Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes
ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes Hours after a Meta outage left Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users in the dark, ChatGPT seems to be following suit. Users of the AI website began experiencing technical difficulties sometime around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. A message on the website as of 9:20 p.m. reads: "ChatGPT is currently unavailable. Status: Identified - We have identified the issue and are working to roll out a fix." Naturally, X users had a field day. #ChatGPT is down. Looks like everyone will have to finish their assignments the old fashioned way. pic.twitter.com/68xVq9DNf8 — Xon Kurama (@XonKurama) D…
Ousted NY CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say Ousted NY CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say
Ousted NY CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say The former CEO of a New York telecommunications company is accused of engaging in insider trading just hours after he was fired, dodging thousands in losses. Ken Peterman, 67, was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 11, on federal charges of insider trading and securities fraud. Prosecutors said Peterman exploited non-public information about Melville-based Comtech Telecommunications’ poor financial performance and his impending termination to sell company shares, avoiding significant financial losses. According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he violated two trading blackouts whe…
Popular Food Truck Opens Restaurant In Westchester Popular Food Truck Opens Restaurant In Westchester
Popular Food Truck Opens Restaurant In Westchester Foodies in Westchester have a fresh reason to celebrate: a new poke bowl spot is bringing a taste of Hawaii’s vibrant flavors to the county, one colorful, delicious bowl at a time. Poké Motion, which originated as a food truck serving the tri-state area, will hold a grand opening for its new restaurant in Harrison at 213 Harrison Ave. on Friday, Dec. 13.  The eatery will specialize in Poké, a Hawaiian dish consisting of rice, diced raw fish, and vegetables. Poké Motion's particular spin on the dish includes the offering of protein such as raw fish, chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas, a…
Student Pictured With Suspected Firearm Sparks Investigation In Hudson Valley Student Pictured With Suspected Firearm Sparks Investigation In Hudson Valley
Student Pictured With Suspected Firearm Sparks Investigation In Hudson Valley Authorities are investigating a report involving a Hudson Valley student allegedly photographed with what appeared to be a firearm on school grounds, police announced. The investigation began in Putnam County late Tuesday, Dec. 10, when the concerning image was reported to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office School Resource Officer by the Putnam Valley School District, the Sheriff's Office announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The student was identified and interviewed at their residence. They did not attend Putnam Valley High School on Wednesday, authorities and school officials said. In a…
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best! Westchester County, it’s time to show some love for your favorite local businesses! Daily Voice has officially launched the voting phase of its inaugural Readers’ Choice competition, and the power is in your hands to crown the best of the best. Our readers submitted nominations earlier this fall, and now the top contenders are ready for your votes. With over 80 categories spanning six major groups, this is your chance to celebrate the local gems that make Westchester a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the busin…
Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads
Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads Apple has unveiled new updates that bring advanced AI and emoji tools to its iPhone and iPad devices.  Released on Wednesday, Dec. 11, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 expand Apple Intelligence with features like ChatGPT integration, custom emoji creation, and visual design tools. Key Updates ChatGPT Integration: Siri and Writing Tools now support ChatGPT for generating content, solving problems, and enhancing productivity. Privacy settings ensure user control over data. Image Playground: This tool allows users to design custom visuals by inputting text descriptions, wit…
Gotham Meets Westchester: 'The Penguin' Filmed In County Earns Golden Globe Nods Gotham Meets Westchester: 'The Penguin' Filmed In County Earns Golden Globe Nods
Gotham Meets Westchester: 'The Penguin' Filmed In County Earns Golden Globe Nods Westchester has another claim to Hollywood-related fame: several scenes for HBO's "The Penguin," which is now nominated for several Golden Globes, were filmed within the county.  The miniseries, a spinoff of the 2022 film "The Batman," was revealed to have been nominated for three Golden Globes on Monday, Dec. 9.  Several scenes for the show, which centers on iconic Batman villain The Penguin (otherwise known as Oswald "Oz" Cobb), were filmed within the city of Yonkers, parts of which were turned into "Gotham City," according to Mayor Mike Spano.  Some of these filming locat…
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries is hoping to delay his federal sex trafficking case. An attorney for the 80-year-old Jeffries filed a motion on Monday, Dec. 9, asking a Manhattan judge to schedule a hearing to determine whether Jeffries is mentally competent to stand trial. “[The motion] will be dealt with in court as, and when, appropriate – according to the judge,” Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, told Daily Voice. Federal prosecutors are expected to challenge the move, potentially delaying the case by months. An indictment unsealed in October accused Jeffries of pr…
NY Real Estate Bros Drugged, Raped Numerous Women Dating Back Decade, Feds Say NY Real Estate Bros Drugged, Raped Numerous Women Dating Back Decade, Feds Say
NY Real Estate Bros Drugged, Raped Numerous Women Dating Back Decade, Feds Say Two luxury real estate agents and brothers known for operating in the New York City area are accused of drugging and raping numerous women dating back over a decade. Brothers Oren and Tal Alexander, founders of the real estate firm Official, and their brother Alon are charged with multiple counts of sex trafficking, according to a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Federal prosecutors said the brothers used their wealth and status as high-end real estate agents to orchestrate a long-running scheme of targeting dozens of women, luring them with promis…
Employee Caught Stealing Student Medication At Middle School In Westchester: Officials Employee Caught Stealing Student Medication At Middle School In Westchester: Officials
Employee Caught Stealing Student Medication At Middle School In Westchester: Officials An employee accused of stealing student medication from a secure nurse’s office at a Westchester middle school has been removed from the district, officials said. The theft occurred at Louis M. Klein Middle School in the Harrison Central School District, Superintendent Louis Wool informed families in a message sent on Tuesday, Dec. 10.  Wool explained that missing doses of prescribed medication were discovered during routine monitoring and recording by nursing staff. After confirming the discrepancies, district officials collaborated with the Harrison Police Department to identify the …
Proposed School Closures, Reconfiguration Considered In Westchester District Proposed School Closures, Reconfiguration Considered In Westchester District
Proposed School Closures, Reconfiguration Considered In Westchester District Administrators in a Westchester school district have unveiled plans that could see the closure of three schools as part of a broader effort to reorganize district buildings amid declining enrollment and fiscal distress. During a town hall meeting on Friday, Dec. 6, Mount Vernon City School District officials discussed reconfiguration options that include the potential closures of Cecil H. Parker School, Mount Vernon Honor Academy, and Mount Vernon Leadership Academy.  The session, held at Graham School and on Zoom, marked the second community forum on the topic, district officials said…
Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms
Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms Tens of thousands of Meta users are experiencing outages across its platforms. Just before 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, there were numerous reports of outages on Downdetector.com, including 69,000 on Instagram, over 1,000 on Facebook, and 10,000 on WhatsApp. Meta issued a statement on the outages on X at around 1:45 p.m. "We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some users’ ability to access our apps," the statement said. "We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience." We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some use…
Man Wielding Screwdriver Attacks Trooper After Stabbing Victim In Northern Westchester: Police Man Wielding Screwdriver Attacks Trooper After Stabbing Victim In Northern Westchester: Police
Man Wielding Screwdriver Attacks Trooper After Stabbing Victim In Northern Westchester: Police A man is facing multiple felony charges following an incident in Northern Westchester that left a victim hospitalized with multiple stab wounds, authorities said. The incident happened on Thursday, Dec. 5, when a domestic disturbance was reported in the Croton Falls area of Somers, New York State Police announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11.  When the first trooper arrived on the scene, screams could be heard coming from inside the residence. Officers forced their way inside and encountered the suspect, identified as 50-year-old Andujar Heriberto, wielding a screwdriver, police said. Heribe…
Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, LIRR Riders Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, LIRR Riders
Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, Lirr Riders If you’re planning to ho-ho-hop on a Metro-North, NJ Transit or LIRR train this SantaCon weekend, leave the spiked eggnog at home — the MTA and NJ Transit are implementing its annual booze ban. In preparation for SantaCon 2024, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced a 32-hour alcohol ban across all Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad trains and stations. The restriction will take effect at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, and remain in place until noon on Sunday, Dec. 15, aiming to ensure a safe and smooth ride for all passengers. “Our top priority is …
Luxury Makeover: Westchester Hotel Adds New Dining, Event Features Luxury Makeover: Westchester Hotel Adds New Dining, Event Features
Luxury Makeover: Westchester Hotel Adds New Dining, Event Features A major hotel in Westchester has been transformed following a multimillion-dollar renovation, offering guests new dining options, a redesigned lobby, and expanded event spaces. The Sonesta White Plains Downtown, located steps from the Westchester Mall and the city’s vibrant nightlife at 66 Hale Ave., has completed its highly-anticipated makeover, General Manager Monika Henry announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11.  The renovation updated every corner of the 403-room hotel, from the refreshed lobby and nature-inspired guest rooms to 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space designed to app…
Know Any Westchester Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays Know Any Westchester Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays
Know Any Westchester Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays Do you know someone who goes all out for the holidays? Daily Voice wants to see the best Christmas light displays in your neighborhood—and we need your help! Calling all holiday enthusiasts! The most wonderful time of the year is here, and Daily Voice is on the hunt for the most festive, over-the-top, and downright dazzling holiday decorations in the tri-state area (scroll down for instructions on how to submit). Whether it's a house covered in lights, an inflatable Santa village, or a synchronized music-and-lights extravaganza, we want to know where to find it! Is there a house on yo…
49 New Officers Graduate From Westchester Police Academy: Here's Where They'll Serve 49 New Officers Graduate From Westchester Police Academy: Here's Where They'll Serve
49 New Officers Graduate From Westchester Police Academy: Here's Where They'll Serve After months of training, dozens of new graduates of the Westchester Police Academy will soon begin serving communities throughout the county. The 49 new recruits graduated from the Westchester County Police Academy during a ceremony held at the SUNY Purchase Performing Arts Center, the Westchester County Police Department announced on Friday, Dec. 6. They will now go on to work at seven departments in the county.  The new recruits will now be sent to the following Westchester departments: Westchester County PD: Shaun Blute, Frank Caparelli, Devin Furphy, Steven Hartog, Autumn …
Transformer Fire Sparks Near School In Westchester: Hundreds Without Power Transformer Fire Sparks Near School In Westchester: Hundreds Without Power
Transformer Fire Sparks Near School In Westchester: Hundreds Without Power A transformer fire that began near an elementary school in Westchester has left hundreds in the dark.  The blaze happened on Wednesday morning, Dec. 11 on Pelham Road near Trinity Elementary School in New Rochelle, according to Con Edison. At one point on Wednesday morning, 528 customers were without power as a result of the incident. However, as of 2:10 p.m., only one remained in the dark.  The fire also affected Trinity Elementary, which experienced intermittent outages. Despite this though, the building was open and running and all students were safe, according to district off…
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was found in possession of a handwritten manifesto that sheds light on his alleged motives.  CNN was first to report the discovery.  The three-page document opens with a confession and asserts that Mangione acted independently, according to a report published Wednesday morning, Dec. 11 by The New York Times. He condemns UnitedHealthcare's increasing market capitalization amid declining American life expectancy and criticizes corporations for exploiting the country for pr…
CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione
CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione The rare times in which Luigi Nicholas Mangione removed his face mask may have been the main reason for his arrest for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson after a five-day manhunt. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say In the first instance, Mangione was asked by a receptionist at a hostel in Manhattan's Upper West Side to remove the mask so she could compare his face to the photo on an allegedly fake ID. The 26-year-old Maryland native checked in there 10 days before the targeted shooti…
Power Outages Likely In These Areas As Storm Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain Power Outages Likely In These Areas As Storm Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain
Power Outages Likely In These Areas As Storm Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain A potent storm sweeping through the region will be accompanied by strong winds that could cause power outages. The storm, which is accompanying a cold front, is moving from the east on Tuesday night, Dec. 10, into Wednesday, Dec. 11, according to the National Weather Service. During the storm's height, there will be heavy rain and wind gusts between 25 and 30 miles per hour. Some areas, especially along coastal areas of the Northeast, could see gusts of between 50 and 70 mph and are where outages are most likely. They are displayed in orange in the first image above from Ac…
Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only
Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only Krispy Kreme is bringing back its annual “Day of the Dozens” promotion, offering a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $1 with the purchase of any dozen doughnuts or a 16-count of Minis at regular price.  The offer is available for in-shop and drive-thru purchases, as well as online orders. The promotion will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12, at participating locations.  Customers can redeem the offer twice in-store or via drive-thru, while online orders are limited to one redemption using the promo code “DOZEN.” The promotion coincides with Krispy Kreme’s “Elf” Holiday Collectio…
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting in the US is a costly epidemic, with retailers losing over $120 billion last year. The trend focuses on easily concealed, high-demand products at major retailers like Walmart and Target, posing a nationwide challenge for store owners and law enforcement. Electronics, health and beauty products, and food items are among the most commonly stolen goods, Capital One Shopping reports.  Small gadgets such as headphones and phone chargers, alongside over-the-counter medications and cosmetics, are frequent targets.  Alcohol, baby formula, and packaged meats are also popular …
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 10 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $619M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 10 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $619M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 10 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $619M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 10 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $619 million with a $293.6 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 12-14-26-48-52 with a Mega Ball of 21 and a Megaplier of 5X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13.  MegaMillions Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to…
NJ Director's Acclaimed Movie Was Filmed At Lavish Brooklyn Mansion (LOOK INSIDE) NJ Director's Acclaimed Movie Was Filmed At Lavish Brooklyn Mansion (LOOK INSIDE)
NJ Director's Acclaimed Movie Was Filmed At Lavish Brooklyn Mansion (Look Inside) "Anora," the acclaimed film from New Jersey native Sean Baker is cleaning up at various awards as the Oscar race heats up. The movie is about a Brooklyn stripper who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, only for his family to try and get the marriage annulled. "Anora" won the prestigious Palme d'or at the Cannes Film Festival in the spring, and was named one of the 10 Best Films of the Year by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute. The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Vulture all predict "Anora" will receive Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Actre…
How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal
How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal New Yorkers could soon see some relief from rising costs. Around 8.6 million taxpayers statewide could stand to benefit from a historic $3 billion in “inflation refund” checks that were proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul during a speech in the Bronx on Monday, Dec. 9. If approved by lawmakers, the initiative would deliver $300 checks to single taxpayers earning up to $150,000 annually and $500 to joint filers with incomes up to $300,000. The refunds would be funded by surplus sales tax revenue generated during the recent period of high inflations. Hochul said the one-time payments would provide…
Man Who Went On Hate-Fueled Assault, Robbery Spree In Westchester Gets Prison Time Man Who Went On Hate-Fueled Assault, Robbery Spree In Westchester Gets Prison Time
Man Who Went On Hate-Fueled Assault, Robbery Spree In Westchester Gets Prison Time A Long Island man will spend more than a decade in prison for a violent crime spree in Westchester County, including a hate-fueled assault on an Asian store owner and robberies targeting multiple victims, officials announced.  Suffolk County resident Michael Bagley, age 34, of Coram, New York, was sentenced to an indeterminate term of 14 and a half to 29 years in state prison following his guilty plea to felony charges stemming from robberies in New Rochelle and White Plains in March 2023, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office. The violent incidents occurred on…
Truck Rollover Blocks Lane Of Busy Northern Westchester Road Truck Rollover Blocks Lane Of Busy Northern Westchester Road
Truck Rollover Blocks Lane Of Busy Northern Westchester Road A truck rollover has blocked a lane on a busy Northern Westchester road.  The crash happened in North Salem on Tuesday, Dec. 10 at around 1:45 p.m. at the intersection of Route 116 (Titicus Road) and June Road, according to reports.  The truck knocked over live wires and blocked one of the roadway's lanes.  More information about the crash has not yet been released. Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 
Longtime Educator Tapped To Lead School District In Westchester Longtime Educator Tapped To Lead School District In Westchester
Longtime Educator Tapped To Lead School District In Westchester A new superintendent has been chosen to lead a school district in Westchester, officials announced.  The Elmsford Union Free School District has appointed Susan Yom as its new Superintendent of Schools, officials announced on Monday, Dec. 9.  Yom will officially step into the role on Thursday, Jan. 2.  Yom, a seasoned educator with 29 years of experience, has held leadership roles in several districts, including serving as Superintendent of Schools in Nyack and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in Clarkstown. She also previously worked in New Rochelle as…
SUV Crashes Into Rock Wall, Guide Rail On Saw Mill Parkway In Chappaqua SUV Crashes Into Rock Wall, Guide Rail On Saw Mill Parkway In Chappaqua
SUV Crashes Into Rock Wall, Guide Rail On Saw Mill Parkway In Chappaqua A woman was hospitalized after losing control of her vehicle and crashing on the Saw Mill River Parkway in Northern Westchester, authorities said.  The crash happened just before 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, near Route 120 in Chappaqua, according to Westchester County Police Public Information Officer Kieran O’Leary. The woman, driving an Acura SUV southbound, lost control, causing the car to slide off the road, strike a rock wall on the right, and then veer back onto the parkway before hitting a guide rail on the left side. No other vehicles were involved in the crash. The driver, a…
Drone Sightings Spark Multi-State Concerns Along East Coast Drone Sightings Spark Multi-State Concerns Along East Coast
Drone Sightings Spark Multi-State Concerns Along East Coast Authorities along the East Coast are grappling with a surge in drone sightings, raising security concerns and prompting high-level responses. In New Jersey, residents have reported numerous drone sightings since mid-November, particularly in Morris and Somerset counties, and more than a dozen mayors are calling for investigations. Gov. Phil Murphy is urging residents to report suspicious drone activity to law enforcement and emphasizing the state's commitment to public safety.  "We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement par…