Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Hudson Valley Rollover Crash That Left Teen Injured, Cops Say Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Hudson Valley Rollover Crash That Left Teen Injured, Cops Say
Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Hudson Valley Rollover Crash That Left Teen Injured, Cops Say A late-night rollover crash in the Hudson Valley that injured a 19-year-old girl led police to investigate whether a mysterious all-terrain vehicle may have been involved, authorities said.  The accident occurred just after 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, on Baldwin Place Road in the Putnam County town of 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,…
Prepare With Care: Health Officials Share Food Safety Tips Ahead Of Thanksgiving Prepare With Care: Health Officials Share Food Safety Tips Ahead Of Thanksgiving
Prepare With Care: Health Officials Share Food Safety Tips Ahead Of 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…
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced his resignation as he prepares to be sworn in as a US Congressman representing New York’s 16th Congressional District. Latimer’s resignation will take effect on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 12:01 p.m., he said during a public address on Monday, Nov. 25.  The announcement comes as he transitions to his new role in Congress, where he will begin serving the following day, Friday, Jan. 3. In this role, Latimer. a Democrat, will represent the southern portion of Westchester, including White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Roche…
Northern Westchester's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year Northern Westchester's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year
Northern Westchester's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year 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…
Westchester Eatery Closing After Just One Year Westchester Eatery Closing After Just One Year
Westchester Eatery Closing After Just One Year A Westchester restaurant and brewery has announced it will close its doors after just one year of operation, leaving patrons and staff reflecting on its short but memorable run. The closure of Miles, The Prince, located at 873 North Broadway in White Plains, will take place after its final day on Saturday, Nov. 30, according to an announcement posted by owner and founder Zach Goldstein on the restaurant’s Instagram page. Although Goldstein did not reveal a reason for the closure, he thanked former guests who "filled this space with love and memories." "Getting to know MTP’s dedicated …
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…
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…
Microsoft Outage Affects Users Globally, Restoration Time Unclear Microsoft Outage Affects Users Globally, Restoration Time Unclear
Microsoft Outage Affects Users Globally, Restoration Time Unclear An outage is affecting Microsoft users around the world. Programs that have been reported down include Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft 365, and Microsoft Teams, according to the website Downdetector. Microsoft said in an announcement at around midday on Monday, Nov. 25 that "Our targeted restarts are progressing slower than anticipated for the majority of affected users. An ETA for resolution will be provided as soon as available." About 5,000 reports of issues were reported on Downdetector at around 11:30 a.m., and the majority of issues were with Outlook. Our targeted restarts are progr…
Westchester Pharmacies Tied To $11.5M Medicaid Fraud Scheme, Former Owner Gets Prison Time Westchester Pharmacies Tied To $11.5M Medicaid Fraud Scheme, Former Owner Gets Prison Time
Westchester Pharmacies Tied To $11.5M Medicaid Fraud Scheme, Former Owner Gets Prison Time The owner of several pharmacies in Westchester County and New York City has been sentenced to prison for running a multimillion-dollar Medicaid fraud scheme that endangered vulnerable HIV patients, officials said. Aftab Hussain was sentenced to two to six years in prison for stealing over $11.5 million through a scheme involving illegal kickbacks and black market medications, the Attorney General’s Office announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20.  According to the AG's Office, Hussain owned or controlled more than 20 pharmacies, including some in Westchester County, where he exploited low-…
NY Native Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake NY Native Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake
NY Native Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake Lindsay Lohan has officially weighed in on a viral NFL moment that paid homage to one of her most popular movies. Appearing on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” the 38-year-old actress reacted to Minnesota Vikings players Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus performing the iconic handshake from her 1998 hit, “The Parent Trap.” The footballers acted out the intricate moves – a secret handshake between Lohan’s character Annie and her butler – after intercepting a pass from Aaron Rodgers against the New York Jets on Sunday, Oct. 6. “They did your handshake from ‘The Parent Trap,’” Fa…
Popular Westchester Restaurant Closes Suddenly After 13 Years Popular Westchester Restaurant Closes Suddenly After 13 Years
Popular Westchester Restaurant Closes Suddenly After 13 Years A popular Westchester restaurant that hosted reunions, birthday parties, and get-togethers for locals for more than a decade, announced its sudden and unexpected closure, leaving longtime patrons and city officials heartbroken.  The closure of Maggie Spillane’s Ale House, owned by Tony Spillane and located in Mount Vernon at 571 Gramatan Ave., will take effect on Saturday, Nov. 30, according to an announcement posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page.  Maggie Spillane's quickly became a Westchester staple since opening in 2011. The decision to close was attributed to unforeseen c…
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…
Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Macy's Says Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Macy's Says
Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Macy's Says A Macy’s employee had misstated up to $154 million in delivery expenses over several years. The development forced the retailer to delays 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 investigation, which…
Over 100 Assault Weapons, Guns Turned In At Buyback Event In Peekskill Over 100 Assault Weapons, Guns Turned In At Buyback Event In Peekskill
Over 100 Assault Weapons, Guns Turned In At Buyback Event In Peekskill More than 100 firearms, including several assault weapons, were turned in during a community gun buyback event held in Northern Westchester.  A total of 103 guns were collected during the buyback event held in Peekskill on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the United Methodist Church of Peekskill, the New York Attorney General's Office announced.  This included 68 handguns; 19 long guns; and 9 assault weapons, officials said, adding that the office has removed more than 8,300 guns from New York communities since 2019.  "Every one of the guns collected today is a step in the right di…
Modern, Futuristic Home Now Listed For $2.995M In Northern Westchester Modern, Futuristic Home Now Listed For $2.995M In Northern Westchester
Modern, Futuristic Home Now Listed For $2.995M In Northern Westchester If you're looking for a home with uniquely designed architecture, a modern residence set on more than four acres in Northern Westchester that's now on the market may be the perfect fit.  The 3,737-square-foot home, located at 187 Hook Rd. in Bedford, features futuristic design elements and has been listed for $2.995 million by Houlihan Lawrence.  According to the listing, the residence boasts a new facade designed by award-winning architect Belmont Freeman.  Other interesting features include glass walls; a heated gunite pool; a great room with "soaring ceilings" and a "curv…
Separate Rounds Of Wet Weather Will Be Capped By Thanksgiving Storm: Here's Timing Separate Rounds Of Wet Weather Will Be Capped By Thanksgiving Storm: Here's Timing
Separate Rounds Of Wet Weather Will Be Capped By Thanksgiving Storm: Here's Timing A Thanksgiving Day storm will cap off separate rounds of wet weather in the coming days. Weak high pressure will pass over the region on Monday, Nov. 25, which will be mainly sunny and dry, according to the National Weather Service. A frontal system approaches Monday night and moves across the area on Tuesday, Nov. 26, leading to the first round of much-needed rain, starting overnight. Precipitation will wind down from south to north. Temperatures will range from the upper 50s to the low 60s, but it will feel colder Tuesday, with strong winds and gusts up to around 25 miles per hour. …
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 …
Gourmet Breakfast Eatery Readies Opening In Westchester Gourmet Breakfast Eatery Readies Opening In Westchester
Gourmet Breakfast Eatery Readies Opening In Westchester A breakfast restaurant chain specializing in gourmet toast has announced the opening date for its new Westchester locale. Toastique, located at 604 North Ave. in New Rochelle, will hold a grand opening event on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The eatery, a chain with locations across the country, is known for its "gourmet toast." If you're wondering what that means, some options include the "Avocado Smash," topped with avocado, watermelon radish, marinated tomatoes, and chili oil; the "3-Cheese Italian," topped with prosciutto, melted swiss and fontina with roasted garlic onio…
Officer Violently Attacked By Inmate At Sing Sing In Ossining Officer Violently Attacked By Inmate At Sing Sing In Ossining
Officer Violently Attacked By Inmate At Sing Sing In Ossining An officer suffered serious injuries after an inmate attacked him in a stairwell at a maximum-security prison in Northern Westchester, officials said. The assault occurred on Monday, Nov. 18, just after 10:30 a.m., as inmates were returning to their cells from morning recreation, according to the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA). The incident began when an inmate was seen yelling in the stairwell between two cell blocks. The officer ordered the inmate to return to his cell, but he refused. When the officer approached and repeated the order,…
Record 8.7M Thanksgiving Travelers Expected At Port Authority Crossings: What You Need To Know Record 8.7M Thanksgiving Travelers Expected At Port Authority Crossings: What You Need To Know
Record 8.7M Thanksgiving Travelers Expected At Port Authority Crossings: What You Need To Know The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is preparing for a record-breaking 8.7 million travelers to use its airports and crossings during the Thanksgiving travel period, from Monday, Nov. 25, to Monday, Dec. 2.  Travelers should expect heavy traffic, longer wait times, and parking challenges, the agency announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Approximately 3.2 million passengers are expected to travel through John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and New York Stewart International airports—an increase of 2% from last year’s record volume. To accommodat…
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced to nine years in prison following a dramatic burglary incident where he and an accomplice posed as FBI agents during a violent home invasion.  Westchester County resident Oscar Castillo, age 37, from Yonkers, was sentenced on Monday, Nov. 18, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. He was also sentenced to five years of post-release supervision.  The sentence stems from Castillo's 2023 guilty plea to burglary charges linked to a 2017 incident in Washingtonville. Castillo, who initially evaded sentencing by not appearing in c…
44-Year-Old Caught With Crack Cocaine, Gun During Westchester Traffic Stop: Police 44-Year-Old Caught With Crack Cocaine, Gun During Westchester Traffic Stop: Police
44-Year-Old Caught With Crack Cocaine, Gun During Westchester Traffic Stop: Police A 44-year-old Westchester man faces a long list of charges after he was caught with crack cocaine and a handgun during a traffic stop, police said.  New Rochelle resident Desmond Carter was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 19 following a traffic stop in Mount Vernon, New York State Police announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20.  According to authorities, just after noon on Tuesday, troopers pulled over a 2015 BMW 328 Series on Mount Vernon's Union Avenue for violations of vehicle and traffic laws.  The driver, Carter, was found to be driving with a suspended license. He then tried running…
New Update: Thanksgiving Storm Will Dampen Travel With Mix Of Rain, Sleet, Snow New Update: Thanksgiving Storm Will Dampen Travel With Mix Of Rain, Sleet, Snow
New Update: Thanksgiving Storm Will Dampen Travel With Mix Of Rain, Sleet, Snow A new storm will bring a mix of snow, sleet, and rain on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, causing widespread disruptions for travel and holiday festivities. A pair of scenarios will be at play as the holiday week progresses, one of which could produce accumulating snow across portions of the Ohio Valley and Northeast, AccuWeather meteorologists say. "The first scenario involves a slow-moving storm, meaning potentially longer-lasting impacts from the Tennessee and Ohio valleys through the Northeast," says AccuWeather. "The second scenario sends the same storm farther south and off the Ca…
Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Unveils Smart Carts At New Northern Westchester Location Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Unveils Smart Carts At New Northern Westchester Location
Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Unveils Smart Carts At New Northern Westchester Location Imagine strolling through your local supermarket, scanning items, calculating your total, and then, skipping the checkout line? Thanks to an AI-powered "smart cart," that's now possible. This futuristic shopping experience is now a reality in select ShopRite locations in the East Coast as the supermarket chain introduces technology designed by Instacart to save shoppers time and make grocery runs smoother than ever. The so-called "Caper Carts" are designed to make grocery shopping faster, smarter, and more interactive. To date, about a dozen ShopRite stores have added the carts as another…
Alex Jones Sues Sandy Hook Families In Fight To Keep Control of Media Empire: Report Alex Jones Sues Sandy Hook Families In Fight To Keep Control of Media Empire: Report
Alex Jones Sues Sandy Hook Families In Fight To Keep Control of Media Empire: Report In a case that reads like dark satire itself, Alex Jones is suing the comedy website The Onion and the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre claiming they colluded to buy his right-wing conspiracy theory show "InfoWars" in a bankruptcy auction, reports said. Lawyers for Jones, who owes a $1.5 billion judgment to Sandy Hook families after spreading false claims that the 2012 school shooting was a hoax, argued in court documents that The Onion's winning $1.75 million bid was "flagrantly non-compliant" and designed to "rig the process," according to NPR. Earlier Report: Back…
1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products 1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products
1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products A multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry products has killed an infant and sickened at least 10 others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials are investigating infections linked to recalled Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. The illnesses were in New York, New Jersey, California, and Illinois between Wednesday, July 31 and Thursday, Oct. 24, the agency said. Of 11 people with information available, nine have been hospitalized. In California, one pregnant woman and her twins were sick and both infants died. But …
Luxurious Oceanfront Estate With 10 Bedrooms Among NY's Priciest Listings At $85M Luxurious Oceanfront Estate With 10 Bedrooms Among NY's Priciest Listings At $85M
Luxurious Oceanfront Estate With 10 Bedrooms Among NY's Priciest Listings At $85M Life’s a beach at this sprawling oceanfront estate in New York. Located on Long Island in the Southampton village of Sagaponack, 635 Daniels Lane is currently among the priciest residential listings in Nassau and Suffolk counties at $85 million. Clocking in at 13,690 square feet situated on more than 5 acres overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the coveted home boasts 10 bedrooms and 14 bathrooms. 635 Daniels Lane in Sagaponack. The Corcoran Group “Purchased over 60 years ago by real estate family scions, this owner carved out a generous slice of beachfront for himself and developed a m…
Phone Scam Involving Fake Jury Summons Targets Hudson Valley Residents Phone Scam Involving Fake Jury Summons Targets Hudson Valley Residents
Phone Scam Involving Fake Jury Summons Targets Hudson Valley Residents Authorities are warning Hudson Valley residents about a phone scam in which callers impersonate sheriff’s office personnel and demand payment via gift cards.  The scam has been reported in Putnam County, the county's Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, Nov. 22. According to authorities, the caller claims to be “Sergeant Cook” from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and falsely states that the recipient failed to respond to a jury summons. The scammer then threatens that a warrant will be issued for the recipient’s arrest unless they pay using gift cards. The Sheriff’s Office emphasi…