Hits: 139

Neighbor,   As we enter a new month, we have new challenges. We began the month of March with the United States entering a war without broad based popular support, prompting a fight to hold this administration accountable. Americans across the country are feeling the effects of the rising cost of living and are looking for relief from the pressure on their paychecks. Gas prices are increasing, and grocery store prices remain high.   As we move into the spring, I am working with my colleagues to find a path forward. Putting you first and doing what is best for our community is what matters most. I am out in the community everyday I can, speaking with you directly so, please feel free to reach out to my office if there is anything we can do to assist you during this time.

IN WASHINGTON

Last week was our first legislative week in DC this month. Given the conflict in the Middle East, there was time allocated to meet with advocacy groups working on new legislative ideas and to attend a hearing of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.   At the committee hearing, the topic centered on “Merit, Accountability, and Performance at State: Evaluating Promotion and Placement.” We heard testimony from a witness serving in the Human Resources department at the State Department.   But congress is avoiding the larger issues that speak to the priorities and conduct of the current administration. This House leadership needs to devote more time to the central issues we face; America’s role in the world including Venezuela and Iran; affordability at home with healthcare costs, and tariff impacts.

BACK HOME IN WESTCHESTER AND THE BRONX

Since the start of March, I have been out in the community hearing directly from you. I spoke on International Women’s Day at the ‘Women Leaders of Westchester: Women’s Day Forum’, attended the Tax Preparation Sessions ‘Your Taxes, Your Resources’ events with my office and IRS advocates, spoke to seniors and staff at senior centers, and honored local leaders with Congressional Record ceremonies.

CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION

The Congressional Art Competition is now open for submissions! This contest is for high school students living in or attending school in Westchester and the Bronx. The winning artist will have their work featured in the U.S. Capitol and be invited to D.C. for an awards ceremony with our office and all other art competition winners.   This year, in celebration of our country’s 250th anniversary, the theme for the competition is “Revolutionary 250”. Artists may choose to follow themes provided below but it is not mandated. History happened here:  Visit or research a revolutionary historical site near you and create a piece of art that reflects on what you learned, saw, or felt. Revolutionary sites in Westchester and the Bronx can be found at rw250.org/sites Forgotten voices of the revolution:  Create a piece of art that reflects on the lives and roles of the American Revolutionary people who have been forgotten or overlooked in the telling of our history. Revolutions in Conversation:  Create a piece of art reflecting on how other “revolutions” throughout American history (Women’s Suffrage, Abolition, Civil Rights, etc.) have related to or contrasted with the original American Revolution? We look forward to seeing all of the creative ideas that the local artists come up with! Submissions and further rules and regulations can be found on our website at https://latimer.house.gov/services/art-competition

Watch some of my recent House of Representatives floor speeches:

Honoring local leaders and introducing new legislation: POINT Act Welcoming New York Archbishop Ronald Hicks Lawyers in the Classroom The POINT act is especially important; it lays out foundation of opposition to Presidential interference in the electoral process – something that might have been unthinkable once, but in the light of the January 6th Insurrection, false claims of a ‘stolen elections’, and voter suppression legislation like the SAVE act, the unthinkable may yet come to pass.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT

Applications for summer internships in the Bronx, White Plains, and DC are now open! Scan the QR code or follow the link to learn more and apply: https://latimer.house.gov/services/internships

IN THE NEWS

Up close with Bill Ritter Newsnation  NY1

TEXTING SIGN UP

In case you missed it, my office sends text messages to residents in the 16th District. We hope this is another way to keep you informed of what I am working on in DC and at home. If you would like to join our texting list, you can sign up here: https://latimer.house.gov/services/subscribe-texting

STAY IN TOUCH

In case you missed it, my office sends text messages to residents in the 16th District. We hope this is another way to keep you informed of what I am working on in DC and at home. If you would like to join our texting list, you can sign up here: https://latimer.house.gov/services/subscribe-texting

Make sure to follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky, Twitter/X and YouTube to stay up-to-date on what I am working on. If this newsletter was sent to you by someone else, you can sign up for it here: https://latimer.house.gov/contact/newsletter-subscribe   As always, reach out to my offices with concerns or questions. We are here to serve you!

Sincerely,

Hits: 165

Yonkers Police Department Deploys Citywide Drone as a First Responder Program

In collaboration with Motorola Solutions, dock-based drones operated from the AWARE Crime Control Center to provide aerial intelligence anywhere in the city within three minutes

Yonkers, NY – Friday, the Yonkers Police Department announced the launch of the City’s permanent Drone as First Responder (DFR) program, representing a significant investment in advanced public safety technology in collaboration with Motorola Solutions.

DFR operations provide a vital layer of real-time intelligence, accelerating response to emergency calls and giving officers a real-time aerial perspective of incidents as they unfold.

The Yonkers Police Department first explored this technology during the summer of 2024 through a 60-day pilot program, the first of its kind in the region, to evaluate the effectiveness of DFR operations in Yonkers’ complex urban public safety environment. Following the pilot’s success and a comprehensive program assessment, the City, under the leadership of Mayor Mike Spano, determined that expanding the initiative into a permanent operational program would further enhance the City’s emergency response capabilities and officer safety.

The program deploys two temperature-controlled dock-based “Drone-in-a-Box” systems, manufactured by Nokia and flown by trained pilots using Motorola Solutions’ CAPE drone software, on opposite sides of the city. The drones can arrive anywhere in Yonkers in under three minutes to provide a rapid aerial response. They integrate into the City’s AWARE Crime Control Center, which unifies multiple sources of incident intelligence – including 911 call audio, radio traffic, and video cameras – to help officers verify information and decisively act.

The drones provide a live aerial view to the smartphones and laptops of responding officers and supervisors on the ground, helping them assess evolving situations, determine appropriate resources, and coordinate a safer, more effective response.

The hexacopter aircraft is designed to operate in harsh Northeast weather conditions and is capable of flying at up to 45 miles per hour. Each drone is equipped with high-resolution, zoom-capable, and thermal-imaging cameras, allowing officers to view incidents in low-light or limited-visibility environments.

For operational safety, the drones can detect air traffic within a three-mile radius and use built-in geofences and safety measures in Motorola Solutions’ CAPE drone software to help them avoid collisions. The platform operates over 5G cellular networks, extending connectivity across the city.

“Yonkers continues to lead when it comes to embracing innovative technology that strengthens public safety,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “The Drone as a First Responder program builds on the success of our pilot initiative and strengthens our ability to respond quickly, protect our neighborhoods, and support the men and women of the Yonkers Police Department.”

Police Commissioner Christopher Sapienza said, “This program represents the next evolution of public safety technology here in Yonkers. We spent countless hours evaluating the results from our 2024 trial and worked to refine a Drone as First Responder model that works for our city and the unique operational challenges that come with it. Ultimately, this technology strengthens our ability to protect the public while providing an added layer of safety for the men and women of this department.”

MSSSI VP of Real-Time Intelligence for Motorola Solutions Jim Wolfinbarger said, “In an emergency, every second matters. Motorola Solutions is proud to support the Yonkers Police Department’s new Drone as First Responder program, which brings another layer of real-time intelligence into their AWARE Crime Control Center to speed and inform officer decision-making. This technology can help to inform first responders and commanders alike to refine and fine-tune their approach to any high-risk event, thereby reducing risk and strengthening decision-making.”

The Yonkers Police Department remains committed to community trust and transparency. Drone flight logs will be publicly available on the Yonkers Police Department website, allowing residents to see how and when the drones are used. The platform will include the flight date and time, flight path, deployment duration, and the general call type or flight purpose. The drone cameras will also face the horizon when not on the scene of a call to protect community privacy.

The DFR program will initially operate on a 40-hour weekly schedule, with deployment days and hours adjusted for major events and operational needs. As the program develops, the department will evaluate opportunities for expansion to further enhance coverage and response capabilities.

The launch of the permanent DFR program underscores Yonkers’ continued investment in innovative technologies that support modern policing while maintaining transparency and accountability to the community.

Yonkers Police Department DFR Promo Video

Hits: 141

April 9, 2026, at Westchester Hills Golf Club

TOM ROACH                                                           BENJAMIN BOYKIN   

The Friends of White Plains Public Schools will honor Ben Boykin and Tom Roach, two dedicated and effective government leaders in White Plains for the past quarter century, at the 2026 Spring Fling from 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Westchester Hills Golf Club.

All proceeds from the Spring Fling will go directly to fund academic and cultural enrichment programs for students in White Plains Public Schools.

School, city, county and community leaders, as well as residents and supporters, will be on hand to celebrate the honorees, who have been advocates of the White Plains Public Schools for decades. White Plains students will provide music at the event.

Ben Boykin, a finance executive, started his public service career in the mid-1990s on the White Plains School Board, served 14 years on the White Plains Common Council and has just concluded 11 years as our County Legislator.

Tom Roach, a public interest lawyer, was elected to the White Plains Common Council in 2001, became White Plains mayor in 2011 and led the fast-changing city for 15 years. He now serves as Westchester County Clerk.

The Friends of White Plains Public Schools, founded in 1997 and run entirely by volunteers, has raised and donated $650,000 to fund more than 250 academic and cultural enrichment projects and activities not covered by the District’s budget. Programs such as Broadway Dancing, science assemblies, and artists-in-residence have enriched the educational experiences of thousands of White Plains Public School students each year.

Information about the Friends and reservations for the 2026 Spring Fling is available at www.FriendsofWPPS.org.

Hits: 192

View in your browser: English | Spanish March 12, 2026   Westchester County is standing with TSA workers at HPN, who are feeling the impact of the funding standoff with the Department of Homeland Security. These men and women show up every day to keep travelers safe, and many of them are being asked to do their jobs without a paycheck. They are people with families, bills and responsibilities, and the County is distributing $20 food and beverage vouchers, in addition to providing QR codes through Feeding Westchester for assistance with weekly groceries. The ongoing actions of ICE that have raised serious concerns across the country must be addressed as part of these federal negotiations. In the meantime, Westchester County remains in touch with our federal partners to ensure any travel disruptions are kept to a minimum.     What You Need to Know   Nuclear Risk Not Welcome You’ve probably seen Indian Point in the news this week. County Executive Ken Jenkins’ stance has not changed – reopening Indian Point as a nuclear facility is a hard no. We were reminded that seismic activity can occur when we felt a 2.3 magnitude earthquake earlier this week. Remember, it was Entergy that decided to close Indian Point in 2021, and Westchester County has access to low-cost, environmentally friendly options that do not pose a threat to our communities. Protecting Our Neighborhoods Jenkins joined with leaders across the country to express concern about proposed changes to the 2026 Census Test. Reducing the number of test sites and excluding neighborhoods with significant Hispanic populations would lead to an undercount with serious consequences, affecting the distribution of federal funding and reducing the resources we deserve. Mental Health Safety Net Clinic Opens in White Plains Westchester County has officially opened the doors to a new Mental Health Safety Net Clinic in White Plains, restoring the County’s direct role in providing outpatient behavioral health services. This state-of-the-art facility will expand the County’s capacity to address service gaps, reduce waitlists, and respond to the growing demand for mental health care in Westchester County. Meet Me at the Dragon Coaster The countdown is officially on! Westchester County is preparing to welcome guests back for another unforgettable summer at Playland Park – with classic thrills, family fun and the legendary magic that has defined generations of Westchester memories. A preseason opening will be held May 16 and 17, with a grand opening ceremony planned for Saturday, May 23. I’ll meet you at the Dragon Coaster! Westchester Raises Irish Flag Irish eyes were smiling at the County’s annual Irish Heritage Month Celebration. Watch this video in case you missed it. Listen to our Weekly Podcast

Hits: 139

ACRED HEART UNIVERSITY NEWS 

Contacts: Kim Swartz, 203-396-8047, swartzk2@sacredheart.edu 

For Immediate Release 

March 11, 2026 

MAJORITY OF AMERICANS SAY SPORTS BETTING THREATENS COLLEGE BASKETBALL INTEGRITY, NEW NATIONAL POLL FINDS

Latest Sacred Heart and GreatBlue Research poll says 63% concerned college athletes may feel pressure from gambling activity 

FAIRFIELD, Conn.—As March Madness approaches, a new, annual national poll from Sacred Heart University in partnership with GreatBlue Research finds widespread concern about the expanding influence of sports gambling on college athletics. A majority of Americans believe sports betting is affecting the integrity of college basketball, and nearly two-thirds worry college athletes may face pressure tied to betting activity surrounding their games. 

According to the 2026 Sacred Heart University Nationwide Sports Gambling Poll: 

·       56.9% of Americans say sports gambling affects the integrity of college basketball either “significantly” or “somewhat” 

·       63.2% say they are at least “somewhat concerned” that college athletes may be pressured by gambling activity 

·       51.2% believe college students are at higher risk for problematic gambling behavior compared to the general population 

The findings highlight deepening public unease at the intersection of legalized sports betting and amateur athletics, particularly during high-visibility tournaments such as the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball championships. 

“College athletics occupy a unique place in American sports culture,” said Andrew Miller, director of SHU’s sports communication & media graduate program. “Americans may accept legalized sports betting overall, but they clearly feel differently when the pressures associated with gambling reach student-athletes.” 

Concerns Strongest Among Older Americans 
Concern about athlete pressure increases with age. Nearly seven in ten Americans age 55 and older (69.0%) say they are concerned that college athletes may face gambling-related pressure, compared to roughly six in ten adults under 55. 

Similarly, belief that college students face elevated risk for problematic gambling behavior is highest among older respondents, suggesting a generational divide over the speed at which sports gambling has expanded around college campuses. 

Acceptance of Betting Does Not Eliminate Integrity Concerns 
The college findings come amid broader normalization of sports gambling nationwide. A majority of Americans believe sports gambling is becoming more socially acceptable, and more than half support legalization nationwide. 

Yet the poll suggests Americans draw distinctions between professional sports and college athletics, particularly when student well-being and competitive integrity are involved. 

“Americans increasingly accept legalized sports betting, but this poll shows they remain uneasy when gambling intersects with college athletics,” said Josh Shuart, program director and professor for SHU’s sport management program. “The concern isn’t just about the games themselves, it’s also about the pressure that betting activity could place on student-athletes and the potential impact on the integrity of competition.” 

View the full poll results  

About the Poll 
The Sacred Heart University 2026 Nationwide Sports Gambling Poll was conducted February 2–5, 2026, among 1,500 U.S. adults. The survey has a margin of error of +/- 2.43% at a 95% confidence level. The sample was weighted according to age, gender, and U.S. Census region.