TWIW 29: July 13, 2026

In this episode:

• County Executive Ken Jenkins gave an update on Cyclosporiasis in Westchester. 
• Jenkins gave an update on extreme heat coming into Westchester County. 
• Westchester County has submitted comments opposing a proposed federal rule issued by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget that would significantly alter how federal grants are awarded, administered and overseen nationwide. 
• Croton-on-Hudson Mayor Brian Pugh joined to discuss exciting updates happening in the Village of Croton-on-Hudson. 
• Department of Public Works & Transportation Program Coordinator, SMART Commute Heather Reiners joined to discuss new fare boxes for the Bee-Line Bus System, marking the final transition from MetroCard to OMNY on the Bee-Line Bus System. 
• Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt joined to discuss the launch of the Westchester County Green Initiatives Repository, a new online resource designed to help municipalities share ideas, learn from one another and accelerate local sustainability efforts. The resource allows local governments to explore successful projects, identify partners and connect directly with other communities that have has success with a wide range of sustainability programs. 
• Jenkins highlighted the Westchester County Veterans Museum’s newest exhibit, Evolution: 250 Years of Military Gear at Lasdon Public Gardens. 
• Deputy County Executive Joan McDonald highlighted the upcoming FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party on Sunday, July 19 at Kensico Dam Plaza in Valhalla. 
• McDonald highlighted the upcoming Westchester County Office for Women’s Empower Hour on Women’s Health. 
• Jenkins invited the public to come celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, this Wednesday, July 15 at Playland Park. 
• Highlights from Westchester County Parks. 

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Transcript

Intro 0:06

Welcome to this week in Westchester. Your weekly audio briefing from Westchester County Government. County Executive Ken Jenkins waiting on the decisions, investments, and initiatives shaping life across Westchester. Clear information, real progress. One place to stay informed. Now, here's this week in Westchester.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins 0:29

Good afternoon. I'm Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. Today is July 13, 2026. And this is this week in Westchester, the briefing. We're gonna start off with a lot of crew of information to go through, but we want to start with um with the psychosporiasis um outbreak that's connected to food that's going on right around the country. At this time, there is no reason for anyone in Westchester County to panic. Um, but from January to January to June 2026, we have had 28 total cases in Westchester County. Um, but that's about average for cyclosporosis because last year in 2025 we had 23 through in the same period. So no one should be panicking at this time. I know that we've seen so many um media reports about it. Um the nine newest cases that we have also do not appear to be linked. Um so the Department of Health continues to monitor the situation closely and remains in regular communication with all of our New York State Department of Health and other public health partners. Um cyclo um cyclosporiasis is connected a lot to the food, and like whether it's um you know, some some vegetables and food, the residents are all encouraged to practice safe food handling that includes thoroughly washing your food for those fresh fruits and vest vegetables before you eat them. Anyone experiences um any symptoms of gastrointestinal illnesses should contact their health care provider, particularly if they have recently traveled or consumed or recalled consuming potentially contaminated food products. And because we don't have enough of the summer, we're in the summer, that means it's going to be hot, and we're looking at another heat wave hitting our area. So it's New York, it's the East Coast, so let's not be surprised about high weather temperatures, but we still want you to be aware and take precautions to stay cool and hydrated. So starting from tomorrow, the heat indexes in Westchester County are expected to reach between 95 and 100 degrees, um, with the highest value values here in the Hudson Valley. White Plains is shown to be around 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with some inland areas approaching 100 degrees in the field light temperatures. And that greatest risk obviously is between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Um Wednesday, July 15th, looks like it's gonna be the hottest day with heat index values around 100 um to 102 in most of Westchester County, including the White Plains area. Um humidity is also gonna be a lot higher than it's been for the last few days, making it feel even significantly hotter. Um Thursday and Friday, the temperatures are gonna remain warm, but humidity is expected to decrease, making conditions a lot more tolerable. Um, humidity is forecast to build again over the weekend. So we're gonna make sure to remind everyone that they should be um avoiding their outdoor activities, stay hydrated, check in on on those folks that are are your senior, our seniors in the communities, as well as anyone that may be young, toddlers, etc. Stay out the sun unless you have to be there, but make sure that you continue to hydrate. The last thing that we have before we begin bring up our municipal guest today is going to be our letter to the the federal government. Um, Westchester County, along with many counties around the country, have submitted comments opposing a new federal rule that was issued by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, um commonly known as OMB, that would significantly alter how federal grants are awarded, administered, and overseen nationwide. Um, our letter warns that the changes would increase costs for our taxpayers, create unnecessary bureaucracy, inject politics into grant making, and jeopardize essential services relied upon by Westchester residents. Part of this funding supports essential public safety services, including our emergency medical services, hazmat response, firefighting, counter-terrorism, and law enforcement. These federal funds could be with uh revoked or withheld at any time if the federal government determines that their comments or actions by individuals using county facilities violate federal funding requirements. Um, that is just unacceptable. So, Westchester County is continuing to be a responsible steward of federal taxpayer dollars, and these grants allow us to deliver those essential services that are that protect public safety, support vulnerable families, strengthen our infrastructure, and improve our 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're strongly urging the Office of Management and Budget to reconsider these sweeping changes. Um, and just in case you forgot, Westchester County administers approximately $700 million in federal funding annually. These resources continue to support those 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 modern water infrastructure, support senior centers and downtown revitalization projects and safer routes to school. So basically, it impacts everything and everyone. So it is not a a question about this. That's why the National Associations of Counties has asked every county across the country to respond and say that this is unacceptable. Um and that's what we're going to continue to do and stand up strongly for um the people of Westchester and all of the services that are provided as a a uh donor state where New York sends more money to the federal government than we receive. We are absolutely appalled that this would be happening at this particular time. So we're asking the OMB to make sure that they make those modifications. Switching now, um, it is a great pleasure to bring up a really good friend of ours. Um we're we're pleased to welcome the mayor from the village of Croton on the Hudson, Brian Pugh, who's gonna be here to share updates from us about Croton on the Hudson, the various activities they have, and I'm sure he'll mention Blue Pig because he knows that I will, right? Especially one of my favorite ice cream places, not the only one, because I go to a lot of them, but Blue Pig. Mayor Pugh, come on up. Let's we let's hear from Mayor Brian Pugh, the village, the sit ma the mayor of the village of Croton on the Hudson. Thank you so much.

SPEAKER_03 7:13

Thank you, Mr. County Executive. So, some updates from the village of Croton on Hudson. It has been a uh great summer. We kicked off June with our pride annual pride uh flag raising and also had a fantastic uh Juneteenth commemoration that was marked by uh very special guest, Tejus Sanchala, the uh executive director of the Westchester Human Rights Commission, who was part of a uh panel uh on human rights in our village. So that was very much appreciated. And though both those events were organized by our outstanding idea committee, uh, which is led by uh Faith Rivers, who is the uh co-owner of the Black Cow, not to be confused with the Blue Pig, uh which is a which is a uh coffee shop in our village. And uh we also, in advance of July 4th, uh we had the installation of a Pomeroy Foundation uh historical marker at our village cemetery uh to commemorate uh two of uh the patriot uh veterans buried in the cemetery. Jack Peterson, who is very famous uh locally anyway, uh who has a uh monument over at Croton Point Park, and Sylvanas Tompkins, who is another uh revolutionary patriot who was also buried in our cemetery. And we also had a lecture on uh local revolutionary history from our village historian Mark Cheshire, who may be familiar to some other folks in the county, is the vice president of Revolutionary Westchester 250. So we thank him for his service to the village as well as his service to Westchester County. Looking ahead, uh on August 1st at 10 a.m. at Van Courtland Manor, uh we will have a Revolutionary War reenactment led by Dwayne Jackson of uh Buchanan, New York, a local historian, uh also a local veteran and um uh uh all-round fantastic citizen. So thank you, Duane, and thank you to Historic Hudson Valley. Hope you all can come and join us. And then throughout the summer, we will be having our Friday summer concerts at Sunasqua. So come by and stop at the uh Blue Pig either before or after. And um we also uh expanded our Project Mover uh bike share program, and so now there is a station over by Senasca Park, so you can in fact bike to the concert, bike all along our riverfront, and uh bike back to the train station too. So we have uh bike share stations throughout the village. Last but not least, I would be especially as the county executive mentioned, the challenging times in intergovernmental affairs with perhaps at the federal level. Uh, we're very, very grateful for our partnership with Westchester County. Uh in the last year or so, uh the village has received approxim a little less than a million and a half dollars to support uh the Brook Street Drainage Project, the our local complete streets initiative uh on Maple and South uh excuse me, uh Maple Municipal Place in South Riverside Avenue. And then also uh already receiving rave reviews, uh the Dobbs Park rehabilitation with the design that was led by the county and funding from the county in care of the CBDG program. And uh last but not least, looking ahead, um, especially with these uh warmer days approaching and warmer summers to come, sadly, uh very excited at the prospect of the potential for a new county pool at Groton Point Park. Um I think not only a recreation amenity, but a public health asset once it is installed. So that's not immediate, but uh I think everyone is very excited about that prospect. So thank you, Mr. County Executive, for your leadership. Thanks, Brian.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins 10:54

That was our good friend Mayor Brian Pugh from the the village of Croton on the Hudson and who's doing some tremendous things. Croton on the Hudson has so many great activities going on. He rolled through whether it was the Revolutionary 250, whether it's just working together in the ideas community um committee, but more importantly, the continual work that he continues to do, him and his partners on the on the village board, be continuing to move forward on the fair and affordable housing, coming up with accessory dwelling units. I mean, they are so creative in the village of Croton on the Hudson to be able to continue to move things forward. Um again, the community development block grant as one of those federal funds that we were just talking about, and why we are looking forward to trying to um push back on the changes that uh the Office of Management and Budget does. There is no one that wants to be able to have something reversed by somebody's whim. And that's basically what is happening with the prompt polls changes from the Office of Management and Budget. Um, you know, rules are rules, and we try to uh follow and execute all those rules faithfully. Um, but when our elected officials, especially at our federal level, try to be able to bring money to um to the communities and get back to the communities like through the community development block grant funds. You don't want somebody waking up on the wrong side of the bed at three o'clock in the morning and determining all of a sudden that you're not meeting the goals um in the direction, and the bill you it goes away in the middle of the night. That is how um um challenging this particular time is. But uh, because of partnerships with places like the village of Croton on the Hudson, we are looking forward to continuing that work moving it forward. Um, certainly one of our favorite legislators, Emiliana Uly, has led that particular project, um, and the mayor might know her, um, but be able to continue to move forward in the the village of Croton on the Hudson to be able to um to get a pool, because there's no pool, um, no county pool that is over 287. So we are working as hard as we can to provide those different options, and especially when we have all the heat and the things that are going on. Yes, we have great um access at the Croton Point um beach, and we're gonna continue to do that for it. So thanks a lot, Mayor, for all the things that are going on. And whether it's black cow or a blue pig, we're gonna figure out you gotta have a color and an animal if you want to have a restaurant in which is not true. Well, green trowler, that's not that's not green trowers, nothing, right? It's not an animal, right? So we're gonna try to figure those things out um to together. All right. Well, with us today, um we have our Department of Public Works and Transportation program coordinator, the Smart Commute Program, and that's Heather Rainiers, who's gonna come up and talk to us about the new fare boxes on the B-line bus system, which is making the final transition from the Metro car to Omni on the B-line bus system. Um obviously Westchester County's B-line bus system is making it easier for riders that pay with cash um by installing um new fare boxes across the fleet that accept both dollars. Look at that. Dollars and coins. Um so the new fare boxes are being rolled out this month. And with that, let me turn over to Heather. Heather, come on up.

SPEAKER_02 14:02

Thank you so much. You're excited to announce that VLine will be getting new cash fare boxes that accept both coins and dollar bills. The installation process begins this week and will continue through early August. These new boxes are for cash only and are in addition to the new Omni system. During this transition period, there are some important things that writers need to know. Beginning Monday, July 28th, the beeline will no longer accept Metro Card. Passengers will be able to pay the fare with cash, dollar bills, ones, fives, and tens, and coins, dollar coins, quarters, nickels, and dimes, or omni. Like in the past, exact fare is needed when paying cash. Drivers are not able to make change, and no change will be provided for overpayment in the fare box. If you're transferring to New York City buses or subways, you must now use Omni to get your free transfer. If you're transferring to another Beeline bus, please use Omni or request a free paper transfer upon boarding the bus. We look forward to providing our riders with additional fare payment options and hope this new fare box along with Omni encourages riders to pay their fare. For more information, you can call our Beeline Information Center at 914-813-7777. Thank you.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins 15:37

That was Heather Rain, is um our Department of Public Works and Transportation program coordinator for the Smart Commute Program. And and again, Heather gave you some important information. Um, it is on the website as well to be able to continue to follow up with that. But the most important thing is it is exact fair. But uh again, when you're traveling with multiple people, you might need a five or a ten when you're continuing to move that forward. But remember, there's no change that's given out. Don't ask the bus driver for that. But again, you don't have to have um the death wish um quarters in the the sock to be able to get on the bus now. If you don't have to have those things um going back and forth, that we're using dollars. But the best way to do that, of course, is using Omni. Um and certainly you can go up to one of the transportation opportunities, whether it's the mobile um van that comes around through Westchester County, the Omni um van that comes around now, or at the Westchester County Center and other places um that do that. Again, check on the website, it has all of that information. Um next, we're gonna hear from our director of energy conservation and sustainability, Peter McCart, who's gonna be here today to launch the Westchester County Green Initiatives Repository. Pete, come on up and let us know what's going on there. All right.

SPEAKER_04 16:50

Perfect, Ken. Thank you. So, yeah, we are um launching the Westchester County Green Initiatives Repository. Uh, it's a new online resource designed to help municipalities share ideas, learn from one another, and accelerate local sustainability efforts. The resource allows local governments to explore successful projects, identify partners, and connect directly with other communities that have had success with a wide range of sustainability programs. With an end goal to create more vibrant, sustainable, and environmentally sound Westchester, the Westchester County Green Initiatives repository, a bit of a mouthful, provides an aggregated resource directly for municipalities to tap into for best practices to further their own climate action goals. It's across 11 categories. I think they're going to be listed up there, yeah. And um 70 different green initiatives uh pursued. You can find contact information uh from municipalities across Westchester. To learn more about these categories and the programs within them, click on a category, and you can search by category, project type, andor municipality. You can access key contacts for each initiative, including municipal administration, a municipal committee or group, and a community committee or group. This initiative was a collaboration between Westchester County and the Climate Reality Project, Westchester chapter. And I'd like to give a big thanks to Susie Ross and her members, as well as Elijah Reichland-Melnick from my office and our wonderful communications and IT department. We'd also like to recognize and thank the participating municipalities that understand the value of working on and offering environmentally focused initiatives, as well as for their assistance and helping to create this uh directory of contacts that might help other local communities to launch similar programs of their own. The more we can learn from each other, the faster and greater the collective impact will be countywide and beyond. There are a few municipalities that haven't responded yet, and we hope this launch will motivate them to fill out the survey. We fully realize this is a little bit of a work in progress. Uh, so there is a spot where it says uh please click here to report any errors or suggested updated information. You know, with volunteer churn, there's always new people coming on board and a lot of new projects. And uh, we're very fortunate to be here in Westchester County where our uh chief electeds are on the on the ball and get it. Uh climate change is real, and we're doing what we can to uh uh mitigate it. Thank you very much.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins 19:37

That's Peter McCart. Um they're talking about the the Westchester County Green Initiatives repository for municipalities and all of our leaders to be able to give information and be able to share that information. Elijah Reckland Melanie is in the room with us um to do that. Thank you so much, Peter, for all of those things um that we have going on as far as green initiatives around this county. Um Croton and the village of Croton-Hudson is always in front of those initiatives. So we we like those folks that continue to do and create different ways of trying to make sure to save our planet. Um we have our young our intern. So if we got to here with us today, and we know that the future is theirs, and we're all trying to do what we have to do um to make sure to protect this one place that we have. So again, thanks a lot, Peter, for all of that. Um hey up now up next, we're gonna hear um about the Westchester County Veterans Museum and their newest exhibit, um, Evolutionary 250, um evolution, 250 years of military of gear is now on view, featuring um authentic artifacts, immersive displays, and that showcase how military equipment has evolved to meet the needs of soldiers. Evolution, 250 years of military gear, explores the transformation and all that from technology, military equipment across those 250 years of service and sacrifice, and it is done by um those volunteers and workers that are up in the um in the Veterans Museum and continuing to do their particular work for the Last of the Public Gardens and the Veterans Museum. So let's take a look at this video to see what things that they have.

SPEAKER_06 21:19

All gave some, and some gave all. Each piece that's here represents the valor, the duty, the integrity of those who serve. This exhibit is called Evolution, honoring 250 years of military gear. People from Westchester and Lower New York have served in every major conflict through those 250 years. So anything you see in here could well have been carried by someone from Westchester County. What we did was we focused on the evolution of military service to show how they've advanced over the years. From footwear, which you just wore them until they molded to your feet, headgear, from just a cloth cap on. Your head to modern Kevlar helmets. Advancements in weaponry, communications starts as a fife and a drum, all the way up to modern satellite phones, advancements in the way you carried your gear, uniforms, bayonets, first aid gear, camouflage, and rations. For this display, they've added a few interactive audio-visual buttons you can push to give you a little background history. There's an interactive touchscreen for younger people. If you stand just right, it kind of looks like you're wearing it. The new exhibit is officially open for you to come and visit. We are open Wednesday to Sunday, 10 to 3. There is so much to learn here about advancements in technologies over the years. I would like people to come and see. These are pieces and little material things, but it's a much bigger thing when you try to put it into words. It will spark memories in veterans of how they served and they can compare their service to someone who served who is not here to tell what they went through.

SPEAKER_00 23:32

And thank you. That was a great video, and thank you, County Executive, for introducing it and showing us all of the great artifacts that we have here in Westchester County. I'm Joan McDonald, the Deputy County Executive. As you know, uh the FIFA tournament is sadly coming to an end. But if you're looking for a fun way to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup final, we've got great news. Unfortunately, the uh Norway rowers will not be there. On Sunday, July 19th, Kensigo Dam Plaza will host New York State's official FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party, bringing together soccer fans from across the region to watch the world's biggest game on giant screens in an unforgettable atmosphere. This free event is organized by New York State. It promises a day filled with excitement, entertainment, and community spirit. Because of the size and unique setup of the event, some rules and policies will differ from those at other Westchester County sponsored events held at Kensigo Dam Plaza. We encourage anyone planning to attend to review the event information before arriving. Tickets are free but required, and they are going quickly, so be sure to reserve yours today. We look forward to welcoming fans along with New York State from across Westchester and beyond for what promises to be an incredible celebration of this beautiful game. Next up is the Empower Hour. Women's Health is one of the best investments you can make in your future. Join the Westchester County Office for Women's Empower Hour for an informative conversation on women's health prevention for longevity. Learn about the most important health issues affecting women and the preventive steps you can take to support long-term health and well-being. It is Tuesday, July 14th, tomorrow, noon to 1 p.m. It will be hosted by Catherine Borgia, our acting director of the Westchester County Office for Women, and her special guest will be Dr. Sherita Amler, Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Health. To attend, register, go to women.westchester County New York.gov. And I'm going to turn it back to the county executive. Thanks, Joan.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins 26:07

And certainly we want to make sure to recognize and invite everyone to join us as we celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark civil rights law that's transformed our nation and expanded opportunity for millions of uh America Americans. On Wednesday, that's this Wednesday at July 15th at 11:30. We're going to gather at the Music Tower stage at Playland Park to recognize the lasting impact of the ADA and reaffirm our commitment to building a Westchester County where every resident can live, live, work, learn, and thrive without barriers. This celebration is an opportunity to honor the advocates who have fought for this historic legislation, recognize the progress we have made over the past 36 years, and acknowledge the work that still lies ahead to ensure that accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity exist for everyone. I hope you'll join me, the Westchester County Board of Legislators, our community partners, and advocates as we celebrate this important, important milestone and continue working together to make Westchester a place where everyone belongs. Let me turn back to the Deputy County Executive.

SPEAKER_00 27:27

Thank you, County Executive. And keeping with the ice cream theme, on Wednesday, July 15th from 4 30 to 7 30, Sundays in the park at the Kemsico Plant Dam Plaza in Valhalla. Join us for some delicious ice cream on Wednesdays in July and in August. Enjoy live music and entertainment and $5 cones, shakes, and Sundays. Toppings are extra if you want them. Located near the children's playground. Bring a blanket or a chair. Tomorrow night's entertainment is mad science, and it begins at 5 o'clock. On Thursday, July 16th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Terrytown Lighthouse and Sleepy Hollow Open House will continue. Kingsland Point Park and Sleepy Hollow. You can have a look inside the lighthouse to learn about what life was like for the for the lighthouse keepers. This is a drop-in, self-led program. Groups of eight or more must register. Park at Kingsland Point Park. The lighthouse is accessed by a 10-minute walk south along the Riverwalk Path. The five-story structure includes four narrow stairways. On Saturday, July 18th, from noon until 4 p.m. is family fun day at Wilson's Woods Park in Mount Vernon. Go for a swim and have fun with your whole family. Participation is free. Westchester County residency is required for admission with a county park pass, a valid New York State driver's license, or a valid New York State ID with your Westchester County address, weather permitting. The rain date is Sunday, July 19th, if it's not open on the 18th. And I'll turn it back to the county executive.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins 29:15

Thank you, Joan. And that's this week in Westchester. As we wrap up this week's briefing, a quick reminder that another round of summer heat is heading our way. Tuesday and especially Wednesday will bring heat indexes that are near or over 100 degrees in parts of Westchester. So please take the precautions necessary, stay hydrated, check on your neighbors, loved ones, and avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Making sure that we take care of our pets as well, making sure there has a lot of water out there and some shade for those for our furry friends that are outside being walked around. And because cats always find a cool spot to do because cats are cool, right? So that's what we have to try to do. We welcome our friend, the mayor of the village of Croton and Hudson, Brian Pugh, who for a look at what's happening in Croton and Hudson. We heard from the Rainers about the B-Line's new bus system, fare boxes, and the full transition to Omni. Remember, metro cars will no longer be accepted on Beeline buses beginning next Monday, that's July 20th. Pete McCart joined us to introduce the new Westchester County Green Initiatives repository, a valuable resource that will allow municipalities to share success successful sustainability projects and learn from one another as we continue moving forward to build a greener future. We highlighted the New York State's official FIFA World Cup final watch party coming to Kenselco Dam Plaza this Sunday, that's July 19th. And don't miss that newest exhibit at the Westchester County Veterans Museum, Evolution, 250 years of vet of military gear, which offers a fascinating look at the history of military equipment and the men and women who used it. Along with all of the things that Joe McDonald talked about in our nationally accredited award-winning park system, make sure you download the official park apps or whether it's on the Google Play Store, on the Apple store, the App Store, to be able to download the official parks app. Every once in a while it has discounts in it, so you gotta check it out and make sure you download it together. As always, thank you for joining us. Um, stay safe and stay cool. And that's this week in Westchester. I'm Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. Thank you so much for watching. Have a wonderful, wonderful week, and I'm sure we'll see you out there maybe at the FIFA party. All the top four teams are in the court in the finals now, so we'll figure out which two will stand at the end.