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JAN 23– FLASH! STANDARD AMUSEMENTS WANTS TO END ITS MANAGEMENT OF PLAYLAND; COUNTY REJECTS TERMINATION NOTICE
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Standard Amusements, the company that has been operating the Playland Amusement Park in Rye under a contract with the park’s owner Westchester County, has sent the county a notice that it is terminating its 30-year contract to manage the park.
Standard just finished its third summer season in charge of Playland. The notice was in the form of a letter to the county dated Jan. 21.
Standard alleged that the county breached their contract. The county, in a Jan. 22 letter to Standard signed by County Attorney John Nonna, rejected Standard’s termination and took the position that the county has not breached the contract as Standard claimed.
A separate letter dated Jan. 21 to Standard from County Parks Commissioner Kathleen O’Connor also took the position that the county did not breach the contract with Standard. However, O’Connor took the position that it is Standard that has breached the Playland Management Agreement
“First, throughout the 2024 season, the Manager has consistently had a significant number of rides closed on any given day of operation,” O’Connor said. “For example, during the ride safety audit in June, it was observed on back-to-back weekends that anywhere from 8 to 19 rides (out of approximately 40) were not operated during times Playland was open to the public. Whether these closures were due to maintenance issues or understaffing, it violates the Manager’s obligations to ‘operate’ and ‘maintain’ the Park in accordance with industry standards.”
O’Connor also referred to Standard’s maintenance and inspection practices, saying in part, “the County’s ride safety audit revealed that the Manager had insufficient maintenance staff to perform standard ride maintenance and inspections, even excluding maintenance of the rides that were closed. This violates the Manager’s obligation ‘maintain and repair Playland Park in accordance with standard industry practices.’”
O’Connor also alleged that Standard as of Jan. 21 had not paid the management fee it owes the county from 2023. She said that Standard must make the payment immediately and also cure within 30 days the deficiencies the county says breach the contract.
Standard began managing Playland after reaching a settlement with the administration of former County Executive George Latimer. Standard and the county had been at odds in court over the management agreement that Standard received when former County Executive Rob Astorino was in office. To settle the dispute with the county, a new management contract was negotiated. It was approved by the county’s Board of Legislators in 2021.
O’Connor said that in conversations with Nicholas Singer, who heads Standard Amusements, and in the company’s Jan. 21 letter to the county, it was made plain that Standard did not intend to be managing the amusement park in 2025.
JAN 22- GREENBURGH-GRAHAM SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICIALS ARRAIGNED ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION CHARGES BY WESTCHESTER DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND STATE COMPTROLLER. $50,000 ALLEDGED STOLEN FOR PERSON USES
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DISGRACED TOP OFFICIALS AT SCHOOL FOR AT-RISK STUDENTS ARRAIGNED ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION CHARGES
Over $50,000 of school money is alleged to have been spent on personal items such as jewelry and luxury handbags.
Westchester District Attorney Susan Cacace
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced that two former officials at the Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District, which serves at-risk students from kindergarten to 12th grade, were arraigned today on an indictment charging them with multiple public corruption offenses.
Oliver Levy, the district’s former superintendent, and Surendra Kumar, a former security system specialist, were arraigned Wednesday morning before Westchester County Court Judge Anne Bianchi on the charges of Second-Degree and Third-Degree Grand Larceny as Crimes of Public Corruption, Second-Degree and Third-Degree Grand Larceny, and Corrupting the Government in the Second and Third Degrees.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
D.A. Cacace said: “Any theft of public funds represents a fundamental breach of public trust. That breach is amplified when the allegations concern an institution serving our most vulnerable. The funds in this case that were allegedly diverted to the defendants could have been used for student achievement. My office will work diligently to ensure that the students and parents at Greenburgh-Graham are made whole.”
Comptroller DiNapoli said: “School administrators allegedly stealing from students they are supposed to serve is reprehensible. My thanks to the Westchester County District Attorney’s office for partnering with my office and continuing to pursue justice in this case and holding these individuals accountable.”
As alleged in the felony complaint, Mr. Levy, who began as a teaching assistant in 2008 and was promoted to superintendent in 2018, aided, abetted, and acted in concert with Mr. Kumar, then a security system specialist, to purchase 168 gift cards between July 2018 and June 2022.
Instead of spending the full sum of these funds on school-related expenses, the defendants are accused of diverting over $50,000 from the gift cards to personal expenses, such as jewelry, luxury handbags, private school fees for relatives, and veterinary services.
Mr. Levy, 55, of Stony Point, and Mr. Kumar, 48, of Yonkers, were arrested in May 2024 by the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. They have been released on their own recognizance. None of the charges are bail-eligible.
The top charge, Second-Degree Grand Larceny as a Crime of Public Corruption, carries a maximum potential sentence of 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
The investigation was conducted by the Office of the New York State Comptroller and the Economic Crimes and Public Integrity Units of the Westchester District Attorney’s Criminal Investigators Squad.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sheila Horgan.
JAN 22– NEW WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY SUSAN CACASE SUPPORTS GOV. HOCHUL PROPOSED DISCOVERY REFORMS
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STATEMENT ON DISCOVERY REFORM AND PUBLIC SAFETY LEGISLATION
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace released the following statement on Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposed reforms to New York’s discovery laws and other proposals designed to strengthen public safety:
“I welcome Gov. Hochul’s latest proposals to address the shortcomings in our discovery laws, and I look forward to working with our legislative partners to codify these needed changes. New York’s criminal discovery rubric must advance the interests of justice without penalizing good-faith efforts by prosecutors to promote compliance.
“The current discovery process places unnecessary burdens on prosecutors that incentivize delays. These delays routinely lead to unwarranted case dismissals, despite the due diligence of front-line prosecutors. As the latest statistics show, judges across New York State’s court system are reporting that discovery requirements have resulted in increased case dismissals. This trend will almost certainly continue without meaningful efforts to address the unintended consequences of discovery reform.
“It is my hope that our executive and legislative partners will continue to pursue further amendments to discovery reform that promote balance and fairness between prosecutors and defense attorneys.
“In addition to these important changes, I further support and endorse the recently announced proposals to expand resources for victims of sex crimes and bolster the prosecution of sex trafficking offenders and drug-impaired drivers.”
JAN 22– GOVERNOR HOCHUL’S DISCOVERY REFORMS ANNOUNCEMENT
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Governor Kathy Hochul January 14 announced proposals to drive down crime and bolster the criminal justice system to keep New Yorkers safe as part of her 2025 State of the State. Governor Hochul proposes streamlining the discovery process by amending reforms passed in 2019, adding additional resources to fight transnational criminal networks, and fighting sexual assault and domestic violence.
“Public safety is my top priority, and I’ll always do whatever it takes to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Hochul said. “While crime statistics show significant decreases in gun violence, there’s more work to do to keep all New Yorkers safe. That’s why we’re going to fix the discovery laws, crack down on transnational gangs and support survivors of sexual assault.”
Streamlining New York’s Discovery Process
Right-Size the Connection Between the Discovery Law and the Speedy Trial Act To Promote True Justice
New York’s discovery reform introduced essential changes to enhance fairness in criminal cases but led to unintended consequences.
Currently, if a prosecutor’s discovery compliance is later challenged successfully, the time between certification and challenge is retroactively counted against the prosecution, often resulting in dismissals unrelated to the merits of the case or the legality of the investigation. This loophole inadvertently incentivizes delaying discovery challenges, in order to have cases easily thrown out on technicalities. To address this, Governor Hochul proposes changes to eliminate the incentive to delay discovery challenges and to ensure that a discovery error is addressed in a manner proportional to the discovery error itself rather than as a technical mechanism to have an entire case dismissed. These changes will promote timely review that will improve case processing times, reduce delays that keep individuals incarcerated pre-trial, and prevent dismissals based on technicalities that can prohibit justice to victims and the people of the State of New York.
Streamlining and Clarifying Discovery Requirements
Governor Hochul also proposes a series of improvements to streamline the State’s discovery process. First, the Governor proposes clarifying that information requiring subpoenas in order to obtain is not necessary for certifying discovery compliance and that prosecutors may certify once they have disclosed all relevant materials in their actual possession.
Next, Governor Hochul proposes expanding the scope of automatic redaction to include sensitive details such as witnesses’ physical addresses and personal data unrelated to the case, eliminating the need to engage in lengthy litigation to redact such material. Governor Hochul also proposes reducing the requirement for providing 48-hour notice before a defendant’s statements can be presented to a grand jury to 24 hours. This will help relieve the burden of counties that lack five-day grand juries and which, during extended weekends, do not have 48 hours before a case needs to be presented to a grand jury. These changes will ensure procedural fairness, streamline case processing and safeguard sensitive information.
Fighting Transnational Criminal Networks
Strengthening the State’s Response to Transnational Criminal Networks
New York faces increasing challenges from transnational criminal networks operating along the northern border, including elevated levels of drug, weapon, and currency seizures. To address these growing threats, Governor Hochul will strengthen enforcement efforts by increasing the number of State Police and counterterrorism investigators at the northern border and deploying sophisticated technology to support their operations. Through these efforts and the strengthened Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, Governor Hochul will build investigations to target and hold accountable those working on behalf of these criminal organizations.
Combatting Sexual Assault and Domestic VIolence
Supporting Survivors of Sexual Assault, Gender-Based Violence and Sex Trafficking
Supporting survivors remains a top priority for Governor Hochul, as she continues to lead efforts to address sexual assault, domestic violence, gender-based violence and sex trafficking. Through historic investments and bold policy initiatives, New York is setting a national standard for protecting survivors and holding offenders accountable.
Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has significantly strengthened its response to sexual assault and domestic violence. Last year, the state invested $35 million to enhance public safety efforts statewide and $5 million in direct aid for survivors and their children. These investments are complemented by measures such as the creation of a statewide rape kit tracking system and a first-in-the-nation sexual assault evidence storage facility, ensuring survivors have access to justice and resources.
Governor Hochul has enacted bold initiatives to address gender-based violence, including the Adult Survivors Act and expanded protections against the misuse of intimate images. These efforts build on New York’s legacy of advancing survivor protections and underscore the Governor’s commitment to fostering safe and equitable communities for all.
The state is taking proactive steps to combat sex trafficking and support survivors. New York has strengthened anti-trafficking laws and programs while increasing access to services that help survivors rebuild their lives. These initiatives reflect the Governor’s dedication to disrupting trafficking networks and ensuring survivors receive the support they need.
This year, Governor Hochul will pursue a comprehensive agenda to further expand New York’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, gender-based violence and sex trafficking, continuing her unwavering commitment to supporting survivors.
Requiring Access to Trained Forensic Medical Examiners at All Hospitals
Every victim of sexual violence deserves the highest standard of care upon arriving at a hospital. To ensure this, Governor Hochul will propose legislation mandating that all hospitals provide access to trained medical forensic examiners for sexual assault survivors, including pediatric survivors. Access to these trained medical professionals is essential to both usher survivors through an emotionally fraught process and to collect the evidence necessary to bring swift justice to perpetrators. One study of 100 sexual assault cases that moved forward to prosecution found that almost 75 percent of cases with a DNA match, regularly collected during hospital forensic examinations, led to a guilty plea or trial compared to less than one in three cases without a lab report.
Governor Hochul will also contribute State funding to unlock federal support for raising the reimbursement rates to healthcare providers for the cost of forensic exams and courses of anti-HIV drug treatment.
Combined with expanded enforcement by the Department of Health, and investments in technical assistance as well as expanded forensic examiner training offerings, this measure will raise the standard of care, improve the likelihood of justice in sexual assault cases, and position New York as a national leader in addressing sexual violence.
Doubling Funding for Rape Crisis Programs
Many areas in New York lack adequate access to rape crisis services, with nine counties having no certified rape crisis program within the county bounds. To address these disparities and bolster existing programs, Governor Hochul will implement the largest funding increase in the program’s history. This investment will enhance hospital- and community-based services, expand geographical coverage, ensure support for culturally responsive programs and improve access to advocates for survivors of sexual assault.
Expanding Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence
To combat sexual violence comprehensively, Governor Hochul will propose expanding the Statewide Targeted Reductions in Intimate Partner Violence (STRIVE) initiative into a new program called STRIVE+. Initially launched in 2024 to address intimate partner and domestic violence, STRIVE+ will now include non-domestic sexual assaults and rapes. Administered by the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), funding will support district attorneys, law enforcement, probation departments and community-based providers statewide. New York City and participating counties will develop comprehensive plans using evidence-based strategies to reduce sexual violence and hold offenders accountable. This expansion aims to provide broader support for survivors while implementing effective measures to combat sexual assault.
Dispossessing Domestic Violence Abusers of Firearms
New York law currently lacks a specific crime that fully aligns with federal requirements for reporting domestic violence convictions to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Instant Criminal Background Checks System (NICS), allowing some abusers to evade firearm restrictions. To address this, a new crime of “Domestic Violence” will be created under the penal law, which can be charged concurrently with existing offenses, ensuring all elements necessary for federal reporting are automatically met. This change streamlines the process, eliminates factual inquiries, and ensures convicted abusers are entered into NICS, preventing them from accessing firearms.
Creating Safer Workplaces for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence impacts victims’ safety and productivity in the workplace, yet current protections under Executive Order 17 are limited to State employees and are not codified in law, leaving them vulnerable to future erosion. Since its issuance, Executive Order 17 has resulted in the establishment of nation-leading policies in State agencies, training of over 80,000 State employees, and assistance in over 100 cases, but private sector employees lack similar workplace protections. To address this, Governor Hochul will propose legislation to codify this policy into state law and require all state vendors to affirm they have a gender-based violence and workplace policy before receiving contracts. These measures aim to expand protections to private sector employees, improve workplace safety and ensure financial stability for victims and their coworkers.
Improving Access to Public Assistance for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence
Survivors of domestic and gender-based violence can face barriers when applying for public assistance, as certain eligibility requirements, like collecting child support, can increase their risk of harm. While the law allows for waivers for survivors of domestic violence, the existing screening process relies on districts assessing survivors’ credibility, an approach that is not trauma-informed and which may discourage disclosures, leaving survivors without critical protections. To address this, Governor Hochul will propose legislation to eliminate the credibility assessment, allowing survivors to self-attest that complying with eligibility rules would endanger them or their children. Additionally, a more comprehensive screening tool will be developed to better identify safety concerns and connect survivors to necessary services. These changes aim to reduce stigma, improve access to public assistance and provide safer pathways for survivors to achieve financial independence and stability.
Eliminating the Statute of Limitations for Sex Trafficking Cases
Despite the fact that trafficking survivors may delay disclosure to law enforcement for many of the same reasons that rape survivors would, and that sometimes it takes years for trafficking survivors to even know that they were trafficked, the statues of limitation for trafficking crimes were not included in the law change that extended and eliminated statutes of limitation for sex crimes. Instead, New York State trafficking crimes are subject to the same five-year statute of limitation as other felonies.
Governor Hochul will propose legislation to provide sex trafficking survivors with the same protections as survivors of other B Felony sex offenses by removing the criminal statute of limitations for sex trafficking and sex trafficking of a child.
Adding the Classification of Intellectual Disability as a Means of Trafficking
A national school-based study showed that children in special education services are twice as likely to be trafficked, and those with cognitive disabilities are five times more at risk compared to other students. Governor Hochul proposes adding language to the penal law to classify coercing someone with an intellectual disability into prostitution activity as a form of trafficking.
Cracking Down on Drugged Driving
Strengthening Drugged Driving Laws
Drugged driving causes more fatalities statewide than drunk driving, yet enforcement remains difficult due to outdated laws and limited resources. Governor Hochul will propose legislation to close critical loopholes, such as expanding the universe of prosecutable substances, authorizing penalties for refusal to participate in testing, enabling prompt license suspensions for drugged driving, and broadening the circumstances under which chemical tests can be compelled. The plan also includes increasing training for law enforcement and exploring the use of improved roadside screening and toxicology tools to enhance enforcement capabilities. These measures will equip law enforcement to better address the growing issue of drug-impaired driving.
Expanding Law Enforcement Technology and Coordinating Capacity
Expanding Support for Intelligence Sharing and Agency Coordination
The Crime Analysis Centers (CACs) are vital to crime prevention and public safety in New York, providing significant tools like hot-spot analysis and real-time investigative support to law enforcement statewide. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, CAC funding has tripled, and the network has grown to 11 centers across the state. Additionally, the statewide Joint Security Operations Center (JSOC) was established as a 24/7 cybersecurity hub to coordinate responses to cyber threats. Building on these successes, Governor Hochul will propose the creation of the New York State Crime Analysis and Joint Special Operations Command Headquarters (CA-JSOC) — doubling the State investment. This first-in-the-nation headquarters will unite over 100 local, state and federal agencies to track crime trends, share intelligence and coordinate responses in real time, further enhancing public safety across New York State.
Securing Additional Funding for Law Enforcement Technology
Last year, Governor Hochul provided record funding for the Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) grants to support agencies statewide in acquiring critical technologies and equipment to enhance crime prevention and community engagement. To ensure law enforcement partners continue to have access to the tools needed to protect New Yorkers, Governor Hochul will secure additional funding for future rounds of LETECH grants. This investment will strengthen public safety and improve trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Tackling Root Causes of Crime
Supporting Safe and Vibrant Communities
Governor Hochul will address rising crime rates in the Bronx through the Governor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety, led by the Division of Criminal Justice Services. This initiative will take a holistic approach to public safety by addressing root causes of crime, such as youth development and community opportunities. A key component will support the scaling of community-led violence prevention initiatives to provide pro-social activities, fostering safer and healthier neighborhoods.
Reducing Reoffending Through Innovative Justice Initiatives
Repeat offenses contribute significantly to overall crime rates in New York, with reoffending rates as high as 80 percent for individuals released from prison. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, programs like Jails to Jobs have reduced recidivism by connecting previously incarcerated individuals to education and job opportunities. Building on this progress, Governor Hochul will expand training in green energy and sustainable industries and enhance positive incentive programs like merit time to improve reentry success.
JAN 22– ROSEDALE ASSOCIATION PROTESTS CANNIBIS DISPENSARY IN RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD
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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. January 22, 2025
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JAN 21 — THE LAST WORD
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MONDAY WAS DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY.
IT WAS ALSO INAUGURATION DAY WHEN DONALD J. TRUMP WAS SWORN IN AS THE 47TH PRESIDENT.
HE GAVE A 30-MINUTE ACCEPTANCE SPEECH WHICH WAS COMPELLING. TERSE. NO STUMBLING. HE HELD THE AUDIENCE SPELLBOUND. HE INSPIRED.
HE SAID HE HAD BEEN INSPIRED BY HIS NEAR-ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT AND SHOWED FEELINGS FOR THE FIRST TIME. THE MAIN MESSAGE WAS HE WAS GOING TO DO BETTER AND REPAIR AMERICA.
NO ONE FELL ASLEEP DURING THIS INAUGURAL ADDRESS.
I BELIEVE I HAVE NEVER HEARD A PRESIDENT GIVE SUCH A COMPELLING ADDRESS.
AFTER THE POMP AND CIRCUMSTANCE, THE NAVY GLEE CLUB, THE SOLEMN OATHS THE APPLAUSE AND 4 BENEDICTIONS….
A FIFTH MINISTER APPEARED AT THE BACK OF THE CAPITOL ROTUNDA DRAWING “AHHS” OF SHOCK FROM THE GUESTS AND CONGRESS MEMBERS AS THEY RECOGNIZED HIM.
AS HE ALWAYS DOES ON HIS DAY AS AN UNIVITED GUEST BUT ALWAYS WELCOME DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR AT THE BACK OF THE SILENT ROTUNDA HAD RETURNED TO REMIND US OF HIS LEGACY.
THIS YEAR HE WAS THE FINAL SPEAKER AT TODAY’S INAUGURATION, RETURNING TO THE WASHINGTON MALL TO ASK QUESTIONS AND INSPIRE THE NEW PRESIDENT.
WE DID NOT KNOW WHAT DR KING PLANNED TO SAY TO THE NEWLY INAUGURATED PRESIDENT.
HERE A COMMENTATOR DESCRIBES THE MOMENT:
“ WE HAVE CONFIRMED THAT YES, THIS IS A STUNNING MOMENT. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING IS APPROACHING THE PODIUM AND WAS SEEN WALKING UP THE EMPTY WASHINGTON MALL WHERE HE SPOKE IN 1963. CAMERAS ARE FOLLOWING HIM UP THE CAPITOL STEPS. THEY KNOW WHO HE IS. EVERYBODY KNOWS. SECURITY LETS HIM PASS. HE IS NOW WALKING SILENTLY RAMROD STRAIGHT AS WE ALL REMEMBER HIM. YOU COULD HEAR A PINDROP LADIES AND GENTLEMAN. HE IS WALKING ALONE THROUGH THE CENTER AISLE THE GUESTS ARE STARING….HE IS ABOUT TO SPEAK HE IS NOW STANDING IN FRONT OF PRESIDENT TRUMP. THE INAUGURAL GUESTS ARE NOW QUIET…HE HAS NO MICROPHONE…WAIT REVERND DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING IS SPEAKING:
REVEREND KING IS ABOUT TO SPEAK::
“ MR. PRESIDENT, MR. VICE PRESIDENT, PRESIDENT BIDEN AND VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS, CONGRESS AND SENATORS I HAVE ACCEPTED THIS INVITATION TO SPEED YOU WITH URGENCY TO ADDRESS THE SURVIVAL OF THIS GREAT REPUBLIC.
TO REMIND YOU THAT GOD HAS GIVEN US FREE WILL AND THAT GOD HAS ALSO GIVEN YOU THE ABILITY TO KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG TRUTH FROM FALSEHOOD, AND WHAT TO DO IN THE PEOPLE’S INTEREST.
THE ALMIGHTY HAS GIVEN YOU THE CAPACITY TO LOVE, COMPASSION, ABILITY TO JUDGE FROM BIRTH EXTENDING TO THE BIRTH OF A NEW ADMINISTRATION.
YOU ALL HAVE IDEAS, PASSIONS, POLICIES THAT YOU BELIEVE ARE RIGHT AND NEEDED.
BUT I REMIND YOU THE ALMIGHTY DOES NOT GIVE GOD’S VOICE TO BE INTERPRETED BY FALSE PROPHETS, THE SELFISH, THE MEAN.
THE TEACHINGS OF THE SAVIOR HAVE LONG BEEN IGNORED THE LAST 8 YEARS BY BOTH PARTIES MEETING IN THIS CHAMBER.
I HAVE BEEN SADENED BY WHAT I HAVE HEARD MANY A SENATOR, A CONGRESSMAN AND YES, PRESIDENTS AND WOULD-BE PRESIDENTS HAVE VOICED PROUDLY WITH ETERNAL SHAME THAT THE FALSE VOICES AND PROPHETS IN THE LAND HAVE ENCOURAGED YOU TO ENDORSE.
NOW YOU MR. PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SHEPARDING THIS COUNTRY. MAY I SUGGEST NOT WITH THE SWORD OF VENGENCE TO UPROOT AND TEAR APART AND DESTROY WHAT THIS NATION HAS STOOD FOR.
YOU STAND HOLDING A CHALLENGE OF A ORCHESTRATING A NEW LEGACY TO RAISE AMERICA AND AMERICANS AGAIN TO BE RESPECTED BY THE WORLD’S PEOPLE.
NOT BECAUSE YOU HAVE WON THE VOTING RACE.
BUT INSTEAD THEY ARE GIVING YOU A NEW CHALLENGE TO BUILD UP YOUR COUNTRY WITHOUT RANCOR OR REVENGE OR VINDICTIVE PUNISHING OF PERSONS WHO WANT A BETTER LIFE.
IT IS YOUR COUNTRY. IT IS YOUR JOB TO SUCCEED BECAUSE YOU MUST.
TO SET AN EXAMPLE BY YOUR ABILITIES TO JUDGE AS GOD WOULD THE CONSEQUENCES OF HOW YOU EXECUTE YOUR JOB. YOU ARE CHALLENGED TO CHANNEL YOUR TALENTS, SKILLS, ABILITIES TO BRING POSITIVE OUTCOMES WITHOUT HARM.
(MR. KING IS POINTING HIS FINGER NOW ) YOU ARE NOW ACCOUNTABLE AT A MOST CRITICAL TIME FOR MANKIND.
YOU WILL BE JUDGED SEVERELY AT THE END OF YOUR TOUR OF DUTY.
NOT ON DOING WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO BUT WHETHER WHAT YOU DID ACTUALLY WORKED.
ALL WILL KNOW WHETHER YOU HAVE DONE IT WELL WITH CARE AND THOUGHT TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY CHOOSING THE COURSE THAT STRENGTHENS BINDS ACHIEVES GREATER GOOD FOR ALL AND NOT JUST A FEW.
YOU AS THE NEW LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES CLAIM TO WANT TO DO THE TASKS YOU FACE BY THE STRENGTH OF THOUGHT CREAVITY AND USING THE TALENT AND WISDOM AVAILABLE YOU CHOOSE, YOUR WAY.
WATCH LOOK AND LISTEN — SEE THE EFFECTS EARLY AND EVALUATE HONESTLY WHETHER YOUR POLICIES ARE ACHIEVING OR TEARING THIS REPUBLIC AND THE WORLD MORE APART.
THE POWER YOU HAVE TODAY TO WIELD BECOMES WHAT YOU WANT IT TO BE.
IT IS THE WAY AND THE INTENT YOU HAVE IN USING IT AND EXECUTING IT – YOU HAVE TO CALL THE RIGHT CALLS.
ACHIEVE SITUATIONS THAT SOLVE THE PROBLEMS WITHOUT COMPOUNDING MISERY, HATE, AND CONTEMPT BY YOUR CITIZENS AND OUR NEIGHBORS.
IF YOU MAKE THE WRONG CALLS WE WILL ALL KNOW .
GOD SPEAKING IN YOUR HEAD ALWAYS HAS THE LAST WORD.
ALL OF YOU IN THIS ROTUNDA TODAY KNOW WHAT THE ALMIGHTY GIVES YOU—THE RIGHT ANSWER.
YOU MAY USE THE ABILITIES YOU HAVE TO GROW, TO ENGAGE, NOT ENRAGE NOT HURT BUT IMPROVE OTHERS.
THE VOICE OF GOD IS NOT A VOICE YOU INTERPRET. ALL OF YOU HERE KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT.
IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU SHOULD DO BUT DO NOT WANT TO DO IT—THAT IS THE VOICE OF GOD.
IGNORE IT AT OUR NATION’S PERIL.
GOD SPEED AS YOU, SENATORS CONGRESS MEMBERS, ADMINISTRATION AS YOU TAKE THE HELM ON YOUR PERILOUS VOYAGE.
MAY YOU LOOK TO ALL YOUR FELLOW AMERICANS NURTURE OUR FREEDOMS, BUILD OUR COURAGE AND BUILD AMERICANS AND BUILD YOURSELVES LAWMAKERS, CABINET APPOINTEES YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE.
AND BUILD YOURSELF MR. PRESIDENT.
GROW.
BE BETTER THAN YOU HAVE EVER BEEN.
DOING GOOD ELIMINATES FEAR BUILDS STRENGTH
NOW AFTER THIS DAY YOU AND THE CONGRESS AND YOUR ADMINISTRATION ARE ON WATCH
I HAVE A CONFIDENCE THAT AFTER THE CHALLENGES THE LAST 8 YEARS THAT YOU ALL WILL HAVE LEARNED TO JUDGE YOUR PERFORMANCES AND FINE TUNE THEM TO MAKE YOUR PERFORMANCE SUCCESSFUL FOR THE PARTIES THAT WILL BE AFFECTED BY BOTH PARTIES DECISIONS.
GOD SPEAKING IN YOUR HEAD ALWAYS WHISPERS THE LAST WORD.
MAY ALL OF YOU HEARING MY VOICE TODAY USE THE ABILITY TO GROW TO ENGAGE NOT ENRAGE, NOT HURT BUT GROW OTHERS
GOD’S VOICE IS THERE TO GROW YOU DISSOLVE FEAR BUILD STRENGTH
GOD SPEED AS YOU TAKE THE HELM FOR AMERICA FOR ITS FREEDOMS, COURAGE AND BUILD AMERICANS AND BUILD MR. PRESIDENT. GROW. GROW AMERICA AS IT HAS GROWN ITSELF.
OUR LIVES BEGIN TO END THE DAY WE BCOME SILENT ABOUT THE THINGS THAT MATTER.
THE TIME IS ALWAYS RIGHT TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT.
IN THE ALMIGHTY’S NAME I PRAY
YOU WILL BE SO.
AMEN…
FEB 14–SPRING TRAINING SPECIAL AT WHITE PLAINS PUBLIC LIBRARY WITH “JOHNNY V”–THE 1971 PITTSBURGH PIRATES MARK YOUR CALENDARS BASEBALL FANS
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Baseball History: 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates with JOHN VORPERIAN
Friday, February 14
12:30pm – 1:30pm
White Plains Public Library
Auditorium
September 1, 1971, the first time in MLB history that a team fielded a lineup of all African American and Afro Latino players.
A relevant sports history topic that did not get full coverage when the event occurred, the Pittsburgh Pirates fielded a line-up of all African-American and Afro-Latin ballplayers. John Vorperian (WPTV’S Beyond The Game “Johnny V”) will give a talk on this momentous occurrence explaining the baseball angle as to why it happened, the omission of news reporting as well featuring the players themselves, including Roberto Clemente and Dock Ellis.
This program is made possible thanks to the support of the White Plains Library Foundation.
JAN 20 –WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS ON DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY
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COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS STATEMENT ON DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY
“Today, we pause to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose unshakable commitment to justice, equality and nonviolence changed the course of history. Dr. King’s vision of a world where character, not color, defines a person’s worth continues to guide us towards a more just society.
“For me, as Westchester County’s first Black County Executive, this day carries profound personal significance. Dr. King’s work paved the way for so many, including myself, to have the opportunity to serve in leadership positions. His fight for civil rights and equality laid the foundation for progress in every corner of this nation, including right here in Westchester County. Yet, we know his work is far from over. It is our collective responsibility to continue the march he started, to ensure that everyone in this nation and our County has access to opportunity and the dignity that comes with true equality.”
OUTBREAK OUTLOOK – NORTHEAST – JAN 20– FLU DECREASES. NEW YORK CITY STILL INCREASING IN FLU– OUTPATIENT VISITS AND TEST RESULTS STILL RISING
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Welcome to the Northeast edition of Outbreak Outlook! It is only available to paid subscribers. If you wish to become a paid subscriber and access region-specific information, please click the Subscribe now button below. Thanks for reading! -Caitlin
Respiratory Diseases
ILI
Influenza-like illness is beginning to improve for most of the Northeastern region, so I think we are past the worst of flu season. Still, it will be weeks before we return to low levels of ILI activity.
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New York City is reporting very high levels of influenza-like illness at 11%. Moreover, unlike other states in the region, the city is not yet seeing a clear peak in ILI—outpatient visits and test positivity are still rising. However, since most of the country is now past peak, I think we can expect NYC to turn the corner soon, too.
Mid-Atlantic states show moderate activity. New York reports consistent indicators with 4.2% for both outpatient ILI and ED visits, with moderate wastewater levels. Pennsylvania shows lower rates with 3.2% outpatient ILI, 3.3% ED visits, and moderate wastewater levels.
New Jersey is also experiencing quite high outpatient ILI, at 8.1%, which is a decline from 8.4% the week prior. New Jersey also has high (6.0%) ED visits, though showing moderate wastewater levels. Massachusetts follows with 5.2% outpatient ILI (down from 5.9% the week prior), though lower ED visits at 3.4%, with high wastewater levels.
Northern New England shows lower activity, particularly in Maine with 2.9% outpatient ILI, the region’s lowest ED visits at 1.7%, and moderate wastewater levels. Rhode Island reports 3.0% outpatient ILI, 2.5% ED visits, despite high wastewater levels.
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COVID-19
The winter wave continues, though this year is shaping up to be less intense than years prior. Wastewater activity is high, but dipped a bit this past week. Severe illness remains elevated. It is too soon to tell for sure whether the dip in wastewater activity is temporary blip before it increases again or if we have passed the peak of this winter wave, but my money is on the latter.
Wastewater activity is very high or high but decreasing in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Activity increased in only one state in the region: Maine.
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In Maine, wastewater activity is very high, higher than it has been at any point in the past year. At the opposite end of the spectrum is New York, where activity remains minimal.
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Visits to the ED held steady or increased in every state in the region this past week, and most states have moved from ‘minimal’ to ‘low’ levels of ED visits. Only New York and New Jersey remain at a minimal level (<1.5%).
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Hospitalizations are also elevated across the region. Two states reported increases in hospitalizations: Connecticut (7.3 hospitalizations per 100,000) and Pennsylvania, where hospitalizations are at a high 11.0. Hospitalization rates are also a bit high in Rhode Island (8.0) and Massachusetts (9.0), but things held steady there this past week.
The rest of the region has a bit lower – though still moderately elevated – hospitalization rates, and things held steady or decreased this past week. This includes Maine (6.6), Vermont (5.4), New Jersey (5.1), and New York (4.6). New Hampshire had a particularly notable improvement, with hospitalizations decreasing abruptly from 9.5 to 5.7 in one week.
RSV
On the bright side, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is clearly receding across the region, though most states are still reporting more than 1% of visits to the emergency department are for the virus.
These improving trends include New York City, which has seen a steady decrease in laboratory reports since late December.
I expect we will see continued declines of RSV in the weeks to come.
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Stomach Bugs
Nationally, we are in the middle of the largest norovirus wave in over five years. It is a rough season in the Northeast as well, but so far it is not radically out of step with prior winter seasons. Currently, test positivity is at 14.6%, and it has been bouncing between ~14-20% for the past month in the region. Yuck. The best preventive measure is to wash your hands regularly with soap and water and avoid touching your face in between.
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Source: CDC
Food recalls
The following foods are being recalled because they are contaminated. Please check your cupboards and throw out any of these items:
New:
- Casa Mamita frozen chicken and cheese taquitos (more info)
Previously reported:
- Wicklow Gold Cheddar Cheeses (more info)
- Blue Ridge Beef Kitten mix [for Cats] (more info). While not for human consumption, humans may be infected with Salmonella if they do not adequately wash their hands or contaminated surfaces after handling the product.
- Marketside Broccoli Florets (more info)
- Connie’s Thin Crust Cheese Frozen Pizzas (more info)
- If you have food allergies, you may wish to review these FDA safety alerts and USDA alerts for foods with undeclared allergens.