Daily Voice Reader’s Choice

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Van Ritshie, Longtime LIRR Announcer, ‘Voice Of Hudson Valley’ Radio Host, Dies At Age 80 Van Ritshie, Longtime LIRR Announcer, ‘Voice Of Hudson Valley’ Radio Host, Dies At Age 80
Van Ritshie, Longtime Lirr Announcer, ‘Voice Of Hudson Valley’ Radio Host, Dies At Age 80 If you’ve ever hopped a train or scanned a radio in these parts, chances are good you’ve heard the velvety smooth voice of Van Ritshie. The longtime Hudson Valley radio host and voiceover artist, whose voice guided MTA commuters for decades, died Sunday, Nov. 3, at a Dutchess County hospice center in Poughkeepsie. He was 80 years old. “The Family of Van Ritshie is sad to announce that ‘The Voice of the Hudson Valley’ has passed on to be with Jesus after a brief illness surrounded by family,” reads his obituary. After earning his communications degree at Queensborough Community College in Q…
Levittown Home Health Aide Steals Thousands Of Dollars From Patient, Police Say Levittown Home Health Aide Steals Thousands Of Dollars From Patient, Police Say
Levittown Home Health Aide Steals Thousands Of Dollars From Patient, Police Say A Long Island caregiver is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from her elderly patient. Relatives of a 90-year-old Babylon woman contacted New York State Police on Thursday, Oct. 24, after noticing several suspicious transactions on her bank statement. An investigation revealed that the woman’s home health aide, 39-year-old Jeneva Polwah, of Levittown, had used her debit card to make several Amazon purchases, police said. A total of $1,850 worth of Amazon purchases was charged to the victim’s card between June and October 2024. “Polwah misused her position of trust to steal money fr…
41-Year-Old Killed In Early-Morning Collision In Nassau County 41-Year-Old Killed In Early-Morning Collision In Nassau County
41-Year-Old Killed In Early-Morning Collision In Nassau County A man was killed in an early-morning collision between a car and bicycle on Long Island. The incident happened in Farmingdale, near the intersection of Fulton and Staples streets, shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12. Nassau County Police said a Honda SUV was heading southbound on Fulton Street when it struck a 41-year-old man riding a bicycle. The bicyclist, a 41-year-old, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity had not been made public as of early Tuesday afternoon. Police said the 37-year-old man driving of the Honda remained at the scene and was taken to a hospital with minor…
Long Island Sweet Shop Burglarized, Cash Stolen In Break-In Long Island Sweet Shop Burglarized, Cash Stolen In Break-In
Long Island Sweet Shop Burglarized, Cash Stolen In Break-In A Long Island sweet shop was hit by a burglar who made off with cash, leaving the popular business with unexpected losses. Officers were called to Star Confectionary in Riverhead on East Main Street on Tuesday, Nov. 12, after the owner discovered the break-in around 7:55 a.m.  Initially, it appeared that nothing was missing, but the owner later found that assorted US currency had been taken, Riverhead Police said. Detectives believe the break-in happened between 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, and 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Riverhead P…
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…
Seen Her? 12-Year-Old Girl From Farmingdale Reported Missing Seen Her? 12-Year-Old Girl From Farmingdale Reported Missing
Seen Her? 12-Year-Old Girl From Farmingdale Reported Missing Police are asking for assistance in locating a missing girl from Long Island. Gianna Tocco, age 12, was last seen in Farmingdale at around 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11, according to Nassau County Police. She was reported missing at around 8 p.m. Tocco is 5-foot-5 and 185 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black shirt, black leggings, and black sandals. Police said she may have traveled to the Bronx. Tocco was previously reported missing in October and was located hours later. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nassau County Police Department at 51…
Risk Increases For Major Hurricane To Develop In Days: Here's Timing, Track Scenarios Risk Increases For Major Hurricane To Develop In Days: Here's Timing, Track Scenarios
Risk Increases For Major Hurricane To Develop In Days: Here's Timing, Track Scenarios Extremely warm water temperatures and low wind shear will increase the risk for the development of a major hurricane in the Gulf of America. The timing for tropical development in the western Caribbean is between Thursday, Nov. 14, and Monday, Nov. 18, according to AccuWeather. (See the image above.)   “We’ll likely be dealing with a hurricane as we head into this weekend," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. "There is increasing confidence that a tropical storm will develop in the central to western Caribbean later this week.  “We could be dealing with a st…
Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across NY Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across NY
Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across NY A bright fireball streaked across the East Coast on Monday, Nov. 11, catching the attention of hundreds of people from Connecticut to Virginia (did you see it? Send footage to clevine@dailyvoice.com). The American Meteor Society reported that 236 people witnessed the fireball around 7:48 p.m., with sightings spanning 13 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada (click here for the sightings map). Witnesses described the fireball as a striking light blue or green that illuminated the sky for four to seven seconds, moving diagonally from the upper right to the lower left. The eve…
New Update: Missing Farmingdale Woman Found New Update: Missing Farmingdale Woman Found
New Update: Missing Farmingdale Woman Found Update: A Long Island woman who went missing has been located.  Paula Interrante, age 66, had last been seen leaving her Farmingdale residence Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., according to Nassau County Police. Early Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 12, police reported she has been found. Original report: Have you seen her? A Long Island woman has gone missing and authorities are asking the public's help in finding her. Paula Interrante, age 66, was last seen leaving her Farmingdale residence Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m., according to Nassau County Police. She is described as a being…
New Nassau County Eatery Cited For 'Absolutely Delicious' Fare, 'Insane' Drinks New Nassau County Eatery Cited For 'Absolutely Delicious' Fare, 'Insane' Drinks
New Nassau County Eatery Cited For 'Absolutely Delicious' Fare, 'Insane' Drinks A new Long Island restaurant serving up innovative brunch dishes is hitting all the right marks just weeks into business. Franklin & Phoebe Brunchery – located in Franklin Square at 11 Franklin Avenue – held its grand opening on Monday, Oct. 7. The eatery’s menu boasts a number of delectable dishes to help break your fast, like stuffed French toast, whiskey barrel apple pancakes, eggs benedict, and raspberry fig baked brie. The Hungry Farmer Scramble Skillet. Instagram/franklin_and_phoebe_brunchery Diners can also choose from an array of yogurt bowls, omelettes, flatbreads, an…
Trump Expected To Select Marco Rubio As Secretary Of State, Kristi Noem To Head DHS Trump Expected To Select Marco Rubio As Secretary Of State, Kristi Noem To Head DHS
Trump Expected To Select Marco Rubio As Secretary Of State, Kristi Noem To Head DHS President-elect Donald Trump is expected to add two well-known national political figures to his Cabinet this week. According to multiple reports, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will be his choice for secretary of state, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem will lead the Department of Homeland Security. According to The New York Times, which first reported the news, Trump could still change his mind at the last minute about Rubio's selection. The son of Cuban immigrants, the 53-year-old Rubio was elected to the Senate in 2010. He was one of Trump's opponents in the 2016 Republican Presidential prim…
5 LIers, Including Ex-NYPD Cop, Nabbed For Illegal Online Sports Betting Operation: DA 5 LIers, Including Ex-NYPD Cop, Nabbed For Illegal Online Sports Betting Operation: DA
5 LIers, Including Ex-nypd Cop, Nabbed For Illegal Online Sports Betting Operation: DA Five individuals, including a former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, were indicted following an investigation into an alleged illegal online sports betting ring. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced on Thursday, Nov. 7 that the news comes after a 14-month investigation involving wiretaps and surveillance.  The investigation, which began in July 2023, allegedly uncovered an illegal sportsbook operation running from September 2023 to April 2024. According to the indictment, Anthony Pellegrino, age 59, of Merrick, set up online accounts for his asso…
16-Year-Old Burglary Suspect Nabbed Inside Long Island Restaurant 16-Year-Old Burglary Suspect Nabbed Inside Long Island Restaurant
16-Year-Old Burglary Suspect Nabbed Inside Long Island Restaurant A burglary suspect was quickly apprehended after officers found him inside a local restaurant. Police responded to La Plage Restaurant on Creek Road in Wading River at about 12:55 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, after a 911 caller reported a break-in. Upon arrival, Riverhead patrol and K9 units discovered a 16-year-old boy inside the restaurant. Riverhead’s detective division joined the investigation, and officers arrested the teen, charging him with third-degree burglary. He was later processed and released with a desk appearance ticket. Riverhead Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed t…
Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $103M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $103M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, Nov. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $103M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, Nov. 11 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $103 million with a $48.6 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. 13. The winning numbers for Monday's drawing were 03-21-24-34-46 with a Powerball of 09 and the Power Play was 3X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plu…
Former Long Island Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Named To Trump's Cabinet Former Long Island Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Named To Trump's Cabinet
Former Long Island Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Named To Trump's Cabinet President-elect Donald Trump has selected former New York congressman and gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin to run the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In a statement on Monday, Nov. 11, Trump said Zeldin "will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses," adding that Zeldin will still maintain "the highest environmental standards." In a post on social media, Zeldin said, "It is an honor to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator. "We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto indu…
Fatal Long Island Expressway Crash: 30-Year-Old ID'd As Victim, 4 Others Hospitalized Fatal Long Island Expressway Crash: 30-Year-Old ID'd As Victim, 4 Others Hospitalized
Fatal Long Island Expressway Crash: 30-Year-Old ID'd As Victim, 4 Others Hospitalized One person was killed and four others hospitalized in a single-vehicle crash on the Long Island Expressway. It happened around 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11, in Melville. A 30-year-old man was driving a 2004 Nissan Sentra eastbound, near the Pinelawn Road overpass, when he lost control of the vehicle, which exited the roadway, crashed into trees and overturned, according to Suffolk County Police. The victim, identified as Daishun Jones Rains, of Huntington Station, was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Exam…
LI Native Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile' LI Native Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile'
LI Native Melissa Joan Hart Shares Touching Connection To Late 'Cassius The Crocodile' New York native Melissa Joan Hart revealed a special connection to the late Cassius the Crocodile. The saltwater croc, who measured 18 feet long and weighed nearly 2,870 pounds, died Saturday, Nov. 2, at an estimated age of 120, Marineland Melanesia in Australia announced on Facebook. Cassius received the Guinness World Record as the largest living captive crocodile in 2011. Marineland Melanesia said he was “very old and believed to be living beyond the years of a wild croc.” “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mate Cassius,” the organization said. “He was mor…
34-Year-Old Dies From Injuries Month After Nassau County Crash 34-Year-Old Dies From Injuries Month After Nassau County Crash
34-Year-Old Dies From Injuries Month After Nassau County Crash A man critically injured in a fiery crash on Long Island has died from his injuries, authorities announced Monday morning, Nov. 11. Richard Sorrentino, age 34, of Queens, was pronounced dead by hospital staff on Friday, Nov. 8, Nassau County Police said. The crash happened on Saturday, Oct. 12, around 6:55 p.m. in Bellmore. Sorrentino was riding a black motorcycle westbound on Sunrise Highway near Rose Place when he struck a bicyclist attempting to cross the roadway. The impact caused the motorcycle to catch fire, and Sorrentino was airlifted to a nearby hospital with severe tra…
Trump Taps NY Congresswoman Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar Trump Taps NY Congresswoman Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar
Trump Taps NY Congresswoman Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar President-elect Donald Trump has picked one of his strongest allies in Congress to serve as United States ambassador to the United Nations and a former member of his first administration as border czar. Rep. Elise Stefanik, age 40, was first elected to New York's 21st District in 2014 and is the House Republican Conference Chair, the youngest woman to hold that post. "Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to CBS News. CNN first reported the news late Sunday, Nov. 10. Trump also decided on another native New Yorker for a…
COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts
Covid-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts With respiratory illness season underway, the New York State Department of Health is actively urging residents aged 6 months and older to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine.  This recommendation aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent update, which emphasizes the importance of a second dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine for older adults and those at higher risk. The CDC now advises that adults aged 65 and older, along with individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, should receive a second dose six months after their initial vaccination. This u…
Woman Admits To Threatening NY Resident In Racially Charged Facebook Messages Woman Admits To Threatening NY Resident In Racially Charged Facebook Messages
Woman Admits To Threatening NY Resident In Racially Charged Facebook Messages A woman has pleaded guilty to sending racially motivated death threats to a man in  New York. Kristin Keeble, age 54, of Pageland, South Carolina, admitted to transmitting threats to injure another person across state lines, according to the US Attorney's Office of the Northern District of New York. Keeble sent four profanity-laced, racially derogatory audio messages through Facebook Messenger on Oct. 26, 2023  to a Greene County man who resides in the village of Catskill. In the messages, she threatened to kill the man, along with a woman he knew and the woman's children, claimi…
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At NY State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At NY State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout
18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At NY State Park Remembered As HS Baseball Standout A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker who died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region will be honored at a memorial service in his hometown. The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. Rockland County resident Dariel Vasquez, age 18, suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Par…
Man Accused Of Intentionally Hitting Woman With Car In Nassau County Man Accused Of Intentionally Hitting Woman With Car In Nassau County
Man Accused Of Intentionally Hitting Woman With Car In Nassau County A Long Island woman suffered injuries after a man allegedly assaulted her during a confrontation in a parking lot, according to police. The incident occurred Saturday, Nov. 9, around 1 p.m. in Oceanside, at 3458 Long Beach Road. The 28-year-old woman was attempting to back her 2011 Jeep out of a parking space when the man driving a 2019 Nissan, identified as 41-year-old John Ardolino, of South Hempstead, began honking, then parked behind her, blocking her from leaving, Nassau County Police said. Police say Ardolino exited his vehicle, banged on the driver’s side window, and yelled at the …
Seen Him? 23-Year-Old On Run After Murdering His Father At Long Island Home, Police Say Seen Him? 23-Year-Old On Run After Murdering His Father At Long Island Home, Police Say
Seen Him? 23-Year-Old On Run After Murdering His Father At Long Island Home, Police Say Police are seeking the public's help in locating a man accused of stabbing his father to death on Long Island. The incident happened in Rocky Point at 30 Quail Road on Saturday, Nov. 9, around 1:25 a.m.  Officers arrived to find Joseph Zoll, age 61, with stab wounds, according to Suffolk County Police.  Zoll was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. On Sunday afternoon, Nov. 10, Suffolk County Police said its Homicide Squad detectives are looking to locate Matthew Zoll, who is wanted for the murder of his father. Matthew Zoll, 2…
Woman Shot, Killed In Westchester, Suspect Dies In Bronx  From Self-Inflicted Wound : Police Woman Shot, Killed In Westchester, Suspect Dies In Bronx  From Self-Inflicted Wound : Police
Woman Shot, Killed In Westchester, Suspect Dies In Bronx From Self-Inflicted Wound : Police A woman was found shot and killed outside a residence in the region and her suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound following a police chase, according to authorities. The chain of events in Northern Westchester began just after 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 in Yorktown. Multiple 911 calls were received reporting shots fired in the hamlet of Jefferson Valley in the area of the Coach N Four Apartments on East Main Street, according to the Yorktown Police Department. Responding officers located Geraldine Krecmer, age 63, lying on the walkway in front of one of the units with a gun…
43-Year-Old Struck By Vehicle On Long Island 43-Year-Old Struck By Vehicle On Long Island
43-Year-Old Struck By Vehicle On Long Island A man was seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle on Long Island. The crash occurred around 5:20 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, in front of 1640 Montauk Highway in Bellport.  A 71-year-old Bellport man was driving a 2010 Toyota RAV4 westbound on Montauk Highway when the vehicle struck a 43-year-old man as he was crossing the road. The man who was hit, a resident of Bellport, was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital with serious injuries.  The driver of the RAV4 was uninjured in the incident. Detectives from the Suffolk County PD Fifth Squad are continuing their i…
Teen Crashes Stolen Mercedes, Attempts To Assault Responding Officer In Hicksville: Police Teen Crashes Stolen Mercedes, Attempts To Assault Responding Officer In Hicksville: Police
Teen Crashes Stolen Mercedes, Attempts To Assault Responding Officer In Hicksville: Police A brazen burglary turned chaotic on Long Island as a man allegedly stole a vintage Mercedes-Benz, crashed through fences, and led police on a chase that ended with an attempted assault on an officer. Brayan Galiono Hernandez, age 19, was involved in a commercial burglary at Precision Auto Care in Hicksville on Jerusalem Avenue that occurred between Friday, Nov. 8 and Saturday, Nov. 9, Nassau County Police. According to officers, the suspect entered the business by breaking down an exterior fence and slipping through an unlocked garage door, where he took the red 1995 Mercedes and drove…
48-Year-Old Seriously Injured In Nassau County Crash 48-Year-Old Seriously Injured In Nassau County Crash
48-Year-Old Seriously Injured In Nassau County Crash A motorcyclist was critically injured after police say a car cut across his path on Long Island. The incident unfolded on Saturday, Nov. 9, at about 4:45 p.m. in Lakeview, on Glen Road.  The 48-year-old man was riding a 2023 Yamaha motorcycle northbound when a 42-year-old driver of a 2019 Acura SUV made a turn in front of him, resulting in the collision, according to Nassau County Police. The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver of the Acura remained at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Check back to Daily Vo…
No, The FBI Says It Isn't Investigating 301 Election Bribery Claims Or Other Lies No, The FBI Says It Isn't Investigating 301 Election Bribery Claims Or Other Lies
No, The FBI Says It Isn't Investigating 301 Election Bribery Claims Or Other Lies The Federal Bureau of Investigations said it has seen a rise in fake stories using the agency's name and insignia being shared online in an attempt to undermine the recent presidential election.  The FBI cited four fake stories being shared on social media trading on the agency's reputation to give credence to lies.  Those included a video stating that “at least 301 electors reported attempted bribery and blackmail" from a political party, the agency said in a news release. Another claimed that agents had tried to cover up the bribery scheme by pressuring news media outl…
18-Year-Old NY State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire 18-Year-Old NY State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire
18-Year-Old NY State Parks Worker Killed Battling Wildfire A teenage New York State Parks and Recreation worker died battling one of the latest in a rash of wildfires in the region. Click here for a new, updated story - 18-Year-Old Killed In Wildfire At Sterling Forest Remembered As HS Baseball Standout The blaze broke out in Orange County at Sterling Forest State Park in Tuxedo on Saturday, Nov. 9, and spread into parts of neighboring New Jersey. He's been identified as 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez, police said. Vasquez suffered fatal injuries after a tree fell, according to the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Pr…
Trooper Hospitalized After Cruiser Is Struck On Southern State In Hempstead Trooper Hospitalized After Cruiser Is Struck On Southern State In Hempstead
Trooper Hospitalized After Cruiser Is Struck On Southern State In Hempstead A New York State Police trooper was hospitalized after his cruiser was struck by a vehicle. The Long Island incident happened shortly after 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, on the Southern State Parkway in the town of Hempstead. The trooper had just completed a traffic stop westbound on the Exit 22N ramp and was getting into the patrol vehicle when it was hit by the passing motorist. The trooper was transported to Nassau University Medical Center for a complaint of pain.  "Thankfully, the Trooper does not appear to have serious injuries," state police said. "This incident highlights…