Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Arctic Blast Sweeps In After Potent Storm With Strong Cold Front: 5-Day Forecast Arctic Blast Sweeps In After Potent Storm With Strong Cold Front: 5-Day Forecast
Arctic Blast Sweeps In After Potent Storm With Strong Cold Front: 5-Day Forecast A blast of Arctic air will bring brisk conditions to the region after the passage of a cold front that accompanied a potent storm with heavy rainfall and gusty winds. The change in the weather pattern began overnight as the system pushed out. Thursday, Dec. 12 will be mostly sunny with temperatures ranging from the upper 30s to low 40s and wind gusts as high as 30 miles per hour making it feel at least 10 degrees colder, according to the National Weather Service. It will be continued cold both Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14, with mainly sunny skies and blustery conditions both days…
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 Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $30 million with a $14.7 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. 14 with a $45 million jackpot. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 13-44-50-52-54 with a Powerball of 20 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. Pri…
ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes
ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes Hours after a Meta outage left Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users in the dark, ChatGPT seems to be following suit. Users of the AI website began experiencing technical difficulties sometime around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. A message on the website as of 9:20 p.m. reads: "ChatGPT is currently unavailable. Status: Identified - We have identified the issue and are working to roll out a fix." Naturally, X users had a field day. #ChatGPT is down. Looks like everyone will have to finish their assignments the old fashioned way. pic.twitter.com/68xVq9DNf8 — Xon Kurama (@XonKurama) D…
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…
Ousted Melville CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say Ousted Melville CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say
Ousted Melville CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say The former CEO of a New York telecommunications company is accused of engaging in insider trading just hours after he was fired, dodging thousands in losses. Ken Peterman, 67, was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 11, on federal charges of insider trading and securities fraud. Prosecutors said Peterman exploited non-public information about Melville-based Comtech Telecommunications’ poor financial performance and his impending termination to sell company shares, avoiding significant financial losses. According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he violated two trading blackouts whe…
Panera Marks Opening Of New Suffolk County Restaurant With Ceremonial Bread-Breaking Panera Marks Opening Of New Suffolk County Restaurant With Ceremonial Bread-Breaking
Panera Marks Opening Of New Suffolk County Restaurant With Ceremonial Bread-Breaking The irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread is now filling the air of Islandia. Panera Bread marked the grand opening of its newest restaurant – located at 1900 Veterans Memorial Highway – with a customary bread-breaking ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The bakery-cafe chain is popular for its soups, salads, sandwiches, and freshly baked goods. Customer faves include the mac and cheese, and the sourdough bread. Doherty Enterprises “We’re thrilled to open our newest Panera Bread location in Islandia and bring our fresh, wholesome menu to this vibrant community,” said Tim Doherty, preside…
Shell Casing, Blood Droplets Land Getaway Driver In Prison For Killing Of LI 24-Year-Old Shell Casing, Blood Droplets Land Getaway Driver In Prison For Killing Of LI 24-Year-Old
Shell Casing, Blood Droplets Land Getaway Driver In Prison For Killing Of LI 24-Year-Old A Long Island man who served as getaway driver in the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old robbery victim could spend decades in prison. Khamari Elie, 20, of Hempstead, was sentenced to 17 years to life behind bars in Nassau County Court on Wednesday, Dec. 11, for his role in the shooting death of Kyle Midtlyng. Prosecutors said Elie and three co-defendants lured Midtlyng to a Uniondale residence on Alexander Avenue on the night of Nov. 10, 2021, under the guise of purchasing marijuana. Elie drove the group to the scene, where co-defendant Kyle Colthirst entered Midtlyng’s vehicle to carry out…
Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads
Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads Apple has unveiled new updates that bring advanced AI and emoji tools to its iPhone and iPad devices.  Released on Wednesday, Dec. 11, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 expand Apple Intelligence with features like ChatGPT integration, custom emoji creation, and visual design tools. Key Updates ChatGPT Integration: Siri and Writing Tools now support ChatGPT for generating content, solving problems, and enhancing productivity. Privacy settings ensure user control over data. Image Playground: This tool allows users to design custom visuals by inputting text descriptions, wit…
Gotham Meets NY: 'The Penguin' Filmed In State Earns Golden Globe Nods Gotham Meets NY: 'The Penguin' Filmed In State Earns Golden Globe Nods
Gotham Meets NY: 'The Penguin' Filmed In State Earns Golden Globe Nods Westchester has another claim to Hollywood-related fame: several scenes for HBO's "The Penguin," which is now nominated for several Golden Globes, were filmed within the county.  The miniseries, a spinoff of the 2022 film "The Batman," was revealed to have been nominated for three Golden Globes on Monday, Dec. 9.  Several scenes for the show, which centers on iconic Batman villain The Penguin (otherwise known as Oswald "Oz" Cobb), were filmed within the city of Yonkers, parts of which were turned into "Gotham City," according to Mayor Mike Spano.  Some of these filming locat…
Attackers Taunted, Filmed 17-Year-Old Stabbing Victim Outside Suffolk County HS, Witness Says Attackers Taunted, Filmed 17-Year-Old Stabbing Victim Outside Suffolk County HS, Witness Says
Attackers Taunted, Filmed 17-Year-Old Stabbing Victim Outside Suffolk County HS, Witness Says New details are emerging after a 17-year-old senior was stabbed and carjacked mere steps from a Long Island high school. Emergency crews in Middle Island were called to the intersection of Tie Street and Sander Court, just east of Longwood High School, shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. Suffolk County Police said the victim was walking when several people got out of a passing car and approached him. A confrontation ensued and the teen was stabbed with an unknown object, causing him to drop his car keys. Another student at the school, who wished to remain anonymous, told Daily Voice fou…
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries is hoping to delay his federal sex trafficking case. An attorney for the 80-year-old Jeffries filed a motion on Monday, Dec. 9, asking a Manhattan judge to schedule a hearing to determine whether Jeffries is mentally competent to stand trial. “[The motion] will be dealt with in court as, and when, appropriate – according to the judge,” Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, told Daily Voice. Federal prosecutors are expected to challenge the move, potentially delaying the case by months. An indictment unsealed in October accused Jeffries of pr…
NY Real Estate Bros Drugged, Raped Numerous Women Dating Back Decade, Feds Say NY Real Estate Bros Drugged, Raped Numerous Women Dating Back Decade, Feds Say
NY Real Estate Bros Drugged, Raped Numerous Women Dating Back Decade, Feds Say Two luxury real estate agents and brothers known for operating in the New York City area are accused of drugging and raping numerous women dating back over a decade. Brothers Oren and Tal Alexander, founders of the real estate firm Official, and their brother Alon are charged with multiple counts of sex trafficking, according to a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York on Wednesday, Dec. 11. Federal prosecutors said the brothers used their wealth and status as high-end real estate agents to orchestrate a long-running scheme of targeting dozens of women, luring them with promis…
Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms
Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms Tens of thousands of Meta users are experiencing outages across its platforms. Just before 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, there were numerous reports of outages on Downdetector.com, including 69,000 on Instagram, over 1,000 on Facebook, and 10,000 on WhatsApp. Meta issued a statement on the outages on X at around 1:45 p.m. "We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some users’ ability to access our apps," the statement said. "We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience." We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some use…
Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, LIRR Riders Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, LIRR Riders
Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, Lirr Riders If you’re planning to ho-ho-hop on a Metro-North, NJ Transit or LIRR train this SantaCon weekend, leave the spiked eggnog at home — the MTA and NJ Transit are implementing its annual booze ban. In preparation for SantaCon 2024, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced a 32-hour alcohol ban across all Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad trains and stations. The restriction will take effect at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, and remain in place until noon on Sunday, Dec. 15, aiming to ensure a safe and smooth ride for all passengers. “Our top priority is …
Know Any Long Island Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays Know Any Long Island Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays
Know Any Long Island Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays Do you know someone who goes all out for the holidays? Daily Voice wants to see the best Christmas light displays in your neighborhood—and we need your help! Calling all holiday enthusiasts! The most wonderful time of the year is here, and Daily Voice is on the hunt for the most festive, over-the-top, and downright dazzling holiday decorations in the tri-state area (scroll down for instructions on how to submit). Whether it's a house covered in lights, an inflatable Santa village, or a synchronized music-and-lights extravaganza, we want to know where to find it! Is there a house on yo…
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was found in possession of a handwritten manifesto that sheds light on his alleged motives.  CNN was first to report the discovery.  The three-page document opens with a confession and asserts that Mangione acted independently, according to a report published Wednesday morning, Dec. 11 by The New York Times. He condemns UnitedHealthcare's increasing market capitalization amid declining American life expectancy and criticizes corporations for exploiting the country for pr…
CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione
CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione The rare times in which Luigi Nicholas Mangione removed his face mask may have been the main reason for his arrest for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson after a five-day manhunt. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say In the first instance, Mangione was asked by a receptionist at a hostel in Manhattan's Upper West Side to remove the mask so she could compare his face to the photo on an allegedly fake ID. The 26-year-old Maryland native checked in there 10 days before the targeted shooti…
Power Outages Likely In These Areas As Storm Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain Power Outages Likely In These Areas As Storm Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain
Power Outages Likely In These Areas As Storm Brings Strong Winds, Heavy Rain A potent storm sweeping through the region will be accompanied by strong winds that could cause power outages. The storm, which is accompanying a cold front, is moving from the east on Tuesday night, Dec. 10, into Wednesday, Dec. 11, according to the National Weather Service. During the storm's height, there will be heavy rain and wind gusts between 25 and 30 miles per hour. Some areas, especially along coastal areas of the Northeast, could see gusts of between 50 and 70 mph and are where outages are most likely. They are displayed in orange in the first image above from Ac…
Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only
Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only Krispy Kreme is bringing back its annual “Day of the Dozens” promotion, offering a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $1 with the purchase of any dozen doughnuts or a 16-count of Minis at regular price.  The offer is available for in-shop and drive-thru purchases, as well as online orders. The promotion will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12, at participating locations.  Customers can redeem the offer twice in-store or via drive-thru, while online orders are limited to one redemption using the promo code “DOZEN.” The promotion coincides with Krispy Kreme’s “Elf” Holiday Collectio…
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting in the US is a costly epidemic, with retailers losing over $120 billion last year. The trend focuses on easily concealed, high-demand products at major retailers like Walmart and Target, posing a nationwide challenge for store owners and law enforcement. Electronics, health and beauty products, and food items are among the most commonly stolen goods, Capital One Shopping reports.  Small gadgets such as headphones and phone chargers, alongside over-the-counter medications and cosmetics, are frequent targets.  Alcohol, baby formula, and packaged meats are also popular …
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 10 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $619M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 10 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $619M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 10 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $619M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 10 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $619 million with a $293.6 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 12-14-26-48-52 with a Mega Ball of 21 and a Megaplier of 5X 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. 13.  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…
Wegmans Reveals Opening Date For Suffolk County Store, First On Long Island Wegmans Reveals Opening Date For Suffolk County Store, First On Long Island
Wegmans Reveals Opening Date For Suffolk County Store, First On Long Island Attention shoppers: Long Island is getting its first Wegmans. The supermarket chain is putting the finishing touches on its newest store, set to open in Lake Grove at DSW Plaza on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. With 101,000 square feet to play with, the new store will have everything a dedicated Wegmans customer would expect, including a Market Café with fresh sushi, poke bowls, hot self-serve bars, and an old-fashioned sub shop. Whether it’s chef-created salads or homestyle comfort food, there’s sure to be something for everyone. Customers can plan on having 14 full-service registers, 14 self…
NJ Director's Acclaimed Movie Was Filmed At Lavish Brooklyn Mansion (LOOK INSIDE) NJ Director's Acclaimed Movie Was Filmed At Lavish Brooklyn Mansion (LOOK INSIDE)
NJ Director's Acclaimed Movie Was Filmed At Lavish Brooklyn Mansion (Look Inside) "Anora," the acclaimed film from New Jersey native Sean Baker is cleaning up at various awards as the Oscar race heats up. The movie is about a Brooklyn stripper who impulsively marries the son of a Russian oligarch, only for his family to try and get the marriage annulled. "Anora" won the prestigious Palme d'or at the Cannes Film Festival in the spring, and was named one of the 10 Best Films of the Year by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute. The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, and Vulture all predict "Anora" will receive Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Actre…
How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal
How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal New Yorkers could soon see some relief from rising costs. Around 8.6 million taxpayers statewide could stand to benefit from a historic $3 billion in “inflation refund” checks that were proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul during a speech in the Bronx on Monday, Dec. 9. If approved by lawmakers, the initiative would deliver $300 checks to single taxpayers earning up to $150,000 annually and $500 to joint filers with incomes up to $300,000. The refunds would be funded by surplus sales tax revenue generated during the recent period of high inflations. Hochul said the one-time payments would provide…
Suffolk Man Who Went On Hate-Fueled Assault, Robbery Spree In Gets Prison Time Suffolk Man Who Went On Hate-Fueled Assault, Robbery Spree In Gets Prison Time
Suffolk Man Who Went On Hate-Fueled Assault, Robbery Spree In Gets Prison Time A Long Island man will spend more than a decade in prison for a violent crime spree in Westchester County, including a hate-fueled assault on an Asian store owner and robberies targeting multiple victims, officials announced.  Suffolk County resident Michael Bagley, age 34, of Coram, New York, was sentenced to an indeterminate term of 14 and a half to 29 years in state prison following his guilty plea to felony charges stemming from robberies in New Rochelle and White Plains in March 2023, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office. The violent incidents occurred on…
Kitchen Nightmare: 5 Teeth Extracted At Long Island Woman's Unlicensed Home Dentistry, DA Says Kitchen Nightmare: 5 Teeth Extracted At Long Island Woman's Unlicensed Home Dentistry, DA Says
Kitchen Nightmare: 5 Teeth Extracted At Long Island Woman's Unlicensed Home Dentistry, DA Says A Long Island woman is accused of practicing unlicensed dentistry from the kitchen of her one-bedroom apartment, putting at least one patient’s health at risk, prosecutors alleged. Gladys Serrano, 70, of Hempstead, was arraigned on a felony count of unauthorized practice of a profession in Nassau County Court on Tuesday, Dec. 10. It came after she conducted dental procedures, including extractions, from a makeshift setup in her apartment on Greenwich Street, according to the DA’s office. The investigation began after a victim contacted Serrano in July 2024 for a tooth extraction. According…
17-Year-Old Stabbed, Carjacked By Group Near Suffolk County HS 17-Year-Old Stabbed, Carjacked By Group Near Suffolk County HS
17-Year-Old Stabbed, Carjacked By Group Near Suffolk County HS A 17-year-old boy was hospitalized following a stabbing and carjacking that occurred steps from a Long Island high school. Emergency crews in Middle Island were called to the intersection of Tie Street and Sander Court, just east of Longwood High School, shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. Suffolk County Police said the victim was walking when several people got out of a passing car and approached him. A confrontation ensued and the teen was stabbed with an unknown object, causing him to drop his car keys. One of the suspects grabbed the keys and at least one person fled the scene in t…
Stabbing, Barricaded Suspect Reportedly Trigger Large Police Response At Long Island Home Stabbing, Barricaded Suspect Reportedly Trigger Large Police Response At Long Island Home
Stabbing, Barricaded Suspect Reportedly Trigger Large Police Response At Long Island Home Negotiations with a barricaded man are reportedly underway following an alleged stabbing at a Long Island home. Emergency crews were called to a North Bellmore residence, located on Bellmore Road south of Jerusalem Road, about a stabbing and barricaded suspect at around noon Tuesday, Dec. 10. One victim was taken to a hospital with stab wounds, according to preliminary radio traffic. Officers were still on scene at 2 p.m. trying to make contact with the male suspect, who was armed with a handgun and a knife, according to radio traffic. Photos from the scene showed numerous Nassau County …
Drone Sightings Spark Multi-State Concerns Along East Coast Drone Sightings Spark Multi-State Concerns Along East Coast
Drone Sightings Spark Multi-State Concerns Along East Coast Authorities along the East Coast are grappling with a surge in drone sightings, raising security concerns and prompting high-level responses. In New Jersey, residents have reported numerous drone sightings since mid-November, particularly in Morris and Somerset counties, and more than a dozen mayors are calling for investigations. Gov. Phil Murphy is urging residents to report suspicious drone activity to law enforcement and emphasizing the state's commitment to public safety.  "We are actively monitoring the situation and in close coordination with our federal and law enforcement par…
Murder Charges Rock Mangione Dynasty: Inside Accused CEO Killer's Elite Bloodline Murder Charges Rock Mangione Dynasty: Inside Accused CEO Killer's Elite Bloodline
Murder Charges Rock Mangione Dynasty: Inside Accused CEO Killer's Elite Bloodline Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old former Ivy Leaguer accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, hails from one of Maryland’s most prominent and influential families, known for their vast business holdings and political connections. ALSO SEE: Ivy-Educated Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery Mangione, a Towson native, graduated as valedictorian from the prestigious Gilman School in Baltimore.  His grandfather, Nicholas Mangione, was a powerful real estate developer and co-founder of Lorien Health Services, a company operating nearly a dozen assisted-li…