Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In New Jersey (VIDEO) Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In New Jersey (VIDEO)
Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In New Jersey (Video) The skies over New Jersey remain a puzzling hotspot for drone sightings as reports continue nearly two weeks after they first emerged, with residents growing increasingly uneasy (scroll for video). On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Warren County officials confirmed they are working with the FBI-Newark, New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to monitor, assess, and investigate the unusual activity. This follows a similar announcement from Morris and Somerset counties, where prosecutors, sheriffs, and emergency management offices are coordinating efforts …
Famous Investor To Open New Independent Bookstore In Westchester: Here's When Famous Investor To Open New Independent Bookstore In Westchester: Here's When
Famous Investor To Open New Independent Bookstore In Westchester: Here's When A well-known entrepreneur and investor who lives in Northern Westchester is about to open a bookstore in her hometown.  Bedford Books, located at 13 Court Rd. in Bedford, will hold a grand opening celebration on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., according to owner Fran Hauser. “Opening a bookstore has been my lifelong dream, and I’m so excited to share Bedford Books with our wonderful community,” Hauser said, adding, “I hope the bookstore will be a welcoming place where people can find inspiration, learn new things, and connect with others."  The bookstore's grand opening…
Brand-New Snowfall Projections: These Areas Will See Most Accumulation Brand-New Snowfall Projections: These Areas Will See Most Accumulation
Brand-New Snowfall Projections: These Areas Will See Most Accumulation Updated snowfall projections have been released by the National Weather Service as a fast-moving Alberta Clipper system nears the region. The system will sweep in from west to east starting at around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.  4, with precipitation lasting until around 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. A trace to up to nearly 2 inches of snow is possible in the interior areas in the darker shades of blue.  Farther south, including on Long Island, rain and freezing rain are predicted, with little or no accumulation. See the image above for the projected snowfall map. A Wind Advisory is in …
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best! Westchester County, it’s time to show some love for your favorite local businesses! Daily Voice has officially launched the voting phase of its inaugural Readers’ Choice competition, and the power is in your hands to crown the best of the best. Our readers submitted nominations earlier this fall, and now the top contenders are ready for your votes. With over 80 categories spanning six major groups, this is your chance to celebrate the local gems that make Westchester a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the busin…
Man Wins Second $1M Jackpot With NY Lottery Scratch-Off Man Wins Second $1M Jackpot With NY Lottery Scratch-Off
Man Wins Second $1M Jackpot With NY Lottery Scratch-Off Lightning has struck twice for a New Jersey man, who just claimed his second $1 million prize from a New York Lottery scratch-off game in under two years. Kevin Brady’s latest win came from the Cashword Bonus instant game, securing him a $1 million top prize. His lucky ticket was purchased at Yemsali Grocery, Inc., located at 881 Tenth Ave. in Manhattan, according to the New York Lottery. This isn’t the East Brunswick resident's first brush with luck. In September 2023, he took home another $1 million top prize from the Millionaire Maker scratch-off ticket. For his most recent win, Brady o…
Strengthening Storm To Bring Bursts Of Snow, 50 MPH Wind Gusts, Power Outage Risk Strengthening Storm To Bring Bursts Of Snow, 50 MPH Wind Gusts, Power Outage Risk
Strengthening Storm To Bring Bursts Of Snow, 50 MPH Wind Gusts, Power Outage Risk A strengthening Alberta Clipper system will produce intense bursts of snow and strong winds with gusts up to 50 miles per hour, which could cause power outages. According to the National Weather Service, the storm will occur from Wednesday night, Dec. 4, into late Thursday morning, Dec. 5.  Powerful gusts will accompany wind speeds of 20 to 25 mph throughout the day and into Thursday evening. (See the first image above from AccuWeather.) At the outset of the system, snow showers will occur throughout the region, and areas where the temperature stays at or below the freezing …
Crashes, Dangerous Driving, Multiple DWIs Occur In Hudson Valley Over Holiday Weekend Crashes, Dangerous Driving, Multiple DWIs Occur In Hudson Valley Over Holiday Weekend
Crashes, Dangerous Driving, Multiple DWIs Occur In Hudson Valley Over Holiday Weekend Several people, including Connecticut residents, were apprehended for impaired driving over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the Hudson Valley, including several incidents involving crashes and dangerous driving behaviors, authorities announced. The arrests, which occurred in Putnam County between Tuesday, Nov. 26, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, were announced by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday. The first of the incidents happened on Nov. 26, when deputies were dispatched to a two-car crash on Route 311 in Patterson near McManus Road North.  According to the Sheriff's Offic…
New Photos, Video Show Brazen Targeted Killing Of UnitedHealthcare CEO In Manhattan New Photos, Video Show Brazen Targeted Killing Of UnitedHealthcare CEO In Manhattan
New Photos, Video Show Brazen Targeted Killing Of UnitedHealthcare CEO In Manhattan Police have released photos of the suspect who was lying in wait before the brazen targeted killing of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare companies in midtown Manhattan. The executive, Brian Thompson of UnitedHealthCare, was shot outside the the New York Hilton Midtown at 1335 Sixth Ave. at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, the NYPD said. The gunman, wearing a black face mask, a gray backpack, and a dark jacket, approached the victim from behind as seen in a surveillance video obtained by CNN (Warning: graphic.) The suspect's shots with a silenced gun struck Thom…
Push For More Handicapped Parking At Westchester ShopRite Sparks Action Push For More Handicapped Parking At Westchester ShopRite Sparks Action
Push For More Handicapped Parking At Westchester ShopRite Sparks Action Officials are looking to add more handicapped parking spaces to a Northern Westchester ShopRite supermarket after several residents raised the issue on social media.  The controversy began on Wednesday, Nov. 4, when a resident commented on the lack of handicapped parking at the new ShopRite locale in Mount Kisco at 333 North Bedford Rd.  In the post, made on a Mount Kisco Facebook group, the resident said several elderly community members had raised the issue:  "The new store is twice the size of the old one, but has far less spaces. Aren’t there regulations governing t…
Sun River Health Expert Explains Sexual Health & STIs Sun River Health Expert Explains Sexual Health & STIs
Sun River Health Expert Explains Sexual Health & STIs Why is it important to talk about sexual health? Sexual health is an important part of everyone’s health and wellbeing. Many people are wary of talking about sexual health with their primary care provider, but at Sun River Health, we strive to normalize the conversation. Our goal is to increase sexual health literacy, promote engagement, and make sure that everyone has the opportunity to be in the best health. Sexual health care should be tailored to the individual patient’s needs in order to provide equitable and culturally sensitive care. The benefits of taking care of your sexual health …
NY Medical Practice Fined Thousands Over Alleged Discrimination Against HIV-Positive Patient NY Medical Practice Fined Thousands Over Alleged Discrimination Against HIV-Positive Patient
NY Medical Practice Fined Thousands Over Alleged Discrimination Against Hiv-positive Patient A New York-based dermatology practice will pay thousands of dollars after allegations that it refused treatment to an HIV-positive patient. Under a settlement with the US Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday, Dec. 3, Advanced Dermatology, P.C. – headquartered on Long Island in New Hyde Park – resolved allegations that one of its doctors violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) by refusing timely care to a male patient. The patient, who is HIV-positive, filed a complaint with the US Department of Justice alleging that a dermatologist refused to perform a scheduled Mohn micrograp…
Man Who Bit Girlfriend’s Face In Pelham Manor Attack To Serve Prison Time Man Who Bit Girlfriend’s Face In Pelham Manor Attack To Serve Prison Time
Man Who Bit Girlfriend’s Face In Pelham Manor Attack To Serve Prison Time A 27-year-old man who brutally assaulted his girlfriend by biting her face and choking her in a Westchester parking lot will spend years in prison, officials announced. Bronx resident Christian Rosado will serve six and a half years in state prison in connection with the assault, which happened in Pelham Manor in August 2023, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, Dec. 4. According to the DA's Office, the attack happened at around 9:15 p.m. on August 14, 2023, inside the victim’s parked vehicle on Pelham Parkway in Pelham Manor. Rosado, sitting i…
Blaze Leaves Residence Charred In Westchester Blaze Leaves Residence Charred In Westchester
Blaze Leaves Residence Charred In Westchester A Northern Westchester home suffered damage in an overnight fire that drew a multi-agency response, fire officials said. The blaze broke out just before 2 a.m. on Saw Mill River Road in the Yorktown Heights section of Yorktown, according to the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department.  Arriving fire crews found smoke pushing from the second floor of the home, and firefighters determined that the blaze had spread into the structure from the chimney. ***1st Due Structure Fire*** At approx 0158am, Yorktown Fire with a FASTeam from Bedford Hills Fire Department were... Posted by Y…
Luxurious Westchester Estate Once Owned By 'Father Divine' Listed For $5.495M Luxurious Westchester Estate Once Owned By 'Father Divine' Listed For $5.495M
Luxurious Westchester Estate Once Owned By 'Father Divine' Listed For $5.495M A stunning Westchester estate with breathtaking Hudson River views and rich history is now on the market for $5.495 million, offering would-be buyers a unique opportunity to own a piece of the county's past and present luxury.  Located at 11 Carriage Trl. in Tarrytown, the property sits at the highest point of the prestigious Greystone-on-Hudson community, a nearly 100-acre luxury gated enclave, and was once owned by famous spiritual leader "Father Divine," according to a New York Times article from 1940. "Father Divine," whose real name has still not been confirmed, was a charismatic …
Car Flips On I-684 In Westchester After Hitting Truck (UPDATE) Car Flips On I-684 In Westchester After Hitting Truck (UPDATE)
Car Flips On I-684 In Westchester After Hitting Truck (Update) This story has been updated. A driver was hospitalized after changing lanes at the same time as a tractor-trailer on Interstate 684 in Northern Westchester. The incident happened on Wednesday, Dec. 4 around 11:15 a.m., when a Honda sedan struck a tractor-trailer on I-684 North in Katonah just south of Exit 6 (Route 35). According to Trooper AJ Hicks of the New York State Police, both vehicles had tried to enter the center lane at the same time from the right and left lanes.  After hitting the tractor-trailer, the Honda lost control and left the roadway on the east shoulder where it o…
Fox News Personality, Surgeon Who Was Born In Westchester Dies At 45 Fox News Personality, Surgeon Who Was Born In Westchester Dies At 45
Fox News Personality, Surgeon Who Was Born In Westchester Dies At 45 A surgeon and Westchester County, NY native from New Jersey who became popular for her numerous television appearances has died after a battle with cancer.  Kelly Powers, who was known for appearing on Fox News television programs like "Fox & Friends" and "The Willis Report," died on Sunday, Dec. 1 at the age of 45 after a battle with glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer. Born in Yonkers before later becoming a resident of Colts Neck, New Jersey, Powers graduated from the Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in White Plains before attending Baruch College in …
Drill Planned At Westchester Elementary School: What Parents Need To Know Drill Planned At Westchester Elementary School: What Parents Need To Know
Drill Planned At Westchester Elementary School: What Parents Need To Know A Westchester elementary school will host a reunification drill to prepare for emergencies, prompting temporary road closures and special procedures for parents and guardians. The Milton School in Rye will conduct the drill on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 12 p.m., according to the City of Rye Police Department. The exercise is designed to simulate how students, staff, and first responders would account for and reunite children with their families or caregivers following a crisis or emergency. The entire drill is expected to take at least two hours to complete. The Rye Police Department will close…
UPDATE: Fiery Tesla Crash Kills Parents In New Rochelle School District UPDATE: Fiery Tesla Crash Kills Parents In New Rochelle School District
Update: Fiery Tesla Crash Kills Parents In New Rochelle School District A Westchester school community is mourning the tragic loss of two beloved parents who were killed in a fiery crash involving a Tesla, district officials announced. In a message sent to families on Tuesday, Dec. 3, New Rochelle Superintendent Corey Reynolds said two "beloved parents" from the city's school district were killed in a crash in Pelham Manor earlier in the day.  According to village officials and police, the crash occurred on Tuesday morning at the intersection of Pelhamdale Avenue and Shore Road.  Pelham Manor Police Lt. Gregory Sancho said a Tesla drove through …
UnitedHealthcare CEO Killed In Apparent Targeted Shooting In Midtown Manhattan: Developing UnitedHealthcare CEO Killed In Apparent Targeted Shooting In Midtown Manhattan: Developing
UnitedHealthcare CEO Killed In Apparent Targeted Shooting In Midtown Manhattan: Developing The CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare companies was killed in a brazen apparent targeted shooting in midtown Manhattan, according to multiple reports. Click here for a new, updated story: New Photos Show Shooter In Brazen Targeted Killing Of UnitedHealthcare CEO In Manhattan The executive, Brian Thompson of UnitedHealthcare, was shot outside the the New York Hilton Midtown at 1335 Sixth Ave. at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, according to The New York Times, citing a police report. The gunman, who was wearing a a black face mask, gray backpack, and cream-colored…
Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs
Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Driving into New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll be paying for it. New York City’s congestion pricing plan, set to begin on Friday, Jan. 5, aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and fund crucial public transit upgrades.  Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll, with rates starting at $9 per day. The Federal Highway Administration approved the program last month. However, lawsuits could potentially stop the planned rollout. The toll is aimed at reducing gridlock and enhancing traffic flow in the Central Business Distr…
Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's What's Inside Debut NY Location Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's What's Inside Debut NY Location
Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's What's Inside Debut NY Location Whole Foods Market has unveiled its first-ever 'Daily Shop,' a smaller-format store designed for urban convenience. The debut location is in New York City, in Manhattan’s Lenox Hill neighborhood. The 9,101-square-foot store at 1175 Third Avenue is tailored to meet the fast-paced needs of Upper East side residents with its compact size and curated offerings. “New York City has been home to Whole Foods for over 20 years, and we’re excited to expand our presence with this innovative new format,” said Christina Minardi, executive vice president of growth and development at Whole Food…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 3 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $541M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 3 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $541M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 3 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $541M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 3 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $541 million with a $258.4 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 52-60-61-66-67 with a Mega Ball of 23 and a Megaplier of 4X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6.  MegaMillions 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 o…
NY's Drew Barrymore Brings 'Wicked' Star Ariana Grande To Tears With Magical Surprise NY's Drew Barrymore Brings 'Wicked' Star Ariana Grande To Tears With Magical Surprise
NY's Drew Barrymore Brings 'Wicked' Star Ariana Grande To Tears With Magical Surprise Ariana Grande was over the rainbow with joy following an on-set surprise by Drew Barrymore. The pop icon, who’s currently dazzling moviegoers with her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch in the box office smash hit “Wicked,” was brought to tears during an appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show” set to air Thursday, Dec. 5. “I have something that’s extremely exciting and special. It’s actually, it was owned by the Smithsonian and now it’s owned in private hands,” the 49-year-old Barrymore teased Grande. “But for the purposes of our sit-down, they loaned it to us.” Grande then gasped as Bar…
Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley
Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley A Rockland County man and his girlfriend have been sentenced for their roles in killing his 85-year-old grandfather, stealing his belongings and hiding his body in 2023, authorities said. Constantinos Doonan, 32, also known as “Dino,” and Jo-Ann Haughey, 28, both of New City, were convicted in the January 2023 killing of Constantinos Mastakouris at his home on Ruth Drive in New City, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, authorities announced that Doonan was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison while Haughey received 15 years for ma…
Over $32K Lotto Jackpot Served Fresh At Popular Westchester Deli Over $32K Lotto Jackpot Served Fresh At Popular Westchester Deli
Over $32K Lotto Jackpot Served Fresh At Popular Westchester Deli A lucky deli customer in Westchester struck gold, winning a top lottery prize worth tens of thousands of dollars, New York Lottery officials announced. The $32,528 top-prize-winning Take 5 ticket was sold for the Monday, Dec. 2, drawing at a Yonkers business, according to New York Lottery officials.  The ticket was sold at Palmer Road Lizzie's, a popular deli located at 468 Palmer Rd. in Yonkers, officials said.  If you want to try your luck, Take 5 players can pick numbers from one through 39, and the game offers twice-daily opportunities to win big with drawings held at 2:…
Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down
Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down Meta is admitting that harmless content gets taken down amid criticism for its handling of moderation. “Too often, harmless content gets taken down, or restricted, and too many people get penalized unfairly,” the company's president of global affairs, Nick Glegg, told reporters on Monday, Dec. 2, according to a report in The Verge. Meta's platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. Despite advancements in AI moderation, Clegg acknowledged there is still “work to do” in ensuring fair and accurate enforcement, the report said. Meta has promised to refine its…
McRib Mania: McDonald's Cult Favorite Sparks Food Fight Among NYers (Poll) McRib Mania: McDonald's Cult Favorite Sparks Food Fight Among NYers (Poll)
McRib Mania: McDonald's Cult Favorite Sparks Food Fight Among NYers (Poll) It’s back – and people have some thoughts. Just in time for the holidays, McDonald’s has brought back its notoriously elusive McRib. The much loved – and loathed – saucy sandwich returned for a limited time Tuesday, Dec. 3, at participating restaurants across the country. The McRib consists of seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy barbecue sauce and topped with slivered onions and pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun. It’ll set you back 520 calories. “When everything combines, you have BBQ pork sandwich perfection,” McDonald’s said in a statement. wow lots of excitement ov…
Federal Oversight Ends For Police Department In Westchester After Major Reforms Federal Oversight Ends For Police Department In Westchester After Major Reforms
Federal Oversight Ends For Police Department In Westchester After Major Reforms A police department in Westchester has implemented enough major reforms to result in the conclusion of federal oversight after years of monitoring, officials announced. In an announcement on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York revealed that oversight of the Yonkers Police Department has officially ended following significant reforms made to improve its policies, training, and community engagement. The federal oversight originally stemmed from an investigation that began in 2007 and a subsequent agreement in November 2016 aimed at address…
Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine, NY Resident Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine, NY Resident Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway
Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine, NY Resident Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway Jury deliberations are underway in the case of a New York Marine Corps veteran accused of choking a street artist to death aboard a Manhattan subway. The anonymous jury began weighing manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges against Daniel Penny just after 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, in the death of Jordan Neely. Jurors concluded their deliberations Tuesday evening, and will be back in court to resume on Wednesday morning, Dec. 4. Bystander video allegedly showed the 26-year-old Penny, a Long Island resident from West Islip, placing the 30-year-old Neely in a chokehold aboard a t…
Drunk Driver Flees Traffic Stop, Caught Over Twice Legal Limit In Westchester: Police Drunk Driver Flees Traffic Stop, Caught Over Twice Legal Limit In Westchester: Police
Drunk Driver Flees Traffic Stop, Caught Over Twice Legal Limit In Westchester: Police A Westchester man accused of driving drunk with more than twice the legal limit of alcohol in his system is facing numerous charges after allegedly leading police on a chase, authorities said. The incident began just before 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, when an erratic driver was seen traveling westbound on Route 202 in Yorktown, the town's police department announced on Tuesday, Dec. 3.  Responding officers quickly located the vehicle and observed it failing to stay in its lane, police said.  When police tried to pull the car over, the driver allegedly refused to stop and fled w…
Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees
Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees Global hotel chain Marriott International is planning to lay off hundreds of employees by the start of the new year. According to a Maryland Work Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filing, the company, based in Bethesda, listed 833 people slated to lose their jobs by Wednesday, Jan. 3. Despite the development, Chief Executive Officer Anthony Capuano said business is solid. "Our business momentum is excellent, and as a company that embraces change, we continue to evolve our business to support our global growth," Capuano said in a third-quarter earnings call late last month,…