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COFFEE WITH WHITE PLAINS WEEK SATURDAY 8:30 A.M. EDT THE APRIL 25 REPORT ON FIOS CH.45, OPTIMUM CH 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
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JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS ON
THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS–BEST STATE OF COUNTY, CITY OR STATE OR UNION ADDRESS IN 25 YEARS THE HISTORIC RPI AGREEMENT ANNOUNCED
ANNOUNCES NEW TERMINAL FOR COUNTY AIRPORT. NO EXPANSION.
PLAYLAND COMES BACK! COMMITS TO OPENING PLAYLAND FOR THE SUMMER
GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND 11 OTHER ATTORNEYS GENERAL SUE ADMINISTRATION FOR IMPOSING TARIFFS WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL
REAL ESTATE PRICES SOAR IN WESTCHESTER
THE SENIOR HOUSING DILEMMA SHOUD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO NOW?
THE SENIOR END OF LIFE CARE QUANDRY: $10,000 A MONTH?
D.A. CACASE AND COUNTY ATTORNEY NONNA POOL LAWYERS TO GET JUVENILE ACCUSED OFFENDERS TO TRIAL FASTER
POLLEN ATTACKS YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST DETAILS THE WORST ALLERGY SEASON IN MEMORY
JOHN BAILEY AND NEWS
EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK
FOR 24 YEARS
WESTCHESTER’S NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
APRIL 24 — SEED OILS VS BUTTER/BEEF TALLOW
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Steak ‘n Shake recently announced it plans to transition from seed oils to butter and beef tallow—a move they referred to as “RFK’ing the fries.” Many other restaurants plan to follow suit due to growing populist criticism and curiosity about seed oils, driven by online influencers and, more recently, Secretary Kennedy.
This contradicts traditional health advice, which recommends limiting saturated fats (such as butter and beef tallow) and replacing them with unsaturated fats, like those found in oils and seeds.
So, what’s really going on with seed oils?
Thanks to the thousands of you who submitted questions on YLE platforms—this post is driven by your curiosity. I hope it helps spark conversations, guide evidence-based decisions, and satisfy some of the questions you’ve been holding onto.
What are seed oils?
Seed oils are extracted from the seeds of plants—like soybeans, canola, corn, sunflower, cottonseed, grapeseed, safflower, and rice bran. This includes vegetable oil blends. In contrast, oils like olive, coconut, palm, and avocado are extracted from fruits, not seeds.
Seed oils are high in unsaturated fat—a type of fat that’s typically liquid at room temperature and also found in fish, avocados, nuts and seeds. These are different from saturated fats, which are typically solid at room temperature and found in animal-based foods, such as meat and dairy, as well as in tropical oils like coconut and palm.
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Photo: Getty Images.
Are seed oils healthy?
Yes—as a part of a healthy diet.
Seed oils are particularly high in polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) that are important for heart health, cell function, metabolism, immune regulation, and even brain health. Specifically, they offer linoleic acid, an essential omega-6 PUFA that our bodies can’t make on their own, so we have to get it from food.
A large body of evidence supports the health benefits of unsaturated fats, particularly when they replace saturated fat. This protective effect is driven mostly by reducing LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- A meta-analysis from the American Heart Association found that replacing saturated fat with vegetable oil PUFAs reduced the risk of heart disease by 30%, similar to the effect of statins.
- A study of 400,000+ adults found that higher intake of plant-based fats lowered the risk of death from heart disease by 15–30%.
- A 33-year study of 220,000 adults found that replacing one tablespoon of butter with a plant-based oil reduced the risk of all-cause and cancer-related death by 17%.
To be clear, some newer research is revisiting the role of saturated fats—particularly in whole foods like dairy, unprocessed meat and dark chocolate. But that doesn’t mean seed oils are harmful. Both types of fat can fit into a healthy and balanced diet.
So, why the backlash?
Critics call seed oils “toxic” or “poisonous” and blame them for the rise in chronic disease. Here’s what’s driving the backlash:
- Correlation ≠ causation
Yes, seed oil consumption has increased. So has obesity. However, both saturated and unsaturated fats are prevalent in ultra-processed foods, which now account for more than half of American calories. So, is it seed oils—or the ultra-processed foods they’re in? Chronic disease is complex, and no single ingredient is solely to blame.
- Omega-6 fats, inflammation, and balance
Seed oils contain linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, which can convert to arachidonic acid—a fatty acid involved in inflammation. However, research shows dietary linoleic acid does not significantly raise arachidonic acid levels or most markers of inflammation. Some studies suggest it may have anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, we obtain most of our arachidonic acid from consuming animal-based foods, such as chicken, eggs, and beef, rather than from seed oils.
The other concern is that we are eating too many omega-6s and not enough omega-3s (which can be found in fatty fish, walnuts and flaxseed, for example) This concern is valid. Our intake of omega-6s has increased, while omega-3s remain too low. This shift in ratio may have health implications—but the clinical significance of the ratio itself is still debated. Regardless, most experts agree: the key is not to fear omega-6s, but to boost omega-3 intake.
- Processing and hexane
Like many things in our diet, seed oils require processing. Seed oils can be extracted using a liquid called hexane, which facilitates efficient separation of the oil from the seed. While trace amounts of hexane can remain, these levels are extremely low—much less than what we’re exposed to from air pollution. The refining process, which includes bleaching and deodorizing, strips away some nutrients but also improves shelf life and increases smoke points—important for maintaining stability during cooking. Cold-pressed oils are less processed options, but they’re more expensive and less stable.
- Conflicting evidence
Science is constantly evolving, and challenging conventional wisdom is healthy. But not all studies are created equal.
- Consider the Minnesota Coronary Experiment of the 1960s, which found that while vegetable oils lowered LDL cholesterol, they did not improve health outcomes. However, the study had serious flaws: high dropout rates, incomplete data, and limited generalizability. It’s one data point—not a reason to overturn decades of evidence.
- A more recent study linked inflammation in colon cancer to higher levels of arachidonic acid. Headlines were quick to point to seed oils as a culprit, but the study was observational, didn’t include any dietary data, and cannot imply a cause-and-effect relationship. It highlights a potential biological mechanism—not a reason to overhaul public health guidelines.
Follow the money
There’s also a booming wellness market that profits from fear. Valued at over $1 trillion, the industry is filled with influencers who demonize seed oils while selling products they claim will “reverse” the damage—like omega-3 supplements, antioxidants, or detox kits. Others push their own premium, seed-oil-free alternatives, including avocado oil, olive oil, or so-called “ancestral fats” like beef tallow and butter blends.
Examples:
- Mark Hyman, a physician and influencer, advises people to avoid seed oils and offers lab test memberships to help determine if their omega ratios are imbalanced.
- Mark Sisson, a fitness and food writer, founded Primal Kitchen—a seed oil-free brand of mayonnaise and salad dressings—and later sold it to Kraft Heinz for $200 million.
- Carnivore MD (Paul Saladino) frequently criticizes seed oils while promoting high-end, animal-based supplements.
Where does this leave us?
Seed oils can complement a healthy diet, providing essential omega-6 PUFAs, and are useful for cooking, baking, and dressings.
Avoiding seed oils alone isn’t necessarily harmful (we get plenty of these fats from grains, then meat, fats and nuts).
However, there can be unintended consequences, such as replacing seed oil with refined saturated fats like butter, lard and beef tallow (different from the aforementioned whole food sources that may have a beneficial “food matrix”). These trending swaps can be detrimental, as they raise LDL cholesterol and increase the risk of heart disease. There are also real cost implications for many Americans (see more below in the FAQ.) and unnecessary fear is not healthy either.
Ultimately, the seed oil debate reveals a deeper issue with how we talk about nutrition.
We tend to fixate on single ingredients or nutrients—such as seed oils, gluten, carbs, and fats—while ignoring the complexity of whole foods and the broader picture of overall diet quality, which matters far more.
That’s why initiatives like Food Is Medicine are so promising. They focus on promoting healthy eating patterns—integrating access, education, healthcare, culture and policy —without allegiance to any specific diets or ideology.
Bottom line
From a public health perspective, we do have room for improvement in our diets, but removing seed oils is far from the top of the priority list.
Seed oils are not miracle cures, and they’re not poison.
Like most things in nutrition, context is everything.
What matters most is your overall dietary pattern—diverse, nutrient-rich, and mostly minimally processed.
Demonizing seed oils oversimplifies the science and distracts from the real underlying issues in our food system.
APRIL 24—COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS ON THE STATE OF WESTCHESTER COUNTY
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WPCNR STATE OF AFFAIRS. From Westchester County Department of Communications. April 24, 2024:
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins Delivers 2025 State of the County Address
The State of our County—our Westchester County—is anchored in who we are, yet evolving in who we become.
We’re not repeating history—we’re making it.
Watch the State of the County Address:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3LRQSCuiIY
Standing at the podium in the Board of Legislators Chambers, Westchester County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins delivered a powerful 2025 State of the County address, his first, declaring that Westchester is grounded in hope, progress and the belief that Westchester remains a beacon of stability, civility and strength in an often uncertain world.
Quoting Westchester’s Poet Laureate Phylisha Villanueva, the County Executive opened with a poetic reflection: “This is legacy covered by ancestral winds, a generational ebb and flow continuously rising like rain returning to the sky…”
With these words, he acknowledged the challenges of our time, while rejecting the notion that we are destined to repeat history. He said: “Not here. Not now. Not in Westchester County. Because it is what we choose to do in each moment that defines us.”
The County Executive highlighted the achievements of his administration’s first 100+ days, marked by action, advocacy and accountability:
- After pushing back on Con Edison’s proposed rate hikes, he secured a local public hearing and signed legislation reinforcing Westchester’s opposition.
- He condemned the Trump Administration’s decision to close the White Plains Social Security Hearing Office, vowing to continue the fight for local access and equity.
- Westchester is the only county in New York State to hold a AAA bond rating from S&P, Fitch, and a positive outlook from Moody’s—a testament to the County’s sound budgeting and economic planning.
A major announcement in the speech was a groundbreaking partnership with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with Martin A. Schmid the President of RPI —one of the nation’s most prestigious engineering institutions—to deliver top-tier engineering education right here in our region. (PHOTO, WPCNR)
Jenkins said: “This is more than just a partnership. It’s a multi-year commitment to creating new opportunities for our local talent pool —especially young people and working professionals—to access cutting-edge STEM education, meet the demands of today’s workforce, and fuel the growth of our economy.”
Additionally, Jenkins highlighted that the County continues to invest boldly in housing and infrastructure:
- A $10 million land acquisition for affordable homeownership in White Plains
- $7 million in funding to Public Housing Authorities for vital improvements
- A new HomeSeeker web platform to connect residents with affordable housing
- $90 million in ARPA funds creating 2,000 new affordable housing units
- Launch of the $15 million Complete Streets Program to support municipal roadway improvements
Focusing on public safety, Jenkins highlighted:
- Violent crime is down, civil service exams for police are back, and efforts are underway to diversify law enforcement.
- A new task force is establishing a data-driven approach to understanding and preventing gun violence.
- The Free Client Phone Access Program at the County Jail ensures all incarcerated individuals have free legal phone access.
- The Probation Department returned over $266,000 in restitution to 163 victims in the past year.
On mental health, Jenkins announced the groundbreaking for the Mental Health Safety Net Clinic in White Plains, now licensed and under construction slotted to open this summer.
Jenkins also took the time to recognize the dedication of the County workforce, praising long-serving public employees and emphasizing his commitment to defending and celebrating government workers.
Jenkins also highlighted various environmental programs:
- The Westchester County Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) launched a Waste Reduction Study to gather public input and develop long-term sustainability solutions. The County also earned over $212,000 by participating in NYISO and ConEdison Demand Response programs—reducing energy use and preventing blackouts.
- Additionally, 25 new EV chargers were installed at the County Center’s South Lot, offering free charging for up to 50 vehicles, advancing the County’s Climate Action Plan.
On Westchester County Airport, Jenkins announced that in early May, Westchester County will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to modernize the Westchester County Airport terminal. This is not an expansion project, but a commitment to improving the airport experience for travelers. (Photo, WPCNR)
Jenkins said: “This is an exciting step forward. To offer a seat, a cup of coffee, and a bathroom—we are putting people first.”
Jenkins reaffirmed his commitment to reopening Playland for the 2025 season, despite legal challenges tied to a previous administration’s contract with Standard Amusements. (PHOTO, WPCNR)
Closing with a reflection on community, leadership and shared values, Jenkins said: “The State of our County—our Westchester County—is anchored in who we are, yet evolving in who we become. We’re not repeating history—we’re making it.”
He ended with a quote from poet Villanueva: “Hope for us is a deep current. Leadership that sounds like care and feels like courage.”
State of the County Video Series (5 Short VIDEO ESSAYS ON WESTCHESTER COUNTY TODAY:
State of the County 2025: Anchored in Westchester
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q74rgFd0_x4
Kenneth W. Jenkins: The First 100+ Days
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhGlmmDAoKI
State of the County 2025: Proudly Serving Westchester
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzDRrc8M6Ys
State of the County 2025: Westchester and RPI Partner for the Future
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN-4fLvj9Bc
State of the County 2025: The Link Between
APRIL 23– THE NEW YORK 12 GOVERNOR HOCHUL AND ATTORNEY GENERAL JAMES AND 11 OTHER STATE AG’S CHALLENGE TARIFF INCREASES
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New York and 11 States Sue To Stop Tariffs That Will Slow Economic Growth, Increase Unemployment, Raise Inflation, and Risk Recession
Imposed Tariffs Have Led to Increased Costs of Imported Goods, Agriculture, Energy, Construction Materials, and Labor
Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that New York State and a coalition of 11 other states are suing the Trump administration for illegally imposing unprecedented tax hikes on Americans in the form of tariffs issued under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The Trump administration’s IEEPA tariffs raise taxes on imports from nearly every country on Earth, including America’s closest allies and trading partners, and they have already caused severe economic damage.
The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General James and a coalition of attorneys general, argues that Congress has not granted the president the authority to impose these tariffs and therefore the administration violated the law by imposing them through executive orders, social media posts, and agency orders.
The coalition seeks a court order halting these IEEPA tariffs, including the worldwide tariffs that were paused on April 9, and preventing the Trump administration from enforcing or implementing them.
“President Trump’s reckless tariffs have skyrocketed costs for consumers and unleashed economic chaos across the country. New York is standing up to fight back against the largest federal tax hike in American history,” Governor Hochul said. “Attorney General James and I are partnering on this litigation on behalf of New York consumers, because we can’t let President Trump push our country into a recession.”
New York State Attorney General Letitia James said,
“The president does not have the power to raise taxes on a whim, but that’s exactly what President Trump has been doing with these tariffs. Donald Trump promised that he would lower prices and ease the cost of living, but these illegal tariffs will have the exact opposite effect on American families. His tariffs are unlawful and if not stopped, they will lead to more inflation, unemployment, and economic damage.”
Since February, President Trump has been unilaterally imposing sweeping tariffs against America’s closest trading partners. These tariffs expanded in a series of announcements in April to now cover nearly every country worldwide, including places that are not involved in international trade, such as the Heard and McDonald Islands, which have no known human inhabitants.
In addition to the severe economic damage that President Trump’s tariffs have already caused, the coalition warns they could cause even more destruction if allowed to continue.
The lawsuit argues the IEEPA tariffs will increase unemployment, raise inflation, and threaten Americans’ wages by slowing economic growth.
The president’s tariffs will harm the states and their residents by making important goods ranging from electronics to building materials more expensive and scarce.
These costs will severely impact New Yorkers.
Economists estimate the increased tariffs will cost the average family thousands of dollars per year, and a report from the New York City Comptroller estimated that even a mild recession caused by the tariffs would lead to over 35,000 lost jobs in New York City alone.
New York state agencies could end up paying over $100 million in extra costs due to tariffs increasing prices.
Retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada on the hundreds of millions of dollars in electricity that New York imports every year would cause New Yorkers’ energy bills to spike. Across the state, small businesses that rely on imports are already reeling from the threat of higher prices and uncertainty caused by the administration’s policies. In Central New York, the Cortland Standard, one of the oldest family-owned newspapers in the country, announced it would cease publication in part due to an expected tariff on newsprint.
The lawsuit, filed in the United States Court of International Trade, asserts that President Trump has no authority to impose tariffs as he has. While the president has declared emergencies and invoked IEEPA to justify these tariffs, not once has any other president used IEEPA to impose tariffs like this in the five decades since it became law.
As the coalition argues in the lawsuit, the law was not designed to allow the president to unilaterally impose worldwide tariffs indiscriminately. In addition, the coalition argues that the Trump administration has overstepped its authority and violated the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by imposing these tariffs.
With this lawsuit, the coalition is seeking a court order declaring the Trump administration’s IEEPA tariff orders to be in violation of the law and ordering the administration to stop implementing or enforcing these tariffs.
Joining Attorney General James in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont.
Governor Hochul has been in contact with federal leaders regarding the devastating effects tariffs will have on New York’s residents, businesses and our economy. The Governor has consulted with federal partners, economists and heard from business owners, trade groups, agribusiness and other stakeholders on the hardships tariffs will have on New York State.
APRIL 23—NEW AGREEMENT CHARTS FASTER PATH FORWARD TO COURT FOR UNDERAGE OFFENDERS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY
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WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace and Westchester County Attorney John Nonna announced today a new inter-agency agreement that will streamline the prosecution of cases involving underage offenders.
A new Memorandum of Understanding, signed by the District Attorney and County Attorney Wednesday morning, allows up to six Law Department attorneys to operate as Westchester County District Attorney’s Office designees and prosecute cases appearing in the Youth Part, with the expectation that these cases will eventually be removed to Family Court.
Previously, the Law Department would only prosecute cases involving adolescent and juvenile offenders after they are transferred to Family Court.
This new agreement will significantly streamline the prosecution of these cases, making more efficient use of prosecutorial resources and taking a fairer, more holistic approach to offenses committed by adolescent and juvenile defendants.
The work of the Law Department attorneys will be supervised by experienced prosecutors at the District Attorney’s Office. And final prosecutorial decisions regarding Youth Part cases will be made by District Attorney’s Office supervisors, in consultation with Law Department attorneys.
DA Cacace said: “This agreement provides a fairer, more efficient path to justice for our victims while offering underage defendants a more holistic approach to their cases. It is rare to find a reform that benefits all stakeholders in a criminal case, but I truly believe this agreement accomplishes that task. I want to extend my sincerest thanks to County Attorney Nonna for his strong partnership on this issue.”
APRIL 22—YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST HEALTH WATCH
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Si quiere leer la versión en español, pulse aquí. Public health is moving fast—and the ripple effects on your health and community are real. Keeping up can feel like drinking from a firehose. While YLE content remains free, we rely on your support to keep our team—and our community—sustainable (and sane). Please consider upgrading to a paid subscription below. Goodbye, respiratory season. Hello, ticks, allergies, and spring cleaning. Meanwhile, public health gutting continues: the administration’s top nutrition scientist resigned due to concerns over censorship, the Covid.gov website underwent a dramatic shift in direction, and a huge $40 billion cut proposal for Health and Human Services. Here’s the context and what it means for you. It’s spring! Enter tick seasonEmergency department visits for tick bites are climbing, but remain middle-of-the-road for now. By year’s end, more than 500,000 people will likely be diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease.
Source: CDC; Annotated by YLE Ticks thrive in warm, lush spring environments and can carry pathogens responsible for over a dozen diseases—including Lyme disease, which can cause flu-like symptoms and, if untreated, serious complications like neurological or cardiac issues. Not all ticks carry disease. Risk depends on the species, geography, and the duration of a tick’s attachment. Currently, tick-borne illnesses are most concentrated in the Northeast, with emergency department (ED) visits at 115 per 100,000 people. What does this mean for you? You can take several steps to protect yourself from ticks, including applying DEET or picaridin, treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin, and conducting thorough tick checks after engaging in outdoor activities. Here is a YLE deep dive. Cue: A rough allergy seasonThe Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) says it’s going to be a brutal year. 41% of the U.S. is currently experiencing medium-high allergy levels—especially in the South and East. Cities like Atlanta and Houston have already set records for pollen. Below is a live allergy map for 2025, showing pollen counts across the country that shift over time in your area.  Allergy season is becoming longer—plants are releasing pollen earlier in the year (about 40 days earlier) and stopping pollination later in the year (about 2 weeks longer)—due to rising temperatures. It’s also more pollen because of the increased amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. What does this mean for you? You’re getting exposed to more “pollen grains,” and your immune system may be irritated by them. Dr. Zach Rubin, an allergy doctor, joined us on our podcast America Dissected last week and gave great tips on managing allergies:
The measles game of whack-a-mole continues.Measles cases are climbing exponentially. The U.S. has 839 cases and 7 active outbreaks, spanning states like Montana, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas.
The outbreak in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas is growing rapidly. My concern about spreading in urban areas is coming to fruition. The El Paso outbreak is spreading fast. Within 11 days we rose from 2 cases to 11, signaling exponential growth. In Lubbock, cases are also on the rise. In particular, a cluster has been identified in the Tiny Tots daycare, resulting in 7 cases and 2 hospitalizations thus far. This outbreak has also extended into Mexico (the country; not to be confused with New Mexico), with 451 cases reported, primarily in Chihuahua, and Canada, with 1,045 cases, mainly in Ontario. The Canada outbreak has been traced back to a large gathering in New Brunswick last fall that was attended by guests from Mennonite communities. For those who want a deeper dive, go here for the SITREP (situation report):
Other sporadic cases continue to emerge across the country, often linked to international travel (see map above). What does this mean for you? Keep up on vaccinations. If you plan to travel with a child under 12 months, be sure it’s not to a high-risk area (either nationally or internationally). BIRD FLU H5N1 is still quiet. And we don’t know whyMany of you have asked for an update: H5N1 is currently pretty quiet. Over 1,000 dairy cow herds across 17 states have been infected with H5N1. However, new infections have slowed considerably—both in cows and poultry. The most recent human case was in December 2024. We don’t know why, but there are a few epidemiological guesses:
I don’t think anything is being hidden, especially on the human side. That would be near impossible to keep under wraps. What does this mean for you? Bird flu isn’t something that should be top of mind. The pandemic risk has decreased for now, although scientists continue to monitor it. NIH loses a top nutrition scientist—and that’s bad newsIn 2019, Dr. Kevin Hall authored arguably the most important study—a randomized controlled trial, the gold standard—showing that ultra-processed foods (UPF) lead to weight gain. He then did the next natural thing: run studies on why. Was it because UPFs are addictive or something else? A follow-up study of his found that UPF may not be inherently addictive, as indicated by the brain’s dopamine response. Another study, still in progress, suggests that UPF is problematic due to its high calorie density and hyperpalatability (heightened taste pleasure). These follow-up studies directly contradict RFK Jr.’s narrative—that UPF is addictive. Hall was initially restricted from publicly sharing the results. Once he was allowed to comment, the NIH press office edited his response, downplaying the significance. So, he announced his early retirement, citing censorship. He has been at NIH for 21 years. What does this mean for you? When scientists are muzzled, it hurts the public’s health and doesn’t move us toward a healthier world and better food system. This also follows a concerning pattern echoing recent departures like Dr. Peter Marks (FDA vaccines) and Kevin Griffis (CDC communications). Spring cleaning: Don’t forget your medicine cabinetLast week was National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day, and April 26th is National Drug Take Back Day. These are great reminders to clean out your medicine cabinet. Why is this important?
Here is a flush list. Medications not listed on this list can be disposed of in the trash. Our friends, The Nerdy Girls, have put together helpful tips. Covid.gov website has an unhelpful rebrand, to say the leastThe newly redesigned Covid.gov replaced vaccine and prevention information with a page focused on the lab leak—with no concrete calls to action for safety improvements. It’s political theater and a direct jab at scientists, as there isn’t any new evidence, and certainly doesn’t help the public navigate Covid-19. With the lab leak theory, I always try to take the 30,000-foot view:
Quick government watch: Executive branch proposes HHS cuts $40 BILLIONLast week, a document leaked revealing that the Trump administration plans significant cuts ($40 billion) to the Health and Human Services, which includes the elimination of programs focused on maternal health, rural health, Head Start, and other areas. Unlike previous executive actions, these cuts are moving through the normal budget process—making them harder to block and more dangerous long term. They are very dramatic compared to previous budget proposals. Importantly, this is a recommendation and/or political pressure from the Executive Branch. It’s not law or a guarantee. The next step is for Congress to draft, debate, and vote on actual funding bills. Then it’s put into law.
Federal Budget Process and Timeline. Figure by Your Local Epidemiologist What does this mean for you? This is the ideal time to reach out to your congressional representatives about the issues that matter most to you. I’ll host a webinar soon with a few staffers (from both the Democratic and Republican parties) to maximize your effectiveness. Question grab bagI’m in a lot of mom groups on Facebook. Do you have recommendations on whether to respond (and if so, what) to a mom who posts something like, “Does anyone have a recommendation for pediatricians who allow delayed or modified vaccine schedules?” My biggest piece of advice: Don’t pick arguments about vaccines, especially when people have already said they are interested in something different. One approach would be to say something like: “I’m sorry you’re having trouble finding a pediatrician. For what it’s worth, my child got the routine schedule and did well, and I’ve had great experiences with his/her pediatrician.” And provide the contact information. It’s also okay to add, “All the pediatricians that I recommend also recommend the routine schedule because it maximizes protection at the right times. They also listen to and respect your questions and concerns.” Bottom lineYou’re all caught up! Have a great week. Love, the YLE team |
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CONGRESSMAN GEORGE LATIMER COMES TO SCARSDALE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
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LWVS ANNUAL MEETING AND LUNCHEON
Featured Speaker: Congressman George Latimer
Friday, May 9, 2025
10:30 am to 2 pm
(luncheon and speaker portion of event begins at noon)
Scarsdale Golf Club
1 Club Way, Hartsdale, NY 10530
SPACE IS LIMITED
Early bird rate through May 2: $60/person
Students: $30
Link to purchase tickets:
APRIL 20—-THE OLD RUGGED CROSS AND THE ETERNAL SUN ALWAYS TO THE END OF THE AGE
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WPCNR NEWS & COMMENT By John F. Bailey. April 20, 2025:
First Baptist Church on the windy blustery heath looking East to the rising sun this morning celebrated the rising of the sun on Easter Sunday in their traditional Sunrise Service at 6:15 A.M.
The most joyous service of the year (in this reporter’s opinion) was highlighted by a hazy sun breaking stalwartly through the clouds into a brisk west wind.
The event on “Resurrection Sunday” as Reverend Frank Farley described it, I thought the sun rising today reflected times in Jerusalem on Golgotha (The Place of the Skull) when Jesus of Nazareth was crucified in 33 A.D. 1,992 years ago. The mighty sun rose not as clear as it did last year, but still reassured us it was there in the high sky
Reverend Frank Farley observed at the close of the service, the message this day brings us is it it fires up the spirit of Jesus of Nazareth and God is still within each of us that each one of us and took to, feel within us reach into us for help to become better, for strength, for endurance, to bring light into the world, be better at what we do. Reverend Farley with his soaring words into the wind said, “God is always in us for us. He rises up within us.”
Easter Sunday , I think, more than any other Sunday reminds us of the message of the good, the strength, the values, the code of living brought by existence of Jesus of Nazareth endures.
It does not disappear after Easter Sunday. With each sunrise, each day, the comfort of the great universe of stars at night assure us of the presence in us of the strength of the good that is there.
Every sunrise and sunset reaffirms these eternal truths are in us for guidance, strength, endurance, selfgrowth and doing what is right always.
The little band of worshippers joined hands at close and a glow grew in each face at the mystery of good feeling generated by the hymns in English and Spanish and hope of the messages brought on the wind and the sun’s promise, and the eloquence of the Reverend Fraley, Reverend Ever Magana and Mrs. Magana. Mrs. Magana read the Invocation of the ceremony loud clear and as moving as ever when the good news came 1,992 years ago:
MRS. MAGANA WITH REVERAND EVER MAGANA AND REVEREND FRANK FRALEY THIS MORNING.
20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”
3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.
Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene
11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.
TONIGHT AT 7 ON FIOS CH 45 AND WP OPTIMUM CH 76–WESTCHESTER ANGELS TEAMS WITH STEM TO SUPPORT EDUCATION, ENTRPRENEURSHIP ON PEOPLE TO BE HEARD AT 7 PM AND ALL WEEK ANYTIME ON WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
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JOHN BAILEY INTERVIEWS SANDY WOLLMAN CO-FOUNDER OF WESTCHESTER ANGELS AND Margaret Käufer, President of The STEM Alliance the new partnership Tonight and all week at www.wpcommunitymedia.org
The Westchester Angels and The STEM Alliance are excited to announce a new strategic partnership to supercharge STEM learning opportunities for children and adults across Westchester County. By blending financial support with hands-on volunteer engagement, The Westchester Angels – a group of dynamic local investors backing innovative startups – are empowering The STEM Alliance to expand its reach and impact. The STEM Alliance, a fast-growing Mamaroneck based nonprofit, works to close systemic gaps in STEM education by providing equal access to cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, and math learning opportunities. Their ultimate goal? To inspire innovation and create workforce pathways through STEM education and digital equity.
This partnership is about more than just funding-it’s about action. The Westchester Angels are bringing their entrepreneurial spirit to the table, amplifying the STEM Alliance’s vital programs like “Connect Westchester,” which tackles the digital divide head-on by providing free tech skills training, affordable devices, and internet access to underserved residents. Together, these organizations are paving the way for a brighter future, ensuring that every individual – regardless of background – can unlock the doors to opportunities and success through STEM skills.
Under the partnership, the Westchester Angels will donate $100 of each new membership and membership renewal to The STEM Alliance. Westchester Angels also plans to host an annual event benefiting The STEM Alliance and provide volunteer opportunities for their members to support the organization’s mission.
“The Westchester Angels are proud to partner with The STEM Alliance to foster innovation and create pathways for future STEM leaders,” said Sandy Wollman, Co-Founder of the Westchester Angels. “Our members are eager to contribute both financially and through volunteerism, ensuring that local students and underserved populations have access to the resources and support they need to succeed in today’s digital economy.”
The STEM Alliance will collaborate closely with the Westchester Angels to share joint updates and achievements to their respective stakeholders, strengthening the visibility of both organizations’ impact. “We’re thrilled to align with Westchester Angels in our shared vision of advancing STEM education, supporting young innovators, and helping create a STEM-ready workforce.” said Margaret Käufer, President of The STEM Alliance. “This partnership amplifies the shared goals of two fantastic organizations from the business and nonprofit sectors.”