and that he didn't remember much about that day, but he did recall being in the nail salon in his car with the airbags deployed.