Daily Voice Readers’ Choice

Accepting Votes Now Through Friday, December 20th

CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change
CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change The head of UnitedHealth Group is calling for change in the healthcare industry after the targeted killing of the CEO of one of its two subsidiaries. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down outside the Midtown Hilton Hotel in Manhattan at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. On Monday, Dec. 9, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the case. At the time of his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Mangione was found to be in possession of a three-page manifesto critical of healthcare companies. He condemned UnitedHealthcare's increasing ma…
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA The senators representing New York and New Jersey are demanding answers about the drones that have been spotted flying in the skies of New York and New Jersey this past month. New York Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, all Democrats, wrote a letter on Thursday, Dec. 12 to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FAA Director Michael Whitaker demanding an immediate briefing on what they are doing to address the issue. "We are...especially concerned about how these drones may …
Cold Air Mass Will Be Followed By Separate Precipitation Chances: Here's Timing Cold Air Mass Will Be Followed By Separate Precipitation Chances: Here's Timing
Cold Air Mass Will Be Followed By Separate Precipitation Chances: Here's Timing A cold air mass that will linger into the start of the weekend will be followed by an active weather pattern that bring multiple rounds of precipitation. Both Friday, Dec. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 14 will be brisk and dry. (See the first image above from AccuWeather.) The first round of precipitation will come on Sunday, Dec. 15. Most locations will see rain either during the day or at night, according to the National Weather Service. Areas in the interior Northeast could see up to 3 inches of snowfall and icy conditions from the system that will linger into Monday, Dec. 16. (Click on the se…
Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When
Cold Moon Will Light Up Night Sky: Here's When Skywatchers are in for a treat as the Cold Moon, December’s full moon, illuminates the night sky.  Known as the Cold Moon for its association with the chilly winter season, this celestial event will be visible at its peak Sunday morning, Dec. 15, passing opposite the sun at 4:02 a.m. Eastern time, according to NASA. But that's not the only time to keep an eye on the sky. The moon will appear full for about three days from Friday evening, Dec. 13 through Monday morning, Dec. 16, NASA says, calling it "a full moon weekend." The Cold Moon rises just after sunset and will remain vis…
Luxury French Department Store Printemps Set To Open First US Location in NYC Luxury French Department Store Printemps Set To Open First US Location in NYC
Luxury French Department Store Printemps Set To Open First US Location in NYC A touch of Parisian luxury will soon be arriving in America. Printemps, the iconic French department store, is prepares to open its first US location in the spring of 2025.  The new store, which will be located in Manhattan, will occupy 55,000 square feet within the historic One Wall Street building in the Financial District, blending classic architecture with modern elegance. Founded in 1865, Printemps is celebrated for its high-end fashion, beauty, and lifestyle offerings.  The Manhattan location aims to capture the spirit of its flagship Paris store, showcasing a carefully cu…
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Long Island's Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Long Island's Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Long Island's Best! Long Island, it’s time to show some love for your favorite local businesses! Daily Voice has officially launched the voting phase of its inaugural Readers’ Choice competition, and the power is in your hands to crown the best of the best. Our readers submitted nominations earlier this fall, and now the top contenders are ready for your votes. With over 80 categories spanning six major groups, this is your chance to celebrate the local gems that make Long Island a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the businesses y…
'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges 'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges
'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges Three luxury real estate agents and brothers known for operating in the New York City area are accused of drugging and raping numerous women dating back over a decade. Brothers Oren and Tal Alexander, founders of the real estate firm Official, and their brother Alon are charged with multiple counts of sex trafficking, according to a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York on Wednesday, Dec. 11. “The charges outlined in this indictment reflect some of the most heinous and dehumanizing crimes of sexual exploitation that our NYPD detectives investigate," NYPD Commissioner Jessica …
Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion
Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion Shake Shack is launching a limited-time promotion offering free burgers with a qualifying purchase during the holiday season.  The “Holiday Burger Blitz” will run from Monday, Dec. 16, to Tuesday, Dec. 24, providing customers with a free burger each day when they spend a minimum of $10 and use the code BURGERBLITZ at checkout. The promotion features a different burger each day, including popular items like the ShackBurger, SmokeShack, and Avocado Bacon Burger. The schedule for the free offerings is as follows: Monday, Dec. 16: ShackBurger Tuesday, Dec. 17: SmokeShack Wednesday, Dec. …
Cyberattack Hits Krispy Kreme As Hackers Find Hole In Online Ordering System Cyberattack Hits Krispy Kreme As Hackers Find Hole In Online Ordering System
Cyberattack Hits Krispy Kreme As Hackers Find Hole In Online Ordering System Hackers have found a hole in Krispy Kreme's online ordering system, leaving some customers temporarily unable to place digital orders for their favorite donuts.  The company has confirmed the incident and stated that its technical team is actively working to resolve the issue. Krispy Kreme reported that the breach influenced its web-based platforms but did not affect in-store operations or the safety of customers' personal data.  The attack was first discovered at the end of November, the company said in a filing with Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Krispy Kreme said it "i…
Late Bicyclist Is Helping 4 Others Live Following Deadly Crash On Long Island Late Bicyclist Is Helping 4 Others Live Following Deadly Crash On Long Island
Late Bicyclist Is Helping 4 Others Live Following Deadly Crash On Long Island A late Long Island man is still helping others, even in death. Joseph Vujasin, 57, of Brookhaven, died after being struck by an SUV while bicycling in North Bellport on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 26. Suffolk County Police said a 44-year-old woman driving the SUV suffered a medical emergency and hit Vujasin as he rode near the intersection of Post and Atlantic avenues. He was taken to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue with serious head injuries and was declared brain dead. Relatives made the difficult decision to take him off life support days later, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, his niece …
Holiday Magic For Grown-Ups: Cozy Up To These Festive Date Night Ideas On Long Island Holiday Magic For Grown-Ups: Cozy Up To These Festive Date Night Ideas On Long Island
Holiday Magic For Grown-Ups: Cozy Up To These Festive Date Night Ideas On Long Island Why should kids have all the fun? Turns out Long Island is brimming with plenty of festive holi-date night opportunities. Below is a roundup of local events that are perfect for creating a little magic with someone special this holiday season. Twinkling Lights and Strolls Under the Stars Nothing says romance like a night illuminated by dazzling holiday lights. For a classic experience, head to Magic of Lights at Jones Beach, where you can drive through miles of glowing displays from the warmth of your car. If you prefer something more intimate, the Vanderbilt Museum in Centerport offe…
Get A Taste Of Just Salad's Fresh, Sustainable Menu At New Nassau County Location Get A Taste Of Just Salad's Fresh, Sustainable Menu At New Nassau County Location
Get A Taste Of Just Salad's Fresh, Sustainable Menu At New Nassau County Location Long Island diners have a fresh new spot to enjoy healthy, eco-friendly meals. Just Salad has brought its crave-worthy, plant-centric menu to Port Washington, where the company is celebrating the grand opening of its sixth Long Island store at 143 Shore Road. Customers can choose from over 15 chef-designed menu items, including seasonal salads, warm bowls, wraps, soups, and smoothies. Highlights include customer favorites like the Crispy Chicken Poblano, Thai Chicken Crunch, and the nutrient-packed Tokyo Supergreens salad. View this post on Instagram …
Failed Restaurateur Who Murdered GF Inside Mineola Penthouse, Stole Her Dog Gets Prison Failed Restaurateur Who Murdered GF Inside Mineola Penthouse, Stole Her Dog Gets Prison
Failed Restaurateur Who Murdered GF Inside Mineola Penthouse, Stole Her Dog Gets Prison A Long Island restaurateur who shot and killed his girlfriend inside her penthouse apartment over an impending breakup is facing decades behind bars. Mark Small, 57, of Elmont, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in Nassau County Court on Thursday, Dec. 12, after being convicted of murdering 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 went to her bedroom, where he shot her with a handgun once in the arm and once in the head. He then fled …
LI Man Who Forced Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter Gets Prison LI Man Who Forced Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter Gets Prison
LI Man Who Forced Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter Gets Prison A Long Island man will spend more than a decade in prison for forcing an 18-year-old homeless woman into prostitution. Javesh Persaud, 34, of Shirley, was sentenced to 12 years behind bars in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, Dec. 11, after pleading guilty to sex trafficking and related charges. Prosecutors said Persaud met the victim in July 2023 on Omegle, an online chat platform. She had been sleeping in New York City subways and told Persaud she was homeless. Persaud offered her food, clean clothes, a shower, and a place to sleep. He then drove the victim to a parking lot in Shirley …
GM Axes Robotaxis, Refocuses On Personal Cars GM Axes Robotaxis, Refocuses On Personal Cars
GM Axes Robotaxis, Refocuses On Personal Cars General Motors (GM) has announced a major shift in its autonomous vehicle strategy, discontinuing the development of robotaxis through its subsidiary Cruise LLC.  The company will instead focus on integrating autonomous and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) into personal vehicles. The decision, announced this week, comes as GM evaluates the time, costs, and competitive challenges associated with scaling a robotaxi business.  “GM is committed to delivering the best driving experiences to our customers in a disciplined and capital-efficient manner,” said Mary Barra, GM Chai…
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting in the US is a costly epidemic, with retailers losing over $120 billion last year. The trend focuses on easily concealed, high-demand products at major retailers like Walmart and Target, posing a nationwide challenge for store owners and law enforcement. Electronics, health and beauty products, and food items are among the most commonly stolen goods, Capital One Shopping reports.  Small gadgets such as headphones and phone chargers, alongside over-the-counter medications and cosmetics, are frequent targets.  Alcohol, baby formula, and packaged meats are also popular …
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $30M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Wednesday, Dec. 11 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $30 million with a $14.7 million cash option. If no winner wins the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 with a $45 million jackpot. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 13-44-50-52-54 with a Powerball of 20 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five balls plus the Powerball, according to officials. Pri…
ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes
ChatGPT Goes Down, X Users Coming In Hot With Memes Hours after a Meta outage left Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp users in the dark, ChatGPT seems to be following suit. Users of the AI website began experiencing technical difficulties sometime around 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11. A message on the website as of 9:20 p.m. reads: "ChatGPT is currently unavailable. Status: Identified - We have identified the issue and are working to roll out a fix." Naturally, X users had a field day. #ChatGPT is down. Looks like everyone will have to finish their assignments the old fashioned way. pic.twitter.com/68xVq9DNf8 — Xon Kurama (@XonKurama) D…
Ousted Long Island CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say Ousted Long Island CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say
Ousted Long Island CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say The former CEO of a New York telecommunications company is accused of engaging in insider trading just hours after he was fired, dodging thousands in losses. Ken Peterman, 67, was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 11, on federal charges of insider trading and securities fraud. Prosecutors said Peterman exploited non-public information about Melville-based Comtech Telecommunications’ poor financial performance and his impending termination to sell company shares, avoiding significant financial losses. According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he violated two trading blackouts whe…
Panera Marks Opening Of New Long Island Restaurant With Ceremonial Bread-Breaking Panera Marks Opening Of New Long Island Restaurant With Ceremonial Bread-Breaking
Panera Marks Opening Of New Long Island Restaurant With Ceremonial Bread-Breaking The irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread is now filling the air of Islandia. Panera Bread marked the grand opening of its newest restaurant – located at 1900 Veterans Memorial Highway – with a customary bread-breaking ceremony on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The bakery-cafe chain is popular for its soups, salads, sandwiches, and freshly baked goods. Customer faves include the mac and cheese, and the sourdough bread. Doherty Enterprises “We’re thrilled to open our newest Panera Bread location in Islandia and bring our fresh, wholesome menu to this vibrant community,” said Tim Doherty, preside…
Shell Casing, Blood Droplets Land Getaway Driver In Prison For Killing Of Uniondale 24-Year-Old Shell Casing, Blood Droplets Land Getaway Driver In Prison For Killing Of Uniondale 24-Year-Old
Shell Casing, Blood Droplets Land Getaway Driver In Prison For Killing Of Uniondale 24-Year-Old A Long Island man who served as getaway driver in the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old robbery victim could spend decades in prison. Khamari Elie, 20, of Hempstead, was sentenced to 17 years to life behind bars in Nassau County Court on Wednesday, Dec. 11, for his role in the shooting death of Kyle Midtlyng. Prosecutors said Elie and three co-defendants lured Midtlyng to a Uniondale residence on Alexander Avenue on the night of Nov. 10, 2021, under the guise of purchasing marijuana. Elie drove the group to the scene, where co-defendant Kyle Colthirst entered Midtlyng’s vehicle to carry out…
Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads
Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads Apple has unveiled new updates that bring advanced AI and emoji tools to its iPhone and iPad devices.  Released on Wednesday, Dec. 11, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 expand Apple Intelligence with features like ChatGPT integration, custom emoji creation, and visual design tools. Key Updates ChatGPT Integration: Siri and Writing Tools now support ChatGPT for generating content, solving problems, and enhancing productivity. Privacy settings ensure user control over data. Image Playground: This tool allows users to design custom visuals by inputting text descriptions, wit…
Gotham Meets NY: 'The Penguin' Filmed In State Earns Golden Globe Nods Gotham Meets NY: 'The Penguin' Filmed In State Earns Golden Globe Nods
Gotham Meets NY: 'The Penguin' Filmed In State Earns Golden Globe Nods Westchester has another claim to Hollywood-related fame: several scenes for HBO's "The Penguin," which is now nominated for several Golden Globes, were filmed within the county.  The miniseries, a spinoff of the 2022 film "The Batman," was revealed to have been nominated for three Golden Globes on Monday, Dec. 9.  Several scenes for the show, which centers on iconic Batman villain The Penguin (otherwise known as Oswald "Oz" Cobb), were filmed within the city of Yonkers, parts of which were turned into "Gotham City," according to Mayor Mike Spano.  Some of these filming locat…
Attackers Taunted, Filmed 17-Year-Old Stabbing Victim Outside LI High School, Witness Says Attackers Taunted, Filmed 17-Year-Old Stabbing Victim Outside LI High School, Witness Says
Attackers Taunted, Filmed 17-Year-Old Stabbing Victim Outside LI High School, Witness Says New details are emerging after a 17-year-old senior was stabbed and carjacked mere steps from a Long Island high school. Emergency crews in Middle Island were called to the intersection of Tie Street and Sander Court, just east of Longwood High School, shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10. Suffolk County Police said the victim was walking when several people got out of a passing car and approached him. A confrontation ensued and the teen was stabbed with an unknown object, causing him to drop his car keys. Another student at the school, who wished to remain anonymous, told Daily Voice fou…
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial
Ex-Abercrombie CEO Asks Judge To Rule On Mental Fitness Ahead Of Sex Trafficking Trial Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries is hoping to delay his federal sex trafficking case. An attorney for the 80-year-old Jeffries filed a motion on Monday, Dec. 9, asking a Manhattan judge to schedule a hearing to determine whether Jeffries is mentally competent to stand trial. “[The motion] will be dealt with in court as, and when, appropriate – according to the judge,” Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, told Daily Voice. Federal prosecutors are expected to challenge the move, potentially delaying the case by months. An indictment unsealed in October accused Jeffries of pr…
Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms
Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms Tens of thousands of Meta users are experiencing outages across its platforms. Just before 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, there were numerous reports of outages on Downdetector.com, including 69,000 on Instagram, over 1,000 on Facebook, and 10,000 on WhatsApp. Meta issued a statement on the outages on X at around 1:45 p.m. "We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some users’ ability to access our apps," the statement said. "We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience." We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some use…
Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, LIRR Riders Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, LIRR Riders
Bah Humbug! MTA Closes Tap On SantaCon Boozing For Metro-North, Lirr Riders If you’re planning to ho-ho-hop on a Metro-North, NJ Transit or LIRR train this SantaCon weekend, leave the spiked eggnog at home — the MTA and NJ Transit are implementing its annual booze ban. In preparation for SantaCon 2024, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has announced a 32-hour alcohol ban across all Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad trains and stations. The restriction will take effect at 4 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, and remain in place until noon on Sunday, Dec. 15, aiming to ensure a safe and smooth ride for all passengers. “Our top priority is …
Know Any Long Island Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays Know Any Long Island Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays
Know Any Long Island Homes With Amazing Holiday Lights? Help Us Find The Merriest Displays Do you know someone who goes all out for the holidays? Daily Voice wants to see the best Christmas light displays in your neighborhood—and we need your help! Calling all holiday enthusiasts! The most wonderful time of the year is here, and Daily Voice is on the hunt for the most festive, over-the-top, and downright dazzling holiday decorations in the tri-state area (scroll down for instructions on how to submit). Whether it's a house covered in lights, an inflatable Santa village, or a synchronized music-and-lights extravaganza, we want to know where to find it! Is there a house on yo…
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was found in possession of a handwritten manifesto that sheds light on his alleged motives.  CNN was first to report the discovery.  The three-page document opens with a confession and asserts that Mangione acted independently, according to a report published Wednesday morning, Dec. 11 by The New York Times. He condemns UnitedHealthcare's increasing market capitalization amid declining American life expectancy and criticizes corporations for exploiting the country for pr…
CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione
CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione The rare times in which Luigi Nicholas Mangione removed his face mask may have been the main reason for his arrest for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson after a five-day manhunt. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Notebook Detailing Shooting Plans Revealed, Reports Say In the first instance, Mangione was asked by a receptionist at a hostel in Manhattan's Upper West Side to remove the mask so she could compare his face to the photo on an allegedly fake ID. The 26-year-old Maryland native checked in there 10 days before the targeted shooti…
Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only
Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only Krispy Kreme is bringing back its annual “Day of the Dozens” promotion, offering a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $1 with the purchase of any dozen doughnuts or a 16-count of Minis at regular price.  The offer is available for in-shop and drive-thru purchases, as well as online orders. The promotion will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12, at participating locations.  Customers can redeem the offer twice in-store or via drive-thru, while online orders are limited to one redemption using the promo code “DOZEN.” The promotion coincides with Krispy Kreme’s “Elf” Holiday Collectio…