Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents' Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents'
Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents' Millions of teenage Instagram users are being forced into private accounts with enhanced security features aimed at limiting their exposure to harmful content. Meta, the social media platform’s parent company, unveiled its “Teen Accounts” feature on Tuesday, Sept. 17, automatically placing anyone under the age of 18 into a default private account. Teens with a private account must accept new followers and people who don’t follow them can’t see their contact or interact with them. It also comes with strict messaging settings, making it so they can only receive messages from people they foll…
Movie Theater In Hudson Valley Closes After Decades In Business Movie Theater In Hudson Valley Closes After Decades In Business
Movie Theater In Hudson Valley Closes After Decades In Business After some 36 years of keeping the residents in the Hudson Valley entertained, a popular movie theater that has been owned by the same person for the past 20 years has closed. Known for its matinees and friendly employees, Showtime Cinemas in Orange County, located in the town of Newburgh on Route 300, ran its last film on Sunday, Sept. 15. "Since 2020, we have had a massive battle to fight, and we overcame it with the help and support of the local and surrounding communities," the owners said on Facebook. The owners said they would have had to close sooner if it weren't for the customers,…
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says Authorities have released new details in the case of a New York couple who were shot to death inside their home. Long Island resident Daniel Coppola, age 50, of St. James, was arraigned on four counts of first-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Sept. 6, in the deaths of his ex-wife Kelly Coppola and her boyfriend, Kenneth Pohlman. Suffolk County Police found Mrs. Coppola, age 50, and Pohlman, age 52, dead from gunshot wounds inside their St. James residence on Brasswood Road shortly before midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Earlier Report: Accused Murderer Ranted About Pr…
Salad Pizza Has NYers Divided: ‘Blasphemy’ Salad Pizza Has NYers Divided: ‘Blasphemy’
Salad Pizza Has NYers Divided: ‘Blasphemy’ Forget red sauce or white sauce, thin crust or deep dish — the real question is salad or no salad? On top, that is. New Yorkers are talking after a curious image popped up on the Long Island Foodies Facebook page: a slice of pizza topped with a chicken Caesar salad. “It’s a bad picture, but in your experience, is a salad slice normally on a regular slice?” Sam Marshak asked his fellow foodies. “I’ve never seen this, so just curious what the norm is.” Yes, if you’re like this reporter and didn’t know, “salad pizza” is a thing. The pies are typically made sans the tomato sauce, with either…
Globe-Trotting Record Seeker Makes NY Stop On Quest To Drive 75 Countries Globe-Trotting Record Seeker Makes NY Stop On Quest To Drive 75 Countries
Globe-Trotting Record Seeker Makes NY Stop On Quest To Drive 75 Countries What drive around the world would be complete without a stop in the Empire State? Sinan Mohammad agreed, making a pit stop on Long Island Wednesday, Feb. 28, during his ambitious quest to travel by car through 75 countries in hopes of setting a Guinness World Record. The 30-year-old Indian national began his arduous trek in Mangalore, India in March 2023, setting out solo in a custom painted Mahindra Scorpio SUV. He hopes to cover roughly 60,000 miles by August 2024. As of early March, he had already driven nearly 30,000 miles across three continents. Mohammad received a warm welcome from…
Facebook, Instagram Issues Resolved After Widespread Outage: Meta Facebook, Instagram Issues Resolved After Widespread Outage: Meta
Facebook, Instagram Issues Resolved After Widespread Outage: Meta Facebook and Instagram users were locked out of their accounts Tuesday morning, March 5 in what appeared to have been a widespread outage. Hundreds and thousands of both Facebook and Instagram users had reported problems on DownDetector as of 11 a.m. The issue was resolved at approximately 11:45 a.m. Meta spokesman Andy Stone addressed the outage on Twitter: Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services. We resolved the issue as quickly as possible for everyone who was impacted, and we apologize for any inconvenience. https://t.co/ybyy…
‘We Need Answers’: Death Of 14-Year-Old NY Girl Still Mystery One Year Later ‘We Need Answers’: Death Of 14-Year-Old NY Girl Still Mystery One Year Later
‘We Need Answers’: Death Of 14-Year-Old NY Girl Still Mystery One Year Later A year after Samantha Humphrey’s body was pulled from a river in upstate New York, her killer remains at large. The 14-year-old Schenectady High School sophomore was last seen on Nov. 25, 2022, near the city's Mohawk River. Her mother reported her missing the following day. Investigators spent months fruitlessly searching the water and surrounding areas with K9 units and dive teams before her body was finally recovered on Feb. 22, 2023. Earlier Report: NY Teen Samantha Humphrey Remembered As 'A Light In The Dark' Following Death At Age 14 A week later, Schenectady Police confirmed…
‘Just So Grateful’: Capital Region Restaurant Closing After 7 Years In Business ‘Just So Grateful’: Capital Region Restaurant Closing After 7 Years In Business
‘Just So Grateful’: Capital Region Restaurant Closing After 7 Years In Business For Christopher Knable, that’s a wrap on seven years of serving up comfort food with a side of “old fashioned values.” His Columbia County cafe and bakery, Main St. Goodness – located in Chatham at 20 Main Street – will permanently close on Sunday, Feb. 11. Knable is hanging up his apron and moving overseas after accepting “a really exciting new job,” he said in a video announcement on Facebook. “I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Chatham. It’s really been such a joy and I’m just so grateful to have been here for the last seven years and really enjoyed serving the community,” he said…
Beloved 'Master' Teacher Who Spent 40 Years At Northern Westchester District Dies Beloved 'Master' Teacher Who Spent 40 Years At Northern Westchester District Dies
Beloved 'Master' Teacher Who Spent 40 Years At Northern Westchester District Dies A beloved teacher who spent 40 years with a Northern Westchester school district and was known for keeping in touch with students for decades is being remembered for his ability to change the lives of those he taught. Longtime Pleasantville resident Adrian McGuire, who taught at the Chappaqua Central School District for decades, died on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at the age of 99 at the Waterview Hills rehabilitation center in North Salem, according to his obituary. Born in Pleasantville in June 1924, McGuire graduated from Regis High School and Fordham University before earning his Ma…
Melanie, NJ Folk Singer, Woodstock Performer, Dies At 76 Melanie, NJ Folk Singer, Woodstock Performer, Dies At 76
Melanie, NJ Folk Singer, Woodstock Performer, Dies At 76 Melanie, a folk singer-songwriter whose music took her from the Jersey Shore to international success in the 70's, has died at 76 years old. Melanie Safka died on Tuesday, Jan. 23, according to a Facebook post by her family. A cause of death was not given. The Long Branch native was born on Monday, Feb. 3, 1947, her IMDb page said. Her children called her a powerful performer and loving parent. "She was one of the most talented, strong, and passionate women of the era and every word she wrote, every note she sang reflected that," Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred said.  "Our world is …
Trump Eyeing NY Congresswoman As Veep Pick, Report Says Trump Eyeing NY Congresswoman As Veep Pick, Report Says
Trump Eyeing NY Congresswoman As Veep Pick, Report Says As campaign season heats up, rumors are swirling over former President Donald Trump’s pick to be his running mate should he clinch the Republican nomination. Among the names that Trump is strongly considering for his vice president is New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, NBC News reports. The 39-year-old House Republican Conference chair – whose 21st District represents several Capital Region counties, including Rensselaer – was brought up during a dinner at the former president’s Mar-a-Lago home in December 2023, according to the outlet. Trump nodded approvingly and referred to Stefanik as “a ki…
Northern Westchester Eatery To Close Permanently: 'This Last Week Is Gonna Be LIT!' Northern Westchester Eatery To Close Permanently: 'This Last Week Is Gonna Be LIT!'
Northern Westchester Eatery To Close Permanently: 'This Last Week Is Gonna Be LIT!' A restaurant in Northern Westchester will soon be closing for good, but not without one last week of fun.  Dog Haus Biergarten Mohegan Lake, located at 3137 East Main St., will permanently close after Sunday, Jan. 14, the restaurant announced on social media.  Although no official reason for the closing was given, in a Facebook comment, the owners wrote, "We truly tried our hardest to make it work."  Despite the bad news, the owners maintained that the eatery's last days in business would still be a blast. To make this happen, the eatery will host karaoke on Wednesday night,…
Popular Restaurant In Region Closing After 10 Years Popular Restaurant In Region Closing After 10 Years
Popular Restaurant In Region Closing After 10 Years With plenty of five-star reviews and legions of fans, many foodies in the region will be sad to hear that one of their favorites is closing its doors. Sullivan County's Soy Asian Cusine, in Monticello, known for their homemade dumplings, sushi, and "very good Japanese food," according to a Yelper, announced on their Facebook page they will be closing on Monday, Jan. 15. The restaurant didn't give a reason for the closure but did say they wanted to thank everyone for their business and that they would be missed. Always popular with foodies, one diner had this to say just last month on Yelp:…
Alert Issued For Person Missing For Several Days In Northern Westchester Alert Issued For Person Missing For Several Days In Northern Westchester
Alert Issued For Person Missing For Several Days In Northern Westchester Town officials in Northern Westchester are asking residents to be on the lookout for a person who has been missing for several days. Jose Fernando Palta has been missing since Sunday night, Dec 17, according to a Facebook post that was re-shared by Ossining town officials on Tuesday night, Dec. 19.  Palta was last seen near the Hudson River, his family said.  Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is asked to call 845-200-9017. Click the Facebook icon below to share this story.  Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 
Man Poses As Nurse On Dating App, Then Assaults Several Women In Westchester, NYC: Feds Man Poses As Nurse On Dating App, Then Assaults Several Women In Westchester, NYC: Feds
Man Poses As Nurse On Dating App, Then Assaults Several Women In Westchester, NYC: Feds A 30-year-old man faces kidnapping and cyberstalking charges after posing as a nurse on a dating application and brutalizing several women he met in Westchester and New York City, federal officials announced.  An eight-count indictment charging New Jersey resident Herman Brightman of West New York, also known as "Nazir Griffiths" and "Nazir Luckett," with kidnapping, cyberstalking, and more has been returned by a grand jury, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Monday, Dec. 11.  According to federal officials, between January 2022 and Septemb…
Entrepreneur From Northern Westchester Earns Spot On Forbes' 30 Under 30 List Entrepreneur From Northern Westchester Earns Spot On Forbes' 30 Under 30 List
Entrepreneur From Northern Westchester Earns Spot On Forbes' 30 Under 30 List For Northern Westchester native Tom Weingarten, simply following his passion for sports and coaching and taking a chance ended up bringing him to a level of success that is now earning recognition from major national outlets. Weingarten, age 29, who serves as the chief growth officer for sports media company Overtime, was named on the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, which is released annually and features 600 successful young entrepreneurs, stars, and leaders who have already exhibited plenty of potential.  Since Weingarten joined Overtime in 2015 as a startup, it has grown to have …
NY AG James Joins Lawsuit Against Meta With 32 Other States: 'They Must Be Held Accountable' NY AG James Joins Lawsuit Against Meta With 32 Other States: 'They Must Be Held Accountable'
NY AG James Joins Lawsuit Against Meta With 32 Other States: 'They Must Be Held Accountable' New York Attorney General Letitia James and a group of attorneys general from 32 other states have filed a federal lawsuit against Meta for contributing to a mental health crisis among young people, officials announced. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that the social media company knowingly designed and implemented features on Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms that purposefully take advantage of children and teens, James' office announced on Tuesday, Oct. 24.  Additionally, the lawsuit also charges Meta with collecting…
Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In New Canaan Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In New Canaan
Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In New Canaan It was Swiftie Mania day in a Connecticut town after a rumor started that the mega pop queen Taylor Swift was lunching in town with her new boyfriend Travis Kelce. In the heart of Fairfield County, hundreds of teens, moms, and well, guys, turned up in the town. of New Canaan outside the popular Elm Restaurant on Thursday, Oct. 20 where Swift was supposed to be inside dining with boyfriend Kelce (the Kansas City Chiefs tight end), Swift's BFF actor Blake Lively, and Lively's hubby actor Ryan Reynolds who live in neighboring Pound Ridge in Northern Westchester County.  Once the rumor made it…
NY AG James Urges Social Media Companies To Stop Hateful Content After Attacks In Israel NY AG James Urges Social Media Companies To Stop Hateful Content After Attacks In Israel
NY AG James Urges Social Media Companies To Stop Hateful Content After Attacks In Israel New York Attorney General Letitia James has sent a series of letters to several social media companies urging them to take action and remove hateful content posted in response to the violence taking place in Israel.  The letters, announced by the Attorney General's Office on Friday, Oct. 13, all request that each company provide thorough explanations of how they are stopping the spread of hateful content that encourages violence against Jewish and Muslim people or institutions in the aftermath of violent attacks committed against Israel by the Hamas militant group.  Jame…
Jan. 6 Attack: Graduate Of Northern Westchester HS Gets Prison Time For Role In Riot Jan. 6 Attack: Graduate Of Northern Westchester HS Gets Prison Time For Role In Riot
Jan. 6 Attack: Graduate Of Northern Westchester HS Gets Prison Time For Role In Riot A Northern Westchester high school product has been sentenced for his role in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.  Brian Gundersen, age 28, who graduated from Byram Hills High School in Armonk and played varsity football during his time there, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Tuesday, July 25 for his role in the breach of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, according to the US Department of Justice.  Earlier Report - HS Football Jacket IDs Northern Westchester Man As Capitol Rioter Gundersen, who now lives in State College, Pennsylvania, had been charged in co…
John Mellencamp’s Sold-Out NY Show Canceled John Mellencamp’s Sold-Out NY Show Canceled
John Mellencamp’s Sold-Out NY Show Canceled Fans are singing the blues after John Mellencamp canceled an upcoming performance in New York. The 71-year-old singer-songwriter’s sold-out show at Albany’s Palace Theatre on Tuesday, June 13, has been canceled, the venue announced on Facebook Monday, June 12. No reason was given for the move. Those with tickets were informed that refunds will be available at the point of purchase. The same message was shared on Mellencamp’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts. Mellencamp embarked on his “Live and In Person Tour” on Feb. 5 in Bloomington, Indiana. The tour is scheduled to end on Saturd…
Stalked From Sky: NY Pilot Violated Woman's Protection Order On Flight, Police Say Stalked From Sky: NY Pilot Violated Woman's Protection Order On Flight, Police Say
Stalked From Sky: NY Pilot Violated Woman's Protection Order On Flight, Police Say A pilot in upstate New York is accused of stalking a woman for years, often flying his plane directly over her business and allegedly mailing her disturbing images. Saratoga County resident Michael Arnold, age 64, of Schuylerville, was arrested moments after landing his 1976 Cessna plane at the Saratoga County Airport on Thursday, June 1. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Arnold flew his plane “in violation of an order of protection” that was issued by the Town of Saratoga Court. That protection order was issued on behalf of Cassandra Wilusz, a mother and owner of the Rev…
'Dangerous' Social Media: NY State Senator Seeks To Require Parents' Permission For Minors 'Dangerous' Social Media: NY State Senator Seeks To Require Parents' Permission For Minors
'Dangerous' Social Media: NY State Senator Seeks To Require Parents' Permission For Minors As federal officials highlight the possible harm that social media can cause to children, a New York State Senator is seeking to make it unlawful for minors to use online platforms without permission from their parents.  New York State Senator Jack Martins, a Republican who represents the state's 7th State Senate district which includes part of Nassau County, has introduced legislation that would make it illegal for social media companies to allow minors to create or maintain accounts without obtaining consent from their parents or guardians, Martin's office announced on Friday, May 26.…
Al Roker Lauds Eatery In Our Neck Of The Woods As ‘Best New Restaurant’ Al Roker Lauds Eatery In Our Neck Of The Woods As ‘Best New Restaurant’
Al Roker Lauds Eatery In Our Neck Of The Woods As ‘Best New Restaurant’ America’s weatherman Al Roker was all smiles during a trip to a new restaurant in our neck of the woods. The longtime Today Show presenter took to Facebook on Saturday, April 29, to heap praise on Columbia County eatery Shadow 66, located in Ghent at 47 Old Post Road. It welcomed its first diners on Thursday, March 23. “Congratulations to @astrid_sunshine and her hubby, Patrick on opening the best new restaurant in @columbiacountyny @shadow66restaurant,” the 68-year-old Roker said.  “The decor, the food, the service: #manifique.” Congratulations to @astrid_sunshine and her hubby, Pa…
Cross Country For A Cause: Skateboarder From NY Riding 3,000 Miles For Charity Cross Country For A Cause: Skateboarder From NY Riding 3,000 Miles For Charity
Cross Country For A Cause: Skateboarder From NY Riding 3,000 Miles For Charity Chad Caruso isn’t in the habit of listening to naysayers. The 36-year-old Long Island resident, who grew up in Lindenhurst, didn’t listen when they told him not to drop out of high school as a teenager. Nor did he listen when friends, including a few girlfriends, told him that adults can’t skateboard. So it came as no surprise to those around Caruso when he decided to press on with his plan to take his one true passion in life - skateboarding - and do the unthinkable: ride his board across the United States from coast to coast. Skate across America 🇺🇸 Day 1 Solid day. Really happy wi…
How To Get Your Share: Facebook Users Can Now Apply For Part Of $725M Settlement How To Get Your Share: Facebook Users Can Now Apply For Part Of $725M Settlement
How To Get Your Share: Facebook Users Can Now Apply For Part Of $725M Settlement Many Facebook users may soon have some money headed their way. Those who had an active account on Facebook anytime between May 2007 and December 2022 can now apply to receive a share of parent company Meta's $725 million settlement. The lawsuit alleged that Facebook permitted the former United Kingdom-based political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica to access about 87 million users' personal information during the 2016 presidential campaign. Facebook users during that time frame can apply for the funds online now or by mailing their forms by Friday, Aug. 25. The claim form and general …
'Diverse' Snowman Post Lands NY School District In Hot Water 'Diverse' Snowman Post Lands NY School District In Hot Water
'Diverse' Snowman Post Lands NY School District In Hot Water A school district in New York is apologizing after a Facebook post about a snowman sparked allegations of racism. In a now-deleted post on Tuesday, Jan. 31, Greene County’s Coxsackie-Athens Central School District included a photo of three students standing next to a noticeably dirty snowman. The caption reads, “Today’s CE Fourth Grade Playground Fun! This snowman is just as diverse as our students!” The Coxsackie-Athens Central School District apologized over a Facebook post about a "diverse" snowman that sparked allegations of racism.Coxsackie-Athens Central School District It didn’…
Viral Photo Shows 'Gem' Flight Attendant Comforting Nervous Flier On Trip To JFK Viral Photo Shows 'Gem' Flight Attendant Comforting Nervous Flier On Trip To JFK
Viral Photo Shows 'Gem' Flight Attendant Comforting Nervous Flier On Trip To JFK Blocking a plane’s aisle is usually frowned upon, but passengers on a recent flight to New York made an exception for a heroic Delta flight attendant seen in a viral photo comforting a very nervous flier. The photo, captured by North Carolina resident Molly Simonson Lee and shared on Facebook, shows flight attendant Floyd Dean-Shannon sitting on the floor and holding a woman’s hand on a flight from Charlotte to JFK. “Check out this gem of a flight attendant,” Lee said. “This woman was so nervous about flying, so he explained every sound and bump and even sat here holding her hand when it s…