As New York continues to rally behind the Knicks’ first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, Westchester County is giving local fans a chance to experience the excitement together. County officials announced plans to host public watch parties for Games 3 and 4 of the NBA Finals as the Knicks return home with a 2-0 series lead over the San Antonio Spurs, two games away from winning their first championship since 1973.
The Westchester County Center, home of the Westchester Knicks, will welcome basketball fans for NBA Finals watch parties on Monday, June 8, and Wednesday, June 10, as the New York Knicks continue their historic quest for a championship against the San Antonio Spurs in Games Three and Four of the series. Tickets are on sale now for $10 per person, plus Ticketmaster fees, and will also be available at the door on the night of each event based on availability.
The watch parties will include a DJ, food and drink for purchase, and the viewing of the game on a large screen in the main hall. Doors open at 7 p.m.; game begins at 8:30 p.m. Parking is $10 per car.
“Excitement across New York is at an all-time high as the New York Knicks make their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. I’m thrilled that we can bring fans together at the Westchester County Center, home of the Westchester Knicks, to share in the excitement and cheer them on during this historic championship run. Let’s go, Knicks!” Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins shared with Black Westchester.
The watch parties are expected to bring together Knicks fans from across Westchester to cheer on Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, and the rest of the team as they pursue the franchise’s first NBA championship since 1973. With Knicks fever sweeping the region, county leaders hope the events will provide a safe, family-friendly atmosphere for fans to celebrate one of the most exciting moments in New York sports history.
“The Westchester County Center is the Mecca of all things basketball in Westchester County. By hosting these watch parties, we are adding another layer of excitement and community spirit to an already historic NBA Finals run for the New York Knicks. There is nothing quite like experiencing the energy of a big game surrounded by fellow fans,” Westchester County Parks Acting Commissioner Peter Tartaglia shared.
The Knicks have already captured Games 1 and 2 on the road and will return to Madison Square Garden looking to move one step closer to ending a 53-year championship drought.
The Westchester County Center is located at 198 Central Ave in White Plains.
Early voting plays a vital role in strengthening our democracy by giving voters greater flexibility and convenience in casting their ballots. Instead of being limited to a single Election Day, early voting allows citizens to vote on a schedule that works best for them, helping to reduce long lines, scheduling conflicts, and last-minute emergencies that might otherwise prevent participation.
Early voting also helps ensure that more voices are heard. Many voters juggle work, family responsibilities, school, transportation challenges, or health concerns. By providing multiple days to vote, communities can increase voter participation and make the electoral process more accessible to everyone, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those with demanding work schedules.
Another benefit of early voting is that it reduces congestion at polling places on Election Day. When voters take advantage of early voting opportunities, election officials can better manage turnout, shorten wait times, and improve the overall voting experience. This helps make the process more efficient for voters and poll workers alike.
Most importantly, early voting empowers citizens to make their voices heard. Every election impacts our schools, neighborhoods, public safety, housing, taxes, and the future of our communities. Early voting gives voters more opportunities to participate in those decisions and ensures that unforeseen circumstances don’t prevent them from exercising one of their most fundamental rights.
Early Voting in Westchester County will begin prior to the June 23rd Federal/State/Local Primary Election. The early voting period will be from Saturday, June 13, 2026, through Sunday, June 21, 2026.
Voting during early voting is the same as voting on Election Day. When you get to the early voting center, you will check in to vote, receive your ballot, and vote as in any other election.
There will be instructions available at the early voting centers to familiarize you with the ballot. There will also be a notice to voters and a bill of rights. You may ask an election inspector to explain how to vote or if you need any assistance.
All registered voters enrolled in the Democratic Party are eligible to vote. If you vote during the early voting period, you are not eligible to vote on Election Day.
The 2026 Federal/State/Local Primary Election is Tuesday, June 23, 2026. On Election Day, you must vote at your regular polling location.
There are Primary Elections for the following offices: Comptroller, Representative in Congress – 17th District, Member of Assembly – 90th District, County Legislator – Districts 15 & 17, Supervisor – Town of Greenburgh & Town of North Castle, Mayor – Village of Larchmont, Member of County Committee in the City of Yonkers: Ward 3 Election District 11, Ward 4 Election Districts 1, 10, & 11, Ward 8 Election Districts 5 & 7, and Ward 12 Election District 13. Click here to see the complete list of candidates.
Days and Hours as follows:
Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday, June 15, 2026, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m
Westchester County Early Voting Centers
You can vote at any of the twenty-five (25) designated Early Voting sites throughout Westchester County. These Early Voting centers are listed below:
Westchester County Early Voting Centers (Subject to Change Pending New York Attorney General’s Preclearance) **Please note: The Joseph G. Caputo Community Center has been replaced with St. Ann’s School for this year.
Croton Municipal Building, 1 Van Wyck Street, Croton on Hudson, NY 10520 Eastchester Public Library, 11 Oakridge Place, Eastchester Greenburgh Town Hall, 177 Hillside Avenue, White Plains Hastings-on-Hudson Public Library, 7 Maple Avenue, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY 10706 St. Gregory The Great Church, 215 Halstead Avenue, Harrison, NY 10528 Mamaroneck Town Center, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 Mt. Kisco Public Library, 100 E. Main Street, Mt. Kisco, NY Mt. Pleasant Community Center, 125 Lozza Drive, Valhalla St. Ann’s School, 16 Elizabeth Street, Ossining, NY 10562** Pound Ridge Town House, 179 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge, NY 10576 Rye Brook Firehouse, 940 King Street, Rye Brook, NY Somers Town House, 335 Route 202, Somers, NY 10589 Jefferson Village Annex, 3500 Hill Blvd. Yorktown Heights, Yorktown Cultural Center, 1974 Commerce Street, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 Doles Center, 250 S. 6th Avenue, Mt. Vernon, NY 10550 Mt. Vernon City Hall, 1 Roosevelt Square, Mt. Vernon, NY New Rochelle City Hall Annex – 90 Beaufort Place, 90 Beaufort Place, New Rochelle, NY 10801 New Rochelle United Methodist Church, 1200 North Ave, New Rochelle, NY 10804 Peekskill Lincoln Depot Museum, 10 S. Water Street, Peekskill, NY 10566 Peekskill Neighborhood Center, 4 Nelson Ave, Peekskill Rye City- Resurrection- Early Childhood Education Center, 88 Milton Road, Rye, NY 10580 Grinton I. Will Library, 1500 Central Park Avenue, Yonkers, Nodine Hill Community Center, 140 Fillmore Street, Yonkers, NY 10701 Riverfront Library, One Larkin Center, Yonkers, NY 10701
Don’t wait until Election Day. Make a plan, know your polling location, and vote early. Your vote is your voice, and your voice matters.
On June 16th, our community returns to the polls for a budget revote. I am not here to tell you how to cast your ballot – that sacred right belongs to you and you alone. But I will not stand before you and pretend to be neutral. I am an educator. I am a neighbor. I am someone who has looked into the eyes of the children of this city and made them a promise. And I will not be silent when everything we promised them is on the line.
This is about a 1.5% levy. It is also about everything.
When a school budget fails, the cuts that follow are not abstract. They have names. They have faces. They sit in our classrooms. They ride our buses. They wear our colors on Friday nights.
Let me tell you what hangs in the balance.
Our children’s futures are at stake. The programs that identify and nurture gifted students, that provide early intervention for those who are struggling, that give our young people a fighting chance in a competitive world are not luxuries. They are not extras. They are the floor beneath our children’s feet. And when budgets collapse, that floor gives way first for the children who can least afford the fall.
Our educators are at stake. Mount Vernon’s teachers and support staff show up every single day for our students. Rain or shine. Underpaid and overextended. Still showing up. Positions eliminated in a budget crisis do not always come back. Experienced teachers leave. Class sizes balloon. The relationship between a child and a trusted adult in that building gets stretched thinner and thinner. Until it breaks.
Our most vulnerable students are at stake. After school programs. Special education services. Guidance counselors. These are not line items. These are lifelines for children navigating learning differences, trauma, and the very real weight of growing up in an under-resourced city. Budget failure does not impact every child equally – it falls hardest on those who were already carrying the heaviest loads.
Our extracurriculars are at stake. For some of our children, the band rehearsal, the debate team, and the athletic field are the reasons they walk through that door every morning. The research is clear: students engaged in after-school activities have higher graduation rates, lower rates of involvement in the juvenile justice system, and stronger social-emotional outcomes. We cannot afford to take those doors away.
Our community’s trajectory is at stake. The quality of our schools shapes who stays in Mount Vernon. Who invests here? Who builds here? Who raises their children here? Every generation that passes through these buildings either lifts this city or quietly signals that we gave up on it.
I refuse to give up on it.
I know you do too.
Mount Vernon has always been a city that fights. We fight for our families. We fight for our block. We fight for each other. June 16th is not just a vote. It is a declaration. A declaration that we see our children. That we value our children. That we will not let our children down.
The children are watching.
They always are.
Dr. Demario A. Strickland Superintendent of Schools Mount Vernon City School District
Disabled father asks Attorney General to review past cases tied to officer’s record
WESTCHESTER, N.Y. — Former New Rochelle Police Lieutenant Sean Kane, who was demoted following an internal disciplinary investigation tied to the high-profile May 2024 arrest of Irvin Harper, has secured a new law enforcement position with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, prompting renewed calls for state officials to review cases connected to his disciplinary record.
Multiple reports state Sean Kane resigned from the New Rochelle Police Department shortly after being demoted from lieutenant to police officer in connection with the arrest of Ivin Harper, a Black former New Rochelle resident whose charges were later dismissed after questions arose about the evidence and body-camera footage. Reporting indicates Kane accumulated multiple command disciplines before the Harper incident.
A Westchester County grand jury declined to indict Kane in December 2024 after reviewing evidence related to the incident. The New Rochelle Police Department subsequently continued its internal disciplinary review, which resulted in Kane’s demotion
“The disciplinary proceeding against Lieutenant Sean Kane has been resolved. After consideration and full review of the matter, Kane has been demoted two ranks to the position of Police Officer. Police Officer Kane is presently assigned to re-training, re-orientation, and review of all department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Upon completion of his re-training, future assignment will be determined at the discretion of the Police Commissioner. The New Rochelle Police Department maintains the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. The resolution of this case is consistent with those principles. This is a personnel matter; the City will have no further statement.” New Rochelle Police Commissioner Neil Reynolds said in a statement to Black Westchester.
“Body-camera footage reviewed by multiple news organizations appeared to show Kane handling a baggie containing a white substance before later reporting that drugs had been recovered beneath Harper’s vehicle.”
Sgt. Sean Kane (center) being promoted to Detective Sergeant, Apr 8, 2022 [photo courtesy of City of New Rochelle Social Media]
A New Job After a High-Profile Demotion
Kane’s move to Putnam County has intensified questions about whether officers disciplined for serious misconduct can leave one department and continue working elsewhere without a public review of their record or the cases in which they played a role.
Public records also show that Kane had accumulated multiple command disciplines before the Harper incident, including reprimands and loss of leave days tied to failures to appear in court, file charges, and follow department procedures.
Disabled Father Seeks Attorney General Review
Marc Fishman, a disabled father who says Kane was involved in his own 2018 arrest in Westchester County, has submitted a formal request to the Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office asking the state to examine whether Kane’s law enforcement history warrants a broader review.
“Sean Kane’s record raises a basic question: how many warning signs does it take before someone reviews the cases connected to that officer?” Fishman said. “If the public only learns about these problems after a scandal, the oversight system is already failing.”
Documents obtained by Black Westchester show a pattern of sustained disciplinary findings involving procedural violations dating back to 2010. Those records include failures to appear in court, two separate incidents involving the failure to timely file criminal charges, vehicle-related disciplinary matters, and a violation involving the handling of recovered property. Disciplinary penalties ranged from letters of reprimand to the loss of leave time.
Fishman’s request cites prior disciplinary matters, including complaint numbers 2010-51, 2012-32, 2013-16, 2013-42, and 2013-49, and asks state officials to determine whether cases involving Kane should be reviewed for potential due process, disclosure, or accountability concerns.
Broader Scrutiny in New Rochelle
Kane’s case comes amid renewed scrutiny of police oversight in New Rochelle and across Westchester County. Residents and civil-rights groups have repeatedly questioned whether misconduct complaints are reviewed independently, whether disciplinary histories are meaningfully considered before officers are promoted or reassigned, and whether repeat warning signs trigger intervention before a public scandal.
Those concerns are not limited to Kane. In 2025, reporting on an Attorney General review found that former New Rochelle officer Lane Schlesinger had engaged in a pattern of misconduct involving abuse of authority after years of prior complaints and discipline.
“People are asking a simple question,” Fishman said. “If the warning signs were there for years, why does serious review only happen after a public scandal?”
Requests for Comment Not Returned
Requests for comment from the Attorney General’s office and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office regarding whether Kane’s record or related cases will be reviewed were not returned at the time of this release.
Recent media reports have raised serious questions regarding Kane’s demotion, resignation from the New Rochelle Police Department, and subsequent employment with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. On May 29, 2026 Fishman’s representative requested that the Law Enforcement Misconduct Investigative Office review whether former New Rochelle Police Department Lieutenant Sean Kane’s law enforcement record reflects a pattern of serious misconduct warranting independent examination.
It’s That Time Again, Election Season Is Here: Meet the Candidates Seeking Your Vote in Westchester County
Westchester County voters heading to the polls for the 2026 Democratic Primary will have several important races to consider at the federal, state, county, and local levels. This year’s ballot includes contests that will help shape the future of government representation throughout Westchester County, from Congress and the New York State Legislature to county and municipal offices. Primary elections will be held for the following offices: New York State Comptroller, Representative in Congress – 17th Congressional District, Member of the New York State Assembly – 90th Assembly District, Westchester County Legislator – Districts 15 and 17, Supervisor – Town of Greenburgh, Supervisor – Town of North Castle, Mayor – Village of Larchmont, and Member of the Westchester County Democratic Committee in the City of Yonkers.
As Westchester County voters prepare to head to the polls, Black Westchester is committed to helping residents make informed decisions about the candidates seeking to represent them. From local races that directly impact our neighborhoods to countywide contests that shape policy and priorities for years to come, every election matters. The 2026 Primary Election presents voters with important choices about the future leadership of our communities, making it more important than ever to know who is on the ballot, what offices are being contested, and who is asking for your vote. To help our readers navigate the election season, with the help of the Westchester County Board of Elections, Black Westchester has compiled a list of candidates appearing on the ballot throughout Westchester County in this year’s primary election.
Here is Your Complete Guide to the 2026 Westchester County Primary Election
Kicking things off with the New York State Comptroller’s Office, you have the incumbent Thomas P. DiNapoli (1A), who is the 54th Comptroller of the State of New York, running for re-election. He will face Drew Warshaw (2A)and Raj Goyle (3A) in the Democratic Primary. The NYS Comptroller race is one of the most important contests on the ballot because the Comptroller serves as the state’s chief fiscal officer, overseeing the finances of one of the largest economies in the world. The office is responsible for auditing state agencies, local governments, and public authorities to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately and efficiently. The Comptroller also manages the New York State Common Retirement Fund, one of the largest public pension funds in the nation, which impacts the retirement security of more than one million state and local government employees, retirees, and beneficiaries.
Beyond managing billions of dollars in public funds, the Comptroller serves as an independent watchdog tasked with promoting transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility throughout state government. The office has the authority to investigate waste, fraud, and abuse, review government contracts, and provide oversight that helps ensure public resources are being used in the best interests of New Yorkers. Decisions made by the Comptroller can affect everything from local school districts and municipalities to statewide infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives. For voters, the Comptroller’s race may not receive as much attention as races for Governor or Congress, but the individual elected to the position will have a direct impact on how taxpayer money is managed and how effectively government agencies are held accountable. In many ways, the Comptroller serves as the financial guardian of New York State, making the office one of the most influential and consequential positions in state government.
One of the most closely watched races in Westchester County this election cycle is the Democratic primary for New York’s 17th Congressional District. Five candidates—Effie Guadalupe Phillips-Staley (4A), Cait Conley (5A), Beth Davidson (6A), John Cappello (7A), and Michael Sacks (8A)—are competing for the opportunity to represent the Democratic Party in November and challenge incumbent Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, who currently holds the seat. With control of Congress expected to once again be a major issue in the upcoming election, the race has attracted significant attention from voters, political leaders, and party activists throughout the district. As each candidate makes their case to Democratic voters, the primary will determine who emerges as the party’s standard-bearer in one of the most closely watched congressional races in New York State.
For New York State Assembly District 90, Democratic voters will have a choice between Frank Jereis (4A) and Jeannette M. Garcia (5A), who are facing off in a closely watched Democratic primary. With the winner advancing to the general election, the race offers voters two candidates seeking the opportunity to represent the district in Albany and address the issues impacting residents throughout the community. As the campaign enters its final stretch, both candidates are making their case to voters on topics ranging from public safety and economic development to education, housing, and quality-of-life concerns. The outcome of the primary will determine who carries the Democratic banner into November and could play a significant role in shaping the future direction of Assembly District 90, which is located entirely within Westchester County and covers a large portion of the City of Yonkers. The district includes much of central, southwest, northwest, and northeast Yonkers, encompassing many of the city’s diverse residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors. It is currently represented by Assemblyman Nader Sayegh, who announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election.
Moving on to countywide races, the Westchester County Board of Legislators is the legislative, policy-making branch of Westchester County. The powers of the Board are enumerated in the county’s charter. A key power of the Board concerns finances: appropriating funds, approving the budget, and levying taxes. It also approves appointments by the County Executive and passes local laws, acts, and resolutions. The Board’s seventeen members, known as Legislators, are elected every two years, and each represents a district of approximately 56,000 residents. Two of the seventeen seats have primaries, and the other fifteen are running unopposed.
Westchester County Legislative District 15 features a Democratic primary between Kisha D. Skipper (6A) and Anthony Nicodemo (7A), with the winner earning the opportunity to represent the Democratic Party in November and challenge incumbent Republican Legislator James Nolan. The race is expected to draw significant attention as Democrats seek to reclaim a seat in a district that has become increasingly competitive in recent election cycles. Legislative District 15 serves approximately 56,000 residents across several communities in southern Westchester County, including the northeast section of Yonkers, the Village of Bronxville, and the Town of Eastchester. The district encompasses a diverse mix of urban, suburban, and village communities, each with its own unique priorities and concerns. Issues such as property taxes, public safety, economic development, infrastructure, housing, and quality-of-life concerns are expected to play major roles in the campaign as both candidates make their case to Democratic voters.
For Westchester County Legislative District 17, which covers Southwest Yonkers, Democratic voters will choose between Wilson A. Terrero (6A) and Leslye A. Oquendo-Thomas (7A) in a Democratic primary that will determine who carries the party’s banner into the general election. The race became open after Legislator José I. Alvarado (D-Yonkers) announced in January that he would not seek re-election, creating an opportunity for new leadership in one of Yonkers’ most influential legislative districts. District 17 represents a significant portion of Southwest Yonkers and includes diverse neighborhoods whose residents depend on county government for a wide range of services and programs. The next legislator will be tasked with addressing issues such as public safety, affordable housing, economic development, youth services, infrastructure improvements, and ensuring that Yonkers residents receive their fair share of county resources and investments.
One of the most closely watched municipal races in the 2026 Westchester Democratic Primary is the contest for Greenburgh Town Supervisor, where longtime incumbent Paul Feiner (9A) faces challenger Barry B. McGoey (10A). The race has drawn considerable attention because it pits one of Westchester County’s most recognizable and longest-serving elected officials against a candidate seeking to bring new leadership to the town. Feiner, who was first elected Town Supervisor in 1991, is currently the longest-serving chief elected official of any municipality in Westchester County. Challenger Barry B. McGoey is seeking to convince Democratic voters that it is time for a new direction in Greenburgh. As voters weigh experience against the desire for fresh leadership, the race presents a choice between continuity and change in the governance of Westchester County’s largest town. As the largest town in Westchester County, Greenburgh is home to a diverse population and includes six incorporated villages—Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Elmsford, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, and Tarrytown—as well as the unincorporated communities of Hartsdale, Edgemont (Greenville), Fairview, North Elmsford, South Ardsley, and East Irvington. The Town Supervisor’s office plays a key role in overseeing services and policies affecting residents in the town’s unincorporated areas while working closely with village governments on matters of mutual concern. Issues such as economic development, infrastructure, housing, public services, taxes, and quality-of-life concerns are expected to be central themes throughout the campaign. Given Greenburgh’s size, diversity, and political significance, the outcome of this primary will be closely monitored not only by residents but by political observers across Westchester County. Whether voters choose to extend Feiner’s historic tenure or chart a new course with McGoey, the race is shaping up to be one of the most significant local contests on the Democratic primary ballot.
The race for Mayor of the Village of Larchmont will feature a Democratic primary between Jonathan Silvers (4A) and Brigid T. Brennan (5A), with voters deciding who will succeed outgoing Mayor Sarah Bauer, who announced in January that she will not seek re-election. With no incumbent in the race, the contest presents voters with an opportunity to choose the next leader of one of Westchester County’s most historic and vibrant waterfront communities. As the Village of Larchmont looks toward its future, residents will be evaluating the candidates’ visions for addressing local priorities such as infrastructure improvements, environmental sustainability, fiscal responsibility, public safety, downtown development, and maintaining the quality of life that has made the village one of Westchester’s most desirable communities. Both candidates are expected to make their case to voters on how best to preserve Larchmont’s character while addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the village. This is the first Democratic Party primary for mayor in the Village’s 135-year history.
In the Democratic primary for Supervisor of the Town of North Castle, incumbent Joseph A. Rende (9A) will face challenger Jose L. Berra (10A) in a race that will determine who will lead one of Westchester County’s most prominent suburban communities. As the town’s chief elected official, the Supervisor plays a critical role in overseeing municipal operations, managing the town budget, and helping shape policies that impact residents and businesses throughout North Castle. The Town of North Castle encompasses the hamlets of Armonk, Banksville, and North White Plains and is known for its strong residential communities, business development, and quality of life.
There are also several individuals running to serve as Westchester Democratic Committee Members, positions that often receive less attention than races for public office but play an important role within the Democratic Party. Democratic Committee Members serve as the grassroots foundation of the party, representing voters within their election districts and helping shape the direction of the local Democratic organization. Committee Members are responsible for electing party leadership, endorsing candidates, participating in the selection of judicial candidates, helping recruit and support Democratic candidates for office, and assisting with voter outreach and voter registration efforts. They also serve as a direct link between local residents and the Democratic Party, helping ensure that community concerns and priorities are heard and addressed. While these positions may not receive the same level of publicity as races for Congress, State Legislature, County Legislator, or local government offices, the individuals elected as Democratic Committee Members can have a significant impact on the future of the party and the candidates who ultimately appear on the ballot. For voters looking to become more involved in the political process, these races offer an opportunity to help shape the Democratic Party from the ground up and influence the direction of local politics in Westchester County.
Voters in Precinct 250311 will have the opportunity to elect two Democratic Committee Members. Running for the two available seats are Desiree Dismore (8A), Bianca Abraham (9A), and Lorraine Rabadi (10A).
Voters in Precinct 250401 will have the opportunity to elect two Democratic Committee Members. Running for the two available seats are David J. King (8A), German A. Santana (9A), Dana M. Johnson (10A), and Victoria Harris (11A).
Voters in Precinct 250410 will have the opportunity to elect two Democratic Committee Members. Running for the two available seats are Jency A. Feliz (8A), Adalgisa M. Diez (9A), Stephen Koffler (10A), and Marcella K. Koffler (11A).
Voters in Precinct 250411 will have the opportunity to elect two Democratic Committee Members. Running for the two available seats are Catherine T. Marshall (8A), Molly E. Sewalk (9A), Christian M. Fitch (10A), and Claudia N. Ruiz (11A).
Voters in Precinct 250805 will have the opportunity to elect two Democratic Committee Members. Running for the two available seats are Jamal Thomas (8A), Jayla Thomas (9A), Vanessa E. Lorenzo (10A), and Karina C. Polanco-Black (11A).
Voters in Precinct 250807 will have the opportunity to elect two Democratic Committee Members. Running for the two available seats are Leslye A. Oquendo-Thomas (8A), Leah Thomas (9A), Maria N. Terrero (10A), and Justin Caparelli (11A).
Voters in Precinct 251213 will have the opportunity to elect two Democratic Committee Members. Running for the two available seats are Vanise Prien (8A), Peter L. Spano (9A), Kisha D. Skipper (10A), and Mary Simon (11A).
The 2026 Primary Election – Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Early voting for the Primary Election is a nine (9) day period where voters can vote in-person before Election Day in Westchester County, from Saturday, June 13, 2026, through Sunday, June 21, 2026. All registered voters enrolled in the Democratic Party are eligible to vote.
From determining who will challenge incumbent officeholders in November to selecting grassroots party leaders who help shape the Democratic Party’s future, voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard in several competitive races. Whether casting a ballot for Congress, County Legislator, Town Supervisor, Mayor, or Democratic Committee Member, every vote will play a role in determining the political direction of Westchester County and its communities.
Much of reality operates through forces we cannot see directly.
Now consider this:
The Moon, nearly 239,000 miles away, moves entire oceans through its gravitational pull.
Every day, billions of tons of water rise and fall because of a celestial body hanging in the sky.
That’s not spirituality.
That’s science.
So perhaps the real question isn’t whether celestial bodies influence life.
We already know they do.
The question is:
How much do we still not understand?
Human beings have looked to the heavens for thousands of years.
The Egyptians.
The Maya.
The Polynesians.
The Sumerians.
Not because they were primitive.
Because they were observant.
Because they understood that life moves in cycles.
A constellation is simply a pattern of stars as viewed from Earth.
A map.
A marker.
A reminder that we are part of something much larger than ourselves.
And while many people imagine the Solar System sitting still like a textbook diagram, reality is far more extraordinary.
The Sun is moving through the Milky Way at over 500,000 miles per hour.
The Earth is moving.
The Moon is moving.
Everything is moving.
Right now.
As you read these words.
We are not standing still in the universe.
We are traveling through it.
As someone who has spent years studying healing, trauma, and nervous system restoration, I’ve learned something profound:
Some of the most powerful forces shaping our lives are the ones we cannot see.
Love.
Stress.
Fear.
Hope.
Memory.
Grief.
Belief.
None of them are visible.
Yet all of them leave an impact.
They shape our decisions.
Influence our health.
Affect our relationships.
And alter the way we move through the world.
Maybe that’s why I find humanity’s relationship with the stars so fascinating.
Not because I believe the stars control us.
But because they invite us to remember something we’ve forgotten.
Perspective.
Humility.
Wonder.
The ancients studied the heavens not simply to predict events, but to understand their place within creation.
To observe patterns.
To recognize cycles.
To remember that they were participants in the universe, not separate from it.
Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped looking up.
We became so busy proving, debating, and explaining that we forgot how to observe.
How to reflect.
How to wonder.
Maybe the stars aren’t trying to tell us who we are.
Maybe they’re reminding us that we belong.
And perhaps the greatest mistake of modern humanity is not that we’ve stopped believing in the stars.
It’s that we’ve stopped looking up long enough to wonder.
At Hearth & Harmony, I believe healing begins with curiosity.
With slowing down.
With reconnecting to the rhythms of life that help us feel grounded, present, and whole.
Because sometimes the journey isn’t about finding all the answers.
Sometimes it’s about remembering that we are part of something far greater than ourselves.
And sometimes, healing begins the moment we look up and wonder.
Follow @HearthAndHarmonyNYC for conversations on healing, nervous system wellness, sacred self-care, and creating small pockets of healing throughout your day.
After all, wonder may be one of the most powerful medicines we have.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Yonkers and Mount Vernon Chapters of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus (WBWPC) hosted a powerful virtual discussion centered on self-care, healthy boundaries, and emotional wellness on Sunday, May 31, 2026. The event, titled “Reclaiming My Time,” featured an engaging presentation by Meisha Holmes, LMSW, a Licensed Master Social Worker and school social worker with Yonkers Public Schools.
Drawing inspiration from Congresswoman Maxine Waters’ now-famous phrase, “Reclaiming My Time,” Holmes challenged participants to consider how intentionally reclaiming time can serve as an act of self-preservation and self-care. The presentation included a clip of Waters using the phrase during a congressional hearing, providing a framework for a conversation about protecting one’s peace, prioritizing rest, and establishing healthy boundaries.
The event was hosted by Dr. Alexandria Connally, President of the Yonkers Chapter of the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus, and Kimberly Black Pickett, President of the Mount Vernon Chapter. Together, they welcomed attendees and facilitated a candid and meaningful discussion on the realities of managing stress while balancing personal, professional, and community responsibilities.
Throughout the presentation, Holmes emphasized the importance of intentional breathing, rest, and self-awareness. She shared personal experiences about learning to slow down, control anxiety, and use breathing techniques to remain present during challenging moments.
Participants explored how generational patterns of worry and overcommitment often impact Black women, particularly those who carry multiple caregiving responsibilities. The discussion examined the pressures associated with the “Strong Black Woman” narrative and encouraged attendees to embrace vulnerability, seek support, and prioritize their own wellness without guilt.
The conversation was enriched by insights from Dr. Camille Banks Lee, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and therapist, who highlighted practical strategies for maintaining mental wellness. Dr. Banks Lee encouraged attendees to incorporate intentional breathing exercises, warm baths, candle-lighting rituals, and moments of stillness into their daily routines as acts of self-care. She also stressed the importance of community, noting that healing often occurs through relationships and supportive networks in addition to formal therapy.
Attendees actively participated by sharing personal stories and reflections on reclaiming their time, overcoming guilt, and learning to set healthier boundaries. The discussion reinforced the message that self-care is not selfish but necessary, particularly for Black women who often find themselves caring for others before caring for themselves.
“Reclaiming My Time” served as both a call to action and a reminder that wellness requires intention. By creating space for honest dialogue and practical tools for mental health, the Westchester Black Women’s Political Caucus continues its commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities through education, advocacy, and support.
As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, organizers encouraged participants to continue prioritizing their mental wellness, embracing rest as a form of resistance, and remembering that reclaiming time is ultimately about reclaiming oneself.
Students recently participated in the My Sister Keeper STEM Day at SUNY Old Westbury on Monday, May 4, 2026, joining peers from across the region for a full day of learning, leadership, and inspiration centered around careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The immersive program provided students with an opportunity to experience college life firsthand while engaging in meaningful conversations about academic success, career pathways, and personal growth. The day began with a grab-and-go breakfast before students gathered for programming that officially started at 9:30 a.m.
Throughout the event, students participated in a variety of STEM-focused presentations designed to introduce emerging fields and encourage curiosity and innovation. A featured College Experience and Beyond panel discussion allowed participants to hear directly from college students, professors, and academic advisors about navigating higher education and preparing for future careers.
Students also enjoyed a guided campus tour of SUNY Old Westbury, giving them a closer look at college facilities, academic spaces, and student life. The experience helped students envision themselves pursuing higher education and future opportunities in STEM-related fields.
Networking opportunities throughout the day encouraged students to build connections with mentors and professionals while gaining valuable insight into college readiness and career planning. Lunch was provided for all registered student participants, helping to create a welcoming and community-focused atmosphere.
To promote unity and assist with identification during the event, each student received a commemorative event T-shirt and a goodie bag.
Dr. Connally, a member of the New York State My Sister Keeper Steering Committee, emphasized the importance of creating opportunities that expose students to STEM education, mentorship, and college readiness experiences. The event reinforced the value of representation, leadership, and access in helping students pursue successful futures in STEM disciplines and beyond.
Long Live The Dog: Yonkers Moves To Rename School Street Corner For DMX
Yonkers is officially moving forward with honoring DMX by renaming a street corner in his hometown as “Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons Way.” A public hearing on the proposal was held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The Yonkers City Council formally passed the resolution that was successfully spearheaded by Yonkers Councilwoman Tasha Diaz, who has represented District 3—which includes School and Brook Streets—since January 2020.
“DMX was a rapper, actor, humanitarian to the community, and a legend!, I sponsored the resolution, answering calls from the local community and the Simmons family, because DMX gave hope to many. He is proof of what happens when you continue to push forward no matter where you come from, or what you’ve been through.” Councilwoman Diaz shared with Black Westchester. “The Bible tells us ‘Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone,’ DMX is an inspiration to many, he proved your trials and tribulations do not have to be the end of your story!”
DMX’s connection to School Street (Building 80) is legendary in Yonkers. In songs such as “School Street” (the second track on DMX’s fourth album, The Great Depression, released in 2001) and “Look Thru My Eyes” (the fifth track on DMX’s legendary 1998 debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot), he referenced the neighborhood that helped shape both his life and career. A large mural honoring him already stands on School Street near the housing complex, known as ‘The Home Of The Brave,’ where he once lived.
“I’m so glad my colleague, Councilwoman Diaz, introduced the street-renaming legislation on behalf of DMX and his estate, and I’m even happier to have supported it. School Street and Brook Street will now be Earl DMX Simmons Way. Earl was an icon in this city and around the world, but beyond his legendary impact, he was one of the most authentic people you could ever meet. He touched countless lives through his music, his faith, and his unwavering honesty. This honor is well deserved, and he deserves so much more. Long live the legacy of DMX,” Majority Whip Councilwoman Deana Norman (District 1) shared with Black Westchester.
The effort is the culmination of years of community advocacy. Shortly after DMX’s passing in April 2021, Yonkers officials discussed several ways to honor the rap icon, including a 35-by-22-foot mural, behind 55 School St., created in July 2021 by artist Floyd Simmons. The street renaming appears to be the city’s latest step in permanently recognizing one of YO’s most famous sons.
Born in Mount Vernon but bred in Yonkers from the age of five, the emcee known for hits like the gritty street manifesto “Ruff Ryders’ Anthem” traveled the world, sold over 74 million records worldwide, starred in films, inspired a generation of artists, and proudly carried the name of Yonkers wherever he went. Yet no matter how far Earl “DMX” Simmons traveled, his heart never left School Street. He never forgot the city that shaped him, the struggles that molded him, or the people who embraced him long before the fame. From platinum albums and sold-out arenas to Hollywood screens and global stages, DMX remained one of Yonkers’ most authentic ambassadors.
Now, five years after his passing, Yonkers is ensuring that one of its favorite sons will never be forgotten. The Yonkers City Council has officially approved the honorary renaming of the corner of School Street and Brooke Street as “Earl ‘DMX’ Simmons Way,” a fitting tribute located in the neighborhood where X grew up. For the City of Yonkers, this is more than a street sign—it is a permanent reminder that a young man from the projects who overcame unimaginable obstacles went on to become a global icon while proudly representing his hometown every step of the way.
“This street renaming serves as a lasting tribute to a son of our city, a reminder of his generosity, his authenticity, and the pride he carried for his community every day. DMX was a proud Yonkers native whose impact reached far beyond music. He faced challenges throughout his life, but he never forgot where he came from and never stopped showing love for this city. Whether he was helping families through Thanksgiving turkey drives or stopping by the Nepperhan Community Center to connect with residents, DMX remained deeply committed to the people of Yonkers. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations who walk these streets and call Yonkers home.” Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano shared with Black Westchester.
As Yonkers prepares to officially unveil Earl “DMX” Simmons Way, the street sign will represent far more than a tribute to a legendary rapper. It stands as a symbol of what is possible when someone refuses to let their circumstances define their destiny. DMX’s story was never perfect, but it was real. He gave voice to pain, struggle, redemption, faith, and perseverance in a way that resonated with millions around the world. Through every triumph and every setback, he remained unapologetically himself—a quality that made him one of the most beloved and respected figures in Hip-Hop history.
The official street renaming will take place on Tuesday, June 12th, at 2:30 PM. The proposed honorary street renaming covers the corner of School Street and Brooke Street—a location with deep significance because it is near the School Street housing complex, where DMX spent part of his childhood.
For the City of Yonkers, this honor is a long-overdue recognition of a hometown hero who never stopped putting the city on his back. Long before social media made it fashionable to represent where you’re from, DMX proudly shouted out Yonkers on records, in interviews, and on stages across the globe. He turned a city often overlooked by outsiders into a name known around the world. While countless artists achieved success and moved on, X carried Yonkers with him everywhere he went.
Years from now, young people walking past the corner of School Street and Brooke Street may not have witnessed DMX dominate the charts, sell out arenas, or redefine Hip-Hop with his unmistakable bark and raw honesty. But they will see his name and hopefully learn his story. They will learn that a kid from Yonkers rose from adversity to become a cultural icon, proving that greatness can come from any neighborhood. And in that way, Earl “DMX” Simmons Way is more than a street designation—it is a permanent reminder that legends may leave us, but their impact continues to guide the communities that helped create them. As Yonkers honors one of its favorite sons, it also ensures that the legacy of DMX will forever have a home where it all began.
Neuroscientists estimate that the human brain contains approximately 86 billion neurons, each shaped by a lifetime of experiences, relationships, successes, failures, lessons, and memories.
No two people stand in exactly the same place when they look at reality.
Research in cognitive science has repeatedly shown that perception is not a passive recording of the world. The brain actively filters, predicts, and interprets information through the lens of prior experience.
Different families.
Different cultures.
Different opportunities.
Different wounds.
Different information.
Yet somehow we’ve convinced ourselves that acknowledging different vantage points is a threat to equality.
So let me ask a question:
When did acknowledging expertise become the same thing as creating hierarchy?
At what point did we decide that recognizing someone knows more than we do about a particular subject was somehow an attack on human dignity?
Because that’s the conversation hiding underneath much of our public discourse.
We’ve spent generations fighting against systems that treated certain people as inherently more valuable than others.
Good.
We should.
But somewhere along the way, many of us started confusing equal human worth with equal understanding.
And those are not the same thing.
Every person deserves dignity.
Every person deserves respect.
Every person deserves the opportunity to be heard.
None of that means every person possesses the same knowledge, experience, training, or perspective.
The fact that this feels controversial says more about our relationship with identity than it does about knowledge.
Several years ago, I watched a senior leader reject a solution that would have saved his team months of frustration.
The solution wasn’t the problem.
The source was.
It came from someone younger.
Someone with less status.
Someone he didn’t expect to teach him anything.
The room knew the idea was sound.
He knew it too.
But accepting it would have required him to release a story about who he was.
Six months later, the problem became a crisis.
That’s when I realized something important:
People rarely resist information.
They resist what the information threatens.
The Hidden Threat Nobody Talks About
What if the greatest threat to learning isn’t ignorance?
What if it’s identity?
I’ve spent years watching intelligent people reject useful information.
Not because the information was wrong.
Because accepting it required them to release a story about themselves.
The executive who could lead a company but couldn’t receive feedback.
The activist who could identify systemic problems but couldn’t recognize personal blind spots.
The entrepreneur who understood markets but not relationships.
The academic who possessed expertise but lacked curiosity.
Different people.
Same pattern.
The moment information threatened identity, learning stopped.
We say we want growth.
We say we value truth.
We say we believe in learning.
Yet many of us unconsciously translate:
“You have something to learn.”
Into:
“You are less than.”
The emotional distance between those two statements is the distance between wisdom and defensiveness.
Because once self-worth becomes attached to being right, curiosity becomes dangerous.
Correction feels like rejection.
Guidance feels like judgment.
Expertise feels like hierarchy.
And curiosity quietly leaves the room.
People aren’t protecting their ideas.
They’re protecting their identities.
And identities are often survival structures.
They help us answer fundamental questions:
Who am I?
Where do I belong?
What makes me valuable?
What keeps me safe?
When information challenges an opinion, we can adapt.
When information challenges an identity, we become defensive.
That’s why so many conversations fail before they begin.
Value Is Inherent. Vantage Point Is Earned.
Let’s be clear.
Expertise does not make someone better than you.
But pretending expertise doesn’t exist doesn’t make you enlightened.
It makes you difficult to teach.
There’s a difference.
A surgeon sees patterns you don’t see.
A mediator hears tensions you don’t hear.
A teacher recognizes misunderstandings you don’t recognize.
An elder notices consequences you haven’t lived long enough to understand.
This doesn’t make them superior.
It means they have access to a different vantage point.
What we call expertise is often misunderstood.
Many people imagine expertise as superior intelligence.
More often, it is accumulated memory.
The surgeon carries thousands of procedures.
The mediator carries thousands of conversations.
The teacher carries thousands of moments of misunderstanding and breakthrough.
The elder carries decades of observing human nature repeat itself in different forms.
What appears to be wisdom is often memory organized into pattern recognition.
Not superiority.
Perspective.
Perhaps wisdom is not intelligence operating at a higher level.
Perhaps wisdom is memory operating across a longer timeline.
Value is inherent.
Vantage point is earned.
Value belongs to your humanity.
Vantage point belongs to your experience.
One is given.
The other is accumulated.
Confusing the two creates fragile identities.
Understanding the difference creates growth.
Humility as a Technology of Learning
What if humility is not primarily a moral virtue?
What if humility is a perceptual technology?
What if its purpose is not to make us smaller, but to make us teachable?
Arrogance prevents reality from updating us.
Humility allows reality to revise us.
Arrogance insists understanding has already arrived.
Humility remains available to what has not yet been seen.
Viewed this way, humility is not self-rejection.
It is openness to information.
Each of us sees through a particular window.
Each of us carries a particular memory.
Each of us inhabits a particular vantage point.
Learning occurs when those windows begin to overlap.
Growth occurs when understanding becomes larger than identity.
And wisdom may simply be the ability to keep expanding that horizon throughout a lifetime.
The Real Question
So perhaps the real question isn’t whether someone knows more than you.
Perhaps the real question is:
Why does that possibility make you uncomfortable?
What happens inside you when someone else’s expertise enters the room?
What story do you immediately tell yourself?
What wound gets touched?
What fear gets activated?
Because the answer to those questions will reveal something far more important than whether you’re right.
It will reveal whether you’re teachable.
And teachability may be one of the most underrated forms of intelligence we have.
The opposite of arrogance is not humility.
It is teachability.
The deepest form of confidence is not believing you know everything.
It is knowing your worth remains intact when you discover you don’t.
Equal value.
Different vantage points.
The moment we stop treating those ideas as enemies, we create the possibility for real learning, real dialogue, and real growth.
Because growth begins the moment understanding becomes larger than identity.This version is likely the strongest balance of depth, readability, authority, and shareability. It has a memorable framework, a human story, multiple quotable lines, and a clear intellectual through-line without becoming overly long.
