Daily Voice Reader’s Choice

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Fair 64°
Politics
Race For White House: Votes Now Being Counted In Key Battleground States, And It's ThisClose Race For White House: Votes Now Being Counted In Key Battleground States, And It's ThisClose
Race For White House: Votes Now Being Counted In Key Battleground States, And It's ThisClose Votes are being counted in key battleground states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, and Arizona as a neck-and-neck presidential race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is playing out to be as close as expected. As of around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, Trump is projected to win states he was expected to emerge victorious, most notably Florida, with 30 electoral votes, fourth behind California, New York, and Texas. There have been no surprises so far with outcomes in the so-called "Blue Wall" states of Michigan, Wisconsin, and P…

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by Joe Lombardi
Weather
Tropical Storm Rafael Nears Hurricane Status As It Heads North Toward US: New Projected Track Tropical Storm Rafael Nears Hurricane Status As It Heads North Toward US: New Projected Track
Tropical Storm Rafael Nears Hurricane Status As It Heads North Toward US: New Projected Track Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to become a hurricane quickly after it became a named storm Monday afternoon, Nov. 4. Dangerous storm surge is expected Tuesday night, Nov. 5 as it passes near or over the Cayman Islands on Tuesday night, Nov. 5.  It should become a hurricane Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, Nov. 6, the National Hurricane Center said. Additional strengthening is expected as it advances toward western Cuba on Wednesday, Nov. 6 when hurricane-force winds are possible. Tropical storm conditions are then possible in the Florida Keys late in the day Wednesday…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
LI Dealer Busted With Enough Fentanyl To Kill 115K People Gets Decade In Prison LI Dealer Busted With Enough Fentanyl To Kill 115K People Gets Decade In Prison
LI Dealer Busted With Enough Fentanyl To Kill 115K People Gets Decade In Prison A prior felon from Long Island will spend a decade behind bars after he was caught with enough fentanyl to kill tens of thousands of people. Joshua Oltchick, age 26, of West Babylon, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, Nov. 5, after pleading guilty to drug possession and related charges. Prosecutors said Suffolk County Police officers found Oltchick slumped over behind the steering wheel of his parked car in West Babylon, near 7th Avenue and 15th Street, on Sept. 16, 2023. The vehicle was facing the wrong direction with its engine still running. A sear…

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by Michael Mashburn

Daily Voice Reader’s Choice

Nominations concluded. Finalists are being selected. Sign up for alerts to stay updated.
News
Nominate Your Favorite Long Island Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Nominate Your Favorite Long Island Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice
Nominate Your Favorite Long Island Businesses In DV's Readers' Choice Daily Voice is excited to announce its first-ever Readers’ Choice contest on Long Island! Readers’ Choice is set to showcase the top businesses that make the area 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 on Long Island? 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 who always gets your look just right? Mayb…

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by Daily Voice
Politics
Election Day Traditions, Superstitions Run Gamut: 'Make Nachos, Drink Heavily' Election Day Traditions, Superstitions Run Gamut: 'Make Nachos, Drink Heavily'
Election Day Traditions, Superstitions Run Gamut: 'Make Nachos, Drink Heavily' After months of endless campaign ads, fundraising texts, rally speeches, and plenty of late-night TV fodder – who could forget, “They’re eating the dogs!!” – you’ve finally cast your ballot. Now what? If you’re like most politically minded Americans, you’ll be glued to wall-to-wall TV coverage, or constantly refreshing (doom scrolling?) your social media feed until a winner is finally projected in the presidential race. Spoiler alert: it could take days. And election-related stress is no joke: A majority of Democrats and Republicans said concern over the presidential race was spiking their …

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of Hempstead Shooting Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of Hempstead Shooting
Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of Hempstead Shooting A New York State Police trooper who claimed he was shot on a roadway in the region has been sidelined amid doubts about his story. On Long Island, trooper Thomas Mascia, age 27, was suspended without pay and stripped of his agency-issued service weapon, an NYSP spokesperson told Daily Voice. The agency is investigating whether Mascia, of West Hempstead, shot himself in the leg, NBC New York reports. It comes after state police confirmed it was conducting a joint investigation with the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office into what DA Anne Donnelly described as “certain inconsisten…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Woman Killed After Being Struck By Car At Long Island Intersection Woman Killed After Being Struck By Car At Long Island Intersection
Woman Killed After Being Struck By Car At Long Island Intersection A woman was killed after being hit by a car at a Long Island intersection. The crash happened at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 at approximately 6:30 a.m., in West Babylon. The woman was crossing Route 109 when she was struck by a southbound 2009 Nissan Altima at the intersection of Old Farmingdale Road, Suffolk County Police said. The pedestrian, whose name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the Altima, a 23-year-old West Babylon woman, was not injured. Detectives are asking anyone with i…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Armed Robber Tussles With 7-Eleven Employees On Long Island Armed Robber Tussles With 7-Eleven Employees On Long Island
Armed Robber Tussles With 7-Eleven Employees On Long Island A suspect is on the loose following an armed robbery at a Long Island convenience store. The incident happened in Riverhead, at the 7-Eleven store on Old Country Road, at around 1:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4. Riverhead Town Police said a masked man approached the counter and requested a pack of cigarettes before demanding that the female clerk open the cash register. When the employee refused, the man jumped over the counter and pulled out what appeared to be a gun covered with a cloth. At that point, a male employee intervened and attempted to subdue the suspect. After a brief struggle, the…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election
James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election New York Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general are calling for a peaceful election and transfer of power and condemning any potential political violence: “Regardless of the 2024 election outcome, we condemn any and all acts of violence related to its results," the coalition said. The coalition added: "A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation’s stability. As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democratic principles w…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
New Hyde Park Pastor Accused Of Sexually Abusing 22-Year-Old Man New Hyde Park Pastor Accused Of Sexually Abusing 22-Year-Old Man
New Hyde Park Pastor Accused Of Sexually Abusing 22-Year-Old Man A Long Island pastor is accused of sexually abusing a man. Thomas Moriarty, age 62, of New Hyde Park, was arrested Thursday, Oct. 31, following an investigation by the Nassau County Police Department’s Special Victims Squad. According to police, Moriarty – who is a pastor at Church of the Holy Spirit in New Hyde Park – sexually abused a 22-year-old man in Oceanside on Saturday, Oct. 26.  The relationship between him and the alleged victim was not immediately clear. Moriarty was arrested on suspicion of forcible touching, and was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead. Detect…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Bomb Threat To DEC Office In NY Under Investigation Bomb Threat To DEC Office In NY Under Investigation
Bomb Threat To DEC Office In NY Under Investigation State Police are investigating after a bomb threat was emailed to a government office. in the region. The incident occurred in Ulster County on Monday, Nov. 4, at the State Department of Environmental Conservation, targeting the DEC Region 3 office in New Paltz. According to Trooper Steven Nevel, troopers searched the building and did not find any explosive devices.  The investigation into the threat is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Troop F Headquarters at 845-344-5300.

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Cases of whooping cough are five times higher than at this time a year ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning. Officially known as pertussis, those infected have persistent, chronic fits of coughing followed by a “whoop” sound. "Reports of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.," the CDC said in a new advisory. "However, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year. It's likely mitigation measures used during the…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $65M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $65M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $65M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, Nov. 4 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $65 million with a $30.7 million cash option after a player in Georgia recently won the jackpot and reset the prize pool.  If no winner claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7, when the jackpot will hit an estimated $75 million with a $35.4 million cash option. The winning numbers for Monday's drawing were 06-18-33-48-53 with a Powerball of 21 and the Power Play was 10. Lottery players have a 1 in&nbs…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Seen Her? Alert Issued For Missing Woman From Hempstead Seen Her? Alert Issued For Missing Woman From Hempstead
Seen Her? Alert Issued For Missing Woman From Hempstead Authorities are asking for help in locating a missing woman from Long Island. Christine Williams, age 57, of Hempstead, was last seen leaving Emery Street at around 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, according to Nassau County Police. Williams is 5-foot-4 and 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue long sleeve shirt, blue jeans, dark color boots, and a white hat with a blue rim. She was carrying a white purse. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nassau County Police Department 516-573-7347 or call 911. Share this story by clicking the Facebook icon …

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
Election 2024: Here’s Final Look At Long Island Congressional Races Election 2024: Here’s Final Look At Long Island Congressional Races
Election 2024: Here’s Final Look At Long Island Congressional Races These competitive races on Long Island could determine which party controls the US House next year. Below are the four congressional races that will be decided by Nassau and Suffolk county voters this Election Day. US House Office of Photography // Wikimedia Commons user Meenween 1st District: Nick LaLota vs. John Avlon Incumbent Republican Rep. Nick LaLota is hoping to defend his 1st District seat from Democratic challenger John Avlon. The district includes the eastern two-thirds of Suffolk County. The 46-year-old LaLota is a US Navy veteran who received a law degree from Hofstra …

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Human Remains Found Near School On Long Island Human Remains Found Near School On Long Island
Human Remains Found Near School On Long Island Police are investigating after human remains were found not far from a high school on Long Island. The discovery was made in Brentwood, near the interaction of Fifth Avenue and Bancroft Road, shortly before 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4. Suffolk County Police said someone called 911 about remains found in a sump. It was determined the remains were those of a human. Additional details about the person, including their sex, age, and how long they were there, were not immediately available. An official identification and cause of death will be determined by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s o…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of West Hempstead Shooting Under Investigation By DA Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of West Hempstead Shooting Under Investigation By DA
Trooper's 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of West Hempstead Shooting Under Investigation By 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…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Seen Her? 14-Year-Old Girl From Freeport Has Been Missing For 3 Days Seen Her? 14-Year-Old Girl From Freeport Has Been Missing For 3 Days
Seen Her? 14-Year-Old Girl From Freeport Has Been Missing For 3 Days Authorities issued a public alert for a missing teenager from Long Island. Madisyn Simpson, age 14, of Freeport, was last seen leaving Laurette Lane at around 6 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, according to Nassau County Police. Simpson is 5-foot-3 and 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a black puffer jacket. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nassau County Police Department at 516-573-7347 or call 911. Share this story by clicking the Facebook icon below. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
Athletic Director At School District In NY Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen Athletic Director At School District In NY Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen
Athletic Director At School District In NY Accused Of 'Sextortion' Of Teen This story has been updated. 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 pla…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
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…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Long Island Man Drove Drunk With 2 Kids In SUV, Police Say Long Island Man Drove Drunk With 2 Kids In SUV, Police Say
Long Island Man Drove Drunk With 2 Kids In SUV, Police Say A Long Island man has been accused of driving drunk with two children in the compact SUV. The incident happened just before 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, in Riverhead. The man was driving a 2023 Nissan Rogue on Doris Avenue when he was pulled over for a traffic violation. Aquilino Gonzales Salinas, age 40, was found to be intoxicated and there were two boys -- ages 11 and 4 -- in the vehicle, Riverhead Town Police said. Gonzales Salinas was charged with:  Driving while intoxicated under Leandra's Law, a felony; Two counts of endangering the welfare of a child; Driving with a revok…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Michaels Opens New Store In Hicksville: Here's Where Michaels Opens New Store In Hicksville: Here's Where
Michaels Opens New Store In Hicksville: Here's Where Crafters, rejoice! Michaels celebrated the grand opening of its newest location on Long Island Wednesday, Oct. 30. The company opened its 20,000-square-foot store in Hicksville's Woodbury Shopping Center, located at 410 South Oyster Bay Road, at the former location of TJ Maxx. A popular destination for crafters and hobbyists alike, Michaels sells a wide range of arts and crafts supplies, as well as framing, floral items and candles, and home and holiday décor. The retailer operates over 1,200 stores throughout the United States and Canada. Visitors to the Woodbury Shopping Center will fi…

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by Michael Mashburn
Police & Fire
Young Girl Killed After Car Crashes Into Tree On Long Island Young Girl Killed After Car Crashes Into Tree On Long Island
Young Girl Killed After Car Crashes Into Tree On Long Island A young girl has died after suffering sever injuries in a single-vehicle Long Island crash. The crash happened at 3:35 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, in Bohemia. A 51-year-old man from Brentwood was driving a 2012 Infiniti G37 westbound on Sunrise Highway (Route 27) with his 6-year-old daughter, Amaia Rivera, in the backseat.  He lost control of the vehicle, hit the center median, crossed all westbound lanes, left the roadway, and collided with a tree, according to Suffolk County Police. Amaia Rivera was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and was transported to Good Samaritan&nbs…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
LI Man Admits Forcing Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter LI Man Admits Forcing Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter
LI Man Admits Forcing Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter A Long Island man confessed to forcing a homeless teenager into prostitution in exchange for providing her with food and shelter. Javesh Persaud, age 34, of Shirley, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Oct. 25. Prosecutors said Persaud met the 18-year-old victim in July 2023 on the now defunct website Omegle, which randomly paired strangers for virtual chats. The teen told him she was homeless and sleeping in New York City subways in Manhattan. Persaud told the girl he helped people who were without homes and offered the teen clean clot…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Burgers, Automobile Nostalgia On Menu At New Car-Themed Restaurant Opening On Long Island Burgers, Automobile Nostalgia On Menu At New Car-Themed Restaurant Opening On Long Island
Burgers, Automobile Nostalgia On Menu At New Car-Themed Restaurant Opening On Long Island Burgers and brews with a side of automobile nostalgia. That’s what diners can expect at Ford's Garage, a popular chain of vintage car-themed restaurants set to open its first New York location on Long Island. The company will celebrate the grand opening of its Lake Grove restaurant – located at Smith Haven Mall – on Saturday, Nov. 2, a year after announcing it had applied to the Town of Smithtown Board of Zoning Appeals. The interior of Ford's Garage. Facebook/Ford's Garage Ford's Garage opened its first location in Fort Myers, Florida, in 2012, less than a mile from its names…

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by Michael Mashburn
Obituaries
Death Of 'Beacon Of Warmth' Chef On Inwood Roadway Sparks Flood Of Support Death Of 'Beacon Of Warmth' Chef On Inwood Roadway Sparks Flood Of Support
Death Of 'Beacon Of Warmth' Chef On Inwood Roadway Sparks Flood Of Support Support is swelling for the family of a beloved father and chef who was struck and killed by a car on Long Island. The incident happened in Inwood, near the intersection of Sheridan Avenue and Nassau Avenue, shortly after 11 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28. Nassau County Police said 44-year-old Patrick Mwesigwa was struck by a Ford Explorer heading southbound on Sheridan Avenue. He suffered severe head injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Earlier Report: ID Released For 44-Year-Old Struck, Killed By SUV In Inwood A 35-year-old man who was driving the Explorer remained at the sce…

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by Michael Mashburn & Joe Lombardi
Business
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
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…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
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…

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by Zak Failla
News
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…

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by Michael Mashburn