69-Year-Old Killed In Christmas Morning Fire At Home In Region 69-Year-Old Killed In Christmas Morning Fire At Home In Region
69-Year-Old Killed In Christmas Morning Fire At Home In Region A 69-year-old man lost his life on Christmas morning after a fire broke out in his Ulster County home, authorities said.  The fire occurred around 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25 at a residence on North Riverside Road (Route 15) in the hamlet of Highland. Firefighters from the Highland, Milton, and Esopus Fire Departments responded to the scene to battle the blaze, New York State Police said on Friday, Dec. 27. Emergency personnel entered the home and found the victim, later identified as Phillip Damberg of Highland, in a bedroom. He was pronounced dead at the scene from smoke inhalati…
Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (VIDEO) Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (VIDEO)
Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (Video) A New York woman is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a jet skier who became stranded on a frozen canal, sending him into frigid waters. The dramatic rescue unfolded on Thursday, Dec. 26, on Long Island's Poospatuck Creek in Mastic Beach, after a jet skier found himself stuck and sinking in the icy water. Kayla Masotto, a nearby resident, sprang into action after spotting the man struggling in the freezing canal. Video shared on Instagram shows Masotto walking out onto the thin ice with her paddleboard to reach the man, whose arms and legs had gone numb from the cold water. A second …
Minimum Wage To Rise In NY: Here's When, How Much Minimum Wage To Rise In NY: Here's When, How Much
Minimum Wage To Rise In NY: Here's When, How Much New Yorkers earning minimum wage will see an increase in their paychecks.  This change, which takes effective on Wednesday, Jan. 1, is part of a broader state initiative aimed at easing the financial burden of rising living costs. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the plan as part of a multi-year agreement with the state legislature.  In New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, the hourly pay will increase from $16 to $16.50.  Meanwhile, the rest of the state will see a jump from $15 to $15.50.  Further annual adjustments linked to inflation will begin in 2027. …
NY Mailbox Thief Nearly Hits Officer In High-Speed NJ Chase, Police Say NY Mailbox Thief Nearly Hits Officer In High-Speed NJ Chase, Police Say
NY Mailbox Thief Nearly Hits Officer In High-Speed NJ Chase, Police Say A Westchester, NY man has been arrested for his role in a mailbox theft ring that plagued Bergen County for weeks, authorities said. Edward Orozco, of Yonkers, was apprehended after a dramatic high-speed chase and a month-long investigation by the Wallington Police Department, Sgt. Brian Rosas said. The theft ring, which targeted mailboxes in October, resulted in thousands of dollars in losses for residents after stolen checks were rewritten and repeatedly deposited, according to Rosas. Wallington police launched an extensive investigation, identifying the suspect vehicle as a blue BMW M-S…
Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help
Are You Running A Local Business? The Team At Daily Voice Wants To Help More than ever, success in business is determined by reach in your community. Daily Voice provides a direct line of communication to your neighbors. Whether you’re a new business or an experienced marketer, we want to work with you. Our products make it easy to reach local customers. Our team of experts can fit any budget. We’re your trusted source for news and information. We also want to be your trusted partner in advertising. Reach out whenever you're ready—we'll be here.
Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old Hudson Valley Robbery (UPDATE) Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old Hudson Valley Robbery (UPDATE)
Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old Hudson Valley Robbery (Update) Following the discovery of new evidence and constitutional violations, a judge has vacated the conviction of the father of an NFL lineman who served years in prison for a Westchester robbery decades ago.  In an announcement on Friday, Dec. 27, the Westchester County DA's Office said a judge overturned the conviction of 67-year-old Jeffrey Koonce, who was found guilty of robbery and weapons possession in 1983 in connection with a 1981 armed robbery at a Mount Vernon social club.  District Attorney Miriam Rocah said her office’s Conviction Review Unit (CRU) uncovered evide…
Hudson Valley Teens Killed In Christmas Crash Remembered For Kindness, Love Hudson Valley Teens Killed In Christmas Crash Remembered For Kindness, Love
Hudson Valley Teens Killed In Christmas Crash Remembered For Kindness, Love A devastating Christmas night car crash in the region claimed the lives of two teens from Orange and Sullivan counties, including one who was preparing to celebrate his 16th birthday. The crash, which happened in the Sullivan County village of Liberty on Wednesday, Dec. 25, claimed the lives of 17-year-old Orange County resident Hannah Reggio of Middletown and 15-year-old Sullivan County resident Joseph Young of Fallsburg, police said.  The crash occurred around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25, on Route 52 near Sullivan Avenue, when a 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck collided with a …
Burger King Serves Up Special One-Day Deal For Free Sandwich Burger King Serves Up Special One-Day Deal For Free Sandwich
Burger King Serves Up Special One-Day Deal For Free Sandwich Burger King is closing out 2024 with a festive treat for loyal customers. As part of its "31 Days of Deals," the fast-food chain is offering a complimentary Original Chicken Sandwich with any $1 purchase on Friday, Dec. 27. This one-day-only deal is part of a month-long promotion featuring daily offers throughout December. The sandwich — a fan favorite — includes a seasoned, breaded chicken patty, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato, and creamy mayonnaise, served on a toasted sesame seed bun. To access the deal, customers must be Royal Perks members and place their orders through the Burger King a…
'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas 'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas
'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas Christmas brought a romantic twist for Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt, who announced their engagement on Thursday, Dec. 26.  Hannity popped the question during a special moment at their church, marking the culmination of their five-year relationship, Fox News reports. “We are overjoyed and so thankful to our families for all of their love and support during this wonderful time in our lives,” the couple said in a statement to Fox News, radiating joy as they celebrated the milestone. Hannity, 62, has deep roots on Long Island, where he grew up in Franklin Square. Start…
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified mutations in the the first severe bird flu case in the US that may increase its ability to infect humans.  These mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, play a key role in helping the virus attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This discovery stems from the first severe US case of H5N1, involving a Louisiana resident over 65 who had direct contact with infected backyard birds.  Earlier report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Notably, these mutations weren’t present in the bird sam…
Freezing Rain Could Cause Dangerous Driving Conditions: Here's Timing Freezing Rain Could Cause Dangerous Driving Conditions: Here's Timing
Freezing Rain Could Cause Dangerous Driving Conditions: Here's Timing A brief period of freezing rain could create hazardous travel conditions. The National Weather Service forecasts this system from Friday night, Dec. 27, into early Saturday morning, Dec. 28. Areas expected to experience a wintry mix and ice are indicated in the image above from AccuWeather. AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Dombek warns that a glaze of ice may form from western Maryland to north-central and northeastern Pennsylvania, northwestern New Jersey, upstate eastern New York, interior Connecticut, western and central Massachusetts, and the southern and central parts of Vermont a…
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NY Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NY
Recall Issued For Popular Frozen Vegetable Product Sold In NY A popular frozen vegetable product is being recalled due to undeclared milk allergens, posing a risk to individuals with milk allergies. Key Details: Company: Lidl Product Name: “Taste of Deutschland Buttered Vegetables” Product Details: 10.5 oz box, UPC 4 056489 122876 Distribution Period: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023 to Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 States Affected: Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia Consumer Action: Do not consume the product. Return it to any Lidl store for a full refund; no rece…
18-Year-Old NYer Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft Now On Worldwide Stage 18-Year-Old NYer Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft Now On Worldwide Stage
18-Year-Old NYer Projected To Be First Pick In NHL Draft Now On Worldwide Stage A native New Yorker projected to be the first pick in this year's National Hockey League is displaying his talents on a worldwide stage. Long Island resident James Hagens had two goals and two assists on Thursday, Dec. 26 as Team USA opened play at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championships with a 10-4 win over Germany in front of over 13,000 fans in Ottawa, Ontario. Hagens' second goal, which he fired in from the slot, gave Team USA a 4-2 lead with six minutes to go in the second period. Hagens, who plays center, had the primary assist on the team's sec…
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds In an era of 24/7 news cycles and social media saturation, most Americans are stepping back from political news to combat fatigue and information overload.
 According to a brand-new nationwide poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 65 percent of adults feel the need to limit their consumption of government and political news.
 This sentiment crosses party lines, but Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to feel overwhelmed (72 percent vs. 59 percent). Additionally, 50 percent of respondents cited the need to cut back on news about overseas conflicts.
 Around…
Here's When Snow's Possible As Separate Storms Line Up Leading Into New Year Here's When Snow's Possible As Separate Storms Line Up Leading Into New Year
Here's When Snow's Possible As Separate Storms Line Up Leading Into New Year Separate storm systems are on track leading up to the start of 2025, with snow possible at times. “We’re going to be tracking multiple storms that will move across the eastern part of the United States during the final days of December and early part of January,” said AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok. The timing of one of the storms could be right around the traditional Times Square celebration in Manhattan on Tuesday, Dec. 31 into Wednesday, Jan. 1. Widespread rainfall is expected, with some areas farther north seeing a wintry mix.  “Rain could arrive before the ball …
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month For the second time in a month a stowaway was caught on a Delta Air Lines flight, sparking concerns. The flight, from Seattle to Honolulu, was preparing for takeoff when crew members discovered the unticketed passenger onboard, leading to the plane returning to the gate on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Delta Airlines said that safety protocols were followed, resulting in the passenger’s removal and subsequent detention by law enforcement. The identity of the person has not been released. “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed…
MURDER-SUICIDE: IDs Of Three Dead Released In Post-Christmas Sullivan County Shooting MURDER-SUICIDE: IDs Of Three Dead Released In Post-Christmas Sullivan County Shooting
Murder-suicide: IDs Of Three Dead Released In Post-Christmas Sullivan County Shooting Police have released additional details in a triple murder-suicide in Sullivan County, NY the day after Christmas. Law enforcement was dispatched to a shooting incident at 10 Sunset Point Yankee Lake in Mamakating at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, NY State Police said. Troopers arrived to find 65-year-old Thomas K. Fusco, of Wurtsboro, dead inside the residence from a gunshot wound, NYSP said. The investigation, conducted by State Police with assistance from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, led to a search warrant being executed at …
Oppenheimer Ave? Proposal To Rename NY Street After 'Father Of Atomic Bomb' Raises Eyebrows Oppenheimer Ave? Proposal To Rename NY Street After 'Father Of Atomic Bomb' Raises Eyebrows
Oppenheimer Ave? Proposal To Rename NY Street After 'Father Of Atomic Bomb' Raises Eyebrows A proposal to rename a New York street after the so-called father of the atomic bomb is raising eyebrows. Long Island’s Frank Flynn took to Facebook on Christmas Eve to announce he was starting a petition to rename Bay Shore’s South Saxon Avenue to Oppenheimer Avenue – after theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. “Why? I’m glad you asked,” the Bay Shore native wrote on the “Original Islip This & That” Facebook group Tuesday, Dec. 24. “Well it turns out that world-renowned scientist and father of the A-bomb, Robert Oppenheimer, lived in a vacation house on Saxon Avenue! So why not…
2 Teens Killed In Christmas Crash In Region 2 Teens Killed In Christmas Crash In Region
2 Teens Killed In Christmas Crash In Region A Christmas night car crash in a Sullivan County village claimed the lives of two teens, police said. New, updated report - 17-Year-Old Hudson Valley Girl Killed In Christmas Crash Remembered For Warmth, Ambition The collision occurred around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25, on Route 52 near Sullivan Avenue in Liberty, when a 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck collided with a 2003 Toyota Corolla, according to the Village of Liberty Police Department.  The driver of the Toyota, identified as 17-year-old Orange County resident Hannah Reggio of Middletown, was airlifted to Westchester Me…
Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird
Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird Winter is the best time to see bald eagles in New York, and the Hudson Valley offers some of the top spots for viewing these iconic birds of prey, according to conservation experts. Nature lovers hoping to catch a glimpse of bald eagles soaring through New York skies should head outdoors during the winter months, as December, January, and February are the top times to see these majestic birds, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced in a social media post on Monday, Dec. 23.  This is because bald eagles are most active during the winter, with peak numbers …
Polluters Pay Up: NY Law Forces Fossil Fuel Companies To Fund Climate Protections Polluters Pay Up: NY Law Forces Fossil Fuel Companies To Fund Climate Protections
Polluters Pay Up: NY Law Forces Fossil Fuel Companies To Fund Climate Protections New York is making polluters pay up. A landmark law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 26, created a “Climate Superfund” requiring large fossil fuel companies to pay for critical projects aimed at protecting residents from severe weather impacts like flooding and extreme heat. The move is meant to shift the cost of climate resilience projects from New Yorkers to those most responsible for the pollution, Hochul’s office said. “With nearly every record rainfall, heatwave, and coastal storm, New Yorkers are increasingly burdened with billions of dollars in health, safety, and envir…
'Aviation Operations' Taking Place In Hudson Valley, Police Say: Here's Why 'Aviation Operations' Taking Place In Hudson Valley, Police Say: Here's Why
'Aviation Operations' Taking Place In Hudson Valley, Police Say: Here's Why Authorities in the Hudson Valley are advising residents not to worry about what's in the sky above popular recreational trails.  In an announcement on social media on Thursday, Dec. 26, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said they are "aware of aviation operations" near the county's bike paths.  Authorities added that the operations are being carried out to help maintain the paths. The Putnam Trailway, a paved path for bicyclists and pedestrians, spans 12 linear miles through the county. It begins at the Westchester border at Baldwin Place and goes to Brewster Village.  It …
Christmas Eve Blaze: Firefighters Save Cats, Family Escapes At Southeast Home Christmas Eve Blaze: Firefighters Save Cats, Family Escapes At Southeast Home
Christmas Eve Blaze: Firefighters Save Cats, Family Escapes At Southeast Home A Hudson Valley family was forced from their home during a Christmas Eve blaze that prompted a multi-department response.  The fire broke out shortly after 6 p.m. in Putnam County on Tuesday, Dec. 24, at a residence located at 414 North Salem Rd. in Southeast, according to the Brewster Fire Department.  Crews arrived within six minutes to find the house, located approximately 500 feet from the road, fully engulfed in flames.  The family inside the home managed to evacuate before firefighters arrived, though one family member sustained minor burns, Brewster Second Assistant C…
Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics
Red, Blue, And You: New Tool Lets Homebuyers Check Neighbors' Politics Homebuyers are increasingly considering political leanings when choosing neighborhoods, according to a brand-new report.  Real estate agents note that clients prioritize communities aligning with their political views, seeking compatibility beyond traditional factors like schools and safety, the Axios story says. This trend may lead to more politically homogeneous neighborhoods, potentially impacting local governance and community interactions. Additionally, new real estate platforms, such as Oyssey, provide insights into neighborhood political affiliations, further enabling buyers to…
Armed Man Brings Major Police Presence To Sullivan County Home On Christmas: Sheriff Armed Man Brings Major Police Presence To Sullivan County Home On Christmas: Sheriff
Armed Man Brings Major Police Presence To Sullivan County Home On Christmas: Sheriff Sullivan County Sheriff’s deputies safely resolved a tense domestic dispute involving an armed man early Christmas morning, authorities said. At approximately 12:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25, deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic dispute at 144 Lucky Lake Drive in Rock Hill, the department said. Upon arrival, deputies learned that Justin J. Gallo, 37, had argued with family members, fired a shotgun through a glass door, and was threatening to harm himself. Several family members and friends were still inside the residence. Deputies called in the Sheriff’s Emergency Services…
NYC Taxi Jumps Curb: 9-Year-Old Boy Among 6 Struck On Christmas, NYPD Says (UPDATE) NYC Taxi Jumps Curb: 9-Year-Old Boy Among 6 Struck On Christmas, NYPD Says (UPDATE)
NYC Taxi Jumps Curb: 9-Year-Old Boy Among 6 Struck On Christmas, Nypd Says (Update) A 9-year-old boy was among three people hospitalized when a taxi drove up onto the sidewalk and plowed into six pedestrians on Christmas Day in New York City, the NYPD says. The 58-year-old male taxi cab driver was heading north when his vehicle went onto the sidewalk at 34th Street and struck the six people just before 4 p.m., a spokesperson for the NYPD said.  Among those injured were a 9-year-old boy who suffered a cut on his right thigh, a 19-year-old female, a 37-year-old female, a 41-year-old female, and two 49-year-old women, one of whom suffered a leg injury.  Police did …
NY Eatery With Menu Crafted For Sharing Ranks No. 1 Nationwide In New Restaurant List NY Eatery With Menu Crafted For Sharing Ranks No. 1 Nationwide In New Restaurant List
NY Eatery With Menu Crafted For Sharing Ranks No. 1 Nationwide In New Restaurant List The East Coast is well-represented on Yelp's just-released rankings of the best new restaurants in 2024. "For this list, the data team analyzed business rating and review volume for restaurants opened in the last 18 months," Yelp said. NY Well-Represented Leading the pack is Mēdüzā Mediterrania, located in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District.  This top-ranked eatery specializes in “Mezze” dishes, which are typically served as appetizers or light meals in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines.  The menu is crafted for sharing and features a delightful variety of f…
Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook
Storm Could Bring Snow Just As New Year Begins: Here's Long-Range Outlook The arrival of an unsettled weather pattern at the end of this week will bring a storm system that could deliver snow as the new year begins. Current long-range models indicate that the potential snowmaker may arrive on Wednesday, Jan. 1. If it arrives overnight, we could see accumulating snowfall. However, with daytime temperatures expected to be in the 40s, any snow during the day may mix with rain, or precipitation could be entirely rain. There’s also a chance for a wintry mix or snow on Thursday, Jan. 2. Before this unsettled weather begins, expect dry conditions from Christmas Day, W…
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a specific lot of eye drops due to potential fungal contamination, which could cause serious eye infections. The recall involves lubricant eye drops under the Systane brand, manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, following a report of fungal material found in a sealed vial.  No illnesses have been reported, but fungal contamination can pose vision-threatening risks and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications for immunocompromised individuals. Details of the recall: Specific brand: Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 24 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $1B Jackpot It may be a merry Christmas for lucky Lottery players looking for a $1 billion jackpot under the tree. The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 24 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $1 billion with a $448.8 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 11-14-38-45-46 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, Dec. 27.  MegaMillions Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chan…
Beloved Putnam Doctor, Vietnam Veteran Dies: Remembered For Dedication To Patients, Family Beloved Putnam Doctor, Vietnam Veteran Dies: Remembered For Dedication To Patients, Family
Beloved Putnam Doctor, Vietnam Veteran Dies: Remembered For Dedication To Patients, Family The Hudson Valley is mourning the loss of a cherished physician and community leader, Dr. Jeffrey S. Carr, who died peacefully after a brief illness. Carr, a Northern Westchester resident who called Somers home, died on Tuesday, Dec. 17 at the age of 85, according to his obituary.  Born on Sept. 30, 1938, in Brooklyn to Edward and Minnie Carr, Carr was a proud Brooklyn native and lifelong Mets fan. He graduated from Erasmus Hall High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Queens College, where he participated in academic and extracurricular activities such as the Tau …