Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic With NY Ties To Lead CDC Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic With NY Ties To Lead CDC
Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic With NY Ties To Lead CDC Another vaccine skeptic with New York ties could soon shape public health policy. President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Florida congressman and physician Dave Weldon to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon was born on Long Island, in Amityville, and graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 before earning his M.D. degree at the University of Buffalo in 1981. Earlier Report: Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services “In addition to being a medical doctor for 40 years, and an Ar…
Man Drove Drunk With Child In Pickup Truck At Rockland County Service Area: Police Man Drove Drunk With Child In Pickup Truck At Rockland County Service Area: Police
Man Drove Drunk With Child In Pickup Truck At Rockland County Service Area: Police A man is facing a felony charge under Leandra’s Law after allegedly driving drunk with a child in his vehicle at a Hudson Valley service area. The incident happened at about 3 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24, when troopers in Rockland County patrolling the Ramapo Service Area observed a 2017 Nissan pickup truck parked with its headlights on. New York State Police said they found the driver, later identified as Genaro Garcia-Cortes, age 45, of the Bronx, apparently asleep in the driver’s seat with the keys in the ignition and an empty beer bottle in the cup holder.  A 10-year-old girl and a fe…
Daughter Accused Of Stabbing Mother To Death In Quiet NY Neighborhood On Thanksgiving Eve Daughter Accused Of Stabbing Mother To Death In Quiet NY Neighborhood On Thanksgiving Eve
Daughter Accused Of Stabbing Mother To Death In Quiet NY Neighborhood On Thanksgiving Eve A woman has been apprehended after police say she stabbed her mother to death on Thanksgiving Eve in a quiet residential neighborhood on Long Island, police said. The incident happened just after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, in Dix Hills. Suffolk County Police said officers responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing at the home on 2 Carman Court.  When they arrived, they found Josephine Bekatoros, age 84, dead from stab wounds inside the residence, said police. Detectives later arrested the victim’s daughter, 51-year-old Diana Bekatoros, at her home in Long Island City.  She…
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best! Hudson Valley, 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 Hudson Valley a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the business…
Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats
Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats Several New York politicians received bomb threats as part of a widespread attack targeting President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks and administrative appointees. The attacks, which ranged from bomb threats to prank “swatting” calls meant to dispatch a large number of armed police officers to a target’s residence, were made Tuesday night, Nov. 26, and Wednesday morning, Nov. 27. “Last night and this morning, several of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were targeted in violent, un-America threats to their lives and those who live with them,” said K…
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says A rare case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a child in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child, who is a resident of California, experienced only mild symptoms and is now recovering. The case, detected through routine flu testing, revealed low levels of the virus in the initial sample, and follow-up tests were negative for bird flu, but positive for other common respiratory viruses.  The CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to determine how the child might hav…
Thanksgiving Storm Slams East Coast: These Areas Are Seeing Poor Travel Conditions Thanksgiving Storm Slams East Coast: These Areas Are Seeing Poor Travel Conditions
Thanksgiving Storm Slams East Coast: These Areas Are Seeing Poor Travel Conditions A complex, multi-threat storm is causing poor travel conditions for much of the East Coast on Thanksgiving Day. According to the National Weather Service, rain will be heavy at times, and gusty winds will prevail throughout the morning and afternoon on Thursday, Nov. 28. Areas far north will see snowfall. The first image above from AccuWeather shows areas experiencing poor travel conditions (marked in red) on Thanksgiving Day. Locations in yellow are seeing fair travel conditions. Click on the second image above to see projected snowfall totals. Locations in the darkest shade of blue are e…
Prepare With Care: Health Officials Share Food Safety Tips For Thanksgiving Prepare With Care: Health Officials Share Food Safety Tips For Thanksgiving
Prepare With Care: Health Officials Share Food Safety Tips For Thanksgiving As you gear up to prepare that Thanksgiving feast, don’t forget the tenets of food safety. The New York State health and agriculture departments offered up several tips to help keep family and friends safe from foodborne illness this holiday season. “The Thanksgiving meal is often the most elaborate meal cooked all year, which could be a contributing factor in mistakes that could lead to foodborne illness,” said state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “We want to ensure that New Yorkers stay healthy by taking simple food safety precautions and encourage everyone preparing meals to fo…
Man Caught With Fentanyl During Traffic Stop On I-84: Police Man Caught With Fentanyl During Traffic Stop On I-84: Police
Man Caught With Fentanyl During Traffic Stop On I-84: Police A 35-year-old man is facing a drug possession charge after police allegedly found him with fentanyl during a traffic stop on Interstate 84 in the region, authorities said.  The arrest occurred on Friday, Nov. 15, at around 3:45 p.m., when members of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office Narcotics Enforcement Unit stopped a vehicle on Interstate 84 West in Southeast, according to Putnam County Sheriff Kevin J. McConville.  The driver, identified as 35-year-old Randy A. Cascino of Patterson, was found to be in possession of suspected fentanyl during the stop, the Sheriff's Office said.…
Woman Killed In Hit-Run Crash At Busy Intersection In Hudson Valley Woman Killed In Hit-Run Crash At Busy Intersection In Hudson Valley
Woman Killed In Hit-Run Crash At Busy Intersection In Hudson Valley A hit-run driver struck and killed a woman in the region, according to New York State Police. The crash happened in Dutchess County at approximately 8:35 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, near the intersection of Old Hopewell Road and Route 9 in the town of Wappinger.  The 43-year-old woman was hit by a westbound vehicle. Despite efforts by Good Samaritans, she was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Her identity has not yet been released. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the state police at 845-677-7300. Check back to Daily Voice for upd…
Assault Suspect Leads Cross-County Hudson Valley Pursuit In U-Haul Van, Police Say Assault Suspect Leads Cross-County Hudson Valley Pursuit In U-Haul Van, Police Say
Assault Suspect Leads Cross-County Hudson Valley Pursuit In U-Haul Van, Police Say A suspect is in custody following a chase through multiple counties in the Hudson Valley that involved several collisions with police vehicles and was prompted by an assault, authorities said. The incident began in Putnam County at around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, when a domestic assault was reported on Stoneleigh Avenue in Carmel, according to Carmel Police. Responding officers, along with units from the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, saw the suspect, later identified as 47-year-old Noel Mendez, of Fairview, NJ fleeing the scene in a white U-Haul van. Police said the sus…
'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Chestnut Ridge Native Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle 'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Chestnut Ridge Native Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle
'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Chestnut Ridge Native Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle Lauren Zucconi, a Bergen County teacher, loving wife, and proud Long Beach Island homeowner, passed away on Monday, Nov. 25, after a decade-long battle with cancer, according to her obituary on the Volk Leber Funeral Home website. She was 36 years old. Her unwavering mantra, “Never, never, never give up,” defined her courageous journey and inspired those around her. Born in Westwood and raised in Chestnut Ridge, NY, Lauren excelled in academics and athletics, graduating from Spring Valley High School, where she met her soulmate, James Robert Nash, her obituary says. She went on to earn…
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet selections and administrative appointees were the targets threats the last two days, a spokesperson said, calling the acts "violent" and "un-American." According to a statement by the Trump-Vance Transition Team on Wednesday, Nov. 27, several individuals associated with the incoming administration were subjected to threats ranging from bomb scares to "swatting" incidents, in which false reports are made to dispatch emergency responders to someone's location. Law enforcement responded swiftly to ensure the safety of those targeted, the team s…
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says Move over, stuffing and cranberry sauce – this Thanksgiving side reigns supreme in the eyes of New Yorkers. Of all the delectable dishes to play second fiddle to the turkey, sweet potato casserole is the most popular in the Empire State, according to AllRecipes. The website analyzed its data from Turkey Days past to come up with its list of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes in every state, based on recipe search volumes. A holiday staple for many, sweet potato casserole is typically made with brown sugar, butter, orange juice, and cinnamon, and topped with gooey marshmallows. Home…
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving meals just a day away, there are concerns over the nation's food supply after multiple major recalls the last few days. Federal authorities are now saying that all products linked to the outbreaks are off the shelves and products currently being sold are safe to eat. After a deadly E. coli outbreak, a California-based company pulled bagged organic carrots from such popular retailers as Whole Foods, Walmart and Trader Joe's.  For the latest info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. In a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry pr…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Nov. 26 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $489 million with a $229.3 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 05-22-24-39-42 with a Mega Ball of 03 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29.  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. There ar…
Hudson Valley's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Hudson Valley's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How
Hudson Valley's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Iconic homemaker Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving plans this year may come as a bit of a shock — they won't involve her hosting at home and turkey will not be an option at her table.  The 83-year-old Stewart, a longtime New York and former Connecticut resident, will be spending Turkey Day abroad in Rome instead of celebrating at her Katonah residence, according to the homemaker's website.  Stewart will be traveling with her daughter, Alexis, and two grandchildren, Jude and Truman, she said in an interview with People: "We decided the kids wanted to go away, the grandchildren, and so…
Teen Accused Of Selling Fentanyl On Main Street In Hudson Valley Teen Accused Of Selling Fentanyl On Main Street In Hudson Valley
Teen Accused Of Selling Fentanyl On Main Street In Hudson Valley Authorities in the region say an ongoing investigation into fentanyl sales led to the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect. The Dutchess County Drug Task Force, with assistance from the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit, executed a search warrant on Monday, Nov. 25, at a residence on Main Street in Poughkeepsie.  According to officials, the search followed undercover purchases of fentanyl made from Jahking Z. Murphy, age 19, in the area of 455 Main St. Murphy was taken into custody without incident and charged with: Two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the thir…
Human Remains, Car Found In Pond Linked To Hudson Valley Couple Missing For Over 40 Years Human Remains, Car Found In Pond Linked To Hudson Valley Couple Missing For Over 40 Years
Human Remains, Car Found In Pond Linked To Hudson Valley Couple Missing For Over 40 Years A vehicle containing a human bone found submerged in an out-of-state pond may be the clue needed to figure out what happened to a Westchester County couple missing for over four decades. In an announcement on Saturday, Nov. 23, the Glynn County Police Department in Georgia revealed that a submerged Lincoln Continental had been found on Friday, Nov. 22 in a pond between the Royal Inn Hotel and Interstate 95 on New Jesup Highway in the town of Brunswick.  According to the department, the Continental is similar to the description of a vehicle believed to have been driven by Scarsdale…
NJ Woman Strikes Overpass, Dies In I-87 Crash In NY: Troopers NJ Woman Strikes Overpass, Dies In I-87 Crash In NY: Troopers
NJ Woman Strikes Overpass, Dies In I-87 Crash In NY: Troopers A New Jersey woman was killed when her vehicle overturned and crashed into an overpass in upstate New York's Capital Region, authorities said. Jennifer Okoro-Ibiam, 42, of Pemberton, died in the Warren County crash in Queensbury, on Monday, Nov. 18, New York State Police said in a news release. Troopers responded to the scene on Interstate 87 North at around 6:20 a.m. Investigators said the vehicle overturned before colliding with the Gurney Lane overpass and going off the highway. Okoro-Ibiam suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was in the v…
NY's Idina Menzel Had One Stipulation Before Agreeing To Showstopping 'Wicked' Cameo NY's Idina Menzel Had One Stipulation Before Agreeing To Showstopping 'Wicked' Cameo
NY's Idina Menzel Had One Stipulation Before Agreeing To Showstopping 'Wicked' Cameo Thank goodness it all worked out. While it may be true that no one mourns the wicked, fans certainly would have mourned the absence of New York native Idina Menzel had she not made her scene-stealing cameo in the spellbinding new “Wicked” movie. The musical fantasy film – a two-part adaptation of the Broadway stage musical that was loosely based on the 1995 novel – tells the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Menzel, who grew on Long Island in Syosset, was the first actress to portray its protagonist, Elphaba, a role for which sh…
Search Warrant Yields Cocaine, Fentanyl, Charges For Pomona Suspect Search Warrant Yields Cocaine, Fentanyl, Charges For Pomona Suspect
Search Warrant Yields Cocaine, Fentanyl, Charges For Pomona Suspect A Hudson Valley man is facing drug charges after a months-long investigation into narcotics sales. Richard Fernandez, age 40, was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 20, following a five-month investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force. Investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence in Pomona, recovering cocaine, fentanyl pills, and other pharmaceutical drugs during the search. Fernandez has been charged with: Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree; Four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in t…
Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Rollover Hudson Valley Crash That Left Teen Injured, Cops Say Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Rollover Hudson Valley Crash That Left Teen Injured, Cops Say
Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Rollover Hudson Valley Crash That Left Teen Injured, Cops Say A late-night rollover crash in the region that injured a 19-year-old girl led police to investigate whether a mysterious all-terrain vehicle may have been involved, authorities said.  It happened in Putnam County just after 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, on Baldwin Place Road in Carmel, the Carmel Police Department said on Monday, Nov. 25.    Emergency responders arrived at the scene within three minutes after receiving a 911 report that a vehicle had rolled over, potentially trapping the driver inside.  The driver, a 19-year-old Mahopac resident, had safely exited the v…
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All' Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All'
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All' This story has been updated. A Virginia pilot who regularly flew dogs in need to safe homes around the country was killed when his small plane crashed in a remote area of New York. The Greene County incident happened in the Town of Windham at around 6:10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Sheriff’s officials said a single-engine Mooney plane was traveling from Maryland to Albany carrying the pilot and three dogs when it crashed in a remote area. The impact killed the pilot, 49-year-old Seuk Kim, of Springfield, Virginia, and one of the dogs. A second dog, a lab mix puppy, survived but suffered two bro…
Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency
Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency US Attorney Damian Williams, who has overseen high-profile cases in the Southern District of New York, has announced his resignation, a move that comes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term and the expected nomination of his successor.  Williams’ resignation will take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, according to a statement from his office on Monday, Nov. 25.  The resignation comes as President-elect Trump has announced plans to nominate Jay Clayton, a former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman under Trump’s first administration, to lead the of…
Final Suspect In 2022 Hudson Valley Murder Case Arrested, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation Final Suspect In 2022 Hudson Valley Murder Case Arrested, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation
Final Suspect In 2022 Hudson Valley Murder Case Arrested, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation A local police department in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, has arrested the final suspect in a 2022 murder in the Hudson Valley, marking a significant breakthrough in a complex, multi-year investigation. On Thursday, Nov. 21, Beacon Police, aided by extensive inter-agency cooperation, apprehended 24-year-old Zyree Downing in Pennsylvania, where he was already incarcerated, According to Beacon Chief of Police Thomas Figlia. Downing, from Middletown, Delaware, has been charged with murder for his alleged involvement in the death of Lionel Pittman. This arrest follo…
Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY
Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY A Connecticut couple has been accused of orchestrating a multi-state theft operation targeting Lululemon stores, resulting in approximately $1 million in stolen merchandise. Jadion Anthony Richards, age 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, age 45, both from Danbury, were charged in in Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 22, at Ramsey County District Court with organized retail theft, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.  Their alleged activities spanned over two months and involved thefts in several states, including New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, Colorado, and Utah, the Star Tri…
Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says
Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says A Macy’s employee misstated up to $154 million in delivery expenses over several years, the company just said. The development forced the retailer to delay its third-quarter earnings report. The employee, whose name has not been released, has been fired. According to the company, the employee responsible for accounting small package delivery expenses made erroneous accrual entries to conceal the costs from the fourth quarter of 2021 through the most recent quarter. During that time, Macy’s reported a total of $4.36 billion in delivery expenses. The company conducted an independent investi…
McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When
McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When McDonald’s will ring in the new year by serving more for less. The fast food giant will unveil its new “McValue” menu nationwide starting on Tuesday, Jan. 7. McValue will include current fan-favorites, like the $5 Meal Deal, and a new “Buy One, Add One for $1” offer, allowing customers to mix and match their order. Breakfast options include classics like the sausage McMuffin and hash browns, while lunch offerings feature the 6-piece chicken McNuggets and double cheeseburger. McDonald’s is also extending through next summer its $5 Meal Deal, a combination of a McDouble or McChicken sandwi…
NY State Launches Statewide DWI Crackdown, Extra Patrols For Thanksgiving Travel NY State Launches Statewide DWI Crackdown, Extra Patrols For Thanksgiving Travel
NY State Launches Statewide DWI Crackdown, Extra Patrols For Thanksgiving Travel New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced a statewide surge in law enforcement patrols and safety measures to protect travelers during Thanksgiving week, one of the busiest and riskiest times for road travel. The detail will run through Sunday, Dec. 1 after launching Saturday, Nov. 23. “Thanksgiving kicks off the busiest travel season of the year, and we want everyone to reach their friends and loved ones safely,” Hochul said. “I urge drivers to stay alert, stay sober, and move over when you see vehicles stopped on the side of the road.” In response, New York State officials are rampin…
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says A newly discovered compound in drinking water has raised questions about its potential health risks.  The chemical, known as chloronitramide anion (Cl–N–NO₂⁻), was found in all samples from 10 US drinking water systems that use chloramines, according to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, Nov. 21. The research, led by Julian L. Fairey, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas,  identified chloronitramide anion as a decomposition product of inorganic chloramines, which are commonly used to disinfect municipal water supplies.  The study estimates …