APRIL 29—STATE OF PLAYLAND TODAY : “HEARTBREAKING” COUNTY SAYS. BLAMES ASTORINO ADMINISTRATION

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR CATHERINE CIOFFI STATEMENT ON PLAYLAND

“We all agree — the state Standard Amusements left Playland in is absolutely heartbreaking, and it’s the direct result of the sweetheart deal  struck with Standard Amusements when then-County Executive Rob Astorino was desperately trying to unload public treasures at the expense of our County’s most cherished residents — our children.

“We all grew up going to Playland. Instead of protecting it, we were handed us a disastrous, one-sided deal that sold out taxpayers and left the County holding the bag — having to return 100% of Standard Amusements’ investment. That’s why County Executive Ken Jenkins voted against this agreement in 2016 when he was on the Board of Legislators.

“We fought to get out of this deal after determining the real cost to Westchester taxpayers was not $30 million but $125 million — and yes, now we’re all paying the price.

“This is exactly what happens when someone with a radical ideology, no real experience, no financial skill, and no understanding of how budgets and contracts are built seeks an executive position.”

 

(PLAYLAND APRIL 28,2025: Photos supplement by WPCNR:)

 

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APRIL 29—THE VACCINE CONFUSION. MEASLES TREND. MORE QUESTIONS FROM YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST

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Keeping up with public health developments—both policy and health events—is like drinking from a firehose these days. While all YLE content remains free, we need financial support to keep the team sustainable (and sane). If you can, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription below.


Measles cases are still rising fast, dengue season is heating up early, and food dyes may be on their way out. Plus, a lot of confusion around Novavax Covid-19 vaccine approval and a new backup plan for vaccine policy.

Here’s the much-needed context and what it may mean to you.


Infectious disease alerts

Measles: We’re now at 923 cases nationwide. It’s hard to determine whether we’re at the beginning or middle of these outbreaks, given significant underreporting, but we’re quickly approaching the highest number of cases recorded in the past 25 years.

Figure by Your Local Epidemiologist

For the big Texas outbreak, I’m keeping a close eye on:

  • El Paso: 29 cases in just 18 days.
  • Chihuahua, Mexico: Outbreak is surging, with 605 cases reported.
  • New Mexico: Signs of slowing, with fewer new cases each week.

A new KFF poll shows a stark divide in public concern: 76% of Democrats say they’re worried about the measles outbreak, compared to just 28% of Republicans.

For a deeper dive, check out the SITREP report:

Ysph Vmoc Special Report Measles Outbrea…
2.01MB ∙ PDF file
Download

Dengue (also known as breakbone fever), traditionally considered a neglected tropical disease, is creeping northward due to a warming Earth, resulting in more locally acquired cases and an increase in cases from international travel. Last year, Puerto Rico declared a state of emergency. Most infections are asymptomatic, but 1 in 4 infections cause flu-like symptoms and can occasionally (1 in 20 infections) cause more severe disease like hemorrhagic fever.

This year, CDC has reported 1,568 cases—mostly from international travel and mostly in Puerto Rico. But Hawaii made news last week as they already reported 7 travel-related cases—higher than expected for this time of year:

  • 2024: 14 total cases
  • Previous years: 4 cases on average

We will likely see more cases in the U.S., but for now, it remains a rare occurrence.

What does this mean to you? Risk is very low and not uniform across the States. TX, CA, FL, and PR typically see the most locally acquired cases. Prevention is simple: EPA-recommended insect repellents, especially those with DEET. They really do work. Here is a YLE deep dive on mosquito-borne illnesses in the U.S. if you’re looking for more context.


FDA moves to phase out all petroleum-based food dyes

Red dye #3 is already out the door, and the new HHS administration is trying to phase out the rest. Last Tuesday, HHS announced the initiative.

What actually happened:

  • Only two rarely-used colors—Citrus Red 2 and Orange B—were officially revoked.
  • For the remaining six, which are more widely used, it will be entirely up to the food industry under a voluntary “understanding”—not a formal ban. Response from industry members so far has been mixed; some have pledged support, while others are maintaining their safety.

Some key context:

  • Contrary to popular belief, five of these six colors are allowed in Europe whose regulatory body follows a more cautionary hazard-based approach to food safety. They just use different names on their food labels. Dr. Andrea Love created a great table (see below).
  • Possible tradeoffs: Natural colors are generally less vibrant and may help reduce the appeal of unhealthy foods to kids. It will be interesting to see the impact on consumers. But natural colors are also more expensive to make, less consistent (affected by pH, cooking and processing) and less shelf-stable—which means higher food costs and potentially more food waste. Some natural colors may also pose a risk to individuals with food allergies, making transparency in ingredient labeling critical.

What does this mean for you? It’s unclear at this point. The impact on you as a consumer will depend on how—and whether—the industry chooses to shift. But again, let’s not lose the forest for the trees. For real progress to make America healthier, we need a number of systematic changes that tackle root causes.


What’s happening with Novavax? This is a good question.

Unlike Pfizer and Moderna’s mRNA Covid-19 vaccines, Novavax uses a more traditional protein-based platform. It has been available under emergency use authorization while working toward full FDA approval—the gold standard for maintaining market access. Manufacturing delays have slowed that process. But a lot has changed in just the past month.

Here’s what I know:

  • Full approval was originally scheduled for April 1, but that decision was paused—eerily, just after Dr. Peter Marks was forced to resign—sparking speculation of political interference.
  • Last week, Novavax announced it’s back on track for full approval.
  • Then, over the weekend, the FDA said that it is requiring a clinical trial to reevaluate the effectiveness of Novavax.
  • And now, more recent comments suggest that the same bar might be applied to Moderna and Pfizer vaccines as well.

This is… not normal. A new clinical trial could cost millions of dollars—which isn’t my main concern, given the financial position of these companies—but it would also take time, and that is a concern. Fall is around the corner, and designing, recruiting, conducting trials, and manufacturing doses typically take years—unless we’re in a declared emergency.

Since the original Covid-19 vaccine trials, we have shifted to a model similar to flu vaccines: anticipate the virus mutating quickly and test a small number of people’s blood to confirm an immune response. The strain changes in the vaccine formula are minor—more like tweaking a few letters in a Word doc than changing the document’s content, length, or format. Meanwhile, real-world data from CDC continues to show that updated Covid vaccines offer additional protection, especially for those over 65.

Here’s what I don’t know: Are these just FDA talking points to the media, or will this actually become policy for fall approval? What kind of trial is being required—tens of thousands of participants? And why are Covid-19 vaccines now being treated so differently than flu?

There’s a lot we still don’t know. And until we get clarity, it’s unclear whether updated Covid vaccines will be available this fall—or if they’ll be delayed by shifting expectations and new rules.


The Vaccine Integrity Project: a new backup plan?

There are concerns that Secretary Kennedy will politically influence or change ACIP—the external committee for vaccine policy in the United States—which means the possibility of changing eligibility or access to vaccines. If this happens, it will be a mess. States will be on their own, insurance companies will be looking for third-party validation, and there would be a whole lot of confusion.

So, a shadow group was stood up University of Minnesota (called the Vaccine Integrity Project) backed by a philanthropic gift. This will be an eight-member committee to advise on vaccine protection, effectiveness, and recommendations outside of government.

What does it mean for you? The Vaccine Integrity Project won’t have formal authority. However, if ACIP’s role becomes politicized, it could serve as an important alternative. It’s another sign that public health groups are mobilizing to stay ahead of potential disruptions.


Bottom line

You’re all caught up! Have a great week.

Love, the YLE Team

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RPI TECH CENTER DETAILS DISCUSSED BY BRIDGET GIBBONS WESTCHESTER DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TODAY AT COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS WEEKLY BRIEFING

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Monday, April 28

2 p.m.

Michaelian Office Building

Press Room – 9th Floor

148 Martine Avenue

White Plains, NY 10601

 

Watch Live on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/

 

During the Weekly Westchester Briefing:

 

• Westchester County Economic Development Director Bridget Gibbons will discuss Westchester’s new strategic partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), the nation’s first technological research university. This partnership will provide area working professionals with access to a top-tier STEM education on demand and fulfills a strategic initiative to bring high-quality engineering and applied science programs to the County.

• Operation Prom National Network Founder Noel D’Allacco will talk about this year’s Formalwear Giveaway, taking place May 2 through May 4.

• Scarsdale Mayor Justin Arest will join to share exciting updates from the Village of Scarsdale, including upcoming initiatives, community priorities and what residents can expect in the months ahead.

Posted in Uncategorized

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White Plains PTA Council

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

All members of the White Plains City School District community are welcome to join this hybrid PTA Council meeting where Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joseph L. Ricca will present the 2025-26 school budget. The presentation will be followed by a brief Q&A for any questions you may have about the budget. At the end of the meeting, the seven PTA units will each vote to support the budget.

https://zoom.us/j/97099438950?pwd=yeoSmqxMaHEsYOaPLaEqEII5bV6EeA.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 970 9943 8950
Passcode: 543617


Consejo del PTA de White Plains
  martes, 29 de abril, 2025
  7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Todos los miembros de la comunidad del Distrito Escolar de la Ciudad de White Plains están invitados a esta reunión híbrida del Consejo del PTA. Allí, el Superintendente de Escuelas, Dr. Joseph L. Ricca, presentará el presupuesto escolar 2025-26. Tras la presentación, habrá una breve sesión de preguntas y respuestas para cualquier duda que tengan sobre el presupuesto. Al final de la reunión, las siete unidades de la PTA votarán a favor del presupuesto.

https://zoom.us/j/97099438950?pwd=yeoSmqxMaHEsYOaPLaEqEII5bV6EeA.1&from=addon

Meeting ID: 970 9943 8950
Passcode: 543617

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APRIL 27–The Latimer Report from Washington

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Rep. George Latimer's header image

Dear Neighbor,

 

Let me start by extending warmest wishes to those who have recently celebrated Easter, Passover, and Eid al-Fitr. Our faith gives us strength and purpose as we tackle the serious problems of everyday living.

 

I was home in the district for the last two weeks, attending numerous events throughout Westchester and the Bronx.

 

Here’s a photo from the peaceful and joyful Easter Sunday sunrise service I attended at Manor Park in Larchmont.

For Easter I also attended the Riverbay Easter Egg Hunt and Mad Hatter Tea Party in Co-op City.

Yesterday I attended a mournful Yom HaShoah event in White Plains. Yom HaShoah, or Holocaust Remembrance Day, is a time to honor the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and reflect on the events that led to this horrific time in our world’s history. All of us in attendance recommitted to “Never Again.”

My staff has started doing regular mobile office hours at communal locations within our district, bringing our constituent services to you. I was glad to stop by the events in New Rochelle, Greenburgh, and Mt. Vernon and look forward to attending more when I am in the district. We will be announcing more dates soon and I encourage you to stop by if you need help with individual federal issues, like Social Security payments, IRS tax returns, immigration status changes, or an expedited passport. My hardworking staff may be able to assist.

On Tuesday I was joined by local elected officials including White Plains Mayor Thomas Roach, and Protect Our Care New York for an event defending Medicaid. According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, over 196,000 of our neighbors rely on Medicaid for vital healthcare needs, including 27,000 seniors. Congressional Republicans have a proposal that could cut up to $880 billion from Medicaid. We should not be balancing the budget on the backs of those who can least afford it. And I will continue to vote against proposals that cut Medicaid. Here’s some local coverage of our event. 

On Monday I visited MasterCard, which is headquartered in Purchase and I participated in an employee town hall. The vast majority of questions were about my work on the Small Business Committee, and how the President’s tariffs and economic policies are affecting companies like MasterCard.

Last week I attended an event in Mt. Vernon to celebrate progress on the Third Street Sewer Project. This multi-year project got off the ground quickly thanks to an innovative partnership between the County, City and State governments and we are already seeing the benefits. These infrastructure investments will improve access to safe, clean drinking water for area residents and reduce sewer and storm water discharge. I will continue to advocate for infrastructure investments and environmental improvements in our communities.

Community Project Funding

While home in the district, I also visited several projects that may be eligible to receive federal funding. This is part of the Community Project Funding program that directs federal funding to smaller local projects. This week my staff and I visited several of these projects to get a sense of what their needs are and how I can best advocate for the funding in DC.

 

These projects included: the Port Chester community gym, Crisfield Pump in Yonkers, the Warburton Slope in Yonkers, installing new sidewalks along Benedict Avenue in Tarrytown, and City Park drainage in New Rochelle. I will keep you updated as these projects and several others make their way through the government funding process.

Happenings in DC

As House legislative activities have been on pause for the last two weeks, there is no news to report on any legislation. In truth, “no action” is actually good news, given the partisan nature of many of the bills being advanced in the House.

 

I did join my Democratic colleagues in signing onto two amicus briefs. One was defending birthright citizenship. The President’s “Day-One” order to end birthright citizenship is unconstitutional and multiple judges have moved to stop action on it. Our amicus brief gives support to a case being heard at the Ninth Circuit of Appeals. I also signed onto an amicus brief this week that defends the important work of the Department of Education and we will hopefully prevent it from being closed. Every child deserves access to a quality education.

Social Post of the Week

Stay in Touch

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, FacebookBlueskyTwitter/X and YouTube to stay up-to-date on what I am working on. If this newsletter was sent to you by someone else, you can sign up for it here: https://latimer.house.gov/contact/newsletter-subscribe

 

Earth Day celebrations remind us of the beauty of our natural environment – and we have to work to keep it clean and pollution-free.

 

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my offices with concerns or questions. We are here to serve you!

 

More soon.

Sincerely,

Rep. George Latimer's signature image

Rep. George Latimer

Member of Congres

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COFFEE WITH WHITE PLAINS WEEK SATURDAY 8:30 A.M. EDT THE APRIL 25 REPORT ON FIOS CH.45, OPTIMUM CH 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS ON

THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS–BEST STATE OF COUNTY, CITY OR STATE OR UNION ADDRESS IN 25 YEARS THE HISTORIC RPI AGREEMENT ANNOUNCED

ANNOUNCES NEW TERMINAL FOR COUNTY AIRPORT. NO EXPANSION.

 

PLAYLAND COMES BACK! COMMITS TO OPENING PLAYLAND FOR THE SUMMER 

GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND 11 OTHER ATTORNEYS GENERAL SUE ADMINISTRATION FOR IMPOSING TARIFFS WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL

REAL ESTATE PRICES SOAR IN WESTCHESTER

THE SENIOR HOUSING DILEMMA SHOUD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO NOW?

THE SENIOR END OF LIFE CARE QUANDRY: $10,000 A MONTH?

D.A. CACASE AND COUNTY ATTORNEY NONNA POOL LAWYERS TO GET JUVENILE ACCUSED OFFENDERS TO TRIAL FASTER

POLLEN ATTACKS YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST DETAILS THE WORST ALLERGY SEASON IN MEMORY

 

JOHN BAILEY AND NEWS

EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK

FOR 24 YEARS

WESTCHESTER’S NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

 

 

 

 

 

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APRIL 24 — SEED OILS VS BUTTER/BEEF TALLOW

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What’s the deal with seed oils?

The science and skepticism

Steak ‘n Shake recently announced it plans to transition from seed oils to butter and beef tallow—a move they referred to as “RFK’ing the fries.” Many other restaurants plan to follow suit due to growing populist criticism and curiosity about seed oils, driven by online influencers and, more recently, Secretary Kennedy.

This contradicts traditional health advice, which recommends limiting saturated fats (such as butter and beef tallow) and replacing them with unsaturated fats, like those found in oils and seeds.

So, what’s really going on with seed oils?

Thanks to the thousands of you who submitted questions on YLE platforms—this post is driven by your curiosity. I hope it helps spark conversations, guide evidence-based decisions, and satisfy some of the questions you’ve been holding onto.

What are seed oils?

Seed oils are extracted from the seeds of plants—like soybeans, canola, corn, sunflower, cottonseed, grapeseed, safflower, and rice bran. This includes vegetable oil blends. In contrast, oils like olive, coconut, palm, and avocado are extracted from fruits, not seeds.

Seed oils are high in unsaturated fat—a type of fat that’s typically liquid at room temperature and also found in fish, avocados, nuts and seeds. These are different from saturated fats, which are typically solid at room temperature and found in animal-based foods, such as meat and dairy, as well as in tropical oils like coconut and palm.

different seed oils. Photo: Getty Images.

Photo: Getty Images.

Are seed oils healthy?

Yes—as a part of a healthy diet.

Seed oils are particularly high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) that are important for heart health, cell function, metabolism, immune regulation, and even brain health. Specifically, they offer linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 PUFA that our bodies can’t make on their own, so we have to get it from food.

A large body of evidence supports the health benefits of unsaturated fats, particularly when they replace saturated fat. This protective effect is driven mostly by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

  • meta-analysis from the American Heart Association found that replacing saturated fat with vegetable oil PUFAs reduced the risk of heart disease by 30%, similar to the effect of statins.
  • study of 400,000+ adults found that higher intake of plant-based fats lowered the risk of death from heart disease by 15–30%.
  • A 33-year study of 220,000 adults found that replacing one tablespoon of butter with a plant-based oil reduced the risk of all-cause and cancer-related death by 17%.

To be clear, some newer research is revisiting the role of saturated fats—particularly in whole foods like dairy, unprocessed meat and dark chocolate. But that doesn’t mean seed oils are harmful. Both types of fat can fit into a healthy and balanced diet.

So, why the backlash?

Critics call seed oils “toxic” or “poisonous” and blame them for the rise in chronic disease. Here’s what’s driving the backlash:

  1. Correlation ≠ causation

Yes, seed oil consumption has increased. So has obesity. However, both saturated and unsaturated fats are prevalent in ultra-processed foods, which now account for more than half of American calories. So, is it seed oils—or the ultra-processed foods they’re in? Chronic disease is complex, and no single ingredient is solely to blame.

  1. Omega-6 fats, inflammation, and balance

Seed oils contain linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, which can convert to arachidonic acid—a fatty acid involved in inflammation. However, research shows dietary linoleic acid does not significantly raise arachidonic acid levels or most markers of inflammation. Some studies suggest it may have anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, we obtain most of our arachidonic acid from consuming animal-based foods, such as chicken, eggs, and beef, rather than from seed oils.

The other concern is that we are eating too many omega-6s and not enough omega-3s (which can be found in fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed, for example) This concern is valid. Our intake of omega-6s has increased, while omega-3s remain too low. This shift in ratio may have health implications—but the clinical significance of the ratio itself is still debated. Regardless, most experts agree: the key is not to fear omega-6s, but to boost omega-3 intake.

  1. Processing and hexane

Like many things in our diet, seed oils require processing. Seed oils can be extracted using a liquid called hexane, which facilitates efficient separation of the oil from the seed. While trace amounts of hexane can remain, these levels are extremely low—much less than what we’re exposed to from air pollution. The refining process, which includes bleaching and deodorizing, strips away some nutrients but also improves shelf life and increases smoke points—important for maintaining stability during cooking. Cold-pressed oils are less processed options, but they’re more expensive and less stable.

  1. Conflicting evidence

Science is constantly evolving, and challenging conventional wisdom is healthy. But not all studies are created equal.

  • Consider the Minnesota Coronary Experiment of the 1960s, which found that while vegetable oils lowered LDL cholesterol, they did not improve health outcomes. However, the study had serious flaws: high dropout rates, incomplete data, and limited generalizability. It’s one data point—not a reason to overturn decades of evidence.
  • A more recent study linked inflammation in colon cancer to higher levels of arachidonic acid. Headlines were quick to point to seed oils as a culprit, but the study was observational, didn’t include any dietary data, and cannot imply a cause-and-effect relationship. It highlights a potential biological mechanism—not a reason to overhaul public health guidelines.

Follow the money

There’s also a booming wellness market that profits from fear. Valued at over $1 trillion, the industry is filled with influencers who demonize seed oils while selling products they claim will “reverse” the damage—like omega-3 supplements, antioxidants, or detox kits. Others push their own premium, seed-oil-free alternatives, including avocado oil, olive oil, or so-called “ancestral fats” like beef tallow and butter blends.

Examples:

  • Mark Hyman, a physician and influencer, advises people to avoid seed oils and offers lab test memberships to help determine if their omega ratios are imbalanced.
  • Mark Sisson, a fitness and food writer, founded Primal Kitchen—a seed oil-free brand of mayonnaise and salad dressings—and later sold it to Kraft Heinz for $200 million.
  • Carnivore MD (Paul Saladino) frequently criticizes seed oils while promoting high-end, animal-based supplements.

Where does this leave us?

Seed oils can complement a healthy diet, providing essential omega-6 PUFAs, and are useful for cooking, baking, and dressings.

Avoiding seed oils alone isn’t necessarily harmful (we get plenty of these fats from grains, then meat, fats and nuts).

However, there can be unintended consequences, such as replacing seed oil with refined saturated fats like butter, lard and beef tallow (different from the aforementioned whole food sources that may have a beneficial “food matrix”). These trending swaps can be detrimental, as they raise LDL cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. There are also real cost implications for many Americans (see more below in the FAQ.) and unnecessary fear is not healthy either.

Ultimately, the seed oil debate reveals a deeper issue with how we talk about nutrition.

We tend to fixate on single ingredients or nutrients—such as seed oils, gluten, carbs, and fats—while ignoring the complexity of whole foods and the broader picture of overall diet quality, which matters far more.

That’s why initiatives like Food Is Medicine are so promising. They focus on promoting healthy eating patterns—integrating access, education, healthcare, culture and policy —without allegiance to any specific diets or ideology.

Bottom line

From a public health perspective, we do have room for improvement in our diets, but removing seed oils is far from the top of the priority list.

Seed oils are not miracle cures, and they’re not poison.

Like most things in nutrition, context is everything.

What matters most is your overall dietary pattern—diverse, nutrient-rich, and mostly minimally processed.

Demonizing seed oils oversimplifies the science and distracts from the real underlying issues in our food system.

Posted in Uncategorized

APRIL 24—COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS ON THE STATE OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY

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WPCNR STATE OF AFFAIRS. From Westchester County Department of Communications. April 24, 2024:

The State of our County—our Westchester County—is anchored in who we are, yet evolving in who we become.

We’re not repeating history—we’re making it.

Watch the State of the County Address:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3LRQSCuiIY

Standing at the podium in the Board of Legislators Chambers, Westchester County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins delivered a powerful 2025 State of the County address, his first, declaring that Westchester is grounded in hope, progress and the belief that Westchester remains a beacon of stability, civility and strength in an often uncertain world.

Quoting Westchester’s Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva, the County Executive opened with a poetic reflection: “This is legacy covered by ancestral winds, a generational ebb and flow continuously rising like rain returning to the sky…”

With these words, he acknowledged the challenges of our time, while rejecting the notion that we are destined to repeat history.  He said: “Not here. Not now. Not in Westchester County. Because it is what we choose to do in each moment that defines us.”

The County Executive highlighted the achievements of his administration’s first 100+ days, marked by action, advocacy and accountability:

  • After pushing back on Con Edison’s proposed rate hikes, he secured a local public hearing and signed legislation reinforcing Westchester’s opposition.
  • He condemned the Trump Administration’s decision to close the White Plains Social Security Hearing Office, vowing to continue the fight for local access and equity.
  • Westchester is the only county in New York State to hold a AAA bond rating from S&P, Fitch, and a positive outlook from Moody’s—a testament to the County’s sound budgeting and economic planning.

A major announcement in the speech was a groundbreaking partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with Martin A. Schmid the President of RPI —one of the nation’s most prestigious engineering institutions—to deliver top-tier engineering education right here in our region. (PHOTO, WPCNR)

Jenkins said: “This is more than just a partnership. It’s a multi-year commitment to creating new opportunities for our local talent pool —especially young people and working professionals—to access cutting-edge STEM education, meet the demands of today’s workforce, and fuel the growth of our economy.”

Additionally, Jenkins highlighted that the County continues to invest boldly in housing and infrastructure:

  • A $10 million land acquisition for affordable homeownership in White Plains
  • $7 million in funding to Public Housing Authorities for vital improvements
  • A new HomeSeeker web platform to connect residents with affordable housing
  • $90 million in ARPA funds creating 2,000 new affordable housing units
  • Launch of the $15 million Complete Streets Program to support municipal roadway improvements

Focusing on public safety, Jenkins highlighted:

  • Violent crime is down, civil service exams for police are back, and efforts are underway to diversify law enforcement.
  • A new task force is establishing a data-driven approach to understanding and preventing gun violence.
  • The Free Client Phone Access Program at the County Jail ensures all incarcerated individuals have free legal phone access.
  • The Probation Department returned over $266,000 in restitution to 163 victims in the past year.

On mental health, Jenkins announced the groundbreaking for the Mental Health Safety Net Clinic in White Plains, now licensed and under construction slotted to open this summer. 

Jenkins also took the time to recognize the dedication of the County workforce, praising long-serving public employees and emphasizing his commitment to defending and celebrating government workers.

Jenkins also highlighted various environmental programs:

  • The Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) launched a Waste Reduction Study to gather public input and develop long-term sustainability solutions. The County also earned over $212,000 by participating in NYISO and ConEdison Demand Response programs—reducing energy use and preventing blackouts.
  • Additionally, 25 new EV chargers were installed at the County Center’s South Lot, offering free charging for up to 50 vehicles, advancing the County’s Climate Action Plan.

On Westchester County Airport, Jenkins announced that in early May, Westchester County will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to modernize the Westchester County Airport terminal. This is not an expansion project, but a commitment to improving the airport experience for travelers. (Photo, WPCNR)

Jenkins said: “This is an exciting step forward. To offer a seat, a cup of coffee, and a bathroom—we are putting people first.”

Jenkins reaffirmed his commitment to reopening Playland for the 2025 season, despite legal challenges tied to a previous administration’s contract with Standard Amusements. (PHOTO, WPCNR)

Closing with a reflection on community, leadership and shared values, Jenkins said: “The State of our County—our Westchester County—is anchored in who we are, yet evolving in who we become. We’re not repeating history—we’re making it.”

He ended with a quote from poet Villanueva: “Hope for us is a deep current. Leadership that sounds like care and feels like courage.”

State of the County Video Series (5 Short VIDEO ESSAYS ON WESTCHESTER COUNTY TODAY:

State of the County 2025: Anchored in Westchester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q74rgFd0_x4

Kenneth W. Jenkins: The First 100+ Days

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhGlmmDAoKI

State of the County 2025: Proudly Serving Westchester

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzDRrc8M6Ys

State of the County 2025: Westchester and RPI Partner for the Future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN-4fLvj9Bc

State of the County 2025: The Link Between

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37b-WexRv8g

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APRIL 23– THE NEW YORK 12 GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND ATTORNEY GENERAL JAMES AND 11 OTHER STATE AG’S CHALLENGE TARIFF INCREASES

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New York and 11 States Sue To Stop Tariffs That Will Slow Economic Growth, Increase Unemployment, Raise Inflation, and Risk Recession

Imposed Tariffs Have Led to Increased Costs of Imported Goods, Agriculture, Energy, Construction Materials, and Labor

Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that New York State and a coalition of 11 other states are suing the Trump administration for illegally imposing unprecedented tax hikes on Americans in the form of tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

The Trump administration’s IEEPA tariffs raise taxes on imports from nearly every country on Earth, including America’s closest allies and trading partners, and they have already caused severe economic damage.

The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general, argues that Congress has not granted the president the authority to impose these tariffs and therefore the administration violated the law by imposing them through executive orders, social media posts, and agency orders.

The coalition seeks a court order halting these IEEPA tariffs, including the worldwide tariffs that were paused on April 9, and preventing the Trump administration from enforcing or implementing them.

“President Trump’s reckless tariffs have skyrocketed costs for consumers and unleashed economic chaos across the country. New York is standing up to fight back against the largest federal tax hike in American history,” Governor Hochul said. “Attorney General James and I are partnering on this litigation on behalf of New York consumers, because we can’t let President Trump push our country into a recession.”

New York State Attorney General Letitia James said,

 “The president does not have the power to raise taxes on a whim, but that’s exactly what President Trump has been doing with these tariffs. Donald Trump promised that he would lower prices and ease the cost of living, but these illegal tariffs will have the exact opposite effect on American families. His tariffs are unlawful and if not stopped, they will lead to more inflation, unemployment, and economic damage.”

Since February, President Trump has been unilaterally imposing sweeping tariffs against America’s closest trading partners. These tariffs expanded in a series of announcements in April to now cover nearly every country worldwide, including places that are not involved in international trade, such as the Heard and McDonald Islands, which have no known human inhabitants.

In addition to the severe economic damage that President Trump’s tariffs have already caused, the coalition warns they could cause even more destruction if allowed to continue.

The lawsuit argues the IEEPA tariffs will increase unemployment, raise inflation, and threaten Americans’ wages by slowing economic growth.

The president’s tariffs will harm the states and their residents by making important goods ranging from electronics to building materials more expensive and scarce.

These costs will severely impact New Yorkers.

 

Economists estimate the increased tariffs will cost the average family thousands of dollars per year, and a report from the New York City Comptroller estimated that even a mild recession caused by the tariffs would lead to over 35,000 lost jobs in New York City alone.

New York state agencies could end up paying over $100 million in extra costs due to tariffs increasing prices.

Retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada on the hundreds of millions of dollars in electricity that New York imports every year would cause New Yorkers’ energy bills to spike. Across the state, small businesses that rely on imports are already reeling from the threat of higher prices and uncertainty caused by the administration’s policies. In Central New York, the Cortland Standard, one of the oldest family-owned newspapers in the country, announced it would cease publication in part due to an expected tariff on newsprint.

The lawsuit, filed in the United States Court of International Trade, asserts that President Trump has no authority to impose tariffs as he has. While the president has declared emergencies and invoked IEEPA to justify these tariffs, not once has any other president used IEEPA to impose tariffs like this in the five decades since it became law.

As the coalition argues in the lawsuit, the law was not designed to allow the president to unilaterally impose worldwide tariffs indiscriminately. In addition, the coalition argues that the Trump administration has overstepped its authority and violated the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by imposing these tariffs.

With this lawsuit, the coalition is seeking a court order declaring the Trump administration’s IEEPA tariff orders to be in violation of the law and ordering the administration to stop implementing or enforcing these tariffs.

Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont.

Governor Hochul has been in contact with federal leaders regarding the devastating effects tariffs will have on New York’s residents, businesses and our economy. The Governor has consulted with federal partners, economists and heard from business owners, trade groups, agribusiness and other stakeholders on the hardships tariffs will have on New York State.

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APRIL 23—NEW AGREEMENT CHARTS FASTER PATH FORWARD TO COURT FOR UNDERAGE OFFENDERS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY

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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace and Westchester County Attorney John Nonna announced today a new inter-agency agreement that will streamline the prosecution of cases involving underage offenders.

A new Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the District Attorney and County Attorney Wednesday morning, allows up to six Law Department attorneys to operate as Westchester County District Attorney’s Office designees and prosecute cases appearing in the Youth Part, with the expectation that these cases will eventually be removed to Family Court.

Previously, the Law Department would only prosecute cases involving adolescent and juvenile offenders after they are transferred to Family Court.

This new agreement will significantly streamline the prosecution of these cases, making more efficient use of prosecutorial resources and taking a fairer, more holistic approach to offenses committed by adolescent and juvenile defendants.

The work of the Law Department attorneys will be supervised by experienced prosecutors at the District Attorney’s Office. And final prosecutorial decisions regarding Youth Part cases will be made by District Attorney’s Office supervisors, in consultation with Law Department attorneys.

DA Cacace said: “This agreement provides a fairer, more efficient path to justice for our victims while offering underage defendants a more holistic approach to their cases. It is rare to find a reform that benefits all stakeholders in a criminal case, but I truly believe this agreement accomplishes that task. I want to extend my sincerest thanks to County Attorney Nonna for his strong partnership on this issue.”

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