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)

OCTOBER 26–GOVERNOR HOCHUL SAVES FREE SCHOOL MEALS TO CONTINUE SNAP SERVICE

Posted on October 26, 2026 by John Bailey

GOVERNOR HOCHUL PROTECTS NEW YORK’S FREE SCHOOL MEALS FROM TRUMP’S CUTS TO FOOD ASSISTANCE

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State will continue to fully fund its universal free school meals program despite President Trump’s nationwide cuts to federal food assistance programs. By ensuring New York’s program remains fully funded, Governor Hochul is protecting approximately 2.5 million free school meals per school day for kids across the state – and helping their families save up to $1,600 per child per year on groceries.

This past week, new reports revealed other states across the nation are now facing declines in free school meal participation due to the impacts of federal cuts and changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that are leading to Americans, including families with children, losing SNAP as a result of the Republican-led HR 1 bill that was passed last year and enacted by President Trump. However, those troubling impacts will not prevent New York schools from accessing the funds needed to continue providing free school meals. By continuing to fully fund the universal meals program that she launched last year, Governor Hochul is protecting millions of kids and their families from losing access to the free school meals they rely on.

“It’s shameful that President Trump and Washington Republicans are trying to take free school meals away from our kids – and that’s why I took action to ensure kids across New York won’t lose access to the free school meals they rely on,” Governor Hochul said. “While Trump keeps finding new ways to raise costs for hardworking families, I’ll never stop fighting to protect our kids and help New Yorkers keep more money in their pockets.”

New York’s universal free school meals program was enacted by Governor Hochul last year and ensures that 2.7 million students across the state have access to free school breakfast and lunch. That law requires all school districts, charter schools and nonpublic schools that participate in the national school lunch and breakfast program to provide free breakfast and lunch meals to all students regardless of their families’ income.

This year, Governor Hochul fought for and secured a $395 million statewide investment in universal free school meals as part of New York State’s FY27 Enacted Budget – representing an increase of $55 million above the previous fiscal year. Due to this increased State funding and Governor Hochul’s commitment to continue fully funding the program, the federal government’s cuts to food assistance will not result in any New York schools receiving less funding for free meals – ensuring that no New York student would lose access.

With approximately 2.5 million free meals served per school day, State officials estimate that schools across New York have already served approximately 75 million free school meals since the current school year started in September. Free school meals are estimated to help families save up to $1,600 per child per year on grocery costs.

Children whose households participate in SNAP and Medicaid are directly certified for free school meals. Those who are not enrolled in SNAP or Medicaid can still apply for the program. For more information on eligibility and how to apply for the program, families are encouraged to visit https://www.cn.nysed.gov.

Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas said, “Universal free school meals is an issue I care deeply about, and I fought to make this legislation a reality because no child should go hungry and no family should have to struggle to put food on the table. As a mother, I know how important it is to make sure our children have what they need to learn, grow, and thrive. I am proud that we fought for and won universal free school meals in New York, and I applaud Governor Hochul for fully funding the program and protecting it from the Trump administration’s cruel cuts to food assistance. At a time when families are being squeezed by the rising cost of groceries, this investment puts money back in parents’ pockets and ensures millions of children can count on a nutritious breakfast and lunch at school. Feeding our children is a responsibility we all share, and I will never stop fighting to make sure no child is left behind.”

OCTOBER 26– PERSPECTIVE 26: TRANSCRIPT OF JOHN BAILEY’S COMMENTARTY ON THIS WEEK’S WHITE PLAINS WEEK

Posted on October 26, 2026 by John Bailey

NOW TONIGHT’S ERIC SEVEREID MOMENT PERSPECTIVE ‘26

THE SURPRISE:11 MILLION AFFORDABLE HOUSING SEED MONEY WITH ALL QUESTIONS NOT ANSWERED IS WHERE IS THE REST OF THE MONEY COMING FROM THE DEVELOPER? THE CITY? THE STATE? THIS IS THE THIRD AFFORDABLE HOUSING APARTMENT PROJECT OFFERED UP FOR THIS NEIGHBORHOOD.

THE 19 YEAR REBUILD OF WINBROOK CONTINUING AT A SNAIL’S PACE. THE CAPPELLI ORGANIZATION HAS BUILT MORE BUILDINGS IN THIS CITY THAN THE 5-BUILDING WINBROOK PROJECT. THE SELECTING OF THE

WHY BUILD 154 MORE AFFORDABLES HERE ON THIS STREET WHICH IS STILL MOSTLY WAREHOUSES. WHAT IS THE OVERALL VISION FOR THIS STREET IS THIS PART OF ANOTHER URBAN RENEWAL EFFORT

THE MEASLES ARE BACK IN NEW YORK STATE. VACCINES MUST BE SOUGHT OUT BECAUSE THIS IS REALLY BURDENING THE HEALTH SYSTEM AND WHO KNOWS WHAT COVID THEY HAVE?

THE OTHER SICKENING THING THIS WEEK IS THE APPALLING SOPHIST ARTICLES BLAMING THE SEXUAL VIOLENCE OF LITTLE BOYS BEHAVING BADLY BEHAVIOR AWAY BY BLAMING THE WOMAN.

ATTACKING OF WOMEN HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 5,000 YEARS OF OUR TRIBAL EXISTEENCE. IT HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR DECADES. IT IS A TRADITION IN FRATERNITIES. LACK OF ACTION AND CODDLING OF THE COLLEGE PARTY CULTURE CONSISTENTLY SOFT ON THESE OUTRAGES WHILE IMMATURE STUDENTS AT SUPPOSEDLY BEST UNIVERSITIES IN THE WHINE THE WOMAN CONSENTED.

THESE UNIVERSITIES CONSISTENTLY SOFT ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE ARE NOT GREAT UNIVERSITIES AND THEY ARE NOT WELL MANAGED. THEY SADDLE STUDENTS WITH USURUS LOANS UNABLE TO PAY OFF. THEY ARE NOT VERY SECURE AND THEIR REACTIONS TO ACCUSATIONS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE ASSUME THE ACCUSER DESERVED IT AND IS LYING. TYPICAL OF THE WAY SEXUAL ASSAULT ACCUSATIONS HAVE BEEN SWEPT UNDER THE RUG AND INVESTIGATIONS UNPROFESSIONAL AT BEST. HOW ABOUT A TOP 10 LIST OF PROCEDURES TO BRING A CHARGE OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE, RAPE OR WHATEVER.

HERE IS MY LIST THAT CAMPUS POLICE ANY SECURITY SERVICE AN INSTITUTION HIRES SHOULD HAVE. (i HAVE LONG ASSUMED SECURITY ON CAMPUS ALREADY DO.

VIOLENCE MUST BE REPORTED TO CAMPUS SECURITY WITHIN 24 HOURS (ALLOWING THE VICTIMIZED ABILITY TO COUNSELING AND A LAWYER WITHIN THE 24 HOURS.
CAMPUS SECURITY HAS TO BE EQUIPPED WITH A RAPE KIT AND THE VICTIM TESTED FOR EVIDENCE OF INTERCOURSE AND DNA OF THE ALLEGED ATTACKER AGAIN WITHIN 24 HOURS (THIS IS SO BASIC)
CAMPUS SECURITY MUST REQUIRE THE ACCUSED ATTACKER TO PROVIDE A DNA SAMPLE OR SAMPLES. IF THE ATTACKER REFUSES HE OR SHE MUST POST BAIL (A SUBSTIANTIAL AMOUNT)TO AVOID BEING CHARGED OR BE JAILED.
THE ATTACKER OR ATTACKERS MUST BE ROUNDED UP AND STATEMENTS FROM THE ATTACKER(s) NEED TO BE TAKEN.
THE NAMES OF THE ALLEGED ATTACKERS WILL BE RELEASED TO THE MEDIA.
PARENTS OF THE ATTACKER IF HE/SHE IS A STUDENT AND UNDER 21 WILL BE NOTIFIED.
PERSONS EMPLOYED BY THE INSTITUTION OF ANY KIND IF ACCUSED WILL BE SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY UNTIL THE CHARGE IS DROPPED OR RUN ITS LEGAL COURSE. IF CONVICTED OF ASSAULT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE THEY WILL BE TERMINATED, STRIPPED OF PENSION AND TENURE.
PERSONS ARRANGING ALLEGED SEXUAL VIOLENCE SCENARIOS WILL BE (IF STUDENTS OR FACULTY OR COLLEGE OFFICERS) WILL BE PROSECUTED BY THE UNIVERSITY TO THE FULLEST EXTEENT OF THE LAW, IF STUDENTS THEY WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY EXPELLED WITH NO REFUND OF TUITION.
THE UNIVERSITY WILL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES PAY FOR LEGAL COUNSEL OR DEFEND FACULTY OR EMPLOYEES OF ADMINISTRATION IF THEY ARE ACCUSED OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE OR FELONIES AND SUCH INDIVIDUALS WILL BE IMMEDIATELY TERMINATED WITHOUT APPEAL.
THE INSTITUTION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE ANY EMPLOYEE REGARDLESS OF TENURE OR STATURE TO DISMISS SAID EMPLOYEE FOR PATERNS OF BEHAVIOR ENDANGERING OR CONTRIBUTING TO LURING STUDENTS INTO BEHAVIOR CONTRIBUTING TO COMPROMISING THEIR HEALTH, WELL-BEING AND MENTAL HEALTH, THIS WOULD INCLUDE FLIRTING OR ROMANCING. STUDENTS INITIATING ROMANTIC LIAISONS WITH UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES WILL BE SUBJECT TO A WARNING OR SUSPENSION.

ON THE MATTER OF THE ELECTRIC SHUTTLE MENTIONED IN THE NEWS PORTION OF THIS PROGRAM. JUDGING BY THE MANY ATTEMPTS TO HAVE GOVERNMENT TRANSIT OPERATIONS IMPROVE GETTING AROUND THE COUNTY AND WHITE PLAINS, THE NEW ELECTRIC SHUTTLE FOR BATTLE HILL, BY FAR THE CLOSEST NEIGHBORHOOD TO THE TRAIN STATION CANNOT BE THE ONLY BENEFACTOR OF THIS SHUTTLE.

THE SHUTTLE HAS TO BE PLANNED BY AN ORGANIZATION THAT CAN ANALYZE COSTS, ROUTES, TIMES. IT DESERVES PLANNING.

PLANNING IN WHITE PLAINS THE LAST 14 YEARS HAS BEEN BASED ON HOLDING MEETINGS AND LISTENING SESSIONS FROM PERSONS WHO TELL YOU WHAT THEY LIKE AND THE CITY DOES IT AND TWEAKS THE “LIKES” INTO PLANS THEY THINK ARE GOOD.

UNFORTUNATELY NONE OF THE PLANS CREATED IN THE LAST 14 YEARS FOR TRAFFIC, DEVELOPMENT HAVE BEEN PLANNED WELL. THERE WAS I BELIEVE SOME TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS SPENT ON A TRANSIT STUDY IN WHITE PLAINS. WE NEVER SAW THE RESULTS OF THAT.

COULD WE SEE A TRANSIT PLANNING INDIVIDUAL WHO CAN FIT THIS SHUTTLE TO THE CITY PROBLEMS OF UNCONTROLLED TRAFFIC JAYWALKING PEDESTRIANS, U-TURNS ON MAMARONECK AVENUE BE TAMED. I DOUBT IT.

PLANNING MY FRIENDS IS IMPORTANT. WHEN PLANNING IS POOR AND NOT ADEQUATELY MARKET RESEARCHED THE FINAL PROJECT DOES NOT ACHIEVE WHAT IT IS SUPPOSED TO ACHIEVE.

THIS IS JOHN BAILEY REPORTING FOR WHITE PLAINS WEEK….GOOD NIGHT AND THANK YOU

OCTOBER 25— SENATOR GILLEBRAND TOTALS UP COST TO NEW YORKERS IN THE “ANYTHING GOES” ERA

Posted on October 25, 2026 by John Bailey

Welcome to Kirsten’s New York Minute!

Here’s what she’s been up to this week:

1. Protecting reliable internet for schools

Millions of children are at risk of falling behind if the Trump administration follows through on its proposal to eliminate or limit the E-rate program, which helps over 96% of U.S. public schools access high-speed internet.

This week, Kirsten joined over 100 of her colleagues in demanding that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) withdraw its harmful proposal and recommit to protecting the infrastructure that helps children learn.

Read more.

2. NEW REPORT: New York families have spent $6,000+ due to Trump’s cost chaos

Following the release of a new study that showed that the average New York household has spent an additional $6,000+ for goods and services due to rising costs under President Trump, Kirsten vowed to continue fighting to lower costs.

In Washington, she is working to lower costs and hold the administration accountable for cutting Americans’ healthcare, launching a reckless war that has raised gas and energy prices, and levying tariffs that have increased prices for groceries and other essentials.

Read more.

3. Working to increase availability of menopause therapies

Estradiol patches are a first-line, widely used, and highly effective treatment for managing menopause symptoms. Unfortunately, over the last year, the drug supply chain has failed to meet increased demand for estradiol patches, leaving thousands of women to navigate administrative chaos and, in some cases, ration or discontinue use of the patches.

This week, Kirsten demanded a clear plan from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to mitigate the patch shortage. FDA should be doing everything in its power to ensure this therapy is available to all women who need it, and Kirsten will keep pushing until they do.

Read more.

4. Fighting reckless gun sales

The Trump administration’s decision to break with decades of precedent and allow the sale of handguns to teenagers is a direct surrender to the gun lobby at the expense of American lives.

Kirsten is demanding that the Trump administration return to enforcing the law that bars dealers from selling handguns to people under the age of 21. This is critical to help keep guns out of the wrong hands, and Kirsten is doing everything she can to get the administration to follow the law.

Read more.

5. Helping New Yorkers get lifesaving healthcare

A retired Certified Nursing Assistant from Queens County contacted Kirsten’s office after his application for Social Security Disability benefits was denied. Without these benefits, the constituent could not afford to cover his daily expenses and the cost of his lifesaving dialysis treatments.

After Kirsten’s team appealed the denial, the constituent’s claim was reviewed and decided favorably, and he is now able to receive disability benefits and Medicare coverage.

Individual casework is Kirsten’s top priority. If you need help with a federal agency, contact her here.

If you were forwarded this newsletter and want to sign up to receive it every week, click here .

OCTOBER 25— SENATOR SCHUMER ON THE PLIGHT OF NEW YORK’S (AND AMERICA’S) DISABLED AHEAD

Posted on October 25, 2026 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER OCTOBER 25, 2026

A READER SHARED THIS LETTER SENT THEM FROM SENATOR CHARLES SCHUMER IN RESPONSE TO THEIR LETTER EXPRESSING CONCERN FOR FUTURE OF THE DISABLED.

Thank you for writing to express your support for protecting funding for critical disability programs in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) federal budget.

I wholeheartedly agree that these programs play a vital role in empowering people with disabilities to live independently, access essential services, and fully engage in community life.

President Donald Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) federal budget proposal poses a serious threat to the future of critical disability programs by proposing their elimination, restructuring, or conversion into block grants.

The programs at risk play an essential and irreplaceable role in enabling people with disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and full participation in community life. They offer a broad range of vital services-including housing assistance, vocational training, personal care support, transportation, and advocacy-that empower individuals to make choices about their lives and remain actively engaged in their communities.

While the FY26 proposal introduces new and deeply concerning threats, it comes on top of the lasting harm already inflicted on the disability community.

During the first six months of the Trump-Vance administration, President Donald Trump has enacted executive actions, budget cuts, layoffs, and legislation that significantly curtailed disability rights, reduced access to Medicaid, and undermined the right to a free and appropriate public education.

The budget proposal not only fails to repair this damage, but it also risks compounding it.

Throughout my career, I have been deeply committed to breaking down systemic barriers, addressing the unique and often overlooked needs of people with disabilities, and advancing their right to live with dignity, autonomy, and full inclusion.

My work has centered on expanding access to opportunity, ensuring equitable support, and strengthening the freedom for individuals with disabilities to participate fully in all aspects of society. That’s why, alongside former President Joe Biden, I fought to deliver historic investments in vital services-including $36.8 billion to strengthen home- and community-based care, $1.75 billion from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to make rail stations more accessible, and a $1.3 billion boost for IDEA grants to support students with disabilities.

Recently, I joined my Senate Democratic colleagues in sending a joint letter to HHS Secretary Kennedy, urging an immediate halt to efforts to dismantle the Administration for Community Living (ACL). ACL plays a vital role in funding and overseeing essential programs, including Independent Living, UCEDDs, Developmental Disabilities Councils, Protection and Advocacy Systems, and Projects of National Significance.

We warned that breaking up ACL’s functions across agencies and cutting its workforce by more than half would severely disrupt services like senior nutrition, caregiver support, and developmental disabilities programs.

These changes would not only undermine ACL’s mission-they would also directly conflict with the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) appropriations passed by Congress and violate its responsibilities under the Older Americans Act and the Developmental Disabilities Act.

As Senate Minority Leader, I will continue to fight to protect critical disability programs in the FY26 federal appropriations process, ensuring that people with disabilities can live independently, access essential services, and fully participate in their communities.

Again, thank you for contacting me. Please keep in touch with your thoughts and opinions.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator