Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Thanksgiving Storm Strengthens As It Takes Aim At East Coast: Here's Latest Thanksgiving Storm Strengthens As It Takes Aim At East Coast: Here's Latest
Thanksgiving Storm Strengthens As It Takes Aim At East Coast: Here's Latest A significant storm system is strengthening before its arrival on the East Coast on Thanksgiving, potentially disrupting travel plans with rain, sleet, and snow. The storm is expected to develop overnight on Wednesday, Nov. 27, into Thanksgiving morning on Thursday, Nov. 28.  For a look at precipitation types by area, see the first image above from AccuWeather.com: heavy rain and thunderstorms (dark green), rain (green), a mix of rain and snow (pink), and snow (blue). Heavy rain is anticipated along the I-95 corridor, with the possibility of heavy snow in parts of upstate New Yor…
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says A rare case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a child in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child, who is a resident of California, experienced only mild symptoms and is now recovering. The case, detected through routine flu testing, revealed low levels of the virus in the initial sample, and follow-up tests were negative for bird flu, but positive for other common respiratory viruses.  The CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to determine how the child might hav…
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving meals just a day away, there are concerns over the nation's food supply after multiple major recalls the last few days. Federal authorities are now saying that all products linked to the outbreaks are off the shelves and products currently being sold are safe to eat. After a deadly E. coli outbreak, a California-based company pulled bagged organic carrots from such popular retailers as Whole Foods, Walmart and Trader Joe's.  For the latest info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. In a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry pr…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Nov. 26 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $489 million with a $229.3 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 05-22-24-39-42 with a Mega Ball of 03 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29.  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. There ar…
Pair Of Brentwood Teens Has Been Missing 5 Days Pair Of Brentwood Teens Has Been Missing 5 Days
Angel Maceria, Naia Beck Reported Missing In Brentwood Authorities are asking for help in locating two missing teenagers from Long Island. Angel Maceria, age 15, and Naia Beck, age 17, both of Brentwood, were last seen on Thursday, Nov. 21, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Beck was last seen wearing a green t-shirt and gray sweatpants, while Maceria was wearing a blue flannel shirt, blue jeans, and white shoes.  The two may be traveling together. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3543. Share this story by clicking the Facebook …
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…
Coast-To-Coast Thanksgiving Storm Update: These Areas Will See Heaviest Rain, Snow Coast-To-Coast Thanksgiving Storm Update: These Areas Will See Heaviest Rain, Snow
Coast-To-Coast Thanksgiving Storm Update: These Areas Will See Heaviest Rain, Snow A complex, coast-to-coast storm will arrive just in time for Thanksgiving Day, bringing a mix of rain, and wind, with sleet, and snow farthest north. After a mostly sunny day on Wednesday, Nov. 27, the storm system will shift eastward during the night on Thanksgiving Eve, gathering more moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and later the Atlantic as it gains strength through Thanksgiving night on Thursday, Nov. 28. If the storm tracks farther north, as is now expected, downpours are expected along the I-95 corridor, and heavy snow is expected in some areas, especially in upstate New Yo…
Former East Hampton Resident Martha Stewart To Change Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Former East Hampton Resident Martha Stewart To Change Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How
Former East Hampton Resident Martha Stewart To Change Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Iconic homemaker Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving plans this year may come as a bit of a shock — they won't involve her hosting at home and turkey will not be an option at her table.  The 83-year-old Stewart, a longtime New York and former Connecticut resident, will be spending Turkey Day abroad in Rome instead of celebrating at her Katonah residence, according to the homemaker's website.  Stewart will be traveling with her daughter, Alexis, and two grandchildren, Jude and Truman, she said in an interview with People: "We decided the kids wanted to go away, the grandchildren, and so…
Vietnam Veteran Dies In Fire At Middle Island Home Vietnam Veteran Dies In Fire At Middle Island Home
Vietnam Veteran Dies In Fire At Middle Island Home A Long Island veteran died after he was seriously injured in a house fire. Emergency crews in Middle Island were called shortly after 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, when flames broke out at the Lake Pointe apartment complex on Middle Country Road. Inside, firefighters located 79-year-old Arthur Ziomek. He was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Suffolk County Police confirmed that Ziomek had died. A preliminary investigation determined the cause of the fire was non-criminal in nature, police said. Ziomek was born in Brooklyn and se…
Seen Her? 16-Year-Old Girl From Brentwood Has Been Missing 3 Days Seen Her? 16-Year-Old Girl From Brentwood Has Been Missing 3 Days
Dilana Villaneuva, 16, Reported Missing In Brentwood Authorities are asking for help in locating a missing teenager from Long Island. Dilana Villaneuva, age 16, of Brentwood, was last seen on Saturday, Nov. 23, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. She was last seen wearing a blue sweater, dark sweatpants, and glasses. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New York State Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3543. Share this story by clicking the Facebook icon below. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
NY's Idina Menzel Had One Stipulation Before Agreeing To Showstopping 'Wicked' Cameo NY's Idina Menzel Had One Stipulation Before Agreeing To Showstopping 'Wicked' Cameo
NY's Idina Menzel Had One Stipulation Before Agreeing To Showstopping 'Wicked' Cameo Thank goodness it all worked out. While it may be true that no one mourns the wicked, fans certainly would have mourned the absence of New York native Idina Menzel had she not made her scene-stealing cameo in the spellbinding new “Wicked” movie. The musical fantasy film – a two-part adaptation of the Broadway stage musical that was loosely based on the 1995 novel – tells the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West from L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Menzel, who grew on Long Island in Syosset, was the first actress to portray its protagonist, Elphaba, a role for which sh…
Police Seek Suspect Accused Of Stealing $900 Using Stolen Identity At Baldwin Bank Police Seek Suspect Accused Of Stealing $900 Using Stolen Identity At Baldwin Bank
Police Seek Suspect Accused Of Stealing $900 Using Stolen Identity At Baldwin Bank A man is being sought in connection with an identity theft that resulted in a $900 loss at a Long Island bank. Nassau County Police said the incident happened on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at approximately 11:30 a.m. at the Capital One bank on Grand Avenue in Baldwin. Investigators said the suspect entered the bank, filled out a withdrawal slip using someone else’s identity, and withdrew $900 in cash. The suspect is described having a thin build, standing about 5-foot-10. He has black hair, a black beard, a bald head, and was last seen wearing blue jeans, red sneakers, a gray coat, and a blue cast on…
Seen Her? 15-Year-Old Long Island Girl Has Been Missing 3 Days Seen Her? 15-Year-Old Long Island Girl Has Been Missing 3 Days
Seen Her? 15-Year-Old Long Island Girl Has Been Missing 3 Days If you’ve seen this missing Long Island teenager, police want to hear from you. Adriana Barreno, age 15, was last seen at Hempstead High School at around 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, according to Nassau County Police. She was reported missing that evening. Barreno is 5-foot-3 and 135 pounds, with long black hair, brown eyes, and brown glasses. She was last seen wearing black pants and a yellow/green sweatshirt. She has a scar on her right arm and right leg, and is believed to be traveling on foot. Anyone with information is asked to contact Nassau County Police at 516-573-7347 or call 911. S…
Driver Ejected In Single-Vehicle Crash On Southern State Parkway Driver Ejected In Single-Vehicle Crash On Southern State Parkway
Driver Ejected In Single-Vehicle Crash On Southern State Parkway A Long Island driver was seriously injured in a single-vehicle crash on the Southern State Parkway. The incident happened in Farmingdale, in the westbound lanes near exit 31, at around 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. New York State Police said a Ford vehicle crossed all three lanes causing it to overturn. The driver, a 54-year-old Massapequa Park man, was ejected and suffered serious injuries. He was taken by ambulance to Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow, where he was listed in critical condition. No other vehicles were involved in the crash and nobody else was injured. State Pol…
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In NY Plane Crash: 'A Friend To All' Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In NY Plane Crash: 'A Friend To All'
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In NY Plane Crash: 'A Friend To All' This story has been updated. A Virginia pilot who regularly flew dogs in need to safe homes around the country was killed when his small plane crashed in a remote area of New York. The Greene County incident happened in the Town of Windham at around 6:10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Sheriff’s officials said a single-engine Mooney plane was traveling from Maryland to Albany carrying the pilot and three dogs when it crashed in a remote area. The impact killed the pilot, 49-year-old Seuk Kim, of Springfield, Virginia, and one of the dogs. A second dog, a lab mix puppy, survived but suffered two bro…
Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency
Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency US Attorney Damian Williams, who has overseen high-profile cases in the Southern District of New York, has announced his resignation, a move that comes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term and the expected nomination of his successor.  Williams’ resignation will take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, according to a statement from his office on Monday, Nov. 25.  The resignation comes as President-elect Trump has announced plans to nominate Jay Clayton, a former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman under Trump’s first administration, to lead the of…
Alert Issued For Missing 14-Year-Old Boy From Long Island Alert Issued For Missing 14-Year-Old Boy From Long Island
Alert Issued For Missing 14-Year-Old Boy From Long Island Authorities are asking for help in locating a missing teenager from Long Island. Francisco Benitez, age 14, was last seen at his Hempstead home at around 6:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25, according to Nassau County Police. He was reported missing two hours later. Benitez is 5-foot-6 and 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing gray and black plaid pajama pants, a black hoodie, a black jacket, and white sneakers. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Nassau County Police Department 516-573-7347. Share this story by clicking the Facebook icon below. Check ba…
Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY
Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY A Connecticut couple has been accused of orchestrating a multi-state theft operation targeting Lululemon stores, resulting in approximately $1 million in stolen merchandise. Jadion Anthony Richards, age 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, age 45, both from Danbury, were charged in in Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 22, at Ramsey County District Court with organized retail theft, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.  Their alleged activities spanned over two months and involved thefts in several states, including New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, Colorado, and Utah, the Star Tri…
Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says
Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says A Macy’s employee misstated up to $154 million in delivery expenses over several years, the company just said. The development forced the retailer to delay its third-quarter earnings report. The employee, whose name has not been released, has been fired. According to the company, the employee responsible for accounting small package delivery expenses made erroneous accrual entries to conceal the costs from the fourth quarter of 2021 through the most recent quarter. During that time, Macy’s reported a total of $4.36 billion in delivery expenses. The company conducted an independent investi…
LI School Superintendent Charged With DWI After Crash Seriously Injures Motorist In Sayville LI School Superintendent Charged With DWI After Crash Seriously Injures Motorist In Sayville
LI School Superintendent Charged With DWI After Crash Seriously Injures Motorist In Sayville A Long Island school superintendent has bee accused of driving while intoxicated after a crash on Long Island seriously injured a motorist. Suffolk County Police said the incident occurred at about 9:05 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, in Sayville, at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and Depot Street. Michael Hynes, age 53, of Sayville and the superintendent of the Port Washington Union Free School DIstrict, was driving a 2019 Honda Civic northbound on Railroad Avenue when he attempted to turn left onto Depot Street, according to Suffolk County Police.  His vehicle then collided with a southb…
Suffolk County Woman Charged With DWI After Crashing Into Boat, Sparking Fire: Police Suffolk County Woman Charged With DWI After Crashing Into Boat, Sparking Fire: Police
Suffolk County Woman Charged With DWI After Crashing Into Boat, Sparking Fire: Police A woman was arrested for driving while intoxicated after a chaotic crash on Long Island that ended with a boat catching fire. Suffolk County Police said the incident occurred around 10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, in Babylon.  Multiple 911 callers reported a vehicle traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of Route 231.  The vehicle, a 2021 Kia Forte, crossed over the median and continued south in the proper lanes, hitting road signs along the way. The driver, identified as Lorrie Ibe, age 54, of West Babylon, then drove through the intersection at East Main Street, over another me…
3 Pulled From Fiery Suffolk County Crash, Seriously Injured 3 Pulled From Fiery Suffolk County Crash, Seriously Injured
3 Pulled From Fiery Suffolk County Crash, Seriously Injured Three people were seriously injured in a fiery crash on Long Island. The crash occurred at about 10:20 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, when a 2017 Kia Sportage veered off Cliff Road in the village of Belle Terre, struck a tree, and caught fire, according to Suffolk County Police said. The vehicle was traveling northbound between Old Homestead Road and Bell Circle at the time. A Village of Belle Terre constable was the first to arrive at the scene and helped extricate the driver, a 19-year-old Rocky Point man, and two passengers, a 20-year-old Rocky Point man, and 20-year-old Farmingville r…
McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When
McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When McDonald’s will ring in the new year by serving more for less. The fast food giant will unveil its new “McValue” menu nationwide starting on Tuesday, Jan. 7. McValue will include current fan-favorites, like the $5 Meal Deal, and a new “Buy One, Add One for $1” offer, allowing customers to mix and match their order. Breakfast options include classics like the sausage McMuffin and hash browns, while lunch offerings feature the 6-piece chicken McNuggets and double cheeseburger. McDonald’s is also extending through next summer its $5 Meal Deal, a combination of a McDouble or McChicken sandwi…
Man Accused Of Stabbing Co-Worker At Suffolk Restaurant Man Accused Of Stabbing Co-Worker At Suffolk Restaurant
Man Accused Of Stabbing Co-Worker At Suffolk Restaurant A Long Island man was arrested after allegedly stabbing his co-worker during a dispute. The incident happened on Sunday, Nov. 24, at approximately 11:10 a.m. at Gino’s of Nesconset, located on Smithtown Boulevard. According to investigators, 34-year-old Paul Albinagorta of Central Islip stabbed his 60-year-old co-worker with a knife during an argument.  The victim managed to leave the restaurant on foot and was assisted outside before being transported to Stony Brook University Hospital. Police said his injuries are not life-threatening. Albinagorta, who was not injured, was arrested…
NY State Launches Statewide DWI Crackdown, Extra Patrols For Thanksgiving Travel NY State Launches Statewide DWI Crackdown, Extra Patrols For Thanksgiving Travel
NY State Launches Statewide DWI Crackdown, Extra Patrols For Thanksgiving Travel New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced a statewide surge in law enforcement patrols and safety measures to protect travelers during Thanksgiving week, one of the busiest and riskiest times for road travel. The detail will run through Sunday, Dec. 1 after launching Saturday, Nov. 23. “Thanksgiving kicks off the busiest travel season of the year, and we want everyone to reach their friends and loved ones safely,” Hochul said. “I urge drivers to stay alert, stay sober, and move over when you see vehicles stopped on the side of the road.” In response, New York State officials are rampin…
New Update: Man Accused Of Smashing Door, Stealing Beer In Long Island Store Burglary New Update: Man Accused Of Smashing Door, Stealing Beer In Long Island Store Burglary
New Update: Man Accused Of Smashing Door, Stealing Beer In Long Island Store Burglary  Long Island store was burglarized, with a man accused of smashing the front glass door and stealing beer before being arrested nearby. The incident happened Sunday, Nov. 24, at approximately 2:15 a.m. at E Smoke and Beer Island on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown. R Nassau County Police said responding officers found the store’s front glass door shattered and conducted an investigation. Police said they located Queens resident Leondre D. Bent, age 28, of Jamaica, near the scene. Investigators determined that Bent threw a brick through the door, entered the store, and removed an 18-pac…
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says A newly discovered compound in drinking water has raised questions about its potential health risks.  The chemical, known as chloronitramide anion (Cl–N–NO₂⁻), was found in all samples from 10 US drinking water systems that use chloramines, according to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, Nov. 21. The research, led by Julian L. Fairey, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas,  identified chloronitramide anion as a decomposition product of inorganic chloramines, which are commonly used to disinfect municipal water supplies.  The study estimates …
Teen Stabbed Breaking Up Fight Outside Mall In Suffolk Teen Stabbed Breaking Up Fight Outside Mall In Suffolk
Teen Stabbed Breaking Up Fight Outside Mall In Suffolk A teenager was injured in a stabbing during a fight outside a Long Island mall. Suffolk County Police said the incident occurred just before 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, on the sidewalk outside the food court at Smith Haven Mall in Lake Grove.  A 16-year-old boy was stabbed while trying to break up a dispute involving a small group of people. The victim was taken to a local hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.  Another 16-year-old boy sustained minor injuries during the altercation and was also transported to a hospital for treatment. Police are asking …
LIE Closure Planned During Thanksgiving Week In Suffolk: Here's When, Where LIE Closure Planned During Thanksgiving Week In Suffolk: Here's When, Where
LIE Closure Planned During Thanksgiving Week In Suffolk: Here's When, Where Scheduled roadwork could delay Long Island drivers during the week of Thanksgiving. In the Town of Huntington, crews will conduct overnight closures at the interchange of the Long Island Expressway and State Route 110 (Broad Hollow Road) on the night of Tuesday, Nov. 26. The center and right lanes on northbound State Route 110 will be closed at the bridge over the LIE from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. the following morning, according to the New York State Department of Transportation. During that same period, the exit 49N ramp from the eastbound LIE to northbound SR110 will also be closed. The closu…
New Update: Thanksgiving Storm Will Dampen Travel With Mix Of Rain, Sleet, Snow New Update: Thanksgiving Storm Will Dampen Travel With Mix Of Rain, Sleet, Snow
New Update: Thanksgiving Storm Will Dampen Travel With Mix Of Rain, Sleet, Snow A new storm will bring a mix of snow, sleet, and rain on Thanksgiving and Black Friday, causing widespread disruptions for travel and holiday festivities. A pair of scenarios will be at play as the holiday week progresses, one of which could produce accumulating snow across portions of the Ohio Valley and Northeast, AccuWeather meteorologists say. "The first scenario involves a slow-moving storm, meaning potentially longer-lasting impacts from the Tennessee and Ohio valleys through the Northeast," says AccuWeather. "The second scenario sends the same storm farther south and off the Ca…
Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts In NY, Along East Coast Locations Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts In NY, Along East Coast Locations
Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts In NY, Along East Coast Locations Imagine strolling through your local supermarket, scanning items, calculating your total, and then, skipping the checkout line? Thanks to an AI-powered "smart cart," that's now possible. This futuristic shopping experience is now a reality in select ShopRite locations in the East Coast as the supermarket chain introduces technology designed by Instacart to save shoppers time and make grocery runs smoother than ever. The so-called "Caper Carts" are designed to make grocery shopping faster, smarter, and more interactive. To date, about a dozen ShopRite stores have added the carts as another…