THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR | 2,905,611 VISITORS VISIT 8,324,077 TIMES 3 TIMES EVERY DAY IN ONE YEAR. HIGHEST ACTIVITY IN WPCNR HISTORY.White PlainsCitizeNetReporter lifted its worldwide visits from unique visitors to wpcnr.com to 8,324,077,a 1,306,419 increase in visits in one year from 7,017,658 visits to the site last year which covers White Plains and Westchester County. The 8,324,077 visits were made by 2,005,611 unique visitors who visited wpcnr an average of 3 visits a day. ON JULY 20- -2026 visitors have accessed wpcnr and made 3,072 visits an average of 1.6 visits. In the last week 33,495 individual vistors made 54,458 visits, averaging 1.6 visits. In the last month, 152,940 visitors recorded 229,338 visits (1.5 visits)

JULY 29–DR. MARISA DONNELLY YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST NEW YORK ON CYCLOSPORA NEW YORK OUTBREAK

Posted on July 29, 2026 by John Bailey

I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the national Cyclospora outbreak and whether New Yorkers should be worried.

First, New York is not part of the iceberg lettuce recall, and no NYC cases have been linked to the recalled lettuce. That said, Cyclospora cases are higher than usual in New York this summer. Many of these cases are part of small clusters around the city, often linked to single restaurants or events where multiple people got sick around the same time. While the CDC and FDA continue to work with the health department to investigate the outbreaks, it doesn’t appear that there’s a single common source.

So what does this mean for you?

🔹 For most New Yorkers, you can keep on eating your salads! Because we aren’t part of the lettuce recall, there’s no reason to treat your lettuce any differently than you would before.

🔹 That said, continue practicing good food safety by washing fresh produce well.

🔹 If you’re pregnant, immunocompromised, or older, you may want to be a bit more cautious with raw produce that’s been linked to Cyclospora outbreaks in the past, like lettuces, fresh herbs, raspberries, and blackberries. Cooking produce to an internal temperature of 158°F is also a safe option.

🔹 If you develop prolonged watery diarrhea, ask your healthcare provider about testing for Cyclospora, since it’s not always included on routine stool tests.

If you’d like a more in depth look at New York’s Cyclospora outbreak, check out my latest post. I break down what investigators know so far, why these cases appear to be different from the national outbreak, and what I’ll be watching as the investigation continues. yourlocalepidemiologist…

JULY 29– SENATOR GILLEBRAND QUESTIONS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ON FOOD SUPPLY SAFETY

Posted on July 29, 2026 by John Bailey

AMID CYCLOSPORIASIS OUTBREAK, GILLIBRAND DEMANDS ANSWERS ABOUT TRUMP ADMINISTRATION GUTTING MONITORING OF FOODBORNE ILLNESSES

Over 4,000 Confirmed Cases Of Cyclosporiasis Have Been Reported Nationwide, Including Over 400 Reported In New York So Far This Year

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) pressed the Trump administration on its work to undermine federal monitoring of foodborne illness, specifically surveillance of Cyclospora contamination. Cyclospora is the microscopic parasite behind this summer’s nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis, which has already sickened thousands of Americans.

“New Yorkers deserve to know whether and how their government is actively monitoring threats to the food supply and that the food on their tables is safe to eat,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Trump administration’s staffing and funding cuts to public health programs and moves to scale back tracking of foodborne illnesses have coincided with the explosion of cyclosporiasis that we see today. I am demanding answers about how the administration plans to remedy this outbreak and protect Americans from foodborne illnesses going forward.”

Over the last year, the Trump administration has eroded key federal efforts to prevent and contain foodborne illnesses, like cyclosporiasis. In July 2025, it removed Cyclospora, along with five other pathogens, from the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) mandatory tracking list.

Additionally, the administration cut the budget to the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM) by 25 percent, forcing laboratories across the nation to implement hiring freezes, reduce scientific staff, and delay the replacement of critical diagnostic equipment. The administration’s massive federal staffing cuts also forced the suspension of quality checks across the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s national network of labs that test food for pathogens and contaminants – including Cyclospora. These cuts in combination hindered the government’s ability to detect and respond to the current cyclosporiasis outbreak.

As Gillibrand writes in her letter, these cuts have “created dangerous blind spots that directly compromise public health and leave Americans vulnerable to preventable parasitic infections, both presently and in the future.”

She pressed the administration on how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA plan to mitigate the current cyclosporiasis outbreak and monitor future outbreaks going forward.

The full text of the letter can be found here or below:

Dear Acting Director Bhattacharya and Acting Commissioner Diamantas,

I write to express concern regarding the ongoing cyclosporiasis outbreak and recent actions by the administration that are impeding our nation’s ability to respond. The current uncontrolled outbreak has resulted in hundreds of ill New Yorkers, with more than 400 cyclosporiasis cases reported in New York City alone. This administration’s efforts to scale back federal monitoring of foodborne illness, specifically surveillance of Cyclospora contamination, have created dangerous blind spots that directly compromise public health and leave Americans vulnerable to preventable parasitic infections, both presently and in the future.

A functioning surveillance framework is our primary line of defense, and yet, over the past year, this administration has systematically eroded key protections, decimating our ability to prevent and contain foodborne illness, like cyclosporiasis. The July 2025 decision to remove Cyclospora, along with five other pathogens, from the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet) mandatory tracking list significantly deteriorates our public health safeguards. The administration’s subsequent 25 percent budget cut to the Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM)4 has also forced laboratories across the nation to implement hiring freezes, reduce scientific staff, and delay the replacement of critical diagnostic equipment. Compounding this, the administration’s massive federal staffing cuts also forced the suspension of quality checks across the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s national network of labs that test food for pathogens and contaminants – including Cyclospora..

When tracking is rendered optional and coupled with cuts to staff and funding, the federal government blinds itself to preventing and identifying localized spikes before they escalate into nationwide crises. Cyclospora typically features a prolonged incubation period of a week or more between exposure and the onset of debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms, making real-time coordination vital to trace contaminated agricultural products back to the source before more families are exposed.

New Yorkers deserve to feel reassured that the food on their kitchen tables is safe and that federal agencies remain vigilant in actively monitoring threats to our food supply. To assist Congress in understanding the administration’s mitigation strategy, I request prompt responses to the following questions by July 31, 2026:

Now that Cyclospora has been removed from mandatory FoodNet tracking, how does CDC intend to maintain a statistically reliable baseline of infection rates in states that opt out of reporting?
With reports indicating CDC can currently fund only 40 percent of state requests for foodborne disease surveillance and response, how will the agency prioritize emerging outbreak investigations?
What protocols are being established to counter the delay caused by Cyclospora’s long incubation period, given the reduction in real-time surveillance data?
How does FDA plan to ensure that state laboratories can maintain adequate testing for Cyclospora and other high-consequence pathogens following the 25 percent reduction in LFFM funding?
With the number of active food safety laboratories in the FERN network reduced from 41 to 15, what contingencies are in place to prevent delays in sample processing during a multi-state outbreak?
How will FDA support state laboratories with hiring freezes and scientific staff deficits to ensure critical food safety inspections continue?

Thank you for your attention to this request and ongoing work to protect Americans from foodborne illness outbreaks. I look forward to your prompt response.

JULY 28 10 PM EDT– GOVERNOR HOCHUL, ATTORNEY GENERAL JAMES ANNOUNCE FINAL SAFE FOR KIDS ARCT RULES TO PROTECT CHILDREN ONLINE

Posted on July 28, 2026 by John Bailey

Outlines How Social Media Companies Should Confirm Users’ Age

Stop sAddictive Feeds and Nighttime Notifications for Children

Restricts Addictive Feeds, Creates Safeguards Against Harmful AI Companions

Bans Smartphones in Schools, Enacts Social Media Warning Labels

Protect Kids from Predatory Behavior Online

Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James today announced the release of final rules on how social media companies must restrict addictive features on their platforms to comply with the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) for Kids Act and protect children’s mental health.

New York’s pioneering SAFE for Kids Act requires social media companies to restrict algorithmically personalized feeds and nighttime notifications for users under the age of 18 unless they obtain parental consent.

Algorithmic feeds and nighttime notifications are tied to depression, anxiety, eating and sleep disorders, and other mental health issues among children and teenagers.

The rules released today establish criteria to clarify which platforms are subject to the SAFE for Kids requirements and outline standards to determine users’ age and obtain parental consent.

This announcement furthers Governor Hochul’s nation-leading work to restrict addictive feeds, create safeguards against harmful AI companions, ban smartphones in schools, enact social media warning labels, and protect kids from predatory behavior online.

“When I came into office, our children were in the throes of a full-blown mental health crisis, and as New York’s first mom Governor, I felt a moral imperative to act,” Governor Hochul said.

“Today, we’re sending a clear message: our kids’ mental health isn’t for sale. We promised action and the SAFE for Kids Act is delivering by ensuring that any platform that targets our children with addictive feeds will face legal consequences. Instead of clicking and scrolling, our kids will be learning and growing.”

Attorney General Letitia James said, “The SAFE for Kids Act leads the nation in keeping our children safe online and protecting youth from the devastating effects of unchecked social media. These rules set standards for age verification and parental control to ensure tech companies are doing their part to keep kids safe on their platforms. Young people are particularly vulnerable to addictive social media features, and my office is committed to protecting all New Yorkers from potentially harmful technologies and companies that try to take advantage of them.”

Algorithmically personalized feeds, or addictive feeds, recommend or personalize content for users in an endless stream based on data that the platform gathers about the user.

They are designed to encourage a user to continue to use and return to a platform.

Content displayed in addictive feeds is often from accounts that a user has not selected, does not follow, and is often displayed out of chronological order.

Addictive feeds are known to drive unhealthy levels of social media use in minors that can affect their mental health.

Research shows that children as young as 10 to 14 years old experience addictive use of social media, and the more time children spend on social media, the more likely they are to experience negative mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and eating and sleep disorders.

The SAFE for Kids Act addresses these mental health concerns for children by requiring social media companies to restrict addictive feeds for users under 18. Instead of the default algorithmically personalized feeds designed to keep young people on the platform, users under 18 will only be shown content from other accounts they follow or otherwise select in a set sequence, such as chronological order, unless they get parental consent for an addictive feed.

Users cannot be cut off from the platform simply because they either do not want or do not have parental consent for an addictive feed. Instead, all users will still be able to access all the same content they can access now.

The law also prohibits social media platforms from sending notifications to users under 18 from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. without parental consent.

Signed into law by Governor Hochul in June 2024, the SAFE for Kids Act authorized the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to promulgate rules on how companies should comply with the law before the statute goes into effect, including rules that set industry standards for determining a user’s age and securing parental consent.

The OAG issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking on August 1, 2024, and provided the public with a 60-day period to submit comments.

The proposed rules were made public for review on September 15, 2025. The OAG incorporated public input, industry research, and its significant experience to inform the proposed and final rules.

Age Assurance

Under the law and regulations, social media companies must determine that a given user is an adult before providing them with algorithmic feeds and/or nighttime notifications. Companies may confirm a user’s age using any methods that meet accuracy benchmarks and protect users’ data as set forth in the regulations. Companies can use options such as:

- Requesting an uploaded image or video; or

- Verifying a user’s email address or phone number to cross-check other information that reflects a user’s age.

Social media companies must offer at least one alternative method for age assurance besides providing a government-issued ID.
Any information used to determine age or obtain parental consent must not be used for any other purpose and must be deleted or de-identified immediately after its intended use. Social media companies must use only the minimum amount of data necessary to confirm a user’s age.
Minor users must have an option to update their age status on the platform when they turn 18.
Social media companies must choose an age assurance method with a high accuracy rate, conduct annual testing, and retain the results of the testing for a minimum of 5 years.

Parental Consent

Minors must affirmatively seek access to prohibited features and must consent to their parent being notified. Any parent who wants to grant consent must go through age assurance.
The platform may not block a minor user from generally accessing the platform or its content through, for example, searches, simply because they or their parent has refused to consent.
Parents and minors must also have the option to withdraw their consent at any time.

The SAFE for Kids Act and rules apply to “Addictive Online Platforms,” defined as platforms that display user-generated content and have users who spend at least 20 percent of their time on the platform’s addictive feeds measured over a six-month period.

The full final rules can be found on OAG’s website. The final rules will be published in the State Register tomorrow July 29, 2026.

The SAFE for Kids Act goes into effect 180 days later, on January 25, 2027.

For companies that violate the SAFE for Kids Act, the law authorizes OAG to bring an action to stop violations as well as to seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 per violation, among other remedies.

State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “I passed this law for a simple reason: kids’ safety should come before Big Tech’s profits. The SAFE For Kids Act protects children from addictive algorithms that force-feed them content they don’t want and put their mental health at risk. These new regulations bring the law to life by keeping young people safe while protecting New Yorkers’ online privacy and holding social media corporations accountable. Thanks to Attorney General James for her crucial work to get this done. Together, we’re building a safer, better internet for all New Yorkers.”

Assemblymember Nily Rozic said, “As a mother and legislator, keeping our kids safe is one of my highest priorities. The final SAFE for Kids rules are a major step toward holding social media platforms accountable and protecting children from harmful and addictive features. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and Attorney General James for their leadership and for ensuring that New York continues to lead the way in putting families first.”

Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer said, “We applaud Attorney General Letitia James and her team for the tremendous work that went into developing the final regulations to implement the SAFE for Kids Act.

The SAFE for Kids Act, and these new final rules to implement and enforce it, has the potential to be a transformative step forward in protecting children from the addictive design features of social media.

We are deeply grateful for the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General James, and the state lawmakers who championed this landmark law. New York is setting a national standard for protecting kids online by focusing on curbing addictive social media feeds and limiting late-night notifications that disrupt children’s sleep and well-being. There is more work to do to protect kids from the risks of AI and social media, but this law and its final rules are groundbreaking.”

Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) Founder and Executive Director Julie Scelfo said, “New York’s SAFE for Kids Act is the nation’s strongest legislation to protect children online by ensuring they are not exposed to the addictive algorithms running rampant on social media platforms.

These new rules are an important and essential step in the enforcement of this landmark legislation and provide a pathway for other states to follow. MAMA is grateful to Attorney General James and her team for their careful and trailblazing efforts. By tackling addictive and harmful feeds head-on, New York

JULY 28–THIS WEEK IN WESTCHESTER WITH COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS

Posted on July 28, 2026 by John Bailey

This Week in Westchester: The Briefing

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins

Watch the News Conference Here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HK3026wyIk

***Time Codes Below Correspond with YouTube Link***

Dobbs Ferry Mayor Christy Knell joined to discuss exciting updates happening in the Village of Dobbs Ferry. (00:48 – 5:30)
Westchester County is urging residents and businesses to remain vigilant following a statewide alert from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services regarding an email scam targeting those involved in planning, zoning and land use applications. (6:55 – 9:16)
Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald discussed the results of the County’s 2025-2026 School Bus Safety Annual Report. (9:24 – 11:14)
County Executive Ken Jenkins highlighted an upcoming bill signing prohibiting the sale of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices camouflaged to look like everyday items. (12:18 – 13:56)
Upcoming events in Westchester County Parks. (14:08 – 16:30)

JULY 28— 9:30 PM EDT FLOOD WATCH DECLARED FOR WESTCHESTER COUNTY TUESDAY

Posted on July 27, 2026 by John Bailey

Westchester County Under Flood Watch Tuesday Through Wednesday Morning

Residents Urged to Stay Alert

(White Plains, NY) – A Flood Watch has been issued for Westchester County from 8 am Tuesday, July 28, until 8 am Wednesday, July 29. The Westchester County Office of Emergency Services is actively monitoring the situation, and County departments are on standby, ready to assist.

During a flood, water levels and rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles.

· Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road.

· Do not drive through barricades.

Rising and fast floodwaters can sweep vehicles away or cause you to lose control of a vehicle.
Stay out of floodwaters. Floodwaters hide dangers that can cause sickness, injury, or even death: animals and insects, live wires, dangerous chemicals, sewage, harmful bacteria, and sharp objects and debris.

For more safety tips visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/flood

JULY 27 —8:30 PM EDT– HEAVY RAIN 2AND FLASH FLOODING AHEAD TOMORROW—2-1/2 TO 8 INCHES EXPECTED TUES WEDNESDAY

Posted on July 27, 2026 by John Bailey

GOVERNOR HOCHUL URGES CAUTION AHEAD OF HEAVY RAIN AND FLASH FLOODING

Prolonged Rain, Possible Thunderstorms and Potential for Flash Flooding Expected Statewide Tuesday Through Wednesday

Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions at Highest Risk with Moderate Chance – 40 to 70 Percent Chance – for Flash Flooding

Two to Five Inches of Rain Over Two Days with Localized Peak Rainfall Totals of up to Six Inches Possible; Catskills Could See Six to Eight Inches of Rainfall Through Wednesday Morning

New Yorkers Encouraged to Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to exercise caution ahead of a storm forecast to bring heavy rain throughout the state Tuesday and Wednesday with flash flooding likely. Beginning Tuesday, a weather system will stall over the state bringing prolonged rain, thunderstorms and flash flooding.

The Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions have a Moderate or 40 to 70 percent chance for flash flooding, while the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley have a Slight risk or 15 to 40 percent chance.

The rest of the state has a Marginal flash flood risk or 5 to 15 percent chance. Widespread rainfall totals of two to five inches are likely, with localized peak totals of six inches of rainfall possible.

Areas across the Catskills could see totals of six to eight inches of rainfall through Wednesday morning. With heavy rain, scattered flash flooding is likely, which will make travel hazardous due to ponding water and reduced visibility.

“New York State will be experiencing a prolonged rain event beginning Tuesday that will bring heavy rains and cause flash flooding – New Yorkers should stay vigilant, stay informed, and use caution,” Governor Hochul said. “As State agencies are ready and mobilized to keep New Yorkers safe, it is important for everyone to do their part by monitoring your local forecast and when in doubt, turn around, don’t drown.”

Residents are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.

New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.

Tips to stay safe when there is the potential for flash flooding:

Before and During the Storm

Stay Informed: Monitor your local weather forecast and follow any warnings that may be broadcast.
Follow Instructions from Local Officials: If you are advised by emergency officials to take immediate action such as evacuation, do not wait — follow all orders promptly.
Do Not Walk, Swim or Drive Through Floodwaters: One foot of moving water can sweep a vehicle away. If you have doubts, remember: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”
Know your evacuation route and how to get to higher ground.
Know your area’s type of flood risk — visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center.
Have a flood emergency plan in place that includes considerations for your children, pets and neighbors.
Have an emergency go bag ready to grab for you, your family and your pets that includes any medications you may need.
Check in with elderly neighbors or those who may have mobility issues.
Do not touch downed power lines.
Keep your phone charged.
Keep a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.

After Flood Waters Have Receded

Wait until an area has been declared safe before entering. Be careful driving, since roads may be damaged and power lines may be down.
If your home or apartment has been flooded, DO NOT turn on electrical appliances until an electrician has checked the system and appliances.
Throw out any medicine or food that may have had contact with flood waters.
Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days.
Do not touch downed power lines.
For more preparedness information and safety tips from the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, visit dhses.ny.gov. The National Weather Service website also includes Flood Safety Tips.

New York State agencies are taking actions to respond to the forecasted heavy rain, including:

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate any local requests for assistance. State stockpiles are ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center, New York’s 24/7 alert and warning hub, is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely. The Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) has pre-staged a water rescue team and State Police have another water rescue team on call.

To receive real-time weather and emergency alerts, New Yorkers are encouraged to text the name of their county or borough to 333111.

JULY 27–GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES AI COMPANY LEGORA TO CREATE OVER 550 JOBS THROUGH MAJOR NEW YORK CITY EXPANSION

Posted on July 27, 2026 by John Bailey

Expansion Will Establish Nearly 100,000-Square-Foot Manhattan Office Supporting Engineering, Product Development and Research

Project Includes $87.5 Million in Research and Development Commitments Through the Excelsior Jobs Program

Governor Kathy Hochul Friday announced that Legora, the agentic operating system for legal work, will significantly expand its U.S. operations with a new office at 11 Madison Avenue in Manhattan, creating over 550 new jobs and establishing nearly 100,000 square feet of office space to support engineering, product development, legal engineering and corporate functions.

In support of the project, Empire State Development has offered up to $10.5 million through the Excelsior Jobs Program, tied directly to the company’s investment and job creation commitments.

“Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries around the world, and New York is making sure we remain at the forefront of that transformation,” Governor Hochul said. “Legora’s decision to grow its U.S. operations in New York City is another vote of confidence in our unmatched talent, world-class innovation ecosystem and commitment to helping cutting-edge companies succeed. By investing in companies creating the technologies of tomorrow, we’re creating the good-paying jobs that will drive New York’s economy for years to come.”

Legora plans to establish a 98,420-square-foot office at 11 Madison Avenue that will support a broad range of business functions, including engineering, legal engineering, product development and corporate operations. The company has committed to creating over 550 new full-time jobs over the coming years.

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Every major AI company that chooses to grow in New York strengthens an ecosystem that is becoming more competitive with each new investment. Legora’s expansion will create opportunities for New Yorkers, accelerate innovation and reinforce the momentum we’re seeing as global technology companies continue to put down deeper roots across the State.”

Legora CRO Patrick Forquer said, “New York is establishing itself as the epicenter of legal AI, and we intend to be part of that story. This office anchors our North American growth, and we’re building it alongside a world-class team and customers who are shaping the future of legal work.”

Legora CFO David Eckstein said, “With more than 1,500 law firm and corporate customers across 50 markets globally, this office will allow us to expand our presence and provide best-in-class support to our growing customer base.”

Assemblymember Steve Otis said, “This exciting announcement provides another example of the technology sector synergy that continues to grow in New York State. Congratulations to Legora, Governor Hochul and Hope Knight’s Empire State Development team on again demonstrating the important role innovative technology companies play in energizing job growth in New York. Governor Hochul and both houses of the legislature have made AI, technology manufacturing, quantum and collaboration with business and our universities the cornerstone of expanding the technology business climate in NYS.”

Empire State Development is supporting the project with up to $10.5 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits in exchange for job creation and research and development commitments. The project is expected to create over 550 net new jobs while supporting significant long-term investment in New York’s innovation economy.

Legora’s expansion is supported by Governor Hochul’s strategy to make New York the premier destination for artificial intelligence, fintech and other high-growth technology companies. In recent years, companies across the AI ecosystem have continued to expand their presence in New York, attracted by the State’s exceptional workforce, access to capital, world-renowned universities and collaborative innovation environment.

JULY 27–GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND ATTORNEY GENERAL JAMES ANNOUNCE FIRST ENFORCEMENT ACTION BY NEW OFFICE OF IMMIGRANT TRUST TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE LOCAL COPS, LOCAL CRIMES ACT

Posted on July 27, 2026 by John Bailey

OAG Notifies 12 Law Enforcement Agencies of Legal Responsibility to End 287(g) Agreements by August 25

New Bureau Will Enforce State Civil Laws Protecting Immigrant Communities and Limiting State and Local Collaboration with Federal Immigration Enforcement

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James announced Friday that the new Office of Immigrant Trust (OIT), a first-of-its-kind statewide bureau within the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), sent letters to the 12 local law enforcement agencies in New York that currently have 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), informing them that state law requires they unwind the agreements by August 25, 2026.

Created as part of a legislative package championed and signed by Governor Hochul on May 27, 2026, OIT is dedicated to enforcing New York laws that protect immigrant communities, strengthen public trust, and limit the use of state and local resources for federal civil immigration enforcement.

As part of its duties, the OIT will receive complaints, provide guidance to state and local agencies, conduct investigations, and take legal action when necessary to ensure compliance with state law.

“Nobody is above the law. In New York, we will not tolerate the diversion of local resources for federal civil immigration enforcement at the expense of public safety. That is why we passed a commonsense set of laws standing up against federal overreach and ensuring that local law enforcement are not deputized by the highest funded law enforcement agency in the country,” said Governor Hochul. “My top priority is keeping New Yorkers safe. Ensuring our law enforcement remains focused on local crimes is essential to protecting our communities and maintaining public safety.”

“New York is strongest when every community is able to trust the institutions meant to serve them,” said Attorney General James. “The Office of Immigrant Trust will help ensure that schools, local governments, and public agencies remain places of safety and support, rather than agents of the federal administration’s campaign of fear and intimidation. My office is proud to stand up for immigrant New Yorkers and prepared to hold anyone who violates our laws accountable.”

The letters sent Friday notify the 12 local New York law enforcement agencies with existing 287(g) agreements that New York law now prohibits local governments and law enforcement agencies from participating in any formal or informal 287(g) agreement and using correctional facilities, juvenile detention facilities, and facilities for youth to house federal civil immigration detainees. Under the new state law, existing 287(g) agreements must be terminated by August 25, 2026.

Section 287(g) agreements allowed local officers or employees to engage in or assist with federal civil immigration enforcement or otherwise perform the functions of federal immigration officers, eroding trust between immigrant communities and local institutions, and making residents less likely to report crimes, seek help, or cooperate with law enforcement.

The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act prohibits local governments and law enforcement agencies from entering into 287(g) agreements or similar arrangements that use local resources to detain people for federal immigration violations. This provision ensures that New York’s local law enforcement resources are directed toward local public safety priorities, rather than the federal government’s mass deportation agenda.

Through OIT, Attorney General James will ensure that municipalities comply with New York law and that state and local institutions remain focused on protecting and serving New Yorkers.

The OIT was established as part of a package of state laws designed to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement, safeguard local resources and public safety, and protect immigrant communities across New York. These laws:

Restrict the use of state and local resources for civil immigration enforcement;
Limit sharing certain sensitive information with federal immigration authorities;
Implement new protections for students and families in schools; and
Ban local governments and law enforcement agencies from having or entering into agreements for civil immigration enforcement with ICE under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

The OIT is part of OAG’s Social Justice Division and is authorized to investigate complaints and potential violations involving state and local entities, officers, employees, contractors, and schools. The OIT may issue subpoenas, interview witnesses, review records, and bring civil actions for potential violations when warranted. The OIT will also develop guidance and training recommendations to help state and local governments protect sensitive information from improper immigration enforcement consistent with applicable law.

New Yorkers who witness federal enforcement actions anywhere in the state should report them to OAG through the federal action portal. New Yorkers who believe that a state or local agency, employee, contractor, school, or other covered entity has violated state laws related to civil immigration enforcement are encouraged to contact the OAG hotline at 1-800-771-7755. The Office of Immigrant Trust will also be launching an online civil complaint form in the coming weeks.

JULY 25–LOST CROP AID IS ON THE WAY FOR AGRICULTURE VICTIMS OF SPRING STORMS

Posted on July 25, 2026 by John Bailey

GOVERNOR HOCHUL SECURES USDA DISASTER DECLARATION FOR 32 COUNTIES FOR GROWERS WHO SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT CROP LOSS FROM EXTREME SPRING WEATHER

Apple, Stone Fruit and Grape Crops Impacted After Harsh Conditions Damage Fruit Buds; Estimated Loss for Growers Reporting To Date Is More Than $30 Million

Designation Allows Eligible Producers To Apply for Low-Interest Emergency Loans and Disaster Assistance

Governor Encourages Consumers To Support Local Growers

Disaster Declaration Letter Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State has been granted a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretarial Disaster Designation for counties in the Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson, Capital, Central New York, Long Island, Mohawk Valley, New York, North Country, Southern Tier, and the Western New York regions following extreme weather in the spring that significantly impacted many fruit operations, including apple, stone fruit, grape and strawberry growers.

A USDA disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and those counties contiguous eligible to be considered for emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for relief programs. Farmers can contact their local FSA office here: Find Your Local USDA Service Center. In addition, farmers can find additional resources, such as the FSA Disaster Assistance tool, which helps farmers determine FSA program eligibility, on the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Emergency Management webpage: https://agriculture.ny.gov/emergency-management-partners-and-resources.

To date, producers that reported in these regions have experienced an estimated loss of more than $30 million. A Disaster Designation allows affected farmers to apply for USDA low-interest emergency loans. This designation was granted after a request for a disaster declaration by Governor Hochul on May 19, 2026.

“New York’s growers experienced significant damage early this year with some losing an entire growing season and reporting tens of millions in economic loss,” Governor Hochul said.

“I would like to thank the USDA for taking this action to declare a disaster designation for the impacted counties and help our growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward. I also encourage New Yorkers to continue to support their local growers, whether it’s by buying fresh local products from the farm or purchasing the many products made from New York’s growers.”

The following counties are included in the Disaster Designation for frost and freeze on April 7-8, 2026:

Broome, Cortland and Tompkins

Also included are the contiguous counties of: Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Madison, Onondaga, Schuyler, Seneca, and Tioga

The following counties are included in the Disaster Declaration for frost and freeze during April 19- 21, 2026:

Broome, Cayuga, Chemung, Columbia, Cortland, Dutchess, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Nassau, Niagara, Onondaga, Ontario, Orange, Orleans, Oswego, Putnam, Rockland, Saratoga, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Tompkins, Ulster, Washington, Wayne, Westchester, and Yates.

Also included are the contiguous counties of: Albany, Allegany, Bronx, Chenango, Delaware, Erie, Essex, Genesee, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Oneida, Otsego, Queens, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga and Warren.

The following counties are included for the Disaster Declaration for frost and freeze during May 11-12, 2026:

Fulton, Montgomery, Onondaga, Otsego, and St. Lawrence

Also included are the contiguous counties of Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Franklin, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Oswego, Saratoga, Schenectady, and Schoharie.

The following counties are included in the Disaster Declaration for high winds and hail that occurred during May 13-14, 2026:

Cayuga and Oswego

Also included are the contiguous counties of Cortland, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, Tompkins, and Wayne.

The following counties are included for the Disaster Declaration for excessive rain, flooding and flash flooding that occurred during March 31-April 1, 2026:

Erie

Also included are the contiguous counties of Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Niagara and Wyoming.

New York is a major specialty crop state. The apple, grape and stone fruit industries represent an important and large component of New York’s agricultural economy. New York ranks second in the country for apple production and third for grapes, for example. The apple industry alone generates $574 million in economic impact. These crops also play an important role in wholesale markets as well as retail and direct pick-your own sales.

Damage varies from county to county and a survey conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets estimates that many growers are facing a wide range in losses — anywhere from 15 percent to 100 percent, with an estimated economic loss of more than $30 million to date.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball, alongside several partner agricultural organizations, visited a number of impacted growers in the Hudson Valley region on May 7, 2026 to see firsthand the damage producers were facing.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “I thank Governor Hochul for taking action and urging the USDA to issue this disaster declaration to support our fruit and vegetable growers in their time of need. We saw unprecedented damage to our apple crops and vineyards while touring the Hudson Valley, and growers in regions across the State are facing similar economic losses from the spring frost as well. Securing this disaster declaration will provide the opportunity for affected farmers to apply for critical loan funding that will be crucial to our growers as they move forward.”

Representative Pat Ryan said, “The freeze this spring was absolutely devastating to our farmers and growers in the Hudson Valley. Many of our apple growers told me they lost nearly 100% of their crop. Hearing and seeing the damage firsthand made it crystal clear we needed urgent action from the USDA. For months, I’ve been pushing at every level to help secure this official Disaster Designation, which will now unlock millions of dollars in emergency loans and resources to help our farmers and growers begin to recover. I’m grateful for the USDA’s action, but this is just the first step. I’ll be ready to help all those who were impacted by the frost apply for and get access to this assistance, so their businesses can continue to thrive in the Hudson Valley.”

Representative John W. Mannion said, “After pressing Secretary Rollins and securing her personal commitment to move New York’s request forward without delay, I’m pleased USDA has approved this disaster declaration. Our apple, grape, and specialty crop growers suffered serious losses from the April frost, and this designation will help eligible farmers access the emergency assistance and low-interest loans they need to recover and keep their operations moving forward. I commend Governor Hochul for advancing this request and will continue working with USDA and our state and local partners to make sure relief reaches affected farms as quickly as possible.”

JULY 25– BULLETIN: CELLPHONE MEMORY SCAM TARGETS LOCAL CELL PHONES

Posted on July 25, 2026 by John Bailey

WPCNR CELL PHONE GAMBITS By John F. Bailey. July 25, 2026 FROM WHITE PLAINS WEEK REPORT LAST NIGHT:

IS YOUR CELLPHONE LOSING ITS MEMORY? A LITTLE SLOW ON YOUR FINGERTIP TOUCH?

ARE APS OF ALL KINDS OFFERING TO CLEAN UP A ZILLION VIRUSES IF YOU DON’T CLEAN YOUR PHONE MEMORY IF YOU PAY FOR THIS OR THAT CLEANING PROCESS AP?

THE MEMORY SCAM STARTS IF YOU SEE THIS FRIENDLY LITTLE ROCKET CHARACTER SPACESHIP OR WORSE GET APS SAYING THERE ARE 400 VIRUSUSES INFECTING YOUR PHONE-

YOU ARE A VICTIM OF THE CLEAN YOUR MEMORY SCAM.

THE MESSAGE OFFERS TO CLEAN UP YOUR PHONE MEMORY, CLEAN OUT THE VIRUSES.

YOU (AS I DID) NATURALLY THINK THIS IS A MESSAGE FROM YOUR PHONE SPONSOR AT&T OR SAMSUNG. BUT THEY ARE NOT. THEY ARE SCAMS..

DO NOT DOWNLOAD ANY SUCH CLEANING APS!

I DID.

ONCE YOU DO YOUR CELL PHONE GOES HAYWIRE!

YOU GET OFFERS OF MORE APS AND CLEANING PRODUCTS!

THE EFFECT: IF YOU PURCHASE THE VERY FIRST CLEAN UP SERVICE TO CLEAN OUR PHONE MEMORY ON YOUR PHONE—-

YOUR HOME SCREEN NO LONG KNOWS YOUR FINGERTIP THE APS YOU HAVE AGREED BECOME PARASITES ON YOUR PHONE.

YOU HAVE TROUBLE MAKING AND ANSWERING CALLS. THEY FRIGHTEN YOU SAYING YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS AT RISK FROM VIRUSES

AFTER TRYING TO DELETE THE APS AND COULD NOT, i WENT TO THE AT &T STORE.

THE AT&T TECH MAN IN WHITE PLAINS SAID THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF PERSONS COMING IN TO ATT WITH EXACTLY THIS PROBLEM. HE IS SEENING THIS PROBLEM REPEATEDLY LATELY IN RECENT WEEKS.

YOU THE CELLPHONE OWNER TRYING TO DO A GOOD THING YOU THINK THE PHONE SUPPLIER HAS DISCOVERED ON YOUR COMPUTER—OBVIOUSLY TAKE IT AS AN OFFICIAL NOTIFICATION.

IT’S NOT AND TO GET YOUR PHONE ALLEGED TO BE WITH OVER FILLED MEMORY FOR EACH AP YOU HAVE TO SEND YOUR CREDIT CARD PAYMENT TO USE THE AP

THE TECH OPERATOR COULD NOT REMOVE THE APS INTERFERING WITH MY PHONE OPERATIONS AND THE ONLY SOLUTION WAS TO UPGRADE TO ANOTHER NEW PHONE.

IF YOU GET A MESSAGE SAYING MEMORY IS LOW AND NEEDS CLEANING IT MAY ALREADY BE TOO LATE . HOW THEY ARE TARGETING YOUR CELL PHONE FOR A CLEAN UP IS ANOTHER MYSTERY

IF YOU ACCEPT THE INITIAL OFFER TO CLEAN YOUR PHONE’S MEMORY —WITHIN 2 WEEKS THE PHONE IS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPERATE. BEWARE.