APRIL 15 — HOCHUL OUTLINES CHANGES IN “DISCOVERY” TO TIGHTEN JUDICIAL DISMISSALS

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GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND HUDSON VALLEY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS CALL FOR ESSENTIAL CHANGES TO NEW YORK’S DISCOVERY LAWS

Governor Hochul Is Fighting To Streamline Discovery Process To End Procedural Delays and Prevent Automatic Dismissals

Since 2019, Rate of Dismissal for Felony Cases More Than Doubled From 3.6% to 8.2% in Ulster County

Since Discovery Reform, Speedy Trial Dismissals Increased More Than 300%

Governor’s Plan Has Won Bipartisan Support From Elected Officials, District Attorneys and Advocates

Governor Kathy Hochul today stood with Hudson Valley law enforcement officials and elected leaders to call for essential changes to New York’s discovery laws. The Governor’s visit comes as she doubles down on her pledge not to approve a State Budget that fails to include key public safety measures. 

“I want New Yorkers to hear firsthand from the people on the frontlines about why these changes we are fighting for are so important,” Governor Hochul said. “No one understands the need for commonsense changes to our discovery laws better than victims of crime and our partners in law enforcement who see too many victims being denied justice and too many perpetrators reoffending thanks to loopholes in our laws. I made a promise to New Yorkers that their family would be my fight — that means standing strong to pass a State Budget that makes New York safer and more affordable for all.”

 

The proposed changes, which have received bipartisan support from elected officials, district attorneys, and victim advocate groups, would uphold the State’s discovery reforms that went into effect in 2020 while ensuring a fairer and more just legal system for New Yorkers. 

Since 2020, procedural delays and automatic dismissals, among other disruptions, have adversely affected victims and survivors of domestic violence and other serious crimes. Since 2019, when the discovery reform laws were passed, which essentially require perfect discovery compliance for a case to not be dismissed on speedy trial grounds, the number of cases dismissed for speedy trial violations went from 10,562 in 2019 to 49,974 in 2024 — a 373 percent increase. In Ulster County alone, dismissal rates for felony cases more than doubled from 3.6 percent to 8.2 percent between 2019 and 2023. At the same time, dismissal rates for misdemeanor cases doubled from 5.1 percent to 10.7 percent.

Without changing any of the essential features of the 2019 reforms, Governor Hochul’s proposed changes to New York State’s Discovery Law would ensure procedural fairness, shorten case processing times, reduce the length of pretrial incarceration and safeguard sensitive and personal information belonging to witnesses. These changes include:

  • Expanding the scope of automatic redaction to include sensitive details, such as witnesses’ physical addresses and personal data unrelated to the case, eliminating the need to engage in lengthy litigation to redact such material.
  • Removing the incentive to delay bringing a challenge in a manner that can result in technical dismissals unrelated to the merits of the case or the legality of the investigation.
  • Ensuring that cases are not dismissed if discovery compliance falls short of perfection.
  • Clarifying that prosecutors are not required to track down information that is by definition irrelevant.

Once passed, New York will still have the most open and transparent discovery laws in the nation, requiring prosecutors to proactively gather comprehensive material and disclose it quickly to individuals charged with a crime. Importantly, however, the law will prevent cases from being automatically dismissed based on inconsequential errors. Now, a court will have to assess whether an alleged error actually caused harm to the defense.

The Governor’s trip to the Hudson Valley follows the release of a new report by the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) highlighting the importance of passing Governor Hochul’s proposal to streamline New York’s discovery laws to protect the rights of crime victims. The proposal aligns with Governor Hochul’s sustained investments in programs and initiatives that have allowed law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations to better address the causes and consequences of crime and drive gun violence to record lows.

New York State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “Governor Hochul’s Executive Budget includes a record-level investment in victim services, expands access to compensation, and funds evidence-based strategies to reduce violence and victimization. Common-sense changes to the discovery law will improve how our criminal justice system functions, build trust among survivors that the system can protect them and continue to ensure due process for those accused of crimes.”

Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji said, “Discovery has always been about fairness and justice, which are mutually compatible for defendants and victims alike. The Governor’s proposed amendments do not in any way interfere with or roll back the good intentions of the reform.”

Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa said, “Amending the discovery law allows a balance in criminal trials. The rights of the accused and the rights of Victims thus allowing discretion to our judges in pre-trial discovery matters.”

Columbia County District Attorney Chris Liberati-Conant said, “I stand with the Governor on her proposed discovery amendments. We need a system that is fair to all sides — defendants, the prosecution, and the victims of crime. These commonsense changes are not about rolling back reform — they’re about making the system work better for everyone. The Governor’s proposal strikes the right balance: it preserves transparency while restoring the ability to deliver justice swiftly and responsibly. It’s exactly what we need — and exactly what public safety needs.”

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APRIL 15– THE NEW YORK FUNDING CUTS KEEP ON COMIN’ — “DRAINING THE FED AID $325 MILLION””

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WPCNR INFRASTRUCTURED. From the Office of Governor Kathy Hochul. APRIL 15, 2025:

In a news conference yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul detailed the federal takeaway of previously promised funding for deteriorating infrastructure in New York State. Here is the governor’s statement:

Elimination of the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Program Will Result in More Than $325 Million in Cuts to Critical Projects

New York City Public Housing and Post-Ida Resiliency Projects Hardest Hit; Projects in Buffalo, Capital Region and Westchester Will Also Lose Funding

Governor Kathy Hochul Monday shared a breakdown of how the Trump administration’s cuts to the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program will impact critical infrastructure and community resilience projects in New York State.

With this action, the federal Department of Homeland Security has revoked over $325.5 million in funding for projects that have not yet begun construction. Additionally, there is another $56 million worth of projects where work has already begun, that are potentially at risk.

“In the last few years, New Yorkers have faced hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, wildfires and even an earthquake –– and FEMA assistance has been critical to help us rebuild. Cutting funding for communities across New York is short sighted and a massive risk to public safety. Without support for resilience projects now, our communities will be far more vulnerable when disaster strikes next,” Governor Hochul said. “As I’ve said all along: no state in the nation can backfill the massive cuts being proposed in Washington, and it’s critical New Yorkers stand united to call out the damage this will cause.”

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “It is far more expensive to rebuild than it is to prevent damage before it happens. Mitigation is the best way to save taxpayer dollars and increase resiliency. These projects were created with the sole purpose of helping prevent further damage from the storms that continue to impact the residents of New York State.”

The Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program supports states, local and territorial governments and Tribal Nations as they work to reduce their hazard risk. The program aims to support communities as they build capability and capacity. BRIC also encourages and aids innovation. It helps partnerships grow; supports infrastructure projects; and fosters flexibility and consistency.

Selected Federal Cuts by the Numbers:

  • NYC – NYC DEP Central Harlem Cloudburst Flood Mitigation
    • Federal funds: $50 million
    • The Central Harlem Cloudburst Hub aims to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events through the strengthening and improvement of stormwater infrastructure. The project is focused on a 370-acre area with primarily disadvantaged and low-income neighborhoods and contains six schools, two daycare centers, three hospitals, six places of worship and three elder care facilities.
  • NYC – NYC DEP East Elmhurst Cloudburst Flood Mitigation
    • Federal funds: $50 million
    • The East Elmhurst Hub aims to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events through the strengthening and improvement of stormwater infrastructure. The project is focused on a 485-acre area with primarily residential neighborhoods.
  • NYC – NYC EDC Seaport Coastal Resilience Project
    • Federal funds $42.4 million
    • The NYCEDC Seaport Coastal Resilience Project will reduce flood risk to the Historic South Street Seaport by strengthening and improving infrastructure to mitigate impacts from multiple hazards including coastal flooding, sea level rise, extreme precipitation and urban heat island effect. The Historic South Street Seaport is a highly vulnerable mixed-use neighborhood that provides critical services to Lower Manhattan and beyond. The area houses many businesses, community facilities and a growing residential population.
  • NYC – NYC DEP Kissena Corridor Cloudburst Hub
    • Federal Share funds: $46.6 million
    • The project aims to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events by integrating traditional underground drainage infrastructure with above-ground solutions into ongoing urban infrastructure planning. Specifically, the focus is to enhance stormwater management through storage and surface flow infrastructure, while developing urban areas with benefits for citizens, local businesses and the city alike.
  • NYC – NYC DEP Corona East Cloudburst Hub
    • Federal Share funds: $47 million
    • The project aims to reduce storm-related runoff and flooding spurred by high intensity rainfall events by integrating traditional underground drainage infrastructure with above-ground solutions into ongoing urban infrastructure planning. Specifically, the focus is to enhance stormwater management through storage and surface flow infrastructure, while developing urban areas with benefits for citizens, local businesses and the city alike.
  • NYC – NYC DOB Stormwater Flooding Building Codes Provision Development
    • Federal funds: $468,000
    • Stormwater Flooding Building Codes Provision Development aims to support the development of stormwater flooding building code provisions that would address safety risks and reduce damages from stormwater flooding at the building level. Once developed and adopted, these code provisions would apply to buildings at-risk of stormwater flooding across New York City.
  • NYC – NYCHA Polo Grounds Houses Coastal Storm Surge Barrier
    • Federal funds: $11.5 million
    • The project aims to support the construction of floodwalls on the northeast side of the NYCHA Polo Grounds Tower Development and the adjacent P.S. 046 Arthur Tappan public school to protect from coastal storm surge and future sea level rise.
  • NYC – Breukelen Houses Stormwater Protection
    • Federal funds: $16 million
    • This is a phased flood mitigation project for a public housing complex to mitigate flood risk from a 10-year storm with a 4.8′ sea level rise. Mitigation will include bioretention and underground drainage basins.
  • NYC – Hunts Point Food Security Mitigation
    • Federal funds: $13 million
    • The project aims to increase community resilience and protect New York City’s food supply by protecting two critical facilities against flooding. This project also reduces flood risk to community lifelines in the area, including food, water, shelter, safety and security.
  • NYC – Stormwater Protections for Nostrand and Sheepshead Bay Houses
    • Federal funds: $18.8 million
    • The project aims to bring a flood risk reduction strategy to a Public Housing development that is vulnerable to stormwater flooding during a rain event of any magnitude, contributing to flood control in more extreme rain events. A backup power generation strategy will provide emergency power to a community center if it is needed in the event of a grid power disruption.
  • Westchester – Upper Minkel Dam Decommissioning and Riparian Corridor Restoration
    • Federal funds: $731,000
    • The project is a result of a 2017 study which concluded that removing the Upper Minkel Dam, a high hazard Class “C” Dam, and restoring the stream and surrounding land would be of great environmental benefit, specifically by reducing the potential flood hazard associated with the dam, as well as restoring the stream’s natural systems. The design will allow for a low flow channel into Purdy Pond and includes a higher elevation flood storage shelf that will reduce and possibly eliminate any future flood events.
  • New York Power Authority Vischer Ferry Dam Ice Jam and Flood Mitigation Project
    • Federal funds: $24 million
    • Until recently, NYPA had no organized method for addressing ice jam formation anywhere on the NYS Canal system. This project will reduce the formation of ice jam flooding and flush ice from the Vischer Ferry impoundment. This would avoid ice jam flooding and the potential for ice dam formation between Vischer Ferry Dam and Lock E-8.
  • Buffalo – Building Codes: Modernizer workforce or expedited results
    • Federal funds: $284,000
    • Building Codes: Modernized Workforce for Expedited Results is a project designed to improve the City of Buffalo’s ability to meet and exceed the State’s mandates for building construction, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other emerging technologies. This project has three major components: Workforce Training and Development, Building Code Support and Efficiency Management.
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APRIL 15– AT 2:10 AM 113 YEARS AGO THE UNSINKABLE TITANIC SLIPPED BENEATH THE WAVES

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WPCNR MILESTONES. By John F. Bailey. April 14-15, 2024

At  2:10 A.M tonight, in the wee hours far out on the North Atlantic,  the Titanic sank off the Grand Banks of

New foundland.

She began her first voyage, four days ago, 113 years ago, April 10, 1912.

She carried over 2,200 passengers and crew and was the largest ocean liner of her time.

The people were of walks of life:  the rich and famous, the poor and hopeful.

She was guaranteed unsinkable.

Her owners, the White Star Line, wanted to set a new speed record for crossing the Atlantic.

Her captain Edward Smith had been warned their northerly course would take it through an iceberg field. Wireless messages warned them of icebergs ahead.

On April 14, a Sunday  evening, 108 years ago, sailing  under a crisp clear,calm starlit sky at 11:40 PM after an evening of partying aboard ship, prior to arrival in New York on Monday, the ship sideswiped an iceberg.

She was the Titanic.

She was the ship of dreams.

She was going down.

Today, she is the ship of nightmares as hundreds of passengers from all walks of life perished together in the ruthless sea. The cold fateful, unforgiving frigid  indifferent eternity of the sea.

The Titanic’s fate was a lesson that changed maritime laws.

Two  hours and 40 minutes  after the iceberg collision the Titanic sank at 2:10 A.M., 113 years on April 15, (this morning) on that night to remember.

This is an excerpt from  the testimony of a survivor, Emily Maria Borie Ryerson watching from a lifeboat desperately trying to row away from the suction of the sinking ship, at the 1912 U.S. Senate Subcommittee hearing on the  sinking:

“The order was given to pull away. Then they rowed off—the sailors, the women, anyone – but made little progress; there was a confusion of orders; we rowed toward the stern, someone shouted something about a gangway, and no one seemed to know what to do. Barrels and (deck) chairs were being thrown overboard.

“Then suddenly, when we (in the lifeboat) still seemed very near, we saw the ship was sinking rapidly. I was still in the bow of the boat with my daughter and turned to see the great ship take a plunge toward the bow, the two forward funnels seemed to lean and then she seemed to break in half as if cut with a knife, and as the bow went under, the lights went out; the stern stood up for several minutes, black against the stars, and then that, too, plunged down and there was no sound for what seemed like hours, and then began the cries for help of people  drowning all around us, which seemed to go on forever.”

Dorothy Gibson, the silent screen actress and survivor – from her testimony before the committee—observed from a lifeboat– in an excerpt from her testimony before the same committee, said:

“Suddenly there was a wild coming together of voices from the direction of the ship and we noticed an unusual commotion among the people huddled about the railing. Then the awful thing happened, the thing that will remain in my memory until the day I die.

The Titanic seemed to lurch slightly more to the side and then the fore. A minute, or probably two minutes, later she sank her nose into the ocean, swayed for a few minutes and disappeared, leaving nothing behind her on the face of the sea but a swirl of water, bobbing heads and lifeboats that were threatened by the suction of the waters.”

The Titanic’s fate was traced to the negligence and reckless disregard of the risk of sailing at 22 knots through an icefield, and 16 lifeboats for 2,200 persons, insufficient number of lifeboats.

In recent years, analysis of the hull plates recovered from the wreck of the ship on the ocean floor indicated a faulty, economical brittle bolt selection in constructing  the hull. A flaw in the heights of the bulkheads of the watertight doors designed to block seawater were found to be too low allow the indifferent seawaters to surge over each watertight compartment as the ship sank nose first, dooming the unsinkable design.

The White Star Line owner J. Bruce Ismay, onboard that night,  callously saved his own life by slipping into a lifeboat.

Ismay in a statement, denied telling the Captain of the Titanic to set a new speed record and denied telling the Captain to increase the ship speed in the ice field region.  Also said he just happened to be near a lifeboat about to be lowered and no more women and children around to board, and that was why he got into the lifeboat.

So much for corporate responsibility and guilt of any kind, even then.

Not much has changed in corporate world over the decades since this night and morning to remember.

Maybe corporate world should consider that. Banks, investment firms, aircraft manufacturers, retailers, politicians. Your decisions affect people. Your indifferent, insensitive decisions kill them.

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APRIL 14—LIVE IN NEW YORK IT’S YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST DR. KATILYN JETELINA — A WAY FORWARD

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Si quiere leer la versión en español, pulse aquí.

Laughter, measles, the firing of the CDC cruise team, and RFK Jr. finding a cause for autism

The Dose (April 14)

Public health is moving fast—and making sense of it all can feel like drinking from a firehose. While all YLE content remains free, we rely on your support to keep our team sustainable (and sane). Please consider upgrading to a paid subscription below.

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Laughter, measles, the firing of the CDC cruise norovirus team, and RFK Jr. is going to find the cause of autism by September. Oh—and The Last of Us (yes, the fungal pandemic series) returned last night.

It’s just another week in public health.

Here’s what it means to you.

Reporting back from the first YLE live, in-person event

It’s not every day an epidemiologist sells out a comedy club. But last week in NYC, we did just that! There was a line out the door. Inside, we handed out stress balls, “everything is fine” stickers with a world on fire, and yes—even public health-themed cocktails.

The night was filled not just with laughter but with tangible solutions, next steps, and a shared belief that a different future is possible.

  • Casey Balsham (comedian) and Brinda Adhikari (former producer for Jon Stewart and co-host of Why Should I Trust You?) balanced humor with the moment’s weight.
  • David Wallace-Wells (NYT columnist) joined us on stage.
  • I brought a bit of (tough) love to public health.
  • And Marisa Donnelly (epidemiologist behind YLE New York) talked about what’s on her mind, including rats.

Top left: Marisa, Katelyn, and Celeste from YLE; Casey prepping a sign for the event; Brinda and Katelyn on stage; Crowd view; Table goodies. This event was sponsored by Substack.

Hosting the event was terrifying (this isn’t exactly what epidemiologists are trained to do!), but I truly believe this moment calls for both a collective hug and a push to try new and different things. We all need to show up—online and in person. As Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy, reminds us, meaningful change requires that we:

  • Get proximate
  • Change the narrative
  • Do uncomfortable things
  • And stay hopeful

For those unable to come, here’s a reflection piece from someone who came. The event video is in the works and will be out in a week or two. We’re also thinking about taking this show on the road. If your city is ready for tough talk, laughs, and real momentum for change, let us know in the comments.

Flu season is officially over—but the ripple effects remain

While flu activity remains moderate in the Northeast, this year’s flu season has officially ended nationally.

The toll is still being counted: 188 children have died from flu so far this season, with final counts expected to rise as more death certificates are processed. Modeling has estimated that, in total, flu caused 45 million illnesses, 580,000 hospitalizations (including my little girl), and 25,000 deaths this season.

This wasn’t inevitable. Flu vaccination rates have dropped steadily since the pandemic—and this year, they were among the lowest we’ve seen.

What this means for you: Flu shouldn’t be on your mind. Flu vaccines will still be available next year; however, one question is whether they will be covered by insurance.

Norovirus: still going strong—and now with fewer protections

Norovirus—think nausea, throwing up, diarrhea—continues to have a really bad year. Levels are still above “average” for this time of year, largely driven by a new strain of the virus.

While most cases come from food outbreaks and household spread, we’ve had 10 cruise ship outbreaks in 2025 thus far. Unfortunately, the new administration fired the full-time CDC cruise ship inspectors for norovirus. The team was in the middle of responding to two outbreaks when they were let go.

  • This doesn’t save the federal government money. The team is funded through fees paid by cruise companies.
  • A much smaller team of 12 U.S. Public Health Service officers remains, but how they’ll keep up is unclear.

What this means for you: Norovirus is very contagious. It spreads through surfaces and can survive for weeks. Hand sanitizer doesn’t work—soap and water are your best bet. If you’re cruising anytime soon, wash your hands often and maybe skip the buffet. Check out YLE’s deep dive on norovirus here.

Measles: a growing game of whack-a-mole

The U.S. now has 739 measles cases—more than any year in the past 15—and outbreaks are spreading across multiple states. Five states now have more than 10 cases, a rare and concerning development.

The largest cluster is in the southern panhandle, with 643 cases:

  • Texas: 541 (+36 since the last update)
  • New Mexico: 58 (+2)
  • Oklahoma: 12 (+2)
  • Kansas: 32 (+8)
  • Colorado: 1 (likely linked)

Mexico’s outbreak—which was started with an unvaccinated 8-year-old who traveled to Texas—has surpassed 225 cases and is growing fast.

Four noteworthy updates on this outbreak:

  • Another death: An unvaccinated adult male died in the Mexico outbreak, bringing the death toll to four.
  • The exploitation continues: One RFK Jr.-promoted doctor was reportedly treating patients while actively infected with measles. The Children’s Health Defense (anti-vax non-profit started by Secretary Kennedy) was proud to report this development.
  • Urban spread begins: Lubbock and El Paso are now reporting increased cases—urban outbreaks are especially risky due to population density.
  • North American transmission chain? Genetic sequencing shows Mexico’s outbreak (and thus, the Texas outbreak) is the same strain as Ontario’s outbreak (>600 cases), raising the likelihood that this one outbreak is now circulating across North America.

In the past week, other sporadic cases have popped up due to travel across the country.

The latest SITREP report from the Yale School of Public Health is below if you’re looking for all the details (including what’s happening in Canada and Mexico).

Ysph Vmoc Special Report Measles Outbrea…
1.87MB ∙ PDF file
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Autism “moonshot” by September? Let’s talk.

Last week, RFK Jr. stated he has hundreds of scientists working to “solve” the cause of autism by September. Ambition is great. We’ve seen what science can do when backed by urgency—like the Covid-19 vaccine.

But four things are deeply concerning about this:

  1. The insinuation that nothing has been done. NIH has invested over $300 million last year in autism research. About 85% of autism is genetic. The rest? Environmental factors—an incredibly complex set of variables.
  2. The recent announcement of MMR and autism study. RFK Jr. just announced a study looking into a link between autism and the MMR vaccine. This is being led by David Geier—a prominent anti-vaxxer. It’s hard not to see where this is heading.
  3. Good research takes time, money, and careful design. If this is building on past work, it’s unclear what’s new or different. If it’s starting from scratch, it’s simply not possible to deliver meaningful results in a few months. If quick answers are valued over careful science, we may end up with poorly designed studies that mine existing datasets for sketchy correlations that don’t hold up to scrutiny.
  4. Time and money could be better spent helping autistic people live healthier lives while celebrating autistic strengths.

What it means for you: Be cautious. RFK Jr. has a history of amplifying bad science, and this latest promise fits the pattern.

Could a fungal pandemic actually happen?

The second season of the hit TV show The Last of Us is upon us. It’s about a pandemic, but a very different one from Covid-19. It’s about a fungus that evolves to infect humans, and then mushroom heads run at exorbitant speeds trying to infect other humans.

Could this happen? Would vaccines for fungal infections be available? Can fungi communicate? Below I separated fact from fiction two years ago. Catch up before diving into the second season.

YLE Other Infectious Diseases

The Last of Us: Perspectives from an epidemiologist and a plant scientist
Katelyn Jetelina and Cassandra Quave
·
February 9, 2023
The Last of Us: Perspectives from an epidemiologist and a plant scientist

The hit TV show The Last of Us is taking the world by storm. It’s about a pandemic, but a very different one from the what we are experiencing now. It’s about a fungus that evolves to infect humans, and then mushroom heads run at exorbitant speeds trying to infect other humans.

 
Read full story
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COFFEE AT 8:30 AM THE WHITE PLAINS WEEK APRIL 11 REPORT FIOS CH 45, WHITE PLAINS OPTIMUM CH 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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 SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES $279 MILLION DOLLAR BUDGET– UP 4.8% PROJECTS INFLATION AND HIGHER DEFICITS AHEAD.

STATE EDUCATION DEPT APPROVES NEW TECH BUILDING TO START THIS SPRING

EXPECTED COMPLETION SPRING 2027

 BANDITS EXPLOIT MEDICARE  CONFUSION.

BOYKIN CLEARS AIR ON SOCIAL SECURITY CONFUSION

DR KATELIN JETELINA ON MEASLES SPREAD INTO THE MIDWEST

 

JOHN BAILEY AND NEWS

EVERY WEEK ON WHTE PLAINS WEEK

FOR 24 YEARS

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113 YEARS AGO TONIGHT–THE TITANIC WAS SAILING THE HIGH SEAS. THE MEMORY PHOTOS OF FATHER BROWN

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The view leaving Southampton in 2015 much as it was when the Titanic sailed from the famous port in 1912 into eternity. (Photo by WPCNR)
WPCNR ACROSS THE EDITOR’S DESK. By John F. Bailey April 10  3 P.M. EDT  2025: If you were an immigrant from Third Class Steerage to the United States in 1912, or a millionaire and millionairess of the Titanic  gentry strolling the wide decks of the most famous luxury liner of all time  taking in the salt air you had a freshening breeze in your faces,  a calm sea basking being rudely parted as Titanic steamed towards New York.
 The eternal waves in a quiet chop in brilliant sunshine at 11:30 AM, April 11, 1912, 109 years ago, when Father Brown took this photo in 1912 on the deck on the voyage from Southhampton to Queensland Ireland. Looking out on a sun-splashed sea at the disappearing emerald isle of Ireland, you had no idea this would be the last land you would ever see.
The Titanic, 882 feet long, 92 feet wide was the largest ship ever built by the White Star line. It is dwarfed by the cruise ships of today. But everyone who sails the ocean has heard of the Titanic and she is in their thoughts today. The Titanic, no question is one of the most remembered disasters of the Twentieth Century because of its claims: Unsinkable! Fastest ship on the sea! But it is now remembered for its horror, hubris, heroism, cowardice and sacrifice, grippingly, horrifyingly portrayed in books, cinema and exploration.
The Titanic in the night photographed 110 years ago by the man who disembarked at Cherbourg, Father Brown. 
Tonight  110 years ago: The Titanic had picked up passengers in Cherbourg, France and with all its decks aglow in this picture taken by Father Brown who disembarked at Queensland gives you an image of what she looked like as she made her way across the Atlantic and on when she sank on April 14 this coming Wednesday at 2 A.M. in the morning, carrying with her to the bottom, 1,500 souls rich to poor. 715 passengers and crew were rescued.
The Titanic off Queensland Ireland. April 11, 1912 into destiny. The photograph was taken by Father Brown after he disembarked from the Titanic and was riding on a tender into Queensland Harbor. It is the last picture ever taken of the great ship as she steamed into eternity.
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APRIL 10—MARINA REGINA STUDENTS DONATE 92 PINTS OF BLOOD.

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Maria Regina High School Again Answers the Call to Help Address Shortage of Life-Saving Blood in Spring Community Blood Drive

 

HARTSDALE, NEW YORK (APRIL 10, 2025) Thanks to Maria Regina High School’s recent successful spring community blood drive, the lives of 92 patients at area hospitals may be saved.

 

The recent drive, held in Maria Regina’s gymnasium, continues an annual tradition of the renowned all-girls Catholic high school of helping to address the shortage of life-saving blood in the region. It was hosted by the school’s National Honor Society Chapter (NHS) to support the mission of the New York Blood Center (NYBC).

 

Maria Regina’s students, members of administration, faculty and staff as well as supporters from the community once again answered the call. Camilo Rubio, NYBC Account Manager, told the school in an email that 32 pints of blood were collected, each of which can save 3 lives. “Thank you for your time and support towards another life-saving campaign,” he wrote, adding: “Please extend our gratitude to all who donated, attempted to donate, or assisted in our efforts to ensure the campaign was a success.”.

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Karen Lizzo, NHS moderator, lauded the “selfless act of donating blood that can significantly impact many lives,” noting it is an “act of compassion and service to others that embodies the mission of Maria Regina High School and its motto of Caritas.”

 

The NYBC says that the donated blood is typically needed to help treat cancer patients, accident, burn, and trauma victims, newborn babies, mothers delivering babies, transplant patients, surgery patients and others in need.

 

In addition, much of today’s sophisticated medical care such as transplants and heart surgeries rely on blood transfusions.  In addition, car accident and trauma victims may need as many as 50 or more red cell transfusions and severe burn victims may need as many as 20 platelet transfusions.  

                                 

”Donating blood is easy and our blood supply relies exclusively on the generosity of volunteer blood donors,’’ explains the NYBC on its website.: “Most people qualify as a volunteer donor.” To make a blood donation and learn more about the NYBC, one of the largest independent, community-based blood centers in the world, visit www.nybc.org.

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APRIL 10 — VISION ZERO WILL MAKE THE WHITE PLAINS OF TOMORROW PERFECTLY CLEAR AT THE LIBRARY APRIL 24

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Come join us for the Vision Zero Public Meeting which will be held on Thursday, April 24 at the White Plains Library, 100 Martine Avenue between 6 PM and 8 PM.

 At the meeting, VHB consultants will provide an overview of the Vision Zero Action Plan process, proposed infrastructure recommendations based on analysis findings, stakeholder and public input, and strategies that will help the City of White Plains achieve its roadway safety goals. 

The White Plains Vision Zero Plan is designed to make our streets safer for everyone by working to prevent serious injuries and fatalities.  Attached is a social media graphic for the upcoming public meeting, please share with friends and neighbors. 

Additionally, visit the City of White Plains Vision Zero website here: https://whiteplainsvisionzero-vhb.hub.arcgis.com/\ to learn more.

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APRIL 10– WHITE PLAINS BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVES $279 MILLION 2025-26 SCHOOL BUDGET

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WPCNR SCHOOL DAYS. From Michelle Melendez.Clerk to the White Plains Board of Education.  Analysis and Observation by John Bailey April 10:

 

 The 25-26 budget was approved at the last board meeting  Monday (April 7. 2025)
Editor’s notes by John Bailey: Dr. Joseph Ricca Superintendent of Schools and Ann Vaccaro-Teich Assistant Superindent for Business will discuss the approved budget on “People To Be Heard” on the night of Thursday May 15 8 PM and Saturday May 17 on White Plains Television Optimum Ch 76 and countywide on Fios Ch 45 both nights and on www.wpcommunitymedia.org.
The School Budget and Board of Education Election will take place May 20.
Incumbent members of the Board Sheryl Brady and Charles Norris have already filed petitions to run.
Other candidates running will be  announced on April 30.
If there are contending candidates The White Plains League of Women Voters will hold a Candidate’s Forum should the new candidates and incumbents decide to participate
WPCNR Editor’s Notes:
The Tax Levy goes up 1.67%.
TOTALAPPROPRIATIONS: $277,965,500
STATE AND FEDERAL AID: $49,655,615  (If not cut by Federal and State cuts in subsequent weeks)
Revenues including the State and Federal Aid if threatened cuts by the Department of Education in Washingtion happen would require significant actions by the School District and state to raise some kind of surcharge (sales tax increase is the easiest) (state income tax surcharge)or substantial cuts to state  funds to operating departments. To date the state legislature and the Governor’s Office are taking a wait and see what happens attitude rather than looking at scenarios that could be pursued according to legislator Chris Burdick two weeks ago.
The school budget rose  a tad under 5% (4.8%) this year a total of 13 Million.
If the district maintains this budget next year the White Plains City School District at the present level to retain the llevels the  district offers now will crest to $292,400,000 next year not counting the effects of inflation and be over $300 Million in 2027-28.
The pressures of inflation, state financial cuts and Legislature scramble for revenues may require an austerity effort to keep pace of alarming revenue decline and increased school property taxes to maintain district quality.
In the District Budget Book, issued Monday evening the District indicates it is well aware of this trend

 

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APRIL 9—MIKE SACKS CHALLENGES MIKE LAWLER FOR 17TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER APRIL 9, 2025

MIKE SACKS ENTERS RACE TO UNSEAT MIKE LAWLER 

 

Westchester Dad and Former Channel 5 Television Reporter Launches Campaign to Build a New House from the Wreckage of Mike Lawler in Hudson Valley Swing District

Croton-on-Hudson, NY – Former television journalist, lawyer, and Supreme Court watchdog Mike Sacks, launched his campaign today for Congress in New York’s 17th congressional district. Mike Sacks is a proud Westchester dad driven to build a new House from the wreckage of Mike Lawler and Donald Trump. A Croton-on-Hudson resident, Sacks enters the race at a time when Democrats throughout the Hudson Valley are increasingly frustrated with officials and candidates who have failed to meet the moment or recognize this political era requires a new approach to politics.

“If we are going to build a new House from the wreckage of Donald Trump and Mike Lawler, we’re not going to do it with a 1990s political playbook,” said Sacks. “Democrats need a candidate with vision who is willing to be bold, throw some punches, and speak the truth to voters.

 

A lawyer-turned-television reporter, Sacks spent fifteen years in journalism as the Supreme Court Correspondent for the Huffington Post, political reporter at Fox 5-NY, and National Political Correspondent for Scripps-owned news stations across the country. He was awarded an Emmy for his coverage of the George Floyd protests and his analysis has been featured in outlets including the New York Times, CNN, and MSNBC.

 

A nationally recognized expert on the Supreme Court, he has covered legal battles over Obamacare, same-sex marriage, and has become a well-known Supreme Court watchdog bringing greater transparency to the politicalization of the court. His sharp legal analysis and engaging writing quickly gained attention, making him a trusted voice on the intersection of law, politics, and public policy.

 

“Hardworking families deserve leadership that won’t rollover while their Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security hit the chopping block. We need visionaries and fighters in Washington, not another politician who won’t meet the moment,” continued Sacks.

 

A single father of two, Mike is active in his boys’ three basketball leagues, his softball team with the Westchester Synagogue Brotherhood Softball League, and as a SAG-AFTRA union member. He holds a J.D. from Georgetown Law and a B.A. from Duke University.

 

Sacks’ media team is led by Pia Carusone of SKDK. Carusone was the lead ad maker for Congressman Josh Riley’s upset win against Mark Molinaro in the upper Hudson Valley and Senator Ruben Gallego’s win against Kari Lake in Arizona.

 

More information about Mike Sacks and his campaign can be found on his website, mikesacksforcongress.com.

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