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JUNE 30– SENATOR GILLEBRAND: BIRTHRITE CITIZENSHIP UPHELDBY SUPREME COURT
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GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP RULING
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the Supreme Court upholding birthright citizenship:
“Today, the Supreme Court did what the Constitution has demanded for more than 150 years: it affirmed that children born on American soil are American citizens. This is a victory for the rule of law, for the Fourteenth Amendment, and for hundreds of thousands of families across New York and this country.
“The president tried to rewrite the Constitution with the stroke of a pen. The Court told him he could not.
“Had this order taken effect, children born in our hospitals, in our communities, and on our soil could have been denied the basic recognition of their citizenship in the only country they have ever known. The principle the Court upheld today is simple and it is sacred.
“This is a sound rejection of this administration’s lawless overreach, and it should serve as a reminder that our system of checks and balances still holds. But the fight to protect immigrant families and the rule of law is far from over. I will keep fighting in the Senate and alongside New Yorkers to defend the Constitution and the values that make this country worth believing in.”
JUNE 27—HUZZAH! FOR WPHS CLASS OF ’26 GRADUATES
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White Plains High School graduates 567 from Class of 2026 at Westchester County Center
SPECIAL REPORT TO WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER FROM WHITE PLAINS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The White Plains High School Class of 2026 crossed the stage at Westchester County Center Thursday evening to officially graduate from high school and begin their next chapter. The commencement ceremony was marked by hundreds of proud family members and friends cheering on the 567 graduates.
Click here to view the photo gallery!
The 129th annual Graduation Exercises began with a joint welcome from co-presidents of student government, Deya Allen and Neela Older. They reflected on their time in the White Plains City Public Schools, all leading up to this moment.
“After four years of studying, making friends, performing and finding new interests, I think we can speak on behalf of our class when I say we found ourselves, and a home, in White Plains,” said Deya.
In a bilingual speech, suited for the diverse student population of the high school, Principal Emerly Martinez recalled the legacy of former Superintendent Carrol Johnson, who led one of the first voluntary desegregation plans in the nation. Today, Dr. Johnson’s legacy lives on through the diversity that can be seen in White Plains schools every day, including classrooms where more than one language is spoken.
“Your story did not begin four years ago,” said Mr. Martinez. “It began long before that, shaped by the schools, the people, the community that brought you here. And in White Plains, that story connects to something larger, a long-standing belief in the power of public education to bring people together.”
Mr. Martinez touted the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 as well as cautioning them that the time moves fast and to make the most of their opportunities.
“My hope is that you leave here not only prepared academically but prepared to engage the world with openness and respect,” he said. “You do not need to agree with everyone you meet, but you do need curiosity over judgment and respect over division. Carry forward what White Plains has shown for generations: that community is something we choose, we build together.”
Salutatorian Eliana Lieber connected the Class of 2026’s educational journey to a foundation, akin to the foundation beneath the skyline of New York City or the shifting skyline of the rapidly developing White Plains. The entire class has built their foundation, and now they will continue their development after graduation.
“The skyline around us will continue to grow and shift, as will our futures,” said Eliana. “We don’t know what comes next in our chapters. But we know that our foundation is solid, and we know that we have what it takes to support and be supported by the beautiful city around us. Thank you and congratulations to everyone.”
Valedictorian Nathan Beck highlighted a parable of a farmer who, through life-changing events seemingly good and bad, never made judgments on his life. When his neighbors commented on how lucky or unlucky he was, he just said “maybe.” Instead of making snap-judgements on their lives, Nathan urged the Class of 2026 to just live their lives since no one knows what will happen in the future.
“The stuff that ended up mattering most, the stuff that made us, us, wasn’t the stuff on the schedule. It was everything in between, and most of it, you can’t predict,” said Nathan. “Eighth grade me had no idea he’d be standing here. Zero. That kid couldn’t have imagined any of this. Not the people, not the moments, not even this version of himself. And if eighth grade me was that wrong about the future, then I think it’s safe to say, we have no idea what’s going to come next. And I mean that in the best possible way.”
Following a joint statement of appreciation from class co-presidents Eliana Liber and Alejandro Reluzco, the White Plains High School Symphony Orchestra played a song before an address to the graduates by Board of Education President Rosemarie Eller.
“This class has demonstrated resilience, excellence, and an ability to find joy while lifting one another up,” said Board President Eller. “You give us hope that our future will be bright because of the contributions you will make. As you navigate the next steps of your life, remember to use your voice. Stand up for what is right. Don’t be afraid to engage in difficult conversations. They will strengthen you and prepare you for the challenges ahead.”
Principal Emerly Martinez then presented the graduates to Superintendent Dr. Joseph Ricca, certifying that they have met the requirements for graduation. Dr. Ricca echoed his sentiment that the students were ready and well-prepared from their time in White Plains schools.
“I think you’re fully prepared to lead us into the future,” said Dr. Ricca. “I think that you have the capability and skill set required to continue to learn, grow and improve, and make our world better. I believe in you. I think that you learned to be kind, I think that you learned to be inquisitive, dedicated and proud.”
Dr. Ricca officially accepted the graduates, and diplomas were presented to the students.
Students smiled and let out a sigh of relief as they crossed the stage and became graduates. Students from Rochambeau Alternative High School also graduated as a part of the Class of 2026. Graduates then tossed their caps in the air and began a night of celebration with their families and friends.
JUNE 26–WHITE PLAINS WEEK TONIGHT THE JUNE 26 EDITION 7:30 EDT CH 76 OPTIMUM. FIOS CH 45 AND ANYTIME AT WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
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BRINGING BACK THE WILD WEST!
GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND MAYOR MAMDAMI EXPAND
ABORTION PREGNANCY HOT LINE TO ADVISE THOUSANDS
GOVERNOR TO CHALLENGE SUPREME COURT REJECTING NEW YORK GUN LAW
COUNTY LEGISLATORS START TASK FORCE
SEEK PATHS TO WESTCHESTER AFFORDIBILITY RELIEF
PLAN LISTENING TOUR WILL REPORT IN A YEAR
SEWERS OVERLOW WITH 1 INCH OF RAIN,
POLLUTE RYE, MAMARONECK, LARCHMONT NEW RO BEACHES
DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARGES TWO CARETAKERS OF DISABLED
WITH RADING CLIENTS BANK ACCOUNTS
THE WHITE PLAINS 250TH BIRTHDAY OF AMERICA CELEBRATION DOWNTOWN
THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT OF THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
WITH JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS
THIS WEEK EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK
FOR 25 YEARS
JUNE 26 — MOVIN’ ON UP!
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Highlands Middle School Class of 2026 moves up to high school
Rising ninth-grade students from Highlands Middle School took a big step on their educational path at the Westchester County Center Thursday afternoon, finishing their middle school journeys and moving up to high school. Five-hundred and eight students from the Highlands Class of 2026 were recognized as eighth grade graduates.
Click here to view the photo gallery!
Interim Principal Joseph Spero, referencing the New York Knicks and their championship run, challenged the students to be confident. He explained how these students remind him of the championship team.
“For you, as soon-to-be ninth graders, the lessons, although simple, are very profound.
One, if you believe in yourself, it doesn’t matter who else does or does not believe in you. Two, when the game seems over, sometimes it’s just beginning. Three, if you work well with others, anything can be accomplished. And four, don’t let anyone else define what you’re capable of. Only you can determine your ceiling.”
Mr. Spero also pointed out the wheelchair, left in place for former student GianRaul Moreno Olivo, who passed away earlier in the year. GianRaul was one of the 508 students listed on the program as a graduate of Highlands.
Sophia Reinoso Medina, representing the Highlands Student Organization, spoke of her memories from early days of school at Eastview Middle School and Highlands Middle School.
“These are all memories that are usually forgotten,” she said. “But it is these kinds of minor events that led us here. All of us united at the County Center, to transition into a new, promising environment. I want you to look around. Take in this moment. Remember it and share it. We’ve gone through so much together and there’s still so much more to come.”
Mathew Cuenca Serrano, also representing the Highlands Student Organization, talked about how the past has prepared them to enter high school.
“We already know how to adapt to a non-familiar environment. You know how to bounce back, how to make new friends, and how to balance our time. As we leave middle school behind … Do not be afraid of the chances in high school. Embrace them. We already have shown what we are, so we know how to go. And, I have no doubt that over the next four years, every single one of us is going to absolutely grow. Let us make it our best years.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph L. Ricca talked about opportunities for the students as they become freshmen.
“New beginnings are opportunities, and they’re really pleasant. In fact, every day will bring new opportunities, new academic challenges to pursue, new friendships to make, old friendships maybe to repair or bolster, new faculty and staff members to work with, new opportunities to explore. Every day, every new beginning is an opportunity.”
A video tribute, created by the Video Production Club, played to a chorus of laughs as students remembered the moments leading up to their moving up. Students then received their certificates, officially becoming high schoolers.
JUNE 26—Westchester County Board of Legislators Affordability and Economic Development Task Force Holds First Meeting- PLANS LISTENING TOUR
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Westchester County Board of Legislators Affordability and Economic Development Task Force Holds First Meeting
The Westchester County Board of Legislators’ new Affordability and Economic Development Task Force held its first meeting Thursday, bringing together leaders from a broad range of sectors to tackle financial pressures straining Westchester residents and businesses.
The Board created the task force in April to develop concrete, actionable policy recommendations that will make Westchester more affordable, support local businesses, and improve County residents’ quality of life.
The inaugural meeting, led by Task Force Chair Legislator Colin D. Smith, focused on setting priorities for the group’s work, including housing, childcare, workforce development, transportation, tourism, education, sustainability, and support for small businesses.
Board Chairman Vedat Gashi (D–New Castle, Ossining, Somers, Yorktown) said,
“Families and businesses across Westchester are facing significant financial pressures. This task force reflects our commitment to finding real-world solutions that can make a difference. There’s a lot to be done, and our first meeting represents a strong start. We look forward to the work ahead.”
Legislator Colin D. Smith (D–Cortlandt, Peekskill, Yorktown) said,
“Today’s meeting was an important step in moving from planning into action. The discussion reinforced that affordability affects workers, businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and the long-term strength of Westchester County. Our goal is to listen and identify the real cost drivers. We will develop practical recommendations for what the County can do directly, what we can coordinate with partners, and what we should advocate for at other levels of government. Thanks to Chairman Gashi for creating the task force and to all who are bringing their experience, urgency, and insights to this work. This is the start of a serious process, and I look forward to building on it.”
The task force includes inaugural organizational members representing Westchester’s business and nonprofit communities, including the Business Council of Westchester, the Westchester County Association, Nonprofit Westchester, and the New York Apartment Association. Their participation will help ensure recommendations reflect a broad range of economic perspectives.
Today’s meeting drew representatives from the above organizations, plus Westchester County Tourism & Film, Child Care Council of Westchester, Westchester Women’s Agenda, Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, SUNY Westchester Community College, and BRI (The Building & Realty Institute).
In the coming months, the task force will hold a countywide listening tour—a series of public meetings, each focused on a different topic. The sessions will give residents, employers, service providers, advocates, and subject matter experts an opportunity to share their experiences and ideas. Input gathered through the public sessions will shape a findings report and policy recommendations for the Board to consider next year.
JUNE 25— TONIGHT ON “PEOPLE TO BE HEARD” AT 8: DR. JOSEPH RICCA THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS END OF SCHOOL YEAR REPORT FIOS CH 45. OPTIMUM CH 76 AND www.wpcommunitymedia.org
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DR. JOSEPH RICCA ON HOW THE STUDENTS DID THIS YEAR
THE DISTRICT PATH TO FISCAL STABILITY AND A GREAT EDUCATION
REPORT ON THE INNOVATION BUILDING GOING UP ON THE HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS
THE NEWEST DETAILS ON WHAT THE INNOVATION WILL MEAN
TO STUDENTS IN WHITE PLAINS HIGH SCHOOL
IF SCHOOL AID IS CUT-HOW THE DISTRICT WILL RESPOND
STUDENTS, PARENTS TEAM
TO MAKE THE NO CELLPHONES IN SCHOOL POLICY WORK
“A.I.” IN SCHOOL- HOW THE DISTRICT IS INTEGRATING IT AS A LEARNING TOOL
JUNE 25– DANGEROUS INSECTS AT LARGE
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Mosquitoes, ticks, rabies, and what to know about the Japanese yew plant
The NY Dose
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I’m back on the New York health beat after taking a vacation to visit family in Hawaii! I’m a little more tan, definitely more relaxed, and still finding sand in and around my apartment.
Thanks for your patience with last week’s break—rest is public health too. 🙂
And we are now in the full swing of summer, and the health issues that come with it. This week we’ve got updates on ticks, mosquitoes, rabies, and what to know about the toxic yew plant in Central Park.
Understanding the risks and how to manage them will help with enjoying all that summer has to offer.
Ticks
We are in peak tick season in the Northeast right now. The Northeast has seen high tick activity for the last three weeks, not a single peak like last year.
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Figure from CDC.
What’s especially important for New Yorkers to know is that ticks are now not just something to think about after a weekend upstate, hiking, or camping. We are seeing increasing reports of ticks in city parks and urban areas in the Northeast—the New York Times covered it last week.
It’s important to start spreading the word about this because those of us who live in the city, myself included, may not be used to seeing ticks around city parks or doing tick checks after going on picnics or walking our dogs. But now may be the time to start, especially if you have dogs or outdoor cats.
Ticks in the city can still carry disease. Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease among New Yorkers (more than 9,000 cases annually), followed by babesiosis and anaplasmosis.
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Tick surveillance and testing by the NYC Health Department.
For the rest of New York state outside of NYC and Long Island, tick risk is a combination of low and moderate, but the message is that tick risk is present everywhere across the state.
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Risk of tick encounter by region in New York. Figure from New York Department of Health.
No matter where you are in New York, protecting yourself and family means avoiding ticks:
- Use repellent that contains 20% or more DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin.
- Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
- Walk in the center of trails and avoid brushing against tall plants.
- Do tick checks after spending time outdoors, including time in city parks. For kids, especially check under arms, in and around ears, in the belly button, and in their hair.
- Toss your clothes in a hot dryer for 10 minutes to kill any hidden hitchhikers (though I know this is difficult or impossible if you don’t have a washer/dryer in your building).
- Treat dogs for ticks. Dogs are very susceptible to tick bites and may also bring ticks into your home.
- If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it promptly with tweezers and monitor for symptoms. Early treatment is key to preventing severe illness.
Mosquitoes
The mosquito season is just starting in New York. With more mosquitos, expect more news of mosquito-borne illnesses, like West Nile Virus (WNV). Last year, WNV was detected in mosquitoes as early as July 1. We can expect these pests to hang around until about November when temperatures start to drop.
Most mosquitoes do not carry pathogens that can hurt us. Among those that do, the most common is WNV, and even that is relatively rare. In 2025, 59 human WNV cases were reported across New York state, including in New York City. While most people who get WNV won’t show symptoms, the virus can be dangerous for those who are over 60 years old or have immunocompromising conditions.
Last year, 16 counties in New York detected WNV, and in NYC, it was detected in every borough.
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West Nile Virus found in mosquitoes across New York state counties. Figure from New York state.
NYC and New York haven’t started publishing their weekly mosquito reports yet, which will have up-to-date detection maps. This should start soon.
But now is the time to start preventing bites from these annoying bugs:
- Wear EPA-approved mosquito repellent outside, especially during peak mosquito activity time: dawn and dusk. If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
- Avoid being outside when mosquitoes are most active (the morning and evening)—but this can be really hard.
- If it’s not too hot, long sleeves and long pants can protect against bites.
- Dump standing water (think flower/plant saucers, buckets, fountains, toys that have been sitting outside, etc.) to eliminate mosquito habitats.
Rabies
New Yorkers should be aware of rabies this summer as we spend more time outside, and potentially in contact with wildlife.
Rabies, nearly 100% fatal for humans, circulates in the wild animals around us. In New York, rabies is most commonly seen in raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and free roaming cats. However, any mammal can be infected, including household pets, like dogs and cats, and other domestic animals such as horses and livestock.
Rabies is detected across New York state, with some pockets of really high activity.
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Figure from New York state.
Last year, I covered large increases in rabies in raccoons seen in Nassau County. And while increases in rabies may sound scary, there are practical steps we can implement that make risk to humans pretty low.
What you can do:
- Ensure that your pets are up to date on rabies vaccines—in New York, state law requires it. All New York counties offer free rabies vaccination clinics. For more information, contact your local health department.
- Do not touch or get close to wild animals, including feral cats. If you are bitten, immediately wash the wound with soap and water and contact your medical provider. Advise children to immediately tell an adult if they are bitten or scratched by an animal.
- If you see a wild animal that doesn’t look well or you encounter a dead animal, contact your local health department or 311 if you are in New York City. Rabies symptoms in animals include tiredness, confusion, difficulty moving, aggression, drooling, and chewing objects like wood, soil, or stones.
Getting vaccinated is crucial if a wild animal bites you. I learned that firsthand in college when I was traveling and was bit by a wild monkey. I’m so thankful I got the shots.
Japanese yew: what to know about the toxic plant that killed a central park carriage horse
Earlier this month, a carriage horse named Deniz died in Central Park after eating a lethal amount of Japanese yew, according to necropsy details from Cornell Veterinary Hospital. There’s now a debate over who’s responsible, but the public health takeaway is simpler: plants in parks, yards, planters, and landscaping can be dangerous, and it’s important to pay attention to what pets and kids might get into.
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Figures from Treeland nursery and The Spruce.
Japanese yew is a common ornamental shrub in the United States, where it is used in landscaping and Christmas wreaths. However, it contains taxine alkaloids, which can disrupt the heart’s electrical system and cause rapid collapse or sudden death in people and animals. ASPCA and Cornell list yew as toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and livestock. Shakespeare actually used yew as the poison in Macbeth.
Despite it being poisonous, Japanese yew is planted in Central Park, and it sounds like the horse took a big bite of the plant without the carriage driver noticing (thought the park notes that horses are forbidden from eating park plants).
This doesn’t mean we need to panic every time we pass a shrub, but it does mean we should be aware. Here are some tips:
- Don’t let pets, horses, or kids chew on unknown plants or berries.
- If you trim yew or other toxic shrubs, clean up clippings carefully and don’t toss them where animals can reach them. I also read some accounts of people feeling sick after using yew wood in outdoor fires.
- If a pet may have eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control.
- For human exposure, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Bottom line
Summer brings specific health issues, including infectious diseases transmitted by ticks, mosquitoes, and animals. But a little prevention and awareness go a long way in keeping us and our pets healthy to fully enjoy summer. 🙂
Love,
Your NY Epi
Dr. Marisa Donnelly, PhD, is an epidemiologist, science communicator, and public health expert. This newsletter exists to translate complex public health data into actionable insights, empowering New Yorkers to make informed and evidence-based health decisions.
JUNE 24–GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND MAYOR MAMDANI EXPAND ABORTION ACCESS COMMUNICATIONS
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Nearly Half a Million Dollars in New Funding Will Expand the NYC Hotline’s Capacity To Connect Callers with Abortion Providers and Support Services
Today, Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced that the New York State Department of Health and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are investing $495,000 to expand the New York City Abortion Access Hub’s referral network.
The expansion will allow the Hub to connect callers with a broader network of abortion providers and support organizations outside the five boroughs, helping more people access reproductive health care regardless of where they live.
“As we commemorate four years since the Supreme Court’s disastrous Dobbs decision, New York is sending a clear message to the rest of the country: We’re not going to let Washington Republicans take us backwards,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to our support, we are expanding the reach of this vital resource so more people have access to safe reproductive health care.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani said,
“Four years ago, the disastrous Dobbs decision stripped away a fundamental right and put reproductive health care out of reach for millions of Americans across this country.
Since then, New York has led the fight to protect abortion care. On this anniversary, we are expanding the successful Abortion Access Hub so that anyone seeking care can more easily find it. Together with New York State, we are strengthening a lifeline that connects people to abortion care, medication, transportation, lodging and support. Because abortion is health care. And health care is a human right.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said,
“New York State will continue to fight to protect access to abortion care and reproductive healthcare for anyone in need of these vital services, despite ongoing politically motivated efforts to remove these hard-fought rights. Our partnership with New York City and the expansion of the Abortion Access Hub enables New York State to further protect these fundamental rights and remain a safe harbor for anyone seeking care.”
New York State’s annual investment of $250,000 will support the Hub’s coordination with abortion providers outside New York City and organizations that assist patients with travel, financial support and lodging associated with obtaining care.
NYC Abortion Access Hub
The NYC Abortion Access Hub is a confidential hotline that connects callers to abortion care and related services, including financial assistance, insurance enrollment, transportation and lodging. The Hub was launched in response to the Dobbs decision.
Since its launch, the Hub has answered more than 10,400 calls and nearly 5,000 live chat messages.
More than half of callers seek medication abortion services, while one-quarter of calls come from outside New York state.
Among out-of-state callers, the largest shares come from Florida (35 percent), Texas (27 percent) and Georgia (15 percent), where abortion access is heavily restricted.
Most callers are younger than 30 years old (60 percent). Nearly half identify as Latino (47 percent), nearly one-quarter identify as Black (24 percent), and most report annual household incomes below $25,000 (59 percent).
NYC Sexual Health Clinics
The Hub ALSO connects callers toNYC Sexual Health Clinics,
These clinics offer no-cost medication abortion, contraception and on-site pregnancy testing at four sites. More than 60 percent of clinic patients receive same-day care, and services are provided regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Additional services offered by the clinics include birth control, emergency contraception, pap smears, and onsite iron level tests for potential medication abortion patients.
The new partnership between State and City health departments will allow the Hub to engage a broader network of providers and expand referral options statewide.
JUNE 24–CELEBRATE AMERICA’S BIRTHDAY BEGINNING JULY 2 IN WHITE PLAINS NEW YORK USA
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