Hits: 13
Haze Smoke
81°F
27°C
| Humidity | 49% |
| Wind Speed | W 8 mph |
| Barometer | 29.86 in (1010.4 mb) |
| Dewpoint | 60°F (16°C) |
| Visibility | 5.00 mi |
| Heat Index | 82°F (28°C) |
| Last update | 16 Jul 2:56 pm EDT |
Extended Forecast for
Hits: 13
Haze Smoke
81°F
27°C
| Humidity | 49% |
| Wind Speed | W 8 mph |
| Barometer | 29.86 in (1010.4 mb) |
| Dewpoint | 60°F (16°C) |
| Visibility | 5.00 mi |
| Heat Index | 82°F (28°C) |
| Last update | 16 Jul 2:56 pm EDT |
Extended Forecast for
Hits: 65
WESTCHESTER COUNTY URGES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO REJECT PROPOSED GRANT RULE CHANGES THAT WOULD INCREASE COSTS AND THREATEN CRITICAL LOCAL SERVICES
(White Plains, NY) – Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins has formally submitted comments opposing a proposed federal rule issued by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that would significantly alter how federal grants are awarded, administered and overseen nationwide.
The County warns that the changes would increase costs for taxpayers, create unnecessary bureaucracy, inject politics into grantmaking and jeopardize essential services relied upon by Westchester residents.
Part of this funding supports essential public safety services, including emergency medical services, Hazmat response, firefighting, counterterrorism and law enforcement.
These federal funds could be withheld or revoked at any time IF federal government determines that comments or actions by individuals using County facilities violate federal funding requirements.
Jenkins said:
“Westchester County is a responsible steward of federal taxpayer dollars, and these grants allow us to deliver essential services that protect public safety, support vulnerable families, strengthen our infrastructure and improve quality of life. The proposed rule would make it harder and more expensive for local governments to access and administer these funds while creating uncertainty that ultimately puts residents at risk. We strongly urge the Office of Management and Budget to reconsider these sweeping changes.”
Westchester County administers approximately $700 million in federal funding annually.
Those resources support programs that prevent homelessness, combat substance use disorder, assist victims of domestic violence, strengthen cybersecurity, provide emergency response capabilities, expand affordable housing, improve roads and bridges, modernize water infrastructure and support senior centers, downtown revitalization projects and safer routes to schools.
In its comments, the County raises concerns that the proposed regulations would:
Hits: 122
WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES HEALTH WARNING
Air Quality Expected to Reach Unhealthy Levels for Everyone
(White Plains, NY) –
As air quality across Westchester County is expected to reach levels deemed “unhealthy for everyone” on Thursday, July 16, the Westchester County Health Department is encouraging residents to reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors,
keep windows closed and run their air conditioners.
The advisory is currently in effect until midnight July 16.
The poor air quality is the result of fine particulate matter from Canadian wildfires blanketing our region.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation projects that the Air Quality Index (AQI) will exceed 150 (UP FROM 100 THIS MORING and could reach 200 in many parts of Westchester, meaning air quality is expected to become very poor throughout Thursday.
AQI Health Guidelines–what they mean:
• 0-50: Good – Air quality is considered satisfactory and air pollution poses little or no risk.
• 51-100: Moderate – Air quality is acceptable. However, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are usually sensitive to air pollution.
• 101-150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups – Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. Sensitive groups include people with asthma, heart or lung disease, older adults, children and teenagers, minority populations, and outdoor workers.
• 151-200: Unhealthy – Everyone may begin to experience health effects. Members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
• 201-300: Very Unhealthy – Health alert. Everyone may experience more serious health effects.
• 301-500: Hazardous – Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.
According to health officials, at this level, some residents may experience irritation to the eyes, nose and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose or shortness of breath.
Those in sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects, such as the worsening of medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said:
“This air quality poses a health risk to everyone, not just people with asthma or other underlying health conditions. We encourage all residents to limit their time outdoors, avoid strenuous physical activity, and keep windows and doors closed whenever possible. If you have air conditioning, use it to help reduce your exposure to wildfire smoke. Even healthy individuals may experience irritation of the eyes, nose, throat or lungs, so taking these simple precautions can help protect your health until air quality improves.”
Recommendations:
• Sensitive groups should take particular caution.
• Where the air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, New Yorkers with underlying health conditions should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, and take breaks to reduce the risk of health symptoms.
• In areas where the air is considered unhealthy, people who are especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, and take breaks to reduce the risk of health symptoms. Avoid spending time outdoors, if possible. People more sensitive to smoke-related pollution include those with heart or breathing problems, older adults, children and teens, pregnant people, and those who exercise or work outdoors.
• If you must go outside when air quality levels are considered unhealthy, do not overexert yourself, and find a well-fitting mask to wear.
• Remember to take steps to cool off in air conditioning for at least a few hours because it’s also hot outside and indoor and outdoor temperatures can climb quickly.
• Staying indoors in a smoke-free environment can lower your exposure.
• Those who experience symptoms or have symptoms that worsen should consider consulting their medical provider.
Recommendations for Outdoor Workers:
• Allow for rest and relief.
• Stay hydrated and allow for water breaks.
New York State recommends that schools and child care providers suspend outdoor activities and field trips when air quality is unhealthy.
Updates are available on DEC and on DOH websites. Check the EPA’s Airnow website for more up-to-date zip code based data.
Those who lack air conditioning can visit a cooling center if their home becomes too warm. For locations, go to https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/
Hits: 92

HIGH BLUE SKY AND BLAZING SUN AT 1 PM 96 DEGREES AND SUNNY TURNED TO SMOKEY SKIES AND WOOD BURNING BY TWILIGHT AT 6 PM

WPCNR WEATHER. By John F. Bailey JULY 15, 2026:
You can smell it.
The smoke from the Canadian forest fires.
Step outside tonight and the air smells like it is burning. It is the pungent smell of burned wood, Governor Hochul warned about in an evironmental warning this morning.
Hits: 96
WESTCHESTER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT WARNS OF UNHEALTHY AIR QUALITY AS WILDFIRE SMOKE AND EXTREME HEAT IMPACT THE REGION
AT 1 PM IT IS 91 WPCNR DEGREES 55% STICKY CLOSE HUMIDITY WIND AT A STILL 6 MPH
TEMPERATURES TO CONTINUE IN NID 80S TO 90 THE NEXT 4 DAYS
Governor Hochul warned New Yorkers that smoke from Canadian wildfires, combined with high temperatures and humNUEidity, will create unhealthy air quality across much of New York State.
(White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Health Department is urging residents to take extra precautions as a combination of extreme heat, high humidity and smoke from Canadian wildfires creates unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups.
Governor Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers that smoke from ongoing wildfires in Canada, combined with high temperatures, will lead to poor air quality across much of the state.
The smoke is expected to move across New York throughout the day and may be visible in the sky.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Advisory through midnight tonight, Wednesday, after rating the air quality in the Lower Hudson Valley and New York metro area as unhealthy for sensitive groups. This rating is the fourth most concerning.
This poor air quality is predicted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to exceed an Air Quality Index of 100.
At this level, the general public is less likely to be affected than those in sensitive groups.
Sensitive groups include children, teenagers, those age 65 or older, pregnant people, those with respiratory conditions or heart disease, asthma, those who exercise or work outdoors, and those in disadvantaged communities.
The National Weather Service has extended a Heat Advisory for Westchester County through 9 p.m. today, Wednesday. During this period, heat and humidity will make outdoor temperatures feel uncomfortable, but relief is expected Thursday into Friday. With heat, humidity and air quality in mind, the Westchester County Health Department cautions residents to drink lots of water, avoid over-exertion and to check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbors.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said:
“Please take this heat seriously. When it is this hot and humid, drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol, and take frequent breaks from outdoor work if it cannot be rescheduled. Take time to cool off and spend time in air-conditioned places. Infants, those with asthma, pregnant women, older adults and those with heart disease or other respiratory or heart conditions should spend less time outdoors until the air quality improves and the temperature cools. Be mindful of possible health effects such as coughing or shortness of breath.”
When the AQI is greater than 100, New Yorkers in sensitive groups should shorten their outdoor activities, take more breaks, watch for symptoms and follow their health provider’s advice. Exposure to poor air quality can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
NYSDEC issues Air Quality Health Advisories when NYSDEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. Updates are available on DEC and on DOH websites. Changes in air quality can shift during the day. Check the EPA’s Airnow website for more up-to-date and localized data.
Those who lack air conditioning can visit a cooling center if their home becomes too warm. For locations, go to https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/
Hits: 92

DAVID BUCHWALD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF “CIVIC HELPERS”
INTERVIEWED BY JOHN BAILEY ON HIS ADVOCACY FOR THE PEOPLE ORGANIZATION
THE ORANIZATION THAT HELPS PEOPLE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS WITH GOVERNMENTS OF ALL KINDS
DISCOVERS PROBLEMS, SOLVES THEM TOGETHER WITH BUREAUCRACIES
WHO LISTEN TO WHAT CIVIC HELPERS FIND OUT

DAVID BUCHWALD ON DIPLOMACY THAT WORKS WITH FACTFINDING, FACTS AND REASON AND CONSISTENCY
YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN USE
Hits: 115
|
Hits: 215
White Plains Performing Arts Center Announces 24th Season
The White Plains Performing Arts Center (WPPAC) is delighted to announce its 2026–2027 Mainstage Season, marking the professional regional theatre’s 24th season.
This season features three dynamic Mainstage productions: the award-winning coming-of-age hit DEAR EVAN HANSEN, the worldwide phenomenon Disney’s FROZEN, and the Broadway blockbuster 9 TO 5.
Subscription packages to see all 3 of these shows up to 15% off are on sale as well as individual show tickets! WPPAC is the perfect venue to take in professional Broadway quality productions.
The professional theatre productions include the following three shows:
DEAR EVAN HANSEN
Book by STEVEN LEVENSON
Music & Lyrics by BENJ PASEK & JUSTIN PAUL
October 2 – 25, 2026
The Tony® Award Winning Best Musical
Featuring a Tony Award-winning book by Steven Levenson (Fosse/Verdon), and a score by Grammy®, Tony®, Emmy® and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (The Greatest Showman, La La Land, Dogfight, James and the Giant Peach), Dear Evan Hansen is a new classic, with a message that has resonated with audiences around the world: “You Will Be Found.”
Seventeen-year-old Evan Hansen has felt invisible his entire life. But when a tragedy shocks his community and thrusts him into the center of a rapidly evolving controversy, Evan is given the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to be somebody else. As his web of well-intentioned lies begins to unravel, though, Evan is forced to confront the fact that the price of belonging may be far steeper than he bargained for.
Disney’s FROZEN The Broadway Musical
Music & Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
Book by Jennifer Lee
Based on the Disney film written by Jennifer Lee and directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee
December 11, 2026 – January 3, 2027
For the first time in forever, experience the musical phenomenon that has taken the world by storm! Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, Disney’s Frozen includes all the film’s beloved songs by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, along with new music written exclusively for the stage.
In the beautiful mountainous kingdom of Arendelle, Princesses Anna and Elsa grow up sheltered inside their castle, isolated from the world and increasingly distant from each other. When Elsa is crowned queen, the magical powers she’s desperately tried to conceal from her sister take control, and she flees into the mountains. As a ferocious winter descends on Arendelle, Anna sets off on an epic journey to find Elsa and bring her home – with the help of hardworking ice harvester Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, and a happy-go-lucky snowman named Olaf.
Full of magic, humor, and a stunning musical score, Disney’s Frozen is a powerful tale of sisterhood, acceptance, and finding the real meaning of true love.
9 to 5
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Based on the Twentieth Century Fox film
April 9 – May 2, 2027
9 to 5, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
The White Plains Performing Arts Center’s 24th season will also include a variety of special events and concerts. They are the following:
BEAUTY AND THE BEATS
Ultimate fairytale tribute show for Disney fanatics of all ages!
Sunday, July 19 – 2:00 PM
My First Ex-Husband
A New Play by Joy Behar
starring Joy Behar, Veanne Cox and Jackie Hoffman
My First Ex-Husband is a bold and heartfelt adaptation of true stories by the legendary Joy Behar, comedienne and co-host of The View. With razor-sharp wit and no filters, this play explores the messy, hilarious truths of love, sex, and relationships.
Whether you’re happily coupled, cautiously committed, or considering changing the locks, relationships are complicated—and universally relatable. These stories are your stories, only funnier.
Saturday, August 1 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
An Evening with 2-time Tony® Award Nominee
MEGAN HILTY
Best known for her breakout role as Ivy Lynn in the NBC musical drama Smash, Megan Hilty has built a celebrated career spanning Broadway, television, and concert stages around the world. She most recently starred as Madeline Ashton in the hit Broadway musical Death Becomes Her, earning a Tony Award nomination and a Grammy Award nomination and two Broadway.com Audience Awards.
Saturday, November 14 – 7:30 PM
CHRISTMAS WITH THE NEW YORK TENORS
The Spirit of New York comes alive at Christmas time with the voices of Daniel Rodriguez, Andy Cooney and Christopher Macchio, The New York Tenors. Join us as these stars of Carnegie Hall bring an uplifting show filled with Christmas, Broadway, Opera, Inspirational and Patriotic songs that will leave you totally inspired!
Monday, December 14 – 7:30 PM
SETH’S BROADWAY CONCERT SERIES
SETH RUDETSKY with Tony® Award Nominee
Ana Gasteyer
Saturday Night Live’s and Broadway’s Ana Gasteyer teams up with SiriusXM radio host Seth Rudetsky for a one-night-only special-event concert full of intimate, funny, behind-the-scenes stories mixed with incredible performances. The set list will have Gasteyer recreating show-stopping performances from her incredible singing career where she delivers a standout turn in her Tony® nominated role in Schmigadoon! and flew high in Wicked!
Saturday, January 16 – 7:30 PM
CHEYENNE JACKSON
That Guy From That Thing
That Guy from That Thing is an evening of story and song that pulls back the curtain on Grammy and Emmy-nominated Cheyenne Jackson—the actor you instantly recognize from his star turns on stage and screen…but can’t quite place. Fresh off his run in Broadway megahit Oh, Mary! and his stunning solo debut concert at Carnegie Hall, Cheyenne invites into his orbit with humor, warmth, and a knowing wink. This unforgettable evening will take you on an eclectic musical journey from the songbook classics of Nat King Cole to the pop of Elton John and Sarah Bareilles, to the Broadway brilliance of Bernstein—and beyond.
Friday, March 12 – 7:30 PM
For additional information regarding all the upcoming performances, please visit the website at www.wppac.com
The White Plains Performing Arts Center is located on the third level of City Center off Mamaroneck Avenue in downtown White Plains, minutes from the White Plains Metro North Station. For tickets visit the theatre box office Monday-Friday (11am-6pm), purchase the tickets online at wppac.com or call 914-328-1600. For Group Sales, please contact boxoffice@wppac.com.
Hits: 123
|
Hits: 111
EXTREME HEAT FORECAST FOR TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY
HEALTH COMMISSIONER ISSUES WARNING
Real Feel Temperatures Could Reach 100 Degrees through Wednesday
(White Plains, NY) – The National Weather Service is warning that extremely hot and humid conditions could persist from today, Tuesday, through Wednesday. The forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 90s to 100 degrees or more, with humidity making outdoor temperatures very uncomfortable. The humidity is expected to ease up on Thursday and Friday, but return for the weekend.
With heat, humidity and air quality in mind, the Westchester County Health Department cautions residents to drink lots of water, avoid over-exertion, seek air-conditioned spaces and check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbors.
Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler said:
“Heat advisories like this one should remind everyone to drink lots of water, take frequent breaks from outdoor labor, seek the shade and air-conditioned places and make sure children, the elderly and pets have enough to drink. To avoid tragedy, never leave people or pets in a closed car because vehicles can heat up to life-threatening temperatures in moments. Infants, those with asthma, pregnant women, older adults and those with respiratory or heart conditions should spend less time outdoors until the temperature cools to avoid heat stroke.”
Heat stroke is a serious and life-threatening condition that claims many lives nationwide each year. Symptoms include hot, dry skin, shallow breathing, a rapid, weak pulse and confusion. Anyone suffering from heat stroke needs to receive emergency medical treatment immediately.
Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke, and take immediate action to cool the overheated person while waiting for emergency help to arrive.
Amler said: “Heat stroke and dehydration can surprise you. The elderly, young children and those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or lung conditions should be especially careful to avoid heat-related illnesses. High humidity and some medications can also increase a person’s risk for heat stroke.”
The Health Department recommends the following preventive measures against heat-related illnesses:
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issues Air Quality Health Advisories when NYSDEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. Updates are available on DEC and on DOH websites.
Those who lack air conditioning can visit a cooling center if their home becomes too warm. For locations, go to https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/weather/cooling/