Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Who Is Luigi Mangione? What We Know About Person Of Interest In CEO Murder Who Is Luigi Mangione? What We Know About Person Of Interest In CEO Murder
Who Is Luigi Mangione? What We Know About Person Of Interest In CEO Murder After a week of speculation and viral memes on social media, authorities have identified a person of interest in the killing of UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny announced Monday, Dec. 9, that 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, who has ties to Maryland, is considered a suspect in the murder. He was eating at a McDonald's in Altoona, PA when an employee recognized him and called local police, Kenny said (scroll down for more on Mangione's apprehension). Mangione's Facebook page shows that he is from Towson, MD and studied at the University of Pennsylvania. His…
Taco Takeover: Popular Fairfield County Chef Debuts New Taqueria Taco Takeover: Popular Fairfield County Chef Debuts New Taqueria
Taco Takeover: Popular Fairfield County Chef Debuts New Taqueria Taco lovers in Fairfield County, rejoice — a new restaurant that promises bold flavors of scratch-made Mexican classics opened this week.  Bluebird Taqueria, located at 21 Glenville St. in Greenwich's Glenville Shopping Center, opened Monday, Dec. 9, and promises to serve a menu packed with fresh, handmade dishes. The restaurant is the latest venture from Greenwich native Mike Pietrafeso, known for local favorites such as Ada’s Kitchen + Coffee in Riverside and Roost Kitchen + Coffee in Cos Cob and Darien. With nearly a decade since his last new concept, Pietrafeso says he’s excited t…
Daniel Penny Acquitted In Chokehold Death Of Jordan Neely Aboard NYC Subway Car Daniel Penny Acquitted In Chokehold Death Of Jordan Neely Aboard NYC Subway Car
Daniel Penny Acquitted In Chokehold Death Of Jordan Neely Aboard NYC Subway Car A New York ex-Marine was acquitted in the chokehold death of a New Jersey street artist aboard a Manhattan subway. Daniel Penny was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely by a Manhattan jury on Monday, Dec. 9, following 20 hours of deliberations, CBS News reports. It came days after Judge Maxwell Wiley dismissed a manslaughter charge against Penny after jurors were unable to reach a verdict on the top count. The 26-year-old Penny, a Long Island resident from West Islip, had been accused of killing 30-year-old New Jersey native Jordan Neely aboard a …
New Update - CEO Murder: ID Released For 26-Year-Old Being Held In PA In Connection To Case New Update - CEO Murder: ID Released For 26-Year-Old Being Held In PA In Connection To Case
New Update - CEO Murder: ID Released For 26-Year-Old Being Held In PA In Connection To Case The identity has been released of a 26-year-old being held in Pennsylvania in connection with the murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City. The man was located in Altoona, about 280 miles away from Manhattan and about 100 miles east of Pittsburgh, after a Greyhound bus he was traveling on stopped at a McDonald's, authorities said. The man has been ID'd as Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the NYPD announced. Mangione is from Towson, Maryland. According to his LinkedIn page, he was the valedictorian at the Gilman School in Baltimore, and received both Bachelor's and Maste…
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…
Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency
Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency Five new laws signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will make it easier for residents to do everything from canceling health memberships to learning about restaurant sanitary inspections while saving them money. “At a time when New Yorkers are experiencing the devastating effects of rising prices, it’s important that I do everything I can to put more money back in their pockets,” Hochul said.  Here are the five new laws: Canceling health club memberships: Health clubs must accept the cancellation of membership within 10 days of receiving the request. The previous law gave them 15 days.…
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Nearly 30 percent of US pharmacies closed between 2010 and 2021, according to a new study in the health-policy publication Health Affairs. The research, led by University of California Berkeley assistant professor Jenny S. Guadamuz and colleagues, analyzed data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, county health statistics, and ZIP Code demographic surveys.  Of the 88,930 retail pharmacies operating in 2010, almost one-third shuttered by 2021, with those in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods disproportionately affected, Independent pharmacies were hit ha…
Westchester Supreme Court Justice Admonished For Improper Communications Westchester Supreme Court Justice Admonished For Improper Communications
Westchester Supreme Court Justice Admonished For Improper Communications A Westchester County Supreme Court justice has been admonished for engaging in unauthorized conversations, officials announced.  In a decision on Thursday, Nov. 7, the New York State Commission on Judicial Conduct announced the admonishing of Westchester Supreme Court Justice Lewis J. Lubell for communications he had with fellow Supreme Court Justice Thomas Quinones about a case involving his attorney friend.  According to the Commission's determination, on August 19, 2022, Justice Lubell initiated an ex parte conversation with Quinones about a case involving his pe…
Potent Storm To Bring Heavy Rain, Strong Winds: Here's When It Will Hit Potent Storm To Bring Heavy Rain, Strong Winds: Here's When It Will Hit
Potent Storm To Bring Heavy Rain, Strong Winds: Here's When It Will Hit The arrival of an unsettled pattern will bring several days of wet weather, including a potent storm with gusty winds that could dump up to 4 inches of rainfall in parts of the region. The National Weather Service says the storm will move from the southwest to the east on Tuesday night, Dec. 10, into Wednesday, Dec. 11. (See the first image above from AccuWeather.) The storm, which will accompany a cold front, will bring widespread rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, with 2 to 4 inches in the areas indicated by the darker shade of green in the second image above. During the storm's height, there wi…
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm Fewer high school graduates began college this fall, with enrollment in that age group dropping 5 percent from last year, according to an analysis by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.  Four-year institutions were hardest hit, with public colleges seeing an 8.5 percent drop in first-year enrollments and private nonprofit colleges reporting a 6.5 percent decline.  This trend poses significant challenges for colleges and universities, particularly those reliant on tuition revenue.  As the competition for students intensifies, institutions face mounting pressur…
Largest Deal In Pro Sports History: Juan Soto Signs With NY Mets For $765M Largest Deal In Pro Sports History: Juan Soto Signs With NY Mets For $765M
Largest Deal In Pro Sports History: Juan Soto Signs With NY Mets For $765M It's truly one for the books. New York Yankees free agent right fielder Juan Soto has reportedly agreed to a $765 million, 15-year deal to go crosstown and join the rival Mets. It's the largest deal in pro sports history, with no deferred money, a $75 million signing bonus, and an opt-out after five seasons, according to mlb.com. The signing represents a bold move for Mets owner Steve Cohen in his quest to build a championship-caliber team. He outbid not only the Yankees but also Soto's other suitors: the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Toronto Blue Jays. News…
Firefighters Battle 2-Alarm Blaze At New Rochelle Home (PHOTOS) Firefighters Battle 2-Alarm Blaze At New Rochelle Home (PHOTOS)
Firefighters Battle 2-Alarm Blaze At New Rochelle Home (Photos) Firefighters swiftly extinguished a two-alarm house fire that erupted Sunday afternoon, Dec. 8, in New Rochelle. The fire broke out shortly after 4 p.m. at a residence located at 1347 North Ave. Crews worked diligently to contain the blaze, bringing it under control just before 6 p.m., local resident and fire buff Domenic Ramacciato tells Daily Voice. Ramacciato captured the scene, sharing striking photos of the response on his Instagram page (click here for photos). No additional details about the fire or possible injuries were immediately available.
Santa’s Holiday Drop Becomes 'Claus' For Concern When He Gets Stuck 60 Feet Up At Area Event Santa’s Holiday Drop Becomes 'Claus' For Concern When He Gets Stuck 60 Feet Up At Area Event
Santa’s Holiday Drop Becomes 'Claus' For Concern When He Gets Stuck 60 Feet Up At Area Event It was a ho-ho-hold-on-tight moment for Santa Claus when he got stuck some 60 feet on the side of a building in Fairfield County during a Christmas celebration event, leading to a high-flying rescue. This is why Santa sticks with the reindeer. The Norwalk Holiday Extravaganza turned into an unexpected spectacle Saturday evening, Dec. 7, when a performer dressed as Santa Claus found himself stranded on the side of a building at 50 Washington Street, the Norwalk Fire Department said.  The incident happened around 6:30 p.m. as Santa rappelled down the 13-story building. According to…
NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises
NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises New York is taking a major step toward supporting mental health in the workplace. A bill signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul Friday, Dec. 6, allows employees statewide to file for workers’ compensation for specific types of mental injury caused by extraordinary work-related stress. The crucial protections were previously limited to first responders. “New Yorkers work hard — and those who have experienced the unthinkable while on the job deserve to be treated fairly,” Hochul said. “The mental health crisis our country has experienced since the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, and we need to do …
NY 'Star Trek' Fan Beams Up Legal Help In Battle Over Vanity Plate Snafu NY 'Star Trek' Fan Beams Up Legal Help In Battle Over Vanity Plate Snafu
NY 'Star Trek' Fan Beams Up Legal Help In Battle Over Vanity Plate Snafu A Long Island woman is contesting tickets issued from all over the nation tied to her distinctive "Star Trek" vanity license plates despite not having driven her car in four years, according to a new report. Beda Koorey, a 76-year-old resident of Huntington and a devoted "Star Trek" fan, believes her license plates were cloned, resulting in tickets for violations in locations she never visited, according to CBS News. She says she's even being billed for E-ZPass tolls. The plates bore the same number as the Starship Enterprise: NCC-1701.  Click here to read the complete CBS News repor…
Fugitive In Fake Virus Home Invasion Sentenced — Westchester Jeep Clue Cracked The Case: Feds Fugitive In Fake Virus Home Invasion Sentenced — Westchester Jeep Clue Cracked The Case: Feds
Fugitive In Fake Virus Home Invasion Sentenced — Westchester Jeep Clue Cracked The Case: Feds A Romanian man involved in a terrifying 2007 Connecticut home invasion has been sentenced to seven years in prison after evading capture for 15 years, authorities said.  Stefan Alexandru Barabas, 38, was part of a group that terrorized two residents in a scheme that seemed straight out of a nightmare. Just before midnight, Barabas and his accomplices — Emanuel Nicolescu and Alexandru Lucian Nicolescu — broke into a South Kent home wearing masks and wielding knives and fake guns, the US Attorney for Connecticut said.  They tied up and blindfolded two adults, injecting them with a s…
New Images Show Suspect Fleeing In Cab After Brazen Targeted Killing Of CEO In Manhattan New Images Show Suspect Fleeing In Cab After Brazen Targeted Killing Of CEO In Manhattan
New Images Show Suspect Fleeing In Cab After Brazen Targeted Killing Of CEO In Manhattan New images released by authorities show the suspect in the brazen targeted killing of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare companies in midtown Manhattan fleeing the crime scene in the back of a taxi cab. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: 26-Year-Old Being Held In Pennsylvania In Connection To Manhattan Case The NYPD released the latest images early Sunday morning, Dec. 8.  "The full investigative efforts of the NYPD are continuing, and we are asking for the public's help," the NYPD said in a statement accompanying the release of the new i…
Gas Station Jackpot: Lucky Player Snags $33K in Westchester Gas Station Jackpot: Lucky Player Snags $33K in Westchester
Gas Station Jackpot: Lucky Player Snags $33K in Westchester A quick stop at the gas station turned into a life-changing pit stop for one lucky lottery player in Westchester, who snagged a prize that’s sure to fuel plenty of celebrations.  The top-prize-winning Take 5 ticket, which was worth $33,578, was sold for the Wednesday, Dec. 4, evening drawing at a Hartsdale gas station, New York Lottery officials announced. The business where the ticket was purchased was identified as the BP gas station at 74 South Central Ave. (Route 100).  The winning numbers were 1 7 24 26 37.  If you want to try your hand at the game, Take 5 drawing…
This Is Lone US Locale To Make Top 10 Of World's Best Cities In New Rankings This Is Lone US Locale To Make Top 10 Of World's Best Cities In New Rankings
This Is Lone US Locale To Make Top 10 Of World's Best Cities In New Rankings Moving On Up: Here's Where NYC Ranks Among World's Best Cities New York City has made significant progress in a new list of the world's best cities.  The 2024 Top 100 City Destinations Index, published by Euromonitor International, ranks global cities based on tourism performance, sustainability, and economic strength. While Paris retained its crown as the top city, New York City climbed higher on the list, continuing to cement its place as a top global destination. It was ranked 10th last year, and is now at No. 6. The Top 10 cities in the rankings include: No. 1: Paris. No. 2: Ma…
Coquito Crowned As Holiday Favorite Drink In New York, New Jersey Coquito Crowned As Holiday Favorite Drink In New York, New Jersey
Coquito Crowned As Holiday Favorite Drink In New York, New Jersey This holiday season, New Yorkers and New Jerseyans are raising their glasses to Coquito, the creamy, coconut-infused Puerto Rican drink that’s outshining eggnog as the region’s go-to festive cocktail, a new study by Drinksworld shows. The creamy blend of coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum is cementing its place as a holiday classic, showcasing the Northeast’s diverse tastes and cultural influences.  The study, which analyzed Google search data for festive drinks, found Coquito leading the pack in NY and NJ, while Eggnog topped the charts in 12 states and Hot Buttered Rum in 10. F…
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 7 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $260M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 7 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $260M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 7 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $260M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Saturday, Dec. 7 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $260 million with a $125.5 million cash option after there was no winner in the past week. If no Lottery player claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9. The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 01-31-43-55-57 with a Powerball of 22 and the Power Play was 2X. Powerball39 Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus…
New Shake Shack Coming To Northern Westchester: Here's Where New Shake Shack Coming To Northern Westchester: Here's Where
New Shake Shack Coming To Northern Westchester: Here's Where If you're looking to enjoy burgers, fries, and a milkshake, an upcoming Shake Shack locale in Northern Westchester will satisfy that craving. The fast food chain is planning to open an all-new locale at the site of a former Dunkin' in Mount Kisco at 176 North Bedford Rd. (Route 117), according to a Shake Shack spokesperson.  Although a specific opening date has not yet been revealed, the locale will open at some point in 2025.  The new eatery will serve a variety of burgers, chicken bites, handspun milkshakes, fries, lemonades, and more. It will join locations in Port Cheste…
Wendy’s Begins Closures Of 140 Locations Nationwide Wendy’s Begins Closures Of 140 Locations Nationwide
Wendy’s Begins Closures Of 140 Locations Nationwide Wendy’s has started planned closures of 140 restaurants across the US. The closures are part of a strategic effort to streamline operations and focus on more profitable locations amid rising operational costs and stiff competition. Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner said the restaurant selected for closure are “outdated and located in underperforming areas,” according to CEO Today. The closures are expected to end by year's end. Two Ohio locations were among the first to close, according to the Dayton Daily News. Other locations of scheduled closures have not been released. Customers voiced frustr…
Driver, 28, Seriously Injures Golden Doodle, Leaves Crash Scene In Hudson Valley, SPCA Says Driver, 28, Seriously Injures Golden Doodle, Leaves Crash Scene In Hudson Valley, SPCA Says
Driver, 28, Seriously Injures Golden Doodle, Leaves Crash Scene In Hudson Valley, SPCA Says A Hudson Valley woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly hitting a dog with her car and fleeing the scene, leaving the severely injured pet to suffer, authorities said. The incident occurred on Mon., Dec. 2, around 5:22 p.m., when Putnam County SPCA detectives responded to Center Street in Brewster, the Putnam County SPCA said.  There, they learned that a five-year-old Goldendoodle named Astro was struck by a white Toyota Rav4, suffering severe injuries, officials said. Astro’s family rushed him to Guardian Veterinary Specialists in the Town of Southeast, where he underwent mu…
Long-Range Forecast Reveals Separate Storm Chances Christmas Week Long-Range Forecast Reveals Separate Storm Chances Christmas Week
Long-Range Forecast Reveals Separate Storm Chances Christmas Week Dreaming of a White Christmas? You may get your wish. Long-range weather models indicate the chance for two separate storm systems during Christmas Week, occurring right before and after Wednesday, Dec. 25. The first system is anticipated on Monday, Dec. 23. With overnight low temperatures in the upper teens and low 20s, and daytime highs around the freezing mark, the precipitation is likely to fall as snow.   The second chance for a storm that week will occur on Thursday, Dec. 26, when high temperatures are expected to reach the upper 30s to low 40s, which could result in r…
Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC
Boar’s Head Deli Meat Listeria Outbreak Linked To 10 Deaths Ends After 61 Illnesses: CDC The deadly Listeria outbreak linked to Boar's Head deli meats is over, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. Boar's Head recalled all deli products made at its Jarratt, Virginia facility in July 2024, due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.  The recall included prepackaged deli products and ready-to-eat liverwurst. The CDC announced the conclusion of its investigation, noting that the outbreak resulted in 61 confirmed illnesses across 19 states. Among those affected, 60 were hospitalized, and 10 deaths were reported, underscoring the severity of the cont…
Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 6 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $579M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 6 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $579M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 6 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $579M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 6 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $579 million with a $278/4 million cash option. The winning numbers were 16-21-33-39-45 with a Mega Ball of 24 and a Megaplier of 2X. MegaMillions If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10. 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. Prizes then range fro…
New Eatery Enjoys Great Start In Westchester: Every Meal To Be 'Treasured Memory,' Owners Say New Eatery Enjoys Great Start In Westchester: Every Meal To Be 'Treasured Memory,' Owners Say
New Eatery Enjoys Great Start In Westchester: Every Meal To Be 'Treasured Memory,' Owners Say Westchester residents craving authentic Italian cuisine have a new dining option with the opening of an all-new restaurant that boasts an extensive menu.  Il Sorrento, located in Greenburgh at 706 Central Park Ave. (Route 100) across from the Greenville Fire Department, officially opened on Friday, Nov. 29. Specializing in Southern Italian (Napolitana) cuisine, Il Sorrento is owned and operated by Nick Hoti and Frank Dicola, who bring decades of fine dining experience to the venture, according to Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner.  Dicola’s family previously operated th…
Feds Issue Order For National Milk Testing To Monitor Bird Flu Feds Issue Order For National Milk Testing To Monitor Bird Flu
Feds Issue Order For National Milk Testing To Monitor Bird Flu The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is stepping up efforts to monitor avian influenza (better known as bird flu) with a new federal order mandating national testing of raw milk for the H5N1 virus. The order requires all producers of raw, unpasteurized milk across the US to provide samples for testing as part of a broad initiative to prevent the spread of bird flu from potentially infected dairy cattle to humans.  The move follows recent detections of the virus in dairy herds in several states, underscoring the importance of controlling outbreaks at the source. While pas…
Dog Helps Young Victim Testify Against Former NYPD Detective From Westchester In Sex Abuse Case Dog Helps Young Victim Testify Against Former NYPD Detective From Westchester In Sex Abuse Case
Dog Helps Young Victim Testify Against Former Nypd Detective From Westchester In Sex Abuse Case In a groundbreaking trial, a court-certified support dog named Eddie helped a young child testify against former NYPD detective Wilson Frias, leading to his conviction on charges of child sexual abuse in Westchester County. Frias, 52, of Briarcliff Manor, was sentenced to five years in prison and ten years of post-release supervision after a jury found him guilty of first-degree sexual abuse, a felony, and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. The abuse occurred on March 11, 2023, in Frias’s home during a playdate. The vic…
$33K Lottery Ticket Sold At Westchester Gas Station $33K Lottery Ticket Sold At Westchester Gas Station
$33K Lottery Ticket Sold At Westchester Gas Station Someone in Westchester is celebrating a major lottery win after purchasing a top-prize-winning TAKE 5 ticket worth $33,578, officials said. The ticket for the Monday, Dec. 4, TAKE 5 EVENING drawing was sold at Hartsdale Fuel Corp, located at 74 S Central Ave. in Hartsdale, the New York Lottery announced. TAKE 5 drawings are held twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., with players selecting numbers from a field of one through 39. Winners have up to one year from the drawing date to claim their prize. The New York Lottery continues to make a significant impact across the state, contributin…