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Change.org

Charity-Linked Poughkeepsie Community Figure Accused Of Strangling Victim In Front Of Baby: DA Charity-Linked Poughkeepsie Community Figure Accused Of Strangling Victim In Front Of Baby: DA
Charity-Linked Poughkeepsie Community Figure Accused Of Strangling Victim In Front Of Baby: DA A well-known Dutchess County community figure and the brother of a local mayor has been indicted by a grand jury on a violent felony charge stemming from an alleged domestic assault that prosecutors say occurred in front of an infant.  Poughkeepsie resident Frank "Frankie" Flowers, 52, was arraigned in County Court after being indicted on second-degree strangulation, along with misdemeanor counts of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, third-degree assault, and endangering the welfare of a child, the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office announced on Monday, Jan.…
Cracker Barrel Responds To 'Woke' Rebrand Criticism: 'We Could've Done A Better Job' Cracker Barrel Responds To 'Woke' Rebrand Criticism: 'We Could've Done A Better Job'
Cracker Barrel Responds To 'Woke' Rebrand Criticism: 'We Could've Done A Better Job' Cracker Barrel is pushing back after a wave of rabid criticism from conservatives over its new logo and modernization plans. The Tennessee-based restaurant chain posted a message titled "Our Promise To You" on its website on Monday, Aug. 25. The note comes after prominent right-wing figures, including Donald Trump Jr. and Florida Rep. Byron Donalds, blasted Cracker Barrel's new branding as "woke." Cracker Barrel thanked fans for their passion, pledging that the company's values haven't changed since its first store opened in 1969. "If the last few days have shown us anything, it's how deep…
Cracker Barrel Makeover Blasted As 'Woke' By Conservatives, Petitions Call For Boycott Cracker Barrel Makeover Blasted As 'Woke' By Conservatives, Petitions Call For Boycott
Cracker Barrel Makeover Blasted As 'Woke' By Conservatives, Petitions Call For Boycott Cracker Barrel's push to modernize has sparked fierce criticism, as the restaurant chain is the latest brand to be labeled "woke" by conservatives The Tennessee-based company, known for its rustic country stores and Southern meals, unveiled its first new logo in nearly 50 years on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The logo drops the familiar man-and-barrel image for a simpler design as part of a broader remodel and menu refresh. Right-wing figures like Donald Trump Jr. have criticized the changes. "WTF is wrong with @CrackerBarrel??!" the President's son tweeted on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Florida R…
TikTok Uproar, $20K Fundraiser Follow Felony Wiretap Conviction In Fort Gap Rape Case: DA TikTok Uproar, $20K Fundraiser Follow Felony Wiretap Conviction In Fort Gap Rape Case: DA
TikTok Uproar, $20K Fundraiser Follow Felony Wiretap Conviction In Fort Gap Rape Case: DA A Dauphin County woman at the center of a viral controversy has been sentenced to jail after being convicted of felony wiretap violations and lying to police about being raped, the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025. Veronika Rodriguez, 24, of Middletown, was convicted by a jury in May of two felony violations of Pennsylvania’s Wiretap Act and one count of false reports to law enforcement. On Wednesday, Judge Charles T. Jones Jr. sentenced her to 30 days to two years less one day in the Lebanon County Correctional Facility. The Allegation Rodrigu…
‘He Died A Hero’: Former Orioles Prospect Drowns Saving Strangers As Family Watches ‘He Died A Hero’: Former Orioles Prospect Drowns Saving Strangers As Family Watches
‘He Died A Hero’: Former Orioles Prospect Drowns Saving Strangers As Family Watches Chase Childers, a former Baltimore Orioles minor league prospect, died a hero in South Carolina after rushing into floodwaters to save a group of swimmers — sacrificing his life to protect theirs. According to Pawleys Island Police, officers received a 911 call at approximately 4:45 p.m. on Sunday, July 13, reporting “multiple swimmers in distress near Shell Road Ocean.”  One man — later identified as Childers — was missing, and a search was immediately launched by police, Midway Fire Rescue, and the US Coast Guard. At approximately 6:15 p.m., rescue teams recovered Childers' body fro…
Bagel Shop Manager’s ICE Detention Sparks Outcry, Fundraiser In Port Washington Bagel Shop Manager’s ICE Detention Sparks Outcry, Fundraiser In Port Washington
Bagel Shop Manager’s ICE Detention Sparks Outcry, Fundraiser In Port Washington A Long Island community is rallying behind a beloved bagel shop manager who was detained by federal immigration agents outside his workplace. Fernando Mejia, the longtime manager of Schmear Bagel & Café in Port Washington, was taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Thursday, June 12, as he arrived to work, according to a GoFundMe campaign launched in his support. Mejia overstayed a visa 20 years ago, CBS News reports. Described as a “pillar” of the Port Washington community, Mejia is known for greeting customers with a smile, high-fiving local school kids…
Husband Claims 'Wrongful Incarceration,' River Edge Mom Sentenced In Infant's Death Husband Claims 'Wrongful Incarceration,' River Edge Mom Sentenced In Infant's Death
Husband Claims 'Wrongful Incarceration,' River Edge Mom Sentenced In Infant's Death A Bergen County mother has been sentenced in the 2022 death of her infant son. Sun Min “Grace” Yoo Chan, an educational counselor from River Edge, was sentenced this week to five years in prison after pleading guilty to reckless manslaughter in the 2022 death of her 3-month-old son, NorthJersey.com reports. She must serve 85% of her sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Chan was initially arrested on May 3, 2022, and charged with murder, aggravated assault, and child endangerment, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. Police responded to her home on March 29, 2022, aro…
Central Islip Brothers, 19 & 20, Deported Without Warning Despite Pending Legal Status: Lawyer Central Islip Brothers, 19 & 20, Deported Without Warning Despite Pending Legal Status: Lawyer
Central Islip Brothers, 19 & 20, Deported Without Warning Despite Pending Legal Status: Lawyer Two Long Island brothers who spent nearly half their lives in the US were abruptly deported, despite having no criminal record and a pending path to legal residency, their attorney claims. Jose Trejo Lopez, 20, and Josue Trejo Lopez, 19, were deported to El Salvador on Wednesday, May 7, just weeks after a New York Family Court granted them legal guardianship—an important step in their effort to remain in the US legally, their attorney, East Islip immigration lawyer Ala Amoachi, said. The brothers, originally from El Salvador, came to the US in 2016 at ages 10 and 11 with their mother, fleei…
Principal Suspended Amid Parent Outcry Over Leadership Concerns At Middle Island School Principal Suspended Amid Parent Outcry Over Leadership Concerns At Middle Island School
Principal Suspended Amid Parent Outcry Over Leadership Concerns At Middle Island School A Long Island school principal has been suspended amid growing community backlash over his leadership and alleged mismanagement. Daniel McKeon, the principal of Longwood Middle School in Middle Island, has been placed on “administrative reassignment," district superintendent Lance Lohman confirmed in a letter to parents. While Lohman declined to provide specifics, citing personnel confidentiality, the move came as a since-deleted Change.org petition calling for McKeon’s dismissal gained traction. The petition, started by a group of concerned parents and community members, accused McKe…
Outrage Over Squirrel Sensation's Euthanasia Prompts State Changes: 'We Can Do Better' Outrage Over Squirrel Sensation's Euthanasia Prompts State Changes: 'We Can Do Better'
Outrage Over Squirrel Sensation's Euthanasia Prompts State Changes: 'We Can Do Better' New York State environmental officials are revamping their wildlife enforcement procedures in the wake of public outcry over the state-ordered euthanasia of a popular social media squirrel. Following an internal investigation, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is implementing new protocols to avoid similar incidents in the future, the agency announced Friday, March 28. The changes follow national backlash surrounding “Peanut,” a Chemung County squirrel with nearly one million followers on Instagram who was seized and later euthanized by the agency last fall, as Daily Voice …
FBI Probe At Lakeland Following Custodian's Arrest Prompts Concern Among Parents FBI Probe At Lakeland Following Custodian's Arrest Prompts Concern Among Parents
FBI Probe At Lakeland Following Custodian's Arrest Prompts Concern Among Parents An FBI investigation placed a North Jersey high school on lockdown last week following the arrest of a school maintenance worker, Daily Voice has learned. Lakeland High School custodian Scott Volpe, 39, a married father of two from Ringwood, was arrested on March 7 on child pornography charges, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Nearly one week later, Lakeland was briefly placed on lockdown as FBI agents searched the school, Superintendent Hugh Beattie confirmed. "[FBI agents] were called in as a precautionary measure to ensure that our campus was safe for students and staff," Beattie t…
Petition Making Waves to Rename Long Island Sound In Connecticut's Honor Petition Making Waves to Rename Long Island Sound In Connecticut's Honor
Petition Making Waves to Rename Long Island Sound In Connecticut's Honor Shortly after President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America on US maps, a new petition is calling to rename the Long Island Sound to reflect Connecticut’s contributions to pizza. A Change.org petition asks lawmakers to rename the Long Island Sound as the Gulf of Connecticut. "America has long ignored the greatness of CONNECTICUT! Such as being the pizza capital of the WORLD!!!" the Change.org petition reads. The joke petition had nearly 500 signatures by Thursday evening, Feb. 13. Gov. Ned Lamont also took a shot at Trump’s president…
Parents Fight Back After  DUI Stafford Superintendent Returns To Work Parents Fight Back After  DUI Stafford Superintendent Returns To Work
Parents Fight Back After DUI Stafford Superintendent Returns To Work A New Jersey superintendent who was arrested for drunk driving last fall has returned to work and some parents are none too happy about it. George Chidiac, the superintendent for the Stafford Township School District, was placed on leave last year after he was arrested for driving under intoxication last October, after crashing into a utility pole in Berkeley Township, causing a power outage, Berkeley Township police said.  Police said Chidiac, 52, was walking away from his gray Kia Forte when officers arrived. He told the officers he was "going home to get help." When questioned …
Pug Brutally Killed By Ex-Boyfriend In Shocking PA Revenge Plot: Affidavit Pug Brutally Killed By Ex-Boyfriend In Shocking PA Revenge Plot: Affidavit
Pug Brutally Killed By Ex-Boyfriend In Shocking PA Revenge Plot: Affidavit A Pennsylvania man admitted to breaking into his a woman's home who he refered to as his ex-girlfriend and killing her pug, Lexi, in what police describe as a calculated act of vengeance, according to court documents obtained by Daily Voice on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Joseph Winters Hilliard, 27, of Butler, confessed to climbing through an open window at Chyanne Callender’s East Brady Street apartment on Jan. 5, 2024, and fatally beating the 10-year-old dog before dumping her body in the woods near Rock Ann Haven. “I battered it pretty well, so I took it to the woods and killed it,” Hilliard adm…
Man Sentenced To 90 Years In Prison For Baseball Bat Killing In Beverly City, Prosecutors Say Man Sentenced To 90 Years In Prison For Baseball Bat Killing In Beverly City, Prosecutors Say
Man Sentenced To 90 Years In Prison For Baseball Bat Killing In Beverly City, Prosecutors Say A man will likely spend the rest of his life in prison after beating a Highland Park man to death with a baseball bat in Burlington County, authorities said. Larry Brown, 29, was sentenced on Tuesday, Aug. 20 to 90 years in prison, Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia Bradshaw said in a news release. A jury found him guilty in March of a dozen charges including first-degree murder. Brown was convicted of killing 34-year-old Cecilio Luciano inside a home on Bentley Avenue in Beverly City. Officers responded to the house at around 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 14, 20…
Hundreds Sign Petition To Reinstate Suspended Mamaroneck Library Director Hundreds Sign Petition To Reinstate Suspended Mamaroneck Library Director
Hundreds Sign Petition To Reinstate Suspended Mamaroneck Library Director Hundreds of community members have come together to urge a library in Westchester to reinstate its director who was suddenly suspended from her position.  The effort came in the form of a Change.org petition started on Sunday, Aug. 11 following the 30-day suspension of Mamaroneck Public Library Executive Director Jennifer O'Neill.  According to the petition, O'Neill will soon be given a hearing to determine her future employment, despite her record with the library being "impeccable." The reason for the suspension has not been revealed by the library.  "Jennifer has ser…
School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War
School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War Elected officials and community members are calling for a Hudson Valley school board member to step down following alleged antisemitic remarks made at a board meeting.  The outrage was prompted following a school board meeting in Putnam County on Tuesday, July 9, when Carmel Central School District Trustee Jim Wise allegedly controversy within the town over a comment on the Israel-Hamas war. The statement in question, "From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free," was defended by Wise in a post on social media on Wednesday, Aug. 7.  "I also reject absolutely the idea that …
Funeral Services Held For Boy, Mother Fatally Struck By Bus In Mamaroneck Funeral Services Held For Boy, Mother Fatally Struck By Bus In Mamaroneck
Funeral Services Held For Boy, Mother Fatally Struck By Bus In Mamaroneck Community members came together to honor the memory of a 6-year-old boy and his mother who were killed while walking to a Westchester school.  A funeral Mass was held on Friday morning, June 28 at the St. Augustine Church in Larchmont for Mamaroneck residents Michael Donovan Volpe, age 6, and his mother, 43-year-old Molly Murphey Donovan, who were both killed on Thursday, June 20 after being struck by a school bus while walking to the Mamaroneck Avenue School.  Earlier Report - New Update: IDs Released Of Mother, Child Struck, Killed By School Bus In…
Community Calls For Safety Improvements After Mother, Child Killed In Mamaroneck Bus Crash Community Calls For Safety Improvements After Mother, Child Killed In Mamaroneck Bus Crash
Community Calls For Safety Improvements After Mother, Child Killed In Mamaroneck Bus Crash A petition calling for enhanced safety measures for pedestrians has collected thousands of signatures following a fatal bus crash in Westchester that left a kindergarten student and his mother dead. New, updated report - New Update: IDs Released Of Mother, Child Fatally Struck By School Bus In Mamaroneck The petition, created by the Mamaroneck Avenue School community, follows a crash on Thursday morning, June 20 at around 8:30 a.m., when the student and his mother were struck by a school bus at the intersection of New Street and Mamaroneck Avenue, according to the Village of Mamaroneck…
Parents Fighting To Save North Jersey Catholic School Slated For Closure After 65 Years Parents Fighting To Save North Jersey Catholic School Slated For Closure After 65 Years
Parents Fighting To Save North Jersey Catholic School Slated For Closure After 65 Years After nearly 65 years, the Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Wayne is closing its doors. But many of its families refuse to accept its fate, and are fighting to keep the school that has provided love and nurture to their children alive. "The school didn't need to close, and it didn't need to close in the manner that it did," said Judy Simon, who has three children at IHM, who opined that more could be done from a business and marketing perspective. "I feel that the Diocese of Paterson didn't do anything to stop it." Father Mateusz Jasniewicz shared details about the school's closing …
Beloved Potomac Horse Center To Close Over Lease Renewal Debate Beloved Potomac Horse Center To Close Over Lease Renewal Debate
Beloved Potomac Horse Center To Close Over Lease Renewal Debate A beloved recreational spot in Montgomery County for families and horse lovers alike is set to close this summer, but its patrons are not going down quietly. Hundreds have signed a petition to save the Potomac Horse Center (PHC) after it was announced that it would be closing its doors in July. The last day will be on Monday, July 22, though lessons will continue as scheduled through June 16, which marks the last day of its Late Spring session. "Since 2017, PHC has tried to renegotiate its 1993 lease with the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission, (and) the tipping point …
'Racial Insensitivity' Possibly Linked To Teen's Sudden Death, Central Dauphin Officials Say 'Racial Insensitivity' Possibly Linked To Teen's Sudden Death, Central Dauphin Officials Say
'Racial Insensitivity' Possibly Linked To Teen's Sudden Death, Central Dauphin Officials Say A 10th-grade student is dead and Central Dauphin School District officials have noted that his race might have been a factor.  The district has identified Justin Johnson as the 16-year-old boy found suffering from cardiac arrest at his home in the 3000 block of Bianca Way in Lower Paxton Township at approximately 9:55 p.m. on April 26, 2024, as detailed by the police.  Justin was taken "to the Hershey Medical Center where he later died," the Lower Paxton Township Bureau of Police stated in the release.  **UPDATE: The County Coroner has ruled Justin Johnson's death as "natural"; click here …
Petition Started To Keep Popular Store Open In Hartsdale: 'Sad News' Petition Started To Keep Popular Store Open In Hartsdale: 'Sad News'
Petition Started To Keep Popular Store Open In Hartsdale: 'Sad News' In response to a popular store announcing its upcoming closure, town officials in Westchester have started a petition in an effort to keep it open or encourage a similar business to take its place. The petition was created by Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner to help convince the owners of the Rite Aid located in Hartsdale at 196 East Hartsdale Ave. to keep the business open, Feiner announced on Wednesday, Jan. 17.  The store is planning to close in February. However, Feiner said that many residents without cars, including seniors, depend on the store for groceries, toiletries, an…
Boston Woman Charged With Killing Fellow UMass Dartmouth Student From NJ In On-Campus Crash: DA Boston Woman Charged With Killing Fellow UMass Dartmouth Student From NJ In On-Campus Crash: DA
Boston Woman Charged With Killing Fellow UMass Dartmouth Student From NJ In On-Campus Crash: DA A 22-year-old Boston woman will face charges after she fatally struck 19-year-old University of Massachusetts Dartmouth student Frank Petillo Jr. earlier this year, authorities said.  Danasia Sampson, of Mattapan, MA, was charged last week with motor vehicle homicide by negligent operation, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office said. Sampson is also a student at the university.  Petillo, a Manahawkin, NJ, native, was crossing Ring Road with a friend on April 6 near his dorm when police say Sampson crashed into him with her Honda Accord around 5:30 p.m., the Bristol prosecutor said.…
Infamous Native American Statue Along Mohawk Trail In Western Mass Removed Infamous Native American Statue Along Mohawk Trail In Western Mass Removed
Infamous Native American Statue Along Mohawk Trail In Western Mass Removed A 20-foot-tall Native American statue and tourist attraction in Franklin County that was considered an offensive eyesore to some and a symbol of representation for others was removed on Friday, Aug. 11.  The Charlemont souvenir shop Native and Himalayan Views, formerly the Big Indian Shop, confirmed that it had removed the statue that sat along the Mohawk Trail on Route 2 for nearly 50 years.  The statue won't be down for long, however. The Hi-Way Cafe in Vinita, Oklahoma, announced on Facebook it had purchased the figure. The new owners said they would erect it along the famed Route 66 as…
NJ Mom Pushes For New Law After Bus Monitor Charged In 6-Year-Old Daughter's Death NJ Mom Pushes For New Law After Bus Monitor Charged In 6-Year-Old Daughter's Death
NJ Mom Pushes For New Law After Bus Monitor Charged In 6-Year-Old Daughter's Death A New Jersey mother is pushing for a new law following the death of her 6-year-old special needs daughter, which led to the arrest of a bus monitor. Fajr A. Williams was apparently strapped incorrectly when her bus went over a series of bumps on Monday, July 17, as Daily Voice previously reported citing the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office. Fajr, 6, died in July 2023 on the school bus.Najmah Nash Fajr's bus monitor, Amanda Davila, 27, of New Brunswick, had fastened the harness of the girl's wheelchair too tight, blocking her airway, authorities said.  Davila was charged with manslau…
Hearts Break As NJ's Famed Atco Dragway Abruptly Closes After 63 Years Hearts Break As NJ's Famed Atco Dragway Abruptly Closes After 63 Years
Hearts Break As NJ's Famed Atco Dragway Abruptly Closes After 63 Years Racing fans are devastated by the abrupt closing of Atco Dragway after 63 years. The schedule for the remainder of the year has been canceled, the raceway said on Facebook Tuesday night, July 18. “Thank you all for your patronage and memories over the years,” the Camden County stadium wrote without providing a reason. The post drew more than 1,100 reactions and more than 450 comments on DragCoverage's Facebook page. Ron Gilbert said: "Breaks my heart! My son is gonna be really upset! Glad he was able to experience and run his car before it closed." "I'm so sad! It was on my short-term b…
Woman Shot In Chest By Maryland Sex Offender On I-83 In PA: State Police Woman Shot In Chest By Maryland Sex Offender On I-83 In PA: State Police
Woman Shot In Chest By Maryland Sex Offender On I-83 In PA: State Police A 22-year-old registered sex offender from Baltimore, Maryland was arrested following a nearly eight-hour manhunt along Interstate 83— which involved an innocent bystander getting shot in the chest, according to Pennsylvania State Police.  Jajayevoune Jerome Lee also known as Jajyevoune Lee-Jenkins was fleeing from an armed robbery in Springettsbury Township around 7:15 on Monday, June 5, 2023, PSP explained.  The troopers were given a description of Lee, the vehicle he escaped in, and were told a woman was driving— which helped troopers spot him on I-83S near Exit 10 and initiate a traffi…
'Worst Possible Outcome': Loved Ones Lament Over Death Of Lisa Hazard's Son 'Worst Possible Outcome': Loved Ones Lament Over Death Of Lisa Hazard's Son
'Worst Possible Outcome': Loved Ones Lament Over Death Of Lisa Hazard's Son Devastation and questions have spread across a community in Southeast Massachusetts after a father allegedly killed the young son of a Fall River woman who has been missing for years. George C. Scott III and his son were found dead after New Bedford Police responded for a well-being check at 1643 Philips Road on Friday morning, June 2, as previously reported by Daily Voice.  While officials did not release the boy's name, he was identified by the public as Dante Hazard – the son of Lisa Hazard who was reported missing in March 2019 when she was 29 years old. Missing since March 5, 201…
'Collective Pain' Spreads Among UMass-Dartmouth After Freshman Student's Death 'Collective Pain' Spreads Among UMass-Dartmouth After Freshman Student's Death
'Collective Pain' Spreads Among UMass-Dartmouth After Freshman Student's Death A student body is coming together to raise awareness after a 19-year-old University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth student was struck and killed by a car on campus last week.  Frankie Petillo Jr. was struck by a vehicle on Thursday, April 6, as previously reported by Daily Voice. Petillo, of the Manahawkin, NJ, was a freshman Bioengineering student.  UMass students gathered for a candlelight vigil on Monday and also launched a Change.org petition to improve street safety on campus.  The petition says, in part: "The student body wants more safety. Speed bumps, speed monitors, sidewalks, and st…
NJ Student Killed In Pedestrian Crash On UMass-Dartmouth Campus NJ Student Killed In Pedestrian Crash On UMass-Dartmouth Campus
NJ Student Killed In Pedestrian Crash On UMass-Dartmouth Campus A 19-year-old University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth student from the Jersey Shore was struck and killed by a car on campus, college officials said. Frankie Petillo Jr. was struck by a vehicle on Thursday, April 6, according to the college chancellor. Petillo, of the Manahawkin section of Strafford, was a freshman Bioengineering student. The college held a candlelight vigil on Monday. Petillo's death prompted students to launch a Change.org petition to improve street safety on campus.  The petition says, in part: "The student body wants more safety. Speed bumps, speed monitors, sidewalks, …