GOVERNOR HOCHUL DECLARES EMERGENCY IN ORANGE COUNTY 8 INCHES OF RAIN

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OVERNOR HOCHUL DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN ORANGE COUNTY AS EXCESSIVE RAINS CAUSE FLASH FLOODING AND OTHER LIFE-THREATENING IMPACTS ACROSS MID-HUDSON REGION

Eight Inches of Rain Reported in Orange County Resulting in Widespread Flooding, Road Closures and Other Life-Safety Impacts

Additional rainfall amounts between 2 to 4 inches is likely Monday, with locally higher amounts up to six inches. A Flood Watch remains in effect for most of the state.

As of 8 p.m., road closures include:

  • Palisades Interstate Parkway and U.S. Route 9W in Rockland County
  • U.S. Route 6 in Westchester County
  • U.S. Route 9W, State Route 218, State Route 293, State Route 17M, and State Route 32 in Orange County
  • State Route 403 and State Route 301 in Putnam County
  • State Route 190 in Clinton County

Five Swift Water Rescue Teams and A High-Axle Vehicle Deployed to Assist with Flood Rescue Efforts in Mid-Hudson Region

State Emergency Operations Center and State Fire Operations Center Activated to Respond to Local Requests for Assistance

New Yorkers Should Monitor Local Weather Forecast Through Monday As More Heavy Rain and Flooding Expected

Road Closures in Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Putnam, and Clinton Counties

 SUNDAY NIGHT Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency for Orange County, where a reported eight inches of rain resulted in widespread flooding, numerous road closures, and other storm-related impacts.

At Governor Hochul’s direction, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management activated the State Emergency Operations Center and is ready to support local requests for assistance.

DHSES’ Office of Fire Prevention and Control deployed four Swift Water Rescue teams and State Parks deployed an additional team on Sunday to the Mid-Hudson Region to assist with flood rescue efforts. DHSES field staff are also embedded at the Orange County Emergency Operations Center to facilitate local requests for assistance.

I’m issuing a State of Emergency in Orange County, which has experienced life-threatening conditions due to flash flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “We are approaching a critical point in this weather event, and New Yorkers must remain vigilant. Remember: avoid flooded roads, monitor your local forecasts and have an evacuation plan ready if you’re in a danger zone.”

DHSES is working closely with all impacted counties to coordinate response. Numerous roadways consisting of State Route 9W and Palisades Interstate Parkway are experiencing heavy flooding and washouts. The Palisades Parkway Northbound is closed from exit 14 to Long Mountain Traffic circle. As of Sunday evening, there were more than 12,000 power outages reported in Putnam, Dutchess, Albany, Ulster and Orange counties.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “We are working closely with partner agencies and local governments to address flooding in the Mid-Hudson region this evening. We have been preparing over the last few days for this weather system and have been in close contact with local officials throughout the weekend. New Yorkers should take extra caution, if traveling, and stay alert.”

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli said, “The New York State Police is working with its agency and law enforcement partners in the Hudson Valley Region to get stranded motorists to safety. We have deployed additional troopers and resources including Swift Water Teams to assist those impacted by the flooding. This is an active emergency situation, and more storms are expected. We urge motorists to avoid the area for their safety.”

TODAY, thunderstorms forecast for the Capital Region, Central New York, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, New York City, North Country, and Southern Tier Regions, and rain showers forecast for the Finger Lakes Region.

Excessive rainfall caused by slow-moving thunderstorms is likely to continue causing flash flooding and minor to isolated moderate river flooding into Monday. Most of the eastern portion of the state remains under a moderate risk for excessive rainfall Monday.

For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov.

Severe Weather Safety Tips

Disaster Supplies

Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Emergency food and water
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

Flash Flooding

  • Never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way.
  • If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
  • Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

Lightning

  • Follow the 30-30 rule: If the time between when you see a flash of lightning and hear thunder is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to hit you. Seek shelter immediately. After the last flash of lightning, wait 30 minutes before leaving your shelter.
  • Lightning hits the tallest object. If you are above a tree line, quickly get below it and crouch down if you are in an exposed area.
  • If you can’t get to a shelter, stay away from trees. If there is no shelter, crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.

Tornado

  • If outdoors and a Tornado Warning is issued, seek shelter immediately. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
  • If at home or in a small building, go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress.
  • If in a school, hospital, or shopping center, go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from large open areas and windows. Do not go outside to your car.
  • If in a high-rise building, go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not use elevators – use stairs instead.

For more information on personal preparedness and how to stay safe during severe weather, visit: https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.

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WHITE PLAINS WEEK FIREWORKS TONIGHT AT 7, THE JULY 7 REPORT ON FIOS CH 45 COUNTYWIDE–OPTIMUM 76 IN WP AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

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THE RED PLANET — DON’T BREATH NOW! 

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JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS TONIGHT  IN THE WPCNR NEWSROOM CHECKING THE HOT SCRIPT

EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK FOR 23 YEARS

HERE ARE THE STORIES COMING AT YOU TONIGHT!

WARNING: IMPOSSIBLE TO MULTI-TASK AND WATCH THIS PROGRAM SIMULTANIOUSLY

PULL UP A CHAIR BUT WATCH ON THE EDGE OF YOUR SEAT TO AVOID INJURY LEAPING TO YOUR FEET

 

JULY 3RD SURPRISE:  WHILE YOU WERE WATCHING FIREWORKS, THE LONG LONG LONG LONH BUILDING  OF WINBROOK THIRD PHASE STARTING SOON

PARTYING LIKE 1999: THRONGS THRILL TO PYROTECHNICS!

 MONDAIRE JONES SAYS “NOT SO FAST” —  CHALLENGES LAWLER FOR THE 17TH DISTRICT IN 2024 LAWLER STARTS RAISING MONEY 

MEANWHILE: THE COVID NUMBERS KEEP ON COMING THREE STRAIGHT WEEKS OF MORE COVID

NO NEW ASYLUM SEEKERS IN WESTCHESTER THIS WEEK ASSURES COUNTY EXECUTIVE. NO RESPONSE FROM WASHINGTON ON ASYLUM COURT REQUEST OR CLEARANCE TO ALLOW ASSYLUM SEEKERS TO WORK AFTER 5 WEEKS. HEY WE’RE HOUSING MIGRANTS HERE, A LITTLE ACTION PLEASE?

ALL THE NEWS THEY DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT FOR 23 YEARS.WE’RE KEEPING AN EYE OUT FOR YOU.

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THIS WEEK THURSDAY AT 8 PM ON “PEOPLE TO BE HEARD”: BASEBALL AT THE ALL-STAR BREAK ON FIOS CH 45 & WP OPTIMUM CH 76 AND www.wpcommunitymedia.org

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“BULL ALLEN” AND JOHNNY V LIVE FROM AL LANG FIELD THIS SPRING

HI NEIGHBOR!

WPTV’S JOHNNY V, HOST OF “BEYOND THE GAME” AND LEGENDARY SPORTSCASTER “BULL” ALLEN  TALK BASEBALL  THE 2023 SEASON SO FAR ARTIFICIALLY BROADCASTING LIVE FROM FABULOUS FENWAY PARK 

WHERE ARE THE YANKEES GOING? WHERE DID THE PITCHING GO? CAN ANYONE HIT .300 ON THIS .500 BALL CLUB?

SHOULD AARON BOONE BE REPLACED? YES. THERE IS STILL TIME,BROTHER. NOT ANOTHER PITCHING CHANGE, PLEASE? BULLPEN WEAROUT!

CAN STARTERS GO 7 INNINGS PLEASE?

WHERE HAVE THE METS GONE? NOWHERE. IS 18 GAMES BEHIND TOO FAR BEHIND? SHOULD BUCK BE LIFTED FOR A PINCH MANAGER?

THE NEW RULES EFFECTS?

WHY ARE AVERAGES DOWN?

WHY ARE PITCHERS DOMINATING?

IS BASEBALL REALLY SAVING TIME?

THE OVER COMMERCIALING OF PLAY-BY-PLAY

THE 10TH INNING GHOST RUNNER. CAN WE PLEASE LEARN TO PUT A RUNNER ON FIRST WITH THE FIRST BATTER OF THE INNING?

AND EXTRA INNINGS—ALWAYS!

PULL UP A CHAIR,

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The Lone Eagle

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A mature American Bald Eagle cruising over the Hudson River off Bear Mountain this weekend, his white head visible always on the alert, always alone. A symbol of Independence Day. Majestic. Responding to every threat to freedom and oppression. America’s national bird.

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IT’S 4TH OF JULY: IT’S GRILLIN’ TIME. THE AMERICAN GRILLMAN OR GRILLGAL RETURNS. SOMETHING ALL AMERICANS CAN AGREE ON. A 4TH OF JULY TRADITION

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WPCNR GRILLMAN GAZETTE. By The Grillin Gourmet. ReInternetted from The CitizeNetReporter Archives of the Ancient Past. July 4, 2023:

No matter whether you’re a New York Liberal, a Michigan Wolverine, A Trump supporter, A Desantisman, BIDENET or California free spirit, there’s still one phenomenon the country still believes in AND IS SOLIDLY ALL IN ON– the American grillin’ Holiday Cookout.

From Clambakes in New England, hot dogs and burgers on buns at beaches from Miami to Malibu, steaks on grills  in the Great Northeast, nothing brings the American Family together like the Independence Day barbeque.

Thanks to the chimney charcoal starter and its glowing orange coals, the backyard American barbeque DNA macho in the amateur chef was inordinately delayed by the coldest WETTEST  windiest spring in memory.

But today its 71  degrees in White Plains New York USA, CLIMBING TO 77 WABCCCCCC DEGREES. The immortal deejay Big Dan Ingram is telling you to “Roll Your Bod,” Beach  waves are rolling in at Jones Beach and the grills are  READY!

Steak was raised outside!

It was born to be cooked outside.

The outdoor charcoal grilled steak puts the steakhouse in its place!

In this griller’s opinion, outdoor grilling proves once again to be superior to the overpriced artificial-tasting butter steak.

Sleek decor and atmosphere cannot duplicate backyard origins.

The economy may be bobbing and weaving , your home equity shrinking, but  take heart even the hobo can grill! It’s part of American DNA. It’s Democracy!

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To do real steak right , you have to do it outside on charcoal.

The instinct of generations of the American backyard grilling  tradition passed up from  the cave, enjoyed at Valley Forge. Lewis and Clark bit into venison discovering the Northwest.

Cowboys sunk teeth into rare beef around chuck wagons on the prairie  and Miss Kitty’s Long Branch Saloon and up from the Southland , barbecue  inbred and passed on from American father to American son – cutting across nationality and station – gives you real steak – not $100 technology  enhanced cuts. 

Flaming charcoal makes steak a living thing in your mouth! Tastes so damn good.

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As long as the American grilling tradition is handed down, the pioneer “can-do” spirit lives! Look at those glowing babies romancing, enhancing that steak. It makes your mouth water!

Why go out for dinner when you can tap your inner griller and say I can cook steak better!

The difference is the air, the smoke, the way marinade just drips down into the coals and gets into the meat. It’s chemistry,  Americans! We need that American chemistry of gathering around the grill and socializing and appreciating each other and respecting each other.

What is it about the American Grillman that’s so special that his or hers backyard cuts  charred to perfection beat the insider  professionals’ inflation-friendly ostentatious steaks?

It’s the unique chemistry of being American and believing in the charcoal flames. The campfire. Delmonico’s.

On  Memorial Day, or Independence Day it’s a must. t’s not July 4 unless you’re grillin’. On Labor Day, if you’re not workin’, you’re grillin’.

There’s just something about the searing intensity of glowing charcoal combining mystically with the testosterone and instinctual synergy between red meat and the dedicated outdoor griller –  it beats in taste, juiciness and texture the contrived technology of the most expensive restaurant equipment.

No matter how tasty the megabuck meat is in the swank sticker shock steak palaces of the expense accounters, there’s always that artificial packaged taste that betrays the indoor steak. The butter softness. The soft crust of the black topped surface of the indoor steak just does not have the nubile grizzled roughhewn  rugged flamed, charred macho, and  reluctant yield of the outdoor one-on-one grilled steak that fights your bicuspids with spirit, and sealed in juiciness.

The Chimney Starter the Secret.

Pour in a helping of those ultimate black beauties, Kingsford charcoal briquettes into the chimney top.

Fifteen minutes before the wife has the sides ready, take a wooden match to the apertures in the base of the starter and light up the edges of the newsprint. Within 10-15 minutes you’ve got coals a firey orange red. You’re ready to outcook the pros.

After the Griller’s wife has marinated the meat –  the bone trimmed Porterhouse is sizzzzzzzlllllllllling in the caressing deep searing heat of glowing orange briquettes – 4  minutes a side in 400 degree heat and deft turning and surgical “rareness checks” – the seasoned grilling caballero  simply has a feel for the meat – passed genetically down from generations of American grillers.

The combination of cauldron, flavored steel grill rods and perfect flames creates the grillmark “brand” lets you know just by looking at the cut, you’re going to get the natural taste of the backyard steak –  No one can do a great cut like you can!

As any redblooded American Grillman will tell you when doing a steak – you can’t deliver a steak by manual or instructions.

You have to feel the meat. Feel it cook. You just know its time. Hearty smoke promising juicy meat that melts in your mouth creates an experience only the grillman or GrillGal knows.

Every cut is not the same.

Each deserves a surgeon’s attention to cooking timing and detail. Surgical checks are necessary.

The American Grillman becomes one with the meat. With eye and knowledge of the hue of red – you just  know  by instinct when she’s done.

Cooking is slowed down by moving the meats to the side off the heat to keep the American beauties warm

With the wife’s deft presentation, sweet potato fries, corn pudding, fresh beans and mushrooms the Grillman’s natural art creates the taste of traditional American 3-Day Weekend.

Get those grills handy and ready to fire up to get that taste of American unity once again.

When you’re over the grill, you’re King of the Hill.

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WOMENS BAR ASSOCIATION OF NY “DISMAYED” AT SUPREME COURT TAKE DOWN OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION. WOMEN OF COLOR SPECIFICALLY WILL BE HURT. MORE WHITE LAWYERS THE RESULT.

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WBASNY Expresses Dismay with U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision Overturning Affirmative Action in College Admissions
The Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York (“WBASNY”) strongly expresses its dismay over the U.S. Supreme Court’s joint decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina and Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College, which struck down affirmative action as a consideration in college admissions.

This decision will have significant detrimental effects on the already underwhelming pipeline for diverse students applying to colleges, universities, and law schools, and this impact will be especially severe for women of color.

WBASNY firmly believes in equality, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and it was proud to participate in these cases as an amicus curia (friend of the Court) in support of the current measured admissions processes used by both Harvard and the University of North Carolina to ensure fairness to applicants, while simultaneously fostering a diverse student body and combating past and present discrimination.

The amicus brief highlighted the importance of affirmative action policies – which notably were previously authorized by past decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Those precedents – now abandoned by the majority opinion – ensured that candidates must first demonstrate that they meet all qualifications for admission, and then allowed colleges to consider other factors to promote a more diverse campus.

These steps helped ameliorate the realities of historic, ongoing, and pervasive race and sex discrimination; they did not cause anyone to be admitted who did not already meet each college’s admissions standards.

As noted by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson in her dissent, the majority ruling has a “let them eat cake obliviousness” that resonates with our concerns.

The Court’s decision disregards both the historical context and the real and pervasive impacts of racial disparities and systemic racial inequality, which are still prevalent today.

By overturning decades of precedent and undermining affirmative action, the Court’s decision hinders opportunities for those who are qualified for admission and whose presence in institutions of higher learning are essential for the benefit of those colleges and for society at large.

Most striking is the express exemption of military academies and colleges majority’s from its new bar on the use of affirmative action, which demonstrates the hypocrisy underlying its reasoning.

As Justice Jackson noted in her dissent: “The Court has come to rest on the bottom-line conclusion that racial diversity in higher education is only worth potentially preserving insofar as it might be needed to prepare Black Americans and other underrepresented minorities for success in the bunker, not the boardroom.”

The consequences of this ruling are far-reaching, extending beyond colleges and universities.

It directly implicates WBASNY’s mission and threatens to exacerbate the current underrepresentation of women of color in the legal profession.

Diverse attorneys account for a disproportionately low percentage of the legal workforce, and this decision will undoubtedly further widen this gap.

Moreover, since it will deny college admissions to many diverse candidates, it will also make it more difficult for law firms and the judiciary from fulfilling their commitments to diversity, thereby perpetuating a cycle of inequality in all aspects of the justice system.

 

In her powerful dissent, Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor noted that

“race still matters to the lived experiences of all Americans,” and the Court’s ruling attempts to impose a “colorblindness for all” approach that ignores the reality of racial disparities.

As Justice Sotomayor highlights, acknowledging racial identity does not perpetuate stereotypes but instead combats them, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

Indeed, the Court’s decision will reduce the fairness of admissions, as the purported virtue of ‘color blindness’ effectively grants greater rights to those who get “legacy” admissions by virtue of family ties than to those who have overcome bias and prejudice to achieve comparable qualifications through hard work, persistence, and grit.

WBASNY calls upon everyone to remain vigilant and committed to ensuring diversity in colleges, law schools, law firms, the judiciary, and the legal community as a whole. Just as President Biden urges institutions not to abandon their commitment to a diverse student body, we must persist in our efforts to promote diversity and access for all in the legal profession and society at large.

 

A key element of WBASNY’s mission is its dedication to the fair and equal administration of justice. The ramifications of this decision are profound, impacting our society’s collective progress toward achieving the goals of equality and justice. WBASNY urges all stakeholders to unite and continue fighting for a more inclusive society that embraces and celebrates the breadth and depth of our diverse experiences.

 

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