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October 29, 2025
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Federal Shutdown Postpones Heating Assistance for Finger Lakes Residents: A prolonged federal government shutdown has delayed the start of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), leaving over 1.5 million low-income New Yorkers, including 82,000 households in the Finger Lakes region, without timely support for heating costs. HEAP, which provided $28 million in aid to 82 (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 23)
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JPMorgan Chase Opens 60-Story Headquarters in Midtown Manhattan: JPMorgan Chase has opened a new 60-story office tower at 270 Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, replacing the former Union Carbide Building. The project is among the first major office developments in New York City following the COVID-19 pandemic, signaling ongoing investment in the city's commercial (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Oct 21)
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Profile Highlights Diana Williams, Veteran NY News Anchor with Rye Ties: Diana Williams, recognized for her long tenure as a news anchor and reporter with WABC-TV’s Eyewitness News in New York City, is the focus of a recent RyeGPT People of Note profile. Williams, an Emmy Award–winning journalist, had a career spanning over two decades, becoming a familiar presence in New York broadcast journalism. The series explores Williams’ background, achievements, and her personal connection to the City of Rye. Williams' career and legacy continue to influence the region’s media landscape. (Source: MyRye.com on Sep 22)
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Pelham Public Library Schedules October Events and Coat Drive: The Pelham Public Library will host several events in October, including a fall seed saving workshop, a STEM story time, and the return of the Demystifying Medicare program. The library is also partnering with United Way for a coat drive, accepting new and gently used winter items at the Carol Place (Source: Pelham Examiner on Oct 1)
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New Rochelle Hosts Initial No Kings Rally Ahead of Planned NYC Demonstration: A protest organized by the No Kings group took place Saturday morning at North Avenue and Huguenot Street in New Rochelle. The event, which had city approval, drew local participants in advance of a larger march scheduled for New York City. (Source: Talk of the Sound on Oct 18)
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Olivia Ting Named Youth Advocate for Pelham Together: Pelham Together, a local organization focused on youth civic engagement, has appointed Olivia Ting, a Pelham schools graduate and long-time resident, as its new Youth Advocate. Ting began her role in March after returning to Pelham following college and work experience in New York City. (Source: Pelham Examiner on Sep 29)
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NYC Mayoral Candidates Prepare for Final Debate Before Election: The final debate for New York City's mayoral race is scheduled, featuring Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, former Governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The event marks the last opportunity for candidates to present their positions to voters ahead of the upcoming election. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Oct 22)
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ICE Plans More Arrests in New York City Following Canal Street Operation: Federal immigration authorities have announced that New York City residents should expect a rise in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests following a recent enforcement action in the Chinatown area near Canal Street. The operation, which involved multiple agencies, targeted individuals U (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 22)
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Federal Prosecutors Consider Disqualifying Attorney in Comey Case: Federal prosecutors involved in the criminal proceedings against former FBI Director James Comey have indicated they may seek to remove his attorney from the case. The development is part of ongoing legal actions taking place in New York City, with potential implications for the defense team. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 20)
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NYPD Officers Assist in Saving Infant Experiencing Choking Emergency: Two New York City police officers intervened during a medical emergency involving a 10-month-old boy who began choking and was unable to breathe. The officers responded quickly, providing aid that helped stabilize the child. The incident highlights the importance of first responders in critical, un (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 22)
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Profile Highlights Arthur Murray's Impact on Dance and Rye Connection: A recent feature explores the life of Arthur Murray, a prominent dance instructor and entrepreneur known for popularizing ballroom dance in the United States. The article discusses his early life, career achievements, and his connection to the City of Rye, offering local readers insight into his tie (Source: MyRye.com on Sep 29)
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Garry Moore's Ties to Rye Highlighted in Local Biography Series: A recent feature on MyRye.com explores the life and career of Garry Moore, a prominent mid-20th century television and radio host, and examines his connection to the City of Rye. The article is part of an ongoing series that profiles notable individuals linked to Rye, inviting community feedback on, (Source: MyRye.com on Oct 6)
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Debbie Harry Shares Preferred Actress for Potential Biopic: Debbie Harry, lead singer of Blondie, has expressed her choice for who she would like to portray her in a future biographical film. The announcement comes as interest in musician biopics continues to grow. Harry made her comments during a recent event in New York City. (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 20)
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RyeGPT People of Note: Civil Rights Activist, Journalist & Author Dorothy Sterling: (PHOTO: Close To My Heart: An Autobiography by Dorothy Sterling.) SPECIAL: We are re-running this profile on civil rights activist, journalist and author Dorothy Sterling. On this Saturday at 11:00am, the City of Rye will honor M. Paul Redd with a street naming at Station Plaza (the Rye train station. Sterling is an important part of the Redd story in Rye. Anne Fausto-Sterling (daughter of Dorothy Sterling) and Peter Sterling (son of Dorothy Sterling) are both expected to be part of the program). RyeGPT People of Note is a series highlighting individuals who have a connection to the City of Rye. In the series we ask OpenAI’s ChatGPT to prepare a biography and explain the individual’s connection to Rye. We welcome your feedback on this series – the use of artificial intelligence, the accuracy and usefulness of each article and your assistance in understanding other pertinent insights related to the person’s connection to Rye. You can add comments at the bottom of each article or you can send feedback via Tips & Letters. Early Life and Education Dorothy Sterling (née Dannenberg) was born on November 23, 1913, in New York City. She was the daughter of a lawyer and a schoolteacher, growing up in a comfortable middle-class environment. She attended Wellesley College and later transferred to Barnard College, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1934. While she initially aspired to become a botanist, a professor dissuaded her from this path, citing limited opportunities for women in the field. She subsequently pursued studies in philosophy but ultimately found her calling in journalism and literature. Career in Journalism and Transition to Literature After college, Sterling began working as a journalist. She contributed to Art News and later joined the Federal Writers’ Project, a New Deal-era program that provided jobs to unemployed writers. This experience broadened her worldview, exposing her to diverse communities, including African American writers, Yiddish playwrights, and Greenwich Village poets. In 1941, she secured a position at Life Magazine, first as a secretary and later as a researcher. Her talent for in-depth research led her to become assistant chief of Life’s news bureau. However, faced with the era’s gender biases—where “all writers were men, and all researchers were women”—she eventually left journalism to pursue a career as a full-time writer. Advancing African American Representation in Literature Sterling’s literary career was deeply rooted in social justice, particularly African American history and the civil rights movement. She authored over 35 books, including some of the earliest full-length biographies of African American figures written for children. Her landmark work, Freedom Train: The Story of Harriet Tubman (1954), brought national attention to Tubman’s life and remains in print today. Sterling was committed to uncovering and documenting the lives of lesser-known but significant African American historical figures. Her books Captain of the Planter: The Story of Robert Smalls (1958) and The Making of an Afro-American: Martin Robinson Delany (1971) helped shed light on forgotten pioneers of Black history. Beyond children’s literature, she also wrote books for adult audiences, including We Are Your Sisters: Black Women in the Nineteenth Century (1984), an anthology of letters, diaries, and firsthand accounts that brought the voices of Black women to the forefront of historical study. Another influential work, Ahead of Her Time: Abby Kelley and the Politics of Antislavery (1991), chronicled the life of abolitionist and suffragette Abby Kelley, highlighting the intersections of race and gender in activism. Activism and Connection to Rye, New York Sterling was also involved with the Communist Party USA during the 1940s. Her concern for the plight of working people in America led her to join the party in the 1930s, a period when many individuals with progressive ideals sought refuge in its ranks. Even after departing from the party, Sterling maintained that socialism remained her long-term goal. In 1948, Dorothy Sterling and her husband, fellow writer Philip Sterling, moved to Rye, New York, settling in a neighborhood on Kirby Lane North that attracted progressive intellectuals and activists. Due to their political affiliations, particularly during the McCarthy era, the Sterlings and their neighbors were viewed by some in Rye as a threat to the more conservative way of thinking. The FBI monitored their activities, including opening their mail and visiting their home. As a result, the neighborhood on Kirby Lane North was colloquially referred to as “Red Hill” by other Rye residents, reflecting its association with communist sympathizers. The Sterlings were active members of the local NAACP chapter, working to combat racial discrimination in housing. One of their most significant contributions was exposing housing discrimination in Rye. Alongside other activists, they helped uncover racist rental practices, such as those at Rye Colony, where M. Paul Redd and his wife Orial Banks Redd were denied an apartment based on race. Sterling, along with Lotte Kunstler (wife of civil rights attorney William Kunstler), participated in a “testing” effort, in which white applicants were able to secure housing while Black applicants were turned away. Their work provided crucial evidence that helped Redd win his landmark housing discrimination case. The Sterlings’ civil rights activism came at a personal cost. In 1961, after their son, Peter Sterling, participated in the Freedom Rides and was arrested in Jackson, Mississippi, the family became targets of racist intimidation. A seven-foot-tall cross was burned on their lawn in Rye, an act meant to terrorize them into silence. Despite this, Sterling remained undeterred and continued her advocacy for racial justice. (PHOTO: Mary Jane by Dorothy Sterling (1959) The book, a novel about school desegregation from the perspective of a Black girl, faced boycotts in the South and parts of the North but ultimately became a bestseller and was translated into multiple languages.) Role in Educational Reform and Multicultural Representation Sterling was also a vocal critic of racial bias in education. In the mid-1960s, she testified before a congressional committee led by Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. (D-N.Y.) on the lack of diversity and accuracy in textbooks. She played a key role in founding the Council on Interracial Books for Children, an organization that sought to improve the portrayal of minorities in children’s literature. Her book Mary Jane (1959), a novel about school desegregation from the perspective of a Black girl, faced boycotts in the South and parts of the North but ultimately became a bestseller and was translated into multiple languages. The book was one of the first to portray desegregation struggles through the lens of a young Black protagonist, making it a pioneering work in children’s literature. Later Years and Legacy Sterling continued writing well into her later years, completing her last book, Close to My Heart: An Autobiography, in 2005 at the age of 90, despite being nearly blind. She remained passionate about civil rights, history, and literature throughout her life. She passed away on December 1, 2008, at her home in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, at the age of 95. She is survived by her two children, Peter Sterling and Anne Fausto-Sterling, as well as grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Impact and Recognition Dorothy Sterling’s influence on literature and civil rights remains significant. She was among the first authors to insist on the representation of African Americans in children’s literature, long before multiculturalism was widely embraced. Her work not only educated generations of readers but also contributed to broader societal changes regarding race and representation in history. Her activism in Rye, New York, particularly her role in challenging discriminatory housing practices alongside the Redds, cements her legacy as both a literary and civil rights pioneer. Through her books and activism, she helped reshape narratives about African American history and inspired future generations of scholars, activists, and writers. (Source: MyRye.com on Sep 25)
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New York Inspector General Lucy Lang Honored with Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial…: WHITE PLAINS, NY (October 6, 2025) — The Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University honored New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang with the 2025 Robert S. Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial Excellence during a ceremony on September 30, 2025, at Pace University’s New York City campus. Lang, appointed as New York State’s 11th … Continue reading New York Inspector General Lucy Lang Honored with Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial Excellence The post New York Inspector General Lucy Lang Honored with Tucker Prize for Prosecutorial Excellence appeared first on Talk of the Sound. (Source: Talk of the Sound on Oct 7)
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5 takeaways from New York’s school lunch audit: What does it mean?: A new audit from the New York State Comptroller’s Office finds that while the state’s 30% New York State Initiative — which rewards schools for using locally grown foods — has strong goals, participation remains low, especially among smaller and rural districts across Upstate New York. Here are five major takeaways from the report and what they mean for schools in regions like the Finger Lakes, where enrollment and budgets continue to tighten. 1. Only 10% of eligible districts are participating Out of 762 eligible School Food Authorities statewide (excluding New York City), just 73 — about 10% — qualified for reimbursement under the 30% New York State Initiative in the 2024–25 school year. Together, they received $2.9 million of the $10 million available. That leaves roughly 70% of state funding untapped, even as schools struggle to keep food programs affordable. Two districts — Buffalo and Middletown — accounted for one-third of all funds distributed. 2. Administrative red tape is a major barrier Among the 253 school food officials surveyed, 42% said the main reason they don’t participate is the administrative burden of tracking lunch spending separately from breakfast and snack programs. Others cited difficulty finding eligible New York-grown foods (24%) and higher prices for those products (16%). For smaller Finger Lakes and rural Upstate districts that already face staff shortages and tight budgets, those reporting and sourcing hurdles make participation especially difficult. 3. The initiative’s goals are sound — but unevenly realized The 30% Initiative was launched in 2018 to reduce child hunger, promote healthy school meals, and support local farmers. The program boosts school lunch reimbursement from 5.9 cents to 25 cents per meal if at least 30% of food costs come from New York producers. But while the Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) is meeting basic oversight requirements, auditors say it could do more to help schools connect with local farms and distributors — especially outside urban centers where regional supply chains are thinner. 4. Rural and shrinking districts may be missing out the most Many smaller districts in the Finger Lakes and Western New York — already losing students and consolidating services — are less likely to apply because they can’t justify the paperwork or upfront costs. With enrollment declines hitting food service revenues, these districts could most benefit from the program’s reimbursement boost but are least able to access it. The audit suggests expanding outreach and streamlining applications to make participation feasible for districts with limited administrative staff. 5. Oversight and data need tightening Auditors found that 13% of reviewed audits lacked documentation for total food costs, and another 23% contained incorrect totals. Without standardized reporting, the state can’t verify whether schools truly meet the 30% threshold. The Department has since pledged to fix that by updating applications, requiring documentation upfront, and providing new digital tools and training to food service directors — steps that could help small districts manage compliance. The bottom line The audit paints a picture of good intentions trapped in bureaucracy. The 30% Initiative could strengthen local agriculture and school nutrition alike, but only if it becomes practical for the state’s smallest and slowest-growing districts to use. In regions like the Finger Lakes — where both farms and schools are under pressure — the difference between paperwork and participation may decide whether millions in state dollars ever reach local cafeterias. Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each morning. Sign up for our Morning Edition to start your day. FL1 on the Go! Download the free FingerLakes1.com App for iOS (iPhone, iPad). The post 5 takeaways from New York’s school lunch audit: What does it mean? appeared first on Fingerlakes1.com. (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 20)
October 21, 2025
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Darren Moss Seeks Seat on Mamaroneck Town Council in Upcoming Election: Darren Moss, a local Democratic leader and former financial consultant, is running for one of two open seats on the Mamaroneck Town Council. Moss, who has been active in community roles including Recreation Commissioner, is endorsed by the local Democratic Party. He is running alongside Jaine Elkind (Source: The Loop on Oct 21)
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Ithaca Activists Maintain Vigils Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict: Activists in Ithaca gathered on the Commons to honor Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of the recent ceasefire. Despite international efforts to halt violence, local organizers continue to protest, citing ongoing airstrikes and limited aid reaching (Source: The Ithaca Voice on Oct 21)
October 20, 2025
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Affordable Housing Shortage in New York Deepens Amid Regulatory Delays: A recent report highlights a significant gap in affordable rental housing for New York's lowest-income residents, with over 631,000 units lacking statewide. Developers cite lengthy approval and funding processes as barriers to new construction. State initiatives aim to address the shortage, but the (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 20)
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Infant Discovered Alone at Midtown Manhattan Subway Station: Authorities in New York City responded to a report of an abandoned baby girl found on the stairs of a subway station in midtown Manhattan. The child was found conscious, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. (Source: Finger Lakes Times on Oct 20)
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Newborn Found Abandoned at Midtown Manhattan Subway Station: A newborn girl was discovered wrapped in a blanket at a subway station in Midtown Manhattan during the Monday morning rush hour. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and the infant's condition. The case has drawn attention to child welfare and public safety in New (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 20)
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Cuomo Falls Behind in New York City Mayoral Race as Sliwa Remains in Contest: Andrew Cuomo is losing ground in the New York City mayoral race, with recent polling showing Zohran Mamdani in the lead. Cuomo attributes his declining support to Curtis Sliwa's continued campaign, which he believes divides moderate and conservative voters. Another debate is scheduled, offering a cr (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 20)
October 18, 2025
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New York Enacts Laws to Support Homebuyers and Strengthen Tenant Rights: A set of new state laws in New York aims to improve housing affordability by providing tax incentives for homebuyers, addressing discrimination in property appraisals, and expanding protections for renters. The legislation includes measures to encourage redevelopment of abandoned properties and to, (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 18)
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New York Court Upholds Law Changing Timing of Local Elections: The state's highest court has affirmed a law that reschedules most local elections to even-numbered years, aiming to increase voter participation by aligning them with state and federal contests. The decision ends a legal challenge led by Republican officials and may result in some local office term (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 18)
October 17, 2025
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Bilt to Establish Manhattan Headquarters, Add Over 600 Jobs: Bilt, a financial technology company focused on housing and neighborhood commerce, plans to open a new headquarters in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. The expansion will create 625 jobs and retain more than 200 current positions, supported by state tax incentives. The headquarters is set to open, (Source: Fingerlakes1.com on Oct 3)
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Julia Harvey Goldie, Former Rye Resident and Peace Corps Volunteer, Dies at 81: Julia Harvey Goldie, who previously lived in Rye and served in the Peace Corps in Tunisia, died at age 81 on October 14, 2025, after facing complications from Alzheimer's disease. Goldie was known for her commitment to service, including work with the Institute of International Education in New York (Source: Rye Record on Oct 17)
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Dozens Arrested During Yom Kippur Protest on Brooklyn Bridge: Nearly 60 individuals were taken into custody after a demonstration on the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City halted traffic during Yom Kippur. The protest, involving members of a group advocating for a ceasefire, led to significant disruptions. Local authorities responded to restore order and reopen (Source: Finger Lakes Daily News on Oct 3)
October 10, 2025
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Westchester County Advances Plans to Modernize Airport Terminal in Purchase: Westchester County has invited 11 firms to propose designs for updating the Westchester County Airport terminal in Purchase. The initiative aims to address outdated facilities and improve passenger experience, with local officials emphasizing the need to consider environmental impacts. Rye City has, (Source: Rye Record on Oct 10)
October 8, 2025
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Wainwright House to Recognize Local Leaders for Community and Environmental Efforts: Wainwright House in Rye will host its annual benefit on October 9, 2025, honoring individuals for their contributions to community life, wellness, and environmental stewardship. Honorees include Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker and Tracy Stora, chair of Rye’s Conservation Commission. W (Source: MyRye.com on Oct 8)
September 30, 2025
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Westchester County Executive Candidates Debate Playland and Immigration Policies: The campaign for Westchester County executive features incumbent Ken Jenkins and challenger Christine Sculti focusing on issues such as the management of Playland amusement park and local immigration policies. Jenkins, who previously served as deputy county executive and legislator, seeks his first, (Source: Rye Record on Sep 30)
September 24, 2025
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Former New Rochelle City Manager Among State's Top-Paid Local Officials: Kathleen E. Gill, who served as city manager in New Rochelle for just over a year, earned $363,212 in total compensation. This amount ranked her 28th among the highest-paid local government employees in New York State, excluding New York City, based on recent data. (Source: Talk of the Sound on Sep 24)
September 16, 2025
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Phyllis McDowell, Mental Health Advocate with Ties to Rye, Dies at 99: Phyllis Murray McDowell, who contributed to mental health initiatives and spent her early years in Harrison and Rye, New York, died at age 99 in Chester, Connecticut. McDowell, daughter of Arthur and Kathryn Murray, was known for her advocacy, family life, and community involvement in the Soundshore (Source: MyRye.com on Sep 16)
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William Joseph Connolly, former Pelham mayor, dies at 95: William Joseph Connolly, who served as mayor of Pelham and was active in community and conservation efforts on Martha's Vineyard, died at age 95 on August 31. Connolly was known for his leadership roles in local organizations and his commitment to public service both in Pelham and Edgartown. (Source: Pelham Examiner on Sep 16)
September 15, 2025
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Rye Public Safety Commissioner Completes Counterterrorism Trip to Israel: Michael Kopy, Rye's Public Safety Commissioner, recently returned from a counterterrorism conference in Israel. Kopy was part of a group of law enforcement leaders from the tri-state area, with the trip organized by Israeli officials and local security organizations focused on protecting Jewish New (Source: MyRye.com on Sep 15)
September 10, 2025
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Vehicles Taken from Rye Train Station Found in the Bronx: Authorities have recovered cars in the Bronx that were reported stolen from the Rye train station. Local police are investigating the incidents, which have raised concerns about security at the transit facility. No arrests have been reported at this time. (Source: MyRye.com on Sep 10)