Daily Voice Reader’s Choice

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Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting Under Investigation By State Police, DA Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting Under Investigation By State Police, DA
Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of NY Shooting Under Investigation By State Police, DA A New York State Police trooper who suffered a gunshot wound on a roadway in the region may not have been entirely truthful about what happened. On Long Island, state police and the Nassau County District Attorney’s office are investigating “certain inconsistencies” in Trooper Thomas Mascia’s reporting of the alleged incident, a spokesperson for DA Anne Donnelly told Daily Voice. On Monday, Nov. 4, State Police executed a search warrant at Mascia’s home in West Hempstead. The agency also canceled the BOLO (be on the lookout) for the suspect vehicle. Earlier Report: Trooper Shot In W…
Athletic Director At School District In Hudson Valley Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen Athletic Director At School District In Hudson Valley Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen
Athletic Director At School District In Hudson Valley Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen An athletic director at a school district in Westchester County has been arrested and charged in connection with allegedly extorting a teenager to send sexually explicit images and videos. Thomas James Puccini, 28 years old and employed as the Interim Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics by the Eastchester Union Free School District, was arrested on Friday, Nov. 1. He was charged with felony grand larceny in the fourth degree and was arraigned in White Plains City Court by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Puccini has been placed on administrative leave an…
Hudson Valley Fire Company Financial Secretary Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says Hudson Valley Fire Company Financial Secretary Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says
Hudson Valley Fire Company Financial Secretary Admits Stealing $17K, DA Says A financial secretary for a fire company in the region has admitted to stealing more than $17,000 from the department.  Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced on Friday, Nov. 1, that Lynn T. Simpson, age 43, of Wallkill, pled guilty to grand larceny in the Third Degree in connection with the theft of $17,947 from the parade fund of the Washington Heights Fire Company in Middletown.  As part of the plea agreement, Simpson will repay all the stolen money, Hoovler said. The department was scheduled to host a parade in September 2023, which includ…
Nominate Your Favorite Hudson Valley Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Nominate Your Favorite Hudson Valley Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice
Nominate Your Favorite Hudson Valley Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Daily Voice is excited to announce its first-ever Readers’ Choice contest in Hudson Valley! Readers’ Choice is set to showcase the top businesses that make Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, and Rockland counties special. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop, a family-run pizzeria, a boutique spa, or a dedicated local handyman, this is your chance to give them the spotlight they deserve. Who makes the best pie in Hudson Valley? Engin Akyurt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-pizza-2619970/ Nominations Are Open! Do you have a favorite place you love to dine at? Is there a hairstylist…
5 Nabbed On Gun Charges During Hudson Valley Stop, Police Say 5 Nabbed On Gun Charges During Hudson Valley Stop, Police Say
5 Nabbed On Gun Charges During Hudson Valley Stop, Police Say Five people were charged with allegedly having loaded weapons during a Hudson Valley traffic stop. The incident occurred in Orange County around 3:40 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 25, in Wallkill. According to Lt. Robert McLymore of the Wallkill Police, the department, along with the New York State Police, performed a vehicle stop at Exit 116 on Route 17, which led to the arrest of five of the five suspects. A subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of three loaded firearms, McLymore said. Those charged included: Capital Region resident Shawn A. Briggs, age 35, of Troy. …
Problem Voting? NY State Attorney General Has A Hotline For Help Problem Voting? NY State Attorney General Has A Hotline For Help
Problem Voting? NY State Attorney General Has A Hotline For Help As thousands flock to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, New York Attorney General Letitia James reminds voters that a hotline is available on election day for help. Hotline staffers can help voters troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues they may encounter when they cast their ballot. To help, James issued guidance for voters ahead of the election, and a guide addressing frequently asked questions is also available. “All New Yorkers have the right to feel safe when casting their votes,” said James. “Our Election Protection Hotline will help ensure that every voice is heard – whether you’re v…
Man Found Hiding Behind Rock Wall Steals From Hudson Valley Supermarket: Police Man Found Hiding Behind Rock Wall Steals From Hudson Valley Supermarket: Police
Man Found Hiding Behind Rock Wall Steals From Hudson Valley Supermarket: Police A 34-year-old man was caught with items stolen from a supermarket in the region after officers found him hiding behind a rock wall, police said. In Northern Westchester County, Shrub Oak resident Jonathan Tozzo was arrested following an incident in Yorktown on Thursday, Oct. 24, Yorktown Police announced on Tuesday, Oct. 29.  According to the department, at around 2:45 p.m. on Thursday, a concerned citizen alerted a Yorktown officer about a man hiding behind a wall on East Main Street. When the officer approached the man, later identified as Tozzo, he quickly walked away and ignored co…
Election Day Will Bring Change In Weather Pattern: Here's 5-Day Forecast Election Day Will Bring Change In Weather Pattern: Here's 5-Day Forecast
Election Day Will Bring Change In Weather Pattern: Here's 5-Day Forecast Election Day will mark a change in the weather pattern. "High temperatures will be 15 to 25 degrees above the historical average and some places will easily break records," AccuWeather Meteorologist Emma Belscher said.  Monday, Nov. 4, started with frosty and cloudy conditions. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures will rebound into the 50s and lower 60s in the afternoon as partly sunny skies develop. There's a slight chance of scattered light rain overnight. Temperatures will become unseasonably mild starting on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, with highs in …
System Expected To Become Tropical Storm Projected To Move North Toward US Coast System Expected To Become Tropical Storm Projected To Move North Toward US Coast
System Expected To Become Tropical Storm Projected To Move North Toward US Coast A system over the Caribbean now expected to strengthen could become a hurricane with its projected track taking it north toward the US coast. Tropical Cyclone 18 should become Tropical Storm Rafael on Monday, Nov. 4, the National Hurricane Center said in an advisory issued late Sunday afternoon, Nov. 3. The system is expected to move near Jamaica Monday night and Tuesday, Nov. 5. A tropical storm warning has been issued for Jamaica, and a hurricane watch has been issued for the Cayman Islands.  Tropical storm watches could be issued for the Florida Keys Sunday night or Monday, the hu…
Make Price Chopper & Market 32 PICS Your Picks All Season Long! Make Price Chopper & Market 32 PICS Your Picks All Season Long!
Make Price Chopper & Market 32 PICS Your Picks All Season Long! Sponsored by our friends at Price Chopper & Market 32 It is officially Fall, which means all-things pumpkins, apples, and PICS Limited Time Only Items! You may be wondering what “PICS” products are. PICS items are an evolution of our Price Chopper brand, offering premium value and quality. Not only do they guarantee great quality at an affordable price, but each item is selected and tested by consumers before hitting our shelves, ensuring you know exactly what you're getting. You'll discover a wide variety of PICS products throughout your local Price Chopper and Market 32 stores. At P…
1 Killed After Car Crashes Into Guardrail In Hudson Valley 1 Killed After Car Crashes Into Guardrail In Hudson Valley
1 Killed After Car Crashes Into Guardrail In Hudson Valley One person was killed after a vehicle left the roadway in Northern Westchester County and crashed into a guardrail. It happened around 8:45 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 in Chappaqua on the southbound Saw Mill Parkway.  The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, Westchester County Police said. A passenger was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The southbound lanes of the parkway were closed in that area for several hours for an investigation by Westchester County PD patrol officers and members of the Accident Investigation Team. The identity of the driver has not …
NY Mom Jumps To Death With Her 2 Young Children At Niagara Falls NY Mom Jumps To Death With Her 2 Young Children At Niagara Falls
NY Mom Jumps To Death With Her 2 Young Children At Niagara Falls A days-long search for a New York mother and her two children was unsuccessful after police say the woman jumped with them off Niagara Falls. State Police say that 33-year-old Chianti Means, Roman Rossman, age 9, and Mecca Means, 5 months old, crossed over the guardrail and went over the falls on Luna Island, which is attached to Goat Island, on Monday night, Oct. 28. "The investigation has determined that this incident was intentional in nature, though the circumstances remain under investigation," according to New York State Police. All three were residents of Niagara Falls. New York St…
TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants
TGI Fridays Files For Bankruptcy Weeks After Sudden Closures Of At Least 12 Restaurants Casual dining chain TGI Fridays has filed for bankruptcy several weeks after at least 12 of its restaurants suddenly closed. The company filed the Chapter 11 petition on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Texas, near its Dallas headquarters. Founded in New York City in 1965, TGI Fridays has 95 restaurants in the US, 39 of which the company owns and operates. The other 56 are independent franchises not involved in the bankruptcy petition. The company said that all those locations will remain open. According to the TGI Fridays website and other reports, the following locations are now listed as permanent…
Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On NY Thruway Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On NY Thruway
Trooper Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Struck By Pickup Truck On NY Thruway Police are investigating a midday crash on a stretch of the New York Thruway that left a trooper severely injured. It happened around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 on I-87 in Albany County just before the Exit 6-7 off-ramp in Colonie. The investigation has determined that the trooper had stopped a vehicle, and due to a vehicle and traffic Law violation, the vehicle was being towed, New York State Police said. While loading a vehicle onto the tow truck, both the trooper and tow truck driver were outside their vehicles when they were struck by a passing pickup truck.  The trooper su…
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 2 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $54M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 2 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $54M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Nov. 2 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $54M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Saturday, Nov. 2 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $54 million with a $25.5 million cash option after it was reset when a player in Georgia won big last week. If no winner claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 4 with a $64 million prize up for grabs. The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 10-45-48-58-61 with a Powerball of 02 and the Power Play was 3X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching al…
Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation
Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Outrage is swirling after New York wildlife officials seized and later euthanized beloved social media sensation “Peanut” the squirrel. Chemung County resident Mark Longo, of Elmira, took to Instagram Wednesday, Oct 30, telling his 581,000 followers that Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers had seized the animal, which he rescued in 2017 after its mother was struck by a car. “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” he wrote. “To the people who called (DEC), there’s a special place in hell for you.” In a…
Showdown Of 30-Somethings In Dutchess District Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico Showdown Of 30-Somethings In Dutchess District Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico
Showdown Of 30-Somethings In Dutchess District Labeled 'Race To Watch' By Politico The race for New York's 17th District seat is drawing national attention, as it may play a large role in what party ends up securing a majority in the House, according to a new report by Politico. The race between incumbent Rep. Mike Lawler, a 38-year-old Republican, and Democrat Mondaire Jones, age 37, has been labeled a "race to watch" by Politico in a new report from Sunday, Oct. 27.  The 17th District consists of all of Rockland and Putnam counties, most of Northern Westchester, and portions of southern Dutchess County. According to the outlet, the seat is one of a handf…
Drunk Driver From Carmel Leads Officers On Short Chase In Kent: Police Drunk Driver From Carmel Leads Officers On Short Chase In Kent: Police
Drunk Driver From Carmel Leads Officers On Short Chase In Kent: Police A 40-year-old drunk driver was apprehended after fleeing a traffic stop in the region, police said. The incident leading to the man's arrest began in Putnam County just before 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, when a Kent Police officer saw a vehicle driving erratically on Route 311, according to the department. The officer soon tried stopping the vehicle on Terry Hill Road. However, the car ignored the officer's emergency lights and sirens and kept going, authorities said. The vehicle was later stopped with help from the Carmel Police Department, Putnam County Sheriff's Office, and New Yor…
Hudson Valley Shooter Nabbed With Help From FBI, Police Say Hudson Valley Shooter Nabbed With Help From FBI, Police Say
Hudson Valley Shooter Nabbed With Help From FBI, Police Say A Hudson Valley man has been taken into custody in connection with a shooting on a city street. The incident occurred in Rockland County on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 5:50 a.m. on South Main Street in Spring Valley. According to Det. Matt Galli of the Spring Valley Police officers located an injured victim who was bleeding on the sidewalk.  The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated for a gunshot wound. Spring Valley detectives responded to the scene to further investigate the incident and, during the investigation, identified a 30-year-old Spring Valley resident…
Woman Killed, 1-Year-Old Hospitalized After Jeep Crashes Into Amish Buggy In NY Woman Killed, 1-Year-Old Hospitalized After Jeep Crashes Into Amish Buggy In NY
Woman Killed, 1-Year-Old Hospitalized After Jeep Crashes Into Amish Buggy In NY A young woman was killed and an infant hospitalized after a vehicle crashed into an Amish carriage on a New York road. The incident happened around 4:15 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, in Herkimer County in the village of Newport, located about 70 miles west of Sarasota Springs. New York State Police say a preliminary investigation revealed that a 2017 Jeep Renegade operated by a 36-year-old Newport man was traveling east on Butler Road when it struck the rear portion of the Amish Buggy traveling in the same direction. As a result of the collision, Rebecca Swartzentruber, age 31, from Newport, and 1…
NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Touts Relief Fund After ‘Devastating’ Fire At Hometown Businesses NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Touts Relief Fund After ‘Devastating’ Fire At Hometown Businesses
NY Native Melissa Joan Hart Touts Relief Fund After ‘Devastating’ Fire At Hometown Businesses Actress Melissa Joan Hart is showing some love for her hometown on Long Island following a fire that damaged several businesses. The “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” star, who grew up in Sayville, took to Instagram to share a relief fund created to help the half dozen businesses that were damaged in the blaze along the beloved Main Street on Friday, Oct. 25. “The town I grew up in, Sayville, New York, had a devastating fire yesterday and many small businesses suffered big losses,” the 48-year-old Hart wrote. “I'm donating to the chamber of commerce to help them get back on their feet hopefully i…
Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From
Here's Where This Year's Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Is Coming From With Spooky Season over, attention is turning to the holidays and New York’s iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This year’s tree is a 74-foot tall Norway Spruce from Massachusetts that was grown in Berkshire County in West Stockbridge, Rockefeller Center announced on Instagram. Weighing in at around 11 tons, it’s the first Rockefeller Center Christmas tree to come from the Bay State since 1959. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rockefeller Center (@rockefellercenter) The colossal tree will make the 136-mile journey to Manha…
Hudson Valley Man Admits Sex Abuse Of Child Under 11, Faces 18 Years In Prison, DA Says Hudson Valley Man Admits Sex Abuse Of Child Under 11, Faces 18 Years In Prison, DA Says
Hudson Valley Man Admits Sex Abuse Of Child Under 11, Faces 18 Years In Prison, DA Says A 73-year-old man has pleaded guilty to sex abuse of a child under the age of 11 for several years. Orange County resident Allan Bressler of Pine Bush made his plea in court on Thursday, Oct. 3, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. At the time of the plea, the District Attorney’s Office said it would recommend Bressler be sentenced to 18 years in state prison, followed by 10 years of post-release supervision.  At the time that he pleaded guilty, Bressler admitted that between March 2008 and February 2013, in the vicinity of his Pine Bush home, he engaged in two or…
Man Accused Of Selling Drugs, Fleeing Police Nabbed On Outstanding Warrants In Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Selling Drugs, Fleeing Police Nabbed On Outstanding Warrants In Hudson Valley
Man Accused Of Selling Drugs, Fleeing Police Nabbed On Outstanding Warrants In Hudson Valley A 33-year-old Connecticut man accused of selling controlled substances and fleeing from officers was jailed in the Hudson Valley after being apprehended on multiple outstanding warrants, police said. Hartford County resident Luis Flores of New Britain was arrested at Connecticut's Derby Superior Court and extradited back to Putnam County on Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Monday, Oct. 28.  According to the Sheriff's Office, Flores had an outstanding bench warrant in the Town of Southeast Court for failing to appear to answer the following charges: Se…
Multiple Systems Have Potential To Be Next Named Tropical Storm Of Hurricane Season Multiple Systems Have Potential To Be Next Named Tropical Storm Of Hurricane Season
Multiple Systems Have Potential To Be Next Named Tropical Storm Of Hurricane Season Three areas are being monitored for the potential to become the next named tropical storm of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, with one of them having a strong chance. In particular, an area in the southwest Caribbean has a high chance of development, according to an update Friday morning, Nov. 1 by the National Hurricane Center, rating the chance at 70 percent. It's expected to develop by the weekend with a depression possibly forming by early next week.  It's moving to the north/northwest slowly and and is expected to advance into the Gulf of Mexico next week.&…
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 1 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $281 Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 1 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $281 Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday, Nov. 1 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $281 Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Nov. 1 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $205 million with an $97.5 million cash option. The winning numbers were 11-22-42-46-51 with a Mega Ball of 04 and a Megaplier of 2X. MegaMillions If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5, where there will be an estimated $303 million prize with a $141.8 million cash option. Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all …
Trooper Shot On NY Highway Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows Trooper Shot On NY Highway Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows
Trooper Shot On NY Highway Released From Hospital As Reward For Suspect Info Grows A New York State Police trooper who was shot and injured while trying to help a highway motorist is back home with his family. Thomas Mascia, age 27, was released from Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow on Friday morning, Nov. 1. Law enforcement officers from across Nassau and Suffolk counties gathered outside the hospital for a “walk-out” ceremony honoring the injured trooper. Earlier Report: 'All-Out' Manhunt Underway After Trooper Shot In West Hempstead; Cash Reward Being Offered “I’m feeling good,” he told the crowd. “I’m going home.” The jubilant scene came two d…
5 From Region Nabbed On Weapons Charges During Stop 5 From Region Nabbed On Weapons Charges During Stop
5 From Region Nabbed On Weapons Charges During Stop Five people were nabbed on alleged weapons-related charges during a traffic stop in the region. The incident occurred in Sullivan County at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, on Route 17K in the town of Bloomingburg.  Trooper Steven Nevel said troopers noticed a 2017 GMC Yukon traveling westbound on 17K, violating numerous vehicle and traffic laws. Troopers, with the assistance of the Wallkill Police Department in Orange County, made a traffic stop and identified the driver as Capital Region resident Albert Blowers, age 48, of Rensselaer, Nevel said.  While interviewing Blowers, troop…
Body Of Man From Neighboring Town Found Along Road In Putnam County Body Of Man From Neighboring Town Found Along Road In Putnam County
Body Of Man From Neighboring Town Found Along Road In Putnam County Authorities are investigating the death of a man whose body was found along a Hudson Valley road.  The body of  Northern Westchester County resident Charles Flowers, age 81, of Somers, was discovered on Stoneleigh Avenue in Putnam County on Wednesday, Oct. 30 around 1 p.m. in the town of Carmel, according to Trooper AJ Hicks of the New York State Police. Hicks said that Flowers had been a patient at Putnam Hospital in Carme but had been discharged before his death.  Authorities are now investigating the circumstances of Flowers's death along with the Putnam C…
2 Nabbed For Cocaine Possession In Dutchess County During Traffic Stop: Police 2 Nabbed For Cocaine Possession In Dutchess County During Traffic Stop: Police
2 Nabbed For Cocaine Possession In Dutchess County During Traffic Stop: Police Two people were busted for alleged felony cocaine possession during a routine traffic stop by New York State Police in the Hudson Valley. The incident occurred in Dutchess County at 9:20 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 30, in East Fishkill. According to Trooper AJ Hicks, members of the department's Community Stabilization Unit conducted a traffic stop of a 2020 BMW 530 Series on the Taconic State Parkway for violations of the vehicle and traffic laws. An investigation determined the driver, Westchester County resident Steven A. Emery, age 44, of Yonkers, and the passenger Shelby Rose …
New Update: Accused Killer Of 15-Year-Old Hudson Valley Boy In US Illegally, ICE Says New Update: Accused Killer Of 15-Year-Old Hudson Valley Boy In US Illegally, ICE Says
New Update: Accused Killer Of 15-Year-Old Hudson Valley Boy In US Illegally, ICE Says A 40-year-old man who allegedly shot his girlfriend and her two children in Northern Westchester and then led authorities on a 12-hour manhunt is in the United States illegally and has had past encounters with Border Patrol, officials said. Fernando Andres Jimenez Meza, who allegedly shot and killed 15-year-old Michael Raimondi and injured his mother and brother during an incident in the Baldwin Place section of Somers on Monday, Oct. 28, is an unlawfully present citizen of Chile, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson said on Friday, Nov. 1. He entere…