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Peter Katz of the Westchester County Business Journal has confirmed that Kite Realty has sold the retail portion of the City Center. Katz reported the Center was sold for $50 Million, but declined to name the purchaser.
The garage portion of the City Center is currently owned by the City of White Plains which purchased it in February of this year.
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DR. JOSEPH RICCA ON WHITE PLAINS SCHOOL STUDENTS ACADEMIC PROGRESS
THE NEW TECH CENTER CONSTRUCTION AT THE HIGH SCHOOL ON SCHEDULE
THE SUCCESS OF THE NO CELL PHONES RULE
THE BUDGET– HOW IT WILL RESPOND IF SCHOOL AID IS CUT
HIS YEAR END MESSAGE TO THE PARENTS, STUDENTS, CITIZENS OF WHITE PLAINS
WHAT’S AHEAD FOR THE 202627 YEAR
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White Plains, NY – Summer fun was officially under way in Westchester County, but with a prolonged stretch of dangerous heat and humidity forecast throughout the July 4th holiday week, County officials urged residents to make safety their top priority.
Against the backdrop of one of Westchester’s favorite warm-weather destinations, Playland Pool, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Parks, Recreation and Conservation Acting Commissioner Peter Tartaglia, Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler, Emergency Services Commissioner Susan Spear and Lt. Edward Reich of the Department of Public Safety kicked off the July 4th weekend by sharing important tips to help residents celebrate safely, stay cool and avoid heat-related illness while enjoying everything summer has to offer.
Jenkins said: “Summer is one of the best times to be in Westchester County. From our parks and pools, to community festivals and neighborhood gatherings, there are countless opportunities to make memories with family and friends. As you enjoy everything the season has to offer, I encourage everyone to put safety first – whether you’re spending time in the sun, on the water, or enjoying outdoor activities. By making smart choices and looking out for one another, we can ensure that this summer is a season filled with fun, celebration and unforgettable moments for all the right reasons.”
Westchester County pools and beaches will remain open an extra hour on Wednesday and Thursday, July 1 and 2 from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with last entry at 7 p.m., to help residents stay cool during the heatwave.
Jenkins said: “The safety of our residents is of utmost importance and we want to provide as many options to stay cool during the upcoming heatwave. We hope residents and visitors will take advantage of our pools and beaches to keep cool, stay active and enjoy the outdoors safely.”
Tartaglia said: “The safety of our visitors remains our top priority as we welcome the public to our pools and beaches this summer. Our trained lifeguards and staff work hard every day to maintain a safe environment and we ask all guests to follow the safety rules, supervise children and cooperate with staff so everyone can enjoy a fun and memorable summer.”
Amler said: “As parents and guardians, it is our job to keep our children safe. Make sure children apply sunscreen outdoors and reapply it often, especially after they swim. When they’re busy playing, the heat can catch up with children, so insist they drink lots of water and take breaks in the shade. Never leave a child or pet in a closed car, and never leave children alone or out of view in or around water – even for a second. Protect yourself too: if possible, avoid the midday sun, wear a hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen a half-hour before you go outdoors.”
Spear said: “As we celebrate America’s 250th this year, and enjoy summer outdoor activities, a few simple tips can keep kids, adults, and family pets safe. We urge you to be mindful of fire safety considerations for barbeques, grills, and campfires. But if you do experience an emergency, call 911 for assistance. And if you haven’t already, please teach your kids when and how to dial 911. Those simple steps save lives.”
Raynor said: “The July 4 holiday weekend generally brings an increase in traffic on the parkways we patrol and a surge of visitors to the County’s parks, pools and recreational facilities.
In response, the Westchester County Police will deploy additional uniformed Patrol officers and Emergency Service Unit officers to the parkways and throughout the Parks system.
We will also be conducting enhanced DWI enforcement to keep our roadways safe. We also anticipate an increase in recreational boating traffic over the holiday weekend. The County Police Marine Unit will be conducting patrols on the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. We remind boaters that it is illegal to operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs just as it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle while impaired.”
Beat the heat at Playland Pool and Beach in Rye, Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle, Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains, Sprain Ridge Pool and The Brook Tibbetts in Yonkers and Wilson’s Wave Pool in Mt. Vernon. Admission fees apply; parking fees at Playland, Glen Island and Tibbetts. Proof of Westchester County residency at Glen Island and all pools except Playland.
One of Westchester County’s most anticipated summer traditions, Fourth of July fireworks at Playland Park, are scheduled for Saturday, July 4 at 9 p.m. For Playland’s full schedule, hours, tickets and season passes, visit playlandpark.org. Season passes are only available to purchase online.
Water Safety Tips:
· Watch this Westchester County Video for a refresher on swim safety.
· Read the full Westchester County 2026 Pool and Beach schedule here.
· When outdoor plans include a pool, beach or lake, it is especially important to designate an adult to watch over children.
· Remain within an arm’s reach of infants and toddlers.
· Floats, inner tubes, water wings and pool noodles are no substitute for adult supervision.
Sun Tips:
· Dermatologists recommend a minimum SPF of 30 to effectively avoid sunburn. While SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks approximately 97%.
· Drink plenty of water and take breaks in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion
· Wear a hat and sunglasses to avoid the midday sun
· Apply repellents to avoid mosquito bites
Cooking Tips:
· For a safe cookout, hotdogs and chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees, ground beef to 160 degrees and pork to 150 degrees.
· Barbecue with an NSF certified thermometer.
· Salads that contain mayonnaise or eggs such as macaroni salad, potato salad and coleslaw should be kept on ice in a cooler until it’s time to eat.
Fire Safety Tips: Backyard BBQ Grills and Campfires:
· Keep grills away from the house, deck railings, out from under eaves and away from overhanging branches
· Keep campfires away from tents, shrubs and branches
· Keep a 3-foot safe zone around the grills and campfires for kids and pets
· Clean your grill after each use
· Put out campfires completely before you leave the area
Fireworks:
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GOVERNOR HOCHUL UPDATES NEW YORKERS ON EXTREME HEAT AND URGES CAUTION TO SAFELY ENJOY JULY 4TH ACTIVITIES
Hottest Temperatures of the Year Expected Today and Thursday with ‘Feels-Like’ Temperatures Reaching 100–110 Degrees
Severe Thunderstorms Possible Through Friday Bringing Damaging Winds and Power Outages
State Parks Extend Hours at More Than 40 Swimming and Cooling Locations; Find Local Cooling Centers Here
Employers and Outdoor Workers Should Utilize Extreme Heat Best Practices
Department of Public Service Monitoring Utility Preparedness; 5,500 Utility Workers Available To Assess, Respond, Repair and Restore Power
New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111
Governor Hochul today updated New Yorkers on extreme heat that is forecasted to impact the state through the July 4th holiday and urged continued caution as prolonged heat will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses.
There is also a risk for severe thunderstorms for most of the state today through Friday with storms bringing damaging winds and the potential to cause power outages.
Overnight temps will remain over 70 degrees in most places. Friday and Saturday are expected to be cooler but still extremely hot, particularly areas downstate where peak temperatures will be more than 100 degrees.
The extreme heat is expected to break Sunday, but temperature will still be above average into early next week. Extreme Heat Warnings and Heat Advisories remain in effect through Friday evening statewide.
“New York is no stranger to summer heat, but extreme temperatures require more preparedness and extra caution,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers: Stay hydrated, limit your time outdoors, check on your neighbors and know where your local cooling center is if you need one. This heat can be deadly and it is crucial that we take care of ourselves and others.”
Extreme heat is dangerous and is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities in the United States. The most common heat-related illnesses are heat stroke (sun stroke), heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. Learn more about heat-related illness, including signs and symptoms and when to take action on the State Health Department’s extreme heat advice webpage.
Extreme heat often coincides with increased ozone pollution.
People with lung conditions (like asthma), young children, teenagers, older adults and anyone who exercises or works outside should try to limit outdoor activity when ozone levels are high (usually in the afternoon to early evening). If you have symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing, you should talk to your doctor.
Tips to stay safe in extreme heat:
New Yorkers should closely monitor their local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website.
New Yorkers should also ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. They should also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
New Yorkers can also stay cool by utilizing nearby cooling centers. Find a cooling center near you on the State Department of Health website. Residents of New York City can find cooling center information here. Certain State Park swimming facilities will also extend their hours through Friday.
Safety Tips for Children
Safety Tips for Pets
Extended Hours at State Parks
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has extended hours at state swimming and cooling facilities and other state parks during the current heat wave to help New Yorkers beat the heat. Swimming availability may be affected by hazardous weather, changing water conditions or staffing. Please check State Parks’ website parks.ny.gov or call the park you wish to visit directly to confirm availability.
The following State Park swimming facilities will be open for extended hours:
Capital Region
Central New York
Finger Lakes
Hudson Valley
Long Island
Mohawk Valley
New York City
North Country
Southern Tier
Western New York
New York State agencies are taking actions to respond to the forecasted heat, including:
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Office of Emergency Management is in contact with county emergency managers to ensure cooling centers are available and to offer support and advice on extreme heat risks. The office is also facilitating preparations and coordinating guidance and communications with State agency partners. Information on how to manage extreme heat can be found online. To receive real-time weather and emergency alerts, New Yorkers are encouraged to text the name of their county or borough to 333111.
New York State Department of Public Service
To support New Yorkers during extreme heat events, the Public Service Commission approved a comprehensive statewide policy in March 2026 regarding extreme heat customer protection for the largest investor-owned electric utilities and water utilities. That decision prohibits these utilities from terminating residential, including residential end-use, customers’ service for non-payment during extreme heat events. Additionally, these utilities, in coordination with DPS Staff and Stakeholders, developed criteria to identify heat island locations across New York State. Customers residing in these areas will receive additional protections during extreme heat events.
The Department of Public Service (DPS) is tracking electric system conditions and overseeing utility response to any situations that may arise as a result of this week’s heat. Department staff, as a part of annual summer preparation activities, work with all utilities to confirm that they will reliably meet customer demands for the summer operating period. Based on staff review and assessment of utility data, meetings with each of the individual utilities and the New York Independent System Operator, staff found that the state’s electric transmission and distribution systems are prepared to reliably meet forecasted 2026 summer electric demands.
New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available, as necessary, to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this heat event. Agency staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.
During heat waves, increased usage of electric devices such as air conditioners places a considerable demand on the state’s electricity system and instances of low voltage or isolated power outages can result. The record for such usage was set on July 19, 2013, when it reached 33,956 MWs (one megawatt of electricity is enough to power up to 1,000 average-sized homes).
New York State Department of Health
The State Health Department is taking several steps to promote the safety of all New Yorkers in periods of extreme heat, especially those most at risk. The Department is working with DHSES and local health departments and emergency managers to ensure access to cooling centers and safe spaces during this extreme heat.
The New York State Department of Health’s interactive Heat Risk and Illness Dashboard allows the public and county health care officials to determine the forecasted level of heat-related health risks in their area and raise awareness about the dangers of heat exposure.
New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Many New York State Park beaches, pools and spraygrounds have opened for the season. Prior to making a trip, potential visitors should call ahead to the park they plan to visit or check https://parks.ny.gov/visit/state-parks for park hours and operations. Changes in weather and water conditions may affect swimming status. Park status updates are also available on the free New York State Parks Explorer mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) remains on alert and continues to monitor weather forecasts.
Air Quality
DEC is monitoring air quality across the state and will issue air quality health advisories with DOH as necessary. New Yorkers are encouraged to be “Air Quality Aware” and check airnow.gov for accurate information on air quality forecasts and conditions. To view the latest DEC air quality forecasts, visit the DEC website. There is currently an Air Quality Health Advisory through July 2, 2026, for ozone for the New York City Metro and Long Island regions.
People, especially those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, teenagers, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician.
Hiking Safety
DEC reminds outdoor adventurers that unpredictable weather — including rapidly changing temperatures and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and other backcountry areas — can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for rain, mud and warmer temperatures to ensure a safe outdoor experience.
Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures and general recreation information.
Hiking in the heat is always risky. New Yorkers and visitors should review the following tips to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
Even if the weather is forecast to be high heat all day, there’s always a chance of hypothermia due to a sudden storm or drop in temperatures. This can increase dramatically if you’re sweating and not wearing sweat-wicking clothing (made of fabrics like wool or polyester). Many cases of hypothermia are in the summer when people least expect it.
Whether you are hiking, mountain biking or paddling, Hike Smart NY can help you prepare with a list of 10 essentials, guidance on what to wear, and tips for planning your trip with safety and sustainability in mind. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.
Extreme Heat
New York State agencies recently announced new and continued investments to address extreme heat, prioritizing disadvantaged communities on the frontlines of heat exposure, new funding opportunities to create public cooling spaces, and expanded assistance to provide affordable cooling for New Yorkers at home. The efforts mark progress on New York State’s Extreme Heat Action Plan (EHAP), directed by Governor Hochul and first announced in June 2024 to address extreme heat impacts and prioritize State investments. Additional information about EHAP initiatives, including urban heat island mapping, is available on DEC’s website.
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
The agency has compiled important information, including preventative measures, to help mitigate the effects of extreme heat on farm workers and farm animals. The Department will also be working closely with partners at The New York Extension Disaster Education Network (NY EDEN) at Cornell University to monitor any potential impacts of the extreme heat expected this week. NY EDEN is also a resource for farmers and farm workers during a heat wave, and additional information can be found at https://eden.cce.cornell.edu/natural-hazards/heat-wave/.
The New York State Department of Labor has released comprehensive guidance to help employers better protect outdoor workers during extreme heat and advises workers and employers to engage in extreme heat best practices such as:
More information on best practices for working in extreme heat.
Thruway Authority
For highway workers, the combination of direct sun, high temperatures and radiating heat from asphalt, machinery and other sources highlights the need for proper hydration and extreme heat acclimation. During extreme heat events, Thruway Authority maintenance crews conduct routine daily operations during the coolest parts of the day and increase patrols to monitor the highway when temperatures are highest. Travelers are reminded to stay hydrated and take breaks at one of the 27 service areas or three Welcome Centers located along the Thruway system.
New York State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will conduct most outdoor work during morning hours and follow established hydration and rest protocols to help mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures.
New York State Office of Children and Family Services
The agency is taking several actions to ensure activities at residential centers, detention programs and congregate care programs are conducted in a safe manner during the heat. This includes checking cooling equipment, ensuring proper amounts of water are available and consumed, rescheduling activities and meetings, and identifying staff and clients who may be affected by heat. They are also providing guidance to childcare programs and groups associated with the Commission for the Blind statewide.
New York State Office of Mental Health
In advance of the hot conditions, the Office of Mental Health warns New Yorkers of the increased risk to individuals receiving antipsychotic and anticholinergic medications. These individuals are at particular risk of heat stroke and other serious symptoms during periods of extreme heat as these medications may interfere with sweating. Caregivers should monitor individuals closely for temperature elevations, especially children and older adults with poor fluid intake. In addition to heightened attention to hydration, individuals at high-risk should remain in cooler, well-ventilated areas, avoid direct exposure to sunlight, and wear protective clothing and sunscreen.
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
The agency has reminded local departments of social services and emergency homeless shelter operators of the need to provide fans to help maintain reasonable air circulation during times of extreme heat and humidity. Also, shelter providers should provide a cooling room in the facility for residents, if feasible.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority
To reduce potential impacts to service and reduce response times to heat-related events, NYC Transit will implement heat patrols to proactively increase track inspections and stage extra personnel and equipment, such as generators, in key risk areas including power substations, machine rooms, and communication rooms.
To ensure functioning air conditioning, railcars and buses will be inspected before being placed in service. Subway station fans will be activated where available to improve comfort. NYC Transit also implements a continuous welded rail watch when rail temperatures exceed 100 degrees to be vigilant of rail kinks or other issues and recalls all HVAC employees to address any hot stations or workspaces.
Paratransit has communicated with all transportation providers on the importance of following air conditioning policies and has staff on site inspecting dedicated carrier vehicles and reminding drivers on proper air conditioning usage. Additional floater vehicles will be available to support customers on the day of service.
Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad crews will be staged at key locations to be able to respond quickly to weather-related issues. The railroads will monitor rail temperatures, deploy heat patrols, and stage additional Power Department personnel to protect power substations and overhead aerial lines. Train crews have been instructed to report any rail conditions that need attention.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
The Port Authority’s Office of Emergency Management coordinates with the agency’s facilities throughout the region to monitor weather conditions and operational impacts and maintains communication with regional partners to support response readiness during periods of elevated temperatures.
For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.
To Report an Electric Outage, Call:
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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER JULY 1, 2026
FROM MARTHA’S VINEYARD RADIO 88.7 FM
New England has long been an epicenter for tick-borne disease. Today, the region is also on the front lines of an emerging public health threat: expansion of the range of the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and the disease it brings: alpha-gal syndrome (AGS).
AGS is a serious allergic reaction to the carbohydrate galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal). AGS is spread through the saliva of the lone star tick, an invasive species now rapidly spreading across Massachusetts and the Northeast. Though once rare, both AGS and the lone star ticks are increasingly common in the region.
Martha’s Vineyard has the highest tick-borne disease rates in Massachusetts, and was among the first areas affected by lone star ticks.
Yard surveys show their rapid spread, and related diseases have increased. In 2020, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital (MVH) ran nine alpha-gal tests; last year, that number jumped to 1,632, with 724 positives. This year, MVH’s allergist has already seen more than 400 patients with AGS, highlighting the rapid impact on the community.
The invasion of lone star ticks and the emergence of AGS have far-reaching consequences for the people of Massachusetts, as AGS is life-altering and difficult to recognize.
Unlike most food allergies, reactions to red meat can occur hours after eating, often in the middle of the night, making the connection difficult to recognize. Symptoms range from hives and gastrointestinal distress to more serious, potentially life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis. A food that was once routine can suddenly become deadly, disrupting daily life in ways both unexpected and difficult to manage.
High disease rates can significantly impact Massachusetts’ economy and local communities.
As tick season approaches, and with thousands of seasonal tourists expected throughout the state, awareness of tick risks is crucial. Our goal is not to discourage visitors looking for outdoor activities, but to provide information so people can stay safe.
While treatment and prevention of AGS is still being studied, individuals can reduce risk by using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, checking for ticks after being outdoors, and removing ticks promptly. Raising awareness helps people take preventive steps and recognize symptoms. Public education is currently one of the most effective tools we have today.
Additionally, public health agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, have raised awareness about lone star ticks and AGS, and medical providers play a critical role as well.
At Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, we are collaborating with Mass General Brigham to improve recognition of AGS, support patients, and share emerging knowledge — including through a new research study on AGS. Our experience highlights how early awareness and coordinated action can make a meaningful difference as the science evolves.
Yet despite these efforts, prevention and awareness alone are unlikely to curb the rise of lone star tick–related disease, including AGS. Broader action is needed, including government measures to address ecological drivers such as growing deer populations. As AGS spreads, we must accelerate research and strengthen public health systems so clinicians can identify cases earlier, track prevalence more consistently, and advance prevention and treatment options.
With summer about to begin, people naturally wanting to spend more time outdoors, and Massachusetts welcoming visitors in the months ahead, we encourage everyone, residents and visitors alike, to take simple steps to protect themselves and to understand the risks associated with tick exposure.
At the same time, we urge public health leaders, healthcare systems, and researchers across Massachusetts — and New England — to recognize alpha-gal syndrome for what it is: an emerging public health challenge requiring urgent attention.
The opportunity to get ahead of this is still within reach, but the time to act is now.
Claire Seguin, DNP, is president and COO for Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Jacob Lemieux, M.D., Ph.D., is an infectious diseases physician at Mass General Brigham.
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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER JULY 1, 2026
GILLIBRAND, COLLEAGUES DEMAND ANSWERS ABOUT IMPACT OF TRUMP’S MEDICAID CUTS
Because of Republicans, New York is facing $63 billion in Medicaid cuts
Washington, D.C. – Today, Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) led her Democratic colleagues on the Senate Aging Committee in demanding answers about the impact of President Trump’s Medicaid cuts on seniors and people with disabilities.
A year ago this week, the president signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which slashed Medicaid funding by nearly $1 trillion to give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans.
In a letter to the Government Accountability Office, the senators demanded answers about exactly how these cuts will hurt Americans and about what cuts have already been made.
“When federal funding for Medicaid is cut, states are forced to choose between cutting Medicaid spending or using more state money to maintain existing Medicaid services,” the senators wrote. “Ultimately, Medicaid services for older adults and people with disabilities may be cut, even if federal cuts do not directly target those services.”
According to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office, the cuts will result in 7.5 million more people becoming uninsured by 2034. New York alone is facing $63 billion in Medicaid funding cuts by 2034—the second largest cut in the nation. According to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office, this could cause 1.5 million New Yorkers to lose their health coverage and tens of thousands of New York healthcare professionals to lose their jobs.
“Unfortunately, individual states have already discovered that the OBBBA is ‘making their problems worse,’” the senators continued.
In their letter, Gillibrand and her colleagues demand answers about exactly what changes states have made so far regarding Medicaid coverage for older adults and people with disabilities in calendar years 2026 and 2027. They also request answers about the effects that these changes will have on those served by Medicaid.
In addition to Senator Gillibrand, the letter is signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ), all members of the Senate Aging Committee.
The full text of the letter can be found here or below:
Dear Acting Comptroller General Brown:
We write concerning the effects of Medicaid cuts for older adults and people with disabilities. On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law. The OBBBA slashed Medicaid funding by nearly $1 trillion to cut taxes for the wealthiest Americans. President Trump’s cuts to Medicaid include new red tape for certain adults who wish to enroll in Medicaid and limits on how states can fund their own Medicaid programs.
The cuts particularly target states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and will be particularly devastating for older adults and people with disabilities who depend on Medicaid for their health and independence. Given that adults age 50 or older make up 23 percent of Medicaid enrollees and older adults are more likely to have a disability, the Senate Special Committee on Aging (Aging Committee) must understand the multi-year consequences of Medicaid cuts for those populations.
Millions of older adults and people with disabilities rely on Medicaid to pay for their health care services. Medicaid is the largest payer of long-term care in the United States, and in 2023 covered roughly 46 percent of long-term care costs for institutions like nursing homes. Medicaid covers home and community-based services (HCBS) for eight million older adults and people with disabilities, helping them to live and age in the setting of their choice.
Nearly five million adults who are nearing retirement age – those between the ages of 50 and 64 – rely on expanded Medicaid coverage for services like primary care and cancer screening. Meanwhile, roughly 13 million “dual eligible” enrollees rely on Medicaid to pay for essential services they cannot obtain through their Medicare coverage. People who are dual eligible for Medicaid and Medicare are more likely to be lower income, have long-term disabilities, or have multiple chronic conditions.
Medicaid is administered by the states within federal standards, meaning that states may choose, but are not required, to cover many services that benefit older adults and people with disabilities. When federal funding for Medicaid is cut, states are forced to choose between cutting Medicaid spending or using more state money to maintain existing Medicaid services. Ultimately, Medicaid services for older adults and people with disabilities may be cut, even if federal cuts do not directly target those services.
For example, following a 2011 reduction in federal Medicaid matching funds, every state cut HCBS services. Services for older adults and people with disabilities will again be on the chopping block as states confront the harsh reality of President Trump’s cuts. Because the OBBBA implements President Trump’s cuts to Medicaid over multiple years,19 the effect on states will also play out over more than one year.
Unfortunately, individual states have already discovered that the OBBBA is “making their problems worse.”
Early this year, Missouri and Idaho began considering cuts to programs for people with disabilities, while Georgia faces a roughly $8 billion cut in Medicaid funding over the next ten years. Massachusetts approved $1 billion less in state spending than initially proposed for fiscal year 2026 in anticipation of federal cuts.
Ohio is “expected to lose about $33 billion over the next decade for its Medicaid program” and is facing the possibility of “additional program cuts.” Arizona is facing a 19 percent reduction to its Medicaid funding, with no clear way for the state to make up for the cut. Maryland is facing a nearly $3 billion drop in annual Medicaid funding, while New Jersey is considering new spending to try to keep as many as 350,000 people from losing coverage. California and New York, meanwhile, are facing Medicaid cuts of $112 billion and $63 billion by 2034 – the largest decreases in the nation.
The Senate Aging Committee is charged with “a continuing study of any and all matters pertaining to problems and opportunities of older people.”
To properly carry out that mission, the Aging Committee must understand how Medicaid coverage for older adults and people with disabilities changes in the years following President Trump’s cuts. Accordingly, we ask the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to examine the following questions for calendar years 2026 and 2027. When studying the questions, we ask that GAO focus on older adults age 65 or older, older adults between the ages of 50 and 64, and people with disabilities:
We appreciate your attention to this request.
Sincerely,
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GILLIBRAND INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT DIRECT CARE WORKFORCE, FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, introduced legislation to support direct care workers and family caregivers, who provide essential daily care to seniors and people with disabilities.
The Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act would provide federal funding to states and other eligible entities to help build, train, and retain the direct care workforce—including certified nursing assistants (CNAs), home health aides, and personal health assistants—as well as family caregivers.
“Direct care workers provide a vital support system for seniors and people with disabilities. But too often, these workers are underpaid and overworked—resulting in a growing labor shortage in the field and increasing pressure on family caregivers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This legislation will help give caregivers the training and resources that they deserve, helping guarantee that our loved ones get the care that they need to live and age with dignity.”
As of 2024, the United States was home to 60 million seniors and more than 45 million people living with disabilities.
At the same time, the direct care workforce is suffering from a growing labor shortage.
This, in turn, often puts pressure on family caregivers.
An estimated 4.1 million New Yorkers serve as caregivers, providing more than 2.6 billion hours of hands-on care to family members each year. Nationwide, 63 million American adults—nearly a quarter of the U.S. adult population—provide care to adults or children with a medical condition or disability. Many of those individuals significantly reduce their work hours or leave the workforce entirely to provide care for a dependent relative at some point in their career.
Specifically, the Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act would:
The Supporting Our Direct Care Workforce and Family Caregivers Act is supported by the American Association on Health and Disability, American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), the Arc of the United States, A Better Balance, Care in Action, Caring Across Generations, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), Cure SMA, Economic Policy Institute, Family Values @ Work, Hand in Hand: The Domestic Employers Network, Justice in Aging, Lakeshore Foundation, the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, Inc. (NADSP), PHI, Main Street Alliance, National Disability Rights Network, the National Domestic Workers Alliance, National Women’s Law Center, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
In addition to Senator Gillibrand, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), and Jack Reed (D-RI).
The full text of the legislation can be found here.
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WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS APPLAUDS GOVERNOR HOCHUL’S INVESTMENT IN CHILDCARE IN WESTCHESTER
“Westchester County applauds Governor Kathy Hochul for her continued commitment to expanding access to affordable, high-quality childcare for working families across New York. The Governor’s investment in the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Northern Westchester and the YMCA of Rye will help increase childcare capacity, modernize facilities, and create more opportunities for children to learn and thrive in safe, nurturing environments.
“Access to reliable childcare is essential to a strong economy and strong communities. These investments will provide meaningful support to Westchester families by helping parents remain in the workforce while ensuring their children have access to quality early learning opportunities. Westchester County is grateful to Governor Hochul for recognizing the critical role childcare plays in the success of our families and looks forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have throughout our community.”
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Enjoying this newsletter? Why not share it with a friend? New York has a very full week ahead: a major heat wave, Fourth of July events, World Cup crowds, and a blood emergency across the state. So for this week’s Dose, I’m covering how to stay cool, how to help your community and your hospitals stay ready (including an exciting YLE event—more details below), and an update on community health as New York navigates the World Cup. YLE will also be taking a summer break next week to recharge, so there will be no newsletter. Let’s get into it! A heat wave arrives—here’s how to stay safe during the holiday weekendA heat wave is expected to hit the Northeast, including New York, starting Wednesday, July 1 and lasting into the Fourth of July weekend. Some are saying this will be the hottest we’ve seen since 2012. Heat is the deadliest weather hazard in the U.S., and unfortunately, it’s becoming deadlier in New York. Last year, record breaking heat resulted in the deaths of 19 New Yorkers in NYC over a four day heat wave in June. And it can feel worse in the city—NYC’s urban heat island effect can push city temperatures 5–10°F hotter than surrounding suburbs. This summer, because of the World Cup, fan zones, fireworks shows, and other large events throughout the city, more people may be exposed, many of whom may not be accustomed to these kinds of heat waves. Here’s what you need to know. Every year, thousands of people across New York visit the emergency department (ED) for heat-related illness. In 2025, there were 4,007 heat-related ED visits in New York state, excluding New York City—above the average for the previous four years. From May 1, 2026, through June 28, 2026, there have already been 1,144 ED visits for heat in New York state (excluding NYC), which is right at the average for the previous four years.
Emergency department visits for heat-related illness in New York state, 2026. The heat index is a combination of temperature and humidity, and is similar to the “feels like” temperature. Figure from the New York DOH. The effects of heat aren’t felt uniformly. In NYC, the Bronx and Brooklyn are historically the hardest-hit boroughs due to issues like more limited access to air conditioning and less tree cover, which can compound the danger. Counterintuitively, people in New York who die from heat stress are most often exposed to dangerous heat inside their homes, not outside. Without air conditioning, indoor temperatures can be much higher than outdoor temperatures, especially at night, and can remain elevated for days after a heat wave. Over the past several years, the majority of heat related deaths in NYC either did not have AC or it wasn’t working. This means that having a working AC and using it prevents in-home heat related death.
Air conditioning presence among heat-stress deaths in homes (2016-2025). Figure from NYC Heat-Related Mortality Report. AC information was available for 25 out of 31 records of people exposed in homes. Overall, the best thing to do is to try to stay cool and check in on elderly neighbors, relatives, or anyone you know without air conditioning or who may not be using it. At YLE National, we covered the top five things we’ve learned about managing heat, and here are a few more tips that I’ve found helpful.
Figure from the National Weather Service. To cope, this week I’m moving my runs indoors on the gym treadmill, checking out what’s playing at my neighborhood theater, and have already stocked up on my favorite ice cream (Salt & Straw’s mint chip anybody?!). Try to stay sane out there with the heat this week! New York is facing a blood emergency this month—your donation mattersNew York State blood centers declared a formal blood emergency on June 12, 2026. Statewide supply dropped below two days of blood overall, and below one day of Type O blood in some areas. Types A-, B-, O+, and O- are all at dangerously low levels; O- is the universal donor type used in emergencies when a patient’s blood type is unknown Why this matters: Emergency responders sometimes refer to summer as ‘trauma season,’ because we see increases in severe injuries from car accidents, ATV crashes, sports-related injuries and other summer activities. Hospitals need blood ready before those patients arrive. For example, a single serious car accident victim can require up to 100 units of blood. National data show someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds, and nearly 29,000 pints are required daily. And it’s not just emergencies—childbirth, surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic disease management (like for sickle cell anemia) also depend on a steady blood supply. If hospitals don’t have enough blood on hand, clinicians may need to make hard decisions about who gets blood transfusions and who has to wait. The challenge is that blood is perishable. Red blood cells last 42 days and platelets only five days. Summer holidays and travel also often mean that fewer people donate. Even without these seasonal challenges, only about 3% of age‑eligible Americans give blood each year. And this year, the stakes might be higher than usual. With NYC hosting the FIFA World Cup and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations this summer, millions of additional visitors mean more people at risk for traumatic injury, and more strain on local blood supplies. One donation can help up to three people, and you’re eligible to give every 56 days. What to do: Donate blood through a month-long YLE virtual blood drive this July, with in-person meet-ups in August for participants! Schedule an appointment for YLE’s campaign here. I was able to schedule one easily, and have already started planning to eat iron-rich foods leading up to it. If every one of our 40,000+ subscribers donated a pint of blood, we would support almost three weeks of blood needs across New York state. All blood types are needed, but types O-/O+, A-, and B- are especially needed. Find your nearest site at nybloodcenter.org or redcrossblood.org. If you donated in the last 56 days, share this with someone who hasn’t. World Cup updatesWith World Cup events bringing more visitors, crowds, and international travel through New York, I’m keeping an eye on the usual public health signals. So far, there’s no sign of a disease increase tied to World Cup activity. That’s good news. But it doesn’t mean public health is “off duty.” There’s a ton of behind-the-scenes monitoring happening, especially when people are traveling from all over the world. The biggest thing on my mind right now is what the effects of the heat wave will be this week. Many of the million extra visitors in NYC here for the World Cup and other major events may not be accustomed to New York heat waves. This could show up in heat-related ER visits, and I think will be a test-piece for the public health system during the World Cup. Thankfully, on the infectious diseases front, things are quiet. Respiratory illnesses are, for the most part, low and staying down: There have been no observed increases in hospitalizations for Covid, flu, or RSV.
Figure from the NYC Department of Health Respiratory Illness Dashboard. It looks like there’s some mild cold going around. I have several friends who are reporting some cold symptoms, and test positivity shows that there’s a decent amount of enterovirus or rhinovirus (both of which cause the common cold). West Nile Virus: data is now being shared by the NYC health department, and so far it’s showing up in Queen and Staten Island. I haven’t seen any data on human infections yet, but I’ll cover when it’s published. When West Nile Virus really picks up, local health deparments may conduct aerial spraying of insecticides via planes or helicopters to reduce the mosquito population. Currently there are no spraying events scheduled in NYC.
West Nile Virus detections in mosquitoes in New York City. Figure from the NYC Health Department. Ebola: JFK airport also continues to screen travelers returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda for Ebola. Travelers from these countries are being asked to monitor for symptoms for 21 days after arrival. So far, no infections have been detected in NYC. That’s good news and a reminder of what public health looks like when it’s working quietly in the background. Bottom line:As we head into the heat and the holiday weekend, remember to stay cool, check on someone without air conditioning, watch out for symptoms of heat illness, and donate blood if you can. And happy Fourth of July, and happy 250th birthday, America! 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. |
