THE WORLD READS WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER — 8,324,077 VISITS IN ONE YEAR

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AHEAD OF 25th ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11, TRUMP ADMIN MUST FULLY RESTORE ANTI-TERRORISM FUNDING 

Washington, D.C. – Less than two weeks before the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City on 9/11, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement after New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called on the Trump administration to fully restore New York’s counterterrorism funding: 

“President Trump is using New Yorkers as political pawns once again,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New York is the leading terrorist target in the nation. As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, defunding our law enforcement and counterterrorism operations is especially egregious and unsafe. I will keep fighting to ensure New Yorkers are protected and our state receives the funding it needs to keep us all safe.”

Last year, the Trump administration cut $187 million, or 86%, from New York’s federal counterterrorism funding – the largest federal defunding of police operations in New York in decades. After pressure from state and federal leaders, the Federal Emergency Management Agency restored $100 million, leaving New York without $87 million to support local law enforcement and counterterrorism operations.

Specifically, the remaining $87 million would support security preparedness efforts including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response, and recovery capabilities.

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BEACH CLOSURES DUE TO RAIN IN NEW ROCHELLE, MAMARONECK AND RYE

(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Health Department has closed the following beaches today, September 2, due to 0.89 inches of rainfall in the last 24 hours.

Beach patrons should avoid the water at these beaches due to bacterial contamination from road runoff into drainage outfalls near these beaches. These beaches are allowed to re-open on their own on September 3 unless there is significant additional rainfall.

NEW ROCHELLE: Hudson Park Beach, Davenport Beach Club, Greentree Country Club and Surf Club on the Sound

MAMARONECK: Harbor Island Park, Beach Point Club, Orienta Beach Club and Mamaroneck Beach & Yacht Club

RYE: Coveleigh Club

The County remains committed to maintaining high standards of environmental health and safety across its recreational facilities.wpacner

(EDITOR’S OBSERVATION: WPCNR has not kept weekly count of how many times obviously inadequate, obsolete sewer and street drainage facilities in  these waterfront  towns have had to close beaches in these towns. I guess it is at least 15 to 20 times, just a guess. Leaders of these towns have not made any statements to my knowleddge,  as to what they plan to do to fix this affront to citizens sweltering in the hottest summer in years. The problem has existed for 25 years.)

Next summer, I do plan to keep a weekly count of beach closings. )

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FIRST POSITIVE WEST NILE VIRUS CASE IN WESTCHESTER IN 2026

County Health Department Reminds Residents to Remove Standing Water and Take Other Precautions Against Mosquitoes

(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County has learned of its first positive human case of West Nile Virus this year, which was a confirmed in a Yonkers resident who had recently traveled outside the county.

Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said:

“This first case of West Nile Virus is a reminder to take precautions to protect yourself from mosquitos. To avoid breeding mosquitos in your own yard, remove all standing water around your home after it rains, and use repellents when you spend time outdoors, especially from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.”

West Nile Virus most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness, but can be more serious, especially for people age 65 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions.

Westchester County Department of Health staff will work with the resident to determine whether the exposure may have occurred during travel outside the county or closer to home.

Residents should walk around their property and remove any standing water to prevent mosquitos from breeding. Check flowerpot drip trays, kiddie pools, play equipment and other items left outdoors.  Residents who notice large areas of standing water on public property should report them to the County Health Department at (914) 813-5000.

Throuughout the season, the County Health Department traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of viruses they carry. For more ideas on how to reduce the mosquito population near your home, go to https://health.westchestercountyny.gov/west-nile-virus

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Governor Kathy Hochul today called on President Trump and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin to fully fund New York’s counterterrorism efforts by releasing the $87 million in federal funds still owed to New York.

Last year, the Trump Administration cut critical counterterrorism and homeland security funding in New York State by 86 percent, or $187 million.

Governor Hochul fought this reckless cut by appealing directly to President Trump, who promised to fully restore New York State’s funding.

After nearly one year of waiting, New York State is still owed $87 million to support intelligence operations, transit hub security, and equipment, training, and preparedness for sheriffs and police departments across the state.

“By holding this funding hostage, the Trump Administration is defunding the police,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State continues to be the nation’s number one terrorist target – and if President Trump and Secretary Mullin really care about public safety, they should stop playing games and fully fund our vital counterterrorism efforts.”

The funding, provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) through its Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP), supports local law enforcement and regional homeland security preparedness efforts, including intelligence operations, mass gathering security, planning, equipment purchases, and training critical to sustaining and improving community prevention, protection, response and recovery capabilities.

HSGP was created in 2003 in the aftermath of 9/11 and comprises three separate grants –– the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP), the Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) and Operation Stonegarden. Under SHSP and UASI, 80 percent of the funding is allocated to local entities while 20 percent is reserved for state projects. New York State received cuts to both its SHSP and UASI allocations.

Following an extended delay in 2025, DHS released the 2025 Notice of Funding Opportunity for HSGP, giving states the ability to access this critical funding.

However, despite being the nation’s number one terrorist target, New York’s allocation was cut by 40 percent ($87 million).

Then, without notice nor explanation, New York was cut an additional $100 million when DHS issued the awards on September 27, 2025. After dogged advocacy by Governor Hochul, President Trump committed to reversing these misguided cuts in October of 2025, when he stated on Truth Social that he was “…pleased to advise that [he] reversed the cuts made to Homeland Security and Counterterrorism for New York City and State. It was [his] Honor to do so. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” Almost one year later, New York State has only received $100 million of the amount owed following an order by a federal judge, with nearly $87 million outstanding.

Specifically, access to the remaining $87 million would ensure full funding of:

• The NYPD’s intelligence analysts and counterterrorism unit;
• The FDNY’s interoperable communication and radiological response capabilities;
• Joint Task Force Empire Shield which is responsible for the New York National Guard presence in transit hubs.
• New York State’s 12 certified bomb squads; and
• Equipment purchases, training, exercises and preparedness efforts for counties, sheriffs and local police departments.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “Governor Hochul has made record investments in the State’s emergency preparedness and counterterrorism efforts, but New York State cannot do this alone. Having a commitment from our federal partners to fight terrorism is critical when it comes to the State’s preparedness capabilities, and any further delay in fully funding these efforts is putting the safety and security of all New Yorkers at risk.”

UASI Funding Cut

In New York, UASI funding is reserved for jurisdictions within the New York City metropolitan areas to sustain and enhance critical anti-terrorism and intelligence sharing programs. Allocations are determined by New York’s Urban Area Working Group (UAWG) which is comprised of New York City, Nassau County, Suffolk County, Westchester County, the City of Yonkers and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Estimated UASI Cuts by UAWG Member:

SHSP Cut

In New York, SHSP funding is directed to every county and the City of New York to support planning, equipment purchases, training, and other homeland security initiatives. Funding distributions are formula based and ensure funding goes to every county in New York State.

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TONIGHT WITH JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS

EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK

FOR 25 YEARS

THE STORIES YOU NEED TO KNOW

MOST POTENT CANNABIS TCH LEVELS EVER 

IN TODAY’S MARAJUNA POSSIBLE LINK TO

WHY MORE MEN WOMEN USERS SUFFER CANNABIS DISORDER

DR. MARISSA DONNELLEY NEW YORK DOSE REPORT

COVID RAMPANT COVID CASES IN AUGUST DELAYED

……1,093 STAMDING WATERPOOLS HARBOR WEST NILE-CARRYING  MOSQUITOS 

DOUBLE LAST YEARS

IN ALL 5 BOROUGHS, NASSAU SUFFOLK ROCKLAND AND SUFFOLK COUNTIES

SENATOR GILLEBRAND TOTALS UP THE COST

WASHINGTON POLICIES HAVE COST NEW YORKERS

4 WESTCHESTER SOUTH SHORE BEACHES CLOSED FOR 6 DAYS 

DUE TO SEWER OVERFLOYS

COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS
WANTS SENIORS OPINION ON TRANSPORTATION NEEDS

 PERSPECTIVE ’26 COMMENTARY