This Week in Westchester: The Podcast

Westchester, Explained 11: Veterans 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.  On this episode, we’re talking about Veterans, Military Service, and being a Veteran here in Westchester -- with Josh Gaccione, the Director of the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency. We discuss everything from reintegration and mental health, housing, education benefits and the importance of building community among veterans of all generations. We also explore why younger veterans are often harder to reach, how the County is working to connect them with resources and why no veteran or military family should ever feel like they have to navigate life after service alone.  This episode is a reminder that Westchester remains committed to both honoring and supporting veterans long after their service ends.  --- 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

TWIW 21: May 26, 2026

In this episode: * County Executive Ken Jenkins shares update on Westchester’s First Quarter Report. * New Castle Town Supervisor Victoria Tipp joined to talk about what’s happening in New Castle.  * Jenkins highlighted the County’s upcoming Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Sunday, June 7.  * Upcoming events at 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

Westchester, Explained 10: Talking Trash, Recycling and Why Westchester's Waste Goals Are Paving the Way for a Cleaner Future

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.  On this episode, we’re talking trash -- and recycling -- with Westchester County’s Department of Environmental Facilities. We break down how Westchester became one of the top recycling counties in New York State, why our recycling program is actually working and how residents are helping divert thousands of tons of waste from landfills every year. From pizza boxes and plastic straws to food scrap composting and textile recycling, we answer some of the biggest recycling questions residents have every day. And as New York pushes toward an ambitious eighty-five percent waste diversion goal -- we’ll explore how Westchester plans to lead the way toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. --- 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

TWIW 21: May 18, 2026

Inside this episode: * City of Rye Mayor Josh Nathan joined to discuss issues effecting the City. * Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services Susan Spear joined to discuss National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, which runs from May 17 through May 23. The annual recognition honors EMTs, paramedics and emergency responders for their lifesaving service.  * Jenkins highlighted the County’s annual Memorial Day Service on Friday, May 22 at 11 a.m. at Lasdon Public Gardens and Veterans Memorial.  * Jenkins announced the Grand Opening of Playland Park, and the Grand Reopening of the Dragon Coaster on Saturday, May 23 at 12 p.m. --- 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]

Westchester, Explained 09: Summer Tourism 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.  On this episode, we’re diving into everything that makes summer in Westchester unforgettable -- from iconic destinations and waterfront concerts to historic sites, festivals and more. We’re joined by Westchester County’s Tourism and Film Director to talk about how tourism drives billions into the local economy, why visitors from around the world are choosing Westchester and what residents should make sure to experience in their own backyard this year. We’ll preview the return of Playland’s legendary Dragon Coaster, the excitement surrounding America’s 250th celebrations, major FIFA World Cup events and some of the best food, music and culture events happening across the County. This episode is your tourism guide to summer in Westchester and why it matters.  So, let's begin. --- 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 [https://www.westchestercountyny.gov/all-press-releases] or follow us on social:  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/westchester_county_government/]  |  Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/]  |  X (Twitter) [https://twitter.com/westchestergov]  |  LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/westchester-county]  |  YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC774tkGUZw8xoZtHhuQUsQ]