Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Coastal Gem Named Best Small Town To Visit In New Rankings Coastal Gem Named Best Small Town To Visit In New Rankings
Coastal Gem Named Best Small Town 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…
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…
Brand-New Storm To Bring Mix Of Rain, Sleet, Up To Half Foot Of Snow In Some Spots Brand-New Storm To Bring Mix Of Rain, Sleet, Up To Half Foot Of Snow In Some Spots
Brand-New Storm To Bring Mix Of Rain, Sleet, Up To Half Foot Of Snow In Some Spots A complex new storm will bring a mix of rain and sleet, and as much as a half foot of snow to some northernmost locations. First, clouds will give way to gradual clearing and eventual sunshine on a mild day Tuesday morning, Dec. 17, according to the National Weather Service. "A roller-coaster ride of a forecast is in store across the Northeast this week, featuring a wintry mix, rain, a warmup and then the potential for an impactful storm late in the week into the weekend that can feature accumulating snow and very chilly air settling in," said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. …
Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When
Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When An iconic New York hotel will soon be reopening after a years-long renovation. The Waldorf Astoria is on track to be up and running in the spring. It has been closed for renovation since February 2017. The hotel's online reservation system went live last week. An announcement on its website states, "We are opening Spring 2025 and are now accepting reservations for stays and groups beginning September 2025." Known for its Art Deco design and rich history, the Waldorf Astoria has been a symbol of luxury since its original opening in 1931. Over the decades, it has hosted countless celebriti…
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Long Island's Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Long Island's Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Long Island's Best! Long Island, 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 Long Island a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the businesses y…
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $58M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $58M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $58M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $58 million with a $27.1 million cash option after a player in New York recently won the jackpot and reset the prize pool.  If no winner claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The winning numbers for Monday's drawing were 09-30-33-57-61 with a Powerball of  17 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matchi…
NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement
NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement Thousands of cans of baby formula are being distributed to families in need across New York after a settlement was reached with two companies accused of illegal price gouging. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Monday, Dec. 18, that her office had secured $675,000 worth of baby formula from Marine Park Distribution Inc. and its affiliate, Formula Depot Inc., following an investigation into price gouging during the nationwide formula shortage in 2022. The companies allegedly raised formula prices by more than 60 percent in some cases, with costs doubling for certain product…
Carjackers Who Hit Delivery Driver With Baseball Bat Sought After Medford Attack (VIDEO) Carjackers Who Hit Delivery Driver With Baseball Bat Sought After Medford Attack (VIDEO)
Carjackers Who Hit Delivery Driver With Baseball Bat Sought After Medford Attack (Video) Police are seeking tips after a delivery driver was carjacked and assaulted on Long Island. The incident happened in Medford, in front of a home on Race Avenue near Watch Hill Avenue, at around 9:15 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Suffolk County Police said the victim was sitting in his car when two men approached and pulled him out of the vehicle. They struck him with a baseball bat and stole his SUV. The vehicle was recovered a short time later. Police did not elaborate on the man’s injuries or condition. Detectives described the suspects as Black men, between 15 and 25 years old. One was capture…
LI Mom Credits ‘Thick Thighs' For Saving Life After Vicious Dog Attack Involving Daughter LI Mom Credits ‘Thick Thighs' For Saving Life After Vicious Dog Attack Involving Daughter
LI Mom Credits ‘Thick Thighs' For Saving Life After Vicious Dog Attack Involving Daughter Support is swelling for a Long Island mother and author who was seriously injured while saving her daughter from a vicious dog attack. Sarle Jeffries, of Massapequa, described the harrowing ordeal in a GoFundMe campaign. While traveling abroad with her daughters earlier this month, she said she was attacked by a Rottweiler as she shielded her youngest daughter, Veya, who was initially targeted by the dog. “She had to get one stitch after being punctured, but unfortunately, the dog got me and took a chunk out of my leg,” Jeffries wrote. The attack left her with gruesome injuries, including …
Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted LI  Rep. Confesses Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted LI  Rep. Confesses
Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted LI Rep. Confesses Turns out this milkshake drama was all whipped up. A video appearing to show disgraced former New York congressman George Santos being doused in ice cream in Times Square went viral over the weekend. The clip, which had been viewed millions of times on X, shows the 36-year-old convicted felon being accosted by a man seemingly outraged that Santos has “the audacity to show his face.” Watch video of the incident below. After getting the ex-Long Island congressman’s attention, the man tosses a milkshake all over Santos' jacket and asks, “How do you like that?” “You are un-[expletive] believ…
Mysterious Drones Spotted Over Long Island Amid Growing Local, State Monitoring Efforts Mysterious Drones Spotted Over Long Island Amid Growing Local, State Monitoring Efforts
Mysterious Drones Spotted Over Long Island Amid Growing Local, State Monitoring Efforts Mysterious drones that have sparked concerns across New Jersey and New York in recent weeks have now been spotted over Long Island. Local town Facebook and Nextdoor groups were inundated with reported sightings of the so far unexplained aircraft over the weekend, including in Oyster Bay, Huntington Station, Seaford, Northport, West Babylon, and Smithtown. The drones, first reported in mid-November over New Jersey, have caused disruptions and rampant speculation across the region. Notably, operations at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor were halted for nearly an hour on Friday, De…
Victim Dies Days After Violent Carjacking In Deer Park; Suspects Still Outstanding Victim Dies Days After Violent Carjacking In Deer Park; Suspects Still Outstanding
Victim Dies Days After Violent Carjacking In Deer Park; Suspects Still Outstanding A 65-year-old man died days after a violent carjacking on Long Island. The incident happened on Brook Avenue in Deer Park at around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. Suffolk County Police said Donald Klune was sitting in a Mitsubishi vehicle when at least one person approached and pulled him out of the car. The suspect or suspects then punched and kicked the man before fleeing the scene in his vehicle. Klune, of Deer Park, was taken by ambulance to a hospital, where he died from his injuries on Friday, Dec. 13. No suspects had been arrested or publicly identified as of Monday, Dec. 16. Any…
Alert Issued For 15-Year-Old Long Island Boy Missing For 3 Days Alert Issued For 15-Year-Old Long Island Boy Missing For 3 Days
Alert Issued For 15-Year-Old Long Island Boy Missing For 3 Days Authorities are asking for help in locating a missing teenager from Long Island. Cheyne Shim, 15, was last seen near Sunrise Highway in Merrick at around 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, according to Nassau County Police. Shim is 5-foot-7 and 150 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark navy jacket and gray backpack. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nassau County Police Department at 516-573-7347 or call 911. Share this story by clicking the Facebook icon below. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
Amazon Dismissed Warnings On High Rates Of Worker Injuries, Report Says Amazon Dismissed Warnings On High Rates Of Worker Injuries, Report Says
Amazon Dismissed Warnings On High Rates Of Worker Injuries, Report Says ityAmazon is under fire following a US Senate report accusing the company of prioritizing speed over worker safety.  Released by the majority staff of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee late Sunday night, Dec. 15, the report claims Amazon’s intense focus on productivity has led to unsafe working conditions. The Senate report outlines how Amazon’s warehouse workers face high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other injuries caused by repetitive tasks and demanding quotas.  It accuses Amazon of knowingly exposing employees to these risks, …
Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force
Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force Investigators in the Gilgo Beach serial murders are gearing up to announce a major break in the case. The Gilgo Beach Homicide Investigation Task Force – which includes the Suffolk County DA’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, and New York State Police – will reveal a “new significant development in the investigation” during a press conference planned for Tuesday morning, Dec. 17. It will follow a scheduled appearance by accused serial murderer Rex Heuermann inside a Suffolk County courtroom in Riverhead, the DA’s Office said. Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney, Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr, Acting Suf…
CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy
CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has retained high-profile attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who could mount a defense centered on Mangione's mental state. Friedman Agnifilo, a former Manhattan Chief Assistant District Attorney turned criminal defense lawyer, suggested a possible strategy even before formally joining Mangione’s legal team.  “It looks to me like there might be a not guilty by reason of insanity defense that they’re going to be thinking about because the evidence is going to be so overwhelming that he did wh…
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 Airport To Shut Down New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport To Shut Down
New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces 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 …
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 Printemps Set To Open First US Location in NYC Luxury French Department Store Printemps Set To Open First US Location in NYC
Luxury French Department Store Printemps Set To Open First US Location in NYC 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 NY Airport, Prompts Hochul Call For Federal Action Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY Airport, Prompts Hochul Call For Federal Action
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY 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…
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…
Smoke Shop Employees Arrested For Selling Cannabis Without A License In Suffolk County: Police Smoke Shop Employees Arrested For Selling Cannabis Without A License In Suffolk County: Police
Smoke Shop Employees Arrested For Selling Cannabis Without A License In Suffolk County: Police  Two employees of Suffolk County smoke shops were arrested for selling cannabis without a license during a compliance check on Friday, Dec. 13, Suffolk County police announced. The arrests followed an investigation by the Seventh Precinct Crime Section in response to community complaints about illegal cannabis sales, police said. Officers conducted compliance checks at five businesses within the precinct, and two were found violating cannabis sale laws, according to the release. Rehana Kausar, 50, of Valley Stream, was arrested at Shirley Smoke & Cigars, located at 429 William Fl…
Sunrise Highway Fatal: 1 Killed, 2 Injured In Suffolk Co. Rollover Crash Involving Dump Truck Sunrise Highway Fatal: 1 Killed, 2 Injured In Suffolk Co. Rollover Crash Involving Dump Truck
Sunrise Highway Fatal: 1 Killed, 2 Injured In Suffolk Co. Rollover Crash Involving Dump Truck A motor vehicle crash on Sunrise Highway left a Shirley man dead and two others injured on Friday, Dec. 13, Suffolk County police announced. Darrell Sumpter, 51, was driving a 2002 Cadillac westbound in the left lane of Sunrise Highway when the vehicle swerved and struck a 2021 Ford utility truck in the right lane, police said. Both vehicles left the roadway and overturned at 1:37 p.m., approximately 1.5 miles east of Horseblock Road in Shirley, according to authorities. Sumpter was pronounced dead at the scene, police detailed in the release. His passenger, 48-year-old female also of Shirl…
Support Swells For Suffolk County Mom, Healthcare Worker Facing 'Grueling' Cancer Battle Support Swells For Suffolk County Mom, Healthcare Worker Facing 'Grueling' Cancer Battle
Support Swells For Suffolk County Mom, Healthcare Worker Facing 'Grueling' Cancer Battle A Long Island healthcare worker and mother of two is finding a swelling of support as she faces the fight of her life. Marian Wynn, age 37, of Farmingville, was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer this past summer. Doctors started her on a “grueling” chemotherapy regimen whose side effects made caring for herself difficult and working impossible, her sister Caitlin Ball said on a GoFundMe. “Since then, she has been fighting every day and spending as much time as she can with her two boys, Liam, 12, and Reyden, 5. She had had some setbacks and a few hospital stays, but overall things were …
Suffolk Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud Suffolk Dad's Epic 'Christmas Vacation' Light Display Would Make Clark Griswold Proud
Suffolk 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…
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…