Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

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 Thursday, Dec. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 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…
Car Slams Into Tree, Bursts Into Flames In Bedford Car Slams Into Tree, Bursts Into Flames In Bedford
Car Slams Into Tree, Bursts Into Flames In Bedford A driver was hospitalized after crashing their car into a tree in Northern Westchester, starting a fire that stretched to surrounding brush. The crash happened in Bedford on Wednesday morning, Nov. 20, when a vehicle left the roadway and hit a tree on Harris Road, according to the Bedford Fire Department.  The car ignited on impact, prompting a quick response from fire crews.  The driver was later rushed to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. Meanwhile, crews worked to extinguish the blaze and surrounding brush fire.  A Class D fire extinguisher, which is specifically f…
Bobcat Sighting Reported In This Northern Westchester Village, Officials Say Bobcat Sighting Reported In This Northern Westchester Village, Officials Say
Bobcat Sighting Reported In This Northern Westchester Village, Officials Say Village officials in Northern Westchester are warning residents to protect their pets following a bobcat sighting. The warning came in an announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from Croton-on-Hudson village officials, who said they had received a report of a bobcat sighting within the community. Although officials did not specify where the sighting occurred, they urged residents to know how to "coexist safely" with the species.  This includes:  Protecting pets by keeping them indoors and securing livestock in predator-proof enclosures; Avoiding the intentional and unintentional fee…
Decade-Old Mystery Unraveled: Police Identify Remains As Missing NY Woman Decade-Old Mystery Unraveled: Police Identify Remains As Missing NY Woman
Decade-Old Mystery Unraveled: Police Identify Remains As Missing NY Woman After nearly a decade, police in New York have identified human remains found in a wooded preserve as those of Amanda King, who vanished in November 2013.  King's remains were found in Rensselaer County in Troy on Sunday, Oct. 20, near Campbell Avenue in the. Burden Pond Preserve, said Troy Police Assistant Chief Steven Barker. She was age 27 when she disappeared. Troy Police were led to the police by a resident who discovered human remains. Identification was confirmed through dental records and DNA analysis, Barker said. King, reported missing over a decade ago, from Schenecta…
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…
Lucky Winner For Life: Lottery Ticket Worth At Least $7M Sold At Store In Northern Westchester Lucky Winner For Life: Lottery Ticket Worth At Least $7M Sold At Store In Northern Westchester
Lucky Winner For Life: Lottery Ticket Worth At Least $7M Sold At Store In Northern Westchester A lucky visitor to a store in Northern Westchester is set to receive a thousand dollars every day after buying a winning lottery ticket.  A Cash4Life top-prize-winning lottery ticket worth a guaranteed minimum of $7 million was sold in Thornwood for the drawing on Wednesday, Nov. 20, New York Lottery officials announced.  Officials added that the ticket was sold at 618 Columbus Avenue Stationery at 618 Columbus Ave. in Thornwood.  Wednesday's winning numbers were 27 28 38 39 55 with a Cash Ball of 01. 
Trump AG Pick Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Consideration Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations Trump AG Pick Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Consideration Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Trump AG Pick Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Consideration Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations Facing stiff opposition in the US Senate, embattled former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration to be President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general. The 42-year-old Gaetz had been the subject of an investigation by the Justice Department involving allegations of sex trafficking and sex with a minor.  "I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday," Gaetz posted on social media early Thursday afternoon, Nov. 21. "I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many.  "While the momentum was strong, it is clear that…
Driver Freed From Wrecked Vehicle After 2-Car Crash Near Ice Rink In Katonah Driver Freed From Wrecked Vehicle After 2-Car Crash Near Ice Rink In Katonah
Driver Freed From Wrecked Vehicle After 2-Car Crash Near Ice Rink In Katonah Firefighters had to remove a door to free a driver from their car after a two-vehicle crash near an ice rink in Northern Westchester. The crash happened on Thursday, Nov. 21 around 7:30 a.m., when two cars collided on Jay Street near the entrance to the Evarts Ice Rink at the Harvey School in Katonah, according to the Katonah Fire Department.  Arriving fire crews soon realized that one of the drivers was trapped in their vehicle and used portable cutters and spreaders to free them. The driver was then brought into an ambulance.  As a result of the collision, Jay Street was closed…
Man Nabbed After Whipping, Beating 2 Dogs In Westchester: Police Man Nabbed After Whipping, Beating 2 Dogs In Westchester: Police
Man Nabbed After Whipping, Beating 2 Dogs In Westchester: Police A Westchester man was hit with animal cruelty charges after he was caught on camera beating two dogs, including a young puppy, authorities said. Yonkers resident Roger Andrews was arrested on Monday, Nov. 18 after surveillance footage allegedly showed him severely beating two dogs, SPCA Westchester's Humane Law Enforcement Unit announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20.  According to the SPCA, Andrews was seen beating a male puppy named Champ and a female dog named Pretty Girl. The footage depicts him "mercilessly" whipping Champ with a thick rope leash while the puppy screams. Other footage sh…
How Much Should I Spend On My First Home? How Much Should I Spend On My First Home?
How Much Should I Spend On My First Home? One of the biggest questions for first-time homebuyers is, "How much can I afford?" Before you start looking for a home, you should absolutely have your budget in mind. You don’t want to fall in love with a home that’s out of your price-range only to be disappointed that you can’t afford it. Here are some tips on how to determine your home-buying budget. Can you use your rent as a good indicator of a monthly payment? When determining a budget, there are two questions: What can I afford to pay every month? And, what can I afford to purchase? Some buyers might start their search thinking t…
North Salem's Richard Gere Flips Middle Finger On 'Today' Show: Here's Why North Salem's Richard Gere Flips Middle Finger On 'Today' Show: Here's Why
North Salem's Richard Gere Flips Middle Finger On 'Today' Show: Here's Why Richard Gere began his latest appearance on the "Today" show with a gesture that had to be blurred.  The "An Officer and a Gentleman" actor, age 75, appeared on NBC's "Today" on Wednesday, Nov. 20, and started his interview with co-anchor Savannah Guthrie by giving a middle finger, according to a report by People. The gesture prompted shock from Guthrie, who joked, "You just did an obscene gesture on this family morning show! I'm bleeping you!"  If you're wondering why Gere chose to start off his appearance like that, it's because the show had just shown a clip from his new …
Teen, Parent Nabbed After Duo Rides ATV, Dirt Bike On Public Streets In Hudson Valley: Police Teen, Parent Nabbed After Duo Rides ATV, Dirt Bike On Public Streets In Hudson Valley: Police
Teen, Parent Nabbed After Duo Rides ATV, Dirt Bike On Public Streets In Hudson Valley: Police Both a 17-year-old boy and his 51-year-old mother were issued summonses in connection with an incident involving the reckless driving of an ATV and dirt bike on roads near a Hudson Valley high school, police said. The summonses were issued in connection with an incident in Putnam County on Monday afternoon, Nov. 18, when the Mahopac School District Transportation Office reported an ATV and dirt bike driving recklessly on Baldwin Place Road near Mahopac High School, Carmel Police announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20.  An officer caught up with the vehicles and tried stopping them in the Red …
West Point Cadet Among Elite Group Of Rhodes Scholars Headed To Oxford West Point Cadet Among Elite Group Of Rhodes Scholars Headed To Oxford
West Point Cadet Among Elite Group Of Rhodes Scholars Headed To Oxford A West Point grad from the region is one of only 32 students nationwide to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship at the University of Oxford in the fall of 2025. Orange County resident Shepherd Dzina of Tuxedo Park and three other cadets were awarded the scholarship on Saturday, Nov. 16. Dzina is an economics major currently serving as the Brigade Executive Officer at West Point, managing logistics and operations for over 4,400 cadets. He also leads the Finance Club and conducts research with the Army’s Office of Economics and Manpower Analysis. He has interned with the US International Develop…
Complex Storm Sweeping Through Region: Here's Latest Complex Storm Sweeping Through Region: Here's Latest
Complex Storm Sweeping Through Region: Here's Latest A potent storm is sweeping through the region packed with heavy rain, strong wind gusts. and scattered thunderstorms. A radar image of the region from just before 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 above shows areas (in orange) with storms. It's the first soaking rain for much of the Northeast since late September. The second image above shows the broad area where snowfall is expected on the back end of the system from Thursday night into Friday, Nov. 22. A total of 6 to 12 inches is predicted in those spots shown in the darkest shade of blue, mainly areas in the higher elevations of New York, P…
New Barnes & Noble Celebrates Opening In Northern Westchester New Barnes & Noble Celebrates Opening In Northern Westchester
New Barnes & Noble Celebrates Opening In Northern Westchester Book lovers can now get their fix at an all-new Barnes & Noble store in Northern Westchester that just held its grand opening. The Barnes & Noble, located in Mount Kisco at 55-59 South Moger Ave., celebrated its first day in business with a ribbon-cutting held on Saturday, Nov. 16.  The event was attended by village officials such as Mayor Michael Cindrich as well as New York Times Bestselling cooking book author Kathleen Ashmore.  The 13,700-square-foot store is located in a former Walgreens space, according to the Mount Kisco Chamber of Commerce. Earli…
Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk
Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk A major, nationwide recall is underway for more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef due to possible contamination with E. coli. Wolverine Packing Co., based in Detroit, issued the recall, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced late Wednesday night, Nov. 20. The affected products include fresh ground beef with a “use by” date of Nov. 14 and frozen products marked with a production date of Oct. 22. The items, bearing establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA inspection mark, were shipped to restaurants nationwide. View the full product …
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Nov. 20 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $155M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Nov. 20 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $155M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Nov. 20 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $155M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Nov. 20 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $155 million with a $71.3 million cash option. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 16-30-60-62-64 with a Powerball of 25 and the Power Play was 3X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 mil…
Here's When Potent Storm With Rain, Sleet, Snow, Strong Winds Will Intensify Here's When Potent Storm With Rain, Sleet, Snow, Strong Winds Will Intensify
Here's When Potent Storm With Rain, Sleet, Snow, Strong Winds Will Intensify A potent storm will sweep through the Northeast, bringing a mix of rain, sleet, snow, scattered thunderstorms, and strong wind gusts, a week ahead of Thanksgiving. The time frame for the multi-threat, complex system is from late Wednesday night, Nov. 20, into Friday, Nov. 22 as it arrives in the region after forming in the Great Lakes. (See the first image above from AccuWeather.) The second image above shows the broad area where snowfall is expected, with 6 to 12 inches predicted in areas shown in the darkest shade of blue, mainly areas in the higher elevations of New York, Pennsylvania, M…
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…
Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency
Hudson Valley Wildfires Near Containment As Governor Mobilizes Multi-Agency As the wildfires continue to burn across the state and in the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined the extensive efforts to combat them, highlighting the crucial roles played by local and national agencies in tackling the blazes. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, Hochul provided an update on the ongoing wildfire situation in the state, prompting a robust response from more than 400 fire departments and over 1,300 personnel.  These teams have worked tirelessly to contain fires in Orange and Ulster counties, closely coordinating with local fire departments and first responders. Hochul said th…
New Judge To Succeed Disgraced Predecessor Forced To Resign In Northern Westchester New Judge To Succeed Disgraced Predecessor Forced To Resign In Northern Westchester
New Judge To Succeed Disgraced Predecessor Forced To Resign In Northern Westchester A municipality in Northern Westchester has announced its next city judge following the resignation of her predecessor, who was forced to resign after being charged with making sexual innuendos and inappropriate remarks to staff and attorneys on multiple occasions.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Peekskill Common Council revealed the selection of Sophia Trott as the next City Court Judge.  Trott will replace Reginald J. Johnson, who resigned from his position on Monday, Sept. 30 following formal charges filed against him by the New York State Comm…
Popular Farm-To-Table Restaurant Going Strong In Hudson Valley Popular Farm-To-Table Restaurant Going Strong In Hudson Valley
Popular Farm-To-Table Restaurant Going Strong In Hudson Valley A successful farm-to-table restaurant set on a county-owned Hudson Valley farm brought back from disrepair is still impressing patrons more than half a decade after opening.  Tilly's Table, located in the Putnam County village of Brewster on the Tilly Foster Farm at 100 Route 312, opened in June 2017 and is still going strong more than seven years later.  The restaurant opened a few years after the farm was purchased by Putnam County, which brought the property back to working conditions so tourists and community members could enjoy it.  Now, the eatery uses ingredients from…
Westchester Native Jay Leno Falls Down 60-Foot Hill, Hits Head On Rock Westchester Native Jay Leno Falls Down 60-Foot Hill, Hits Head On Rock
Westchester Native Jay Leno Falls Down 60-Foot Hill, Hits Head On Rock Former Tonight Show host Jay Leno is again making headlines for an accident that left him bruised and battered, according to reports.  Leno, age 74, a native New Yorker who grew up in Massachusetts, is recovering from injuries sustained from falling down a 60-foot hill and hitting a rock while trying to make his way to a restaurant in Pennsylvania, the comedian told TMZ in an interview on Tuesday, Nov. 19.  In his interview with the outlet, Leno, seen with an eyepatch and bruised face, explained that he had been trying to take a shortcut to the restaurant from his hotel about 30 m…
Pickleball Club Plans New Facility At Shopping Center In Northern Westchester Pickleball Club Plans New Facility At Shopping Center In Northern Westchester
Pickleball Club Plans New Facility At Shopping Center In Northern Westchester Those who have taken up America's fastest-growing sport will soon be able to make use of a new facility at a Northern Westchester shopping center.  Sportime Pickleball is set to open a 30,000-square-foot pickleball center in the Yorktown Green Shopping Center on Downing Drive in Fall 2025.  The state-of-the-art facility will consist of 12 indoor pickleball courts, two party rooms, a lounge, and a pro shop. It will offer court rentals, level-rated open play sessions, group and private instruction and clinics, tournaments, and even a junior academy for young pickleball players. "We…
22-Year-Old Man Accused Of Putting Phone Under Woman's Skirt In Westchester 22-Year-Old Man Accused Of Putting Phone Under Woman's Skirt In Westchester
22-Year-Old Man Accused Of Putting Phone Under Woman's Skirt In Westchester A 22-year-old man was hit with a felony charge after allegedly putting his phone under a woman's skirt in Westchester, police said. Yonkers resident Gueovanni Patterson was arrested on Thursday, Nov. 14 in connection with an incident that happened in Yonkers earlier in the month, Yonkers Police announced on Tuesday, Nov. 19.  According to the department, on Wednesday, Nov. 6 just before 1:30 p.m., Patterson allegedly walked up behind a young woman and put his cell phone up her skirt. The victim noticed this and tried confronting him, but he then ran off, police said. Passerby the…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 19 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $420M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 19 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $420M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 19 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $420M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Nov. 19 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $420 million with a $191.7 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 05-35-50-51-59 with a Mega Ball of 08 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, Nov. 22.  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…
Linda McMahon Picked To Head Department Of Education Linda McMahon Picked To Head Department Of Education
Linda McMahon Picked To Head Department Of Education President-elect Donald Trump named Linda McMahon, a prominent figure in business and politics, the next Secretary of the Department of Education. Trump noted McMahon's two years working on the Connecticut Board of Education when nominating her as the nation's top teacher. “As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand 'Choice' to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families,” Trump said in a statement that promised she would be a “fierce advocate for Parents’ Rights.” Related: Dr. Oz Tapped To Oversee Medicare, Medi…
Trump Taps Dr. Oz To Lead Medicare, Medicaid Services Trump Taps Dr. Oz To Lead Medicare, Medicaid Services
Trump Taps Dr. Oz To Lead Medicare, Medicaid Services President-elect Donald J. Trump has nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), citing the Pennsylvania-educated heart surgeon’s decades-long dedication to healthcare innovation and public advocacy. The announcement came Tuesday, Nov. 19, as Trump highlighted Oz’s qualifications and ties to the Keystone State. Dr. Oz earned both his medical degree and MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine and Wharton Business School, making him an Ivy League-trained physician and business leader. Trump lauded his achievements in a statement, ca…
'Yikes': SNL Viewers Unimpressed By NY Native Alec Baldwin's Portrayal Of RFK Jr. 'Yikes': SNL Viewers Unimpressed By NY Native Alec Baldwin's Portrayal Of RFK Jr.
'Yikes': SNL Viewers Unimpressed By NY Native Alec Baldwin's Portrayal Of RFK Jr. And the crowd goes… mild. Actor and New York native Alec Baldwin is dividing the internet with his impression of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Saturday Night Live. The 66-year-old Baldwin, a Long Island native from Amityville, appeared in the NBC sketch comedy show’s cold open Saturday, Nov. 16, portraying Kennedy, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be health and human services secretary. Watch the entire clip below. Set in the Oval Office, the scene also featured Dana Carvey as President Joe Biden and James Austin Johnson as Trump. It made fun of Trump’s recent Cabinet nominations, inc…
Car Rolls Over On Busy Northern Westchester Road Car Rolls Over On Busy Northern Westchester Road
Car Rolls Over On Busy Northern Westchester Road A vehicle was severely damaged after rolling over in a two-car crash in Northern Westchester. The crash happened on Tuesday morning, Nov. 19, when two cars collided on Route 129 near Croton Gorge Park in Croton-on-Hudson, according to the village's fire department. The drivers involved declined medical treatment, fire officials said. Both vehicles suffered "significant damage," the department said.
Trump Taps Billionaire Financier, NY Native For Commerce Secretary Trump Taps Billionaire Financier, NY Native For Commerce Secretary
Trump Taps Billionaire Financier, NY Native For Commerce Secretary President-elect Donald Trump has picked another New Yorker for a top Cabinet post. Howard Lutnick, a Long Island native from Jericho and the chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, is his pick for commerce secretary. “He will lead our tariff and trade agenda, with additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative,” Trump announced on Truth Social on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Earlier Report: Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services Lutnick, a co-chair of the president-elect’s transition team, has spent …