This Week in Westchester: The Podcast

Westchester County Government

Your weekly audio briefing from Westchester County Government. Where each week, County Executive Ken Jenkins breaks down the decisions, investments and initiatives shaping life across Westchester. Clear information. Real progress. One place to stay informed.

  1. 5d ago

    Westchester, Explained 29: Lighting the Night in Westchester – Inside the Fight Against Blood Cancer

    As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we take you deeper into the headlines, decisions and policies shaping Westchester County and their impact on your family, your neighborhood and your future. Here we slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we explain not just what the County is doing, but why it matters. Because government should be clear. This is your County.  And this is Westchester, Explained.  In this episode, we sit down with local representatives from Blood Cancer United to explore the fight against blood cancer and the research, resources and community support helping patients and families right here in Westchester.  We hear powerful personal stories from survivors and families impacted by leukemia and lymphoma, while learning how advances in research and treatment are giving people more time, more milestones and more hope for the future.  We also take a closer look at Light the Night, the organization’s annual event at Playland Park, where survivors, families and supporters come together with illuminated lanterns to honor those we’ve lost, celebrate those who have survived and continue the fight against blood cancer. Join us as we explore the power of research, support and community -- and why no one facing blood cancer should have to face it alone. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    Westchester, Explained 29: Lighting the Night in Westchester – Inside the Fight Against Blood Cancer
  2. Sep 28

    TWIW 40: September 28, 2026

    In this episode: County Executive Ken Jenkins sent a letter to the Federal Delegation to fight for full restoration of funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Westchester County demonstrates strong fiscal health and financial management with a Fiscal Stress Score of 3.3 in the latest results released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.Village of Ossining Mayor Rika Levin joined to discuss exciting updates about the Village.Acting Director of the Office for Women Catherine Borgia joined to discuss the month of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Westchester County Clerk Tom Roach joined to announce a new program, Westchester County Clerk Property Alert Service. The free service is designed to help property owners stay informed about documents recorded with the Westchester County Clerk’s Office.Westchester County Program Administrator for the Office for People with Disabilities Jeff Zitofsky and Director of Policy and Programs Shari Rosen Ascher discussed events and programs celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month.Senior Campaign Development Manager Mackenzie Page to join to promote the Blood Cancer United Light the Night Walk at Playland Park on Saturday, October 17. Westchester County Budget Public Input Sessions.Westchester County to celebrate Italian Heritage Month. Highlights from Westchester County Parks.  --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

  3. Sep 23

    Westchester, Explained 28: Inside Westchester’s Boundary Spanner Program

    As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we take you deeper into the headlines, decisions and policies shaping Westchester County and their impact on your family, your neighborhood and your future. Here we slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we explain not just what the County is doing, but why it matters. Because government should be clear. This is your County.  And this is Westchester, Explained.  In this episode, we take a closer look at one of Westchester County's most innovative efforts to support residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have fallen through the cracks of the service system.  We sit down with members of the Department of Community Mental Health to discuss the County's unique Boundary Spanner Program, which connects individuals experiencing homelessness, hospitalization, incarceration and other crises with the services, benefits and long-term support they need to rebuild their lives.  Listen as we explore how this first-of-its-kind initiative helps navigate complex systems, remove barriers to care and create opportunities for people to achieve greater stability, independence and hope for the future -- and how compassion, collaboration and personalized support are transforming lives. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    Westchester, Explained 28: Inside Westchester’s Boundary Spanner Program
  4. Sep 21

    TWIW 39: September 21, 2026

    Inside this episode: County Executive Ken Jenkins gave an update on the fire at the Dragon Coaster. Village of Mamaroneck Mayor Sharon Torres joined to discuss exciting updates about the Village. The County announced a new partnership with Nespresso at the Material Recovery Facility in Yonkers. Director of Emergency Management Division of Department of Emergency Services Matthew Kavaler joined to request public comments on a draft Hazard Mitigation Plan for Westchester County. The Plan will identify risks from natural disasters, including flooding, hurricanes and extreme weather, and outlines ways to better protect people, property and infrastructure during an emergency. Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt and Westchester Co-Chapter Chair of the NY League of Conservation Voters Julie Chang joined to discuss Climate Action Week, and Drive Green Week in Westchester County. The County’s Gold Star Mothers and Families Memorial Tribute Ceremony will take place at Kensico Dam Plaza on Friday, September 25. (30:25 – 31:39)Join us for one of the County’s two 2027 Westchester County Budget Public Input Sessions. Updates from the Westchester County Parks Department. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

  5. Sep 16

    Westchester, Explained 27: Inside Consumer Protection - Fighting Fraud in Westchester

    As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we take you deeper into the headlines, decisions and policies shaping Westchester County and their impact on your family, your neighborhood and your future. Here we slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we explain not just what the County is doing, but why it matters. Because government should be clear. This is your County.  And this is Westchester, Explained.  In this episode, we sit down with Westchester County Director of Consumer Protection Jim Maisano for an inside look into what the County's Consumer Protection Department does while we discuss with him the modern threats facing Westchester residents and consumers today -- and the simple steps residents can take to protect themselves -- and their identity. And a little bit about hope for the Jets this year. From phishing texts and fraudulent phone calls to check washing, online shopping scams and public Wi-Fi traps -- we break down some of the most common ways that criminals try to steal personal and financial information -- and why slowing down before you click, respond or share information can make all the difference.  Join us as we learn how Westchester is helping residents stay one step ahead of scammers, and how to protect your identity and your money -- and why it matters to Westchester residents. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    Westchester, Explained 27: Inside Consumer Protection - Fighting Fraud in Westchester
  6. Sep 9

    Westchester, Explained 26: What Clothing Insecurity Really Means and Why It Matters

    As an extension of our weekly "This Week in Westchester - The Podcast" we welcome you to Westchester, Explained. In this special long-form series we take you deeper into the headlines, decisions and policies shaping Westchester County and their impact on your family, your neighborhood and your future. Here we slow it down, dig in and bring in the people doing the work, and we explain not just what the County is doing, but why it matters. Because government should be clear. This is your County.  And this is Westchester, Explained.  In recognition of National Clothing Insecurity Awareness Day this September -- today we shine a light on an often-overlooked challenge affecting children right here in Westchester County -- clothing insecurity -- as we examine how something as simple as a warm coat, a new pair of sneakers or properly fitting clothes can change a child's life -- and why this matters to Westchester residents. In this episode we sit down with Deborah Blatt, Executive Director and founder of the Port Chester nonprofit, The Sharing Shelf -- to discuss what are the available resources for children in Westchester to get the clothing they need to attend school with confidence, dignity and comfort.  Join us as we explore what clothing insecurity really means, why it deserves the same attention as food and housing insecurity, and how volunteers, donors and community partners are helping make a difference across the County. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

    Westchester, Explained 26: What Clothing Insecurity Really Means and Why It Matters
  7. Sep 8

    TWIW 37: September 8, 2026

    In this episode: ·      Westchester County marked the solemn 25th anniversary of September 11, and shared a special new documentary looking back through the eyes of Westchester’s County Executives.  ·      County Executive Ken Jenkins responds to an Op-Ed on Indian Point.  ·      Co-Chair of the Westchester County Suicide Prevention Coalition, and Program Director for Community Support Services of the Department of Community Mental Health Annette Peters-Ruvolo, and Program Director for the Crisis Prevention and Response Team at St. Vincent’s Hospital Angela Jacobs talked about 988 Day, and the mental health and crisis resources available to residents.  ·      Jenkins highlighted the final installment of the Department of Emergency Services’ Fire Safety Video Series.  ·      Director of Policy and Programs of the Department of Economic Development Shari Rosen Ascher joined to discuss a new survey designed to hear directly from Westchester’s local businesses.  ·      CEO of Kaleido Arts & Entertainment Group Xiao Tian Falig shared a preview of the brand-new Autumn Glow Lantern Festival coming to Glen Island Park.  ·      Jenkins mentioned the upcoming dedication of the United States Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey Community Green at Kensico Dam Plaza.  ·      Highlights from Westchester County Parks. --- Do you have feedback or a suggestion for a future podcast topic? Please let us know by emailing communications@westchestercountyny.gov and include Podcast in the subject line. For the latest news & updates visit the Westchester County Newsroom or follow us on social:  Instagram  |  Facebook  |  X (Twitter)  |  LinkedIn  |  YouTube

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Your weekly audio briefing from Westchester County Government. Where each week, County Executive Ken Jenkins breaks down the decisions, investments and initiatives shaping life across Westchester. Clear information. Real progress. One place to stay informed.

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