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JOHN BAILEY INTERVIEWS ASSEMBLYMAN BURDICK ON ALBANY ISSUES AHEAD:
ENERGY, INFLATION, GOVERNOR’S POWER TO CALL AN EMERGENCY, AID TO EDUCATION STABILITY AND MORE
FALL VACCINES: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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There are so many new or updated vaccines on the market this fall that we thought it would be helpful to collect information about them in one place. This guide outlines the “what,” “who,” and “when” for each. Seasonal influenza (flu)What: The vaccine covers four strains of seasonal flu offered by four pharmaceutical companies. Selecting vaccine strains for rapidly changing viruses, like flu and COVID-19, is an art and a science, so the vaccine formula doesn’t always align perfectly. We are optimistic that this year’s is a good match because the vaccine composition matches flu strains that recently circulated in Australia (which is a good predictor of the upcoming Northern Hemisphere season). During the years when the vaccine does match, it can reduce the risk of needing to go to the doctor by 40% to 60%. Who: Everyone ages 6 months and older. There are special formulations to provide added protection to older adults. Children should get two shots during their first flu season. When: Protection wanes throughout a season. For most people, October is the best time to get vaccinated so that you’re fully protected before a flu wave. The full list of timing recommendations for specific populations (pregnancy, older adults, young children) is available here. Covid-19 vaccineWhat: The fall Covid-19 vaccine has an updated formula, targeting XBB.1.5, which should be a good match to the currently circulating Omicron subvariant. Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax all plan to have boosters on the market this fall. Who: We don’t know yet but should know in mid-to-late- September. Why the delay? The CDC determines who is eligible only after the FDA has fully approved the vaccine. The FDA can only fully approve once the pharma companies submit data showing the vaccines are safe after manufacturing. We are waiting on this process to play out. Last year, though, eligibility was dependent on the manufacturer (it will likely be the same): When: Guidance will be provided by the CDC soon. (Hopefully, they will guide recently infected people, too.) For protection against severe disease, you can get the vaccine when it becomes available because it’s more lasting. For protection against infection, though, keep in mind that protection wanes in a few months, so it’s best to get vaccinated right before a wave. Of course, this can be challenging to time. More info: To understand why we need an updated vaccine and what clinical trials found, go to this previous YLE post. RSV vaccine (older adults)
SELF MAGAZINE. Photographer: Heather Hazzan; Wardrobe: Ronald Burton; Props: Campbell Pearson; Hair: Hide Suzuki; Makeup: Deanna Melluso at See Management. Shot on location at One Medical. Source. What: For the first time, an RSV vaccine is available from GSK and Pfizer. Both effectively protect against severe illness, with 82-86% efficacy. The two vaccines are slightly different in design, but only at a microscopic level. And, good news, side effects like fever and body aches are not common. Who: People ages 60 and older “may” get the vaccine in the U.S. In the UK, those over 75 years should get the vaccine. People with underlying health conditions (like heart or lung disease or diabetes) and those living in long-term care facilities should strongly consider the vaccine. When: They are available now. RSV vaccines do not wane as quickly as flu and COVID-19 vaccines, so you can get it now and it should protect you throughout the entire season (and maybe even next season). More info: For a breakdown of the clinical trial findings, go to this previous YLE post. RSV medication (infants)What: AstraZeneca has a new monoclonal antibody called Beyfortus, which protects against severe RSV in infants. This is not a vaccine (i.e., doesn’t teach the body to make antibodies) but rather a medication (it provides antibodies). In clinical trials, it reduced the risk of hospitalization and healthcare visits by ~80%. Who: All infants under 8 months should get it for their first RSV season. High-risk children between 8 months to 19 months should also get it. High-risk categories include:
When: Beyfortus is unavailable now, but the manufacturer has committed to making it available for this RSV season. The protection lasts about 4-6 months, so get this as soon as it’s available. RSV vaccine (pregnancy)What: Pfizer is actively pursuing approvals for an RSV vaccine given to pregnant people. The protection will pass from mother to baby so that the baby is protected in the first 6 months of life, which is the riskiest time for severe RSV. Clinical trials showed 82% efficacy in preventing hospitalization during the first 3 months of life, and 69% efficacy at 6 months. Who: If approved, the vaccine would be given between 24 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. When: This vaccine is not yet available. It is still going through review by the FDA and CDC. Whispers suggest we may have a decision this month. If so, it may become available this fall, but the timing is uncertain. Bottom lineGet vaccinated! It is one of the best things you can do this fall and winter to keep healthy and minimize disruption. P.S. We know many people have many questions. Please comment or send to us, as we plan on following up with a FAQ. Love, Drs. Caitlin Rivers and Katelyn Jetelina Caitlin Rivers, PhD MPH, is an assistant professor and epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. She served as the founding associate director of the Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
UNITED WAY WHITE PLAINS COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER REPORTS “211” CALLS FOR AID SURGE : INCOME SUPPORT 39%, FOOD (37%) EMPLOYMENT (27%) GROWING NEEDS NOW
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WHITE PLAINS, NY, August 16, 2023 –From United Way. (Edited)
The White Plains community resource center for United Way’s 211 Helpline, which serves the Hudson Valley, Long Island, and Adirondack regions, has reported a 20 percent surge in call volume from January to June 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
Of the call increase, there is a rise in calls related to income support (up 39%), food insecurity (up 37%), transportation (up 71%), and employment (up 27%). These increases continue the unprecedented increase in call volume, which began during the pandemic and continued throughout 2021 and 2022.
As the economic landscape shifts, more individuals and families are contacting 211 to access information and assistance in these critical areas. The dedicated team of call specialists at the White Plains community resource center has worked tirelessly to address each caller’s needs with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to finding the best possible solutions.
This upswing in calls underscores the critical role that 211 plays as a lifeline for community members seeking essential support and resources.
The 211 Helpline is a crucial hub for connecting individuals and families in need with vital social services and resources, serving as a one-stop destination for information on housing, healthcare, food assistance, employment opportunities, and more. The notable increase in call volume reflects the evolving and pressing needs of communities across the region, especially amid ongoing challenges.
From left to right: Cassandra Rajcumar, 211 Director of Programs and Services; State Senator Peter Harckham, UWWP President and CEO Tom Gabriel, NYS Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, United Way’s Chief Information and Referral Officer Lini Jacob, and Rachel Estroff, Chief of Staff for State Senator Shelly Mayer.
“We are seeing a clear reflection of the dynamic nature of community needs through the rise in calls to our White Plains 211 Helpline community resource center,” said Lini Jacob, (second frrom right, above)United Way’s Chief Information and Referral Officer who manages the White Plains 211 Helpline community resource center.
“This increase is a testament to the essential role that 211 plays in connecting individuals with the resources they require to overcome challenges and improve their quality of life.”
The White Plains community resource center’s ability to efficiently handle the increased call volume can be attributed to its dedicated staff, robust technology infrastructure, and strong partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and service providers. Together, they form a united front in the fight against food insecurity, financial instability, and other pressing issues facing our communities.
The 211 Helpline in New York State is a public-private partnership. It is funded by New York State, local municipalities, and a third by local United Ways. This year the NYS Legislature awarded $2.4 million to the state’s 211 Helpline network to ensure that these community resource centers continue to connect individuals with health and human service needs to the right resources.
Senator Peter Harckham (District 40), (second from left in above photo) representing communities in Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, sponsored the bill into the budget.
“211 is the ultimate example of shared services and public-private partnerships,” said Sen. Harckham. “It is a good investment of public dollars to make sure that someone is there to assist those in need to find the government services and nonprofit assistance available. COVID and other recent natural disasters, such as the flooding caused by Hurricane Ida, also showed how important 211 is to local and state governments for responding to disasters and emergencies.”
As the 211 Helpline continues to be a beacon of hope for those seeking assistance, it stands as a reminder that we are stronger when we come together to support one another. The White Plains community resource center remains committed to serving as a dependable resource, guiding callers toward the help they need during times of uncertainty.
The 211 Helpline is available 24/7 by dialing 211 or visiting 211hudsonvalley.org. You can also text your zip code to 898211 to text with a community specialist between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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GREENBURGH INTERNS ORGANIZE FOOD DRIVE AUGUST 18,19,21 AT ARDSLEY HIGH SCHOOL FOR ARDSLEY ACRES MOTEL MIGRANT RESIDENTS
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The Greenburgh summer internship program is officially over on Thursday. The 46 interns held a press conference and reception for the asylum seekers living at the Ardsley Acres Motel on Tuesday. The migrants are going through the legal process to become citizens.
Even though the internship program ends Thursday the students decided to organize a food drive at a drop off location:
Ardsley High School on August 18, 19 and 21. The drive will provide them with essential food products. Please help by donating canned goods and other non perishables. All donations are greatly appreciated. See attachment below.
Also, two stories about the press conference that appeared state-wide in Gannett publications and on News 12.
The internship program is coordinated by Greenburgh Town Clerk Judith Beville and Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner. Among attendees at the picnic supporting the migrants were United States Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ardsley Mayor Nancy Kaboolian; Westchester County Legislator David Imamura and State Assemblywoman Mary Jane Shimsky. Katherine Wolf of St. Barnabas Church also assisted the interns.
GHOST GUNS SEIZED IN CORTLANDT
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CORTLANDT MAN ARRESTED FOLLOWING “GHOST GUNS” PROBE
(Hawthorne, NY) AUGUST 15,2023– Westchester County Police arrested a Cortlandt man today and charged him with manufacturing and possessing untraceable “ghost guns” in his home.
The arrest was the result of a multi-agency investigation that also involved the New York State Police, FBI Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department.
Nicholas Zito, 22, of Langeloth Drive was taken into custody at his home shortly before 9 a.m. The items seized from his residence were:
· three loaded firearms lacking serial numbers;
· four unfinished/non-serialized frames for firearms;
· 23 high-capacity ammunition magazines and ammunition.
Zito was allegedly using a 3D printer to manufacture the ghost guns, which contain no serial numbers and are untraceable when recovered following the commission of a crime.
Zito was charged with one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree (loaded firearm) and multiple counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd Degree (for possessing three or more firearms and the 23 ammo clips). Those charges are felonies. He was also charged with four counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree (for the unfinished firearms). That charge is a misdemeanor.
Zito was arraigned today in a neighboring court and was remanded to the Westchester County Jail in lieu of $15,000 cash bail or a $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in Cortlandt Town Court on Wednesday. The case is being prosecuted by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.
Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said, “I commend our Conditions Unit, the Real Time Crime Center, and our partners in this investigation. We are all committed to keeping illegal firearms of all kinds, including ghost guns, off the streets of our communities.”
Raynor noted that the Westchester County Police, in partnership with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, have seized hundreds of ghost guns through investigations conducted in the last few years.
Anyone with information regarding the manufacture, possession or sale of ghost guns is asked to contact the Westchester County Police. The Department maintains telephone and electronic tips lines so the public can provide information on this and other criminal activity.
Calls, e-mails and text messages to these tips lines are confidential. Tipsters can remain anonymous if they chose.
· Voice Tip Line: (800)898-TIPS (8477).
· Electronic Tips: Send email, text messages and small video clips to tips@wccops.com.
· Via Mobile App: The WCPD Mobile App contains a home screen Submit a Tip button to enable tips to be sent confidentially or anonymously. It is available for Apple and Android phones. Enter Westchester County PD in the app store search bar to locate and download it.
HOCHUL MORE SITES FOR MIGRANTS BEING OPENED, CONSIDERED.
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WPCNR MIGRANT MONITOR. From Governor Hochul’s Press Office. August 14, 2023:
A shelter site on state-owned land at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens will open next week and will have the capacity to house up to 1,000 asylum seekers, and a shelter site that is fully paid for by the State of New York will open shortly on Randall’s Island. The State has already loaned New York City sites at the former Lincoln Correctional Facility in Manhattan and at a state-owned building at JFK Airport in Queens, both of which opened in June and house more than 1,000 asylum seekers every day.
In addition to Governor Hochul’s meeting with Tom Perez, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President of the United States, federal officials have increased their assistance to New York in recent weeks following months of advocacy from Governor Hochul and local leaders. State, federal, and city officials toured federally-owned sites at Floyd Bennett Field and Fort Wadsworth to assess their suitability for sheltering asylum seekers. Hochul Administration officials will also be meeting with U.S. Department of Interior officials tomorrow to discuss federally-owned land that could be appropriate to use as shelter.
A $25 million investment was included in the FY 2024 Budget to voluntarily relocate 1,250 families – approximately 4,375 individuals – who have already applied for asylum; this funding is in addition to more than $700 million in the FY 2024 Budget allocated for temporary shelter at hotels and mass shelter sites. At this time, 17 families who are willing to participate and eligible to participate have been identified by the City and are in this State-funded program and the State will continue to support relocation for additional families as they opt into the program. Participants in this program, who are on the path to work authorization in the United States, will be relocated and matched with social service agencies who can help them adjust and resettle while NYS pays for their rent.
Governor Hochul also announced the deployment of additional New York National Guard personnel and assets to asylum seeker sites in Erie County. The deployment to Erie County builds on more than 1,800 National Guard personnel who are currently providing logistical and operational support to shelters in New York City. More than 30 of the hotel-based shelter sites in New York City are staffed exclusively by New York State National Guard personnel and an additional 18 are primarily staffed through these State personnel.
TICK TOK EXPLODES WITH CON ED COMPLAINTS ON SKY HIGH BILLS IN LONG HOT SUMMER
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WPCNR THE POWER STORY. From Tick Toc. August 14, 2023:
Alex Speilvogel in a comment on Tick Tok expressed her puzzlement about her high Con Edison bills.
You may see the bewilderment and anxiety of just some of New York metropolitan area customers expressed after this video was aired by going to https://www.tiktok.com/@aspielvogel/video/7264635626019065134
Her comments as they appeared on Tick Tok speak for themselves:
@aspielvogel Can we talk about Con Edison in NYC? #highbills #isthislegal #nyc
CON ED ANNOUNCES NEW ELECTRIC RATES FOR WESTCHESTER CUSTOMERS UP 9% IN 2023 AS OF THE FIRST OF AUGUST 4.2% IN 2024. . TWO YEARS
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AT
https://www.coned.com/en/accounts-billing/your-bill/about-con-edisons-rates
The cost of Con Edison’s electric, gas, and steam service is affected by their rate filing. See impacts by year and customer service classification. (Editor’s Note: The Public Service Commission approved the increases by a 7-1 vote the 21st of July.)
2023 Summer Bill Outlook
We expect New York City customers’ bills to increase and Westchester customers’ bills to decrease.
Bill Impacts Outlined in the Joint Agreement
Current rates approved by the New York Public Service Commission went into effect on August 1, 2023.
Electric Bill Impacts
2025
- NYC residential electric customer using 280 kilowatt hours would increase $1.63 to $95.63, an increase of 1.7%.
- Westchester residential electric customer using 425 kilowatt hours would increase $1.96 to $134.83, an increase of 1.5%.
- Small commercial electric customer using 600 kilowatt hours would increase $3.77 to $202.44, an increase of 1.9%.
- Medium commercial electric customer using 10,800 kilowatt hours with a peak demand of 30 kilowatts would increase $87.71 to $2,402.99, an increase of 3.8%.
2024
- NYC residential electric customer using 280 kilowatt hours would increase $3.85 to $94.00, an increase of 4.3%.
- Westchester residential electric customer using 425 kilowatt hours would increase $5.38 to $132.87, an increase of 4.2%.
- Small commercial electric customer using 600 kilowatt hours would increase $7.78 to $198.67, an increase of 4.1%.
- Medium commercial electric customer using 10,800 kilowatt hours with a peak demand of 30 kilowatts would increase $75.24 to $2,315.28, an increase of 3.4%.
2023
- NYC residential electric customer using 280 kilowatt hours would increase $7.19 to $90.15, an increase of 8.7%.
- Westchester residential electric customer using 425 kilowatt hours would increase $10.49 to $127.49, an increase of 9.0%.
- Small commercial electric customer using 600 kilowatt hours would increase $15.49 to $190.89, an increase of 8.8%.
- Medium commercial electric customer using 10,800 kilowatt hours with a peak demand of 30 kilowatts would increase $101.93 to $2,240.04, an increase of 4.8%.
Gas Bill Impacts
2025
- Residential customer with gas for cooking using 5 therms on average per month would increase $2.03 to $42.34 , an increase of 5.0%.
- Residential customer with gas for heating using 100 therms on average per month would increase $15.61 to $253.35, an increase of 6.6%.
2024
- Residential customer with gas for cooking using 5 therms on average per month would increase $2.12 to $40.32 , an increase of 5.5%.
- Residential customer with gas for heating using 100 therms on average per month would increase $14.90 to $237.74, an increase of 6.7%.
2023
- Residential customer with gas for cooking using 5 therms on average per month would increase $2.66 to $38.20 , an increase of 7.5%.
- Residential customer with gas for heating using 100 therms on average per month would increase $17.28 to $222.84, an increase of 8.4%.
Steam Bill Impacts
New steam rates were filed with the Public Service Commission on November 22, 2022, and will become effective on November 1, 2023. Review the rate filing fact sheet.
- SC-1—General Service using 100 Mlbs of steam power per month would increase $5,137 to $6,866, an increase of 33.7%.
- SC-2—Annual Power Service—Rate I (Non-Demand) using 750 Mlbs of steam power per month would increase $27,690 to $35,308, an increase of 27.5%.
- SC-3—Apartment House Service—Rate I (Non-Demand) using 900 Mlbs of steam power per month would increase $25,109 to $31,340, an increase of 24.8%.
SUMMER COVID-19 WAVE PICKS UP THE PACE
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Summer Covid-19 wave picks up the pace
Sharp increase seen in wastewater concentration in Midwest
Respiratory viruses
The summer Covid-19 wave has intensified, based on recent data from Biobot. The Midwestern region saw a sharp increase in viral concentration in wastewater, returning to levels not seen since February. Parts of Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri are particularly affected. However, hospitalization metrics remain low in those states.
I remain more concerned about the South, where nearly 2% of visits to the ER are for Covid-19, up from a recent low of less than 0.5%. Florida, in particular, has an elevated wastewater concentration and increasing hospital metrics, including ER visits for Covid-19 and hospital admissions.
On the bright side, nationwide hospital admissions are still substantially lower than they were this time last year, which I find encouraging. But there is one major caveat: the number of hospitals submitting data may have changed from then to now. As in previous years, the most affected age group is people aged 70 and older. If you are an older adult or if you are immunocompromised, it’s a good idea to take extra precautions.
A new Covid-19 booster is expected to become available next month; I think it will be a good match to current variants. The flu vaccine will also become available soon, but I recommend waiting until later in the season to get that one.
In other news, cold-causing viruses like rhinovirus and the seasonal coronaviruses are going around, so expect some stuffy noses as school starts. Everything else looks good. RSV and influenza remain low, as expected this time of year. Winter respiratory virus season doesn’t usually pick up until October at the earliest, so I hope we don’t add those to the mix for several more months.
Food recalls
The following foods are being recalled because they are contaminated. Please check your cupboards and throw out any of these items:
- Soft Serve on the Go ice cream cups (more info)
- Certain ready-to-eat salads and wraps in Minnesota and Wisconsin (more info)
- If you have food allergies, you may wish to review these FDA safety alerts for foods with undeclared allergens.
If you want to know more about what to expect for the season ahead, I shared a winter outlook last week. In short, I think we will have another tough winter, but there is reason to hope that it won’t be quite as bad as last year.
Winter flu season outlook
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Read full story
WHITE PLAINS WEEK TONIGHT AT 7:30 THE AUGUST 11 REPORT ON FIOS CH.45, OPTIMUM WP CH 76 & WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
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FLASH! CITY SETTLES CHAMBERLAIN SUIT FULL STORY
CONCERN! COVID ON PACE TO DOUBLE JULY CASES IN AUGUST
WHO KNEW? WESTCHESTER SAFE TECHNOLOGY EXPOSES BIG TECH
EFFORT TO GET CONGRESS TO
FORBID LOCAL CONTROL OVER LOCATION OF CELL TOWERS
MIGRANTS CONCERN! GREENBURGH INTERNS CHARGE FOOD AT ARDSLEY ACRES
IS MAKING MIGRANTS SICK. MEANWHILE NO PROGRESS ON IMMIGRANT
ASYLUM COURT AND RIGHT TO WORK IN WESTCHESTER. HOMELAND SECURITY
FINALLY TO ESTABLISH TEAM TO ANALYZE HOW TO HANDLE MIGRANT EXPLOSION
WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE FUNDED
GET SCHOOL VACCINATIONS NOW AT COUNTY DEPT OF HEALTH
MUMPS MEASLES RUBELLA
JOHN BAILEY REPORTS THE NEWS
EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK
22 YEARS ON THE AIR WORLDWIDE