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100-Degree Heat: Another Power Outage, Another Big Question

There are so many things I’d like to write about, but something unexpected happened yesterday—and lingered into today—that I feel compelled to let out.

On Sunday, I received a text from our electricity provider:

“ConEd Alert: A heatwave is on the way this week. We'll be working 24/7 to keep service reliable. You can help by limiting your energy use between 2 and 10 pm. If you do lose power, reply OUT to get updates…”

The next morning, Monday, I drove to the YMCA for my daily swim. It was already hot and humid, and I was looking forward to cooling off in the pool. But something felt off as I pulled into the parking lot: a cluster of ConEd trucks, a few staff cars.

Inside, I learned: IMPORTANT NOTICE (June 23, 2025) The Cross Island Y is currently experiencing power outages throughout the building due to the heat wave. Both pools are currently closed as we work with Con Edison to fully restore power.

Today, hoping the issue might be resolved, I checked online to make sure—only to find the pool was still closed. Reopening date: To Be Determined.

On any ordinary day, the YMCA is full of life—people exercising, children laughing, seniors chatting. During a heatwave, it becomes more than just a gym; it's a refuge. A place where vulnerable members of the community, especially the elderly, come to stay active, social and safe.

And yet, here we are—power outages in one of the world’s wealthiest cities, not because of a hurricane or natural disaster, but simply because it’s hot.

Whenever there’s extreme weather—scorching heat or bitter cold—we get text alerts from the power company asking us to limit energy use. We sincerely follow the advice. And still, the grid falters. It makes me wonder: how can a country that spends billions and billions on foreign wars fall short on something so basic as keeping the lights on and the air conditioning running when heat hit?

In a democracy, shouldn't people have more say in where their tax dollars go?

These small everyday disruptions remind me of the fragility of the systems we depend on. And they raise questions not just about electricity or infrastructure, but about priorities, justice, and the definition of good governance.

A real story I need to tell today.

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