Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Christmas Lotto Cheer: Hudson Valley Player Hits $50K On Powerball Christmas Lotto Cheer: Hudson Valley Player Hits $50K On Powerball
Christmas Lotto Cheer: Hudson Valley Player Hits $50K On Powerball Yippee! A lucky Hudson Valley Powerball player has $50,000 to spend for Christmas after winning the third-place prize for the Wednesday, Dec. 18 game. New York Lottery officials said the ticket was sold at the Quick Chek store on Route 9W in Newburgh in Orange County. The winning numbers were 06-15-18-33-49 with a Powerball of 7.  The unidentified player had to select four correct numbers and the Powerball to win the third prize.  No word yet on who the winner is. The Powerball drawing is televised every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 11 p.m.
Dump Truck Hits 5 Crashed Vehicles On I-84 In Hudson Valley, Causes Closures Dump Truck Hits 5 Crashed Vehicles On I-84 In Hudson Valley, Causes Closures
Dump Truck Hits 5 Crashed Vehicles On I-84 In Hudson Valley, Causes Closures A multi-vehicle crash involving five cars and a dump truck caused lane closures on Interstate 84 and sent three people to the hospital in the Hudson Valley, police said.  The incident happened around 6:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18 on Interstate 84 westbound in the Putnam County town of Kent, New York State Police announced on Thursday, Dec. 19.  According to investigators, traffic was slowing for an unknown reason when a driver failed to reduce speed in time, triggering a chain-reaction rear-end crash involving five vehicles. They all came to rest in the lanes of travel, blocking…
Longtime Hudson Valley Police Officer Suspended Following DWI Longtime Hudson Valley Police Officer Suspended Following DWI
Longtime Hudson Valley Police Officer Suspended Following DWI A longtime police sergeant from the Hudson Valley has been suspended for 30 days without pay after allegedly being caught and charged with driving while intoxicated. According to New York State Trooper Jennifer Alvarez, Eric J. VanAllen, age 46, of Kingston, was arrested on Friday, Dec. 13, for DWI after he was found sleeping in a 2025 Dodge Ram pickup at an intersection in Gardiner. On the scene, troopers found a 2025 Dodge Power Ram pickup truck stopped at the intersection and VanAllen "seemingly sleeping" in the driver's seat.  The vehicle's passenger also appeared asleep in the pa…
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…
2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend In Hudson Valley: Here's Your Forecast 2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend In Hudson Valley: Here's Your Forecast
2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend In Hudson Valley: Here's Your Forecast A winter storm is poised to bring light to moderate snowfall to eastern New York, western Massachusetts, and parts of Connecticut from Friday morning, Dec. 20 through Saturday evening, Dec. 21, according to the National Weather Service. A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for the region, warning of slippery travel conditions, particularly during the Friday evening commute. While snowfall amounts are expected to remain below advisory levels—less than 4 inches—hazardous road conditions are likely. Thursday will be partly sunny with a high near 39°F and northwest winds of 7 to 10 mph, …
Woman Missing Almost 2 Weeks In Sullivan County, Sheriff Says Woman Missing Almost 2 Weeks In Sullivan County, Sheriff Says
Woman Missing Almost 2 Weeks In Sullivan County, Sheriff Says The Sullivan County Sheriff's Office is asking the public for help locating a woman who has been missing for almost two weeks. The Sheriff's Office said Gina F. Intranuovo, age 31, of Swan Lake, was last seen on Saturday, Dec. 7, wearing a blue winter coat, black pants, black boots, and a pink purse. Intranuovo is 5-foot-6, has brown hair and eyes, and is 180 pounds.  Anyone with information concerning Intranuovo's whereabouts is urged to contact the Sheriff's Office at 845-794-7100 ext. 1.  All calls will be kept confidential.
Man Slashes Victim’s Face, Damages Vehicle In NY: Police Man Slashes Victim’s Face, Damages Vehicle In NY: Police
Man Slashes Victim’s Face, Damages Vehicle In NY: Police A violent altercation in the region has led to the arrest of a man accused of allegedly assaulting another man with a knife and causing extensive damage to his vehicle. According to Lt. Mark Johnston of the Village of Monticello Police, the incident occurred on Friday, Dec. 13, at 10 p.m. in the parking lot of the Stewart’s convenience store on Forestburgh Road.  Johnstone said the 38-year-old victim told officers he was putting air in his vehicle’s tires when he was approached by Miguel A. Jimenez, age 29, of Monticello, assaulted and slashed in the face with a pocket knife. Jimenez …
Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon
Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon As the holiday season peaks, the Teamsters Union has initiated a significant strike against Amazon, targeting facilities in four states. This action is described as the largest labor movement in the company’s history. On Thursday morning, December 19, union members began protests at a fulfillment center in Queens, New York, with additional strikes occurring in Atlanta, Southern California, and Skokie, Illinois. The union aims to highlight unacceptable working conditions and Amazon’s refusal to engage in collective bargaining.  Their demands include better wages, hours, and benefits fo…
Keeping Your Sugar Levels In Check Keeping Your Sugar Levels In Check
Keeping Your Sugar Levels In Check With the holiday season underway, it’s safe to say that many of us indulge in a little more sugar than usual at this time of year. Being responsible with sugar intake is important, as many of us may be prediabetic or at risk of prediabetes without knowing. Let’s talk a little bit about what prediabetes is, its causes and risk factors, and how to prevent and treat it. Asma Khan, MD, Sun River Health Urgent Care, Nyack Sun River Health What is Prediabetes? Prediabetes is a pre-diagnosis or “warning sign” of diabetes. It happens when your blood glucose (sugar) level is higher than …
Merging Storm Systems To Bring Snow, Rain, Sleet: Here's Timing Merging Storm Systems To Bring Snow, Rain, Sleet: Here's Timing
Merging Storm Systems To Bring Snow, Rain, Sleet: Here's Timing A coastal storm will merge with an Alberta Clipper system, bringing a mix of snow, sleet, and rain, causing slippery travel at the tail end of the workweek. The merging of the two is expected late in the afternoon and into the evening on Friday, Dec. 20, the National Weather Service says. Prior to that, there will be a chance for a mix of rain and slow in the morning. "As the clipper storm nears the Atlantic coast later Friday and Friday night, a transformation will take place," according to AccuWeather. How quickly that the clipper storm's energy transfers to a budding coastal storm…
Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now
Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now Flu activity is now widespread across New York State, prompting an advisory from authorities. Under this declaration by State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against the flu must wear masks in certain settings to protect vulnerable patients. “The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against infection,” said Dr. McDonald. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated and ensure you don’t miss out on holiday celebrations.” Flu cases are surging across the state.  As of Saturday, Dec. 14, more than 23,000 cases have been r…
CEO Murder: ABC To Air New 20/20 Special On Case - Here's When CEO Murder: ABC To Air New 20/20 Special On Case - Here's When
CEO Murder: ABC To Air New 20/20 Special On Case - Here's When A shocking crime that has captivated the nation is the focus of a new TV special. ABC News Studios primetime one-hour program, "Manhunt: Luigi Mangione and the CEO Murder – A Special Edition of 20/20" premieres Thursday, Dec. 19, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. EST on ABC, with streaming available the following day on Hulu. The program examines the case of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson's murder on Wednesday, Dec. 4 in Manhattan, a story that sparked national attention and a surprising social media movement hailing suspect Luigi Mangione as a folk hero for some. Featuring a detailed breakdown…
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Hudson Valley Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Hudson Valley
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Hudson Valley A backyard in New York became the site of a remarkable prehistoric discovery when a homeowner unearthed a complete and well-preserved jaw of a mastodon, an ancient relative of modern elephants. Alongside the jaw, researchers also uncovered a toe bone fragment and a piece of a rib. The discovery began in the Hudson Valley when the Orange County resident noticed two large teeth protruding from the soil beneath a plant near the home in Scotchtown, according to the New York State Museum in a social media post on Tuesday, Dec. 17. After further digging revealed additional teeth, experts from th…
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $71M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $71M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $71M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Dec. 18 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $71 million with a $33 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, Dec. 21. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 06-15-18-33-49 with a Powerball of 07 and the Power Play was 2X. 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 millio…
NTSB Report Sheds Light On NY Plane Crash That Killed VA Pilot, Animal Rescuer NTSB Report Sheds Light On NY Plane Crash That Killed VA Pilot, Animal Rescuer
NTSB Report Sheds Light On NY Plane Crash That Killed VA Pilot, Animal Rescuer The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report detailing the events leading up to a plane crash in Windham, NY, that claimed the life of a Virginia pilot dedicated to rescuing dogs in need. The crash occurred on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at approximately 6:10 p.m. The single-engine Mooney M20J, piloted by 49-year-old Seuk Kim of Springfield, VA, was traveling from Harford County Airport in Maryland to Albany International Airport when it went down in a remote, wooded area of Greene County, as previously reported by Daily Voice. According to the NTSB report, t…
Drunk Driver 'Violently' Resists Arrest After Erratic I-684 Stop In Hudson Valley, Police Say Drunk Driver 'Violently' Resists Arrest After Erratic I-684 Stop In Hudson Valley, Police Say
Drunk Driver 'Violently' Resists Arrest After Erratic I-684 Stop In Hudson Valley, Police Say A traffic stop on Interstate 684 in the Hudson Valley led to a violent confrontation with an intoxicated Connecticut man who resisted arrest, authorities said. The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, when a Putnam County Sheriff's deputy saw a vehicle driving southbound near Exit 10 in Brewster that was allegedly unable to maintain its lane, the Sheriff's Office said on Wednesday, Dec. 18.  After stopping the vehicle, the deputy identified the driver as 36-year-old Fairfield County resident Dimas Minero Argueta of Norwalk and noted that he appeared to be intoxicated, ac…
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Health officials have confirmed the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 18 saying the infection was diagnosed on Friday, Dec. 13, following contact the patient made with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock. The case was reported in Louisiana and marks the first H5N1 case in the US linked to exposure to backyard poultry.  Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States. H5 is generally less severe than…
2 Cars Collide At Busy Hudson Valley Intersection 2 Cars Collide At Busy Hudson Valley Intersection
2 Cars Collide At Busy Hudson Valley Intersection Two vehicles were involved in a collision that blocked traffic at a busy Hudson Valley intersection. The crash happened in Putnam County on Tuesday, Dec. 17 just after 10 a.m., when two cars collided at the intersection of Route 6 and Jonathan Drive in Mahopac, according to the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department. Following the incident, two people were taken by ambulance to be evaluated for injuries.  More information about the crash was not immediately available. 
Hudson Valley Man Headed To Prison For Child Sex Abuse Hudson Valley Man Headed To Prison For Child Sex Abuse
Hudson Valley Man Headed To Prison For Child Sex Abuse A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced to prison for his conviction of sexual abuse of a 7-year-old child. Carlos Fernando Pinola Pop, 41, of Kingston, was found guilty of the Sept. 2023 incident and sentenced to four and a half years. In addition, Pinola Pop will have to register with the New York State Sex Offender Registry; he may also be subjected to deportation under federal law, said Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji. The District Attorney's office said that during the incident, Pinola Pop subjected a child to sexual contact by placing his hands and penis on her …
Holiday Heart: Hudson Valley Church To Host Christmas Dinner For Homeless, Lonely Holiday Heart: Hudson Valley Church To Host Christmas Dinner For Homeless, Lonely
Holiday Heart: Hudson Valley Church To Host Christmas Dinner For Homeless, Lonely Christmas is usually a season of joy and family gatherings. But for the homeless or lonely, it can be challenging to cope. To help, the First Baptist Church of Spring Valley will serve Christmas dinner and distribute coats and food packages to the homeless, indigent, and lonely on Christmas Day. Deacon Michael Williams said the church, whose theme is "Love thy Neighbor," will also deliver dinners and food packages to homebound members, their neighbors, and the homeless in Spring Valley and surrounding communities.  According to Williams, the number of attendees can reach 200…
Young Woman Jumps To Death From NY Viaduct, Motorist Heard Her Fall: MTA Young Woman Jumps To Death From NY Viaduct, Motorist Heard Her Fall: MTA
Young Woman Jumps To Death From NY Viaduct, Motorist Heard Her Fall: MTA A 24-year-old Hudson Valley woman jumped to her death from the Moodna Viaduct, which carries Metro-North Railroad's Port Jervis Line over the Moodna Creek early this week. Ryley S. Buononato, a resident of Amenia in Dutchess County, jumped around 2:45 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 16, according to an MTA spokesman. A motorist traveling on Otterville Road in Cornwall, where the viaduct is located, reported hearing an abnormal sound, the MTA said. The driver pulled the car over and found a white female near the roadway. The MTA Police were notified by local police and assumed the lead on the investig…
This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies
This Trendy Treat Is Rolling Into Spotlight As Sweet Complement To Christmas Cookies Move over gingerbread and sugar cookies — sesame balls are quietly making their way onto holiday dessert tables this year.  Traditionally found in Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines, these golden, chewy orbs are earning a buzzworthy reputation as a standout complement to classic Christmas sweets. Known as Jian Dui in Chinese cuisine and Bánh Cam in Vietnamese culture, sesame balls are made from glutinous rice flour, stuffed with sweet fillings like red bean or lotus paste, and fried to perfection.  The result? A crispy exterior coated in toasted sesame seeds, with a sa…
Coastal Gem Named Best Small Town In US To Visit In New Rankings Coastal Gem Named Best Small Town In US To Visit In New Rankings
Coastal Gem Named Best Small Town In US To Visit In New Rankings A charming coastal town has been crowned the best small town to visit in the United States, earning the top spot in U.S. News & World Report’s newly released rankings. The annual list highlights destinations that capture the essence of small-town America with their scenic beauty, cultural offerings, and laid-back atmosphere. T his year, Bar Harbor, Maine, claimed the No. 1 position, praised for its idyllic setting, stunning coastal views, and gateway to Acadia National Park. Nestled along Maine’s rugged coastline, Bar Harbor attracts visitors year-round with its fresh seafood, boutique…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 17 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $760M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 17 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $760M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 17 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $760M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 17 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $760 million with a $352.1 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 56-66-67-68-69 with a Mega Ball of 18 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, Dec. 20.  MegaMillions 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…
Payback Time: NY Delivery Drivers Will Get Cut Of $4M Settlement Over Withheld Tips Payback Time: NY Delivery Drivers Will Get Cut Of $4M Settlement Over Withheld Tips
Payback Time: NY Delivery Drivers Will Get Cut Of $4M Settlement Over Withheld Tips Thousands of local delivery drivers are in for a much-deserved payday. Drizly, a now-defunct alcohol delivery platform, reached a $4 million settlement with the State of New York on Tuesday, Dec. 17, for failing to ensure that delivery workers received their rightful tips. According to New York Attorney General Leitita James, Drizly encouraged customers to tip delivery workers but sent the funds to liquor store owners instead. Store owners were responsible for distributing the tips, but in many cases, workers did not receive the money they earned. The investigation also revealed that Driz…
$145M Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds $145M Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds
$145M Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds A Northern Westchester man who earned the nickname “The Magician” for his ability to slash tax bills has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a massive $145 million fraud scheme that spanned a decade, federal officials announced. Rafael Alvarez, age 61, of Cortlandt Manor, entered the plea in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, Dec. 17, after being charged with conspiracy to defraud the US and aiding the preparation of false tax returns, according to Edward Y. Kim, Acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  Alvarez, the CEO and owner of ATAX, a Bronx-based tax preparation bu…
Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment
Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment As accused serial killer Rex Heuermann faces his seventh murder charge, the stories of his alleged victims – young women whose lives were tragically and violently cut short – offer a haunting reminder of the human toll behind the Gilgo Beach case. Here’s a closer look at the seven victims named in the indictment: Melissa Barthelemy, 24 Melissa Barthelemy Suffolk County Police Described by family as a talented hair stylist from the Bronx, she dreamed of opening her own salon. She was last seen alive on July 10, 2009, in her basement apartment on Underhill Avenue.  Barthelemy’s…
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Mangione is charged with one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of second-degree murder. Mangione, a 26-year-old Maryland native, had fled New York City after the high-profile targeted assassination outside the New York Hilton in Manhattan on Wednesday, Dec. 4.  UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. UnitedHealthcare After a days-long manhunt, Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsy…
Traffic Impact To Last Nearly 2 Years As $30M Road Project Begins Near Hudson Valley HS Traffic Impact To Last Nearly 2 Years As $30M Road Project Begins Near Hudson Valley HS
Traffic Impact To Last Nearly 2 Years As $30M Road Project Begins Near Hudson Valley HS Drivers should brace for delays, as a major $30 million construction project near a Hudson Valley high school is expected to impact traffic for nearly two years.  The project, which began in the Putnam County town of Carmel in September, will widen Fair Street from Simpson Road to Route 52, add sidewalks and streetlights, improve drainage, and create a new turning lane to make it easier to enter and exit the Carmel High School parking lot. The work is expected to continue through summer 2026, Carmel Central School District officials said in an announcement on Friday, Dec. 13.  Pu…
Update: Police ID Victim In 3-Vehicle Hudson Valley Crash Update: Police ID Victim In 3-Vehicle Hudson Valley Crash
Update: Police ID Victim In 3-Vehicle Hudson Valley Crash Police have identified a 40-year-old Hudson Valley man who was killed in a three-vehicle crash. Alberto Mata, of Chester, was killed around 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, on Route 94 (Main St.), in front of the Chester Firehouse, said the Village of Chester Police. An exact cause for the crash that involved two SUVs and a pickup truck was not immediately apparent.  The crash remains under investigation. 
NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say
NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann was formally charged with murdering a seventh victim. Heuermann, 60, of Massapequa Park, was indicted for second-degree murder in the killing of Valerie Mack in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday morning, Dec. 17. Mack, a 24-year-old Wildwood, NJ woman was working as an escort when she disappeared in 2000. A group of hunters discovered her skeletal remains wrapped in a plastic bag in a wooded area of Manorville in November 2000. She had been decapitated, and both of her hands had been severed from her body, prosecutors said. Her right leg had a…