School Sex Scandal, Record Flooding, Mystery Drones: These Stories Shaped Long Island In 2024 School Sex Scandal, Record Flooding, Mystery Drones: These Stories Shaped Long Island In 2024
School Sex Scandal, Record Flooding, Mystery Drones: These Stories Shaped Long Island In 2024 From record-breaking flooding and school sex scandals to celebrity legal drama and mysterious drones, Long Island had no shortage of headline-making news this year. Here’s a look back at the stories that had us talking in 2024. A small plane was forced to make an emergency landing on the Southern State Parkway in East Farmingdale on Tuesday morning, Feb. 20.  Breaking News Network/New York State Department of Transportation Update: Small Plane Crash Lands On NY Highway; Troopers Seeking Witness Video A small plane was forced to make a crash landing on the Southern State Parkwa…
Survivor Casting Opens For 2025 Season 49: Apply Now Survivor Casting Opens For 2025 Season 49: Apply Now
Survivor Casting Opens For 2025 Season 49: Apply Now Think you have what it takes to outwit, outplay, and outlast? CBS's iconic reality series "Survivor" is looking for contestants for its 49th season, scheduled to film in spring 2025. Casting for the next season of "Survivor" is officially open, offering fans and first-timers the chance to compete in one of television's toughest challenges. Season 49 will take contestants to a remote location for grueling physical, mental, and social tests as they vie for the coveted title of Sole Survivor and the $1 million prize. Filming is slated to take place from mid-April to mid-May 2025, and applicati…
Landmark NYC Eatery Katz's Deli Violated ADA Regulations, Feds Say: Inside The New Overhaul Landmark NYC Eatery Katz's Deli Violated ADA Regulations, Feds Say: Inside The New Overhaul
Landmark NYC Eatery Katz's Deli Violated ADA Regulations, Feds Say: Inside The New Overhaul The iconic Katz's Deli in Manhattan has agreed to make significant accessibility improvements and pay a $20,000 penalty following a federal lawsuit. The settlement, announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim, resolves allegations that the historic deli violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A consent decree outlining the required changes was entered on Sunday, Dec. 29, by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. “The corrections and modifications agreed to by Katz’s Deli will give individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy one of New York City’s most pop…
Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help
Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help More than ever, success in business is determined by reach in your community. Daily Voice provides a direct line of communication to your neighbors. Whether you’re a new business or an experienced marketer, we want to work with you. Our products make it easy to reach local customers. Our team of experts can fit any budget. We’re your trusted source for news and information. We also want to be your trusted partner in advertising. Reach out whenever you're ready—we'll be here.
Valley Stream Man Wanted In Deadly 2009 DUI Crash In NJ Captured, Prosecutors Say Valley Stream Man Wanted In Deadly 2009 DUI Crash In NJ Captured, Prosecutors Say
Valley Stream Man Wanted In Deadly 2009 DUI Crash In NJ Captured, Prosecutors Say A Long Island man accused of driving drunk in a deadly Garden State Parkway crash has been captured nearly 15 years after he jumped bail and became a fugitive, authorities said. U.S. Marshals arrested 52-year-old Chaudhry Yousaf at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, Dec. 24, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Monday, Dec. 30. Yousaf's last known address was in Valley Stream, New York. Yousaf was originally charged in the crash that happened on the southbound side of the parkway on Saturday, Mar. 28, 2009. Troopers responded to t…
These NY Towns Named Among Safest In Country In New Rankings These NY Towns Named Among Safest In Country In New Rankings
These NY Towns Named Among Safest In Country In New Rankings If you're looking for peace and quiet, you may want to settle down in one of three Hudson Valley towns named among the safest places in the country in new rankings by MoneyGeek.  In their list of the 25 Safest Small Cities and Towns in the US released on Monday, Dec. 16, the personal finance website ranked towns from Westchester, Putnam, and Orange counties among the country's municipalities with the lowest crime numbers.  The following towns were named:  Yorktown, which took No. 6; Carmel, which took No. 7; Wallkill, which took No. 8. In order to make their rankings, Money…
Plane Carrying Top 25 College Basketball Team Nearly Collides With Delta Jet Plane Carrying Top 25 College Basketball Team Nearly Collides With Delta Jet
Plane Carrying Top 25 College Basketball Team Nearly Collides With Delta Jet The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a near-collision at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) involving a charter plane carrying the No. 19-ranked Gonzaga men’s basketball team and a Delta jet.  The incident occurred on Friday, Dec. 27, as the Delta aircraft was taking off for Atlanta, Georgia. According to reports, an air traffic controller urgently instructed the charter plane to "Stop, stop, stop" just before it crossed paths with the departing Delta flight. The quick action avoided a potential disaster, and no injuries were reported. “In the years I’ve bee…
$4.3B Now Recovered For Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims, DOJ Says $4.3B Now Recovered For Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims, DOJ Says
$4.3B Now Recovered For Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims, DOJ Says More than $4.3 billion has now been recovered for victims of Bernie Madoff’s massive and infamous Ponzi scheme, the Justice Department announced, as part of a decade-long effort that has compensated over 40,000 people worldwide for nearly 94 percent of their losses. The DOJ says  its 10th and final distribution from the Madoff Victim Fund (MVF), provided more than $131 million to over 23,000 victims. The latest distribution marks the culmination of a decade-long effort to recover and return forfeited funds tied to Madoff's fraudulent investment empire. Most victims, primarily small inv…
Large Police Response, Crime Scene Tape Seen At Merrick Commercial Building (DEVELOPING) Large Police Response, Crime Scene Tape Seen At Merrick Commercial Building (DEVELOPING)
Large Police Response, Crime Scene Tape Seen At Merrick Commercial Building (Developing) A heavy police response was underway at a Long Island commercial building. Multiple Nassau County Police vehicles and crime scene tape were seen in Merrick, at the southwest corner of Jerusalem Avenue and Powell Avenue, at around 3:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30. Officers were going through multiple businesses, according to preliminary radio traffic. It was not immediately clear why officers were called to the scene, or whether anyone was injured. The commercial building is home to several businesses, including a print shop, a hair salon, and an Italian restaurant. The incident was causing min…
Humpback Whale Washes Ashore In Long Beach Humpback Whale Washes Ashore In Long Beach
Humpback Whale Washes Ashore In Long Beach Authorities are investigating after a deceased whale washed ashore on Long Island. The juvenile humpback whale was discovered in Long Beach, near Shore Road and Roosevelt Boulevard, early Monday morning, Dec. 30, Long Beach Police said. Local, state, and federal agencies responded to the scene, which remained cordoned off to the public Thursday afternoon. A necropsy was expected to be performed, after which the whale will be buried, police said. “Please avoid the area to allow the various agencies to conduct their work,” the agency said. Juvenile humpback whales can measure up to 16 fee…
Intoxicated Long Island Driver Had 2 Children In Vehicle During Routine Traffic Stop: Cops Intoxicated Long Island Driver Had 2 Children In Vehicle During Routine Traffic Stop: Cops
Intoxicated Long Island Driver Had 2 Children In Vehicle During Routine Traffic Stop: Cops A Long Island man was busted for alleged felony aggravated DWI with two children under the age of 16 in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop of a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Donald Durando, age 44, of Smithtown, Suffolk County, was charged by state police in Windham, Greene County, on Saturday, Dec. 28, NYSP Trooper Jennifer Alvarez said. While interviewing Durando, troopers smelled the strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. Alvarez said. Durando submitted to a field sobriety test, which he failed, and was placed under arrest without incident.  Two children…
21-Year-Old Hit, Killed Firefighter In Hewlett Before Fleeing Scene, Police Say 21-Year-Old Hit, Killed Firefighter In Hewlett Before Fleeing Scene, Police Say
21-Year-Old Hit, Killed Firefighter In Hewlett Before Fleeing Scene, Police Say A 21-year-old suspect is behind bars weeks after a hit-and-run crash killed a volunteer firefighter on Long Island. Emergency crews in Hewlett were called about a fatal crash near Broadway and Everit Avenue shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. Jeffrey Frank, 74, was crossing Broadway when he was struck by an SUV traveling northbound. Witnesses told Nassau County Police that a male driver exited the vehicle, dragged Frank to the side of the road, and then fled the scene. Frank, of Hewlett, was pronounced dead at the hospital, as Daily Voice reported. On Monday, Dec. 30, homicide detec…
LIRR Fatal: Victim ID'd Following Train Vs. Pedestrian Crash On Long Island LIRR Fatal: Victim ID'd Following Train Vs. Pedestrian Crash On Long Island
Lirr Fatal: Victim ID'd Following Train Vs. Pedestrian Crash On Long Island Authorities identified a man who was struck and killed by a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train. The incident happened in Shirley, west of the Mastic-Shirley station, shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, as Daily Voice reported. An eastbound LIRR train was approaching the station when it struck an unauthorized pedestrian on the tracks at the Smith Road crossing, MTA Police told Daily Voice. On Monday, Dec. 30, the agency identified the victim as 72-year-old Robert Audette Jr., of Shirley. No criminality is suspected, and the investigation is ongoing, MTA Police said. The incident caus…
Sabrina Carpenter Turns 'Me Espresso' Into 'You Espresso' With Dunkin’ Collab Sabrina Carpenter Turns 'Me Espresso' Into 'You Espresso' With Dunkin’ Collab
Sabrina Carpenter Turns 'Me Espresso' Into 'You Espresso' With Dunkin’ Collab Sabrina Carpenter, the Grammy-nominated singer, and Pennsylvania native, is shaking things up — literally — as she teams up with Dunkin’ to debut a new signature drink just in time for New Year’s Eve, the company announced on Monday, Dec. 30. Born in Quakertown and raised in East Greenville, Carpenter’s Pennsylvania roots are as bold as her espresso. Her father built her a home recording studio in the Lehigh Valley, where she first crafted the music that propelled her to stardom. She’s often credited her Keystone State upbringing for inspiring her creativity and shared fond memories of her s…
Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks
Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks A sharp increase in norovirus cases is sweeping the United States, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Often called the "stomach flu," norovirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis, resulting in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The CDC reports 41 outbreaks in the first week of December alone, surpassing levels recorded in prior months. This spike aligns with the virus's typical winter peak but underscores the need for heightened vigilance this season. Norovirus spreads through contaminated food, surfaces, and …
'Alice' Star Linda Lavin Dies, 87 'Alice' Star Linda Lavin Dies, 87
'Alice' Star Linda Lavin Dies, 87 Linda Lavin, the two-time Golden Globe winner and Emmy-nominated actress whose career spanned six decades on stage and screen, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the age of 87, according to The New York Times. Born in Portland, Maine, Lavin studied acting at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, where she was deeply involved in the theater program. Her career took off with her iconic role as Alice Hyatt on the hit TV series "Alice," which earned her two Golden Globes and cemented her as a household name. A force on Broadway, Lavin captivated audiences with performances in multiple …
Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open
Big Lots Reaches Deal To Keep Hundreds Of Stores Open Big Lots has announced a major development following its September bankruptcy filing. The discount retail chain says it's entered a strategic agreement with Gordon Brothers Retail Partners and Variety Wholesalers to preserve the brand, save thousands of jobs, and keep hundreds of stores open. Variety Wholesalers, known for its portfolio of retail brands, plans to acquire between 200 and 400 Big Lots locations, along with up to two distribution centers. There are about 1,400 Big Lots stores nationwide. The transition ensures Big Lots can transfer key assets and maintain continuity of its br…
'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change 'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change
'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change The start of the New Year will bring a big change in the weather pattern with the return of wintry weather. The shift will come after a New Year's Eve storm system that will bring rain, some of which will be heavy at times late Tuesday night, Dec. 31 into the early morning hours of New Year's Day on Wednesday, Jan. 1, according to the National Weather Service. "The first exploits of colder air will begin during the middle and latter part of next week in the wake of a storm that transitions the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025," according to AccuWeather. "But then, as the jet stream dip…
Pedestrian Identified In Fatal Sunrise Highway Crash: Police Pedestrian Identified In Fatal Sunrise Highway Crash: Police
Steven McDonald, 63, Killed In Sunrise Highway Crash: Police The pedestrian fatally struck by a vehicle on Sunrise Highway in Oakdale has been identified, Suffolk County Police announced on Monday, Dec. 30. Steven McDonald, 63, of Coram, was in the roadway of eastbound Sunrise Highway, between exits 48 and 49, when he was hit by a 2011 BMW 550 driven by Wayne Griffith, 60, of Medford, at 9:25 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, police said. McDonald was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner, police said. Griffith was not injured, and the BMW was impounded for a safety check, according to au…
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds In an era of 24/7 news cycles and social media saturation, most Americans are stepping back from political news to combat fatigue and information overload.
 According to a brand-new nationwide poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 65 percent of adults feel the need to limit their consumption of government and political news.
 This sentiment crosses party lines, but Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to feel overwhelmed (72 percent vs. 59 percent). Additionally, 50 percent of respondents cited the need to cut back on news about overseas conflicts.
 Around…
Minimum Wage To Increase On Long Island: Here’s How Much Minimum Wage To Increase On Long Island: Here’s How Much
Minimum Wage To Increase On Long Island: Here’s How Much New Yorkers earning minimum wage will see an increase in their paychecks.  This change, which takes effective on Wednesday, Jan. 1, is part of a broader state initiative aimed at easing the financial burden of rising living costs. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the plan as part of a multi-year agreement with the state legislature.  In New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, the hourly pay will increase from $16 to $16.50.  Meanwhile, the rest of the state will see a jump from $15 to $15.50.  Further annual adjustments linked to inflation will begin in 2027. …
Teen Crashes Stolen SUV Into Mastic Beach Home: Police Teen Crashes Stolen SUV Into Mastic Beach Home: Police
Teen Crashes Stolen SUV Into Mastic Beach Home: Police A teenage boy is accused of stealing an SUV and crashing it into a home in Mastic Beach, Suffolk County Police announced on Sunday, Dec. 29. The incident began around 4:24 p.m. when a 2010 Mazda CX-9 parked on Lynbrook Drive was stolen and crashed into a residence at 103 Lynbrook Drive, police said. Two males inside the vehicle fled on foot after the crash, authorities added. Officers from the Seventh Precinct and the Canine Unit canvassed the area and located a 16-year-old suspect at approximately 6:06 p.m. He was taken into custody without incident, police said. The home sustained mi…
Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100 Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100
Jimmy Carter, Longest Living American President, Dies At Age 100 The longest living president in US history, Jimmy Carter, has died at the age of 100. The death of the 39th chief executive was announced by the Carter Center. He died Sunday afternoon, Dec. 29 at his residence in his lifelong hometown of Plains, Georgia, where he was born in October 1924. James Earl Carter Jr., was the first ex-president to reach the age of 100. Carter, then the Democratic governor of Georgia who had worked as a peanut farmer, defeated Gerald Ford in the 1976 race, the first presidential election after Richard Nixon's resignation in August 1974 following the Watergate af…
Man Tortures Dog With Flame, Violates Protection Order: Nassau County Police Man Tortures Dog With Flame, Violates Protection Order: Nassau County Police
Man Tortures Dog With Flame, Violates Protection Order: Nassau County Police A Wyandanch man is accused of torturing a dog with a flame and violating an order of protection during a domestic incident in South Farmingdale, police announced on Sunday, Dec. 29. Officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a South Farmingdale residence on Friday, Dec. 27, where a 53-year-old woman reported arguing with her son, who had left the home, detectives said. Police later located Rorenise Toafili, 30, of 19 Washington Avenue, and found him in possession of a white rock-like substance believed to be crack cocaine, authorities said. Further investigation revealed Toafili had b…
Man Burglarizes Lawrence Dunkin Donuts 2X, Violating Protection Order: Nassau County Police Man Burglarizes Lawrence Dunkin Donuts 2X, Violating Protection Order: Nassau County Police
Man Burglarizes Lawrence Dunkin Donuts 2X, Violating Protection Order: Nassau County Police A man experiencing homelessness is accused of burglarizing a Dunkin Donuts in Lawrence before violating an Order of Protection against him, Nassau County police announced on Sunday, Dec. 29. Mark Berko, 31, allegedly entered the Dunkin Donuts at 299 Burnside Avenue around 1:17 a.m., police said. He forcibly removed the cash drawer from the register, fled outside, and smashed it on the sidewalk to access the money inside. The 19-year-old employee on duty had an active Order of Protection against Berko, police added. Responding officers located and arrested Berko a short time later without fu…
Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm
Super Soaker: Here's Latest On Timing For New Year’s Eve Storm The start of the New Year will be a super soaker for many, including revelers in New York City for the traditional countdown and drop of the ball in Times Square. Click here for a new, updated story - 'Polar Express Will Kick Into High Gear' As New Year Brings Big Change The storm, which AccuWeather meteorologists call “a trouble-making setup for the Northeast,” will occur from Tuesday night, Dec. 31, into around noontime on New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1. “That brewing storm will likely bring drenching rain from North Carolina to Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland…
Pedestrian Killed By LIRR Train, MTA Says Pedestrian Killed By LIRR Train, MTA Says
Pedestrian Killed By Lirr Train, MTA Says A Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train struck and killed a pedestrian late Saturday night, Dec. 28 near the Mastic Shirley station, an MTA spokesperson confirmed. The incident happened at approximately 11:10 p.m. between the William Floyd Parkway crossing and the station. Both MTA and local police were dispatched to the scene. Authorities have not yet determined why the individual was on the tracks. The investigation remains ongoing, the spokesperson said. The incident caused delays on the Montauk Branch, but service has since resumed.
Long Island Legend Charles Dolan, Founder Of HBO, Cablevision, Dies At 98 Long Island Legend Charles Dolan, Founder Of HBO, Cablevision, Dies At 98
Long Island Legend Charles Dolan, Founder Of HBO, Cablevision, Dies At 98 Charles Francis Dolan, a pioneer in the cable television industry and founder of HBO and Cablevision, died at 98. Dolan died Thursday, Dec. 28, of natural causes. Born Oct. 16, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dolan began his career producing and distributing sports and industrial films. In the early 1960s, he founded Sterling Manhattan Cable, the first company to wire buildings for cable access in New York City. This led to exclusive deals with teams like the New York Knicks and Rangers. In 1972, he launched HBO, the first premium cable channel, changing television by offering uncut movies and …
Here's When New Yorkers Must Meet REAL ID Deadline Here's When New Yorkers Must Meet REAL ID Deadline
Here's When New Yorkers Must Meet Real ID Deadline Time is winding down for New Yorkers to get their federally compliant REAL ID or Enhanced ID/driver's license ahead of a crucial deadline. Starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, standard driver’s licenses or non-driver IDs will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities.  To comply with new federal regulations, residents must obtain a REAL ID or Enhanced ID, both of which are available at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices. A REAL ID, which meets the federal standard, can be used for domestic flights and accessing fe…
Nurses Aid Accused Of Stealing Jewelry From Patients: Nassau County Police Nurses Aid Accused Of Stealing Jewelry From Patients: Nassau County Police
Nurses Aid Accused Of Stealing Jewelry From Patients: Nassau County Police A Hempstead woman employed as a nurse’s aide has been charged with multiple counts of grand larceny after allegedly stealing jewelry from patients at an assisted living facility in Bethpage, police announced on Saturday, Dec. 28. Kumarie Nazir, 55, of Sunnyside Avenue, worked at The Bristol Assisted Living on Stewart Avenue, where police say she removed several pieces of jewelry from patients in her care on four separate occasions in October: Oct. 8, Oct. 20, Oct. 21, and Oct. 23. Following an investigation, Nazir was arrested without incident early Saturday morning, according to Nassau Cou…
Massapequa Murder: Cops ID Accused Christmas Eve Killer Massapequa Murder: Cops ID Accused Christmas Eve Killer
Massapequa Murder: Cops ID Accused Christmas Eve Killer Police on Long Island have identified the man suspected of killing a 57-year-old woman on Christmas Eve. Jeremy Emmanuel Lopez Ramirez is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 57-year-old Josefina Ramirez Montero on Tuesday, Dec. 24, Nassau County police said. Both the victim and the accused killer lived in the same home on 5714 Old Sunrise Highway. Police did not say how the two knew each other. Police responded to a call about an unresponsive female at the home around 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. There, officers found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds and a…