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Adriana Erin Rivera Shares Excerpt of Her Book “Paloma’s Song,” Dedicated to 1898 Conquest of Puerto Rico at MV Gallery

Adriana Erin Rivera, an award-winning New Jersey-raised author of Puerto Rican descent, shared excerpts of her first book published by the Smithsonian Institute, “Paloma’s Song for Puerto Rico – A Diary from 1898,” Saturday, July 19th at Agelier Mone Art Gallery owned by Damaris Mone in Mount Vernon.

Paloma’s Song was created in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Latino, Nuestras Voces shares inspiring Latino stories. It is 1898, and twelve-year-old Paloma lives in Puerto Rico with her Papi, Mami, and little brother, Jorge. They are coffee farmers, and Paloma loves the chickens and fruit trees that she helps to care for. She also loves music–the song of the coquí frogs who sing her to sleep, and the melodies from Papi’s tiple guitar. But Paloma’s world begins to change when war arrives on Puerto Rico’s shores. What will happen to their culture, the island? As Paloma and her family navigate changes they can’t control, they hold tightly to each other and hope for a better future. In diary format, the Nuestras Voces series profiles inspiring characters and honors the joys, challenges, and outcomes of Latino experiences.


Adriana’s writing has been published in Barzakh Literary Magazine, Latina Magazine, Metro New York, and Footwear News. She is also a songwriter and has written theatrical pieces that have been performed on New York City stages. A Magna Cum Laude graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Marketing Communications.

Adriana’s middle-grade historical fiction novel, PALOMA’S SONG FOR PUERTO RICO: A DIARY FROM 1898, is a collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum for the American Latino. The children’s book won the Gold Medal for Best Educational Chapter Book at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards. A Spanish edition, LA CANCIÓN DE PALOMA PARA PUERTO RICO: UN DIARIO DE 1898, will be released in August 2025. Currently based in Westchester County, NY, she is a Marketing Manager at a university in New York.

For more on Adriana Erin Rivera and her books, visit her website and follow her on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn

PALOMA’S SONG FOR PUERTO RICO: A DIARY FROM 1898 by Adriana Erin Rivera is available everywhere books are sold, and you can also reserve it at your local public library today!


Damaris Moné, the founder and owner of Atelier Moné, is a self-taught artist who began to create art and jewelry after a dedicated career in public service, policy making, and politics, when her life took an unexpected turn when she lost her career and was simultaneously diagnosed with breast cancer. It was during recovery that Damaris began to paint using acrylics and mixed media as part of the healing process. Since there are no rules in art, this allowed her to create without fear, using her mind’s eye. Since her childhood, she had loved drawing and wanted to be an artist. One of her earliest childhood memories is wanting to apply for art school after seeing an Art School ad in the “TV Guide”.

At Atelier Moné, expect different designs for the home, office, and one-of-a-kind pieces of Jewelry inspired by her artwork. From policy making about how to live in society to no rules in art, Damaris’ unwavering passion for the environment, her life experiences, and art are evident in her work. Atelier Moné offers open editions and eventually limited editions, with hand-painted embellishments in 2024 and one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces through her online gallery.

For more on Atelier Moné, visit the website and follow on Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook.

Josh Johnson’s Debut As Daily Show Host Draws Largest Audience Of Year In 18-49 Demo

Longtime Daily Show writer-turned-correspondent Josh Johnson made a splash in his hosting debut Tuesday, July 22nd, outdrawing each of the show’s other rotating hosts—and Jon Stewart—among viewers in the coveted 18–49 demo—the arena the big ad money has always called home. Johnson’s guest Tuesday night was Rob Franklin, author of the novel Great Black Hope.

“Thank you to everyone who watched my first week of hosting The Daily Show,” Josh Johnson shared on Facebook.

Josh Johnson kicks off his first day behind the host desk with possible new intel from Ghislaine Maxwell and Trump’s latest batch of Epstein distractions: a 2016 Obama conspiracy, releasing the MLK files, and even admitting that he’s not a medical marvel. Plus, you won’t believe the 100% real Epstein bombshells that Grace Kuhlenschmidt found in the MLK files.

Per Nielsen live-plus-same-day data, Johnson’s first night behind the Daily Show desk drew 590,000 total viewers, making it the most-watched non-Stewart-hosted episode of the year by total audience. But the real story was in the demo, where Johnson pulled in 226,000 viewers aged 18–49, surpassing even Stewart’s top-rated episodes in the advertiser-coveted category.

According to a report from Jed Rosenzweig of LateNighter, a website and newsletter that covers late-night television, Johnson’s Daily Show outranked each of the late-night shows we track among younger viewers on Tuesday night. It’s also the best demo performance for The Daily Show since September 10, 2024, when Stewart anchored a live post-debate episode following the Trump–Harris showdown.

“It’s my first time hosting anything on TV. Ever,” Johnson shared on Instagram the morning of his debut. “I’ve spent years writing behind the scenes, learning from truly great and talented people. Now, for three nights, I get to sit at the desk and do it myself.”

Johnson, who joined The Daily Show writing staff in 2017 and became an on-air correspondent in 2024, has been steadily building momentum off-camera and online. In addition to his sold-out national stand-up tour, Johnson has cultivated a digital following of over 4 million fans. His weekly Tuesday night YouTube sets—smart, winding comedic narratives stitched from news headlines—routinely rack up millions of views and have become required viewing for fans of sharp, story-driven satire.

Johnson, an Alexandria, Louisiana native, shared the LateNighter article on TikTok Thursday ahead of his final day of hosting, along with a message of gratitude to his fans.

Samara Cyn, a recording artist making her late-night television debut, joined Josh Johnson to discuss her new EP, “backroads.” They talk about her raw and real lyrics, why her new EP is more lighthearted than her last release, how her music touches on the “really weird” state of a world going back on immigrant, LGBTQ+, and women’s rights, and her song “hardheaded,” which tackles privilege head-on

Johnson—who has made his name as a YouTube phenomenon, gave a rock-solid performance as host all week. First-time late-night hosts are often plagued by jumpiness, discomfort in delivery, awkwardness in guest chat, and just regular inexperience—Johnson showed little to none of that.

“Thank you for showing up in such a big way this week. Every view, share, comment, and kind word meant so much to me,” Johnson said in his post.

“I didn’t know how many people were rooting for me and hosting ‘The Daily Show’ has been one of the wildest, most meaningful experiences of my career so far, and knowing that so many of you tuned in means more than I can explain.” 

Johnson covered the aftermath of revelations that Trump knew he was on the Epstein list: Pam Bondi bails on her CPAC appearance, videos connecting Epstein to Trump surface, and everyone in the MAGA-verse, from GOP lawmakers to the QAnon Shaman, wants answers.

Stewart currently hosts the show on Mondays through the end of 2025. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the show is hosted by a rotating cast of comedians.

Johnson has written for “The Daily Show for the last six years and previously was a writer and performer on NBC’s “The Tonight Show,” hosted by Jimmy Fallon. He’s garnered a large group of fans throughout his stand-up comedy career and has amassed 2.2 million followers on TikTok. 

Could he be the new host of The Daily Show? It may be too early to tell, but he debut hosting ratings make him a strong candidate. As LateNiter put it, Josh Johnson’s breakout week offers a glimmer of hope for Late Night amid the swirling clouds of doom hanging over late-night television these days, both financial and political.

Aland Etienne, 46-Year-Old Devoted Black Dad Among Those Killed In Midtown Manhattan Melee

“We extend our deep condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones tonight, including that of our own 32BJ SEIU security member Aland Etienne, a dedicated security officer who took his job duties extremely seriously,” 32BJ SEIU President Manny Pastreich said, Monday after the mass shooting.

Wesley LePatner, Didarul Islam, Julia Hyman, and Aland Etienne were the four people killed in Monday night’s horrific Midtown Manhattan Melee at 345 Park Avenue.

photo of Aland Etienne from his brother Gathmand Etienne

The unarmed security guard, Aland Etienne, a 46-year-old African American man, was identified as the third victim in the New York City mass shooting on July 28th that left four innocent people dead before the gunman took his own life, his union confirms.

Etienne was working in the lobby at 345 Park Avenue in Manhattan on Monday evening when he was shot and killed by 27-year-old Shane Devon Tamura of Las Vegas, who was apparently targeting NFL headquarters.

He spent his final moments trying to save others. Etienne, “tried to crawl to hit the button to recall the elevators so the elevators wouldn’t go to the top floors,” Deputy Mayor Kaz Daughtry said on Fox 5’s Good Day New York.

“This tragedy speaks to the sacrifice of security officers who risk their lives every day to keep New Yorkers and our buildings safe. Every time a security officer puts on their uniform, they put their lives on the line. Their contributions to our city are essential, though often unappreciated,” The 32BJ SEIU President tells Black Westchester in a statement. He adds, “Aland Etienne is a New York hero. We will remember him as such.”

Etienne is survived by his 6-year-old son, whose 7th birthday is Saturday, and doesn’t know yet that his father is dead, and an older daughter, five brothers, and a sister. His family traveled from Florida to be with Rachel Paoli, his girlfriend of eight years and mother of their son, to mourn the loss of the native Haitian.

His loved ones are now grieving in private. Etienne’s brother, Gathmand, described him as “more than a brother” in a heartfelt Facebook post and asked for prayers during this painful time.

“He was more than a brother; he was a father, a son, and the light in our lives. Our hearts are shattered, and we’re asking for your prayers and strength as we navigate this painful time.”

Etienne lived in Canarsie, Brooklyn, and worked two security jobs. After finishing a shift, he would nap briefly before heading to his next post. Co-workers said he was known for his friendly greetings and hopeful attitude. Some affectionately called him “Eli.”

Investigators suspect Tamura was trying to get to the NFL offices after shooting many individuals, including Etienne, in the building’s lobby, but unintentionally entered the wrong set of elevator banks, Mayor Eric Adams said in interviews. Police claimed Tamura had a history of mental illness, and a rambling note found on his body suggested that he had a grievance against the NFL over an allegation that he suffered a chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Only after a person has passed away may this degenerative brain disease be identified. He never played in the NFL, although he did play scholastic football in high school in California.

6 Powerful Lessons for Black Professional Men from the Shannon Sharpe Incident

The recent fallout surrounding Shannon Sharpe is not just a celebrity scandal—it’s a textbook case in how success, perception, and accountability collide, especially when you’re a high-profile Black man. Sharpe, a respected NFL Hall of Famer and sports commentator, quietly exited ESPN after settling a $50 million civil lawsuit over allegations of sexual misconduct. There were no criminal charges, and Sharpe denied wrongdoing, yet the professional consequences were swift and decisive.

This isn’t about whether he did or didn’t do what he was accused of. It’s about what this teaches every Black man who has climbed the ladder in law, business, media, sports, or academia. There are lessons here—practical ones—for those who understand that navigating success in America requires more than talent. It requires foresight, discipline, and an unflinching understanding of how the game is played.

1. Reputation Is Capital—Guard It Like Wealth

Sharpe spent decades cultivating credibility that stretched beyond sports. One lawsuit—settled, not proven—was enough to sever ties with a major media outlet. That’s the cost of perception.

Lesson: Your name is an asset. Every decision you make off-camera, off-duty, and off-the-record can either preserve or devalue that asset. Build it. Protect it. Defend it.

2. There Is No Parity in Public Grace

We’ve seen others survive worse and bounce back with endorsements intact. That’s not the reality for Black men in public life. One misstep—proven or not—can mean permanent exile.

Lesson: Stop expecting the benefit of the doubt. Institutions protect themselves first. If you’re waiting for fair treatment, you’ll be waiting long after your career ends.

3. Private Behavior Has Public Consequences

Even when a relationship is consensual, the optics and aftermath can spiral. Fame complicates intimacy. So do money, power dynamics, and unclear boundaries.

Lesson: Don’t just ask, “Is it legal?” Ask, “Is it wise?” When you reach a certain level, your personal life isn’t personal—it’s potential evidence.

4. Success Doesn’t Shield You—It Exposes You

Sharpe had influence, a loyal fan base, and corporate support. But those things don’t provide protection—they invite scrutiny. One headline, one allegation, and the empire you built becomes expendable.

Lesson: With visibility comes vulnerability. Be sharper when the lights are off than when the camera is on.

5. The People Around You Can Ruin Everything

Many downfalls start not with enemies but with those once considered close. Whether out of betrayal, resentment, or opportunism, the wrong person in your circle can bring a lawsuit, a scandal, or both.

Lesson: Be deliberate about your inner circle. Not everyone who claps for you is on your team. One bad connection can burn years of work.

6. Lack of Discipline with Women Can Cost You Everything

Shannon Sharpe’s lack of discipline in his personal relationships didn’t just lead to headlines—it cost him $50 million and a multi-year ESPN contract. Whether or not the allegations were true, the situation was avoidable. And the price was steep.

Lesson: For all the talk about systemic inequality, personal discipline still matters most. In today’s world, poor judgment with women can bankrupt your brand, end your career, and drag your legacy through the mud. Success demands control—not just on the field or on camera, but behind closed doors.

This isn’t just about Shannon Sharpe—it’s about every Black man in America who believes hard work is enough. It’s not. What we build, we must protect. Not out of fear, but out of clarity. You’re not allowed the same margin for error. Understand that, and act accordingly.

After Sexual Assault Lawsuit Settlement, ESPN Severs Its Relationship With Shannon Sharpe.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame member took time off from work earlier this year to battle the lawsuit, but vowed to be back on air.

While Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end and media analyst Shannon Sharpe had previously vowed to return when he stepped away after a lawsuit was filed in April, it appears the Shannon Sharpe era is over at ESPN. According to The Athletic and the Associated Press, ESPN has formally dissolved its relationship with the former NFL player.

Less than two weeks have passed since Sharpe and his ex-girlfriend reached a $50 million settlement in their rape and sexual assault case. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed. The lawsuit originally sought compensatory and punitive damages of more than $50 million.

At the time of the settlement, the accuser’s attorney, Tony Buzbee, said, “Both sides acknowledge a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship. After protracted and respectful negotiations, I’m pleased to announce that we have reached a mutually agreed-upon resolution. All matters have now been addressed satisfactorily, and the matter is closed. The lawsuit will thus be dismissed with prejudice.”

Sharpe had initially strongly denied the allegations and stepped away from his role at ESPN, where he was featured on First Take.

“To my family, friends, supporters, and colleagues, I want to speak to you directly and from the heart,” Sharpe said in a video released on X in April. “This is a shakedown. I’m going to be open, transparent, and defend myself, because this isn’t right.”

Later that same week, Sharpe posted a statement on social media describing his relationship with the plaintiff as “100% consensual.”

“I will be devoting this time to my family, and responding and dealing with these false and disruptive allegations set against me,” he said in that April 24 statement, which additionally included him noting that he planned to return to ESPN at the start of NFL preseason.

In the suit filed in a Las Vegas district court, “Jane Doe” accused former NFL All-Pro of “manipulating and controlling” the plaintiff during a nearly two-year period that started in 2023 as a consensual relationship when the woman was 20 years old.

The civil complaint alleged Sharpe, 56, “violently sexually assaulted and anally raped Plaintiff,” in October 2024 and again in January of this year in Las Vegas, “blatantly ignoring her requests for him to stop.”

The suit stated: “After many months of manipulating and controlling Plaintiff — a woman more than thirty years younger than he — and repeatedly threatening to brutally choke and violently slap her, Sharpe refused to accept the answer no and raped Plaintiff, despite her sobbing and repeated screams of ‘no.’”

Sharpe, 57, initially joined “First Take” in the fall of 2023 after leaving FS1’s “Undisputed” with Skip Bayless earlier in the year. ESPN had signed a multi-year contract extension in 2024. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was going to see his role on First Take expand & extend to additional ESPN programming.

After winning three Super Bowls — two with the Denver Broncos and one with the Baltimore Ravens — and earning eight Pro Bowl nods, Sharpe enjoyed stardom in the media industry as well. Following an eventual run on FS1’s “Undisputed,” during which he debated Skip Bayless, Sharpe made the move to ESPN, where he sparred verbally with Stephen A. Smith on “First Take.”

While Sharpe has been off the ESPN airwaves since April, Sharpe continues to host his popular podcasts, “Club Shay Shay,” and he’s remained active on the podcast “Nightcap,” co-hosted and former NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson.

The Athletic confirmed a report Wednesday from Front Office Sports that was published before the lawsuit went public and that stated Sharpe was approaching a podcast deal in the $100 million range.

The Athletic reported that criminal charges were not brought against Sharpe, stating that his accuser cannot resubmit the same allegation against him in the same Las Vegas court because the lawsuit was “dismissed with prejudice.”



How Black Podcasters Hijacked ‘Black Fatigue’ to Perform for White Comfort

There’s a growing trend in digital media that deserves honest scrutiny—not outrage, but clarity. A number of prominent Black podcasters and YouTubers have built platforms that claim to promote accountability and real talk. But increasingly, they amplify what’s wrong with Black culture while refusing to acknowledge the systemic forces that created those conditions in the first place.

Instead of taking a holistic view—one that includes both personal responsibility and structural accountability—these voices often focus solely on individual behavior. Crime, poverty, family breakdown—these are real challenges, but when you discuss them in isolation, without context, you reinforce harmful stereotypes rather than address root causes.

Nowhere is this distortion more evident than in the misuse of the term Black fatigue.

Originally coined by author and diversity expert Mary-Frances WintersBlack fatigue describes the cumulative emotional, psychological, and physical toll that systemic racism inflicts on Black people. It is grounded in decades of data—on redlining, school segregation, mass incarceration, health disparities, and police brutality. The term was created to name the exhaustion that comes from generational struggle—not to be mocked or redefined for clicks.

Yet today, we see some Black voices co-opting the term—claiming they’re tired. Not tired from injustice, but tired of hearing about it. Tired of hearing Black people demand change. Tired of discussions about reparations, policing, and inequality.

This rhetorical sleight of hand serves a purpose. It makes white audiences more comfortable by minimizing the systemic nature of racial disparities. And it turns legitimate critique into content for monetization.

Take the case of William Macneil Jr., a Black man violently arrested, struck in the face while cuffed during a traffic stop. Later, a knife was reportedly found on the floorboard. But it was not visible, not wielded, and posed no threat at the time of the encounter. Yet some podcasters still rushed to justify the officer’s actions—ignoring the legal standards around use of force and due process.

Yes, there are individuals within Black culture who have been misled or have internalized destructive behaviors—but that reality does not erase, excuse, or justify the policies and systems America imposed for over 400 years. To point and say, “See how they act, how they dress, how they treat each other,” as a reason to deny justice is both morally dishonest and historically blind. It ignores the fact that much of that dysfunction was shaped by centuries of intentional deprivation—slavery, segregation, broken education systems, targeted policing, and economic exclusion. Accountability cannot be selective. You don’t deny a community justice because of the harm it has inflicted. You repair the harm, then hold everyone to a standard. Justice is not a reward for perfection—it’s a responsibility of the state.

When the reflex is always to defend the system—never to question it—we have to ask: who is the message really for?

The same imbalance shows up in conversations about reparations.

Reparations are not about guilt—they’re about government accountability. The policies that harmed Black Americans weren’t imaginary or accidental. They were real, codified, and enforced by law: slavery, Jim Crow, redlining, exclusion from the GI Bill, the war on drugs—each one crafted, voted on, and implemented by elected officials. These decisions didn’t just hurt individuals—they crippled generations of Black families economically, socially, and politically. When critics frame reparations as “making white people pay,” they’re using slick emotional rhetoric to distract from the facts. This isn’t about blame—it’s about responsibility. A government that deliberately caused harm has a duty to repair it.

And there’s clear historical precedent.

After World War II, Germany paid billions in reparations to Holocaust survivors, including those living in the United States. The U.S. government, although not directly responsible for the Holocaust, actively supported and facilitated those reparations. In the 1990s and 2000s, under U.S. diplomatic and legal pressure, banks and insurance companies with ties to Nazi Germany were forced to pay restitution. This included a $1.25 billion settlement from Swiss banks, many of whose beneficiaries were Jewish Holocaust survivors residing in America. Congress even established support programs for aging Holocaust survivors.

So if reparations are inherently controversial, where was the outrage then?

Why haven’t these same podcasters demanded that Jewish Americans return that money?
Why hasn’t he recorded a podcast accusing Holocaust survivors of “playing the victim”?
Why hasn’t he challenged Germany’s repeated payments as “handouts” or “dependency”?

The answer is simple: the issue has never been reparations—it’s been reparations for Black Americans.

Reparations are fine when they’re politically safe.
They only become problematic when Black people demand them.

Many of these podcasters claim to be about “truth.” But truth requires nuance. You cannot claim to uplift the community while ignoring the historical and structural conditions that shaped it. You cannot fix what’s broken in Black culture without addressing the policies that broke it.

This isn’t about personal attacks—it’s about consistency.

Because real accountability doesn’t just scold behavior. It interrogates the systems that shaped it.

And real truth-telling doesn’t trade complexity for YouTube engagement.

Black fatigue was never meant to be a punchline or a punch-down. It was meant to affirm the emotional weariness that comes from being Black in a country that still hasn’t paid its debts.

The fatigue isn’t from hearing about racism.
It’s from watching people who look like us rewrite its impact—to protect platforms instead of people.

NYT-Bipartisan Survey Confirms: Democrats at Historic Low—And It’s No Mystery Why

A recent bipartisan poll conducted by The Wall Street Journal—highlighted in The New York Times—confirms what anyone paying attention could already see: the Democratic Party has reached its lowest favorability rating in over three decades. Just 33% of registered voters view the party favorably, while 63% hold an unfavorable opinion—a net rating of –30. But instead of asking why voters are turning away, Democratic leaders seem more interested in blaming misinformation, right-wing media, or voter apathy. In reality, the truth is far simpler: voters are reacting to outcomes, not rhetoric.

When people see their real wages shrink, their neighborhoods decline, and their values openly mocked by the very people seeking their votes, no amount of media spin or identity politics can restore credibility. This isn’t a mystery. It’s basic cause and effect.

Read: Democrats in Disarray: Infighting, Lack of Strategy, and the Looming Collapse of Party Leadership

For decades, the Democratic Party has operated under the assumption that good intentions are good enough. They champion “equity” policies, flood federal agencies with DEI mandates, and craft legislation wrapped in the language of compassion—but time and again, the actual results fall far short of the promises.

The Black community is a prime example. After generations of blind loyalty to Democratic candidates, what has it gotten in return? Rising crime in our cities. Failing public schools. Housing instability. Welfare dependency framed as empowerment. And now, an open hostility toward traditional family structures, masculinity, and religious values—values that once anchored Black communities through the worst periods in American history.

Voters are not rejecting the party because they’ve suddenly forgotten history. They’re rejecting the party because they remember recent history all too well—and they’re living with the consequences.

According to the poll, Black and Latino men are increasingly walking away from the Democratic Party. To the political consultant class, this is perplexing. But to those of us who live in the real world, it’s predictable.

For years, Democratic messaging has framed male leadership—especially Black male leadership—as suspect or dangerous unless neutered, intersectionalized, or “reimagined.” Fatherhood, discipline, responsibility, and strength have been rebranded as patriarchal or oppressive. But these traits are exactly what build strong communities. Instead of respecting men as protectors and providers, the party offers them lectures, re-education, or silence. Now they act surprised that men are tuning them out.

Read: CNN: Democrats’ Masculinity Problem, Messaging, Perception, and Voter Shifts

You cannot insult a man’s dignity, undermine his role in the home, and ignore his economic concerns—and then wonder why he won’t show up to vote.

Likewise, the erosion of Latino support is not some accidental slip in outreach. It’s the result of a party that treats Latinos as a single-issue demographic, assuming that pro-immigration talking points will override every other concern.

But working-class Latino families—especially those who have been in this country for generations—care about the same things as everyone else: jobs, education, safe neighborhoods, and cultural respect. Many hold traditional views on family, faith, and gender roles—views increasingly treated with disdain by the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. When the party prioritizes fringe cultural battles over basic governance, it alienates the very people it claims to represent.

Read: Democrat’s Political Suicide: Obsession with Trump, Fear Tactics, and the War on Free Thought

And let’s be clear: the sharp decline in support is not due to misinformation. It’s due to the experience of seeing one’s priorities ignored.

The Real Message Behind the Numbers

The Democratic Party has spent years building a political brand around victimhood, grievance, and symbolism. But real people don’t live in symbols. They live in neighborhoods where rent is too high, schools are too dangerous, and police are either overreaching or nowhere to be found. They see their cities decaying under policies championed by Democrats. They hear promises every election season, and see dysfunction every year in between.

Voters are not confused. They are making rational decisions. They are evaluating what the party has actually delivered—and increasingly, the answer is “not much.”

It is ironic that a party that claims to be the voice of the people seems so unable to listen to what the people are saying. But voters are no longer whispering. They are shouting—with poll numbers, with party-switching, and with disengagement.

And if Democrats still don’t get it, they may have to learn the hard way—at the ballot box.

📊 Polling Data & News Sources

  1. The Wall Street Journal Poll (July 16–20, 2025)
    • Conducted by John Anzalone (Democrat) and Tony Fabrizio (Republican)
    • Surveyed 1,500 registered voters, ±2.5% margin of error
    • Source: Wall Street Journal
  2. POLITICO – “Americans don’t approve of Trump. But they don’t like Democrats either”
  3. New York Post – “Democrats’ approval rating craters to 35-year low: WSJ poll”
  4. Washington Post – “Lucky for Democrats, they picked the least-worst time to be unpopular”
  5. The Liberal Patriot – “Why Is Democratic Favorability at a 30-Year Low?”
  6. G. Elliott Morris Substack – “Democratic Party favorability at its lowest in modern polling history”
    • Deep dive into partisan splits and historical favorability trends
    • Source: G. Elliott Morris
  7. New York Magazine – “Democrats don’t need to be popular — they just need to win”
    • Analysis of polling paradox between party favorability and electoral outcomes
    • Source: NYMag, July 2025

Yonkers City Hall TV Receives Two Prestigious New York EMMY Award Nominations

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Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced Yonkers City Hall TV received two prestigious New York Emmy Award nominations in the categories of Interactive Media and Public Affairs Series. It is the first time in the station’s more than 40-year history, it has been honored with a nomination from the New York Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

“To be recognized by such a distinguished organization shows we remain relevant when it comes to communicating our important initiatives to the people of Yonkers,” said Mayor Spano. “I’m proud of the work our Communications Department produces every day and am pleased their creativity and skillsets  are being recognized amongst their peers and profession.”

In 2023, Yonkers’ Communication Department produced an interactive social media campaign during National Pizza Month, highlighting the top pizzerias in Yonkers and a weekly public affairs series, “Your Yonkers Now.” All productions can be viewed on Yonkers City Hall TV Optimum Channel 78, Verizon Channel 39, and the City of Yonkers’ social media platforms, along with Mayor Mike Spano’s YouTube channel.

The award ceremony is scheduled for October 26 in New York City.

The City of Yonkers is the third largest city in New York State and Westchester County’s largest city. Yonkers serves as the gateway to the Hudson Valley with more than 40 vibrant and diverse suburban neighborhoods. First settled as a small farm town in 1646 settled by Dutchman Adriaen Van Der Donck, Yonkers evolved into a major trading and industrial center. Today, Yonkers hosts the largest film production studios in the Northeast, claiming the title Hollywood on Hudson. Yonkers is one of the safest cities of its size in the nation and is home to a vibrant arts district along with more than 80 local parks.

Yonkers shines as the new ‘Hollywood on the Hudson’ 

Yonkers Is Hollywood On Hudson digital billboard on 43rd & Broadway in Times Square

The city of Yonkers has also celebrated the success of productions filmed there. Major productions filmed in Yonkers, such as “Severance” and “The Penguin,” received multiple Emmy nominations. Yonkers has become a popular filming location, with various productions using its streets and buildings, including the Hudson River Museum, Lawrence & Saratoga Streets, and Wells Avenue.

“Severance” received 27 nominations, and “The Penguin” received 24 nominations. These nominations highlight Yonkers’ role as a backdrop for high-profile television shows. Here’s a breakdown: 

  • “Severance”: (Apple TV+) received 27 nominations.
  • “The Penguin”: (HBO Max) received 24 nominations.
  • “The White Lotus”: (HBO Max) received 23 nominations.
  • “The Studio”: (Apple TV+) also filmed in Yonkers.
  • “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”: filmed at Wells Avenue in Yonkers, and was also nominated.

Several other productions that filmed in Yonkers, or Westchester County, have received Emmy nominations.

Reaction Of Local Elected Officials To The Midtown Manhattan Massacre

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By now, I’m sure you have heard about Shane Devon Tamura, a 27-year-old Nevada resident wearing body armor and carrying an M4 assault rifle, who shot and killed four people, including an off-duty police officer in a Midtown Manhattan office building, on Monday evening before killing himself. He entered the lobby of the Midtown tower alone and immediately opened fire on an NYPD officer and sprayed the lobby with bullets. The deceased included NYPD officer Didarul Islam of the 47th Precinct in the Bronx, who came to the U.S. from Bangladesh.

Several local elected officials have issued statements on the Midtown Manhattan Shooting.

NYS Senator Shelley B. Mayer of the District 37 that covers a swath of Westchester County, including some or all of Bedford, Eastchester, Harrison, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, North Castle, Port Chester, Rye, Rye Brook, White Plains, and Yonkers issued the following statement.

“I am deeply saddened by yesterday’s fatal shooting in Manhattan that took the lives of four people, including NYPD officer Didarul Islam, and severely injured another, before ending with the gunman taking his own life. Officer Islam was a hero, and I am deeply grieved by his loss. My heartfelt condolences go out to all the families and loved ones of the victims, and to everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence. I extend my sincere appreciation to the NYPD and all the first responders for their swift action. To those grieving today, please know that you are not alone. I am with you and will continue to support efforts to heal, protect, and strengthen our communities in the wake of this tragedy,” Sen. Mayer shared in a statement to Black Westchester.

“We will always remember the sacrifice Officer Islam, a husband, a son, and father, made for all of us,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Tuesday. “To the other victims — people just trying to make a living, do their jobs — our hearts are broken, and we, too, grieve with your families.”

Congressman George Latimer (Congressional District 16 – Southern Westchester and Northern Bronx) also issued the following statement: “Last night, a horrible shooting took place in Midtown Manhattan, with four innocent people killed, including a brave NYPD officer,” Latimer wrote. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of NYPD Officer Didarul Islam and the other victims.”

Rep. Ritchie Torres of the Bronx (District 15) said Monday’s shooting demonstrated how New York “has to live with the consequences of the lax gun laws from other states. It’s unfair. It feels like we’ve been stripped of control of our own destiny,” he said, arguing it is time for federal gun reforms. 

Congressman Mike Lawler (District 17- includes all or parts of Rockland, Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties) expressed condolences on social media. “I’m devastated by the senseless killing of an NYPD officer and innocent civilians in Midtown,” he wrote. “Praying for their families and loved ones.”

Westchester County District Attorney, Susan Cacace, took to social media to offer a statement as well, “On behalf of everyone at the Office, DA Cacace wishes to express her condolences to the family of Officer Islam and to our NYPD colleagues, who are mourning the loss of a true hero and dedicated public servant,” the post read. Her post closed with, “the families of the three civilians who were killed remain in our thoughts as we all begin to process this senseless tragedy.”

“Tonight, my heart goes out to the six victims of the tragic shooting in Manhattan. It’s deeply saddening to know that among those affected were two brave members of the NYPD, and we must mourn the loss of them all. Events like this are a stark reminder of the urgent need for change in our society. We must come together to foster a safer and more compassionate world. Please keep these victims and their families close in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Westchester County Legislator James Nolan (District 15 – Yonkers, Bronxville, Eastchester) posted on social media.

Legislator Catherine Parker (District 7 – Mamaroneck, Rye, Larchmont, part of New Rochelle, part of Harrison) feels that more than statements need to be made by elected officials; she suggests they should urge Congress to pass an assault weapons ban in the slain officer’s name.

“To my Republican friends, a Police Officer’s life is worth more than your thoughts and prayers. Tell Congress to pass the Didarul Islam Assault Weapons Ban in his honor and before his third child is born. That would be worthy of his life and service,” she shared on Facebook, Tuesday.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano’s statement on the killing of an off-duty NYPD officer and the deaths of two other innocent people.

Assemblyman Matt Slater, who represents Putnam County, also mourned the loss of Officer Islam, “Yesterday’s horrific shooting claimed the life of hero Police Officer Didarul Islam among the victims. He leaves behind a young family with his third child due any day,” he wrote.

“We are deeply saddened to learn that NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who was fatally shot in yesterday’s incident, was a member of our beloved Parkchester community. He was not only a public servant, but a neighbor – someone who dedicated his life to protecting others and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This act of violence has shaken families and communities across our city. As the investigation continues, my thoughts are with all those affected- the families grieving, the loved ones seeking answers, and everyone feeling the weight of this tragedy,” New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías shared in a statement on Tuesday.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul recalled her conversation with the widow of New York Police Officer Didarul Islam, who is expecting her third child, “I spoke to the young widow, a mother of two, expecting her third child. I tried to convey, again, that sense of compassion all of us as human beings feel,” Hochul said during a vigil for the victims of the mass shooting. “I said, ‘Is there anything we can do for you?’ And in her broken English, she just said: ‘Pray for us.’”

Six People Including NYPD Officer And The Gunman Dead In Midtown Manhattan Office Bldg Shooting

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A police officer and three civilians were killed, officials said. The suspected gunman acted alone and died from a self-inflicted gunshot, authorities said.

Shane Devon Tamura, a 27-year-old Nevada resident wearing body armor and carrying an M4 assault rifle, shot and killed four people, including an off-duty police officer in a Midtown Manhattan office building, Monday evening before killing himself, officials said. He entered the lobby of the Midtown tower alone and immediately opened fire on an NYPD officer and sprayed the lobby with bullets. The deceased included NYPD officer Didarul Islam of the 47th Precinct in the Bronx, who came to the U.S. from Bangladesh and who Mayor Eric Adams said had been on the force for almost four years. He was working security in the building while off duty.

“Early tonight, I met with the officer’s family. I told them that he was a hero, and we admire him for putting his life on the line,” Adams said at press conference, joined by Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney; and an array of high-ranking officials from the Police Department, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Kaz Daughtry, the deputy mayor for public safety, Patrick Hendry, the head of the police officers’ union, as well as a white-coated hospital doctor. “He was doing what he does best, and all members of the police department carry out. He was saving lives. He was protecting New Yorkers.”

“He put himself in harm’s way. He made the ultimate sacrifice — shot in cold blood, wearing a uniform that stood for the promise that he made to this city,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.

Security video shows the gunman got out of a double-parked car with an M4 rifle and entered the building’s lobby, where he “immediately opened fire” on an NYPD officer, who was killed, the police commissioner said. “He then shoots a woman who took cover behind a pillar and proceeds through the lobby, spraying it with gunfire,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. The gunman shot a security guard at the elevator bank as the guard was taking cover behind a security desk. The shooter called the elevator to the lobby, a woman got out, and the gunman allowed her to exit unharmed. The shooter went up to the 33rd floor and “begins to walk the floor, firing rounds as he traveled,” Tisch said. One person was shot and killed on that floor, she said. “He then proceeds down a hallway and shoots himself in the chest,” she said.

Islam was married with two young boys, and his wife was pregnant with a third child. The officer and the surviving male civilian were taken to New York Presbyterian, where the civilian is in critical but stable condition. Two other civilians, one male and one female, both killed in the shooting, were taken to Bellevue Hospital. Police say another female was the victim found dead on the 33rd floor. The shooting occurred just before 6:30 p.m. in an office building at 345 Park Ave. at East 52nd Street, which contains the headquarters for the investment company Blackstone and the National Football League.  

KPMG, an accounting firm that also has offices in the building, released a statement after the shooting, saying, “Our hearts go out to the victims of this horrific act and their families. We are incredibly grateful for the bravery of building security and law enforcement,” the company said.

A National Football League employee was seriously injured in the shooting, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a memo to employees.

“One of our employees was seriously injured in this attack. He is currently in the hospital and in stable condition,” Goodell wrote in the memo, which was obtained by ABC News. “NFL staff are at the hospital and we are supporting his family. We believe that all of our employees are otherwise safe and accounted for, and the building has nearly been cleared.”

Goodell said in the memo that there would be “increased security presence” at the league’s offices “in the days and weeks to come.” He said employees based in New York should work remotely on Tuesday or could take the day off. “Every one of you is a valued member of the NFL family,” Goodell wrote. “We will get through this together.”

NFL employees were told to shelter in place at the time, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported. The NFL offices are on floors five through eight of the 44-story building.

Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader and a Brooklynite, issued a statement calling for stricter gun laws: “Mass shootings are a plague. The gun violence epidemic continues to afflict our country and has now shattered lives in our great City. The time has come for decisive action.”

New York’s senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, posted on social media that they were praying for those affected by the shooting. “We must do more to stop gun violence in America,” Schumer wrote.

Candidates for New York City mayor responded to the shooting on social media. “Grateful to our first responders who run toward danger to keep us safe,” Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa wrote. “I’m grateful for the courage of our NYPD and first responders, and my prayers are with the victims and their families,” former governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, posted.

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City who has been visiting family in Uganda, posted on social media that he was “heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting.” He said: “I am holding the victims, their families, and the NYPD officer in critical condition in my thoughts. Grateful for all of our first responders on the ground.”

Tamura was the owner of the BMW that the shooter arrived in. Commissioner Tisch stated that the police discovered a backpack, Tamura’s prescription medication, a loaded handgun, ammo, magazines, and a rifle case with shots inside the vehicle. No explosives were present. He drove across the country in recent days, arriving in New York City today. Tamura was licensed to carry a gun in Nevada, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference tonight.

The assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office promised the “full force” of the agency in the investigation into today’s shooting.

“You have the full force of FBI New York and full force of FBI to get to the bottom of the answers,” said Chris Raia, the assistant director in charge of the office.

The investigation into the gunman’s motives and the shooting is ongoing. Raia said that “initial checks of our internal systems have not revealed any information about the subject.”

“We are deeply saddened to learn that NYPD Officer Didarul Islam, who was fatally shot in yesterday’s incident, was a member of our beloved Parkchester community. He was not only a public servant, but a neighbor – someone who dedicated his life to protecting others and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This act of violence has shaken families and communities across our city. As the investigation continues, my thoughts are with all those affected- the families grieving, the loved ones seeking answers, and everyone feeling the weight of this tragedy,” New York City Council Majority Leader Amanda Farías shared in a statement on Tuesday.

Stay tuned to Black Westchester for more on this developing story!