WHITE PLAINS WESTCHESTER DAILY NEWS SERVICE VISITS SINCE 2000 A.D. 25TH YEARl REPORTING THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW News Service Since 2000 A.D. 2026 WILL BE OUR 26TH YEAR OF COVERING WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA . John F. Bailey, Editor (914) 997-1607 wpcnr@aol.com Cell: 914-673-4054. News Politics Personalities Neighborhoods Schools Finance Real Estate Commentary Reviews Policy Correspondence Poetry Philosophy Photojournalism Arts. The WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER. TELEVISION: "White Plains Week" News Roundup, 7:30 EDT FRI, 7 EDT MON & the incisive "People to Be Heard" Interview Program 8PM EDT THURS, 7 PM EDT SAT on FIOS CH 45 THROUGHOUT WESTCHESTER AND, ALTICE OPTIMUM WHITE PLAINS CH 1300 Fighting for Truth, Justice and the American Way. TOP 10 VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD :1. USA. 2.BRAZIL3.VIET NAM 4. CHINA 5. JAPAN 6.UK. 7.CANADA. 8.INDIA. 9.AUSTRALIA 10.IRELAND 11.GERMANY 12..ARGENTINA 13.BANGLADESH 14.RUSSIA. 15.NEWZEALAND. 16. FRANCE. 17.MEXICO. 18.UKRAINE. 19.SOUTH AFVRICA. 20. IRAQ.
For most kids, the end of the school year means freedom, no homework, no alarm clocks, no schedules. But for more than 62,000 children in Westchester County, summer means something far more difficult: losing the free meals they depend on every single school day.
In this episode of The Feeding Westchester Hunger Report, we welcome one of our amazing partners: Allison Fasano, Port Chester Middle School Family and Consumer Science Teacher, Giving Garden Facilitator, School and Mobile Food Pantry Coordinator, and a true Hunger Action Hero.
Live from the school’s mobile pantry distribution, Allison shares what the summer meals gap really looks like for the students she sees every day, and why hunger can affect a child’s learning, behavior, and development long after the season ends.
The good news? You can help close that gap. This summer, your support makes sure no child in Westchester goes without a meal.
Innovation Wing taking shape as White Plains High School addition moves ahead of schedule
From the White Plains City School District
The future Innovation Wing at White Plains High School is rapidly taking shape, with school and construction officials reporting that the high-tech hub for Career and Technical Education, arts instruction and cutting-edge learning opportunities is progressing ahead of schedule.
Principal Emerly Martinez led a tour of the construction for engineering teachers Al Martinez, Giordano Garcia and Chad Allen, offering a firsthand look at the two-story addition that will connect to the main building through an enclosed glass bridge.
The approximately 48,000-square-foot facility — designed by H2M Architects + Engineers and oversighted by Triton Construction — is expected to house new CTE programs, expanded arts facilities, specialized learning spaces and a variety of collaborative environments when completed.
The project, which broke ground in the summer of 2025, is currently targeted for opening during the fall of 2027. While emphasizing that construction timelines can always change, Mr. Martinez said the project is “a little bit ahead of schedule.”
The steel superstructure has been completed and most non-structural framing is in place. Roofing work is largely finished, windows are being installed, and crews are currently focused on mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems throughout the building.
Triton Senior Project Manager Bob Firneis said the building shell has been completed and contractors are now working to fully enclose the structure.
“The roof work is complete except for the edging. The air conditioning units are installed on the roof — you see the ductwork going in,” he said, adding that there have been a few modifications along the way, but no notable setbacks.
Among the most striking features already visible are the soaring two-story entrance vestibule, expansive glass elements, multiple staircases and the signature bridge that will connect the new wing directly to the existing high school.
As he guided the teachers and Assistant Principal Gaetano Vitiello through unfinished hallways and classrooms, Mr. Martinez repeatedly returned to the building’s central purpose: creating a space where students can explore career pathways, artistic expression, entrepreneurship and emerging technologies.
The first floor will feature a culinary arts training kitchen connected to a café, an art gallery and a presentation space with tiered seating capable of accommodating about 90 people. The principal said the combination will allow the district to host exhibitions and community events while showcasing student work.
He envisions culinary students eventually preparing meals for events and potentially serving staff as part of a hospitality-focused learning experience.
The addition will also become home to three specialized CTE programs being developed in partnership with Southern Westchester BOCES: cybersecurity, pharmacy technician studies and an introduction to sports science and sports medicine.
Mr. Martinez said the partnership grew out of regionalization efforts encouraged by New York State and conversations between district leaders and BOCES officials about programs that were not currently being offered elsewhere in the region.
The programs are expected to serve both White Plains students and students from neighboring component districts.
Beyond the BOCES partnership, the principal said the Innovation Wing will significantly expand opportunities unique to WPHS.
A dedicated robotics laboratory is being created to support the school’s growing STEM initiatives and provide students with additional hands-on engineering experiences. A new entrepreneurship and incubator space will allow students to collaborate with mentors from businesses such as IBM and JPMorgan Chase and local entrepreneurs while developing innovative projects and business ideas.
Another area being developed is a media arts laboratory designed for podcasting, broadcasting, digital storytelling and potentially future journalism courses.
Mr. Martinez said the district wanted to create learning spaces that align with student interests while also preparing them for future careers.
“The possibilities are going to be endless when it comes to how that space is used,” he said.
The building will also include a state-of-the-art life skills apartment designed to help students with specialized learning needs practice independent living skills in a realistic setting. The apartment will feature a bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom and laundry area, creating opportunities for students to learn daily living skills in a safe educational environment.
Mr. Martinez noted that the space could also support interdisciplinary learning opportunities for other students, including engineering and science classes.
The second floor will primarily support the arts, featuring new studios for photography, ceramics, fashion design, graphic arts and visual arts, along with a darkroom, additional kilns, expanded ceramics facilities and dedicated studio space filled with natural light.
A student commons area and atrium-style gathering space with large windows and high ceilings will provide opportunities for collaboration and informal learning throughout the day.
For Mr. Martinez, the Innovation Wing is ultimately about creating opportunities for students and expanding programs that will continue evolving long after the building opens.
As construction advances, he said the district remains focused on ensuring that every space supports innovation, creativity and real-world learning experiences.
“We wanted to provide that space to our staff and students. It’s really what it’s all about,” the principal said about what district leaders hope will be one of the most innovative learning environments in the region.
Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation in observance of Juneteenth. The Governor also announced that the red, black, and green Pan-African Flag will be raised over the New York State Capitol today, Friday, June 19, and that State landmarks will be illuminated red, black, and green.
“Juneteenth is a powerful reminder of how far our nation has come and how much work still remains,” Governor Hochul said. “This commemoration is both a celebration of freedom, and a reminder of the work ahead to ensure all New Yorkers are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.”
The following 16 landmarks will illuminate red, black, and green this evening in
honor of Juneteenth:
One World Trade Center
Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
Kosciuszko Bridge
The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
State Education Building
Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
Empire State Plaza
State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
Niagara Falls
The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
Albany International Airport Gateway
Lake Placid Olympic Center
Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal – will light red only
Moynihan Train Hall – will light red only
Roosevelt Island Lighthouse
The Pan-African flag will be flown over the New York State Capitol and the following State buildings today:
Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, Harlem
Eleanor Roosevelt State Office Building, Poughkeepsie
Hudson Valley Transportation Management Center, Hawthorne
Perry B. Duryea State Office Building, Hauppauge
Empire State Plaza, Albany
Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Albany
Executive Mansion, Albany
Harriman State Office Building Campus, Building 18, Albany
Binghamton State Office Building
Dulles State Office Building, Watertown
Henderson-Smith State Office Building, Hornell
Homer Folks Facility, Oneonta
Senator John H. Hughes State Office Building, Syracuse
Utica State Office Building
New York State Preparedness Training Center, Oriskany
I want to bring to your attention a couple of important public safety developments that have occurred in Westchester over the past week.
First and foremost, I am greatly relieved to announce that 12-year-old King Richards, who was missing for approximately one year after his father allegedly failed to produce him to the Family Court, was located in good health and was returned to the custody of his mother.
Dwight Richards, King’s father, was arrested on a criminal warrant and arraigned Wednesday on one count of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree. I know everyone in this county has been waiting with bated breath for King’s return. Thanks to the tireless work from the prosecutors in our Child Abuse Bureau, in close partnership with the New Rochelle Police Department, we can now breathe a sigh of relief.
Nevertheless, we will seek to hold Mr. Richards accountable for allegedly defying the court system for the better part of a year and concealing King from his lawful custodian. Children cannot be snatched away from their legal guardians. I will never stand for a world where that is possible.
Also this past week, my office arraigned a Manhattan man for allegedly impersonating a New York City Police Department officer. Earlier this month, he was found on the streets of Bronxville in possession of a loaded gun and wearing an NYPD detective shield on his belt, according to a felony complaint we have filed in the case.
Dylan Gonzalez, 26, was arraigned Friday on two serious felony charges in connection with these allegations. I will be sure to keep you apprised of any further developments in his case. When you approach a police officer for help, you should not have to second guess whether he or she has taken the oath to protect and serve.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge that today is Juneteenth, which commemorates the liberation of Black Texans from slavery two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was announced. Juneteenth is a reminder that legal rights cannot just exist on paper, they must be enforced for the benefit of those who fall within their protective ambit. America has not always lived up to this ideal throughout its history, for which Juneteenth stands as a glaring example, but we have always striven (and must continue to strive) to do better for the next generation.
In friendship,
District Attorney Susan Cacace
Sex Crimes & Human Trafficking Bureau
DA Cacace met with Sex Crimes & Human Trafficking Bureau Chief Michelle Lopez and ADAs Mollie O’Rourke and Jessica Soares-Wasp to discuss critical updates to the office’s anti-trafficking efforts ahead of the World Cup tournament this summer.
The Cacace administration is rolling out a new slate of anti-trafficking initiatives in anticipation of an increase in trafficking during the games, as the international community descends onto the tri-state area.
One of the most significant components of this effort is the new human trafficking hotline, which was recently established to give victims of (and witnesses to) sex and labor trafficking a direct line to the office to report any and all suspicions of wrongdoing.
Our ADA handling the diversion courts, Celia Curtis, was part of a panel discussion featuring a range of stakeholders in the criminal justice system. These partnerships are key to ensuring vulnerable people in this county are connected to services that can help alleviate the problems that led them into the criminal justice system in the first place.
Westchester County Police Academy Graduation
DA Cacace was thrilled to address the 161st Session Basic Police Recruit Class at the Police Academy. Following months of education in public safety, New York State criminal law, emergency response and medical assistance, these graduates will serve communities in police departments across Westchester.
Asian & Albanian Heritage Festivals
As part of DA Cacace’s commitment to increasing our office’s visible presence in the community, we were thrilled to attend the Asian and Albanian Heritage Festivals.
We are so proud to represent the many diverse cultures that comprise Westchester County, and we look forward to seeing you at the many other festivals this summer.
Father arrested in connection with disappearance of 12-year-old King Richards
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that Dwight C. Richards, father of 12-year-old King Richards, was arrested by New Rochelle police detectives today in connection with the disappearance of his son.
Yonkers man guilty of killing brother-in-law in 2024
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that a John Singh, 55, of Yonkers, was convicted Friday afternoon of Murder in the Second Degree, a class A felony, and Manslaughter in the First Degree, a class B felony, for stabbing his brother-in-law to death in 2024.
DA Cacace and NYSP Announce Resumption of D.A.S.H. Traffic Safety Initiative
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace and New York State Police Troop T Commander Major Kyle J. Kroeger announced the resumption of the DASH traffic safety initiative, a traffic safety program aimed at making the highways in Westchester safer to travel.
20-Year-Old Scarsdale Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced on June 10 that a Scarsdale man admitted to possessing and sharing child sexual abuse material during a court hearing yesterday.
Yonkers man convicted in fatal stabbing of brother-in-law
A Yonkers man was convicted Friday of murder and manslaughter charges for fatally stabbing his 78-year-old brother-in-law in 2024, according to the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office.
Patrols To Increase On Thruway In Westchester For Prom, Graduation Season: Here’s When
The Westchester County District Attorney’s Safer Highways initiative, known as D.A.S.H., will resume on the New York State Thruway system beginning on Friday, June 4, DA Susan Cacace announced alongside New York State Police on Thursday, June 3.
On Friday, June 5th, the 2026 legislative session officially concluded after months of negotiations, debates, and late nights in Albany.
This year, the Legislature passed a total of 759 bills, with much of the session dominated by negotiations surrounding the state’s budget. Even so, the session saw great outcomes in legislation and funding for the 93rd Assembly District, some of which were discussed in my last newsletter.
Whether it is universal pre-K, working to improve the quality of life for our veterans and people with disabilities, protecting our immigrant neighbors, or reforming the utility rate-setting process, my colleagues and I have been focused on doing all that we can to improve the lives of New Yorkers.
2026 Legislative Session Wrap
Here are the post-budget legislative highlights:
Legislation passed by the Assembly and NYS Senate, awaiting the Governor’s signature:
The Responsible Data Center Development Act (A11560/S10642) is aimed at regulating the rapid expansion of data centers throughout New York. It includes a one-year moratorium on new permits for facilities requiring 20 megawatts or more. There is also a provision that directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to study the impacts of data centers on public water supplies, agricultural land, and electronic waste; as well as a provision that requires utility companies to establish a separate set of rates and rules for facilities with a peak demand of 20 megawatts or higher.
A10379C/S9051B prohibits artificial intelligence companies from using features that are considered unsafe for minors.
The One Fair Price Act (A9349B/S8623B) targets “surveillance pricing” by prohibiting companies from using consumers’ personal data to set individualized prices for identical products or services.
A10921A/S10398 exempts disabled veterans from certain fees relating to physical modification of a residence to accommodate a disability.
I am also pleased that a number of bills I sponsored successfully passed both chambers and are awaiting the Governor’s signature:
The Traveling with Dignity Act (A6219B/S4042B) establishes guidelines for the installation of adult changing accommodations in public spaces. Adult changing tables are an essential resource for adults with mobility limitations and incontinence, enabling them to access the same amenities as those who are ambulatory.
The Neurodiversity Training Pledge (A00038/S4593) directs the New York State Department of Labor to establish a voluntary training and certification program for employers that pledge to undertake neurodiversity training for their employees and adopt best practices for a neurodiverse workforce.
The HEFPA Protection Act (A10160A/S9263A) ensures that public assistance payments for residential gas and electric service are accepted and credited by utilities and immediately triggers the consumer protections of the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA).
Notice of Initial Determinations for Unemployment Benefits (A3068/S2076) requires the Department of Labor to notify unemployment benefit applicants within 30 days whether their claim has been approved or denied.
The Criminal Court Opinion Transparency Act (A4674A/S3864A) increases transparency of New York legal decisions in criminal proceedings by reporting on the feasibility, costs, and implementation options for publishing trial-level criminal court decisions and suppression decisions specifically.
The following NYS constitutional amendments will go up for a vote again next year and, if passed, go to the voters in 2027:
Congressional Redistricting Amendment: This amendment responds to Republican-led redistricting efforts around the country and a recent Supreme Court decision that weakens portions of the Voting Rights Act. The proposal would give New York greater flexibility in determining congressional district boundaries. If approved again by the next Legislature in 2027 and approved by voters in a statewide referendum, the changes would allow congressional districts to be redrawn before the 2028 elections.
Even-Year Elections Amendment: This amendment addresses low voter turnout in off-year elections by aligning certain local elections with federal and state election cycles. Holding these elections in even-numbered years will increase democratic participation and reduce the administrative costs of running separate countywide elections. The proposal would require elections for certain municipal and judicial officials, except in New York City, to take place in even-numbered years. To facilitate the transition, it would also authorize the Legislature to enact laws creating temporary, altered terms of office so that future election cycles fall on even-numbered years.
Finally, there was a good deal of important policy in the budget, much of which I discussed in my last newsletter. Key policy provisions include:
A path to universal Pre-K for all four-year-old children statewide by the start of the 2028-29 school year.
The most comprehensive utility rate-setting reforms in decades, including:
Requiring utility companies proposing a rate increase to present a budget-constrained option tied to inflation
Prohibiting hidden expenses such as lobbying, political contributions, and unnecessary executive travel from being charged to customers
Tying executive compensation to customer affordability
Directing the PSC to limit the extent to which the costs of pursuing a rate increase can be charged to ratepayers (I had introduced a bill to effectuate, but am very pleased that it made it into the budget instead).
Protections for our immigrant neighbors, including prohibiting local government cooperation in federal civil immigration matters, ending agreements that deputize law enforcement as immigration officers, and designating sensitive locations (healthcare facilities, houses of worship, schools, childcare facilities, playgrounds, and polling places) where ICE may not conduct immigration enforcement.
An expanded veterans property tax exemption that gives local governments the option to provide a full property tax exemption for veterans who, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, have a permanent and total disability.
Unfortunately, not all of my bills made it across the finish line. Here is some of the legislation I sponsored that I will continue to advocate for in the next legislative session:
Climate Resilient New York (A8088B/S3590A) effectively coordinates and unifies climate adaptation efforts between agencies and departments to maximize climate change resilience across New York.
Oil and Gas Wastewater Ban on Highways (A10930/S9635) prohibits the use of drilling fluids, brine, and flowback water from gas or oil wells, pools, or fields on any highway.
MTA Solar Canopies (A10033/S8694) requires the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to install solar canopies on its parking facilities.
The First Responder Peer Support Program Act (A7285A/S05407A) establishes peer-to-peer mental health programs for first responders.
Standardized Utility Rate Increase Filings (A10534/S9474A) requires standardized formatting, uniform calculation methods, detailed explanations, and public disclosure for utility rate increase filings to improve transparency, comparability, and regulatory oversight.
I will continue to keep you apprised of my progress.
Honor Flight Send-Off
Back at home, it was a privilege to be on hand at the Westchester County Airport at 6:30 am on May 30th for the send-off of veterans participating in the Hudson Valley Honor Flight. The program is an all-expenses-paid trip provided to United States military veterans to visit war memorials in Washington, DC, so they can experience the monuments and memorials built in their honor.
It was an amazing event, with a sizable crowd. There were six Honor Flight veterans from my district: John F. Brown, William E. Hamilton, James Polos, George Rosamond, Bernard R. Seiler, and Leslie Simon.
Thank you and congratulations to them all!
June 23rd Primary: Early Voting Through June 21st
For those who are eligible to vote in the June 23rd primary, early voting runs through this Sunday, June 21st. For more information regarding early voting locations and hours, please click here.
Early voting is a great way to avoid election day lines. Please note that you can vote at ANY of the early voting locations.
On Election Day, June 23rd, polls are open from 6 am-9 pm. Not sure where to vote? Please click here.
EBT Cardholders:
Prevent Scam-Related Theft!
Do you have an EBT card? Or know someone who does?
Unfortunately, there has been a great deal of recent scam-related theft involving EBT Cards, with benefits being lost or stolen. While New York State rules allow certain Temporary Assistance cash benefits to be replaced if they have been stolen through electronic means (such as card skimming, cloning, and third-party misrepresentation), SNAP benefits cannot be replaced.
To help protect your benefits from scam-related theft, the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is recommending that those who use EBT Cards use the freeze/unfreeze card feature in the ebtEDGE mobile app or online cardholder portal. You should freeze your EBT card when not in use, then unfreeze it to make a purchase.
Freezing your EBT card will block all purchases, balance inquiries over the phone, and transactions.
To learn more about this and further ways to protect your benefits, please click here.
Thank You to Our Senior Experience Interns!
Finally, my thanks to this year’s incredibly impres
THEN PLAYLAND PARK HOSTS FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATION
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a day of rides, fun and fireworks.
[Rye, NY] – Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at Playland Park with a full day of classic rides, family fun and one of Westchester’s most anticipated summer traditions, Fourth of July fireworks at Playland. Fireworks begins at 9 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to purchase ride wristbands and parking in advance of the holiday for a seamless entry and more time to enjoy the park. Both are available to purchase at playlandpark.org.
The excitement continues all summer long, with Playland’s popular Friday Night Fireworks, which begin Friday, July 10 and continue weekly through Sept. 4. Firework displays begin at 9 p.m.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “The 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding is a momentous occasion, and there is no better place to celebrate than at one of Westchester’s most beloved attractions. We invite residents and visitors alike to come together at Playland for an evening of fun, community spirit and a spectacular tribute to America’s enduring legacy.”
Westchester County Parks Acting Commissioner Peter Tartaglia said: “Playland has been creating cherished summer memories for generations, and this year’s Fourth of July celebration will be especially meaningful. The day will be filled with excitement and end with an unforgettable fireworks display that honors our nation’s historic milestone.”
For Playland’s full schedule, hours, tickets and season passes, visit playlandpark.org. Season passes are only available to purchase online.
Playland Amusement Park is at 1 Playland Parkway in Rye, NY.
I’m not a big basketball fan, but boy, the sound of Manhattan at the final buzzer of the NBA Finals was electric in every video I came across: cheering, weeping, horns honking, singing, hugging, cigars being lit, an utter unselfconsciousness, pure and absolute jubilation. It gave me goosebumps. It’s a reminder that joy is contagious. Congratulations, New Yorkers, and thank you for the reminder of the value of community and shared joy. More of that, please.
Speaking of shared joy, the World Cup has officially kicked off, and we are here with what the health data show. We’re also at peak tick season, and mosquitoes and infant botulism have entered the chat. Other low-risk but high-consequence things are happening, including bird flu heating up among cows again.
And pediatricians are getting bombarded with vaccine questions. We answer the latest and update a resource for you.
Here’s what’s going on and, most importantly, what it means for you.
Disease “weather” report
We are at peak tick season
Across much of the U.S., we’re in the heart of tick season. After starting earlier than usual, it’s now tracking close to previous years. I’m hopeful we’ll see activity taper off over the coming weeks.
Source: CDC; Annotated by YLE
What this means for you: It’s still important to enjoy the outdoors, so prevention is the name of the game. Use an EPA-approved repellent, wear long pants when possible, and do a quick tick check afterward. The vast majority of ticks don’t carry diseases, but regardless, the sooner a tick is removed, the lower the risk of transmission.
Mosquito season is here
Mosquito season is ramping up across much of the country. We can expect mosquito-borne diseases to peak in August or September.
Why? Mosquitos are cold-blooded, so transmission is a bit like a chemistry experiment. If it’s too cold (below ~16°C or ~60°F), the mosquito life cycle slows down too much to spread disease. Closer to the “magic temperature” of ~25°C / ~77°F, mosquitoes are happier and diseases spread a little more easily from mosquito to human.
West Nile is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. It is a fairly new disease—25 years ago, we didn’t have it around. But it is very rare. So far this year, we’ve seen only 13 cases of West Nile. (In June 2025, we had 62 total and August had the most cases at 958)
What this means for you: Your risk depends on geography and other factors, including older age. As mosquito populations grow, it’s worth dusting off the bug spray and clearing standing water around your home.
Low risk to you, but disease of high (and potentially) consequence
Several outbreaks are on my radar, but all remain very low risk to the general U.S. public:
Another infant botulism outbreak tied to baby formula. Nara Organics has recalled its organic formula, sold nationwide at Target, after three babies between 2 and 5 months became critically ill in CA, PA, and WA. Like the ByHeart recall last fall, it’s a niche product (under 1% of supply). What makes this one sting a little more: ByHeart had actually pointed parents to Nara as the safe alternative after their own recall. Regardless, it’s a reminder of how much we depend on the systems around us working.
Ebola cases in Africa have climbed to 808, including one of the largest single-day jumps over the weekend. The cumulative total has already surpassed what the two biggest prior outbreaks reached at the same point in their first 100 days. This is a sign this one is likely to grow very large. If you’re traveling to Africa (or have patients traveling), check out the YLE decision tree here.
Cumulative Ebola cases in first 100 days of outbreak declaration. Markers are values from WHO/CDC/ECDC situation reports. Figure by Your Local Epidemiologist
Bird flu (H5N1). After months of relative quiet, the USDA reports a sharp jump in infected dairy herds: in the past 30 days, 45 tested positive in Idaho, 2 in Utah, and 1 in Texas. We’re not at 2024 levels, but this is more than we’ve seen in a while.
H5N1 dairy herds. Purple: updated figure with USDA numbers since CDC figure has only been updated since June 3. Source: CDC and USDA.
Healthy Cup
The World Cup has officially begun, and the good news is that there have been no significant health events so far. Overall health risks remain low, but we’re watching three signals:
Heat. On opening day, Fan Fests in the Texas area saw nearly 100 fans fall ill from the heat, some requiring hospitalization. This is concerning because for every reported heat illness, many more sit just short of emergency, like dehydration and falls, cardiac problems, kidney stress, and mental status changes in elders. The “count” (22 out of ~30,000 attendees) underestimates the harm. Keep cool; drink water; know that alcohol and drugs mask heat injury symptoms, and common medications increase heat vulnerability. Go here to see your heat risk this week.
Measles. A few outbreaks are happening in the background, but two “sparks” sit particularly close to World Cup events, and we need to ensure they don’t turn into wildfires:
Wastewater monitoring has detected a signal in Chester City, Delaware County (15 miles from Philadelphia Stadium).
One case among an unvaccinated resident in Santa Clara County, California, with recent international travel and community exposure, including at the airport.
What other things are people worried about?The YLE weekly survey of World Cup goers started last week. No major health rumors are surfacing yet (only 13% have heard any), but there’s concern about traffic and transportation accidents, as well as ICE.
Figure from Your Local Epidemiologist
Good news
We can always use it. Three today:
FDA clears a screwworm treatment for dogs and cats.The FDA authorized emergency use of generic nitenpyram tablets for infected pets, expected to kill most larvae within hours. New World screwworm numbers continue to climb, with 12 animal cases across 7 counties. This medication is not preventative but an important new tool if an infection occurs—and more will be happening given how quickly this thing spreads.
New World screwworm detections by county. Figure from a dashboard created by Genompic Epi.
A new sunscreen ingredient, the first in over two decades. The FDA has approved bemotrizinol, used for years in Europe, Asia, and Australia, where it’s prized for strong, stable protection against both UVA and UVB. The approval spotlights a U.S. quirk: because sunscreens are regulated as drugs here, new ingredients can take years or decades to reach consumers. Products could appear later this year, though wide availability will take time. Read more about sunscreen at the YLE deep dive here.
A lab-grown heart-muscle patch. Researchers implanted a stem cell-derived patch of heart muscle onto the failing hearts of 16 patients with advanced heart failure. The effect was real but modest, more of a signal of progress. Read more here.
Question grab bag
“This week I have encountered several patients saying “vaccines are only studied for 5 days.” Can you update your 12 questions about vaccines handout to address this succinctly? It would be very much appreciated. – A tired pediatrician.”
This is a common rumor. That figure comes from a line in the package insert describing the short window when vaccine trial participants fill out a daily diary card (see below for an example). But that card is only tracking the expected, short-lived reactions to a vaccine (sore arm, redness, fever, fussiness), which are caused by the immune response itself and reliably fade within a few days. Symptoms that persist longer usually point to a different cause, like an unrelated infection picked up around the same time, so that brief window is all the diary card needs to cover.
Chart from Appendix 3 here has an example showing what these look like.
But vaccine monitoring doesn’t stop there. The same trials track other health events for months to years, recorded as they happen rather than on a checklist. And for routine childhood vaccines, those original trials are now just the starting point: we have real-world safety data on hundreds of millions of children across decades, consistently showing that the benefits far outweigh the risks.
We’ve updated the FAQs for paid subscribers, with the latest is available below. Thank you for all your effort, and all clinical care teams on the front line.
Summer brings its share of bugs and outbreaks to watch, but the risks to you are low with a few simple precautions. Don’t let the worry crowd out the shared joy.
Love, YLE
Your Local Epidemiologist (YLE) comprises a team of experts, ranging from physicians to immunologists to epidemiologists to nutritionists, working together with one goal: to “Translate” ever-evolving public health science so that people are well-equipped to make evidence-based decisions. YLE suite of newsletters reaches over 475,000 people across more than 132 countries. This newsletter is free to everyone, thanks to the generous support of fellow YLE community members. To support the effort, subscribe or upgrade below
WESTCHESTER COUNTY LAUNCHES $25 MILLION HOUSING FLEX FUND II TO EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES AIMED AT DEVELOPERS READY TO GO
Application Period Opens June 17 for New Affordable Housing Financing Program
(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced the launch of the County’s Housing Flex Fund II, a new $25 million affordable housing initiative designed to accelerate the development and creation of affordable homes across Westchester County.
The application period opens on June 17 and will remain open through Aug. 21, inviting eligible developers to compete for funding to help advance affordable housing projects in communities throughout the County.
Housing Flex Fund II builds on the success of the County’s existing housing programs by providing flexible financing for developments in need of the last bit of funding to begin construction of new rental and homeownership units, those with supportive housing units and developments that preserve affordability. The program is expected to significantly increase the County’s annual affordable housing production while prioritizing developments in transit-oriented locations and areas with limited affordable housing options.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said:
“Every family deserves access to a safe and affordable place to live. Housing Flex Fund II is another example of Westchester County’s commitment to investing in solutions that create housing opportunities and support long-term economic growth. This program will help move important projects from the drawing board to construction, creating more affordable homes for current and future residents.”
Westchester County Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “Housing Flex Fund II provides developers with an important financing tool that will help close funding gaps and bring more affordable housing projects to completion. With our support of projects that are ready to move forward and located in communities with access to transportation, jobs and amenities, this program will have a lasting impact on housing availability throughout Westchester County.”
1.Applicants must submit a complete funding package that includes a development proposal, project narrative, financial pro forma and project budget.
2.Eligible rental developments must provide housing for households earning 65% of the Area Median Income or below, while affordable homeownership developments may serve households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income for a minimum of 50 years.
3.Applications serving those at the lowest incomes possible, including supportive housing units will receive additional priority. Applications will be reviewed after the application period closes, with funding awards expected to be approved later this year and disbursements beginning in 2027.
Starting June 17, developers interested in applying or learning more about Housing Flex Fund II can review program guidelines by visiting the Department of Planning website at: planning.westchestercountyny.gov
