Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

Crash Shuts Down Taconic State Parkway In Putnam Valley: Will Cause 'Extended' Delays Crash Shuts Down Taconic State Parkway In Putnam Valley: Will Cause 'Extended' Delays
Crash Shuts Down Taconic State Parkway In Putnam Valley: Will Cause 'Extended' Delays A crash has shut down part of the Taconic State Parkway in the Hudson Valley. The incident happened in Putnam County on Wednesday, Nov. 27 around 12:15 p.m., when a crash occurred on the Taconic State Parkway just south of Route 301 (Exit 31A) in Putnam Valley, according to New York State Police. Motorists are asked to avoid the area, as the crash will cause "extended" delays.  The crash is serious, police said. More information has not yet been released. This is a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet selections and administrative appointees were the targets threats the last two days, a spokesperson said, calling the acts "violent" and "un-American." According to a statement by the Trump-Vance Transition Team released Wednesday, Nov. 27, several individuals associated with the incoming administration were subjected to threats ranging from bomb scares to "swatting" incidents, in which false reports are made to dispatch emergency responders to someone's location. Law enforcement responded swiftly to ensure the safety of those targeted, the …
Brush Fire Near Mahopac School Buses Stopped By Young Students Brush Fire Near Mahopac School Buses Stopped By Young Students
Brush Fire Near Mahopac School Buses Stopped By Young Students A brush fire that posed a potential threat to school buses in the Hudson Valley was quickly extinguished thanks to the swift actions of volunteer firefighters, including several students. The fire happened in Putnam County on the evening of Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, when flames were reported to be dangerously close to Mahopac Central School District buses on Myrtle Avenue in Mahopac, according to the Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department.  Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the fire, ensuring no damage to school property, the department said in a statement on Tuesday,…
Make Price Chopper & Market 32 PICS Your Picks All Season Long! Make Price Chopper & Market 32 PICS Your Picks All Season Long!
Make Price Chopper & Market 32 PICS Your Picks All Season Long! Sponsored by our friends at Price Chopper & Market 32 It is officially Fall, which means all-things pumpkins, apples, and PICS Limited Time Only Items! You may be wondering what “PICS” products are. PICS items are an evolution of our Price Chopper brand, offering premium value and quality. Not only do they guarantee great quality at an affordable price, but each item is selected and tested by consumers before hitting our shelves, ensuring you know exactly what you're getting. You'll discover a wide variety of PICS products throughout your local Price Chopper and Market 32 stores. At P…
NY Native Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake NY Native Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake
NY Native Lindsay Lohan Reacts To Vikings Players Doing Her Iconic 'Parent Trap' Handshake Lindsay Lohan has officially weighed in on a viral NFL moment that paid homage to one of her most popular movies. Appearing on NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” the 38-year-old actress reacted to Minnesota Vikings players Camryn Bynum and Josh Metellus performing the iconic handshake from her 1998 hit, “The Parent Trap.” The footballers acted out the intricate moves – a secret handshake between Lohan’s character Annie and her butler – after intercepting a pass from Aaron Rodgers against the New York Jets on Sunday, Oct. 6. “They did your handshake from ‘The Parent Trap,’” Fa…
Update: Woman Injured In 4-Vehicle Crash That Caused Delays On Interstate In Lewisboro Update: Woman Injured In 4-Vehicle Crash That Caused Delays On Interstate In Lewisboro
Update: Woman Injured In 4-Vehicle Crash That Caused Delays On Interstate In Lewisboro A woman was hospitalized following a chain-reaction crash that left a car overturned in the middle of a Northern Westchester interstate and a truck on its side next to an embankment.  The crash happened on Tuesday, Nov. 26 just before 1:45 p.m., when four vehicles became involved in a collision on I-684 in Lewisboro, according to Trooper AJ Hicks of the New York State Police.  Earlier Report - Truck Rollover Crash Shuts Down I-684 In North Salem: Developing The incident began when a Peterbilt tractor-trailer driving south on I-684 near mile marker 20.2 unsafely changed lanes…
NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues
NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues Actor Alec Baldwin – no stranger to controversy – is once again drawing the internet’s ire after recent comments on Americans’ intelligence. The 66-year-old New York native is facing backlash after suggesting that US citizens are ignorant about important world events and that watching films is the remedy to bridge the information gap. “Americans are very uninformed about reality, what’s really going on – with climate change, Ukraine, Israel, you name it, all the biggest topics in the world. Americans have an appetite for a little bit of information,” the Beetlejuice star told reporters at a…
Prepare With Care: Health Officials Share Food Safety Tips Ahead Of Thanksgiving Prepare With Care: Health Officials Share Food Safety Tips Ahead Of Thanksgiving
Prepare With Care: Health Officials Share Food Safety Tips Ahead Of Thanksgiving As you gear up to prepare that Thanksgiving feast, don’t forget the tenets of food safety. The New York State health and agriculture departments offered up several tips to help keep family and friends safe from foodborne illness this holiday season. “The Thanksgiving meal is often the most elaborate meal cooked all year, which could be a contributing factor in mistakes that could lead to foodborne illness,” said state Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “We want to ensure that New Yorkers stay healthy by taking simple food safety precautions and encourage everyone preparing meals to fo…
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says Move over, stuffing and cranberry sauce – this Thanksgiving side reigns supreme in the eyes of New Yorkers. Of all the delectable dishes to play second fiddle to the turkey, sweet potato casserole is the most popular in the Empire State, according to AllRecipes. The website analyzed its data from Turkey Days past to come up with its list of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes in every state, based on recipe search volumes. A holiday staple for many, sweet potato casserole is typically made with brown sugar, butter, orange juice, and cinnamon, and topped with gooey marshmallows. Home…
Thanksgiving Storm Strengthens As It Takes Aim At East Coast: Here's Latest Thanksgiving Storm Strengthens As It Takes Aim At East Coast: Here's Latest
Thanksgiving Storm Strengthens As It Takes Aim At East Coast: Here's Latest A significant storm system is strengthening before its arrival on the East Coast on Thanksgiving, potentially disrupting travel plans with rain, sleet, and snow. The storm is expected to develop overnight on Wednesday, Nov. 27, into Thanksgiving morning on Thursday, Nov. 28.  For a look at precipitation types by area, see the first image above from AccuWeather.com: heavy rain and thunderstorms (dark green), rain (green), a mix of rain and snow (pink), and snow (blue). Heavy rain is anticipated along the I-95 corridor, with the possibility of heavy snow in parts of upstate New Yor…
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…
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving meals just a day away, there are concerns over the nation's food supply after multiple major recalls the last few days. Federal authorities are now saying that all products linked to the outbreaks are off the shelves and products currently being sold are safe to eat. After a deadly E. coli outbreak, a California-based company pulled bagged organic carrots from such popular retailers as Whole Foods, Walmart and Trader Joe's.  For the latest info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. In a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry pr…
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Tuesday, Nov. 26 'Mega Millions' Drawing With Estimated $489M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Tuesday, Nov. 26 Mega Millions drawing. The estimated jackpot is $489 million with a $229.3 million cash option. The winning numbers for Tuesday's drawing are: 05-22-24-39-42 with a Mega Ball of 03 and a Megaplier of 3X If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29.  Lottery players have a 1 in 302,575,350 chance of winning a Mega Millions jackpot by matching all five balls plus the gold Mega Ball, according to officials. There ar…
How Much Should I Spend On My First Home? How Much Should I Spend On My First Home?
How Much Should I Spend On My First Home? One of the biggest questions for first-time homebuyers is, "How much can I afford?" Before you start looking for a home, you should absolutely have your budget in mind. You don’t want to fall in love with a home that’s out of your price-range only to be disappointed that you can’t afford it. Here are some tips on how to determine your home-buying budget. Can you use your rent as a good indicator of a monthly payment? When determining a budget, there are two questions: What can I afford to pay every month? And, what can I afford to purchase? Some buyers might start their search thinking t…
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…
Hudson Valley's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Hudson Valley's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How
Hudson Valley's Martha Stewart To Switch Up Thanksgiving Plans This Year: Here's How Iconic homemaker Martha Stewart's Thanksgiving plans this year may come as a bit of a shock — they won't involve her hosting at home and turkey will not be an option at her table.  The 83-year-old Stewart, a longtime New York and former Connecticut resident, will be spending Turkey Day abroad in Rome instead of celebrating at her Katonah residence, according to the homemaker's website.  Stewart will be traveling with her daughter, Alexis, and two grandchildren, Jude and Truman, she said in an interview with People: "We decided the kids wanted to go away, the grandchildren, and so…
Teen Accused Of Selling Fentanyl On Main Street In Hudson Valley Teen Accused Of Selling Fentanyl On Main Street In Hudson Valley
Teen Accused Of Selling Fentanyl On Main Street In Hudson Valley Authorities in the region say an ongoing investigation into fentanyl sales led to the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect. The Dutchess County Drug Task Force, with assistance from the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit, executed a search warrant on Monday, Nov. 25, at a residence on Main Street in Poughkeepsie.  According to officials, the search followed undercover purchases of fentanyl made from Jahking Z. Murphy, age 19, in the area of 455 Main St. Murphy was taken into custody without incident and charged with: Two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the thir…
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 Hudson Valley Couple Missing For Over 40 Years Human Remains, Car Found In Pond Linked To Hudson Valley Couple Missing For Over 40 Years
Human Remains, Car Found In Pond Linked To Hudson Valley 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…
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…
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…
Speeding Woman From Region Accused Of Drunk Driving Speeding Woman From Region Accused Of Drunk Driving
Speeding Woman From Region Accused Of Drunk Driving A Fairfield County woman is facing charges after police say she was driving under the influence on a major roadway. The incident occurred in Wilton on Saturday, Nov. 23, when police stopped a 2023 Land Rover Defender 110 traveling north on Danbury Road (Route 7) just after 3 a.m. Officers reported the vehicle was speeding and having difficulty staying in its lane. According to Wilton Police, the driver, 38-year-old Jessica Melo, of Bethel, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.  Melo failed to meet the standards of a field sobriety test and was arrested for driving un…
Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Rollover Crash That Left Mahopac Teen Injured, Cops Say Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Rollover Crash That Left Mahopac Teen Injured, Cops Say
Mysterious ATV May Have Caused Rollover Crash That Left Mahopac 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…
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…
Final Suspect In 2022 Hudson Valley Murder Case Arrested, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation Final Suspect In 2022 Hudson Valley Murder Case Arrested, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation
Final Suspect In 2022 Hudson Valley Murder Case Arrested, Closing Multi-Agency Investigation A local police department in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, has arrested the final suspect in a 2022 murder in the Hudson Valley, marking a significant breakthrough in a complex, multi-year investigation. On Thursday, Nov. 21, Beacon Police, aided by extensive inter-agency cooperation, apprehended 24-year-old Zyree Downing in Pennsylvania, where he was already incarcerated, According to Beacon Chief of Police Thomas Figlia. Downing, from Middletown, Delaware, has been charged with murder for his alleged involvement in the death of Lionel Pittman. This arrest follo…
Danbury Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY Danbury Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY
Danbury 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…
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 …