Author: Darnell Thompkins

A hard-left candidate’s past posts and comments on American holidays and 9/11 have ignited a heated debate in Queens about patriotism, representation, and what values a local lawmaker should defend. Aber Kawas, a 33-year-old Palestinian-American activist, is running for the 34th District Assembly seat in Queens and her resurfaced remarks from a decade ago are drawing sharp criticism. Born in Brooklyn and recently moved to Queens, Kawas’ social media and writings from 2015 describe federal holidays as instruments of suppression rather than shared civic moments. Her past words are now being examined closely by voters and opponents as she seeks…

New York’s governor announced last week that she will sign a bill legalizing medically assisted suicide for adults with a terminal illness; this move raises immediate questions about safeguards, medical roles, and the protection of vulnerable people. New York Gov. Hochul announced last week that she will sign a bill legalizing medically assisted suicide for adults with a terminal illness. That single line changes the legal landscape and forces a political and moral debate on how society treats the dying. As Republicans, we worry about how the law will be applied, who will be pressured, and what message it sends…

Former President Joe Biden’s Christmas Eve family photo drew sharp reactions after its odd composition, with Hunter Biden prominently centered while the former president appears partially hidden behind his wife, prompting online debate about optics, family dynamics, and public accountability. The image, shared on Christmas Eve, shows the Biden clan posed before a heavily decorated tree, but one detail dominated the conversation: Hunter Biden stands front and center while Joe Biden appears tucked behind his wife, Jill, with her head partially obscuring his face. The photograph arrived with a short holiday message, “Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Christmas Eve…

This piece breaks down practical, no-nonsense ways to load a dishwasher so you get cleaner dishes, fewer surprises, and less time fussing over the sink. Start by thinking about water flow and space, not just squeezing everything in. Aim to keep items from nesting together so spray can reach all surfaces, and pay attention to the path of the spray arms. Overcrowding is the number one reason cycles fail to clean well. Place glasses and lightweight plastics on the top rack where heat and pressure are gentler, and put heavy pots and pans on the bottom rack where jets are…

The Heritage Foundation moved fast to refill roles left by departing scholars and staffers, signaling confidence as it navigates recent defections to a rival conservative organization while underscoring its enduring policy influence. The Heritage Foundation wasted no time filling some of the vacancies left by departing scholars and staffers, and leadership framed the transitions as part of normal organizational evolution rather than a crisis. The tone from the top has been upbeat, stressing mission continuity and the group’s record on policy victories. That confidence comes as it absorbs fresh recruits and reorganizes teams to keep policy work on track. Staff…

A compact look at classic films and vintage TV to watch during the quiet days between Christmas and New Year’s, with straightforward ideas for comfortable viewing. If you like the slow rhythm of holiday downtime, older films and TV series deliver a familiar, comforting beat that modern releases often skip. Many titles from past decades age well because they focus on character and atmosphere instead of constant spectacle. This piece walks through simple ways to pick and enjoy those classics when you have a few consecutive nights at home. Start by thinking about mood rather than genre, because the week…

A federal move to restrict certain gender-related treatments for minors has sparked a 19-state plus D.C. legal challenge, with sharp accusations on both sides about medical authority, federal power, and the welfare of children. On Tuesday, 19 states and the District of Columbia filed suit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services after Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. issued a declaration targeting gender-transitioning medical interventions for minors. The coalition, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, says the declaration oversteps federal authority and undermines the patient-doctor relationship. From a conservative angle, the HHS action reads like a…

A Turkish investigation is underway after a fatal jet crash that killed eight people, including the military chief of western Libya, with black box recordings now being examined. “Experts have started the analysis of the black boxes recovered from a jet crash in Turkey that killed eight people, including western Libya’s military chief, the Turkish defense ministry said Thu” sums up the immediate development as authorities move from recovery to technical examination. Turkish officials have taken custody of the flight recorders and shifted the focus to understanding what the machines logged before impact. The statement confirms both the human toll…

Former senator Ben Sasse announced on December 23, 2025 that he has metastasized stage-four pancreatic cancer, a diagnosis he candidly described as a death sentence; the news has prompted public reflection on faith, family, and the fight for affordable access to advanced treatments like immunotherapy. On Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Sasse went public with the diagnosis, stating the grim medical reality without softening the language. He said the cancer is metastasized stage-four pancreatic disease and did not shy away from calling it a death sentence. That bluntness caught attention across the country, especially among people watching health care costs rise.…

Telluride, one of the best-known ski resorts in the Western U.S., plans to close in the coming days due to a labor dispute between its owner and the ski patrol union. This closure notice lands like a cold front for visitors and locals alike. The dispute pits resort management against the ski patrol union over terms that neither side has publicly resolved. With patrol staff central to safe operations, the calendar is suddenly uncertain for anyone with plans to hit the slopes. Ski patrols are more than flaggers; they handle avalanche control, emergency response, and daily safety sweeps that regulators…