Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Medical Care Building's Structural Stability Damaged In Somers Crash  (UPDATE) Medical Care Building's Structural Stability Damaged In Somers Crash  (UPDATE)
Medical Care Building's Structural Stability Damaged In Somers Crash (Update) Crews had to shore a compromised part of a Northern Westchester medical care building after a vehicle crashed through its wall.  The crash happened on Thursday, Dec. 12 around 2:45 p.m., when a car crashed into the Optum Medical Care building at 342 Route 202 in Somers, according to the Somers Volunteer Fire Department.  According to the department, arriving fire crews began shoring the building's compromised area while removing the driver from their car. Several other agencies helped respond to the crash, including the Westchester County Technical Rescue Team and the Bedford Hil…
Hudson Valley Family Displaced By Fire, Firefighter Injured Hudson Valley Family Displaced By Fire, Firefighter Injured
Hudson Valley Family Displaced By Fire, Firefighter Injured A Hudson Valley family was displaced after a fire ripped through the home, traveling through the heating duct system. The incident occurred at 60 Gove St. in the City of Newburgh at 10:45 a.m. on Thursday, December 12. According to Mike Neppl, chief of staff for the City of Newburgh, the seat of the fire was located in the basement of the home, with fire traveling in the heating system ductwork to the upper floors. The fire was put out by 11 a.m. Neppl said one firefighter was struck by debris when the first-floor ceiling failed. He was transported to St. Luke’s Hospital, where he was trea…
Arrest Made In Connection To July Attempted Murder Shooting In Hudson Valley Arrest Made In Connection To July Attempted Murder Shooting In Hudson Valley
Arrest Made In Connection To July Attempted Murder Shooting In Hudson Valley Police have made a significant breakthrough in a case that rattled the community in July that left a man in critical condition and three women injured. Jaimez T. Freeman, age 20, of Poughkeepsie, was arrested on Friday, Dec. 13, in connection with the alleged attempted murder and illegal possession of a weapon in the City of Poughkeepsie on Friday, July 5, at 380 Main St. According to Det. Sgt. Terrence Beam, the shootings took place as a large disorderly group gathered on Main Street. During the shootings, Beam said a 28-year-old man was transported to a local hospital with life…
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best! Hudson Valley, it’s time to show some love for your favorite local businesses! Daily Voice has officially launched the voting phase of its inaugural Readers’ Choice competition, and the power is in your hands to crown the best of the best. Our readers submitted nominations earlier this fall, and now the top contenders are ready for your votes. With over 80 categories spanning six major groups, this is your chance to celebrate the local gems that make Hudson Valley a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the business…
Police On The Hunt For Suspects In 2 Hudson Valley Home Burglaries Police On The Hunt For Suspects In 2 Hudson Valley Home Burglaries
Police On The Hunt For Suspects In 2 Hudson Valley Home Burglaries Police in the Hudson Valley are hunting for suspects involved in two home burglaries during the early morning hours. Capt Michael Shannon of the Orangetown Police said the break-ins occurred on Friday, Dec. 13, around 4:15 a.m. in Pearl River and Orangeburg. Shannon said the first burglary occurred on Pinto Road in Pearl River. The suspects gained entry through a lower lever window. The suspects, dressed in dark-hooded sweatshirts and ski masks, left the home without taking anything. Shannon said the second incident occurred a short time later at a Howard Avenue residence in Orangeburg. T…
Filming To Close Major Rockland County Roadway Filming To Close Major Rockland County Roadway
Filming To Close Major Rockland County Roadway A busy Rockland County roadway will be closed on Monday, Dec. 16, to film a popular television series. The causeway will be closed between Ridge Road and Stonewall Lane in Clarkstown from 8:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the filming of the NBC Peacock series Poker Face. Clarkstown Police said a detour route would be posted, routing vehicles to Route 304, Route 9W, and Old Haverstraw Rd. Laurent Rejto, director of the Hudson Valley Film Commission, confirmed the filming and said, "Unfortunately, unlike Season 1, most of Season 2 was filmed in New York City." Poker Face stars Natasha Lyonne as quirk…
Stormy Stretch Could Set Stage For New Snowmaker: Here's Timing Stormy Stretch Could Set Stage For New Snowmaker: Here's Timing
Stormy Stretch Could Set Stage For New Snowmaker: Here's Timing A quick-moving system bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and rain will mark just the start of a stormy stretch. As the temperature gradually rises after daybreak on Monday, Dec. 16, precipitation will change to rain in inland locations where snow and sleet caused delayed school starts and some closures. (See the first image above from AccuWeather.) According to the National Weather Service, there will be rain and patchy drizzle at times throughout the day and evening. Rain could linger into Tuesday morning, Dec. 17, before clouds give way to gradual clearing and eventual sunshine on a mild day…
New Update: These Putnam County School Districts Are Closed, On Delayed Starts New Update: These Putnam County School Districts Are Closed, On Delayed Starts
New Update: These Putnam County School Districts Are Closed, On Delayed Starts The following school districts have scheduled closures and delayed starts on Monday, Dec. 16 as a result of wintry conditions: Westchester County Bedford Central School District, two-hour delay Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District, two-hour delay Byram Hills Central School District, two-hour delay Chappaqua Central School District,  two-hour delay Croton-Harmon Union Free School District, two-hour delay Hendrick Hudson School District, closed for students, employees on two-hour delay (updated) Lakeland Central School District, three-hour delay Katonah Lewi…
Pair Who Flew Drone Dangerously Close To Boston's Logan Airport In Custody After Pursuit: Cops Pair Who Flew Drone Dangerously Close To Boston's Logan Airport In Custody After Pursuit: Cops
Pair Who Flew Drone Dangerously Close To Boston's Logan Airport In Custody After Pursuit: Cops Two Massachusetts men were arrested on Saturday, Dec. 14, after a hazardous drone operation near Logan International Airport triggered a coordinated safety response, police said. Boston Police officers apprehended 42-year-old Robert Duffy of Charlestown and 32-year-old Jeremy Folcik of Bridgewater, on Long Island in the Boston Harbor Islands around 10:22 p.m. Both face charges of trespassing, with additional charges potentially pending. The incident began at 4:30 p.m. when a Boston Police Officer monitoring real-time crime surveillance detected a drone dangerously close to Logan Internation…
New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Stewart Airport To Shut Down New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Stewart Airport To Shut Down
New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Stewart Airport To Shut Down Following an incident at a New York airport that disrupted operations, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that federal partners are deploying a state-of-the-art drone detection system to New York State. The announcement follows a significant disruption in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, where a drone forced a temporary shutdown of the airport’s runways, delaying flights. State and federal agencies are continuing their investigation into the incident. After that event, Hochul called for additional resources to bolster drone detection and response …
Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Set To Increase: Here's When, How Much Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Set To Increase: Here's When, How Much
Tappan Zee Bridge Toll Set To Increase: Here's When, How Much Drivers crossing the new Tappan Zee Bridge will soon face a higher toll, according to the New York State Thruway Authority. The increase will go into effect on Wednesday, Jan. 1, with a 50-cent hike to the base NY E-ZPass toll rates and tolls-by-mail that began in 2024 and will continue each year through 2027, when it hits $7.75. The annual price increase means E-Z pass users will begin paying $6.75 on New Year's Day. The adjustment also includes an enhancement to the Westchester and Rockland Resident Discount Plan, which will rise from 17 percent to a 20 percent discount. The 40&nbs…
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…
Luxury French Department Store Set To Open First US Location in NY Luxury French Department Store Set To Open First US Location in NY
Luxury French Department Store Set To Open First US Location in NY A touch of Parisian luxury will soon be arriving in America. Printemps, the iconic French department store, is prepares to open its first US location in the spring of 2025.  The new store, which will be located in Manhattan, will occupy 55,000 square feet within the historic One Wall Street building in the Financial District, blending classic architecture with modern elegance. Founded in 1865, Printemps is celebrated for its high-end fashion, beauty, and lifestyle offerings.  The Manhattan location aims to capture the spirit of its flagship Paris store, showcasing a carefully cu…
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 14 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $45M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 14 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $45M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Saturday, Dec. 14 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $45M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Saturday, Dec. 14 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $45 million with a $21 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. 16. The winning numbers for Saturday's drawing were 12-17-23-52-67 with a Powerball of 01 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 t…
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Stewart Airport, Prompts Hochul Call For Federal Action Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Stewart Airport, Prompts Hochul Call For Federal Action
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Stewart Airport, Prompts Hochul Call For Federal Action Runways at a Hudson Valley airport were brought to a halt after drone activity disrupted operations for approximately an hour, prompting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to escalate calls for immediate federal intervention. Click here for a new, updated story: New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport To Shut Down Hochul said the incident happened in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor. “This has gone too far,” Hochul stated, addressing growing concerns over unauthorized drones in sensitive airspace. The incident ma…
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense The man accused of gunning down a health insurance titan on a bustling New York City street is now at the center of another storm— this one inside a courtroom.  Facing a murder charge that could lead to life in prison, Luigi Mangione has turned to one of the most seasoned legal minds in the country to fight for his freedom. Enter Karen Friedman Agnifilo, the former Manhattan prosecutor who’s now tasked with defending the 26-year-old Mangione against allegations of ambushing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside the New York Hilton Midtown on Wednesday morning, Dec. 4.  With…
Army-Navy Game: Trump, Vance To Watch Midshipmen, Black Knights Football Faceoff Army-Navy Game: Trump, Vance To Watch Midshipmen, Black Knights Football Faceoff
Army-Navy Game: Trump, Vance To Watch Midshipmen, Black Knights Football Faceoff The stage is set for one of the most anticipated matchups in college football history as Navy (8-3) faces off against #22 Army (11-1) in the 125th Army-Navy Game on Saturday, Dec. 14. The game begins at 3 p.m. at Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD.  The stakes are higher than ever, with both teams gunning for the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy in what promises to be a thrilling showdown in this historic rivalry. VP-elect JD Vance will be joined by newly-acquitted Daniel Penny to be his guest at the Army-Navy game, and are expected to join President-elect Donald Trump in his suite. Fo…
North Salem Eatery Earns Michelin Guide Star: 'Modern Farmhouse' North Salem Eatery Earns Michelin Guide Star: 'Modern Farmhouse'
North Salem Eatery Earns Michelin Guide Star: 'Modern Farmhouse' A successful restaurant set inside a farmhouse in Northern Westchester has received more recognition from the prestigious Michelin Guide.  La Bastide By Andrea Calstier, located in North Salem at 721 Titicus Rd. (Route 116), is one of thirteen new eateries in the New York City area to receive Stars from the  Michelin Guide, which helps readers discover the best restaurants by listing establishments well-received by its reviewers.  The North Salem restaurant was one of eight One Stars, an indicator of "high-quality cooking." In its write-up of the eatery, …
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…
Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 13 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $695M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 13 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $695M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Friday, Dec. 13 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $695M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Friday, Dec. 13 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $695 million with a $322 million cash option. The winning numbers were 36-43-52-58-65 with a Mega Ball of 16 and a Megaplier of 3X. 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. 17. 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…
Aviation Geek Turns Holiday Legend: Airport-Themed Display Spreads Christmas Cheer In Rockland Aviation Geek Turns Holiday Legend: Airport-Themed Display Spreads Christmas Cheer In Rockland
Aviation Geek Turns Holiday Legend: Airport-Themed Display Spreads Christmas Cheer In Rockland Shrieks of joy from children and large smiles from the adults greet New City resident Gary Cirlin when he flips the switch on his large Christmas light display, which is much more than just lights. Named the "New City North Pole Airport," the home of envy is located at 12 Oriole Road in New City. It features thousands of lights and interactive exhibits. The neighbors don't seem to mind the miles of cars that line up each night to see the display, the laughs, the bright lights, and the sheer joy the whole thing has become. Gary Cirlin decked out his car and his house. Gary Cirlin It…
NY Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud NY Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud
NY Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud In a quiet Long Island neighborhood, one house stands out this holiday season – not just for its 25,000 twinkling lights, but for the sheer joy and nostalgia it radiates. Crowds are flocking to Jason Orsini’s Smithtown residence each evening to take in his jaw-dropping light display: a painstaking recreation of the beloved holiday classic, "National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” The Griswold family station wagon donning their Christmas tree. Cousin Eddie’s RV. Aunt Bethany’s lime Jell-o mold. It’s all there. “I didn’t expect [the response] to be this big,” the 45-year-old Orsini, a marrie…
Two Men From Region Nabbed With 2 Kilograms Of Cocaine On I-87 Two Men From Region Nabbed With 2 Kilograms Of Cocaine On I-87
Two Men From Region Nabbed With 2 Kilograms Of Cocaine On I-87 In a significant drug bust, the New York State Police apprehended two Staten Island men during a routine traffic stop on I-87 in Catskill.  Walter A. Harris, age 38, and Johnny C. Mitchell, age 35, were busted shortly after midnight on Saturday, Dec. 7, said Trooper AJ Hicks.  Hicks said an investigation led to the discovery of approximately 2.2 kilograms of cocaine and more than $3,200 in cash. Both men were charged with possession of a controlled substance and intent to sell.  They were arraigned and held without bail at the Greene County Jail. 
Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line
Cops ID Pilot, Passenger Killed In I-684 Plane Crash At NY/CT Line Authorities have released the identities of both the pilot who survived and the passenger who died in a small plane crash that shut down Interstate 684 at the border of Fairfield, CT and Westchester, CT counties for hours. Kalmen Goldberger, 26, of Linden, NJ, had reported engine trouble before the single-engine Tecnam P-2008 went down in the center median of I-684 near Exit 2 in Harrison Thursday, Dec. 12 around 7:15 p.m., officials said. Goldberger survived, however, his passenger, Jacob Yankele Friedman, 32, of the Rockland County hamlet of Monsey, was pronounced dead at the sc…
'Stay Calm,' Say Rockland County Officials After Drone Sightings 'Stay Calm,' Say Rockland County Officials After Drone Sightings
'Stay Calm,' Say Rockland County Officials After Drone Sightings Rockland County officials are urging residents to remain calm after at least four sightings of drones were spotted flying over the region late Thursday, Dec. 12, and into New Jersey. “We understand that these drone sightings may be unsettling and are taking these reports seriously,” said County Executive Ed Day.  Day said he has notified federal authorities and written a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to have the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate and provide answers about who is behind these drone sightings. The d…
Disturbance at Dutchess County Homeless Shelter Leads to 2 Deputies Injured Disturbance at Dutchess County Homeless Shelter Leads to 2 Deputies Injured
Disturbance at Dutchess County Homeless Shelter Leads to 2 Deputies Injured The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office reported the arrest of Isaiah E. Lodge, age 27, after deputies responded to a disturbance call and he bit them and held one in a chokehold. Capt. John Watterson said the incident occurred in Poughkeepsie around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12. They were called to a homeless shelter on North Hamilton Street for a disorderly person threatening staff. As the deputies attempted to arrest Lodge, Watterson said the incident escalated when he resisted arrest, injuring two deputies by biting them and employing a chokehold.  The altercation required the resp…
CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change
CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change The head of UnitedHealth Group is calling for change in the healthcare industry after the targeted killing of the CEO of one of its two subsidiaries. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down outside the Midtown Hilton Hotel in Manhattan at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. On Monday, Dec. 9, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the case. At the time of his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Mangione was found to be in possession of a three-page manifesto critical of healthcare companies. He condemned UnitedHealthcare's increasing ma…
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA The senators representing New York and New Jersey are demanding answers about the drones that have been spotted flying in the skies of New York and New Jersey this past month. New York Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, all Democrats, wrote a letter on Thursday, Dec. 12 to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FAA Director Michael Whitaker demanding an immediate briefing on what they are doing to address the issue. "We are...especially concerned about how these drones may …
Violent Stabbing Near High School In Region Leads to Multiple Arrests Violent Stabbing Near High School In Region Leads to Multiple Arrests
Violent Stabbing Near High School In Region Leads to Multiple Arrests A 16-year-old boy is in critical but stable condition after being stabbed multiple times near his high school in the region. The incident occurred on Buckley Street around 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12, in Sullivan County's village of Liberty. According to Liberty Police Chief Steven D'Agata, officers responded to Liberty High School after the injured teen had entered school grounds seeking help after being stabbed.  School Resource Officers applied a tourniquet to stop severe bleeding from multiple stab wounds, D'Agata said. The teen was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center in Vaha…
Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When
Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When Skywatchers are in for a treat as the Cold Moon, December’s full moon, illuminates the night sky.  Known as the Cold Moon for its association with the chilly winter season, this celestial event will be visible at its peak Sunday morning, Dec. 15, passing opposite the sun at 4:02 a.m. Eastern time, according to NASA. But that's not the only time to keep an eye on the sky. The moon will appear full for about three days from Friday evening, Dec. 13 through Monday morning, Dec. 16, NASA says, calling it "a full moon weekend." The Cold Moon rises just after sunset and will remain vis…
Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion
Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion Shake Shack is launching a limited-time promotion offering free burgers with a qualifying purchase during the holiday season.  The “Holiday Burger Blitz” will run from Monday, Dec. 16, to Tuesday, Dec. 24, providing customers with a free burger each day when they spend a minimum of $10 and use the code BURGERBLITZ at checkout. The promotion features a different burger each day, including popular items like the ShackBurger, SmokeShack, and Avocado Bacon Burger. The schedule for the free offerings is as follows: Monday, Dec. 16: ShackBurger Tuesday, Dec. 17: SmokeShack Wednesday, Dec. …