Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Hudson Valley Airport; Hochul Calls For Federal Action Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Hudson Valley Airport; Hochul Calls For Federal Action
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Hudson Valley Airport; Hochul Calls For Federal Action Runways at a Hudson Valley airport were brought to a halt after drone activity disrupted operations for approximately an hour, prompting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to escalate calls for immediate federal intervention. Hochul said the incident happened in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor. “This has gone too far,” Hochul stated, addressing growing concerns over unauthorized drones in sensitive airspace. The incident marks the latest in a series of drone sightings that have raised alarms across the state, pushing Hochul to take decisive action. …
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense The man accused of gunning down a health insurance titan on a bustling New York City street is now at the center of another storm— this one inside a courtroom.  Facing a murder charge that could lead to life in prison, Luigi Mangione has turned to one of the most seasoned legal minds in the country to fight for his freedom. Enter Karen Friedman Agnifilo, the former Manhattan prosecutor who’s now tasked with defending the 26-year-old Mangione against allegations of ambushing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside the New York Hilton Midtown on Wednesday morning, Dec. 4.  With…
Army-Navy Game: Trump, Vance To Watch Midshipmen, Black Knights Football Faceoff Army-Navy Game: Trump, Vance To Watch Midshipmen, Black Knights Football Faceoff
Army-Navy Game: Trump, Vance To Watch Midshipmen, Black Knights Football Faceoff The stage is set for one of the most anticipated matchups in college football history as Navy (8-3) faces off against #22 Army (11-1) in the 125th Army-Navy Game on Saturday, Dec. 14. The game begins at 3 p.m. at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD.  The stakes are higher than ever, with both teams gunning for the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy in what promises to be a thrilling showdown in this historic rivalry. VP-elect JD Vance will be joined by newly-acquitted Daniel Penny to be his guest at the Army-Navy game, and are expected to join President-elect Donald Trump in his suite. Fo…
New Update: Snow, Sleet, Rain To Hit These Areas As Storm System Nears New Update: Snow, Sleet, Rain To Hit These Areas As Storm System Nears
New Update: Snow, Sleet, Rain To Hit These Areas As Storm System Nears A quick-moving storm system will bring a mix of snow, sleet, and rain at the tail end of the weekend. A mix of cold air and moisture might cause light wintry precipitation overnight Sunday, Dec. 15 into Monday, Dec. 16 in these locations: Hudson Valley, New York Western Connecticut and Massachusetts Northwestern New Jersey Southeastern Pennsylvania North-central Maryland For projected precipitation types by location, click on the first image above from AccuWeather. Areas shown in the darker shade of blue in the second image above from AccuWeather could see up to 3 inches of snowfall and i…
North Salem Eatery Earns Michelin Guide Star: 'Modern Farmhouse' North Salem Eatery Earns Michelin Guide Star: 'Modern Farmhouse'
North Salem Eatery Earns Michelin Guide Star: 'Modern Farmhouse' A successful restaurant set inside a farmhouse in Northern Westchester has received more recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide.  La Bastide By Andrea Calstier, located in North Salem at 721 Titicus Rd. (Route 116), is one of thirteen new eateries in the New York City area to receive Stars from the  Michelin Guide, which helps readers discover the best restaurants by listing establishments well-received by its reviewers.  The North Salem restaurant was one of eight One Stars, an indicator of "high-quality cooking." In its write-up of the eatery, …
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…
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm Fewer high school graduates began college this fall, with enrollment in that age group dropping 5 percent from last year, according to an analysis by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.  Four-year institutions were hardest hit, with public colleges seeing an 8.5 percent drop in first-year enrollments and private nonprofit colleges reporting a 6.5 percent decline.  This trend poses significant challenges for colleges and universities, particularly those reliant on tuition revenue.  As the competition for students intensifies, institutions face mounting pressur…
Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 13 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $695M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 13 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $695M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 13 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $695M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 13 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $695 million with a $322 million cash option. The winning numbers were 36-43-52-58-65 with a Mega Ball of 16 and a Megaplier of 3X. 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, Dec. 17. 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 officials. Prizes then range…
Snow, Ice To Hit These Spots As Rounds Of Precipitation On Way: Here's Timing Snow, Ice To Hit These Spots As Rounds Of Precipitation On Way: Here's Timing
Snow, Ice To Hit These Spots As Rounds Of Precipitation On Way: Here's Timing An active weather pattern will bring multiple rounds of precipitation in the days ahead, with some parts of the region seeing a wintry mix and accumulating snow. The first round of precipitation will come on Sunday, Dec. 15. Most locations will see rain either during the day or at night, according to the National Weather Service. A mix of cold air and moisture might cause light wintry precipitation in these locations: North-central Maryland Southeastern Pennsylvania Northwestern New Jersey Hudson Valley, New York Western Connecticut and Massachusetts Areas shown in the darker shade of blu…
Aviation Geek Turns Holiday Legend: Airport-Themed Display Spreads Christmas Cheer In Rockland Aviation Geek Turns Holiday Legend: Airport-Themed Display Spreads Christmas Cheer In Rockland
Aviation Geek Turns Holiday Legend: Airport-Themed Display Spreads Christmas Cheer In Rockland Shrieks of joy from children and large smiles from the adults greet New City resident Gary Cirlin when he flips the switch on his large Christmas light display, which is much more than just lights. Named the "New City North Pole Airport," the home of envy is located at 12 Oriole Road in New City. It features thousands of lights and interactive exhibits. The neighbors don't seem to mind the miles of cars that line up each night to see the display, the laughs, the bright lights, and the sheer joy the whole thing has become. Gary Cirlin decked out his car and his house. Gary Cirlin It…
Filming To Take Place Over 5 Days On This Northern Westchester Road Filming To Take Place Over 5 Days On This Northern Westchester Road
Filming To Take Place Over 5 Days On This Northern Westchester Road Filming activity in Northern Westchester will temporarily impact traffic in a neighborhood for several days, officials announced. The Village of Briarcliff Manor announced that filming for a commercial will take place on Scarborough Road's 400 block starting Monday, Dec. 16 and continuing through Friday, Dec. 20.  To ensure safety and minimize disruptions, Briarcliff Manor Police will be on-site to assist with traffic control, village officials said. Drivers should anticipate temporary delays in the area during this time. "We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to…
4-Car Crash Blocks Lane Of I-87 In Westchester, Causes Traffic 4-Car Crash Blocks Lane Of I-87 In Westchester, Causes Traffic
4-Car Crash Blocks Lane Of I-87 In Westchester, Causes Traffic A crash temporarily blocked a lane of Interstate 87 in Westchester and slowed northbound traffic. The incident happened on Friday, Dec. 13 around 3:40 p.m. on I-87 North just after Exit 8/8A in Tarrytown, according to New York State Police. Troopers said four vehicles were involved in the collision and one person suffered minor injuries. The crash blocked the northbound left lane until around 4:30 p.m., causing a five-mile backup on I-287 East that worsened Friday rush-hour traffic.
NY Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud NY Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud
NY Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud In a quiet Long Island neighborhood, one house stands out this holiday season – not just for its 25,000 twinkling lights, but for the sheer joy and nostalgia it radiates. Crowds are flocking to Jason Orsini’s Smithtown residence each evening to take in his jaw-dropping light display: a painstaking recreation of the beloved holiday classic, "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The Griswold family station wagon donning their Christmas tree. Cousin Eddie’s RV. Aunt Bethany’s lime Jell-o mold. It’s all there. “I didn’t expect [the response] to be this big,” the 45-year-old Orsini, a marrie…
Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line
Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line Authorities have released the identities of both the pilot who survived and the passenger who died in a small plane crash that shut down Interstate 684 at the border of Fairfield, CT and Westchester, CT counties for hours. Kalmen Goldberger, 26, of Linden, NJ, had reported engine trouble before the single-engine Tecnam P-2008 went down in the center median of I-684 near Exit 2 in Harrison Thursday, Dec. 12 around 7:15 p.m., officials said. Goldberger survived, however, his passenger, Jacob Yankele Friedman, 32, of the Rockland County hamlet of Monsey, was pronounced dead at the sc…
Traffic Stop On I-287: Critical Con Edison Work To Pause Both Directions In Westchester Traffic Stop On I-287: Critical Con Edison Work To Pause Both Directions In Westchester
Traffic Stop On I-287: Critical Con Edison Work To Pause Both Directions In Westchester Motorists traveling on I-287 in Westchester County this weekend are being advised to expect delays as state police hold traffic in both directions for critical Con Edison work.  The 20-minute traffic stop will take place on the Cross Westchester Expressway (I-287) in the Town of Greenburgh at approximately 9 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, according to the New York State Thruway Authority.  The brief traffic stoppage will allow Con Edison crews to install a fiber optic cable above the highway between two towers on either side of the expressway. Traffic traveling eastbound will be stoppe…
NY Assemblyman Makes Next Move: Declares Run For Westchester County Position NY Assemblyman Makes Next Move: Declares Run For Westchester County Position
NY Assemblyman Makes Next Move: Declares Run For Westchester County Position A prominent state assemblyman from Westchester is announcing a run for one of the county's top positions.  Yonkers Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, a Democrat who currently represents the state's 90th Assembly District, announced that he would be running for Westchester County Clerk on Friday, Dec. 13.  Sayegh, age 72, said he would bring a "unique skill set" to the role.  "I look forward to campaigning strong in every corner of our great county. The county clerk's office plays such a crucial role in providing services to the residents including legal records, passports, and land r…
CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change
CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change The head of UnitedHealth Group is calling for change in the healthcare industry after the targeted killing of the CEO of one of its two subsidiaries. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down outside the Midtown Hilton Hotel in Manhattan at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. On Monday, Dec. 9, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the case. At the time of his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Mangione was found to be in possession of a three-page manifesto critical of healthcare companies. He condemned UnitedHealthcare's increasing ma…
Water Main Break Disrupts HS In Northern Westchester, Emergency Plans Activated Water Main Break Disrupts HS In Northern Westchester, Emergency Plans Activated
Water Main Break Disrupts HS In Northern Westchester, Emergency Plans Activated A main break interrupted water service at a Northern Westchester school campus, prompting emergency plans to ensure student safety and school operations. The break occurred on Friday, Dec. 13, on Westlake Drive, leaving the Westlake High School campus in the Mount Pleasant Central School District without running water for part of the day, according to district officials. While repairs to the water main have been made, the district had to await system pressurization to ensure there are no further issues. In the meantime, school officials assembled an emergency response team to implement cont…
Westchester Man's Late-Night Act Of Kindness Helps Cancer Patient Continue Treatment Westchester Man's Late-Night Act Of Kindness Helps Cancer Patient Continue Treatment
Westchester Man's Late-Night Act Of Kindness Helps Cancer Patient Continue Treatment A Westchester businessman is being recognized by city officials after providing his services to a young woman undergoing chemotherapy at her most desperate hour.  The heartwarming story began when a father from Maryland was desperately searching for dry ice to ease the side effects of his 20-year-old daughter Lily's cancer treatment. The dry ice was urgently needed for her cold cap therapy, which helps minimize hair loss during chemotherapy.  When the father contacted Chilly Willy & Cool Carl's Premium Ice Service in Yonkers in the evening, owner Willy D’Ariano answered the ca…
Westchester Man's Late-Night Act Of Kindness Helps Cancer Patient Continue Treatment Westchester Man's Late-Night Act Of Kindness Helps Cancer Patient Continue Treatment
Westchester Man's Late-Night Act Of Kindness Helps Cancer Patient Continue Treatment A Westchester businessman is being recognized by city officials after providing his services to a young woman undergoing chemotherapy at her most desperate hour.  The heartwarming story began when a father from Maryland was desperately searching for dry ice to ease the side effects of his 20-year-old daughter Lily's cancer treatment. The dry ice was urgently needed for her cold cap therapy, which helps minimize hair loss during chemotherapy.  When the father contacted Chilly Willy & Cool Carl's Premium Ice Service in Yonkers in the evening, owner Willy D’Ariano answered the ca…
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA The senators representing New York and New Jersey are demanding answers about the drones that have been spotted flying in the skies of New York and New Jersey this past month. New York Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, all Democrats, wrote a letter on Thursday, Dec. 12 to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FAA Director Michael Whitaker demanding an immediate briefing on what they are doing to address the issue. "We are...especially concerned about how these drones may …
Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When
Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When Skywatchers are in for a treat as the Cold Moon, December’s full moon, illuminates the night sky.  Known as the Cold Moon for its association with the chilly winter season, this celestial event will be visible at its peak Sunday morning, Dec. 15, passing opposite the sun at 4:02 a.m. Eastern time, according to NASA. But that's not the only time to keep an eye on the sky. The moon will appear full for about three days from Friday evening, Dec. 13 through Monday morning, Dec. 16, NASA says, calling it "a full moon weekend." The Cold Moon rises just after sunset and will remain vis…
'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges 'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges
'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges Three 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. “The charges outlined in this indictment reflect some of the most heinous and dehumanizing crimes of sexual exploitation that our NYPD detectives investigate," NYPD Commissioner Jessica …
Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion
Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion Shake Shack is launching a limited-time promotion offering free burgers with a qualifying purchase during the holiday season.  The “Holiday Burger Blitz” will run from Monday, Dec. 16, to Tuesday, Dec. 24, providing customers with a free burger each day when they spend a minimum of $10 and use the code BURGERBLITZ at checkout. The promotion features a different burger each day, including popular items like the ShackBurger, SmokeShack, and Avocado Bacon Burger. The schedule for the free offerings is as follows: Monday, Dec. 16: ShackBurger Tuesday, Dec. 17: SmokeShack Wednesday, Dec. …
Cyberattack Hits Krispy Kreme As Hackers Find Hole In Online Ordering System Cyberattack Hits Krispy Kreme As Hackers Find Hole In Online Ordering System
Cyberattack Hits Krispy Kreme As Hackers Find Hole In Online Ordering System Hackers have found a hole in Krispy Kreme's online ordering system, leaving some customers temporarily unable to place digital orders for their favorite donuts.  The company has confirmed the incident and stated that its technical team is actively working to resolve the issue. Krispy Kreme reported that the breach influenced its web-based platforms but did not affect in-store operations or the safety of customers' personal data.  The attack was first discovered at the end of November, the company said in a filing with Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Krispy Kreme said it "i…
I-684 Reopens After Fatal Plane Crash In Westchester, Pilot Had Reported Engine Issues: FAA I-684 Reopens After Fatal Plane Crash In Westchester, Pilot Had Reported Engine Issues: FAA
I-684 Reopens After Fatal Plane Crash In Westchester, Pilot Had Reported Engine Issues: FAA One person was killed and another survived a small plane crash along I-684 in Westchester, NY, on Thursday night, Dec. 12, New York State Police confirmed. UPDATE: Cops ID NJ Pilot, NY Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash The FAA said that the pilot of the single-engine Tecnam P-2008 had reported engine issues before crashing around 7:15 p.m. The crash occurred near Exit 2 in Harrison, according to a statement from NYSP. Flight data shows that the plane departed from Linden, NJ. Multiple Jewish news outlets including the Monsey Scoop identified the person killed as 32-…
Husband Killed By Wife In Oceanfront High-Rise Murder-Suicide Was From Westchester Husband Killed By Wife In Oceanfront High-Rise Murder-Suicide Was From Westchester
Husband Killed By Wife In Oceanfront High-Rise Murder-Suicide Was From Westchester A 34-year-old man shot dead by his wife in a murder-suicide at a high-rise luxury condo in Florida hailed from Westchester.  Yonkers resident Pajtim Krasniqi was fatally shot by 27-year-old Sabrina Krasniqi at the Beach Club II Hallandale at 1830 South Ocean Dr. on Wednesday, Nov. 27 around 12:30 a.m., according to a report by NBC6 South Florida.  Once officers arrived at the shooting scene, they also discovered that Sabrina Krasniqi had died as well. An investigation determined Sabrina had fatally shot Pajtim several times before turning the gun on h…
Car Crashes Into Northern Westchester Primary Care Building: (DEVELOPING) Car Crashes Into Northern Westchester Primary Care Building: (DEVELOPING)
Car Crashes Into Northern Westchester Primary Care Building: (Developing) A vehicle crashed into a primary care center in Northern Westchester.  The incident happened on Thursday, Dec. 12 at around 2:45 p.m. at the Optum primary care building in Somers at 342 Route 202, according to reports. The crash left one of the roadway's shoulders blocked.  More information about the crash has not yet been released. Calls to Somers firefighters were not immediately returned.  This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 
$2.5B 2025 Budget Signed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go $2.5B 2025 Budget Signed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go
$2.5B 2025 Budget Signed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go Westchester County's 2025 budget, which avoids a tax levy increase, has been officially signed into law.  The $2.5 billion 2025 Westchester operating budget was signed by County Executive George Latimer, officials announced on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The new budget is the seventh and last to be signed by Latimer, who will resign from his position on Thursday, Jan. 2 to serve in Congress representing New York’s 16th Congressional District.  According to Latimer, the budget proposal maintains the same tax levy as the 2024 budget, making it the sixth consecutive year without an inc…
Support Pours In For Children Of Parents Killed In Fiery Tesla Crash In Westchester Support Pours In For Children Of Parents Killed In Fiery Tesla Crash In Westchester
Support Pours In For Children Of Parents Killed In Fiery Tesla Crash In Westchester Community members are rushing to lend help to two children left without their parents following a tragic crash involving a Tesla in Westchester  The two victims, identified as 46-year-old Jahmale Ledeatte and 44-year-old Tracey Ledeatte, parents in the New Rochelle school district, were killed on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the intersection of Pelhamdale Avenue and Shore Road in Pelham Manor, according to police. Pelham Manor Police Chief Gregory Sancho said a Tesla drove through the intersection, struck a wall on the northbound lane of Shore Road, and burst into flames. Speed may have bee…
Drones To Be Seen In Northern Westchester Skies: Here's Why Drones To Be Seen In Northern Westchester Skies: Here's Why
Drones To Be Seen In Northern Westchester Skies: Here's Why Amid a rise in drone sightings along the East Coast, the devices will be seen in the skies over Northern Westchester—although these will be flying for a specific reason, police said. Drones will be used in the area of Route 134 west of the Taconic State Parkway in Yorktown during the daylight hours of Thursday, Dec. 12, the town's police department announced. The reason? The drones will be used for a movie shoot, according to authorities.  The department said it wanted to warn the public "due to the current uncertainty involving recent drone sightings in New Jersey."  In the Gar…