Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $240M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $240M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 4 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $240M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Dec. 4 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $240 million with a $113.6 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. 7. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 01-23-25-28-61 with a Powerball of 13 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Prizes then range from $1 mill…
Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In New Jersey (VIDEO) Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In New Jersey (VIDEO)
Mystery In The Skies: FBI Probing Unexplained Drone Sightings In New Jersey (Video) The skies over New Jersey remain a puzzling hotspot for drone sightings as reports continue nearly two weeks after they first emerged, with residents growing increasingly uneasy (scroll for video). On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Warren County officials confirmed they are working with the FBI-Newark, New Jersey State Police, and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to monitor, assess, and investigate the unusual activity. This follows a similar announcement from Morris and Somerset counties, where prosecutors, sheriffs, and emergency management offices are coordinating efforts …
Brand-New Snowfall Projections: These Areas Will See Most Accumulation Brand-New Snowfall Projections: These Areas Will See Most Accumulation
Brand-New Snowfall Projections: These Areas Will See Most Accumulation Updated snowfall projections have been released by the National Weather Service as a fast-moving Alberta Clipper system nears the region. The system will sweep in from west to east starting at around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec.  4, with precipitation lasting until around 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. A widespread inch to 3 inches of accumulation is expected in most of the region, with a trace of snow in some areas farther south and up to 10 inches in some higher elevated northern locales. See the image above for the projected snowfall map. A Wind Advisory is in effect throughout the region fr…
Man Wins Second $1M Jackpot With NY Lottery Scratch-Off Man Wins Second $1M Jackpot With NY Lottery Scratch-Off
Man Wins Second $1M Jackpot With NY Lottery Scratch-Off Lightning has struck twice for a New Jersey man, who just claimed his second $1 million prize from a New York Lottery scratch-off game in under two years. Kevin Brady’s latest win came from the Cashword Bonus instant game, securing him a $1 million top prize. His lucky ticket was purchased at Yemsali Grocery, Inc., located at 881 Tenth Ave. in Manhattan, according to the New York Lottery. This isn’t the East Brunswick resident's first brush with luck. In September 2023, he took home another $1 million top prize from the Millionaire Maker scratch-off ticket. For his most recent win, Brady o…
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Hudson Valley's Best! Hudson Valley, 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 Hudson Valley a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the business…
Strengthening Storm To Bring Bursts Of Snow, 50 MPH Wind Gusts, Power Outage Risk Strengthening Storm To Bring Bursts Of Snow, 50 MPH Wind Gusts, Power Outage Risk
Strengthening Storm To Bring Bursts Of Snow, 50 MPH Wind Gusts, Power Outage Risk A strengthening Alberta Clipper system will produce intense bursts of snow and strong winds with gusts up to 50 miles per hour, which could cause power outages. According to the National Weather Service, the storm will occur from Wednesday night, Dec. 4, into late Thursday morning, Dec. 5.  Powerful gusts will accompany wind speeds of 20 to 25 mph throughout the day and into Thursday evening. (See the first image above from AccuWeather.) At the outset of the system, snow showers will occur throughout the region, and areas where the temperature stays at or below the freezing …
Dutchess Residents Nabbed For DWI, Almost Hitting Cop Car Over Holiday Weekend: Police Dutchess Residents Nabbed For DWI, Almost Hitting Cop Car Over Holiday Weekend: Police
Dutchess Residents Nabbed For DWI, Almost Hitting Cop Car Over Holiday Weekend: Police Several people, including Connecticut residents, were apprehended for impaired driving over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the Hudson Valley, including several incidents involving crashes and dangerous driving behaviors, authorities announced. The arrests, which occurred in Putnam County between Tuesday, Nov. 26, and Wednesday, Dec. 4, were announced by the Putnam County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday. The first of the incidents happened on Nov. 26, when deputies were dispatched to a two-car crash on Route 311 in Patterson near McManus Road North.  According to the Sheriff's Offic…
New Photos, Video Show Brazen Targeted Killing Of UnitedHealthcare CEO In Manhattan New Photos, Video Show Brazen Targeted Killing Of UnitedHealthcare CEO In Manhattan
New Photos, Video Show Brazen Targeted Killing Of UnitedHealthcare CEO In Manhattan Police have released photos of the suspect who was lying in wait before the brazen targeted killing of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare companies in midtown Manhattan. The executive, Brian Thompson of UnitedHealthCare, was shot outside the the New York Hilton Midtown at 1335 Sixth Ave. at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, the NYPD said. The gunman, wearing a black face mask, a gray backpack, and a dark jacket, approached the victim from behind as seen in a surveillance video obtained by CNN (Warning: graphic.) The suspect's shots with a silenced gun struck Thom…
NY Medical Practice Fined Thousands Over Alleged Discrimination Against HIV-Positive Patient NY Medical Practice Fined Thousands Over Alleged Discrimination Against HIV-Positive Patient
NY Medical Practice Fined Thousands Over Alleged Discrimination Against Hiv-positive Patient A New York-based dermatology practice will pay thousands of dollars after allegations that it refused treatment to an HIV-positive patient. Under a settlement with the US Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday, Dec. 3, Advanced Dermatology, P.C. – headquartered on Long Island in New Hyde Park – resolved allegations that one of its doctors violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) by refusing timely care to a male patient. The patient, who is HIV-positive, filed a complaint with the US Department of Justice alleging that a dermatologist refused to perform a scheduled Mohn micrograp…
UnitedHealthcare CEO Killed In Apparent Targeted Shooting In Midtown Manhattan: Developing UnitedHealthcare CEO Killed In Apparent Targeted Shooting In Midtown Manhattan: Developing
UnitedHealthcare CEO Killed In Apparent Targeted Shooting In Midtown Manhattan: Developing The CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare companies was killed in a brazen apparent targeted shooting in midtown Manhattan, according to multiple reports. Click here for a new, updated story: New Photos Show Shooter In Brazen Targeted Killing Of UnitedHealthcare CEO In Manhattan The executive, Brian Thompson of UnitedHealthcare, was shot outside the the New York Hilton Midtown at 1335 Sixth Ave. at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, according to The New York Times, citing a police report. The gunman, who was wearing a a black face mask, gray backpack, and cream-colored…
ROPE RESCUE: Car Plunges Down Icy Embankment In Dutchess County ROPE RESCUE: Car Plunges Down Icy Embankment In Dutchess County
ROPE Rescue: Car Plunges Down Icy Embankment In Dutchess County A person was rescued after their car crashed down an icy embankment in Dutchess County. At approximately 5:30pm Wassaic Fire was dispatched for an auto accident car down an embankment in area of Nelson Hill... Posted by Wassaic Fire Rescue "The Blue Crew" on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 The crash occurred at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3, in the area of Nelson Hill Road and Deep Hill Road on Route 22 in Wassaic, according to the Wassaic Fire Department Blue Crew. The victim was entrapped in the vehicle, and a rope crew from Amenia Fire was called to help Wassaic Fire. After securing the…
Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs
Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Driving into New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll be paying for it. New York City’s congestion pricing plan, set to begin on Friday, Jan. 5, aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and fund crucial public transit upgrades.  Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll, with rates starting at $9 per day. The Federal Highway Administration approved the program last month. However, lawsuits could potentially stop the planned rollout. The toll is aimed at reducing gridlock and enhancing traffic flow in the Central Business Distr…
Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's What's Inside Debut NY Location Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's What's Inside Debut NY Location
Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's What's Inside Debut NY Location Whole Foods Market has unveiled its first-ever 'Daily Shop,' a smaller-format store designed for urban convenience. The debut location is in New York City, in Manhattan’s Lenox Hill neighborhood. The 9,101-square-foot store at 1175 Third Avenue is tailored to meet the fast-paced needs of Upper East side residents with its compact size and curated offerings. “New York City has been home to Whole Foods for over 20 years, and we’re excited to expand our presence with this innovative new format,” said Christina Minardi, executive vice president of growth and development at Whole Food…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 3 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $541M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 3 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $541M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Dec. 3 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $541M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Dec. 3 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $541 million with a $258.4 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 52-60-61-66-67 with a Mega Ball of 23 and a Megaplier of 4X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6.  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 o…
NY's Drew Barrymore Brings 'Wicked' Star Ariana Grande To Tears With Magical Surprise NY's Drew Barrymore Brings 'Wicked' Star Ariana Grande To Tears With Magical Surprise
NY's Drew Barrymore Brings 'Wicked' Star Ariana Grande To Tears With Magical Surprise Ariana Grande was over the rainbow with joy following an on-set surprise by Drew Barrymore. The pop icon, who’s currently dazzling moviegoers with her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch in the box office smash hit “Wicked,” was brought to tears during an appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show” set to air Thursday, Dec. 5. “I have something that’s extremely exciting and special. It’s actually, it was owned by the Smithsonian and now it’s owned in private hands,” the 49-year-old Barrymore teased Grande. “But for the purposes of our sit-down, they loaned it to us.” Grande then gasped as Bar…
Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley
Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley A Rockland County man and his girlfriend have been sentenced for their roles in killing his 85-year-old grandfather, stealing his belongings and hiding his body in 2023, authorities said. Constantinos Doonan, 32, also known as “Dino,” and Jo-Ann Haughey, 28, both of New City, were convicted in the January 2023 killing of Constantinos Mastakouris at his home on Ruth Drive in New City, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, authorities announced that Doonan was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison while Haughey received 15 years for ma…
Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down
Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down Meta is admitting that harmless content gets taken down amid criticism for its handling of moderation. “Too often, harmless content gets taken down, or restricted, and too many people get penalized unfairly,” the company's president of global affairs, Nick Glegg, told reporters on Monday, Dec. 2, according to a report in The Verge. Meta's platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. Despite advancements in AI moderation, Clegg acknowledged there is still “work to do” in ensuring fair and accurate enforcement, the report said. Meta has promised to refine its…
McRib Mania: McDonald's Cult Favorite Sparks Food Fight Among NYers (Poll) McRib Mania: McDonald's Cult Favorite Sparks Food Fight Among NYers (Poll)
McRib Mania: McDonald's Cult Favorite Sparks Food Fight Among NYers (Poll) It’s back – and people have some thoughts. Just in time for the holidays, McDonald’s has brought back its notoriously elusive McRib. The much loved – and loathed – saucy sandwich returned for a limited time Tuesday, Dec. 3, at participating restaurants across the country. The McRib consists of seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy barbecue sauce and topped with slivered onions and pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun. It’ll set you back 520 calories. “When everything combines, you have BBQ pork sandwich perfection,” McDonald’s said in a statement. wow lots of excitement ov…
Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine, NY Resident Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine, NY Resident Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway
Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine, NY Resident Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway Jury deliberations are underway in the case of a New York Marine Corps veteran accused of choking a street artist to death aboard a Manhattan subway. The anonymous jury began weighing manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges against Daniel Penny just after 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, in the death of Jordan Neely. Jurors concluded their deliberations Tuesday evening, and will be back in court to resume on Wednesday morning, Dec. 4. Bystander video allegedly showed the 26-year-old Penny, a Long Island resident from West Islip, placing the 30-year-old Neely in a chokehold aboard a t…
Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees
Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees Global hotel chain Marriott International is planning to lay off hundreds of employees by the start of the new year. According to a Maryland Work Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filing, the company, based in Bethesda, listed 833 people slated to lose their jobs by Wednesday, Jan. 3. Despite the development, Chief Executive Officer Anthony Capuano said business is solid. "Our business momentum is excellent, and as a company that embraces change, we continue to evolve our business to support our global growth," Capuano said in a third-quarter earnings call late last month,…
Police In Dutchess County De-escalate Suicidal Woman With Knife At Store Police In Dutchess County De-escalate Suicidal Woman With Knife At Store
Police In Dutchess County De-escalate Suicidal Woman With Knife At Store A suicidal woman with a knife was safely talked into dropping the weapon after a stand-off at a Hudson Valley store. The incident occurred at the All In One Food Mart in Dutchess County, in Beacon, on Monday, Dec. 2. According to Beacon Police Chief Thomas Figlia, officers who responded to the area of 1020 Wolcott Ave., along with a Mental Health America specialist, found the woman calm but incoherent. While they attempted to speak with her, she produced a kitchen knife from her pocket, held it to her own throat, and then slowly retreated into the grocery store as officers contin…
Driver Rescued After Plunging Into Reservoir In Hudson Valley Driver Rescued After Plunging Into Reservoir In Hudson Valley
Driver Rescued After Plunging Into Reservoir In Hudson Valley A driver was rescued from a partially submerged vehicle in a Hudson Valley reservoir, authorities said.  The incident occurred in Putnam County shortly after noon on Tuesday, Dec. 3, when a vehicle crashed into the West Branch Reservoir near Washington Road in Carmel, according to the Carmel Police Department. The driver, a 76-year-old Mahopac woman, was unable to exit the vehicle, prompting an immediate response from Carmel Police officers, along with the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department, the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department Dive Team, and EMS units. Upon arriving, Carmel off…
New Details Revealed In Fiery Parkway Crash That Killed Firefighter From Dutchess New Details Revealed In Fiery Parkway Crash That Killed Firefighter From Dutchess
New Details Revealed In Fiery Parkway Crash That Killed Firefighter From Dutchess New details are being unveiled about a fiery crash on the Taconic State Parkway in the Hudson Valley that claimed the life of a beloved Army veteran and longtime Westchester firefighter. The crash, which killed 58-year-old Dutchess County resident Michael Fitzgerald of Fishkill, occurred at approximately 11:50 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, just south of Route 301 in the Putnam County town of Putnam Valley, according to the New York State Police. An initial investigation revealed that Fitzgerald had been driving a 2017 Toyota Rav4 southbound when the vehicle left the parkway for unkn…
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released In Wake Of NY Native's Death Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released In Wake Of NY Native's Death
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released In Wake Of NY Native's Death President-elect Donald Trump vowed swift vengeance if the hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel aren’t released soon. In a post on Truth Social Monday, Dec. 2, Trump said there would be “ALL HELL TO PAY” in the Middle East for those behind that Oct. 7, 2023 attack unless all hostages were released before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action!” Trump said. “Please let this TRUTH serve to represent th…
Woman Killed In Head-On Hudson Valley Crash With Box Truck Woman Killed In Head-On Hudson Valley Crash With Box Truck
Woman Killed In Head-On Hudson Valley Crash With Box Truck A Massachusetts woman was killed when she collided head-on with a box truck on a Hudson Valley road, police said.  The crash occurred on Monday, Dec. 2 at around 8:30 a.m., on John Simpson Road in the Putnam County town of Southeast, according to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office. According to authorities, a southbound Honda CRV crossed over the double yellow line and struck a northbound Isuzu box truck head-on. The driver of the Honda, 82-year-old Worcester County resident Anna Catullo of Shrewsbury, was pronounced deceased at the scene, authorities said.  Meanwhile, …
Time Running Out For New Yorkers To Meet Crucial REAL ID Deadline Time Running Out For New Yorkers To Meet Crucial REAL ID Deadline
Time Running Out For New Yorkers To Meet Crucial Real ID Deadline Time is winding down for New Yorkers to get their federally compliant REAL ID or Enhanced ID/driver's license ahead of a crucial deadline. Starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, standard driver’s licenses or non-driver IDs will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities.  To comply with new federal regulations, residents must obtain a REAL ID or Enhanced ID, both of which are available at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices. A REAL ID, which meets the federal standard, can be used for domestic flights and accessing fe…
New Licensed Pot Dispensary Opens In Dutchess New Licensed Pot Dispensary Opens In Dutchess
New Licensed Pot Dispensary Opens In Dutchess A new pot shop is set to elevate the cannabis retail experience in a town in the region as its first state-licensed recreational dispensary. The new store, Dutchess Roots, located in the Town of Poughkeepsie, broke ground on Monday, Nov. 25, at 2615 South Road. The dispensary is nestled behind Buff City Soap and opposite The Yoga House, with plans to open its doors in Spring 2025. Town Supervisor Rebecca Edwards expressed enthusiasm for the new venture and stressed the town's commitment to regulated and safe cannabis sales.  Officials said Dutchess Roots aims to integrate into the co…
Chaotic Incident In Hudson Valley Leads To Arrest For Reckless Endangerment Chaotic Incident In Hudson Valley Leads To Arrest For Reckless Endangerment
Chaotic Incident In Hudson Valley Leads To Arrest For Reckless Endangerment An alarming sequence of events unfolded in Orange County, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old local man after police debunked a reported gunfire incident. The incident occurred in Crawford on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m. when  Crawford Police were called to a residence at 554 Drexel Drive following reports of gunfire.  Crawford Police Chief Dominick Blasko said officers initially detained three men who were clearing the contents of the house. The men claimed that another man pulled up to the stop sign, exited a vehicle with a rifle, and offered to sell it to them…
Hudson Valley Woman Stole $4,800 Check From Victim, Cashed It: Police Hudson Valley Woman Stole $4,800 Check From Victim, Cashed It: Police
Hudson Valley Woman Stole $4,800 Check From Victim, Cashed It: Police A  21-year-old woman from the region faces charges of grand larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument for allegedly stealing and cashing a check.  Dutchess County resident Zaniyah V. Clark of Poughkeepsie was taken into custody on Monday, Dec. 2, by the town of Lloyd Police under an arrest warrant charging her with grand larceny and criminal possession of a forged instrument, said Lloyd Police Chief James Janso. Clark is accused of possessing and cashing a forged check for $4,800 at the Hudson Valley Credit Union in Highland.  Following her arrest, she was trans…
These Are Top 10 Richest Locales In New York, These Rankings Say These Are Top 10 Richest Locales In New York, These Rankings Say
These Are Top 10 Richest Locales In New York, These Rankings Say One county accounts for 70 percent of the Top 10 richest municipalities in New York. Nassau County has seven of the top 10. Coupled with a Suffolk County village in the Hamptons, Long Island locales make up eight of the state's richest 10. According to data from New York Demographics, the top 10 wealthiest municipalities, based on average household income, are: Brookville, Nassau County; Population: 2,947; Average Household Income: $617,235 Tuxedo Park, Orange County; Population: 624; Average Household Income: $600,705 Scarsdale, Westchester County; Population: 17…
Here's How Many Major Hurricanes Hit During 2024 Atlantic Season Here's How Many Major Hurricanes Hit During 2024 Atlantic Season
Here's How Many Major Hurricanes Hit During 2024 Atlantic Season It's a wrap. The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season officially ended on Saturday, Nov. 30, with above-average activity in terms of the number of named storms, hurricanes, and major hurricanes. In total, there were: 18 named storms 11 hurricanes 5 major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher) This season was about 34 percent above the long-term average for Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE), which measures the strength and duration of tropical storms and hurricanes.  Below is a summary of the season’s named storms, with the five Cat 3 or higher hurricanes in bold: Tropical Storm Alberto (June 1…