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)

AUGUST 6– GOVERNOR HOCHUL SIGNS CANNABIS LAW ALLOWING CANNABIS SALE AT APPROVED EVENTS

Posted on August 6, 2026 by John Bailey

New Law Advances Equity, Supports Small Businesses and Strengthens Market Opportunities

Governor Hochul today signed legislation designed to strengthen New York’s regulated cannabis market. S.10113/A.11217 supports small businesses and advances one of the state’s fastest-growing industries, marking an important step forward for business owners, consumers and the continued growth of New York’s cannabis marketplace.

“This new law gives licensed microbusinesses and dispensaries a real chance to succeed in New York’s legal cannabis market,” Governor Hochul said. “By opening the door for legal operators to sell at approved community events and farmer’s markets we are putting small entrepreneurs on a level playing field, expanding consumer access to safer, regulated products and strengthening one of New York’s fastest growing industries.”

Office of Cannabis Management Executive Director John Kagia said, “Regulated cannabis has proven to be an economic engine for New York, but the strength of this market lies in the businesses operating across the supply chain. The Governor signing this bill secures a critical opportunity for the microbusinesses building New York’s craft cannabis ecosystem to showcase their products at events across the state. This bill advances equitable, inclusive opportunity for our small businesses, and we thank the Governor, Senate and Assembly for their continued commitment to strengthening New York’s cannabis market.”

AUGUST 6–CHERNOBYL TODAY 40 YEARS AFTER THE NUCLEAR ACCIDENT

Posted on August 6, 2026 by John Bailey

WPCNR AFTERMATH.

Author: Oriol Planas – Technical Industrial Engineer

Publication Date: May 25, 2017
Last Revision: September 25, 2020

Editor’s Note: My previous article observed the significance of today, August 6 the day the United States dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. I speculated what the effects might be given the strength of today’s heavy megaton bombs in possession of nuclear-armed nations today. The follow article by Oriol Pranas, Technical Engineer is reprinted because it examines the Chernobyl nuclear accident and its effects on the surrounding area. It is sobering.

Chernobyl today is an abandoned place since the worst nuclear disaster happened, more than 30 years ago. Now it’s known only as of the Chernobyl exclusion zone.

The Chernobyl nuclear accident took place in the Soviet Union, currently in northern Ukraine.

It is the worst accident in the history of nuclear energy. Millions of people were affected by the high levels of radiation emitted by the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Evacuations of Pripyat commenced about 36 hours after the accident had occurred.

The Chernobyl accident took place on April 26, 1986. To this day, after more than 30 years (now 40 years), the current situation in Chernobyl remains delicate.

The sarcophagus and the proliferation of waste storage sites have been assessed as a dangerous source of radioactivity in nearby areas. Some NEA experts feared that the collapse of the crashed reactor could seriously damage the only reactor in operation (num. 3).

A decade after the nuclear catastrophe, the case was studied at the Vienna International Conference. The conclusion was that in Chernobyl human errors were concatenated with the technical and material fragility of the reactor. Finally, they agreed that the total rehabilitation of the area was not possible.

It was pointed out that it was necessary to establish a secure confinement system from an ecological point of view. The new confinement of the plant should prevent the infiltration of rainwater into its interior. Plus, it should prevent the collapse of the existing sarcophagus.

Chernobyl today pictures and video

The following images correspond to the appearance of abandonment that the city of Pripyat, Ukraine. Many people died and others were forced to evacuate their homes in the nuclear exclusion zone.

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These images correspond to the abandoned buildings in Pripyat. Because of the height radiation levels, the town remains empty.

What does Chernobyl look like now?

What is the current radiation from Chernobyl?

Currently, the generated nuclear waste is stored in about 800 different sites inside and outside the 30-kilometer exclusion zone around.

These nuclear wastes are partially stored in containers or buried in trenches and may cause a risk of contamination of groundwater.

Greenpeace technicians reported that radioactivity readings in towns 225 kilometers away exceed between 5 and 12 times the official limit.

According to this study, the forecast was that this excess radiation would remain above this level beyond 2040.

Much of the radioactive material released in the Chernobyl disaster disintegrated and no longer poses a threat. The main danger now comes from an isotope, cesium-137, which persists longer. This isotope accumulates in vegetation and can enter the food chain.

Reconstruction of the Chernobyl sarcophagus

At first, Chernobyl reactor 4 was covered with a huge sarcophagus. This first sarcophagus was to last 30 years. With the passage of time, this sarcophagus deteriorated very quickly due to the strong radiation to which it was subjected.

What does Chernobyl look like now? In 2016, a second gigantic sarcophagus was completed. It prevents more than 200 tons of radioactive material from escaping to the outside in the long term. It is expected it can work for a century.

The construction cost 1,426 million euros, too much for Ukraine. However, the risk of Chernobyl was real for everyone. As consequence, the funding came mainly from the European Investment Bank and European governments.

The European Commission paid for almost a third of the construction.

The sacrum was mounted next to the damaged reactor. Once finished, it moved along some rails until it reached its final location.

What is the new Chernobyl sarcophagus like today?

The sarcophagus is shaped like an arch. Its dimensions are 108 meters high, 162 meters long, 275 meters of arc and weighs 36,000 tons.

The current Chernobyl sarcophagus was built by the Novarka consortium, under whose umbrella the French companies BTP Vinci and Bouygues appear. The metal plates that make up the arch were built in Italy.

The sarcophagus will house the nuclear reactor units 3 and 4 of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It will have an internally pressurized double-walled waterproof wall and with a 27-meter-deep foundation.

The arches are constructed of tubular steel members and are clad externally with three-layer panels. A vacuum was created between the roof sections kept warmer than the outside air to prevent corrosion. Condensation is prevented by maintaining a temperature difference.

Author: Oriol Planas – Technical Industrial Engineer

Publication Date: May 25, 2017
Last Revision: September 25, 2020

AUGUST 6–81 YEARS AGO TODAY, HIROSHIMA WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRST ATOMIC BOMB

Posted on August 6, 2026 by John Bailey

WPCNR OBSERVATIONS. By John F. Bailey. Reprinted from the WPCNR Archives. August 6, 2026

In view of Russia’s Vladimir Putin being reported by The New York Times Monday as saying he would retaliate with nuclear weapons in the event of a nuclear attack by the United States, it is sobering to note that Mr. Putin has taken this policy gambit.

I would like to point out what an atomic attack does. We have scientific evidence.

Eignty-one years ago on Sunday 1945, the Enola Gay, a single American bomber dropped an Atomic bomb on the city of Hiroshima, Japan.

The terrible effects of that single bomb are a horror that has never been repeated

A second bomber, Bock’s Car on August 9, dropped another atomic bomb on Nagasaki.

Unknown thousands of Japanese citizens’ lives were vaporized, burned, maimed and two cities leveled to the ground in an instant in both bombings.

To grasp what one atomic bomb did to Nagasaki, readers may see the photographs Japanese photographer Yosuki Yamato took of the aftermath of Nagasaki the day it happened August 9, 1945 at http://www.exploratorium.edu/nagasaki/photos.html#journey/63.jpg

The decision to drop the bombs was made after the United States, Great Britain and the Republic of China demanded Japan surrender in the Potsdam Declaration on July 26 or face “prompt and utter destruction”.

The Japanese government did not surrender.

The United States deployed two nuclear weapons dropping one on Hiroshimi, 81 years ago today and one on Nagasaki on August 9.

Over four months the bombs resulted in the deaths of 90,000–166,000 people in Hiroshima and 60,000–80,000 in Nagasaki, half dying the day the bombs fell.

The Hiroshima prefecture health department estimated that, of the people who died on the day of the explosion, 60% died from flash or flame burns, 30% from falling debris and 10% from other causes. During the following months, large numbers died from the effect of burns, radiation sickness, and other injuries, compounded by illness.

In a US estimate of the total immediate and short term cause of death, 15–20% died from radiation sickness, 20–30% from burns, and 50–60% from other injuries, compounded by illness. In both cities, most of the dead were civilians, although Hiroshima had a sizable garrison.

The horror of those two bombings and the aftermath, the injuries created have resulted in an effort and reluctance on the part of nuclear-armed powers to avoid any nuclear attacks since that date.

Within a few days of those bombings, Japan surrendered unconditionally, officially ending World War II.

The decision to use the bombs by the United States has long been debated. A dialogue on what the bombs did, why the decision was made was collected in 1995, the fiftieth year since the bombings. It is available at http://www.exploratorium.edu/nagasaki/commentary/decision.html

It is important that leaders with nuclear capabilities get a grasp on the reality of the nuclear devastation.

Trying to justify a first strike nuclear attack as a deterrent to a perceived possible attack will destroy the country attacked, their economy, millions of people.

If two little bombs like the ones dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki can level and annihilate the population of a city, a series of nuclear strikes in a first strike or a retaliatory strike with today’s super bombs the world may suffer from prolonged radiation clouds.

One thing is certain, you cannot “undrop” a nuclear strike. The massive megaton strength of today bombs assures a death of an area and region where it is dropped.

Any area attacked with a nuclear bomb will destroy the nation attacked ability to function and grow for a time we cannot imagine.

it is not an option.

AUGUST 5– GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES EMPIRE AT BETA FULLY ONLINE. FED GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES STATEE REGIONAL AI INFRASTRUCTURE HUBS

Posted on August 5, 2026 by John Bailey

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Empire AI Beta is officially online, giving researchers at New York’s leading public and private universities access to the most powerful academic research computer in the country and marking a major milestone in New York’s effort to lead the nation in responsible artificial intelligence for the public good.

As convened by Governor Hochul and consortium partners, the Empire AI initiative is already serving as a national model for public-interest AI use.

As the federal National Science Foundation has announced a major investment to support regional AI infrastructure and shared research capacity through their new State and Regional AI Infrastructure Hubs initiative, Empire AI is already powering world-class research and serving academics, students and communities across the state.

“New York State built Empire AI to show that artificial intelligence can be developed for the public good and with Empire AI Beta officially online, New York is giving our researchers the most powerful academic AI research computer in the country,” Governor Hochul said. “The National Science Foundation’s new hubs embrace the same core principle behind Empire AI — when government, universities, philanthropy and industry come together, they can deliver outstanding results.”

Empire AI Board Chairman Tom Secunda said, “Empire AI is showing the nation what dedicated partners across government, research institutions, and philanthropy can build together: a scientific asset no institution could create on its own, advancing the public good. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership and vision, New York is setting the standard for how the United States can build and maintain AI infrastructure by researchers and for researchers.”

Housed at the State University of New York at Buffalo, Empire AI Beta is a $40 million NVIDIA-powered supercomputer that dramatically expands the computing power available to academic researchers across New York State.

The system delivers an 11-fold increase in AI training capacity, a 40-fold boost in AI inference and an 8-fold expansion in data storage compared to Empire AI Alpha, the consortium’s initial system launched in 2024. With over 300 research projects already queued up to use the system, Beta will accelerate work across fields including health care, climate science, advanced manufacturing, education, cybersecurity, public safety and other areas that directly benefit New Yorkers.

The launch of Beta represents the next major step in Empire AI’s phased buildout.

Alpha, the consortium’s initial system made possible by philanthropic support from the Simons Foundation, has already supported more than 130 research projects and hundreds of researchers across New York. Beta now brings a transformative increase in capacity, while construction continues on Empire AI’s permanent, full-scale Gamma facility at the University at Buffalo, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Once complete, the Gamma facility will also be the most efficient high-powered computing center in the nation. By integrating into University at Buffalo’s buildout of a thermal energy network in a closed loop system, process heat from Empire AI will be used to heat buildings on campus, dramatically improving the school’s ability to meet net zero goals.

Empire AI member institutions include the State University of New York, the City University of New York, Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the University of Rochester, Rochester Institute of Technology, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Flatiron Institute at the Simons Foundation.

AUGUST 5– GOVERNOR HOCHUL DISCUSSES MEDICARE CUTS

Posted on August 5, 2026 by John Bailey

GOVERNOR HOCHUL: TRUMP’S NEW MEDICARE CUTS THAT WILL RAISE PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS FOR 1.3 MILLION SENIORS ACROSS NEW YORK

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the Trump Administration’s controversial plan to end Medicare Part D subsidies will raise prescription drug costs for around 1.3 million seniors across New York State, according to policy analyst estimates.

Governor Hochul joined seniors in New York City to demand that the Trump Administration stop these planned Medicare cuts and end their crusade to raise costs for millions of seniors across the nation. If the Trump Administration proceeds with its plans to end Medicare Part D subsidies, impacted seniors could see higher monthly premiums starting in 2027.

As Governor Hochul slammed Trump’s latest plans for Medicare cuts, she also highlighted how New York has delivered healthcare savings for seniors through her major expansion of the Medicare Savings Program, banning copays for insulin, and other initiatives.

“The Trump Administration’s latest attack on Medicare will raise prescription drug costs for seniors across New York — and I’m calling on Trump to reverse these Medicare cuts now,” Governor Hochul said.

“While Republicans in Washington are hellbent on making life harder and more expensive for hard-working Americans, I’m staying laser-focused on helping seniors and putting money back into New Yorkers’ pockets.”

Last week, the Trump Administration announced it would end the Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration Program by the end of the year – a year earlier than intended. This program, initiated by the Biden Administration in 2024, was intended to stabilize stand-alone prescription drug plan premiums for enrollees, by providing subsidies to plan sponsors. Analysts estimate that these subsidies offset the average prescription drug plan premium by $16 per month in 2026.

Raising prescription drug costs that millions of older New Yorkers rely on every day risks putting additional financial pressure on seniors living on fixed incomes. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has been committed to making life more affordable for all New Yorkers, including seniors. Her initiatives include:

Expanded Medicare Savings Program: The Medicare Savings Program helps Medicare beneficiaries living on limited incomes by paying their Medicare Part B premiums. Governor Hochul’s expansion of the program increased enrollment by 20% to serve more than 1 million New Yorkers today. This program saves eligible New Yorkers $203 per month, meaning $2.4 billion in Medicare Part B premiums every year that New Yorkers do not have to pay.

Eliminating Co-Pays for Insulin: 1.58 million people are living with diabetes in New York and according to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes have medical expenses that are 2.3 times higher than people who do not have diabetes and the impact is even larger for communities of color, which face disproportionately high diagnosis rates. Governor Hochul spearheaded the most expansive prohibition policy against insulin cost-sharing in the nation, saving residents millions of dollars. Estimates show that this proposal has saved New Yorkers $25 million over the last two years.

EpiPen Price Cap: The Governor signed legislation in 2024 that reduced the sky-high costs of epinephrine auto-injector (“EpiPen”) devices for consumers with commercial health insurance. The legislation required health insurers to cover EpiPens and capped the amount consumers would be required to pay out-of-pocket at $100, making the life-saving treatment more affordable for the New Yorkers who need it. The initiative has saved New Yorkers approximately $2.4 million in 2026.

Congressman Jerry Nadler said, “Donald Trump’s Big Ugly Bill already kicked 500,000 New Yorkers off potentially life-saving health coverage, with hundreds of thousands more expected to suffer the same loss next year. Now, his cruel attack on Medicare Part D will force millions of seniors in New York and across our country to pay more for the lifesaving medicines they rely on every day. I will continue fighting to protect our seniors from these devastating policies in Congress, and I thank Governor Hochul for her leadership to lower costs for New York’s seniors.”

Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright said, “As Chair of the New York State Assembly Committee on Aging, I know that even small increases in prescription drug costs can have devastating consequences for older adults living on fixed incomes. Seniors should never be forced to choose between filling a prescription and paying for groceries, rent, or other necessities. New York has made meaningful progress by expanding access to affordable healthcare and lowering out-of-pocket costs for older adults, and we cannot allow that progress to be undermined. I thank Governor Hochul for standing up for New York’s seniors and fighting to protect affordable access to the medications they depend on every day.”

AUGUST 4 — TAME E-BIKES

Posted on August 4, 2026 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER August 4, 2026

SAFETY SUGGESTIONS WANTED- E BIKES AND E SCOOTERS ON COUNTY BIKE PATHS ARE DANGEROUS

NYC is planning to address this issue. Why not Westchester?

Fatalities and serious injuries caused by e bikes/e scooters—what should lawmakers do?

On Sunday I cycled on the Bronx River Parkway bike path to the Kensico Dam to attend the Indian cultural festival. During my bike ride a number of e bikes and e scooters passed me -riding very fast. Didn’t hear them (e- vehicles are quiet) and if I had moved my bicycle a little to the left I could have been hit.

Same thing happened a week earlier when I cycled on the South County trail -Elmsford to Hastings. There is a significant increase in e bikes and e scooters using bike paths, often traveling at speeds faster than traditional bicycles.

With recent fatal crashes and serious making headlines around NY, what additional steps should NYS, Westchester and local governments take to improve safety?

I’d like to ask fellow cyclists and pedestrians who use the county paths (South & North County Trail, Bronx River Path) to reflect on this problem and to recommend a combination of education, infrastructure and enforcement initiatives.

Should some e bikes and e scooters be registered? Should there be speed limits on bike paths, mandatory safety training, stricter enforcement against reckless riding or other measures? Should the county place signs along the path advising cyclists/pedestrians of existing laws? I’d be interested in hearing residents ideas how we can make our paths safer for everyone.

Please e mail me at pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

AUGUST 3 — THERE IS MORE TIME, BROTHER! WHITE PLAINS EXTENDS GRACE PERIOD ON PARKING TIMES TO 12 MINUTES

Posted on August 3, 2026 by John Bailey

The City of White Plains extended the grace period on parking times from 6 to 12 minutes Monday

The City of White Plains Department of Parking & Traffic has doubled the grace period for parking from six minutes to 12 minutes at all municipal parking locations, effective immediately.

The extended time gives drivers more flexibility when appointments run long or holdups occur. White Plains officials recognize that every minute counts, whether finishing a meal, running errands, or simply returning to the car. This reprieve provides extra time and peace of mind without incurring additional cost.

Once the parking session expires, a 12-minute grace period begins. Parking enforcement officers can see that a car is within the grace period and cannot issue a ticket until the full 12 minutes have elapsed.

The new policy applies to on-street meters, eight municipal garages and 23 surface lots, totaling more than 13,000 spaces in White Plains.

“Our residents and visitors often experience unexpected delays,” said Mayor Justin Brasch. “We heard these concerns and want to make parking in our city easier for all. This 12-minute grace period will ease some of the pressure and cost of parking.”

With this extension, White Plains continues to lead the way as one of the few municipalities in Westchester to grant a grace period. The city now has one of the longest grace periods in the region. It applies regardless of whether parking is paid by the Park White Plains app, at a pay station, or coins at the meter.

Time-limited spaces are included as well. For example, a driver who pays for a maximum one-hour stay will have an additional 12 minutes past the hour before a ticket can be issued. All parking is entitled to the same grace period when time expires.

White Plains Parking Restrictions: Parking garages and surface lots require payment at all times on all days. On-street meters require payment Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. in the downtown area, and from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. beyond downtown. More information can be found at www.whiteplainsny.gov/332/Metered-Parking.

Park White Plains App: Every municipal parking space is incorporated into Park White Plains. Drivers can start, extend, and manage parking sessions without returning to their vehicle.

1. Download Park White Plains for iOS or Android or go to www.parkwhiteplains.com.

Create an account with your mobile phone number or email address.
Park where you see Park White Plains signs.
Enter your zone and pay for from your phone.
Receive alerts to extend your parking.
Access and email receipt history directly from the app.

Pay Stations: Pay stations are located in lots and garages and will accept coins, bills, MasterCard and VISA. Machines dispense change and receipts.

Meter Parking: On-street meters take nickels, dimes and quarters. Most metered spaces have a one-hour limit, but restrictions can vary throughout town. Always read posted signage.

For more information, please call Parking Violations at 914.422.6135

AUGUST 1– “QUINFECTA” : NEW YORK STATE SUES MAJOR GAMBLING OP IN PREDICTION MARKETS BETS. FAILS TO OBTAIN LICENSE, EVADES TAXES, STATE SAYS. DEMANDS FORFEITURE OF ALL ILLEGAL GAINS, FINES THREE TIMES GAINS RESTITUTION TO CUSTOMERS, STATE DESIGNATED GROUPS ENTITLED TO TAXES NOT PAID

Posted on August 1, 2026 by John Bailey

GAMBLING VICTIM CHEAT LIINE: 1-800-771-7755

CHEATED? DEFRAUDED BY GAMBLING OPERATION CALL 1-800-771-7755

Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James announced that New York has sued KalshiEX, LLC (Kalshi) for running an illegal gambling operation in New York through its prediction market platform.

Kalshi launched in 2021 as a service that allowed users to bet money on the outcome of a wide range of future events.

In 2025, Kalshi launched sports “trading,” claiming it offered legal sports betting markets, accessible to Americans in all 50 states, and encouraging bettors to wager on the outcomes of major sporting events.

Today, Kalshi offers users the ability to bet on events including sports, culture, and elections on its website and app.

An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Kalshi’s prediction market is an illegal, unlicensed gambling operation. Kalshi’s illegal prediction market exposes New Yorkers – including those under the legal gambling age of 21 – to serious personal and financial risk. The lawsuit is seeking a court order stopping Kalshi from operating as an unlicensed gambling business and requiring the company to pay fines, forfeit all illegal gains, and pay restitution to users.

“Kalshi has chosen to ignore New York’s gaming laws, which exist to protect consumers, prevent problematic gambling, deliver funding for critical public services, and ensure that every company plays by the same rules,” Governor Hochul said. “This choice has consequences, and working closely with Attorney General James, New York is taking action to stop this illegal behavior and bring Kalshi into compliance, because no company is above the law.”

Attorney General Letitia James said,

“New York’s gambling laws protect children from underage betting and help combat gambling addiction. No matter what they call themselves, prediction markets like Kalshi are gambling platforms, plain and simple. By ignoring our laws, Kalshi is running an illegal operation and harming New Yorkers in the process. We are taking them to court to uphold our laws and protect New Yorkers.”

The lawsuit alleges that Kalshi’s prediction markets meet the legal definition of gambling because the outcomes of the events on which its users are betting are uncertain and outside the control of the bettor or hinge on a game of chance.

Despite this, Kalshi has failed to obtain a license from the New York State Gaming Commission (Gaming Commission), sidestepping its obligation to pay taxes like licensed casinos and mobile sports gambling platforms do. This tax revenue from gambling regulation funds public schools, sports programs for underserved youth, and problem gambling education and treatment.

Kalshi’s prediction markets are also available to users between the ages of 18-20, even though New York law requires a person to be at least 21 years old to participate in mobile sports betting. Exposing young people to online gambling can have damaging effects on their mental and financial wellbeing. Recent research has shown that gambling among young people is associated with psychological distress, financial difficulties, and increased risk of gambling-related harms in adulthood.

In the lawsuit, OAG is asking the court to order Kalshi to forfeit all illegal gains, distribute restitution to consumers who were harmed, and pay fines equal to three times the gains the company made through its illegal actions.

This is the latest action in Governor Hochul and Attorney General James’ continued efforts to enforce New York’s gambling laws and protect New York consumers.

Attorney General James has issued multiple consumer and industry alerts warning New Yorkers about the hazards of gambling and encouraging companies to comply with state laws.

In April 2026, Attorney General James sued Coinbase and Gemini for running illegal gambling platforms.

Also in April 2026, Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order banning state employees from engaging in insider trading using prediction markets like Kalshi.

In January of 2026, Attorney General James sued Valve, a video game developer, for illegally promoting gambling through video games popular with children and teenagers.

In October 2025, the Gaming Commission demanded that Kalshi cease and desist their ongoing operation of an unlicensed mobile sports wagering platform.

June 2025, Attorney General James stopped 26 illegal online sweepstakes casinos that offered slots, table games, and sports betting using virtual coins that could be exchanged for cash and prizes.

Attorney General James urges New Yorkers to ensure gambling platforms are registered with the New York State Gaming Commission and report any misconduct or gaming fraud to OAG by filing a complaint online, which can be done anonymously, or calling 1-800-771-7755.

This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General K. Brent Tomer, Alejandra de Urioste, Nina Varindani, and Senior Enforcement Counsel Tanya Trakht, with assistance from Data Scientist Michael Amadi and Legal Assistants Renata Bodner and Kalon Corrallo all of the Investor Protection Bureau, and Senior Detective Brian Metz of the Investigations Division. The Investor Protection Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Shamiso Maswoswe and Deputy Bureau Chief Kenneth Haim and is a part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

AUGUST 1– WESTCHESTER INTRODUCES AFFORDABLE HOUSING PREDEVELOPMENT COST LOANS

Posted on August 1, 2026 by John Bailey

WESTCHESTER COUNTY LAUNCHES AFFORDABLE HOUSING PREDEVELOPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND

New Partnership will Help Advance Affordable Housing Projects across Westchester County

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County is expanding its commitment to affordable housing by launching the Westchester County Affordable Housing Predevelopment Revolving Loan Fund, a new initiative designed to help affordable housing projects move from concept to construction.

Administered by Community Capital New York (CCNY), the fund will provide flexible, short-term financing and technical assistance to developers, nonprofit organizations, faith-based institutions and Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) developers working to create and preserve affordable housing throughout Westchester County.

The revolving loan fund addresses one of the greatest barriers to affordable housing development:

securing financing for early planning expenses before projects qualify for larger public or private investments.

Loans of up to $50,000 will be available for eligible predevelopment costs such as feasibility studies, architectural and engineering services, environmental assessments, legal expenses, permitting and project planning. As loans are repaid, those funds will be reinvested to support future affordable housing developments, creating a sustainable financing resource for communities across Westchester County.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said:

“Expanding affordable housing requires giving projects the support they need from the very beginning. Too many promising developments stall because they cannot secure financing for critical planning and predevelopment work. This revolving loan fund helps bridge that gap by providing flexible capital that will allow more projects to move forward, strengthen partnerships with faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations and ultimately create more affordable housing opportunities for Westchester residents.”

Westchester County Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said:

“Predevelopment financing is often one of the biggest barriers to bringing affordable housing projects to life. By creating this revolving loan fund, Westchester County is investing in the earliest stages of development when strategic planning and technical assistance are most critical. This initiative will help build a stronger pipeline of affordable housing projects while supporting innovative partnerships that address local housing needs.”

Westchester County Director of Faith Based Initiatives Kym McNair said:

“Many faith-based organizations are deeply committed to serving their communities and often have underutilized properties that could help address Westchester’s housing needs. This revolving loan fund gives congregations access to the resources they need to explore affordable housing opportunities and turn their vision into reality. It is an investment not only in housing, but in stronger communities and meaningful partnerships.”

Community Capital of New York CEO Robert Benitez said:

“For 38 years, we have supported developers during their early stages of construction, with pre-development loans. We believe that visionary community development requires early, reliable support. CCNY has committed to providing our developers in Westchester County, with flexible predevelopment loans. We understand that this support ensures they have the critical early-stage capital needed to transform innovative concepts into impactful realities.”

Community Capital New York, a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), will administer the fund by overseeing outreach, application review, underwriting, loan servicing, and technical assistance, compliance monitoring and reporting. The organization will also work with borrowers to help position successful projects for future financing opportunities, including construction loans, tax credits and grants.

The fund is expected to support multiple affordable housing projects annually while expanding opportunities for nonprofit organizations, emerging developers and faith-based institutions to transform underutilized properties into affordable housing. By providing critical early-stage financing, Westchester County is helping strengthen the pipeline of housing projects that will serve working families, seniors and residents with low and moderate incomes for years to come.

To learn more about the new initiative, visit: https://communitycapitalny.org/affordable-housing-predevelopment-revolving-loan-fund/

AUGUST 1–GOVERNOR HOCHUL STARTS STATEWIDE SPEEDING ENFORCEMENT WEEK AUGUST 3-9

Posted on August 1, 2026 by John Bailey

GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES STATEWIDE SPEED WEEK 2 ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN

More Than 14,000 Tickets Issued in Week 1 Speed Enforcement in Early June

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the State Police and local law enforcement agencies are increasing patrols next week to crack down on speeding. The campaign, which begins on Monday, August 3, and continues through Sunday, August 9, is the second Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee-sponsored (GTSC) high-visibility statewide enforcement effort this summer to curb speeding and prevent avoidable crashes caused by unsafe speed.

“These enforcement campaigns are crucial, as speeding continues to be a leading cause of fatal crashes each year in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “As always, we have zero tolerance for those who endanger others by driving recklessly, so I urge everyone to do their part to keep our roadways as safe as possible by following the speed limits, avoiding distractions and never driving while impaired.”

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt said, “Our message to drivers is simple: slow down and obey the posted speed limits. Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to drive safely and react to unexpected hazards, putting themselves and others at risk of being involved in a potentially deadly crash. We thank our law enforcement community for helping keep our roadways as safe as possible by removing dangerous drivers.”

The prior speeding crackdown, “Speed Week 1,” was conducted from Monday, June 8, through Sunday, June 14. During that period, state and local law enforcement statewide issued a total of 56,578 tickets including 14,005 for speeding, 2,220 for distracted driving and 1,386 for impaired driving.

Among counties, Nassau and Suffolk on Long Island led in the number of tickets issued with 6,158 and 5,367, respectively. Last year, GTSC launched the “Drive Safe Long Island” campaign to specifically address speeding and other dangerous driving issues in the region. That effort includes a partnership with the Long Island Ducks baseball team to promote traffic safety at their games.

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Enforcement campaigns like this demonstrate our shared commitment to raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and keeping New York’s roadways safe. Through this campaign, and our enforcement efforts year-round, we are working to reduce speed-related crashes and encourage safer driving habits. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue proactive enforcement to hold dangerous drivers accountable and help ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.”

In New York in 2024, according to data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research’s (ITSMR) Traffic Safety Statistical Repository (TSSR), there were 34,042 police-reported, speed-related crashes, 315 of which involved a fatality, and more than 12,000 of which involved a personal injury. Preliminary TSSR data for 2025 shows more than 24,000 police-reported, speed-related crashes with 231 involving a fatality and 16,644 involving an injury.

Speeding-related fatalities affect communities nationwide every year. In 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 11,288 speed-related traffic fatalities, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities. NHTSA also says young drivers have a higher chance of being involved in speeding-related crashes. In 2024, 39 percent of male drivers and 20 percent of female drivers in the 15- to 20-year-old age group involved in fatal traffic crashes were speeding.