JAN 14– BOX CITY HOMELESS FOR A NIGHT. MARIA REGINA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DRAMATIZE PLIGHT OF HOMELESS

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Isabella Bendick, Emily Kronforst and Grace Cicchiello (all freshmen) AT BOX CITY Left to Right: at Maria Regina High dramatizing the plight of Westchester Homeless Friday night in  Maria Regina Courtyard.(Photo Courtesy Maria Regina High School)

WPCNR HOMELESS FOR A NIGHT. Special to WPCNR From Maria Regina High School, from Pagani Communications. January 14, 2024:

Maria Regina High School’s annual Box City initiative was held in the school’s courtyard Friday evening, January 10. More than 40 students slept in boxes in below freezing temperatures to support the region’s unsheltered homeless including children.
During the 12 hours of solidarity with the homeless, the students participated in hourly prayers for the highly at-risk population who have been especially challenged during one of the coldest winters. In addition, Rudyard Whyte, board president of Midnight Run based in Dobbs Ferry, addressed the students and gave them an overview about the region’s homeless population.
BUNDLED UP FOR A FROZEN NIGHT: Diellza Kukaj, Albina Dreshaj and Francesa Nallas (all freshmen)
The students raised funds that will be used for future breakfast runs and to make a donation to Midnight Run. In the 21 prior BOX City campaigns that the renowned all-girls Catholic high school held, a total of about $50,000 was raised to help the homeless in Westchester communities and New York City.
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WHITE PLAINS WEEK BLACK COFFEE 8:30 A.M. SATURDAY THE JANUARY 10 REPORT–STATE OF THE CITY STATE OF THE COUNTY ANALYSIS ON FIOS CH 45 AND OPTIMUM CH 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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KEN JENKINS SELECTED  COUNTY EXECUTIVE–ELECTION IN MARCH TO FILL OUT LATIMER TERM.

MAYOR ROACH ANNOUNCES HE WILL NOT RUN FOR MAYOR

GEORGE LATIMER GOES TO CONGRESS

 

CONGESTION PRICING  TOLL AT 60TH STREET GOOD TO GO AND IT GOES! WILL IT LAST?

THE LINE FORMS AT THE RIGHT OR LEFT TO REPLACE MAYOR ROACH

JENN’S THE ONE FOR THE 5TH DISTRICT BOARD OF LEGISLATORS SEAT.  BEN BOYKIN ENDORSES HER 

JOHN BAILEY ON THE STATE OF THE CITY FOR THE NEW 2026  MAYOR FACES IN 2026

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 JOHN BAILEY ON THE STATE OF THE COUNTY NEW COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS FACES

 

BREAK OUT NORTHEAST FLU, COVID, NOROVIRUS  SWEEPING THE NORTHEAST

JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS

EVERY WEEK ON THE WHITE PLAINS WEEK

IN THE 24TH YEAR ON THE AIR ON

WHITE PLAINS TV

TO MR. AND MRS. MS. WHITE PLAINS, NY USA, WESTCHESTER, THE WORLD 

THE VOICE OF AMERICA TO INFNITY AND BEYOND

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TONIGHT AT 8: PEOPLE TO BE HEARD–JOHN BAILEY’S STORIES OF THE YEAR 2024 ON FIOS CH 45 AND OPTIMUM CH. 76 AND www.wpcommunitymedia.org

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GEORGE LATIMER GOES TO CONGRESS STORY OF THE YEAR

JOHN BAILEY RUNS DOWN THE 30 TOP WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER STORIES IN 30 MINUTES

LATIMER’S SUCCESSFUL RUN FOR CONGRESS

CONGESTION PRICING

THE EARTHQUAKE

THE RISE AND FALL OF COVID THANKS TO VACCINES

THE HIGH PRICE OF REAL ESTATE NO END IN SIGHT

THE ONE WHITE PLAINS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

THE FUTURE

AND MORE.

HISTORY AS IT WAS MADE.

 

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JANUARY 9– HOMELAND SECURITY ISSUES ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PLAYBOOK FOR MUNICIPALITIES FOR SECURITY/ INVESTIGATIVE/ INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT

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DHS Unveils Playbook for the Deployment of Artificial Intelligence by the Public Sector

New Resource for Federal, State, and Local Officials Provides Best Practices for Responsible AI Development in the Public Sector
WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the “Playbook for Public Sector Artificial Intelligence Deployment,” an innovative guide designed to help government officials improve the delivery of services through the responsible and effective deployment of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technologies. The playbook offers actionable steps state, local and federal officials can take and examples of how DHS applied and learned these principles in its own GenAI journey. By implementing the recommended actions and best practices, organizations can build a robust foundation for AI deployment, enhance internal capabilities, and ensure responsible and effective use of AI technologies.

“The rapid evolution of GenAI presents tremendous opportunities for public sector organizations. DHS is at the forefront of federal efforts to responsibly harness the potential of AI technology,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “This new resource draws from our own experiences to help state and local leaders adopt AI technologies in their own work. Safely harnessing the potential of GenAI requires collaboration across government, industry, academia, and civil society, and we hope state and local leaders join our effort to foster a responsible, mission-focused culture of innovation.”

“The release of this playbook marks a significant step forward in our efforts to integrate safe and secure AI use responsibly and effectively within the public sector,” said DHS Chief Information Officer Eric Hysen. “By sharing our experiences and best practices, we aim to empower other government agencies to leverage AI in a way that enhances their missions while safeguarding the rights and privacy of the individuals they serve.”

Over the past several years, DHS has been at the forefront of integrating AI into its operations. The Department has developed and implemented numerous AI and machine learning (ML) initiatives to enhance its capabilities in areas such as cybersecurity, border security, disaster response, and immigration services. These efforts include the creation of the DHS Artificial Intelligence Task Force, the publication of the DHS Artificial Intelligence Roadmap, and the establishment of the AI Corps to attract top AI talent. DHS remains committed to advancing AI technologies in a manner that upholds the highest standards of privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.

The playbook features detailed case studies from DHS’s own pilots, which tested GenAI applications that enhanced investigative leads, assisted local governments with hazard mitigation planning, and created innovative training opportunities for immigration officers. The cutting-edge guide makes recommendations to state and local leaders based on lessons learned from these pilots and is designed to be an accessible resource for public sector organizations at any stage of their AI journey.

The Playbook traces the steps that DHS took in our own development of GenAI applications:

  • Develop Mission-Enhancing GenAI Use Cases: Approaches for aligning AI projects with organizational priorities and mission needs.
  • Build Coalitions and Foster Effective Governance: Strategies for gaining buy-in within your organization from senior leadership and building cross-organizational coalitions.
  • Leverage Tools and Infrastructure: Recommendations for taking advantage of existing technical tools and infrastructure to support AI development.
  • Use AI Responsibly and Safely: Principles for minimizing potential harm and ensuring ethical AI use.
  • Measure Progress and Defining Success: Methods for tracking the effectiveness of AI deployments through key performance indicators.
  • Train Employees and Hiring Technical Talent: Approaches for upskilling current employees and attracting technical talent.
  • Seek User Feedback: Best practices for engaging users and stakeholders throughout the AI development lifecycle.

This playbook is a product of the Department’s ongoing commitment to transparency and harnessing the transformative potential of AI while ensuring the safety, security, and privacy of the American people. Most recently, DHS published its updated AI Use Case Inventory, providing public visibility into non-classified and non-sensitive uses of AI across the Department. Additionally, the Department has implemented robust training programs to educate employees on responsible AI use and has engaged with external stakeholders, including Congress and the public, to build trust and demonstrate accountability. In November 2024, DHS launched the Roles and Responsibilities Framework for Artificial Intelligence in Critical Infrastructure, a set of actionable recommendations to help promote safe and secure development and deployment of artificial intelligence across all U.S. critical infrastructure, which was written in consultation with DHS’s AI Safety and Security Board, a public-private advisory committee composed of AI leaders representing industry, academia, civil society, and the public sector.

DHS will continue to share further lessons learned and updates as it advances its AI initiatives. To read the Playbook, visit DHS Generative AI Public Sector Playbook | Homeland Security.

To learn more about the ways DHS is safely and responsibly leveraging AI to protect the homeland, visit the Artificial Intelligence at DHS webpage.
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JANUARY 8–THE TOM ROACH ERA: A LOOK BACK FROM PETER KATZ OF THE WESTCHESTER BUSINESS JOURNAL

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2025. Special to WPCNR by Peter Katz, reprinted with permision from Westchester County Business Journal. January 8, 2024:

White Plains Mayor Tom Roach, a Democrat,  says that he does not plan to seek reelection to another four-year term and instead plans to run for Westchester County Clerk, a position held by Democrat Tim Idoni. Speculation had been rampant for months that Roach would not run for another term as mayor, with the names of a number of current and former members of the Common Council being floated as likely mayoral candidates.

“I still have a year remaining in my term and look forward to spending the next year continuing the work we have started,” Roach said.

White Plains Mayor Tom Roach. Photo by Peter Katz.

Roach took over the mayor’s office in February 2011 after Mayor Adam Bradley resigned and the following month won a special election to fill out the balance of Bradley’s term. Roach then proceeded to win election in 2013, 2017 and 2021. Before becoming mayor, Roach had served on the Common Council beginning in 2001.

“When I took office White Plains faced significant fiscal obstacles,” Roach said. “Today, our financial future is secure. We have added services for our residents and visitors, invested in our police and fire departments and introduced new and innovative technologies to make it easier for our residents to access city services.”

Roach said that he wanted to take over the county clerk’s position and “build on the tremendous legacy that Tim Idoni will leave behind.”

Roach said he wants to continue to modernize the clerk’s office and make it even more accessible than it has been under Idoni.

“Over the next several months I am looking forward to introducing myself to the people of Westchester to present my qualifications for the office and ask for their votes,” Roach said. “I have had the good fortune to lead the city I love and it has been the honor of my life. I am grateful to the people of White Plains for placing their faith in me to serve as their mayor and for the support they have shown me during my tenure. I am appreciative of the great work done by my colleagues in city government who provide the services we all rely on.”

Idoni currently is in his fifth term as county clerk. He previously was mayor of New Rochelle, an office he held for 14 years.

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JANUARY 8 — MAYOR ROACH WILL NOT RUN FOR MAYOR OF WHITE PLAINS. WILL RUN FOR COUNTY CLERK INSTEAD AND COMPLETE LAST YEAR AS MAYOR

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2025: News & Comment by John F. Bailey JANUARY 8, 2025:

Mayor Tom Roach will not run for a 4th term as Mayor of White Plains.

He announced his plan not to seek another term in an interview  aired on  Monday on News 12 conducted by Tara Rosenblum.

In the interview he said he would run instead for Westchester County Clerk, position currently occupied by Tim Idoni, and complete the last year  of his term this year as Mayor.

This leaves the field for Mayor wide open for members of the Common Council who might want to be Mayor, Richard Payne, Council President Victoria Presser, Jeremiah Frie-Pearson, Justin Brash, and John Martin.

Nadine Hunt-Robinson, a former councilwoman for 14 years who departed her council seat at the end of 2023, choosing not to run for reelection to the council, and declared her candidacy for Mayor last August. She may have company from members of the present Council in a primary.

Councilwoman Jenn Puja has declared her candidacy for Benjamin Boykin’s  former District 5 Seat on the Westchester County Board of Legislators.  Mr. Boykin was term-limited, his eligibility ending on December 31. In fact if Mr. Boykin, who now is President of The New York Association of Counties, wished,  he might run for Mayo

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JAN 8—BENJAMIN BOYKIN ENDORSES JENN PUJA CANDIDACY FOR BOARD OF LEGISLATORS

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County Legislator Ben Boykin Endorses Jenn Puja for Westchester County Legislative District 5

(White Plains, NY) – Ben Boykin, the longtime Westchester County Legislator representing District 5, has officially endorsed Jenn Puja to succeed him in the upcoming election. Boykin, a respected leader in the County and former Chairman of the Board of Legislators, praised Puja’s qualifications, dedication to public service, and strong ties to the community as the ideal candidate to represent the district.

“District 5 is probably the busiest Legislative District in Westchester County, and given my knowledge of the District and the County, I endorse and support Councilwoman Jenn Puja as I believe she is the best candidate for County Legislator, District 5,” said Boykin.

Puja, a resident of White Plains, has served the community in various leadership roles, including her tenure on the White Plains Common Council. Known for her progressive policies, emphasis on community engagement, and ability to build consensus, Puja has been a consistent advocate for working families.

Puja is determined to carry forward the priorities Boykin has championed, including fiscal responsibility, affordable housing, and social justice.

In response to the endorsement, Puja thanked Boykin for his support and vowed to continue his legacy of leadership. “I am deeply honored to receive Ben Boykin’s endorsement. He has set a high standard for public service, and I am committed to building on his accomplishments to ensure our district remains strong, inclusive, and resilient.”

Puja’s campaign has already garnered significant grassroots support, and Boykin’s endorsement further underscores her candidacy as the clear choice for District 5. For more information, visit http://www.pujaforwestchester.com or follow Jenn Puja on social media at facebook.com/puja4westchester or https://www.instagram.com/puja4westchester/.

###

About Jenn Puja

Jennifer Lynn Puja is a dedicated labor leader, public servant, and community advocate. As Executive Director of the Westchester/Putnam Central Labor Body AFL-CIO and a member of the White Plains Common Council, she has demonstrated steadfast commitment to advancing social justice, supporting working families, and building stronger communities. Jenn lives with her family in White Plains, where she remains deeply involved in local and countywide initiatives.

 

(Boykin and Puja)

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JAN 7– NEW LABOR AND DELIVERY UNIT OPENS IN BRONXVILLE NEW YORK PRESBYTERIAN HOSPITAL. PLANS AMBULATORY FACILITY IN WHITE PLAINS @1111 WESTCHESTER AVE

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WPCNR WELLNESS WATCH. From New York Presbyterian Hospital, Bronxville. January 7, 2024:

NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester opened its newly renovated labor and delivery unit in Bronxville today. The new unit enhances the care and comfort of mothers and their newborns including six private and spacious birthing suites and 23 private and modern postpartum rooms.

The new unit provides exceptional, personalized care from Columbia physicians for pregnant women and their newborns in Westchester County.

The labor and delivery unit renovation is part of NewYork-Presbyterian’s larger commitment to providing world-class care to the Westchester community. NewYork-Presbyterian will open a state-of-the-art, multi-specialty ambulatory care facility at 1111 Westchester Ave. in White Plains in 2025. This new facility will bring an even broader range of NewYork-Presbyterian’s ambulatory, primary, preventive and women’s healthcare services to the community.

NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester today celebrated the opening of its newly renovated labor and delivery unit, designed to enhance the care and comfort of mothers and their newborns and provide an exceptional patient experience.

Located on the fourth floor of NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester in Bronxville, the new labor and delivery unit features six private, spacious birthing suites, promoting comfort, privacy and family bonding. The unit complements the hospital’s already outstanding maternity center that includes 23 modern postpartum rooms. All birthing suites and postpartum rooms are private, and each has a bathroom, shower, a comfortable bed for a partner and amenities to enhance the patient experience.

The new labor and delivery unit is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment, including artificial intelligence technology that analyzes fetal heart rate and other data related to the mother and baby’s condition. Wireless fetal monitoring, with sensors attached to the abdomen, enables patients to move around during labor. The unit has tubs to promote comfort during labor, and nurses are trained to support labor and birth with breathing and relaxation techniques. The unit also features two state-of-the-art operating rooms, a private triage suite and newborn safety systems, and offers breastfeeding support, post-discharge lactation support groups and parent support groups.

“NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester’s new labor and delivery unit reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care to mothers, their newborns, and the entire family close to home in Westchester,” said Paul J. Dunphey, senior vice president and chief operating officer of NewYork-Presbyterian Westchester.

The OB-GYN team includes physicians from NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia, including maternal-fetal medicine experts who care for high-risk pregnancies, and offers access to world-class specialists for mothers and babies.

“Every mother and baby deserve the highest quality of care, and we are enormously pleased to open this new unit with a fantastic team of Columbia physicians focused on providing a superb patient experience” said Dr. Mary D’Alton, obstetrician and gynecologist-in-chief at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons.

For more information, visit www.nyp.org and find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

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JAN 7– KEN JENKINS SWORN IN AS NEW WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE

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KENNETH W. JENKINS SWORN IN AS WESTCHESTER COUNTY’S 10TH COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Watch the Swearing-in Ceremony Here

Meet County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins

(White Plains, NY) – Surrounded by colleagues, family members and friends, Kenneth W. Jenkins was sworn in as Westchester County’s 10th County Executive. Jenkins was appointed County Executive by the Westchester County Board of Legislators, after serving as Deputy County Executive under George Latimer since January 1, 2018. As a leader in the administration, Jenkins worked to cut taxes, build affordable housing, protect a woman’s right to choose, reduce crime, restore aging infrastructure and protect the environment. Jenkins, a Westchester County resident for the past 43 years, made history as Westchester’s first-ever Black County Executive.

Jenkins said:

“I am deeply honored to have been named Westchester County Executive, a challenge I am braced to take on with integrity, respect and vision. As Deputy County Executive for the past seven years, I have fought hard to uphold the principles we all share – democracy, safety, education, technology and community engagement. We have made tremendous progress and have much we can feel proud of, seeing the completion of key infrastructure projects, environmental upgrades and social justice issues. I am confident that in this new role as County Executive, we will continue to make great strides for Westchester, together.”

Former Acting Westchester County Executive Richard Wishnie said: “We are very fortunate to have had the leadership of Ken Jenkins as we navigate through this historic moment in time for Westchester. Ken brings a wealth of experience and talent, and is by far the most prepared individual to take on the role of County Executive. I know he will lead with transparency, fairness and heart, and there is no one more deserving of serving as Westchester’s 10th County Executive.”

The ceremony was presided over by Westchester County Clerk Timothy Idoni, and Jenkins’ oath was administered by New York State Supreme Court Justice Anne E. Minihan, 9th Judicial District, in a ceremony at the Michaelian Office Building.

Jenkins built an extensive career in telecommunications and technology, holding key roles at leading companies such as Apple, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, New York Telephone (Verizon), NYNEX and Seer Technologies. He also gained valuable sales experience, as an owner and broker, during his tenure at ERA Gem Realty, further enhancing his expertise in the real estate sector.

Jenkins’ extensive public and community involvement includes board service with the Greyston Foundation, United Way, Westchester County District Attorney’s Community Advisory Committee, Westchester County Crime Stoppers and the Community Planning Council of Yonkers. He served as President of the Yonkers Branch of the NAACP and the Yonkers Community Action Program.

A longstanding member of the Democratic Party, Jenkins has held various leadership positions, including: Treasurer of the New York State Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Yonkers Democratic Committee, Chairman of the Black Democrats of Westchester and Secretary of the Westchester County Democratic Committee, in addition to serving on its Executive Committee. He has also shared his political insights as a frequent analyst on News 12 Westchester.

Jenkins will serve as County Executive until the certification of the special election on Tuesday, February 11.  
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NEW COUNTY EXECUTIVE INTRODUCES HIMSELF

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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER JANUARY 7,2024:

 

Kenneth W. Jenkins
Westchester County Executive

Dear Neighbors,

As I step into the role of the next leader of Westchester County Government, I want to take a moment to introduce myself and share more about who I am and my vision for our community. For the past 43 years, Westchester has been more than where I serve— it’s been my home. It’s where my wife Deborah and I raised our three children, and where I’ve dedicated my career to public service.

I have held various roles within Westchester County Government over the past 18 years. Having served as Deputy County Executive under George Latimer since January 1, 2018, I have seen firsthand what it takes to lead this County with integrity, respect and vision. Together we worked to cut taxes, build affordable housing, protect a woman’s right to choose, reduce crime, secure tax breaks for veterans, restore aging infrastructure and protect the environment. When I was on the County Board, we championed the needs of middle-class families.
Prior to holding political office, I built an extensive career in telecommunications and technology, holding key roles at leading companies such as Apple, AT&T, Bell Atlantic, New York Telephone (Verizon), NYNEX and Seer Technologies. I also gained valuable sales experience, as an owner and broker, during my tenure at ERA Gem Realty, further enhancing my knowledge of the real estate sector.

Please watch this short video, to learn a little bit more about me.

As we navigate this time of transition and change in administration, please know that I am committed to putting your needs first. We’ve made tremendous strides, and together, we will continue to move Westchester County forward—prioritizing the values of democracy, safety, education, technological advancement and community engagement.

Finally, one last request. If you see me out and about—whether catching a movie or enjoying one of our many incredible local restaurants—please don’t hesitate to stop and say hello. I’m here to listen, collaborate and build a brighter future for all who call Westchester County home.

Sincerely,
Kenneth W. Jenkins

Westchester County Executive

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