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DAVID BUCHWALD  EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF “CIVIC HELPERS”

INTERVIEWED BY  JOHN BAILEY ON  HIS ADVOCACY  FOR THE PEOPLE ORGANIZATION 

THE ORANIZATION THAT HELPS PEOPLE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS  WITH GOVERNMENTS OF ALL KINDS

DISCOVERS PROBLEMS, SOLVES THEM TOGETHER WITH BUREAUCRACIES

WHO LISTEN TO WHAT CIVIC HELPERS FIND OUT

DAVID BUCHWALD ON DIPLOMACY THAT WORKS WITH FACTFINDING, FACTS AND REASON AND CONSISTENCY 

YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN USE

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White Plains Performing Arts Center Announces 24^th Season

The White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) is delighted to announce its 2026–2027 Mainstage Season, marking the professional regional theatre’s 24^th season.

This season features three dynamic Mainstage productions: the award-winning coming-of-age hit DEAR EVAN HANSEN, the worldwide phenomenon Disney’s FROZEN, and the Broadway blockbuster 9 TO 5.

Subscription packages to see all 3 of these shows up to 15% off are on sale as well as individual show tickets!  WPPAC is the perfect venue to take in professional Broadway quality productions.

The professional theatre productions include the following three shows:

• DEAR EVAN HANSEN October 2-25
• Disney’s FROZEN December 11 – January 3
• 9 to 5 April 9 – May 2

DEAR EVAN HANSEN

Book by STEVEN LEVENSON

Music & Lyrics by BENJ PASEK & JUSTIN PAUL

October 2 – 25, 2026

The Tony^® Award Winning Best Musical

Featuring a Tony Award-winning book by Steven Levenson (Fosse/Verdon), and a score by Grammy^®, Tony^®, Emmy^® and Academy Award^® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, La La Land, Dogfight, James and the Giant Peach), Dear Evan Hansen is a new classic, with a message that has resonated with audiences around the world: “You Will Be Found.”

Seventeen-year-old Evan Hansen has felt invisible his entire life. But when a tragedy shocks his community and thrusts him into the center of a rapidly evolving controversy, Evan is given the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to be somebody else. As his web of well-intentioned lies begins to unravel, though, Evan is forced to confront the fact that the price of belonging may be far steeper than he bargained for.

Disney’s FROZEN The Broadway Musical

Music & Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez

Book by Jennifer Lee

Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee

December 11, 2026 – January 3, 2027

For the first time in forever, experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage.

In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.

Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Disney’s Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love.

9 to 5

Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton

Book by Patricia Resnick

Based on the Twentieth Century Fox film

April 9 – May 2, 2027

9 to 5, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.

Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?

The White Plains Performing Arts Center’s 24^th season will also include a variety of special events and concerts.  They are the following:

BEAUTY AND THE BEATS

Ultimate fairytale tribute show for Disney fanatics of all ages!

Sunday, July 19 – 2:00 PM

My First Ex-Husband

A New Play by Joy Behar

starring Joy Behar, Veanne Cox and Jackie Hoffman

My First Ex-Husband is a bold and heartfelt adaptation of true stories by the legendary Joy Behar, comedienne and co-host of The View. With razor-sharp wit and no filters, this play explores the messy, hilarious truths of love, sex, and relationships.

Whether you’re happily coupled, cautiously committed, or considering changing the locks, relationships are complicated—and universally relatable. These stories are your stories, only funnier.

Saturday, August 1 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

An Evening with 2-time Tony^® Award Nominee

MEGAN HILTY

Best known for her breakout role as Ivy Lynn in the NBC musical drama Smash, Megan Hilty has built a celebrated career spanning Broadway, television, and concert stages around the world. She most recently starred as Madeline Ashton in the hit Broadway musical Death Becomes Her, earning a Tony Award nomination and a Grammy Award nomination and two Broadway.com Audience Awards.

Saturday, November 14 – 7:30 PM

CHRISTMAS WITH THE NEW YORK TENORS

The Spirit of New York comes alive at Christmas time with the voices of Daniel Rodriguez, Andy Cooney and Christopher Macchio, The New York Tenors.  Join us as these stars of Carnegie Hall bring an uplifting show filled with Christmas, Broadway, Opera, Inspirational and Patriotic songs that will leave you totally inspired!

Monday, December 14 – 7:30 PM

SETH’S BROADWAY CONCERT SERIES

SETH RUDETSKY with Tony^® Award Nominee

Ana Gasteyer

Saturday Night Live’s and Broadway’s Ana Gasteyer teams up with SiriusXM radio host Seth Rudetsky for a one-night-only special-event concert full of intimate, funny, behind-the-scenes stories mixed with incredible performances. The set list will have Gasteyer recreating show-stopping performances from her incredible singing career where she delivers a standout turn in her Tony^® nominated role in Schmigadoon! and flew high in Wicked!

Saturday, January 16 – 7:30 PM

CHEYENNE JACKSON

That Guy From That Thing

That Guy from That Thing is an evening of story and song that pulls back the curtain on Grammy and Emmy-nominated Cheyenne Jackson—the actor you instantly recognize from his star turns on stage and screen…but can’t quite place. Fresh off his run in Broadway megahit Oh, Mary! and his stunning solo debut concert at Carnegie Hall, Cheyenne invites into his orbit with humor, warmth, and a knowing wink. This unforgettable evening will take you on an eclectic musical journey from the songbook classics of Nat King Cole to the pop of Elton John and Sarah Bareilles, to the Broadway brilliance of Bernstein—and beyond.

Friday, March 12 – 7:30 PM

For additional information regarding all the upcoming performances, please visit the website at www.wppac.com

The White Plains Performing Arts Center is located on the third level of City Center off Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains, minutes from the White Plains Metro North Station. For tickets visit the theatre box office Monday-Friday (11am-6pm), purchase the tickets online at wppac.com or call 914-328-1600. For Group Sales, please contact boxoffice@wppac.com.

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EXTREME HEAT FORECAST FOR TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY

HEALTH COMMISSIONER ISSUES WARNING

Real Feel Temperatures Could Reach 100 Degrees through Wednesday

(White Plains, NY) – The National Weather Service is warning that extremely hot and humid conditions could persist from today, Tuesday, through Wednesday. The forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 90s to 100 degrees or more, with humidity making outdoor temperatures very uncomfortable. The humidity is expected to ease up on Thursday and Friday, but return for the weekend.

With heat, humidity and air quality in mind, the Westchester County Health Department cautions residents to drink lots of water, avoid over-exertion, seek air-conditioned spaces and check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbors.

Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said:

“Heat advisories like this one should remind everyone to drink lots of water, take frequent breaks from outdoor labor, seek the shade and air-conditioned places and make sure children, the elderly and pets have enough to drink. To avoid tragedy, never leave people or pets in a closed car because vehicles can heat up to life-threatening temperatures in moments. Infants, those with asthma, pregnant women, older adults and those with respiratory or heart conditions should spend less time outdoors until the temperature cools to avoid heat stroke.”

Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year. Symptoms include hot, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately.

Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke, and take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive.

Amler said: “Heat stroke and dehydration can surprise you. The elderly, young children and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or lung conditions should be especially careful to avoid heat-related illnesses. High humidity and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.”

The Health Department recommends the following preventive measures against heat-related illnesses:

• Drink at least two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you aren’t thirsty.
• Avoid beverages that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar – these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.  Avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors, ideally, in an air-conditioned place. If your home isn’t air-conditioned, spend a few hours at a shopping mall, public library or even the grocery store. A few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back to a warmer place.
• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor of at least 30 and a hat to protect your face and head. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, the very young and those with special needs.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issues Air Quality Health Advisories when NYSDEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. Updates are available on DEC and on DOH websites.

Those who lack air conditioning can visit a cooling center if their home becomes too warm. For locations, go to https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/

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Cyclospora keeps climbing, a bad West Nile season, truck spraying, and good news

The Dose (July 14)

Katelyn Jetelina and Marisa Donnelly, PhD Jul 14 REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION

READ IN APP

The YLE team is back from summer break, tanned (some of us), rested (debatable with small kids), and ready to jump right back in.

I know a lot of you have questions about the Cyclospora outbreak. The YLE team is collecting them all, and tomorrow I’ll pick the top 10 for a deep dive. As of this morning, there is still very, very little communication from HHS, which is pretty insane.

In the meantime, here’s what’s going on with health this week, including other bugs like ticks and mosquitoes. Expect trucks to be spraying insecticide soon, and let’s celebrate an enormous public response to a new proposed federal rule.

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Disease weather report

Cyclospora keeps climbing

Cyclospora cases continue to climb. Some of this is expected, since more people are now aware of it and testing for it, but it is still an undercount, given that many people wait out the sickness at home.

The total number of cases is hard to pin down. This is because data in the U.S. is decentralized (local health departments report to states, states report to the CDC), so you will likely see numbers all over the place. If we scrape for state-level data, the most cases (2,640) are in Michigan, followed by New York (470). A local health department in Northwest Ohio is reporting 661 cases.

Figure from the Health Security Operations Center

While there are cases in over 30 states, the U.S. sees cases every year, often from different outbreaks. A key question is whether the number exceeds expectations and, if so, why. In some states, this is certainly the case. For example, the number of infections in Michigan is 31 times higher than in previous years, and in New York, it’s three times higher. In some states, like California, rates are not higher than normal.

Michigan’s health official announced yesterday that preliminary findings indicate lettuce or packaged salad greens as a likely source. The investigation has yet to pinpoint a company or rule out other foods. Two dozen other states are still under active investigation. Zero word from FDA.

What this means for you: Continue to avoid bagged and boxed salads at grocery stores and restaurants. I’m still sticking to produce that can be peeled or vegetables with smooth surfaces, like cucumbers, until more data comes in.

Ticks are backing off

We’re well on our way down for tick season. Activity tends to drop off as we move deeper into the heat of summer.

Source: CDC; Annotated by Hannah Totte at Your Local Epidemiologist

Why? Ticks are prone to drying out, so in peak summer heat they retreat into moist, shaded leaf litter rather than questing (climbing grass to grab a host), which reduces host-seeking activity even if the tick population hasn’t shrunk. This dip also lines up with the tick life cycle: nymphs, responsible for most Lyme transmission, peak in late spring/early summer, then quiet down in the hottest weather before adults pick back up in fall.

Mosquitoes taking over

As ticks recede, mosquitoes take over and with them, the rare diseases they can carry. The most common one in the U.S. is West Nile.

Peak mosquito season is still about a month out, but the CDC is already flagging an unusually early surge in West Nile virus (WNV) activity this year. They have flagged 48 cases across 23 states detecting the virus, which is more than five times the historical average for this point in the season.

Source: CDC. Annotated by Hannah Totte at Your Local Epidemiologist

What this means for you: Most people infected with WNV never even know it because ~80% have no symptoms. But older adults and those who are immunocompromised can develop serious neurological illness. Start being consistent with using an EPA-registered repellent (with DEET or picaridin), dumping standing water around your home, and using screens at dusk and dawn. You may also start seeing mosquito spraying trucks. (See more below.)

Heat blanketing the North

This week, a large swath of the northern U.S. is facing the most extreme heat risk category. If you’re in the purple or red areas, everyone is at risk and needs to take action. Heat kills more people in the U.S. than any other weather event.

Source: NOAA; Annotated by Hannah Totte at Your Local Epidemiologist

What this means for you: Check on elderly neighbors and relatives, hydrate before you’re thirsty, and move strenuous outdoor activity to early morning or evening if you can. Here are 6 things to know about heat-related illness from the YLE team.

World Cup Health Security Center Update

We’re nearing the end of the World Cup tournament (the final is on July 19!), and there have been no major outbreaks tied to the games, aside from heat-related illness. A few teams reported minor illnesses among players.

Measles remains the primary focus of monitoring. There are a number of cases passing through major airports (far more than in any other year), particularly near the World Cup games. While it will be very hard to track, we could very well see outbreaks across the world following the World Cup.

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Spotlight: Why is that truck spraying my street?

With mosquito activity picking up and the U.S. having a particularly bad start to the season, you may start noticing spraying trucks in your neighborhood. Where they go is driven entirely by your local public health or vector control department’s surveillance data. Departments set traps to collect mosquitoes, send batches to a lab, and test them.

When lab tests consistently yield positive results, insecticide is then sprayed in the affected area. The spraying itself does two things:

1. Kill flying adult mosquitoes by spraying very small amounts of adulticides into the air. This spray is a fine mist that acts as a fogger.
2. Kill larvae by applying larvicides directly to the water where mosquito larvae have been detected. This helps kill more hard-to-reach areas.

People rightfully have many questions about whether these insecticides are safe for humans. They are safe because the dose and where they are applied are very purposeful. These insecticides work by overstimulating insect nerve cells until they’re paralyzed, but insect nerves are far more sensitive to the chemical than ours, and mosquitoes are tiny, cold-blooded, and can’t break the chemical down the way we can. So the same dose that’s fatal to them is far too small to hurt a person. How these insecticides are used also matters. Adulticide sprays are released as low-volume mist, and the droplets disperse and degrade quickly, resulting in very low human exposure. Larvicides are placed directly in standing water and target larvae through mosquito-specific biological mechanisms.

A 2025 review of community mosquito-control spraying found no causal relationship between adult mosquito-control applications and adverse human health impacts when applied appropriately, with estimated exposure levels far below regulatory concern.

People with asthma and other respiratory conditions are particularly concerned. But an older study in New York City found no increase in asthma visits, including among children, after West Nile spraying.

What this means for you: Reducing WNV is important, and spraying is safe. I’ll stay indoors during spraying when I can but won’t lose sleep over it. Check with your local public health or mosquito control department for the schedule—they’re supposed to publish one.

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Good news

• More than 341,000 comments were submitted on the OMB’s proposed rule that could, quite literally, break science in the U.S. This is an enormous public response by any standard; public comment on federal rules almost never gets anywhere close to that volume. Way to show up for science discovery in the U.S.! Comments are now closed, and it’s time to see how the federal government responds.

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Bottom line

From salad choices to mosquito bites to heat safety, this world just never gets boring. Stay healthy out there.

Love, YLE

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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. The 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:

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