JUNE 17—ALBANY LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDS. ASSEMBLYMAN BURDICK REPORTS

Posted on June 17, 2026 by John Bailey

Dear Friends,

On Friday, June 5th, the 2026 legislative session officially concluded after months of negotiations, debates, and late nights in Albany.

This year, the Legislature passed a total of 759 bills, with much of the session dominated by negotiations surrounding the state’s budget. Even so, the session saw great outcomes in legislation and funding for the 93rd Assembly District, some of which were discussed in my last newsletter.

Whether it is universal pre-K, working to improve the quality of life for our veterans and people with disabilities, protecting our immigrant neighbors, or reforming the utility rate-setting process, my colleagues and I have been focused on doing all that we can to improve the lives of New Yorkers.

2026 Legislative Session Wrap

Here are the post-budget legislative highlights:

Legislation passed by the Assembly and NYS Senate, awaiting the Governor’s signature:

The Responsible Data Center Development Act (A11560/S10642) is aimed at regulating the rapid expansion of data centers throughout New York. It includes a one-year moratorium on new permits for facilities requiring 20 megawatts or more. There is also a provision that directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to study the impacts of data centers on public water supplies, agricultural land, and electronic waste; as well as a provision that requires utility companies to establish a separate set of rates and rules for facilities with a peak demand of 20 megawatts or higher.

A10379C/S9051B prohibits artificial intelligence companies from using features that are considered unsafe for minors.

The One Fair Price Act (A9349B/S8623B) targets “surveillance pricing” by prohibiting companies from using consumers’ personal data to set individualized prices for identical products or services.

A10921A/S10398 exempts disabled veterans from certain fees relating to physical modification of a residence to accommodate a disability.

I am also pleased that a number of bills I sponsored successfully passed both chambers and are awaiting the Governor’s signature:

The Traveling with Dignity Act (A6219B/S4042B) establishes guidelines for the installation of adult changing accommodations in public spaces. Adult changing tables are an essential resource for adults with mobility limitations and incontinence, enabling them to access the same amenities as those who are ambulatory.
The Neurodiversity Training Pledge (A00038/S4593) directs the New York State Department of Labor to establish a voluntary training and certification program for employers that pledge to undertake neurodiversity training for their employees and adopt best practices for a neurodiverse workforce.

The HEFPA Protection Act (A10160A/S9263A) ensures that public assistance payments for residential gas and electric service are accepted and credited by utilities and immediately triggers the consumer protections of the Home Energy Fair Practices Act (HEFPA).

Notice of Initial Determinations for Unemployment Benefits (A3068/S2076 ) requires the Department of Labor to notify unemployment benefit applicants within 30 days whether their claim has been approved or denied.

The Criminal Court Opinion Transparency Act (A4674A/S3864A) increases transparency of New York legal decisions in criminal proceedings by reporting on the feasibility, costs, and implementation options for publishing trial-level criminal court decisions and suppression decisions specifically.

The following NYS constitutional amendments will go up for a vote again next year and, if passed, go to the voters in 2027:

Congressional Redistricting Amendment: This amendment responds to Republican-led redistricting efforts around the country and a recent Supreme Court decision that weakens portions of the Voting Rights Act. The proposal would give New York greater flexibility in determining congressional district boundaries. If approved again by the next Legislature in 2027 and approved by voters in a statewide referendum, the changes would allow congressional districts to be redrawn before the 2028 elections.

Even-Year Elections Amendment: This amendment addresses low voter turnout in off-year elections by aligning certain local elections with federal and state election cycles. Holding these elections in even-numbered years will increase democratic participation and reduce the administrative costs of running separate countywide elections. The proposal would require elections for certain municipal and judicial officials, except in New York City, to take place in even-numbered years. To facilitate the transition, it would also authorize the Legislature to enact laws creating temporary, altered terms of office so that future election cycles fall on even-numbered years.

Finally, there was a good deal of important policy in the budget, much of which I discussed in my last newsletter. Key policy provisions include:

A path to universal Pre-K for all four-year-old children statewide by the start of the 2028-29 school year.
The most comprehensive utility rate-setting reforms in decades, including:
Requiring utility companies proposing a rate increase to present a budget-constrained option tied to inflation
Prohibiting hidden expenses such as lobbying, political contributions, and unnecessary executive travel from being charged to customers
Tying executive compensation to customer affordability
Directing the PSC to limit the extent to which the costs of pursuing a rate increase can be charged to ratepayers (I had introduced a bill to effectuate, but am very pleased that it made it into the budget instead).

Protections for our immigrant neighbors, including prohibiting local government cooperation in federal civil immigration matters, ending agreements that deputize law enforcement as immigration officers, and designating sensitive locations (healthcare facilities, houses of worship, schools, childcare facilities, playgrounds, and polling places) where ICE may not conduct immigration enforcement.
An expanded veterans property tax exemption that gives local governments the option to provide a full property tax exemption for veterans who, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, have a permanent and total disability.

Unfortunately, not all of my bills made it across the finish line. Here is some of the legislation I sponsored that I will continue to advocate for in the next legislative session:

Climate Resilient New York (A8088B/S3590A) effectively coordinates and unifies climate adaptation efforts between agencies and departments to maximize climate change resilience across New York.
Oil and Gas Wastewater Ban on Highways (A10930/S9635) prohibits the use of drilling fluids, brine, and flowback water from gas or oil wells, pools, or fields on any highway.

MTA Solar Canopies (A10033/S8694) requires the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to install solar canopies on its parking facilities.

The First Responder Peer Support Program Act (A7285A/S05407A) establishes peer-to-peer mental health programs for first responders.

Standardized Utility Rate Increase Filings (A10534/S9474A) requires standardized formatting, uniform calculation methods, detailed explanations, and public disclosure for utility rate increase filings to improve transparency, comparability, and regulatory oversight.

I will continue to keep you apprised of my progress.

Honor Flight Send-Off

Back at home, it was a privilege to be on hand at the Westchester County Airport at 6:30 am on May 30th for the send-off of veterans participating in the Hudson Valley Honor Flight. The program is an all-expenses-paid trip provided to United States military veterans to visit war memorials in Washington, DC, so they can experience the monuments and memorials built in their honor.

It was an amazing event, with a sizable crowd. There were six Honor Flight veterans from my district: John F. Brown, William E. Hamilton, James Polos, George Rosamond, Bernard R. Seiler, and Leslie Simon.

Thank you and congratulations to them all!

June 23rd Primary: Early Voting Through June 21st

For those who are eligible to vote in the June 23rd primary, early voting runs through this Sunday, June 21st. For more information regarding early voting locations and hours, please click here.

Early voting is a great way to avoid election day lines. Please note that you can vote at ANY of the early voting locations.

On Election Day, June 23rd, polls are open from 6 am-9 pm. Not sure where to vote? Please click here.

EBT Cardholders:
Prevent Scam-Related Theft!

Do you have an EBT card? Or know someone who does?

Unfortunately, there has been a great deal of recent scam-related theft involving EBT Cards, with benefits being lost or stolen. While New York State rules allow certain Temporary Assistance cash benefits to be replaced if they have been stolen through electronic means (such as card skimming, cloning, and third-party misrepresentation), SNAP benefits cannot be replaced.

To help protect your benefits from scam-related theft, the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is recommending that those who use EBT Cards use the freeze/unfreeze card feature in the ebtEDGE mobile app or online cardholder portal. You should freeze your EBT card when not in use, then unfreeze it to make a purchase.

Freezing your EBT card will block all purchases, balance inquiries over the phone, and transactions.

To learn more about this and further ways to protect your benefits, please click here.

Thank You to Our Senior Experience Interns!

Finally, my thanks to this year’s incredibly impres

JUNE 16– FIREWORKS AT PLAYLAND ON THE 4TH OF JULY

Posted on June 16, 2026 by John Bailey

THEN PLAYLAND PARK HOSTS FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS CELEBRATION

Celebrate America’s 250^th birthday with a day of rides, fun and fireworks.

[Rye, NY] – Celebrate America’s 250^th birthday at Playland Park with a full day of classic rides, family fun and one of Westchester’s most anticipated summer traditions, Fourth of July fireworks at Playland. Fireworks begins at 9 p.m.

Visitors are encouraged to purchase ride wristbands and parking in advance of the holiday for a seamless entry and more time to enjoy the park. Both are available to purchase at playlandpark.org.

The excitement continues all summer long, with Playland’s popular Friday Night Fireworks, which begin Friday, July 10 and continue weekly through Sept. 4. Firework displays begin at 9 p.m.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “The 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding is a momentous occasion, and there is no better place to celebrate than at one of Westchester’s most beloved attractions. We invite residents and visitors alike to come together at Playland for an evening of fun, community spirit and a spectacular tribute to America’s enduring legacy.”

Westchester County Parks Acting Commissioner Peter Tartaglia said: “Playland has been creating cherished summer memories for generations, and this year’s Fourth of July celebration will be especially meaningful. The day will be filled with excitement and end with an unforgettable fireworks display that honors our nation’s historic milestone.”

For Playland’s full schedule, hours, tickets and season passes, visit playlandpark.org. Season passes are only available to purchase online.

Playland Amusement Park is at 1 Playland Parkway in Rye, NY.

JUNE 16—THE DOSE: JOY IS CONTAGIOUS AND NATIONAL DISEASE REPORT FROM YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST

Posted on June 16, 2026 by John Bailey

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Joy is contagious. Also: mosquitos, infant botulism, H5N1, peak tick season, and more.

The Dose (June 16)

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Jun 16

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I’m not a big basketball fan, but boy, the sound of Manhattan at the final buzzer of the NBA Finals was electric in every video I came across: cheering, weeping, horns honking, singing, hugging, cigars being lit, an utter unselfconsciousness, pure and absolute jubilation. It gave me goosebumps. It’s a reminder that joy is contagious. Congratulations, New Yorkers, and thank you for the reminder of the value of community and shared joy. More of that, please.

Speaking of shared joy, the World Cup has officially kicked off, and we are here with what the health data show. We’re also at peak tick season, and mosquitoes and infant botulism have entered the chat. Other low-risk but high-consequence things are happening, including bird flu heating up among cows again.

And pediatricians are getting bombarded with vaccine questions. We answer the latest and update a resource for you.

Here’s what’s going on and, most importantly, what it means for you.

Disease “weather” report

We are at peak tick season

Across much of the U.S., we’re in the heart of tick season. After starting earlier than usual, it’s now tracking close to previous years. I’m hopeful we’ll see activity taper off over the coming weeks.

Source: CDC; Annotated by YLE

What this means for you: It’s still important to enjoy the outdoors, so prevention is the name of the game. Use an EPA-approved repellent, wear long pants when possible, and do a quick tick check afterward. The vast majority of ticks don’t carry diseases, but regardless, the sooner a tick is removed, the lower the risk of transmission.

Mosquito season is here

Mosquito season is ramping up across much of the country. We can expect mosquito-borne diseases to peak in August or September.

Why? Mosquitos are cold-blooded, so transmission is a bit like a chemistry experiment. If it’s too cold (below ~16°C or ~60°F), the mosquito life cycle slows down too much to spread disease. Closer to the “magic temperature” of ~25°C / ~77°F, mosquitoes are happier and diseases spread a little more easily from mosquito to human.

West Nile is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. It is a fairly new disease—25 years ago, we didn’t have it around. But it is very rare. So far this year, we’ve seen only 13 cases of West Nile. (In June 2025, we had 62 total and August had the most cases at 958)

What this means for you: Your risk depends on geography and other factors, including older age. As mosquito populations grow, it’s worth dusting off the bug spray and clearing standing water around your home.

Low risk to you, but disease of high (and potentially) consequence

Several outbreaks are on my radar, but all remain very low risk to the general U.S. public:

Another infant botulism outbreak tied to baby formula. Nara Organics has recalled its organic formula, sold nationwide at Target, after three babies between 2 and 5 months became critically ill in CA, PA, and WA. Like the ByHeart recall last fall, it’s a niche product (under 1% of supply). What makes this one sting a little more: ByHeart had actually pointed parents to Nara as the safe alternative after their own recall. Regardless, it’s a reminder of how much we depend on the systems around us working.
Ebola cases in Africa have climbed to 808, including one of the largest single-day jumps over the weekend. The cumulative total has already surpassed what the two biggest prior outbreaks reached at the same point in their first 100 days. This is a sign this one is likely to grow very large. If you’re traveling to Africa (or have patients traveling), check out the YLE decision tree here.

Cumulative Ebola cases in first 100 days of outbreak declaration. Markers are values from WHO/CDC/ECDC situation reports. Figure by Your Local Epidemiologist

Bird flu (H5N1). After months of relative quiet, the USDA reports a sharp jump in infected dairy herds: in the past 30 days, 45 tested positive in Idaho, 2 in Utah, and 1 in Texas. We’re not at 2024 levels, but this is more than we’ve seen in a while.

H5N1 dairy herds. Purple: updated figure with USDA numbers since CDC figure has only been updated since June 3. Source: CDC and USDA.

Healthy Cup

The World Cup has officially begun, and the good news is that there have been no significant health events so far. Overall health risks remain low, but we’re watching three signals:

Heat. On opening day, Fan Fests in the Texas area saw nearly 100 fans fall ill from the heat, some requiring hospitalization. This is concerning because for every reported heat illness, many more sit just short of emergency, like dehydration and falls, cardiac problems, kidney stress, and mental status changes in elders. The “count” (22 out of ~30,000 attendees) underestimates the harm. Keep cool; drink water; know that alcohol and drugs mask heat injury symptoms, and common medications increase heat vulnerability. Go here to see your heat risk this week.
Measles. A few outbreaks are happening in the background, but two “sparks” sit particularly close to World Cup events, and we need to ensure they don’t turn into wildfires:
1. Wastewater monitoring has detected a signal in Chester City, Delaware County (15 miles from Philadelphia Stadium).
2. One case among an unvaccinated resident in Santa Clara County, California, with recent international travel and community exposure, including at the airport.
What other things are people worried about? The YLE weekly survey of World Cup goers started last week. No major health rumors are surfacing yet (only 13% have heard any), but there’s concern about traffic and transportation accidents, as well as ICE.

Figure from Your Local Epidemiologist

Good news

We can always use it. Three today:

FDA clears a screwworm treatment for dogs and cats. The FDA authorized emergency use of generic nitenpyram tablets for infected pets, expected to kill most larvae within hours. New World screwworm numbers continue to climb, with 12 animal cases across 7 counties. This medication is not preventative but an important new tool if an infection occurs—and more will be happening given how quickly this thing spreads.

New World screwworm detections by county. Figure from a dashboard created by Genompic Epi.

A new sunscreen ingredient, the first in over two decades. The FDA has approved bemotrizinol, used for years in Europe, Asia, and Australia, where it’s prized for strong, stable protection against both UVA and UVB. The approval spotlights a U.S. quirk: because sunscreens are regulated as drugs here, new ingredients can take years or decades to reach consumers. Products could appear later this year, though wide availability will take time. Read more about sunscreen at the YLE deep dive here.
A lab-grown heart-muscle patch. Researchers implanted a stem cell-derived patch of heart muscle onto the failing hearts of 16 patients with advanced heart failure. The effect was real but modest, more of a signal of progress. Read more here.

Question grab bag

“This week I have encountered several patients saying “vaccines are only studied for 5 days.” Can you update your 12 questions about vaccines handout to address this succinctly? It would be very much appreciated. – A tired pediatrician.”

This is a common rumor. That figure comes from a line in the package insert describing the short window when vaccine trial participants fill out a daily diary card (see below for an example). But that card is only tracking the expected, short-lived reactions to a vaccine (sore arm, redness, fever, fussiness), which are caused by the immune response itself and reliably fade within a few days. Symptoms that persist longer usually point to a different cause, like an unrelated infection picked up around the same time, so that brief window is all the diary card needs to cover.

Chart from Appendix 3 here has an example showing what these look like.

But vaccine monitoring doesn’t stop there. The same trials track other health events for months to years, recorded as they happen rather than on a checklist. And for routine childhood vaccines, those original trials are now just the starting point: we have real-world safety data on hundreds of millions of children across decades, consistently showing that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

We’ve updated the FAQs for paid subscribers, with the latest is available below. Thank you for all your effort, and all clinical care teams on the front line.

YLE Top Routine Vaccination Questions

1020KB ∙ PDF file

Download

Bottom line

Summer brings its share of bugs and outbreaks to watch, but the risks to you are low with a few simple precautions. Don’t let the worry crowd out the shared joy.

Love, YLE

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. 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

JUNE 15- WESTCHESTER COUNTY INTRODUCES $25 MILLION TO EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES—HOW TO APPLY

Posted on June 15, 2026 by John Bailey

WESTCHESTER COUNTY LAUNCHES $25 MILLION HOUSING FLEX FUND II TO EXPAND AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES AIMED AT DEVELOPERS READY TO GO

Application Period Opens June 17 for New Affordable Housing Financing Program

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins announced the launch of the County’s Housing Flex Fund II, a new $25 million affordable housing initiative designed to accelerate the development and creation of affordable homes across Westchester County.

The application period opens on June 17 and will remain open through Aug. 21, inviting eligible developers to compete for funding to help advance affordable housing projects in communities throughout the County.

Housing Flex Fund II builds on the success of the County’s existing housing programs by providing flexible financing for developments in need of the last bit of funding to begin construction of new rental and homeownership units, those with supportive housing units and developments that preserve affordability. The program is expected to significantly increase the County’s annual affordable housing production while prioritizing developments in transit-oriented locations and areas with limited affordable housing options.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said:

“Every family deserves access to a safe and affordable place to live. Housing Flex Fund II is another example of Westchester County’s commitment to investing in solutions that create housing opportunities and support long-term economic growth. This program will help move important projects from the drawing board to construction, creating more affordable homes for current and future residents.”

Westchester County Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “Housing Flex Fund II provides developers with an important financing tool that will help close funding gaps and bring more affordable housing projects to completion. With our support of projects that are ready to move forward and located in communities with access to transportation, jobs and amenities, this program will have a lasting impact on housing availability throughout Westchester County.”

1.Applicants must submit a complete funding package that includes a development proposal, project narrative, financial pro forma and project budget.

2.Eligible rental developments must provide housing for households earning 65% of the Area Median Income or below, while affordable homeownership developments may serve households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income for a minimum of 50 years.

3.Applications serving those at the lowest incomes possible, including supportive housing units will receive additional priority. Applications will be reviewed after the application period closes, with funding awards expected to be approved later this year and disbursements beginning in 2027.

Starting June 17, developers interested in applying or learning more about Housing Flex Fund II can review program guidelines by visiting the Department of Planning website at: planning.westchestercountyny.gov

Applications can be requested by sending an email to: HousingFlexFund2026@westchestercountyny.gov

JUNE 15- COUNTY DEPT OF PLANNING ISSUES ANNUAL REPORT HIGHLIGHTS EFFORTS AT INCREASING HOUSING

Posted on June 15, 2026 by John Bailey

WESTCHESTER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING SHOWCASES COUNTYWIDE IMPACT THROUGH NEW ANNUAL REPORT

New Annual Report Highlights Department’s Impact on Housing, Infrastructure and Quality of Life

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Department of Planning has released its inaugural annual report, providing a comprehensive look at the department’s role in shaping stronger communities across Westchester County.

The report highlights the department’s impact through initiatives including the creation of approximately 1,250 affordable housing units through the Housing Flex Fund, the release of interactive data dashboards to assist a wide variety of audiences with information about demographic shifts, housing, and transportation. And the launch of the enhanced HomeSeeker platform, which to date has over 15,000 registrants in the system who are finding affordable housing opportunities and applying for these units online.

Through the work of its multiple divisions, the Department of Planning continues to protect the environment and guide responsible development, demonstrating how strategic planning improves quality of life for residents throughout the County. The report showcases the partnerships and investments that are helping build resilient communities while fostering economic development and environmental sustainability for generations to come.

County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “The work of the Department of Planning touches nearly every aspect of life in Westchester County. Whether it’s helping create affordable housing, protecting our environment, supporting infrastructure improvements or partnering with local municipalities, their work strengthens our communities and improves the quality of life for residents every day. This report demonstrates the lasting impact thoughtful planning has on building a stronger Westchester.”

Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald said: “This report offers a transparent look at the collaborative work happening across Westchester County to address housing, infrastructure, sustainability and economic development. In documenting our accomplishments and sharing measurable results, we are strengthening accountability and providing a roadmap for continued progress.”

Westchester County Department of Planning Commissioner Blanca Lopez said: “Our first annual report reflects the dedication and expertise of our staff and the many partnerships that make our work possible. It showcases how planning touches every aspect of daily life. We are proud to share our accomplishments and look forward to building on this foundation in the years ahead.”

The report also highlights the department’s continued efforts to support municipalities through planning assistance and grant programs, advance environmental review and sustainability initiatives and coordinate investments that preserve Westchester’s unique character while preparing for future growth.

As the first publication of its kind for the Department of Planning, the annual report establishes a new benchmark for transparency and public engagement. County residents, municipal leaders and community partners are encouraged to explore the report to learn more about the department’s role in shaping Westchester’s future and the impact of its work across the county.

To view the annual report, visit: https://planning.westchestercountyny.gov/

JUNE 15–GREENBURGH SUPERVISOR FEINER TO EXPLORE 5 YEAR REASSESSMENTS.

Posted on June 15, 2026 by John Bailey

WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER- JUNE 15,2026:

During the past few months, residents have suggested that the Town of Greenburgh change the way we address assessment changes.

I have been in touch with the Assessor, Edye McCarthy, after speaking to residents and have asked her to put together a report to determine the feasibility of reassessing our properties similar to what Connecticut does. They reassess every five years.

The only change in assessments would be if a homeowner does construction on their home. Otherwise no changes during the five year period.

Several states in the nation do reassessments this way. Would ease some anxiety because there would not be changes annually to the assessments. It is easier for families to budget.

This would require state legislation.

I have asked Edye McCarthy to discuss with colleagues around the state. There are some who like the concept. Others disagree and think it is better to have smaller incremental changes.

What do you think?

I will be reaching out to civic association leaders, village and school boards and State Legislators in the coming months. My e mail is pfeiner@greenburghny.com.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

THEAAAAAAAAAAAAA KNICKS WIN! THE KNICKS WIN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP 94-90 BEHIND JALEN BRUNSON’S 45 NEW YORK NEW YORK WINS! TOP OF THE HEAP!

Posted on June 14, 2026 by John Bailey

THEY ARE THE CHAMPIONS MY FRIEND.

THE 2026 NEW YORK KNICKERBOCKERS

WPCNR VIEW FROM THE 8th AVENUE GARDEN. bY John F. Bailey. JUNE 15 2026:

The love has been returned!

It was a beautiful Sunday in New York City because The Knickerbockers’ defensive, offensive, do-everything-right, relentless drive to eternity forever in our hearts, lifted the spirits of millions New Yorkers sky high.

In the most impressive NBA playoff run to a championship of all time, the pall of perpetual falling short to glamour teams and one-man teams the Knicks turned the league upside down with their victory Saturday night. it was throwback basketball that overcame the odds.

From the days when they used to play in the 69^th Regimental Armory (when the Garden had the circus or a Dog Show or the Icecapades booked), the Knicks and the Rangers typified Madison Square Garden sports mediocrity.

This year the Knicks of 2026 emerged from their failures by outclassing the field with effort every minute, last minute miracles, defensive intensity not seen in years, team play that neutralized stars of the other teams, and showing up the entire league, winning even when the matchup was 5 against 8 when the officials were calling everything on the Knicks and allowing on court flagrant muggings of Knick players who never lost their poise under pressure.

Gone in 19 glorious games is the perpetual regular and playoff of losing to the glamour teams of the media: the legendary Celtics, the Bulls, the Indianas, The Baltimore Bullets, and earlier in the first years of the NBA, the Syracuse Nationals, Rochester Royals, Philadelphia Warriors.

Today those memories are phantoms. Those memories of hurt and loss are now just the pungent cigar clouds of the Old Madison Square Garden on 8th Avenue in 1950s, where I’m sitting smoking a White Owl and savoring this unforgettable achievement.

The Knicks steamrollered through the playoffs like no other Champion has.

The Knickerbockers of 2026 have made the Knicks of the past proud and honor the players I used to know when I watched them on WPIX when I was around 10.

The Knicks of the first Knick teams: Vince Boryla, Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, Harry “The Horse” Galatin, and Dick Mcguire.

The Knicks I watched in the late 50s: Carl Braun, Ray Felix, Richie Guerin, Phil Jorden, Willie “The Whale” Naulls, Kenny Sears.

Then the build through the 60s with Coach Fuzzy Levene, followed by Red Holzman, with the ascendance of Dick Barnett, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Walt “Clyde” Frazier, Willis Reed, Cazzie Russell, Dave Stallworth, Henry Bibby, Phil Jackson, Earl “The Pearl” Monroe, and Jerry Lucas, culminating in the 1970 and 1973 NBA Championships. (Remember when Willis Reed with a bad leg hobbled onto the court in the last game of the Lakers Finals 1970 at the Garden?)

In the 1980s and 90s the club declined but in the 1ate 80s they resurged with Patrick Ewing, Ernie Grunfeld, Trent Tucker, And in the 1990s, Coach Pat Reilly brought back confrontational defense and were it not for a last minute loss in game 7 in 1994 there would have been another Championship before Saturday night’s.

Then of course there were the crisp Voices of the Knicks on the radio and TV: Bob Wolff, Marty “Good like Nedicks” Glickman, Marv “YES” Albert, Mike Breen, Kenny Albert, John Andraise, and Jim “Bullseye!” Karvellis. They were the comforting, celebrating, and knowledgeable Mel Allen’s of basketball in New York.

The 2026 Knicks Championship recalls and honors the Knickerbockers of the past as much as their triumph honors themselves and makes everyone walking the sidewalks of New York in the sunshine of triumph Sunday and today and for many years to come feeling beyond good.

A memory of decisive triumph, victories for what always matters:

“Never give up!”

“Never lose your poise”

“Never attack your opponent.Respect them.”

“Never lose your nerve”

“Have confidence in your talent!”

“Lose with class.”

“Win with humility.”

“Defense wins.”

JUNE 13– BLOOD DONATIONS DESPERATELY IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY

Posted on June 13, 2026 by John Bailey

Westchester County Government

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Both the New York Blood Center and the American Red Cross are urgently calling for blood donations to prepare for summer, when demand typically spikes due to an increase in severe injuries from car accidents, sports-related injuries and other outdoor activities. Type O- and O+ blood are especially needed.

Supplies are extremely low and scheduled donations have dropped. A single donation can save up to three lives. Volunteer blood donors fulfill a continuous need for a safe supply of blood, platelets and plasma, not only during disasters and emergencies, but also for surgeries and medical procedures for patients who face life-threatening conditions.

Every blood donation saves lives, and repeat donation is the key to maintaining a safe and sustainable blood supply. Blood transfusion plays a critical role in healthcare, benefiting patients who face life-threatening conditions. Transfusions of blood and blood products help patients live longer and with a better quality of life. Blood transfusion also supports complex medical and surgical procedures. Voluntary plasma donations provide critical support to those with hemophilia and immune deficiencies.

The New York Blood Center in Rye schedules donor appointments at www.nybc.org, accepts walk-ins and can help you organize a blood drive in your community. For more information, call 1-800-933-2566.

The American Red Cross in Greater New York works with local groups to schedule blood drives.

To find a drive near you, go to www.redcross.org/give-blood.html.

JUNE 12–WHITE PLAINS WEEK TONIGHT 7:30 PM THE JUNE 12 REPORT ON FIOS CH 45 AND OPTIMUM CH 76 AND ANY TIME ON www.wpcommunitmedia.org

Posted on June 12, 2026 by John Bailey

MICROBURST WREAKS WEATHER MAYHEM ,BLACKOUTS IN SOUTH END

WHITE PLAINS WEEK PREVIEWS WHITE PLAINS 250TH BIRTHDAY OF THE USA

WHITE PLAINS AND WESTCHESTER APPROACH SALES TAX RECORD RECEIPTS

READING OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE JULY 12 AT THE ARMORY

DR.ELIZABETH MARNIK ON THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT BUDGET EFFORT

TO TAKE OVER ASSIGNMENT OF RESEARCH GRANTS

YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST ON THE HEAT

AND HOW TO TELL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE

JOHN BAILEY ON THE SITUATION 6 MONTHS BEFORE MIDTERMS

JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW THIS WEEK EVERY WEEK

ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK FOR 25 YEARS

JUNE 11–WORLD CUP IN NEW YORK–RISK ASSESSMENT

Posted on June 11, 2026 by John Bailey

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The World Cup is here in NY

Here’s how NYC prepares for the “what ifs”

Marisa Donnelly, PhD and Critical Health Voices

Jun 11

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NYC is already a global city, and now it’s about to become a global party.

Starting this week, soccer fans from around the world will pour into New York and New Jersey for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. MetLife Stadium will host eight matches, including the final, and New York City will be the airport, hotel room, dinner table, subway transfer, fan zone, and late-night celebration setting for a whole lot of people.

I’ll admit, when I first started thinking about the World Cup and health risks, my mind immediately went to infectious diseases. A million people coming into NYC from around the world? Packed trains? Fan zones? Of course, my mind was on disease transmission.

But the more I learned from Dr. Syra Madad, Chief Biopreparedness Officer at NYC Health and + Hospitals and one of the people in New York whose job is to think about the “what ifs,” the more my frame of reference shifted. At NYC Health + Hospitals, she helps lead systemwide preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery efforts across the country’s largest municipal health care system.

She helped me see that the biggest World Cup health challenges may not be the Hollywood-style outbreak scenarios. That the ordinary city risks, like extreme heat, foodborne illnesses, crowded emergency departments, are dialed up a notch for the next six weeks and may be the bigger concern.

So today, I’m diving into what it takes to sustain a prepared health system during a global event like the World Cup. Here’s what I learned.

Probability X Consequence

Preparedness sits at the intersection of probability and consequence. For example, extreme heat is likely, while an emerging infectious disease outbreak is less likely but potentially more disruptive.

For World Cup planning, this means holding both truths. Preparing is about building a flexible system that can handle the expected, detect the unusual, and absorb the added health burden without falling apart.

Here’s what NYC is getting ready for

First: heat and routine health strain. Likelihood: High. Consequence: Moderate to high depending on severity and system strain.

Heat is the one that keeps coming up because the World Cup will happen in June and July, and heat is already one of New York City’s most serious weather-related health threats. NYC estimates that more than 500 New Yorkers die prematurely each year because of hot weather, and emergency department visits spike. When it’s 90 degrees out, you might get 20-ish heat related ED visits in NYC in a day—not very many. When it increases to 100, you could see ~150—a rapid jump that EDs may or may not be ready for.

Heat is not just uncomfortable. It can worsen heart and lung disease, cause dehydration and heat stroke, and put older adults, outdoor workers, people without reliable air conditioning, young children, pregnant people, and people with chronic illnesses at higher risk.

Add packed trains, outdoor watch parties, alcohol use, long lines, and crowded emergency departments, and the risk rises quickly.

Then there are other, less dramatic issues that become a problem at scale. Things like food safety, alcohol-related injuries, substance use, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), mental health crises, and crowded emergency departments.

None of these is unique to the World Cup. They are normal city health issues, but dialed up with one million extra visitors.

Second: infectious diseases. Likelihood: Low to moderate, depending on the pathogen. Consequence: Low to very high, depending on transmissibility, severity, and speed of detection.

Infectious diseases still matter. A global event means people arrive from many places, move through crowded spaces, eat together, cheer together, and then disperse again. That does increase the opportunity for transmission.

But it doesn’t mean we should expect some scary outbreak. It means public health teams will be watching the basics: respiratory viruses, measles, foodborne illnesses, norovirus, and anything unusual that shows up in emergency department data or lab reporting. Several groups, including Biobot (where I work during my day job), Verily, WastewaterScan, SecureBio, and other academic and public health groups are also using wastewater as an early warning system for pathogens.

For New York, measles is probably the one top of mind. The state has already seen 12 cases in 2026, with 6 of those in NYC. Most, if not all of these, are from someone either visiting from another country, or a resident who caught it while traveling abroad and brought it back. None of those cases resulted in additional transmission, meaning we haven’t seen any outbreaks in New York this year. But it only takes one case in a pocket with low vaccination rates for measles to spark an outbreak. And this could have big consequences. Not only is measles dangerous, but it creates a lot of follow-up work: exposure notifications, contact tracing, vaccination checks, infection control, and public messaging.

Many have also asked about Ebola or Andes virus outbreaks during the World Cup. While those could have high consequences, the probability of them occurring is very low.

Third: Violence or mass casualty. Likelihood: Low. Consequence: Very high.

This is the category everyone hopes never materializes, but no emergency planner can ignore.

Large-scale violence, terrorism, a crowd stampede, or another mass casualty incident is lower probability than heat-related illness or alcohol-related injuries. But the consequence could be catastrophic, especially in a dense city with crowded transit, fan zones, hotels, bars, and public viewing areas.

For the World Cup, this is also a coordination challenge. Hospitals, EMS, law enforcement, emergency management, transit agencies, venues, community organizations, and communications teams all need to know their roles before something happens. Recent reporting notes that the 2026 World Cup has been assigned a high federal security designation, requiring coordination across federal, state, and local agencies.

What preparedness actually looks like in NY

New York City knows how to host a crowd. Times Square alone draws an estimated 1 million people on New Year’s Eve and the city regularly manages parades, concerts, protests, marathons, and major holidays. But the World Cup is different because it is not one night or one event. It is a prolonged, citywide event unfolding over six weeks, alongside other seasonal events like Fourth of July, Sail4th 250, summer tourism, concerts, parades, and so much more.

That is the kind of planning the Office of Biopreparedness and Emergency Management has been doing for more than a year: not preparing for one scenario, but ensuring the health system can remain steady amid shifting conditions and compounding threats. That includes clinical and operational working groups, lessons from past World Cups and mass gatherings, local weather and disease trend monitoring, and exercises focused on patient surge, heat illness, alcohol intoxication, injuries, power disruptions, norovirus, measles exposure at a fan event and other low-probability but high-consequence scenarios.

For infectious diseases in particular, the team is looking across five practical categories: vaccine-preventable diseases, respiratory viruses, arboviruses, high-consequence pathogens, and gastrointestinal illnesses. For operations, the focus is just as much on the fundamentals: situational awareness, incident command, clear communication, fast information-sharing, worker safety, staffing, supplies, isolation pathways, and keeping emergency departments and hospitals functioning even when demand shifts.

The goal is not to make the World Cup feel scary. It is the opposite. Good preparedness is what empowers a city to enjoy a global moment with confidence. If the system works well, most people will never see it. They will just see New York doing what New York does: welcoming the world, absorbing the surge, and keeping the city moving.

Communication plays a huge role

Communication is a crucial part of the response. During a major event, people do not just need information. They need information they can understand and narration from sources they already trust, before rumors fill the gap.

That’s why YLE New York and NYC Health + Hospitals are participating in the Health System Operations Center, or HSOC, the first non-governmental health intelligence center weaving all data sources together across states to provide a bird’s-eye, national view of the health issues surrounding the World Cup. As part of this, we’re helping to coordinate and share timely, accurate information across partners and the public.

Hospitals, EMS, emergency management, public health departments, law enforcement, transportation agencies, community organizations, hotels, venues, and trusted messengers all have different jobs. But for an event like this, those jobs have to connect. A hospital cannot prepare in isolation. A public health alert is only useful if clinicians see it and know what to do. A heat warning only helps if people know where to cool down and how to recognize danger signs. A communication plan only works if it reaches people in the language and format they actually use.

And making sure the right people have the right messaging and communication chains is critical for preparing for major events.

Here’s what New Yorkers can do:

Most of us do not need to do anything dramatic. But there are a few practical things that can help:

Know your heat plan. If your home gets too hot, know where you can cool down: a friend’s place, a library, a cooling center, or another air-conditioned space. Find NYC cooling centers here.
Stay home if you’re sick when you can, and consider masking in crowded indoor spaces if respiratory viruses start circulating or you’re around someone high-risk.
If you’re going to matches, watch parties, or crowded events, hydrate, wear sunscreen, pace alcohol, and have a plan for getting home.
Keep medications with you if you’re traveling around the city, especially if you rely on them daily (there could be transportation delays).
For healthcare practitioners, the NYC Health Department has put together an information page with recommended clinical guidelines and other resources on public health concerns that may impact New Yorkers and visitors during summer events like the World Cup.
Maybe most importantly: pay attention to official updates. Preparedness exists so the public does not have to wonder or carry anxiety alone.

And, if you live within 30 miles of a World Cup game (NYC and North New Jersey, that’s you!), you can participate in our weekly World Cup Pulse Survey. It’s a few questions each week about what health topics are on your mind, what rumors or concerns you’re hearing, and what questions aren’t getting answered. Sign up here. 🙂

Bottom line

The World Cup is going to bring noise, crowds, flags, chants, packed trains, impossible restaurant reservations, and the kind of energy New York is known for. Preparedness is not about draining the joy out of that, but protecting it.

When the infrastructure is strong, the city can do what it does best—welcome the world, take care of its people, and celebrate.

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.

A guest post by

Critical Health Voices

Critical Health Voices is a contributor-powered platform amplifying frontline healthcare and public health voices across the many conversations shaping health and care.

Thanks for your financial support of Your Local Epidemiologist in New York! I couldn’t do this without you. — Marisa

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