Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY Airport, Prompts Hochul Call For Federal Action Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY Airport, Prompts Hochul Call For Federal Action
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY Airport, Prompts Hochul Call 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. …
Fire Destroys Elmont Senior Center: Nassau County Arson Bomb Squad Fire Destroys Elmont Senior Center: Nassau County Arson Bomb Squad
Fire Destroys Elmont Senior Center: Nassau County Arson Bomb Squad A fire destroyed an abandoned senior center on Foster Meadow Lane in Elmont early Saturday, Dec. 14, police announced. Officers and firefighters responded to a blaze at 1888 Foster Meadow Lane at 12:01 a.m., according to the Nassau County Arson Bomb Squad. The structure was fully engulfed when firefighters from Elmont and multiple surrounding departments arrived, investigators said. The Nassau County Fire Marshal and the Arson Bomb Squad were called to the scene as crews worked to extinguish the flames. Motorists were advised to avoid the area, as Elmont Road and School Road were closed…
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…
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Long Island's Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Long Island's Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Long Island's Best! Long Island, 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 Long Island a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the businesses y…
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…
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…
Man Killed ID'd In Sunrise Highway Dump Truck Crash That Injured 2: Police Man Killed ID'd In Sunrise Highway Dump Truck Crash That Injured 2: Police
Man Killed ID'd In Sunrise Highway Dump Truck Crash That Injured 2: Police A motor vehicle crash on Sunrise Highway left a Shirley man dead and two others injured on Friday, Dec. 13, Suffolk County police announced. Darrell Sumpter, 51, was driving a 2002 Cadillac westbound in the left lane of Sunrise Highway when the vehicle swerved and struck a 2021 Ford utility truck in the right lane, police said. Both vehicles left the roadway and overturned at 1:37 p.m., approximately 1.5 miles east of Horseblock Road in Shirley, according to authorities. Sumpter was pronounced dead at the scene, police detailed in the release. His passenger, 48-year-old female also of Shirl…
Support Swells For Nassau Co. Mom, Healthcare Worker Facing 'Grueling' Cancer Battle Support Swells For Nassau Co. Mom, Healthcare Worker Facing 'Grueling' Cancer Battle
Support Swells For Nassau Co. Mom, Healthcare Worker Facing 'Grueling' Cancer Battle A Long Island healthcare worker and mother of two is finding a swelling of support as she faces the fight of her life. Marian Ball, age 37, of Garden City, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer this past summer. Doctors started her on a “grueling” chemotherapy regimen whose side effects made caring for herself difficult and working impossible, her sister Caitlin said on a GoFundMe. “Since then, she has been fighting every day and spending as much time as she can with her two boys, Liam, 12, and Reyden, 5. She had had some setbacks and a few hospital stays, but overall things were going …
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…
LI Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud LI Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud
LI 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…
Sunrise Highway Fatal: 1 Killed, 2 Injured In Rollover Crash Involving Dump Truck Sunrise Highway Fatal: 1 Killed, 2 Injured In Rollover Crash Involving Dump Truck
Sunrise Highway Fatal: 1 Killed, 2 Injured In Rollover Crash Involving Dump Truck One person was killed and two others were injured in a rollover crash on a Long Island highway. The incident happened on the westbound Sunrise Highway near William Floyd Parkway in Shirley on Friday afternoon, Dec. 13. Suffolk County Police said officers responded to a 2-vehicle collision at around 1:40 p.m. One person was pronounced dead at the scene and two others were hospitalized with injuries. Authorities did not release the decedent's identity, nor did they elaborate on the nature or severity of the injuries. Responding medics found an overturned dump truck that had collided with an…
LI-Based Company Admits Knowingly Exposing Employees To Hazardous Materials LI-Based Company Admits Knowingly Exposing Employees To Hazardous Materials
Li-based Company Admits Knowingly Exposing Employees To Hazardous Materials A Long Island thermometer manufacturing company formally confessed to exposing employees to hazardous materials, seriously injuring four people. Robert Peyser, 66, of Bellmore, and his West Babylon-based Kessler Thermometer Corp. pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Dec. 13. Peyser, the company’s owner and principal agent, admitted that he knowingly endangered workers by failing to provide proper ventilation, protective equipment, and cleanup protocols for handling mercury spills. Investigators got involved in August 2022, when a large mercury spill e…
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…
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…
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. …
'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 …
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…
Late Bicyclist Is Helping 4 Others Live Following Deadly Crash On Long Island Late Bicyclist Is Helping 4 Others Live Following Deadly Crash On Long Island
Late Bicyclist Is Helping 4 Others Live Following Deadly Crash On Long Island A late Long Island man is still helping others, even in death. Joseph Vujasin, 57, of Brookhaven, died after being struck by an SUV while bicycling in North Bellport on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 26. Suffolk County Police said a 44-year-old woman driving the SUV suffered a medical emergency and hit Vujasin as he rode near the intersection of Post and Atlantic avenues. He was taken to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue with serious head injuries and was declared brain dead. Relatives made the difficult decision to take him off life support days later, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, his niece …
Holiday Magic For Grown-Ups: Cozy Up To These Festive Date Night Ideas On Long Island Holiday Magic For Grown-Ups: Cozy Up To These Festive Date Night Ideas On Long Island
Holiday Magic For Grown-Ups: Cozy Up To These Festive Date Night Ideas On Long Island Why should kids have all the fun? Turns out Long Island is brimming with plenty of festive holi-date night opportunities. Below is a roundup of local events that are perfect for creating a little magic with someone special this holiday season. Twinkling Lights and Strolls Under the Stars Nothing says romance like a night illuminated by dazzling holiday lights. For a classic experience, head to Magic of Lights at Jones Beach, where you can drive through miles of glowing displays from the warmth of your car. If you prefer something more intimate, the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport offe…
Get A Taste Of Just Salad's Fresh, Sustainable Menu At New Nassau County Location Get A Taste Of Just Salad's Fresh, Sustainable Menu At New Nassau County Location
Get A Taste Of Just Salad's Fresh, Sustainable Menu At New Nassau County Location Long Island diners have a fresh new spot to enjoy healthy, eco-friendly meals. Just Salad has brought its crave-worthy, plant-centric menu to Port Washington, where the company is celebrating the grand opening of its sixth Long Island store at 143 Shore Road. Customers can choose from over 15 chef-designed menu items, including seasonal salads, warm bowls, wraps, soups, and smoothies. Highlights include customer favorites like the Crispy Chicken Poblano, Thai Chicken Crunch, and the nutrient-packed Tokyo Supergreens salad. View this post on Instagram …
Failed Restaurateur Who Murdered GF Inside Mineola Penthouse, Stole Her Dog Gets Prison Failed Restaurateur Who Murdered GF Inside Mineola Penthouse, Stole Her Dog Gets Prison
Failed Restaurateur Who Murdered GF Inside Mineola Penthouse, Stole Her Dog Gets Prison A Long Island restaurateur who shot and killed his girlfriend inside her penthouse apartment over an impending breakup is facing decades behind bars. Mark Small, 57, of Elmont, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in Nassau County Court on Thursday, Dec. 12, after being convicted of murdering 39-year-old Marivel Estevez. Prosecutors said Small entered Estevez’s penthouse apartment at the Allure Mineola apartment complex on Old Country Road sometime overnight on July 28, 2022. He went to her bedroom, where he shot her with a handgun once in the arm and once in the head. He then fled …
LI Man Who Forced Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter Gets Prison LI Man Who Forced Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter Gets Prison
LI Man Who Forced Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter Gets Prison A Long Island man will spend more than a decade in prison for forcing an 18-year-old homeless woman into prostitution. Javesh Persaud, 34, of Shirley, was sentenced to 12 years behind bars in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, Dec. 11, after pleading guilty to sex trafficking and related charges. Prosecutors said Persaud met the victim in July 2023 on Omegle, an online chat platform. She had been sleeping in New York City subways and told Persaud she was homeless. Persaud offered her food, clean clothes, a shower, and a place to sleep. He then drove the victim to a parking lot in Shirley …
GM Axes Robotaxis, Refocuses On Personal Cars GM Axes Robotaxis, Refocuses On Personal Cars
GM Axes Robotaxis, Refocuses On Personal Cars General Motors (GM) has announced a major shift in its autonomous vehicle strategy, discontinuing the development of robotaxis through its subsidiary Cruise LLC.  The company will instead focus on integrating autonomous and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) into personal vehicles. The decision, announced this week, comes as GM evaluates the time, costs, and competitive challenges associated with scaling a robotaxi business.  “GM is committed to delivering the best driving experiences to our customers in a disciplined and capital-efficient manner,” said Mary Barra, GM Chai…
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 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $30 million with a $14.7 million cash option. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 with a $45 million jackpot. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 13-44-50-52-54 with a Powerball of 20 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Pri…
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) Decemb…
Ousted Long Island CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say Ousted Long Island CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say
Ousted Long Island 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…