Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Here's What To Know Now About Food Illness Outbreaks, Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving Here's What To Know Now About Food Illness Outbreaks, Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving
Here's What To Know Now About Food Illness Outbreaks, Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving meals just a couple of days 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…
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…
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…
Northern Westchester's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year Northern Westchester's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year
Northern Westchester's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year 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…
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best! Westchester County, 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 Westchester a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the busin…
Trio Caught With Gun, Drugs After Threatening Group In Westchester Trio Caught With Gun, Drugs After Threatening Group In Westchester
Trio Caught With Gun, Drugs After Threatening Group In Westchester Three men, including a Fairfield County resident, are facing charges after officers found them with a loaded handgun and drugs after they allegedly threatened a group with a firearm in Westchester, officials said. The incident began on Sunday morning, Nov. 24, when witnesses flagged down Port Chester officers while they were on patrol on North Main Street, according to the department.   Witnesses reported a man menacing a group with a firearm, and as officers approached the area near Abendroth Avenue, they also pointed out a vehicle leaving the scene. Police then pulled it over an…
Woman Injured In Hit-Run At Westchester ShopRite Parking Lot Woman Injured In Hit-Run At Westchester ShopRite Parking Lot
Woman Injured In Hit-Run At Westchester ShopRite Parking Lot A woman was injured after being struck by a vehicle in a supermarket parking lot in Westchester County, with police now searching for the driver, authorities said. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 26 at the ShopRite supermarket parking lot at 278 Tuckahoe Rd. in Yonkers, according to Yonkers Police Sgt. Robert Spink. The elderly victim, who was walking through the parking lot, was hit by a vehicle that was backing up, Spink said. She complained of head and back pain and was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.  The driver did not remain at the scene and may…
Police Increase Presence At Schools Amid Social Media Concerns In Westchester Village Police Increase Presence At Schools Amid Social Media Concerns In Westchester Village
Police Increase Presence At Schools Amid Social Media Concerns In Westchester Village Police in a Westchester County village have increased their presence at local schools in response to concerns on social media.  The Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department announced the enhanced security measures in a statement from Chief David A. Dosin on Tuesday, Nov. 26, emphasizing that no threats have been made to the schools but that the department is taking precautions to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community. “The safety and well-being of our children and everyone in our schools is a top priority,” Chief Dosin wrote, adding, “For this reason, we have increased po…
Beloved Northern Westchester Teacher Remembered For Positive Energy, Impact On Students Beloved Northern Westchester Teacher Remembered For Positive Energy, Impact On Students
Beloved Northern Westchester Teacher Remembered For Positive Energy, Impact On Students A beloved teacher who was a fixture at a Northern Westchester high school for decades is being remembered for her contagious positive energy and her tremendous impact on her students throughout her long career.   Elizabeth “Betsy” Groat of Ho-Ho-Kus in Bergen County died on Wednesday, Oct. 30 after a battle with cancer, according to her obituary.   Groat, who taught physical education and coached at Westlake High School in Thornwood, dedicated 38 years to inspiring and supporting student-athletes in the Mount Pleasant School District, according to a GoFundMe page created…
Crash Shuts Down I-684 In North Salem: Developing Crash Shuts Down I-684 In North Salem: Developing
Crash Shuts Down I-684 In North Salem: Developing A crash has shut down a stretch of I-684. The incident involving a rolled-over truck happened on Tuesday, Nov. 26 just after 1:45 p.m. in in Northern Westchester on the northbound side at mile marker 22.2 in North Salem near the Lewisboro border, according to Trooper AJ Hicks of the New York State Police. All northbound lanes are closed at the crash scene, Hicks said. There were injuries as a result of the crash, according to reports.  More information about the crash has not yet been released.  Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 
Beloved Yorktown Native, Former Firefighter Dies At 37, Remembered For Kindness Beloved Yorktown Native, Former Firefighter Dies At 37, Remembered For Kindness
Beloved Yorktown Native, Former Firefighter Dies At 37, Remembered For Kindness A beloved Northern Westchester native and former firefighter is being remembered for his kindness, generosity, and lasting impact on those who knew him following his unexpected passing. Reynaldo “Reycito” Sanchez, Jr., age 37, a resident of Miramar, Florida, and formerly of Yorktown Heights, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Oct. 31, according to his obituary. Born in the Dominican Republic on Sept. 25, 1987, he moved to Westchester, where he grew up, attended Yorktown High School, and graduated in 2006.  Reynaldo was a past member of the Harry Howard Hook and Ladder Co. of the Po…
Human Remains, Car Found In Pond Linked To Westchester Couple Missing For Over 40 Years Human Remains, Car Found In Pond Linked To Westchester Couple Missing For Over 40 Years
Human Remains, Car Found In Pond Linked To Westchester Couple Missing For Over 40 Years A vehicle containing a human bone found submerged in an out-of-state pond may be the clue needed to figure out what happened to a Westchester County couple missing for over four decades. In an announcement on Saturday, Nov. 23, the Glynn County Police Department in Georgia revealed that a submerged Lincoln Continental had been found on Friday, Nov. 22 in a pond between the Royal Inn Hotel and Interstate 95 on New Jesup Highway in the town of Brunswick.  According to the department, the Continental is similar to the description of a vehicle believed to have been driven by Scarsdale…
New Update: More Victims Of 19-Year-Old Accused Rapist Come Forward In Westchester New Update: More Victims Of 19-Year-Old Accused Rapist Come Forward In Westchester
New Update: More Victims Of 19-Year-Old Accused Rapist Come Forward In Westchester A 19-year-old accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl after giving her alcohol in Westchester is now facing additional charges after new victims came forward, police said. New Rochelle resident Joey Valencia, who was originally arrested on Thursday, Nov. 7 in connection with the sexual assault of a young girl, has been charged with more crimes after more of his alleged victims contacted investigators, New Rochelle Police Captain J. Collins Coyne announced on Tuesday, Nov. 26.  According to Coyne, Valencia was originally charged following an investigation that began …
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…
Westchester Eatery Closing After Just One Year Westchester Eatery Closing After Just One Year
Westchester Eatery Closing After Just One Year A Westchester restaurant and brewery has announced it will close its doors after just one year of operation, leaving patrons and staff reflecting on its short but memorable run. The closure of Miles, The Prince, located at 873 North Broadway in White Plains, will take place after its final day on Saturday, Nov. 30, according to an announcement posted by owner and founder Zach Goldstein on the restaurant’s Instagram page. Although Goldstein did not reveal a reason for the closure, he thanked former guests who "filled this space with love and memories." "Getting to know MTP’s dedicated …
Search Warrant Yields Cocaine, Fentanyl, Charges For Hudson Valley Suspect Search Warrant Yields Cocaine, Fentanyl, Charges For Hudson Valley Suspect
Search Warrant Yields Cocaine, Fentanyl, Charges For Hudson Valley Suspect A Hudson Valley man is facing drug charges after a months-long investigation into narcotics sales. Richard Fernandez, age 40, was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 20, following a five-month investigation by the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Drug Task Force. Investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence in Pomona, recovering cocaine, fentanyl pills, and other pharmaceutical drugs during the search. Fernandez has been charged with: Criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third degree; Four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in t…
Police Warn Of Home Improvement Scams Targeting Westchester Residents Police Warn Of Home Improvement Scams Targeting Westchester Residents
Police Warn Of Home Improvement Scams Targeting Westchester Residents A police department in Westchester is warning residents to be wary of scammers posing as home repair contractors who have been targeting those in the area.  In an announcement on Monday, Nov. 18, the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department issued an advisory to residents regarding a rise in home improvement scams in the area.  According to the department, the schemes involve "dishonest contractors or individuals posing as legitimate service providers" who offer home repair and renovation services to residents. Once they are hired for a job, the scammers will then take advantage of…
Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Carmel Rollover Crash That Left Teen Injured, Cops Say Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Carmel Rollover Crash That Left Teen Injured, Cops Say
Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Carmel Rollover Crash That Left Teen Injured, Cops Say A late-night rollover crash in the region that injured a 19-year-old girl led police to investigate whether a mysterious all-terrain vehicle may have been involved, authorities said.  It happened in Putnam County just after 11:45 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, on Baldwin Place Road in Carmel, the Carmel Police Department said on Monday, Nov. 25.    Emergency responders arrived at the scene within three minutes after receiving a 911 report that a vehicle had rolled over, potentially trapping the driver inside.  The driver, a 19-year-old Mahopac resident, had safely exited the v…
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress
Westchester County Executive George Latimer Announces Resignation For Bigger Plans: Congress Westchester County Executive George Latimer has announced his resignation as he prepares to be sworn in as a US Congressman representing New York’s 16th Congressional District. Latimer’s resignation will take effect on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at 12:01 p.m., he said during a public address on Monday, Nov. 25.  The announcement comes as he transitions to his new role in Congress, where he will begin serving the following day, Friday, Jan. 3. In this role, Latimer. a Democrat, will represent the southern portion of Westchester, including White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Roche…
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All' Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All'
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: '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…
Westchester Pharmacies Tied To $11.5M Medicaid Fraud Scheme, Former Owner Gets Prison Time Westchester Pharmacies Tied To $11.5M Medicaid Fraud Scheme, Former Owner Gets Prison Time
Westchester Pharmacies Tied To $11.5M Medicaid Fraud Scheme, Former Owner Gets Prison Time The owner of several pharmacies in Westchester County and New York City has been sentenced to prison for running a multimillion-dollar Medicaid fraud scheme that endangered vulnerable HIV patients, officials said. Aftab Hussain was sentenced to two to six years in prison for stealing over $11.5 million through a scheme involving illegal kickbacks and black market medications, the Attorney General’s Office announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20.  According to the AG's Office, Hussain owned or controlled more than 20 pharmacies, including some in Westchester County, where he exploited low-…
Popular Westchester Restaurant Closes Suddenly After 13 Years Popular Westchester Restaurant Closes Suddenly After 13 Years
Popular Westchester Restaurant Closes Suddenly After 13 Years A popular Westchester restaurant that hosted reunions, birthday parties, and get-togethers for locals for more than a decade, announced its sudden and unexpected closure, leaving longtime patrons and city officials heartbroken.  The closure of Maggie Spillane’s Ale House, owned by Tony Spillane and located in Mount Vernon at 571 Gramatan Ave., will take effect on Saturday, Nov. 30, according to an announcement posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page.  Maggie Spillane's quickly became a Westchester staple since opening in 2011. The decision to close was attributed to unforeseen c…
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…
Modern, Futuristic Home Now Listed For $2.995M In Northern Westchester Modern, Futuristic Home Now Listed For $2.995M In Northern Westchester
Modern, Futuristic Home Now Listed For $2.995M In Northern Westchester If you're looking for a home with uniquely designed architecture, a modern residence set on more than four acres in Northern Westchester that's now on the market may be the perfect fit.  The 3,737-square-foot home, located at 187 Hook Rd. in Bedford, features futuristic design elements and has been listed for $2.995 million by Houlihan Lawrence.  According to the listing, the residence boasts a new facade designed by award-winning architect Belmont Freeman.  Other interesting features include glass walls; a heated gunite pool; a great room with "soaring ceilings" and a "curv…
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…
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…
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 …
Gourmet Breakfast Eatery Readies Opening In Westchester Gourmet Breakfast Eatery Readies Opening In Westchester
Gourmet Breakfast Eatery Readies Opening In Westchester A breakfast restaurant chain specializing in gourmet toast has announced the opening date for its new Westchester locale. Toastique, located at 604 North Ave. in New Rochelle, will hold a grand opening event on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The eatery, a chain with locations across the country, is known for its "gourmet toast." If you're wondering what that means, some options include the "Avocado Smash," topped with avocado, watermelon radish, marinated tomatoes, and chili oil; the "3-Cheese Italian," topped with prosciutto, melted swiss and fontina with roasted garlic onio…
Officer Violently Attacked By Inmate At Northern Westchester Prison Officer Violently Attacked By Inmate At Northern Westchester Prison
Officer Violently Attacked By Inmate At Northern Westchester Prison An officer suffered serious injuries after an inmate attacked him in a stairwell at a maximum-security prison in Northern Westchester, officials said. The assault occurred on Monday, Nov. 18, just after 10:30 a.m., as inmates were returning to their cells from morning recreation, according to the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA). The incident began when an inmate was seen yelling in the stairwell between two cell blocks. The officer ordered the inmate to return to his cell, but he refused. When the officer approached and repeated the order,…