Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York Regions

 

In Effect for Today, Monday, July 14

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald are issuing an Air Quality Health Advisory for fine particulate matter on Monday, July 14, 2025, for the Eastern Lake Ontario, Central New York, and Western New York regions due to the impact of smoke from wildfires in Canada. 

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter 

The advisory is in effect 10 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. 

The Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: Eastern Lake Ontario, which includes northern Cayuga, Jefferson, Monroe, Oswego, and Wayne counties; Central New York, which includes Allegany, Broome, southern Cayuga, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, southern Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Onondaga, Oneida, Ontario, Otsego, Tioga, Tompkins, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, and Yates; and Western New York, which includes Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans, and Wyoming counties. 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5), are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. 

Fine Particulate Matter 

Fine particulate matter (PM) consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g., vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere. 

Exposure can cause short-term health effects, such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5. 

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high. Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website. 

Additional information on PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is also available on DEC’s website or by PDF download. 

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.

A Statement by NYSOFA Acting Director Greg Olsen on the 60th Anniversary of the Older Americans Act

 

“Today, July 14, marks the 60th anniversary of the Older Americans Act, which President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law in 1965 – a banner year for older adults, alongside the enactment of Medicare and Medicaid that same month. The Older Americans Act is the nation’s comprehensive vehicle for the delivery of social and nutrition services to older adults and their caregivers – services and supports administered for New Yorkers by the New York State Office for the Aging.”

 

“Like any visionary blueprint, the Older Americans Act is continuously evolving, as shown by the numerous reauthorizations in the past six decades. And while Americans may not be familiar with this landmark law, many surely do know the services it provides: meals delivered at homes or provided at dining sites to meet older adults’ nutrition needs, transportation, home care, Medicare counseling, help with benefits, supports for caregivers, advocacy from an ombudsman in long term care facilities, and many other community services.”

 

“Since its inception, the Older Americans Act has invested more than $4.2 billion in federal dollars for older adults in New York State. Combined with state funds, that’s almost $10 billion invested in New York’s aging services network since 1965. What has this investment provided? Services to 24 million people across NYSOFA-administered programs, including over 1 billion meals served, and so much more. These programs, services and supports provide protection for the most vulnerable older individuals in the nation, and preventive community-based supports to avoid higher-cost services or needs.”

 

“Thanks to Governor Hochul, 2025 is also a banner year in New York State for policies supporting older adults, with a state budget that provides additional investments in NYSOFA-administered programs and the release of a Master Plan for Aging final report, which includes over 100 proposals to address needs and opportunities to support people of all ages as they grow old.”

 

“We are making incredible strides at the state level. Yet, at the federal level, while we celebrate a milestone anniversary of the Older Americans Act, we are also needing to defend it.”

 

“As Congress moves from services cuts waged across programs in the July 4 reconciliation measure to the federal budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026, our message is simple: protect the Older Americans Act.”

 

Service Totals Since 1965 in New York State (NYSOFA-Administered Programs Under the Older Americans Act)

• 24,277,643 people served (all programs) in New York State.

• 11,357,589 people served by Nutrition Program in New York State.

• Total meals served to older adults in New York State: 1,067,268,998.

• In-Home Care/Personal Care I and II – 85,727,915 hours of service in New York State under NYSOFA programs.

• Adult Day Services – 17,785,340 hours of service through NYSOFA.

• Case Management – 23,019,088 hours of service through NYSOFA.

• Transportation – 68,325,798 rides through NYSOFA.

• Legal Services – 3,206,317 hours of service through NYSOFA.

• Information and Assistance (I & A) – 59,916,615 hours of service through NYSOFA.

• Outreach – 4,507,089 hours of service through NYSOFA.

• Nutrition Counseling and Education – 5,618,775 hours of service through NYSOFA.

MAYOR ADAMS CONTINUES “WE OUTSIDE SUMMER” BY ANNOUNCING 11 SCHOOLYARDS TO OPEN TO PUBLIC AS PART OF “SCHOOLYARDS TO PLAYGROUNDS” PROGRAM

 

Adams Administration Invests $770,000 as Part of “Best Budget Ever” 

 

New Sites Will Open Schoolyards to New Yorkers During Summer and Weekends, Putting 20,000 Additional New Yorkers Within 10-Minute Walk of Park 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa today announced the opening of 11 new sites in the city’s “Schoolyards to Playgrounds” program, delivering on another key commitment of Mayor Adams’ 2025 State of the City. Schoolyards to Playgrounds increases access to green space for New Yorkers in neighborhoods not within walking distance of a park by opening up schoolyards to the public when not in use by the school — during the summer, after school, and on the weekends. Beginning this month, these sites will be open beginning at 8:00 AM until dusk year-round. Part of Mayor Adams' Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget — commonly referred to as the city's "Best Budget Ever" that was adopted by the New York City Council last month and voted on unanimously last week — the Adams administration is permanently investing $770,000 toward these additional sites, which will put green space within a 10-minute walk of an additional 20,000 New Yorkers. Today’s announcement also continues “We Outside Summer,” Mayor Adams’ new initiative that includes a series of announcements, events, investments, and new programming across the five boroughs to ensure New Yorkers have a safe, enjoyable summer outside.  

 

“New York City is the greatest city in the world to be a kid and today, we’re going to make it even better by making it easier for our kids to play close to home,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, we are delivering on another one of our State of the City commitments by putting 20,000 more New Yorkers within a 10-minute walk of green spaces. Our schools are home to incredible playgrounds, spaces that shouldn’t be locked away after the school day or when the school year ends, especially in neighborhoods without a lot of public green spaces — and now fewer of them will be. We have to keep our city a place where everyone can raise a family, and this announcement is another way we’re supporting families across the five boroughs.” 

 

“Our city’s playgrounds are crucial for the public schools they’re attached to. They’re also civic spaces in their own right, giving parents and families room to play and relax outside of their homes,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Jeff Roth. “Opening school yards for the summer, in the evening, and on weekends in areas without a lot of public green space is exactly the kind of common-sense, family-friendly initiative that helps New York become the best big city in which to raise a family.”   

“Access to playgrounds is about more than just recreational play; it’s about building stronger, healthier communities where students can develop their social-emotional skills and build healthy exercise habits,” said NYCPS Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos. “By continuing investment in these spaces, we are providing our children and families with safe, welcoming environments to connect, be physically active, and thrive.” 

“Free, accessible public spaces like our parks and these playgrounds make our city safer, more beautiful, and more livable,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “We’re so grateful to our partners at New York City Public Schools who will continue to care for and directly manage these spaces as they open to the public. We’re proud of our work expanding public space access throughout the five boroughs, and I thank Mayor Adams for his commitment to investing in our shared greenspaces and public realm.” 

  

“Having a safe place near home to play with your child isn’t a luxury for New York families — it’s a necessity,” said Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu. “Every neighborhood deserves access to public space within walking distance, which is why we’re excited to open 11 more schoolyards to the public after hours. This expansion brings 20,000 more New Yorkers closer to a park — and it’s exactly the kind of turnkey solution that makes New York a more family-friendly city.” 

 

As of July 1, the following 11 school sites will open daily from 8:00 AM to dusk and add to the more than 300 existing school yards already open after hours as playgrounds to the public: 

 

Bronx 

•   P.S. X014 Senator John Calandra  3047 Bruckner Blvd Bronx, NY 10461 

 

Brooklyn 

•   P.S. 308 Clara Cardwell  616 Quincy St Brooklyn, NY 11221 

•   P.S. 159 Isaac Pitkin  2781 Pitkin Ave Brooklyn, NY 11208 

•   P.S. 160 William T. Sampson 1057 52nd St Brooklyn, NY 11219 

•   P.S. 179 Kensington 202 Avenue C Brooklyn, NY 11218 

 

Manhattan 

•   P.S. 116 Mary Lindley Murray  210 E 33rd St New York, NY 10016 

 

Queens 

•   Jean Nuzzi Intermediate School 213-10 92nd Ave Queens Village, NY 11428  

•   P.S. 156 Laurelton 229-02 137th Ave Queens, NY 11413  

•   P.S. 007 Louis F. Simeone 80-55 Cornish Ave Queens, NY 11373  

•   P.S. 055 Maure 131-10 97th Ave South Richmond Hill, NY 11419 

•   P.S. 002 Alfred Zimberg 75-10 21st Ave East Elmhurst, NY 11370  

 

Part of We Outside Summer, today’s announcement is another example of how the Adams administration is ensuring families across New York City can have a safe and fun summer. In May 2025, Mayor Adams kicked off We Outside Summer and announced a new effort to transform vacant lots into greenspace, and, just last month, Mayor Adams announced new public bathrooms in parks across the five boroughs, the opening of public pools with increased lifeguard staffing levels, and the return of Adult Lap Swim and expansion of free Learn to Swim programming. In May, the Adams administration also announced $13 million in funding for youth programming, investing in initiatives to support at-risk youth, justice-involved New Yorkers, and people living in neighborhoods with high rates of violence.  

 

Join Assemblymember John Zaccaro For a Movie Under The Stars

 

Lights, Camera, Action!

Friends, please join me Saturday, July 19, 2025 for a Movie Under the Stars event featuring the 2024 children's live-action favorite The Little Mermaid.

 

In partnership with the NYC Parks Department, this event is FREE to the public. 

• When: Saturday, July 19th
• Where: Matthews Muliner Playground (Between Matthews Ave. and Muliner Ave.) 
• Time: Movie will begin at approximately 8:00pm

I'm looking forward to seeing you all there to enjoy a fantastic night under the stars with friends and family. 

 

Yours Truly,

John Zaccaro, Jr.

 

Permits Filed for 621 East 178th Street in Tremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an 11-story residential building at 621 East 178th Street in Tremont, The Bronx. Located between Hughes Avenue and Arthur Avenue, the lot is near the West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Yonah Grunhut of Grun Group LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 101-foot-tall development will yield 138,387 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 60 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 668 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have 15 enclosed parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architecture is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in St. Lawrence County

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Bernie Russo, who died on July 1, 2025 following an encounter with New York State Police (NYSP) troopers in Norfolk, St. Lawrence County.

In the early morning hours of July 1, state troopers arrived at a house in Norfolk in response to a reported domestic incident. When troopers arrived on the scene, they encountered Mr. Russo, who came out of an RV on the property. Troopers attempted to restrain Mr. Russo, placing him in handcuffs and leg restraints. During the encounter, Mr. Russo became unresponsive. Troopers initiated life-saving measures while waiting for the ambulance. Mr. Russo was pronounced dead on scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.  

Justice Department Files Statement of Interest on Suppression of Competition in the Marketplace of Ideas Through Deplatforming of Rival Viewpoints

 

The Justice Department filed a statement of interest in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in the case of Children’s Health Defense et al. v. Washington Post et al. The lawsuit — led by plaintiffs allegedly deplatformed for sharing independent news and opinion related to the COVID-19 pandemic — alleges that the Washington Post, BBC, AP, and Reuters colluded with one another and with the large digital platforms to suppress competition from independent perspectives that rival mainstream media.  The statement of interest explains how the antitrust laws protect viewpoint competition in news markets.    

“When companies abuse their market power to block out and deplatform independent voices and protect legacy media, they harm competition and threaten the free flow of information on which consumers depend,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “This Antitrust Division will always defend the principle that the antitrust laws protect free markets, including the marketplace of ideas.”   

The Antitrust Division routinely files statements of interest and amicus briefs in federal court where doing so will help protect competition and consumers, including by encouraging the sound development of the antitrust laws. A collection of these statements of antitrust and amicus filings is publicly available on the Division’s website.

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