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George Latimer

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Westchester's Film Industry Generates $2B In Economic Impact In 2 Years: Officials Westchester's Film Industry Generates $2B In Economic Impact In 2 Years: Officials
Westchester's Film Industry Generates $2B In Economic Impact In 2 Years: Officials Westchester's bustling film industry is continuing to generate billions of dollars in economic activity as it grows more and more successful, officials announced. According to a new report detailed by county officials, film production in Westchester generated $2 billion in economic activity in both 2022 and 2023.  The industry also created 6,796 jobs and $656 million in wages during the two-year period, officials added. This success came despite several factors that threatened to interrupt film production, including the pandemic as well as the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFT…

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by Ben Crnic
Lifestyle
'Rare, Special' Solar Eclipse Leaves Residents, Students In Awe In Westchester 'Rare, Special' Solar Eclipse Leaves Residents, Students In Awe In Westchester
'Rare, Special' Solar Eclipse Leaves Residents, Students In Awe In Westchester Although the solar eclipse's path of totality did not reach Westchester, that did not stop residents and students from getting outside and enjoying the rare astronomical marvel. The event made its way through New York on Monday, April 8, causing a partial eclipse in Westchester that occurred between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and peaked around 3:25 p.m., with around 90 percent of the sun covered.  Residents across the county celebrated the rare spectacle at several solar eclipse events held at parks and preserves in several municipalities.  "It is rare for a total solar eclipse to be view…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
New Poll Shows Latimer With Lead Over Bowman In Westchester Democratic Primary New Poll Shows Latimer With Lead Over Bowman In Westchester Democratic Primary
New Poll Shows Latimer With Lead Over Bowman In Westchester Democratic Primary A new poll is shining light on who may come out on top in the closely-watched race between Westchester County Executive George Latimer and incumbent Rep. Jamaal Bowman for New York's 16th District seat. According to new findings from a poll conducted by The Mellman Group, Latimer, age 70, currently holds a 17-point lead over his opponent, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, age 48, the pro-Israel group DMFI PAC announced on Thursday, April 4. Related Report - Bowman/Latimer Westchester Primary Draws National Attention The new analysis was conducted by surveying 400 voters in the 16th District who represe…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Westchester Democratic Congressional Primary Draws National Attention Westchester Democratic Congressional Primary Draws National Attention
Westchester Democratic Congressional Primary Draws National Attention As the New York Democratic primary election draws closer, the race for the state's 16th District seat between Westchester County Executive George Latimer and incumbent Jamaal Bowman is attracting nationwide attention and exposing divisions within the party.  The race between Latimer, age 70, and Bowman, age 48, is exposing tensions within the Democratic Party that will likely come to a head as residents within the 16th District cast their votes in the primary election on Tuesday, June 25, primarily centered on the ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel.  Earlier …

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by Ben Crnic
News
New Taskforce To Fight Gun Violence In Westchester: 'Focused On Getting To Root Of Problem' New Taskforce To Fight Gun Violence In Westchester: 'Focused On Getting To Root Of Problem'
New Taskforce To Fight Gun Violence In Westchester: 'Focused On Getting To Root Of Problem' A newly created task force is dedicating itself to preventing gun violence in Westchester, officials announced.  The creation of the Westchester County Gun Violence Prevention Taskforce, which will unify efforts to combat shootings, was announced by county officials on Tuesday, March 26.  The task force will work with organizations that are currently working against gun violence and encourage collaboration across these agencies so they can leverage each other's resources.  "Gun violence is not a major problem in Westchester County, but one death or injury due to gun vio…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Former Westchester Cop Claims He Was Fired For Ticketing Woman With PBA Card: Lawsuit Former Westchester Cop Claims He Was Fired For Ticketing Woman With PBA Card: Lawsuit
Former Westchester Cop Claims He Was Fired For Ticketing Woman With PBA Card: Lawsuit A former Westchester police officer from the Hudson Valley is suing county officials and claiming that he was unlawfully fired for ticketing a woman who flashed a PBA card.  Rockland County resident Joseph Saetta, a former Westchester County Police officer, filed a lawsuit in federal court against the county's Department of Public Safety, its commissioner, Terrance Raynor, and County Executive George Latimer, on Friday, March 8.  According to the lawsuit complaint, Saetta, who previously spent time as an officer in Mount Vernon and Pleasantville, joined the Westchester County…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Renovated Service Area Opens On Parkway In Westchester: Features Larger Store, More Restrooms Renovated Service Area Opens On Parkway In Westchester: Features Larger Store, More Restrooms
Renovated Service Area Opens On Parkway In Westchester: Features Larger Store, More Restrooms A newly renovated service area with upgraded facilities located along a busy parkway in Westchester is now open to travelers, officials announced.  The opening of the upgraded Mamaroneck River service area, located along the Hutchinson River Parkway between Exit 13 (Mamaroneck Avenue) and Exit 14 (North Street) in White Plains, was announced by the New York State Department of Transportation on Friday, March 8.  The renovated service area now has an expanded convenience store that still retains the original building's architectural features, which are meant to reflect the historic…

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by Ben Crnic
Real Estate
Westchester Sets Aside $5.7M For Land To Build Affordable Housing On: Here's Where Westchester Sets Aside $5.7M For Land To Build Affordable Housing On: Here's Where
Westchester Sets Aside $5.7M For Land To Build Affordable Housing On: Here's Where Westchester County officials have allocated $5.7 million to purchase land that will be used for planned affordable housing construction projects.  The allocations were made official by Land Acquisition Acts signed by Westchester County Executive George Latimer, county officials announced on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Under the acts, $2.7 million was set aside for the purchase of land in Yonkers, while $3 million was allocated for the purchase of land in the Village of Ossining. Both properties will be used for the construction of affordable housing that will be marketed and leased to…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Officials In Westchester Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line Officials In Westchester Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line
Officials In Westchester Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line Officials in the Hudson Valley are calling on the MTA to undertake a study on the feasibility of providing direct access to Penn Station from the Hudson Line.  In a letter addressed to MTA Chief Executive Officer Janno Lieber, Westchester County Executive George Latimer called on the transportation agency to conduct a study on having direct one-seat access to Manhattan's Penn Station from the Hudson Line, Latimer announced on Wednesday, Jan. 17.  "The advantages of such a connection are abundant," Latimer wrote in the latter, adding, "Improved transportation links would …

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by Ben Crnic
Lifestyle
These Movies, TV Shows Filmed In Westchester Take Home Awards, Nominations These Movies, TV Shows Filmed In Westchester Take Home Awards, Nominations
These Movies, TV Shows Filmed In Westchester Take Home Awards, Nominations Westchester's growing film industry is proving to be paying off, as several productions filmed and produced within the county went on to either win or be nominated for prestigious awards. Many of these wins came about during the 2024 Emmy Awards on Monday, Jan. 15, as several shows filmed within Westchester borders secured a total of 56 Emmy nominations and nine wins during the ceremony.  Additionally, many of these productions also won at the Golden Globes and received honors from the Critics Choice Association and Screen Actors, Producers, and Directors Guilds. These winning product…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Scarsdale Train Station Gets New Elevator, Accessibility Improvements Scarsdale Train Station Gets New Elevator, Accessibility Improvements
Scarsdale Train Station Gets New Elevator, Accessibility Improvements A Metro-North station in Westchester has received a new elevator in addition to several other upgrades intended to improve access, parking, and amenities, officials announced.  In an announcement on Thursday, Jan. 11, MTA officials announced the opening of a second elevator at the Scarsdale Metro-North Train Station.  The new elevator is located in an enclosed tower that serves the Grand Central Station-bound platform.  Additionally, the overpass at the station was raised seven inches to give more vertical clearance for Metro-North trains. Other enhancements added to the sta…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Free Bus Rides: Here's How Long Westchester Will Suspend Fares For Holidays Free Bus Rides: Here's How Long Westchester Will Suspend Fares For Holidays
Free Bus Rides: Here's How Long Westchester Will Suspend Fares For Holidays To help make things easier for commuters during the holiday season, Westchester County will again be suspending bus fares. To help residents save money, Bee-Line Bus fares in Westchester will be suspended from Saturday, Dec. 16 through Monday, Jan. 1, county officials announced.  The suspension is the second holiday season that the county has taken such an action. Additionally, the county also suspended fares during the past two summers, according to County Executive George Latimer. "In the spirit of the season, we are once again easing the financial strain on Westchester residen…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Firefighters, First Responders To Receive Tax Breaks In Westchester Thanks To New Law Firefighters, First Responders To Receive Tax Breaks In Westchester Thanks To New Law
Firefighters, First Responders To Receive Tax Breaks In Westchester Thanks To New Law To recognize them for the services they provide to their communities, volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers in Westchester will receive property tax breaks thanks to a new law. The legislation, signed into law by County Executive George Latimer on Thursday, Dec. 14, creates guidelines for property tax breaks for past and current volunteer firefighters and ambulance service members as well as their spouses, according to county officials. "This law recognizes the sacrifices made by our volunteers and provides meaningful support for their service," Latimer said, adding, "We are proud to…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
$2.4B Westchester Budget For 2024 Signed By County Exec Latimer: Here's What's In It $2.4B Westchester Budget For 2024 Signed By County Exec Latimer: Here's What's In It
$2.4B Westchester Budget For 2024 Signed By County Exec Latimer: Here's What's In It Westchester County Executive George Latimer has officially signed the county's 2024 budget.  The budget, which totals $2.4 billion, was signed by Latimer on Monday afternoon, Dec. 11 following its passage by the Westchester County Board of Legislators earlier in the day.  According to county officials, the new budget maintains the same property tax levy as 2023, which means it is the fifth consecutive year without a levy increase.  The budget also includes additions approved by the Board of Legislator's Budget & Appropriations Committee. These additions to the …

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Update: Westchester County Exec Latimer Officially Announces Bid For Congress Against Bowman Update: Westchester County Exec Latimer Officially Announces Bid For Congress Against Bowman
Update: Westchester County Exec Latimer Officially Announces Bid For Congress Against Bowman Westchester County Executive George Latimer has officially announced his intention to launch a Congressional Democratic primary challenge for New York's 16th District seat.  Latimer, age 70, announced his campaign in a video posted to social media on Wednesday morning, Dec. 6, in which he said he is "ready to deliver" for constituents within the 16th district.  The 16th district is made up of the southern part of Westchester, including the suburban cities of White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Rye, and a small portion of the northern Bronx.  "We're al…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Westchester County Exec Latimer Moves Toward Congressional Primary Challenge Against Bowman Westchester County Exec Latimer Moves Toward Congressional Primary Challenge Against Bowman
Westchester County Exec Latimer Moves Toward Congressional Primary Challenge Against Bowman Westchester County Executive George Latimer has moved a step closer to launching a Democratic Congressional primary challenge to represent New York's 16th District.  New, updated report - Update: Westchester County Exec Latimer Officially Announces Bid For Congress Against Bowman On Monday, Dec. 4, Latimer, age 70, filed with the Federal Elections Commission to create a committee to raise money for a congressional campaign, according to a copy of the filing obtained by Daily Voice. The filing says it was signed by Latimer on Monday. The move is the strongest indication yet that…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Westchester's Bond Rating Upgraded By Fitch: 'Disciplined Financial Management' Westchester's Bond Rating Upgraded By Fitch: 'Disciplined Financial Management'
Westchester's Bond Rating Upgraded By Fitch: 'Disciplined Financial Management' Thanks to "disciplined financial management," Westchester's bond rating has been upgraded to the highest possible designation by Fitch ratings, county officials said.  The county's credit rating was upgraded by Fitch to a prestigious "AAA" credit rating, officials announced on Wednesday, Nov. 29.  County Executive George Latimer said the upgrade resulted from hard work and careful financial management.  "From day one, my administration has been committed to strong financial management, fiscal stability and prudent governance. This is a tremendous accomplishment for my a…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: New Law To Reduce Incidents In Westchester, Officials Say Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: New Law To Reduce Incidents In Westchester, Officials Say
Lithium-Ion Battery Fires: New Law To Reduce Incidents In Westchester, Officials Say Officials in Westchester County have passed legislation intended to combat dangerous fires caused by lithium-ion batteries. The legislation, which Westchester County Executive George Latimer has signed, will increase safety regulations regarding lithium-ion batteries for electric mobility devices such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and hoverboards, officials announced on Wednesday, Nov. 1.  The new law will stipulate the following:  Only regulated and graded lithium-ion batteries for electric mobility devices will be able to be sold in Westchester; Every retail establishment in the cou…

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by Ben Crnic
News
NY Congressional Candidate Pauses Campaign To Let Westchester Executive Latimer Decide On Run NY Congressional Candidate Pauses Campaign To Let Westchester Executive Latimer Decide On Run
NY Congressional Candidate Pauses Campaign To Let Westchester Executive Latimer Decide On Run A New York congressional candidate running for the 16th Congressional District seat has paused his run in order to allow Westchester County Executive George Latimer to make a decision on whether or not he will pursue the seat.  Michael Gerald, a Democratic candidate for the NY-16 Congressional District seat, announced on Tuesday, Oct. 31 that he would be pausing his campaign until Latimer decides if he is running for the same seat or not.  The 16th district is made up of the southern part of Westchester County, including the suburban cities of White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Roche…

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by Ben Crnic
Business
Hungry? Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Kicks Off At Westchester Eatery Hungry? Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Kicks Off At Westchester Eatery
Hungry? Hudson Valley Restaurant Week Kicks Off At Westchester Eatery It's official: Fall 2023's Hudson Valley Restaurant Week has officially started with a kickoff event held at a Westchester eatery.  The fall kickoff was held at Red Horse by David Burke located in White Plains inside the Opus Westchester in White Plains at 221 Main St. (Route 119), Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced on Tuesday, Oct. 17. Earlier Report - Fall Lineup: Dates, Participating Eateries Revealed For Hudson Valley Restaurant Week The modern American steakhouse, which features prime beef dry-aged to celebrity chef David Burke's patented Himalay…

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by Ben Crnic
News
$473.7M 2024 Capital Budget Proposed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go $473.7M 2024 Capital Budget Proposed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go
$473.7M 2024 Capital Budget Proposed In Westchester: Here's Where Funding Will Go Westchester County Executive George Latimer has unveiled his proposed 2024 Capital Budget, which requests $473.7 million in new appropriations.  The proposed budget, announced by Latimer on Tuesday, Oct. 17, includes investments in affordable housing, infrastructure for electric vehicles, parkway rehabilitation, bridges, roads, and flood mitigation.  The budget will now be reviewed by the Westchester Board of Legislators. "Our 2024 Capital Budget, the sixth of its kind under our stewardship, paves the way for a brighter tomorrow. With investments in affordable housing, electric v…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Crime Rates Down In Westchester, New Report Says: Here's How Much Crime Rates Down In Westchester, New Report Says: Here's How Much
Crime Rates Down In Westchester, New Report Says: Here's How Much An all-new report compiled by New York state officials has revealed that crime rates in Westchester have decreased over the last few years. The new report, released by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, shows a "notable reduction in unlawful activities" in Westchester between 2017 and 2022, County Executive George Latimer announced on Wednesday, Oct. 11.  According to the report, the total index crime in the county decreased by 5.2 percent, and the total amount of violent crime decreased by 15.7 percent from 2017 to 2022. The report also contained informatio…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Heat Advisory Issued In Westchester As Temps Climb: This Beach To Remain Open Heat Advisory Issued In Westchester As Temps Climb: This Beach To Remain Open
Heat Advisory Issued In Westchester As Temps Climb: This Beach To Remain Open As temperatures continue to rise in a late-summer heat wave, Westchester officials have issued an advisory lasting several days and are even keeping one beach open later than usual to help residents cool off.  The Westchester County Health Department issued a heat advisory that will last until Friday, Sept. 8, officials announced on Wednesday, Sept. 6.  The advisory follows forecasts of high heat and humidity that will make it feel over 95 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 7, with the sweltering temperatures continuing into Friday as well.  Related Report: Separ…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Largest-Ever Illegal, Underage Vape Sales Bust Made In Westchester Largest-Ever Illegal, Underage Vape Sales Bust Made In Westchester
Largest-Ever Illegal, Underage Vape Sales Bust Made In Westchester With the help of a task force consisting of numerous police departments, Westchester health officials were able to crack down on the largest illegal vape sales bust ever discovered in the county.  The bust was made during the week of Monday, Aug. 21 with the help of the Greenburgh Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, which consists of police agencies from Ardsley, Greenburgh, Dobbs Ferry, Hastings, Irvington, Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow, and North Castle, County Executive George Latimer announced on Monday, Aug. 28. As a result of the bust, county officials confiscated all of the pr…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Here's When Plastic Utensils, Condiments Law Will Go Into Effect In Westchester Here's When Plastic Utensils, Condiments Law Will Go Into Effect In Westchester
Here's When Plastic Utensils, Condiments Law Will Go Into Effect In Westchester If you order takeout in Westchester, you'll have to ask for plastic utensils and condiments in order to receive them, according to a new law that will soon go into effect.  The new law, which will go into effect on Saturday, Sept. 2, will ban food establishments in Westchester from providing plastic food ware or condiment packets to both dine-in and takeout customers unless they are specifically asked for, according to county officials.  Earlier Report - Plastic Utensils, Condiments For Takeout Orders Banned In Westchester: Unless You Ask The legislation was signed into law …

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by Ben Crnic
News
New Update: Flood, Storm Damage Funds Available To Westchester County Homeowners New Update: Flood, Storm Damage Funds Available To Westchester County Homeowners
New Update: Flood, Storm Damage Funds Available To Westchester County Homeowners Some $3 million in emergency assistance will be made available to eligible homeowners in the Hudson Valley impacted by flooding and recent storm damage. Earlier report - $3M In Flood Relief Funds Set Aside For Hudson Valley Homeowners: Here's Who's Eligible Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday, Aug. 9, the funds will provide emergency repair grants to homeowners who suffered damage to their primary residences in Dutchess, Putnam, Rockland, and Westchester counties. This funding is in addition to the $3 million announced by Hochul last month to assist homeowners affected by historic f…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Invasive Species Outbreak: Westchester Officials Use Vacuums To Combat Harmful Insects Invasive Species Outbreak: Westchester Officials Use Vacuums To Combat Harmful Insects
Invasive Species Outbreak: Westchester Officials Use Vacuums To Combat Harmful Insects Westchester officials are stepping up efforts to fight back against an outbreak of an invasive insect that is leaving parks and wooded areas vulnerable to disease.  The increased efforts have followed the discovery of the Spotted Lanternfly, which has spread rapidly throughout Westchester, county officials announced on Tuesday, Aug. 1.  An invasive species, the Spotted Lanternfly can cause "significant damage" to parks and wooded areas by sucking sap from plants, which can leave them vulnerable to disease and threats from other insects, officials said.  The juveniles of the species are id…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Extreme Temps: Heat Advisory Declared In Westchester For Multiple Days Extreme Temps: Heat Advisory Declared In Westchester For Multiple Days
Extreme Temps: Heat Advisory Declared In Westchester For Multiple Days As blistering temperatures and high humidity threaten to arrive in the area, Westchester officials are declaring a heat advisory that will last for numerous days.  The advisory, announced on Wednesday, July 26, will be in effect from Thursday, July 27 through Saturday, July 29, according to Westchester County officials. The decision to declare the advisory was made in preparation for extreme heat and humidity that will likely make it feel well over 100 degrees all three days. A spate of severe storms is also expected to strike the county as well.  Related Story - Strong Sto…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Child Porn Possession: Sports Hall Of Famer From Westchester Pleads Guilty Child Porn Possession: Sports Hall Of Famer From Westchester Pleads Guilty
Child Porn Possession: Sports Hall Of Famer From Westchester Pleads Guilty A retired teacher and former sports announcer who was inducted into the Westchester Sports Hall of Fame has admitted to receiving child pornography.  Somers resident Richard Leaf, age 74, who is well-known in Westchester for announcing Section 1 boys and girls basketball tournaments for more than three decades, pleaded guilty to a count of receiving child pornography on Thursday, June 29, according to federal court documents.   Earlier Report - Sports Hall Of Famer Identified As Man Accused Of Possessing Child Porn Videos, Images Leaf, who was inducted into the Hal…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Officers Awarded For Saving Lives, Surviving Standoffs, Seizing Drugs In Westchester Officers Awarded For Saving Lives, Surviving Standoffs, Seizing Drugs In Westchester
Officers Awarded For Saving Lives, Surviving Standoffs, Seizing Drugs In Westchester Several Westchester County police officers have received awards for showing extreme bravery and ingenuity, including one who saved a shooting victim's life with a potato chip bag and several who survived a standoff while being repeatedly fired at.  A total of 30 officers received their awards during the Westchester Department of Public Safety’s annual award ceremony held on Tuesday, June 20 at the Police Academy in Valhalla.  The awards were presented by County Executive George Latimer, Deputy County Executive Kenneth Jenkins, and Acting Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Ra…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Free Bus Rides: Here's When Westchester Will Suspend Bee-Line Fares Free Bus Rides: Here's When Westchester Will Suspend Bee-Line Fares
Free Bus Rides: Here's When Westchester Will Suspend Bee-Line Fares As the dog days of summer draw closer, Westchester officials have announced that the county's Bee-Line bus system will be offering free rides for several months.  The county's bus system, known as the Bee-Line, will be suspending fares beginning on Saturday, July 1, and will continue doing so until Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 4, County Executive George Latimer announced on Wednesday, June 7.  The fare suspension will also apply to the county's ParaTransit system, officials added.  Latimer said the suspension is aimed to help residents save money as well as incr…

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by Ben Crnic