Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

From Romagna With Love: New Babylon Restaurant Dishes Handmade Pasta, Italian Charm From Romagna With Love: New Babylon Restaurant Dishes Handmade Pasta, Italian Charm
From Romagna With Love: New Babylon Restaurant Dishes Handmade Pasta, Italian Charm This new Long Island restaurant will have you exclaiming, “È fantastico!” Step inside Talina Osteria in Babylon, and you’ll find yourself transported to Italy’s Romagna region, where rustic charm, handmade pastas, and family traditions take center stage. The eatery – located at 376 Deer Park Road – held its grand opening in mid September under the direction of owner Massimiliano Gargiulo, mixologist Pietro Faetanini, and Chef Brittany Middlemiss. Since then, it’s quickly gained favor with local foodies. Salumi and wine (left) and Piadina stracchino prosciutto (right). Instag…
New Update - Here's Timing As Coastal Storm Merges With Alberta Clipper System New Update - Here's Timing As Coastal Storm Merges With Alberta Clipper System
New Update - Here's Timing As Coastal Storm Merges With Alberta Clipper System 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. See the first image above, to see track of the Alberta Clipper system, and the s…
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots has announced plans to close all of its remaining 963 stores, initiating "going out of business" sales following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September. The company says it's started the process of closing stores in 48 states and liquidating inventory under its court-supervised Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.  The decision comes as the retailer seeks to maximize value for stakeholders while exploring potential going-concern sale opportunities. "We all have worked extremely hard and have taken every step to complete a going concern sale," Big Lots' President and Chie…
Suffolk School Staffer Fired Over 'Troubling' Social Media Posts Suffolk School Staffer Fired Over 'Troubling' Social Media Posts
Suffolk School Staffer Fired Over 'Troubling' Social Media Posts A recently hired staffer at a Long Island high school is out of a job after troubling social media posts surfaced. Administrators at Smithtown High School East contacted the Suffolk County Police Department on Wednesday, Dec. 18, after discovering what the district described as a series of “troubling” posts the employee shared online. Officers with the Fourth Precinct Crime Section reviewed the content and determined they were not criminal and posed no credible threat, a Suffolk County Police spokesperson told Daily Voice. The employee, who school officials said had recently been hired, wa…
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…
Spectators Beware: Street Takeover-Watching Would Be Illegal Under Suffolk Co. Proposal Spectators Beware: Street Takeover-Watching Would Be Illegal Under Suffolk Co. Proposal
Spectators Beware: Street Takeover-Watching Would Be Illegal Under Suffolk Co. Proposal Long Island leaders are taking aim at so-called street takeovers, which have injured spectators and blocked emergency vehicles in recent months. A proposal introduced by the Suffolk County Legislature on Tuesday, Dec. 17, would make it illegal for a spectator to attend the reckless stunts. “Spectators will no longer be able to gather in crowds, blocking traffic and encouraging this dangerous behavior without any consequences to themselves,” Allen Bode, a spokesperson for the Suffolk County DA’s office, said at a press conference held Wednesday, Dec. 18. The Suffolk County proposal follows …
Armed Duo Steals $140K From Victim Outside Long Island Bank, Police Say Armed Duo Steals $140K From Victim Outside Long Island Bank, Police Say
Armed Duo Steals $140K From Victim Outside Long Island Bank, Police Say Two alleged armed robbers are behind bars months after a victim lost six figures in cash outside a Long Island bank. Gloria Chamorro, 32, and Luis Lizardo, 45, both of Brooklyn, were arrested on suspicion of robbery and related charges Thursday, Dec. 19. Nassau County Police said the duo approached a 36-year-old man outside the Bank of America on Jerusalem Boulevard in Hicksville shortly before 9 a.m. on July 29. Working with three others, Chamorro and Lizardo forcibly removed a bag from the victim that contained $140,000 in cash, police said. As the group fled, one of the subjects fla…
Lifelong Firefighter Killed In Hit-Run Long Island Crash Remembered As Musical 'Savant' Lifelong Firefighter Killed In Hit-Run Long Island Crash Remembered As Musical 'Savant'
Lifelong Firefighter Killed In Hit-Run Long Island Crash Remembered As Musical 'Savant' Tributes are flooding in for a lifelong firefighter who was killed by a hit-and-driver on Long Island. Emergency crews in Hewlett were called about a fatal crash near Broadway and Everit Avenue shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. Nassau County Police said 74-year-old Jeffrey Frank was crossing Broadway when he was struck by an SUV traveling northbound. Witnesses told police that a male driver exited the vehicle, dragged the man to the side of the road, and then fled the scene. Frank, of Hewlett, was pronounced dead at the hospital. No suspects had been arrested or identified as of T…
Former Suffolk County Sheriff's Officer, 9/11 Responder Rick Stueber, Dies: 'Good Time Guy' Former Suffolk County Sheriff's Officer, 9/11 Responder Rick Stueber, Dies: 'Good Time Guy'
Former Suffolk County Sheriff's Officer, 9/11 Responder Rick Stueber, Dies: 'Good Time Guy' A 50-year-old Connecticut father of four who served as one of New York's Finest during its most trying day has died. Richard "Rick" Stueber Jr. died on Dec. 10. His family did not disclose the cause of death. Stueber had been living in Stratford, CT but was born in Queens, New York, and had deep roots in Long Island law enforcement, according to his obituary shared by Riverhead News and Riverhead Local. Stueber joined the New York Police Department in 1996 and served through 2002 and was one of the thousands who selflessly rushed toward danger on Sept. 11, 2001, while the nation struggled t…
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…
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 New York Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In New York
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In New York 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…
Long Island Man Arrested After Firing Gun In Rockville Centre Parking Lot, Police Say Long Island Man Arrested After Firing Gun In Rockville Centre Parking Lot, Police Say
Long Island Man Arrested After Firing Gun In Rockville Centre Parking Lot, Police Say A report of gunfire led to the arrest of a Long Island man after officers discovered shell casings and recovered a handgun connected to the alleged incident. According to Nassau County Police detectives, the incident occurred on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at around  2:15 a.m. in the parking lot of a commercial business at 525 Merrick Road in Rockville Centre. Detectives said witnesses reported seeing a man remove a gun from his jacket pocket and fire it into the air before fleeing the scene. Responding officers recovered shell casings at the location, and no injuries were reported. …
Portable Potty Fire Sparks Mystery: Man Seen Fleeing In Flames (VIDEO) Portable Potty Fire Sparks Mystery: Man Seen Fleeing In Flames (VIDEO)
Portable Potty Fire Sparks Mystery: Man Seen Fleeing In Flames (Video) Levittown detectives are scratching their heads after a portable bathroom went up in flames early Saturday morning—followed by a man running from the scene, also on fire. The bizarre incident happened in front of a home at 119 Sprucewood Drive around 4:30 a.m. on December 14. Officers arrived to find a scorched portable bathroom parked on the front lawn, and witnesses reported spotting an unidentified man fleeing eastbound down Sprucewood Drive, running like a stuntman in an action movie, literally in flames. Detectives are unsure if the fiery fugitive was an unlucky bystander or somehow …
Pedestrian Killed On Long Island After Being Struck By Car: Police Pedestrian Killed On Long Island After Being Struck By Car: Police
Pedestrian Killed On Long Island After Being Struck By Car: Police A 73-year-old woman has died after being hit by a car while crossing a busy Long Island roadway. According to the Nassau County Police Department's Homicide Squad, the crash occurred on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m. on North Main Street in Freeport. Detectives said an 89-year-old man was driving a 2014 Lincoln southbound in the left lane of North Main Street near Stevens Street when he struck the woman as she was crossing the road eastbound. The pedestrian was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead by hospital staff. The driver of the vehicle sustained minor injurie…
Long Island Man Arrested After Probation Visit Uncovers Drugs, Loaded Gun: Police Long Island Man Arrested After Probation Visit Uncovers Drugs, Loaded Gun: Police
Long Island Man Arrested After Probation Visit Uncovers Drugs, Loaded Gun: Police A probation visit turned into a significant arrest when police found drugs, cash, and a loaded handgun at a Long Island home. According to Nassau County Police, the incident occurred on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 8 p.m., when officers were assisting Nassau County Probation with a visit to an East Meadow residence and discovered Benjamin Ramirez Munoz, age 22, of Westbury, living there illegally and violating the terms of his probation. A further investigation revealed cocaine, heroin, cash, and a loaded .38 caliber handgun inside the home, police said. Munoz was arrested without incident.  …
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…
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…
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 location 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, bout…
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…
Heads Up: Lane Closures Planned For Portion Of Long Island Expressway Heads Up: Lane Closures Planned For Portion Of Long Island Expressway
Heads Up: Lane Closures Planned For Portion Of Long Island Expressway Scheduled roadwork may slow you down this week. Both directions of the Long Island Expressway will undergo overnight lane closures in the towns of Brookhaven, Islip, and Smithtown, beginning Tuesday night, Dec. 17. In Brookhaven, the westbound left and HOV lanes of I-495 will close between exit 64 (State Route 112) and exit 62 (Nicholls Road) from 10 p.m. Tuesday until 5 a.m. the following morning, according to transportation officials. During that time, the eastbound HOV lane will also be closed between 63 (North Ocean Avenue and exit 64. Then on Wednesday, Dec. 18, the eastbound HOV, le…
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…
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…
Alert Issued For Missing Long Island Woman With Dementia Alert Issued For Missing Long Island Woman With Dementia
Alert Issued For Missing Long Island Woman With Dementia Authorities are asking for help in locating a missing vulnerable adult from Long Island. Brenda Simmons, 76, was last seen on Fulton Street in the village of Farmingdale at around 6 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16, according to Nassau County Police. Simmons, who suffers from dementia, was driving a gray 2009 Honda Accord with New York plates HDM-3912. She is 5-foot-1 and 145 pounds, with gray hair and brown eyes. Police said she may be in need of medical attention. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nassau County Police Department at 516-573-7347 or call 911. Share this story by clicki…
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…
CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans
CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans A new national poll from Emerson College reveals a startling trend among young American voters: More respondents aged 18 to 29 believe the targeted assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was acceptable than those who do not. The poll highlights a sharp generational divergence on the issue. A total of 41 percent of voters aged 18-29 find the killer’s actions acceptable, 24 percent somewhat acceptable and 17 percent completely acceptable), while 40 percent find them unacceptable. Noting that 68 percent of voters overall reject the killer’s action, Spencer Kimball, executiv…
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…
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…