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JULY 20—PERSPECTIVE ’26–25 YEARS OF SEWER FAILURE: DANGEROUS. UNHEALTHY. WRECKS SUMMERS FOR EVERY ONE
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WPCNR PERSPECTIVE ’26. News & Comment By John F. Bailey. January 20, 2026:
The lead story on White Plains CitizeNetReporter today another announcement by Westchester County :
Beaches are closed due to unsafe, unhealthy conditions due to overflow of sewage from stormwater overflow into beach waters Saturday night.
According to the county we received over 1.8 inches of rain overflowing the sewer systems neat the beaches.
I used to count new cases of covid daily, now I have a new count:
The number of times Westchester has closed a series of public beaches in the county this summer due to (let’s face it!) not just “unsafe waters” but polluted waters from sewers unable to handle the flow load.
I believe this is the fifth time beaches have been closed this summer due to sewer polluted waters.
This is not new.
Since I started this website, 26 years ago these beach closures have been happening every summer.
Nobody cares.
County administrations have paid lip service to fixing the sewer problem.
White Plains which is responsible for most of the sewer and stormwater overflow south is now increasing its sewer level contributions as more apartments in city are leasing up.
The question is can the existing White Plains sewage system handle the effluent on its way?
Can we shove a long ruler into them and find out?
Can we get an official report from White Plains, New Rochelle, Port Chester, Mount Vernon and Yonkers on present sewer capacity to handle 2 inches of rain? That’s where the new buildings are.
The county at one point did a sewer analysis study of where the overflows are at the worst. We never got a recommendation from that report. I don’t need it.
Take a look at those beach closures today.
That tells you where they are and where they have been for many years.
This situation has been been given lip service by all administrations for many years.
Task forces do not get the job done. It is work and money.
The impact of the sewage problem this summer has caused:
1 Loss of revenue to the newly opened Playland. People come to swim in the pool but the beach closure prevents more people from coming and parking at Playland.
2.Admissions to the beaches through July have got to be down.
With the new County Executive Ken Jenkins in charge it appears the politics of task forcing your way through an ungoing crisis by appearing to do so is a thing of the past.
and hopefully the study done several years is done by now and we can target, design and fund sewer upgrades to elimnate this chronic sewer overflow.
I say as a person skeptical about how good the natural tides are at cleansing the beaches everywhere on Long Island Sound within 24 hours and the Hudson River (where Con Edison turned off power to the Yonkers sewage treatment plant to save electric shortages yet polluted the pollution-stressed Hudson
I am very mentally adverse to betting my immune system against contaminated waters. I imagine there are a lot of people who feel that way.
We do not need another task force on the sewers that never actually does the job.
It is time to get the sewers done by next spring, so we can go to the beaches again.
People are miserable because they cannot swim at our beautiful beaches
Ken Jenkins to the rescue, please?
JULY 20– 1.08 INCHES OF RAIN SATURDAY NIGHT CLOSES WESTCHESTER BEACHES TODAY
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JULY 18– THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE IN ACTION: “GHOST GUNS” SUBJECT OF SWEEPING ENFORCEMENT AS PROLIFORATE IN COUNTY
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A Message from the District Attorney… Dear Friends and Neighbors: Last week we were all reminded that violence can strike in any community, regardless of affluency or zip code. 71-year-old Marian Green was found murdered in her Scarsdale home, brutally stabbed and beaten. Her son, Chester Green, 26, was arrested for Murder in the 2nd Degree for this unthinkable crime. This was a stark reminder that violence knows no boundaries. I want to thank our prosecutors and criminal investigators, along with our partners in the Scarsdale Police Department and the Westchester County Department of Public Safety for their professionalism and diligence in this case. Your hard work does not go unnoticed. I also want to commend our Criminal Investigators Squad for their outstanding firearms investigation which resulted in the arrest of a 49-year-old Greenwich man, Michael Larriuz. This proactive investigation resulted in the seizure of 22 ghost guns (including 2 assault-style rifles), 3 serialized firearms, multiple large-capacity magazines and 6 oz. of cocaine. Ghost guns are increasingly turning up at crime scenes across the country. Westchester has not been immune from this. From 2024 to 2025, the number of ghost guns recovered by police agencies in Westchester increased by 33%. Considering the amount of havoc that one firearm in the wrong hands can wreak in our communities, it is fair to say that this investigation has surely saved lives. This operation was led by our Criminal Investigators Squad and conducted in partnership with the FBI’s Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Homeland Security Investigations), the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Greenwich Police Department. A heartfelt thank you to all involved for their courageous and intelligent police work. Westchester remains one of the safest Counties in the nation. So much of this has to do with the tremendous efforts of everyone in our office and our dedicated law enforcement officers. Their commitment to excellence is unparalleled and for that, I am grateful. As we usher in the summer, I am hopeful that you all find time to spend with your family and friends, enjoy the warmer weather and please, stay safe. |
JULY 18– SENATOR GILLEBRAND BEGINS ANTI INFLATION TOUR THROUGHOUT STATE
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GILLIBRAND COMMENCES STATEWIDE TOUR ADDRESSING THE RISING COST OF GROCERIES, LAGGING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE
New York, NY – Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is holding press conferences across New York State – including in Latham, Utica, and Riverhead – to address the crushing impact of rising grocery and household goods prices on working families.
The push follows a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index report showing headline inflation surged to 4.2%, the sharpest 12-month increase since April 2023.
“Donald Trump’s policies are making basic necessities unaffordable for hardworking New Yorkers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “He promised to tackle rising costs, but instead he’s made everything worse. Prices on groceries, gas, and essentials have skyrocketed here at home, as he pours taxpayers dollars into a forever war abroad. I will continue to demand accountability and fight for all Americans being crushed by these unsustainable costs.”
The spike in costs is hitting New Yorkers directly at the checkout counter, with the prices of staple items like fruits and vegetables climbing 6.1%, and nonalcoholic beverages up 5.8%. With average wage growth lagging significantly behind, working families are experiencing a severe gap in purchasing power, driving consumer confidence down as basic monthly expenses outpace paychecks.
Gillibrand blamed the rising costs directly on Trump’s ongoing war in Iran. She reiterated her commitment to curbing military actions abroad to shift the focus back to Americans struggling at home.
“The impact of inflation continues to force many of our neighbors to make impossible choices between food, medicine, rent and other basic necessities,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. “Across our 23-county New York service area, our network of more than 1,000 food pantries and meal programs is seeing increased demand and longer lines. Families are turning to us simply to make ends meet, and it’s becoming harder for us to access food. We are proud to stand with Senator Gillibrand and our partners to meet this high community need to our best ability, and to demand action to alleviate strains the charitable food system faces.”
“We were truly honored and grateful to welcome Senator Gillibrand today. Her continued support for our mission means so much to all of us. She shares our heart for ensuring that every family has access to healthy, nutritious food, especially in the food deserts of Utica and Troy. We deeply appreciate her taking the time to visit, listen, and see firsthand the impact that compassionate partnerships can have on our community,” said Pastor Mike Servello, CEO, Compassion Coalition. “Thank you, Senator Gillibrand, for standing with us as we work together to bring hope, dignity, and healthy food to thousands of our neighbors. We are grateful for your friendship and your commitment to the people of New York.”
JULY 17-BLACK COFFEE THIS MORNING 8:30 AM EDTWHITE PLAINS WEEK THE JULY 17 REPORT ON FIOS CH45 OPTIMUM CH76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
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THE CANADIAN WILDFIRES HOW MANY? HOW MUCH SMOKE THE HEALTH WARNING
EYEWITNESS REPORT: WHITE PLAINS WEEK TAKES YOU TO
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE CEREMONIES IN WHITE PLAINS LAST SUNDAY
THE BIG HEAT
THE BIG SMOKE
PROWLIN AND A GROWLIN AND A SNIFFIN’ THE AIR–YOU COULD SMELL THE FIRESMOKE ON THURSDAY
IN THE AIR
SENATOR GILLEBRAND’S BILL TO STOP USING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ALGORITHEMS TO
SETTLE HEALTH INSURANCE CLAIMS ,DETERMINE TREATMENTS FOR MEDICARE PATIENTS
DEFEATED IN SENATE 50-46
REPRESENTATIVE CORTEZ CRITICIZES NEWS NETWORKS
THEY LACK JUDGEMENT COVERING CAMPAIGN SPEECHES AS NEWS
FORMER FOUR-TERM ASSEMBLYMAN WHITE PLAINS
DAVID BUCHWALD STARTS CIVIC HELPS
FOR THE LITTLE GUY
THIS WEEK EVERY WEEK ITS WHITE PLAINS WEEK
PERSPECTIVE ’26 ON WHAT THE NEWS MEANS FOR YOU
WITH JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS
25 YEARS ON THE AIR AROUND THE PLANET
JULY 16—U.S SENATE VOTES 50 TO 46 TO CONTINUE WISeR PILOT LAW ALLOWING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY TO EVAULATE SENIORS MEDICAL CLAIMS, ELIGIBILITY FOR TREATMENT, KIND OF TREATMENTS NECESSARY — EFFECTS 6 STATES INCLUDING NEW YORK
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GILLIBRAND STATEMENT ON REPUBLICANS VOTING
TO ALLOW AI TO EVALUATE ELIGIBILITY FOR MEDICAL CARE TO SENIORS
Washington, D.C. – Today, after Republicans voted (50 Republicans Yes to 46 Democrats NO) to block Senator Gillebrand’s legislation to end the Trump administration’s WISeR pilot program. The program uses artificial intelligence (AI) to deny seniors’ medical claims.
Senate Aging Committee Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement:
“Allowing AI to continue to delay and deny seniors’ medical care is completely immoral and absolutely unacceptable.
While Trump and Republicans focus on helping private insurers and big AI companies pad their profits, Democrats are committed to preventing unaccountable machines from blocking seniors’ access to timely medical care. I will not stop fighting until the WISeR model is abolished once and for all.”
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)’ WISeR (Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction) Model, which was implemented on January 1, 2026, allows private insurance companies to use AI tools to delay and deny care to seniors on Traditional Medicare across six states.
Specifically, the WISeR model introduced prior authorization requirements into Traditional Medicare for the first time ever, letting AI decide what care patients receive even after their doctors recommend a particular procedure or medication.
The third-party AI companies involved in the program are also compensated for “averted expenditures,” rewarding those companies based on the volume or cost of care they deny to seniors on Medicare.
A recent report showed that the WISeR model has been catastrophic for seniors in the six states where it has been deployed so far.
In September 2025, Senator Gillibrand called on the Trump administration to halt its WISeR experiment, and she introduced legislation in December 2025 to block the program’s implementation. After the WISeR model went into effect earlier this year, she introduced the legislation that was voted on today, S.J.Res.198, to repeal it. The bill was reported out of the Senate Aging Committee in June. It was defeated today.
Editor’s Note: A search on the AOL search engine ironically executed by Artificial Intelligence reports New York is one of those states. The six states and how they use the WISeR model program are:
- California – Implementing AI tools for insurance claims processing and patient eligibility assessments.
- Texas – Utilizing AI algorithms to evaluate treatment effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
- Florida – Employing AI in predictive analytics to identify high-risk patients and deny unnecessary treatments.
- New York – Integrating AI systems in hospitals to streamline resource allocation and prioritize care.
- Illinois – Using AI to analyze patient data for compliance with insurance policies, potentially leading to care denials.
- Ohio – Adopting AI in telemedicine to assess patient needs and determine coverage limits.
WPCNR WEATHER 79 HAZY SMOKEY PARTLY SUNNY WPCNR DEGREES AT 3 PM EDT
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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
White Plains NY
Detailed Forecast
This Afternoon
Areas of smoke. Partly sunny, with a high near 89. West wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Tonight
Widespread smoke, mainly between 7pm and 5am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Northwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
Friday
Areas of smoke before 9am. Sunny, with a high near 86. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
Friday Night
Patchy smoke after 9pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Saturday
Showers likely, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Areas of smoke before 8am. High near 84. South wind 5 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Saturday Night
Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.
Sunday
A 30 percent chance of showers before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 62.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 84.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.
JULY 16– COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS PROTESTS PROPOSED CHANGES BY CONGRESS IN GRANTS
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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:
- Expand the federal government’s authority to suspend or terminate grant funding without clearly defined standards or an established appeals process.
- Replace objective, merit-based grant review with greater discretion for political appointees.
- Increase administrative burdens that could delay funding for critical local programs.
- Shift additional oversight responsibilities and financial risk onto counties without providing additional resources.
- Create vague compliance requirements that expose local governments to significant legal and financial uncertainty.
- Impose new requirements that raise constitutional concerns regarding speech and activities occurring on public property.
JULY 15—-9:15 PM EDT–WILDFIRE SMOKE BLANKETS REGION- DO NOT GO OUTDOORS TONIGHT OR TOMORROW
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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/