COVID-19: Here's What To Know About New XEC Strain From Europe That's Arrived In US COVID-19: Here's What To Know About New XEC Strain From Europe That's Arrived In US
Covid-19: Here's What To Know About New XEC Strain From Europe That's Arrived In US A new highly transmissible COVID-19 strain that first appeared in Europe is now beginning to spread in the United States. Called XEC, the offshoot of the Omicron strain was initially identified in Germany early this past summer before quickly spreading throughout Europe. It is not causing more serious symptoms than other COVID strains, but it is causing concern. “The rate of infections from XEC they're seeing in some countries rose pretty quickly compared to previous variants in those same places," Dr. Scott Roberts, a Yale Medicine infectious diseases specialist said in YaleMedicine.…
MS-13 Member 'Little Devil' Gets 50 Years For Gruesome Quadruple Murder In Central Islip MS-13 Member 'Little Devil' Gets 50 Years For Gruesome Quadruple Murder In Central Islip
MS-13 Member 'Little Devil' Gets 50 Years For Gruesome Quadruple Murder In Central Islip An MS-13 gang member who lured four men to a Long Island park where they were brutally murdered will spend decades behind bars. Leniz Escobar, age 24, of Islip Terrace, was sentenced to 50 years in prison in Central Islip federal court on Thursday, Oct. 1. It followed her April 2022 conviction for murder and related charges in the deaths of Justin Llivicura, Michael Lopez, Jorge Tigre and Jefferson Villalobos. According to prosecutors, Escobar – known by fellow gang members as “Diablita,” or “Little Devil” – helped lure five young men, including the four victims, to Central Islip Community…
John Gotti Jr's Wife, Daughter Dodge Assault Charges After HS Basketball Brawl On Long Island John Gotti Jr's Wife, Daughter Dodge Assault Charges After HS Basketball Brawl On Long Island
John Gotti Jr's Wife, Daughter Dodge Assault Charges After HS Basketball Brawl On Long Island John Gotti Jr.’s wife and daughter will avoid criminal charges in connection with a fight at a youth basketball game on Long Island. A Nassau County judge cited “procedural grounds” for dismissing the misdemeanor assault charges against Kimberly Gotti, age 55, and Gianna Gotti, age 23, on Tuesday, Oct. 1. “We await the judge’s written decision and will review our options,” a spokesperson for the DA’s office told Daily Voice. The fight broke out in the Oyster Bay village of Lattingtown, during a basketball game at Locust Valley High School against visiting Oyster Bay High School, on Thursd…
Longshoremen Strike: Hundreds Of NY, NJ Dockworkers On Picket Lines Longshoremen Strike: Hundreds Of NY, NJ Dockworkers On Picket Lines
Longshoremen Strike: Hundreds Of NY, NJ Dockworkers On Picket Lines Thousands of longshoremen along the East and Golf coasts are on strike in a move that could heavily impact the economy and make it harder to get goods and services. In Elizabeth, NJ, the strike began on Tuesday, Oct. 1 outside Maher Terminal where hundreds of dockworkers rallied. CBS News, citing the Port Authority of NY and NJ, said most operations have been shut down due to the strike. Daily Voice has reached out the Port Authority for comment. The Port Authority said it has been working closely with the commercial trucking industry to ensure cargo containing essential goods, medical sup…
19-Year-Old Admits Fatally Shooting Man Outside Farmingville Nightclub 19-Year-Old Admits Fatally Shooting Man Outside Farmingville Nightclub
19-Year-Old Admits Fatally Shooting Man Outside Farmingville Nightclub A 19-year-old gang member confessed to fatally shooting a man outside a Long Island nightclub and injuring two others. David Trent, of Mastic Beach, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Sept. 30, in the death of Jorge Mauricio Sevilla Barrera. Prosecutors said Trent – a member of the criminal street organization, “No Fake Love,” or “NFL” – was with several other gang members outside the now-closed Minx nightclub in Farmingville on Dec. 5, 2021, when they got into a confrontation with Barrera and his friends. The argument turned physical and …
East Northport Man Admits Filming Sexual Abuse Of 3-Year-Old, Sharing Footage Online East Northport Man Admits Filming Sexual Abuse Of 3-Year-Old, Sharing Footage Online
East Northport Man Admits Filming Sexual Abuse Of 3-Year-Old, Sharing Footage Online A Long Island man formally confessed to sexually abusing a 3-year-old child and then sharing video of the act online. Dakota Rose, age 25, of East Northport, pleaded guilty to use of a child in a sexual performance and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Sept. 30. It came months after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) contacted Suffolk County Police in February 2024 saying an East Northport resident had shared a video of child sexual abuse on social media. On Tuesday, March 12, investigators executed a search warrant at Rose’s home, where they un…
120 Accuse New York's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report 120 Accuse New York's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report
120 Accuse New York's Sean Combs Of Sex Abuse In New Class Action Lawsuit: Report The legal troubles faced by Sean "Diddy" Combs, a New York native, are far from over, as the hip-hop mogul is facing allegations of sexual assault from over 100 new accusers, according to a report by NBC News.  Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee announced on Tuesday, Oct. 1 that he is currently representing 120 people with various allegations against Combs occurring over two decades, NBC reported.  These accusations against Combs, a New York City native who grew up in Westchester County's Mount Vernon, include sexual assault or rape; facilitated sex with a controlled substance;…
Bay Shore Man Who Kidnapped Ex-GF At Knifepoint Gets Decades In Prison Bay Shore Man Who Kidnapped Ex-GF At Knifepoint Gets Decades In Prison
Bay Shore Man Who Kidnapped Ex-GF At Knifepoint Gets Decades In Prison A Long Island man whose abuse and stalking of his former girlfriend culminated in a knifepoint kidnapping will spend decades behind bars. Holmark Garces, age 35, of Bay Shore, was sentenced to 27 to 30 years in prison in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Sept. 30. According to prosecutors, the victim moved out of Garces’ Bay Shore residence in December 2019 after he became increasingly controlling and abusive. She claimed he isolated her from her family and repeatedly took her cell phone to monitor her activity and communications. Earlier Report: Bay Shore Man Convicted Of Kidnapping …
Ex-Penn State Frat Leader From Ronkonkoma Sentenced For Hazing Student To Death Ex-Penn State Frat Leader From Ronkonkoma Sentenced For Hazing Student To Death
Ex-Penn State Frat Leader From Ronkonkoma Sentenced For Hazing Student To Death The former president and vice president of a frat at Penn State have been sentenced in connection with the death of a student from New Jersey, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced on Tuesday, Oct. 1.  Timothy "Tim" J. Piazza, 19 of Lebanon, NJ, died at Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA, after being hazed at Beta Theta Pi fraternity on Saturday, February 4, 2017, according to his obituary and the AG's release.  Brendan Young, 28, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, and Daniel Casey, 27, of Ronkonkoma, New York, pleaded guilty to multiple misdemeanors including 14 …
Hulu, Disney+ To Raise Prices Hulu, Disney+ To Raise Prices
Hulu, Disney+ To Raise Prices Another year, another streaming service price hike.  Disney+, the streaming video platform that boasts more than 150 million users, is raising the price of its monthly subscriptions beginning Thursday, Oct. 17, the company said. The spike comes as Disney said it will crack down on password-sharing, Variety reported.  The House of the Mouse announced earlier this year that prices for its most basic package with advertisements will climb from $8 to $10 monthly. Disney+ Premium will also rise by $2 to $16 monthly. Yearly plans will jump up $20 to $160 a year, the company said. Hulu,…
Gunman With Zip Ties Forces Way Into Commack Home, Assaults Resident Gunman With Zip Ties Forces Way Into Commack Home, Assaults Resident
Gunman With Zip Ties Forces Way Into Commack Home, Assaults Resident Police are asking for help in identifying a man who forced his way into a Long Island home and assaulted a resident. The incident happened in Commack, at a residence on Daisy Lane, at around 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13. Surveillance video shared by Suffolk County Police shows a man wearing a surgical mask carrying a postal envelope and zip ties approach the home and ring the doorbell. When a resident opened the door, the man pulled a gun and forced his way inside. At some point during the ordeal, a resident of the home was struck in the head. A short time later, the suspect fled the scene …
Drunk Driver Who Caused 25-Year-Old's Death In Head-On Huntington Crash Gets Prison Drunk Driver Who Caused 25-Year-Old's Death In Head-On Huntington Crash Gets Prison
Drunk Driver Who Caused 25-Year-Old's Death In Head-On Huntington Crash Gets Prison A Long Island man who admitted to causing a high-speed, drunk driving crash that killed his 25-year-old passenger will spend years in prison. Leo Flores-Gracias, age 26, of Huntington Station, was sentenced to four to 12 years behind bars in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Sept. 30. It followed his guilty plea to aggravated vehicular homicide and related charges in the death of Marlon Nunez-Cuellar. Earlier Report: 'Should Be Warning': Driver Admits Causing Long Island DWI Crash That Killed 25-Year-Old According to prosecutors, it was around 8 p.m. on July 4, 2023, when Flores-Grac…
COVID-19: KP.3.1.1 Strain Now Makes Up About 60 Percent Of US Cases; Here Are Symptoms COVID-19: KP.3.1.1 Strain Now Makes Up About 60 Percent Of US Cases; Here Are Symptoms
Covid-19: KP.3.1.1 Strain Now Makes Up About 60 Percent Of US Cases; Here Are Symptoms A highly contagious COVID-19 variant known as KP.3.1.1 now accounts for nearly 60 percent of infections in the United States. Data from the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that in a two-week period ending Saturday, Sept. 28, the strain made up 58.7 percent of cases nationally, with the KP.2.3 variant second at 9.4 percent. Both KP.3 and KP.2 are offshoots of the highly contagious Omicron variant and are members of a newly identified group of variants known as  “FLiRT.” Neither is causing more serious symptoms than other COVID strains, according to experts.…
Failed Restaurateur Murdered GF At Long Island Penthouse Before Stealing Her Dog, Jury Finds Failed Restaurateur Murdered GF At Long Island Penthouse Before Stealing Her Dog, Jury Finds
Failed Restaurateur Murdered GF At Long Island Penthouse Before Stealing Her Dog, Jury Finds A Long Island man angered over an impending breakup shot his girlfriend to death inside her penthouse apartment, a jury found. Mark Small, age 57, of Elmont, was found guilty of murder and related charges in Nassau County Court on Thursday, Sept. 26, in the death of 39-year-old Marivel Estevez. Prosecutors said Small entered Estevez’s penthouse apartment at the Allure Mineola apartment complex on Old Country Road sometime overnight on July 28, 2022. He then went to her bedroom, where he shot her with a handgun once in the arm and once in the head. He fled in Estevez’ car with her dog, Tuf…
Gilgo Beach Murders: Reward Offered As New Details Released About 'Asian Doe' Victim Gilgo Beach Murders: Reward Offered As New Details Released About 'Asian Doe' Victim
Gilgo Beach Murders: Reward Offered As New Details Released About 'Asian Doe' Victim Authorities are hoping new details about a male victim in the Gilgo Beach serial murders case – and a cash reward – will lead to his identification. On Long Island, the Gilgo Beach Task Force released details about clothing that was worn by the so-called “Asian Doe,” whose skeletal remains were found along Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach on April 4, 2011. The man, who investigators revealed was beaten to death sometime prior to 2006, was found wearing all women’s clothing. He was most likely working as a sex worker at the time, according to Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney. Earlier Report:…
Family Seeks Missing Man Whose Car Was Found Abandoned Near Sunrise Highway In Islip Family Seeks Missing Man Whose Car Was Found Abandoned Near Sunrise Highway In Islip
Family Seeks Missing Man Whose Car Was Found Abandoned Near Sunrise Highway In Islip Relatives are desperately trying to locate a man who has been missing for weeks after his car was found abandoned near a Long Island highway. Matthew Fina was last seen on Saturday, Sept. 14, according to his sister, Rosalie Marie.  His vehicle was later found abandoned in Islip, on the eastbound Sunrise Highway Service Road near exit 44. Fina’s age and place of residence were not immediately available. He is described as 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Relatives said he is known to frequent the Mastic/Shirley area. Anyone with information is asked to contact…
Attempted Murder: Man Tries Stabbing Woman To Death At Long Island Home, Police Say Attempted Murder: Man Tries Stabbing Woman To Death At Long Island Home, Police Say
Attempted Murder: Man Tries Stabbing Woman To Death At Long Island Home, Police Say A man is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly trying to stab a woman to death at a Long Island home. The incident happened in Inwood, at a residence on Mott Avenue, at around 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26. Nassau County Police said officers responded to the home for reports of a disturbance. They found a 42-year-old woman on the ground with lacerations on her arm and face. The victim was taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition. A preliminary investigation found that the woman had been in an altercation with 56-year-old Ivan Cullins, of Roosevelt, shortly before the…
'Ray Of Sunshine' Mourned As County Opens Traffic Study At Troubled West Babylon Intersection 'Ray Of Sunshine' Mourned As County Opens Traffic Study At Troubled West Babylon Intersection
'Ray Of Sunshine' Mourned As County Opens Traffic Study At Troubled West Babylon Intersection Major changes could be on the horizon for a notoriously troubled intersection on Long Island following a car crash that killed three people, including two teenagers. Suffolk County has initiated a traffic study for the West Babylon intersection of Great East Neck Road and Railroad Avenue, a spokesperson for County Executive Ed Romaine told Daily Voice. It comes after an early-morning crash on Saturday, Sept. 21, that killed 33-year-old Michael Desmond, of Lindenhurst and 18-year-old Riley Goot, of Babylon. On Thursday, Sept. 26, authorities confirmed a third victim, 17-year-old Bella Trezza…
COVID-19: Free At-Home Tests Are Now Available To Order Online While Supplies Last COVID-19: Free At-Home Tests Are Now Available To Order Online While Supplies Last
Covid-19: Free At-Home Tests Are Now Available To Order Online While Supplies Last Free rapid tests for COVID-19 are now available to order online. As of Friday, Sept. 27, every American household may order four nasal swab tests through the Department of Health and Human Services program by visiting covid.gov/tests or covidtests.gov while supplies last. After orders are placed, a confirmation email will be sent to the household, with free shipping scheduled to start the week of Monday, Sept. 30, and email delivery updates available if requested. New COVID booster vaccines that became available at the start of September have been updated with a formula…
COVID-19: John Gotti's Smithtown Grandson Admits To $1M Relief Fraud COVID-19: John Gotti's Smithtown Grandson Admits To $1M Relief Fraud
Covid-19: John Gotti's Smithtown Grandson Admits To $1M Relief Fraud A New York man with ties to the Mafia formally confessed to a million-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. Long Island resident Carmine Agnello, age 38, of Smithtown, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in Central Islip federal court on Thursday, Sept. 26. Agnello is the grandson of the late John Gotti, former boss of the Gambino organized crime family. According to prosecutors, between April 2020 and November 2021, he fraudulently applied for, and received, at least three small business loans under the US Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDLP). The program…
New York's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused Of Drugging Woman, Filming Rape In New Lawsuit New York's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused Of Drugging Woman, Filming Rape In New Lawsuit
New York's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Accused Of Drugging Woman, Filming Rape In New Lawsuit Following his arrest on federal sex trafficking charges, a woman has filed a lawsuit against hip-hop mogul and New York native Sean "Diddy" Combs accusing him of drugging and sexually assaulting her while recording it on film.  In a lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York on Tuesday, Sept. 24, Thalia Graves accused Combs of spiking her glass of wine and rendering her unconscious before raping her in a studio in Manhattan.  According to the lawsuit complaint, Graves met Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchest…
Man Admits Dumping Hazardous Waste At Former Brentwood Hospital, Costing $30K In Cleanup Man Admits Dumping Hazardous Waste At Former Brentwood Hospital, Costing $30K In Cleanup
Man Admits Dumping Hazardous Waste At Former Brentwood Hospital, Costing $30K In Cleanup A Long Island man confessed to dumping hazardous waste at a former hospital, costing taxpayers and the property owner thousands of dollars. Carleton Pulley, age 48, of Bay Shore, pleaded guilty to endangering public health, safety or the environment in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Sept. 5. According to prosecutors, a police officer witnessed Pulley unloading tires from a tractor trailer on the grounds of the former Pilgrim State Psychiatric Center in Brentwood in April 2023. Earlier Report: Man Dumps Hazardous Waste At Former LI Psychiatric Center, Costing Thousands In Cleanup:…
Owner Of Dog That Mauled 2-Year-Old Boy In Mastic Cops To Reckless Endangerment Charge Owner Of Dog That Mauled 2-Year-Old Boy In Mastic Cops To Reckless Endangerment Charge
Owner Of Dog That Mauled 2-Year-Old Boy In Mastic Cops To Reckless Endangerment Charge A Long Island woman formally accepted responsibility after her dog mauled a 2-year-old boy and injured the child’s uncle. Amy Willi, age 45, of Mastic, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, Sept. 25. Prosecutors said Willi opened her front door while the boy was playing in his yard across the street in March 2023. As soon as the door opened, her dog ran outside and went toward the boy. The toddler’s uncle, who had been watching him as he played, picked him up to protect him. Moments later, the dog bit the man on his forearm, causing his nephew to fal…
Man Lures House Cleaner To North Babylon Residence Before Attempted Knifepoint Robbery, DA Says Man Lures House Cleaner To North Babylon Residence Before Attempted Knifepoint Robbery, DA Says
Man Lures House Cleaner To North Babylon Residence Before Attempted Knifepoint Robbery, DA Says A Long Island man is accused of luring a house cleaner to his residence before attempting to rob her at knifepoint. The incident began in North Babylon at an apartment on Weeks Road, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors said 66-year-old Christopher Doran lured a female house cleaner to his residence under the guise of hiring her on Monday, Sept. 2. When the victim arrived, Doran told her she needed to drive him in her car to a bank to withdraw money. After instructing the woman to drive him to several locations between Bay Shore and Babylon, Doran told th…
Repeat Drunk Driver Who Killed Man Outside Long Island Diner Gets Years In Prison Repeat Drunk Driver Who Killed Man Outside Long Island Diner Gets Years In Prison
Repeat Drunk Driver Who Killed Man Outside Long Island Diner Gets Years In Prison A repeat drunk driver will spend years behind bars for hitting and killing a husband and father outside a Long Island restaurant. Willem Specht, age 63, of Wantagh, was sentenced to between seven and 15 years in prison in Nassau County Court on Wednesday, Sept. 25. It followed his guilty plea to aggravated vehicular homicide and related charges in the death of Joseph Devito. Earlier Report: Repeat Drunk Driver Admits Hitting, Killing Man Outside Woodbury Restaurant Prosecutors said Specht was “highly intoxicated” when he quickly reversed his car from a parking spot, striking the 61…
DNA On Hat Leads To Murder Conviction In Shooting Of Wyandanch Partygoer DNA On Hat Leads To Murder Conviction In Shooting Of Wyandanch Partygoer
DNA On Hat Leads To Murder Conviction In Shooting Of Wyandanch Partygoer More than four years after a man was gunned down at a Long Island house party, a jury convicted his killer.  Basheer Vinson, age 29, of Brooklyn, was found guilty of murder and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, Sept. 24, in the death of Mark Birthwright. Prosecutors said Vinson was attending a party on Patton Avenue in Wyandanch in the early hours of Aug. 2, 2020, when he spotted the 26-year-old Birthwright and another man leaving. Earlier Report: Man Indicted For Murder Of Bay Shore Man While Leaving Party As the men walked away from the home, Birthwright dr…
Alex Jones' InfoWars Up For Auction To Pay Sandy Hook Victims' Families: Report Alex Jones' InfoWars Up For Auction To Pay Sandy Hook Victims' Families: Report
Alex Jones' InfoWars Up For Auction To Pay Sandy Hook Victims' Families: Report The tools Alex Jones used to build his conspiracy theory and supplement-hawking empire could soon be yours, NPR reported.  A court-appointed trustee will soon begin to auction off pieces of Free Speech Systems, the parent company of InfoWars, to pay back the families of the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting victims, the report continued.  Jones owes them $1.5 billion in a defamation judgment after he claimed the massacre, which killed 26 people — 20 of them children – was a hoax.  The trustee will sell everything from chairs and production equipment to the InfoWars brand name, th…
Cop-Impersonator Handcuffs Woman At Long Island Deli, Police Say Cop-Impersonator Handcuffs Woman At Long Island Deli, Police Say
Cop-Impersonator Handcuffs Woman At Long Island Deli, Police Say A man is accused of handcuffing a woman while impersonating a police officer at a Long Island business. The incident happened in Roosevelt, at the Ruby Deli on Nassau Road, at around 9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Nassau County Police said two women were having an argument when one woman’s boyfriend, 57-year-old Leonardo Argueta, approached and identified himself as an undercover police detective. He then put the other woman in handcuffs, police said. When the victim and bystanders threatened to call 911, Argueta removed the handcuffs and fled the scene. Detectives located the man and arreste…
Former Varsity Basketball Player ID'd As Victim In Fiery Alleged DWI Crash On Long Island Former Varsity Basketball Player ID'd As Victim In Fiery Alleged DWI Crash On Long Island
Former Varsity Basketball Player ID'd As Victim In Fiery Alleged DWI Crash On Long Island Authorities have identified a man who was killed in a suspected drunk driving crash on Long Island. The wreck happened in Hicksville, near the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Cantiague Rock Road, at around 11:20 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Nassau County Police said a Subaru was making a left turn from eastbound Prospect Avenue onto northbound Cantiague Rock Road when it struck a westbound Honda. Earlier Report: 30-Year-Old Dies In Fiery Drunk Driving Crash In Hicksville, Police Say The impact caused the Subaru to catch fire, trapping the 30-year-old male driver inside, police said…
Free COVID-19 At-Home Tests Will Soon Become Available Online Free COVID-19 At-Home Tests Will Soon Become Available Online
Free Covid-19 At-Home Tests Will Soon Become Available Online The Department of Health and Human Services will soon restart its program of offering free rapid tests for the virus through the mail. Every American household may order four nasal swab tests starting by the end of September by visiting covid.gov/tests or covidtests.gov. Both standard and more accessible COVID-19 tests will be available, while supplies last. The department did not announce what specific day and date requests will start to be processed. New COVID booster vaccines that became available at the start of September have been updated with a formula to more closely target cu…
West Babylon Man Admits Poisoning Prominent Activist, 'Pose' Star Who Overdosed West Babylon Man Admits Poisoning Prominent Activist, 'Pose' Star Who Overdosed
West Babylon Man Admits Poisoning Prominent Activist, 'Pose' Star Who Overdosed Two New York men formally confessed to their roles in the death of a prominent transgender activist, performer, and author. Michael Kuilan, age 44, of Brooklyn, pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing heroin and fentanyl in Brooklyn federal court Monday, Sept. 23, in the death of Cecilia Gentili. Earlier Report: NY Men 'Poisoned' Prominent Transgender Activist, 'Pose' Star Who OD'd: Feds It came weeks after Long Island resident Antonio Venti, age 52, of West Babylon, pleaded guilty to the same drug offenses. According to prosecutors, Venti and Kuilan sold heroin laced with fe…