Author: Karen Givens

Dallas County’s decision to adopt paper ballots drew quick public recognition from President Trump, who framed the move as proof that common-sense changes can strengthen confidence in elections. Supporters argue paper ballots create an auditable trail and reduce the kinds of disputes that swirled after recent elections. That momentum is now part of a broader push to curb mass mail voting and shift away from digital-only counting systems. Republicans say paper ballots are simple and resilient, and they point to basic security benefits like physical records and straightforward recounts. Paper records are something voters, poll workers, and independent auditors can…

A recent study has prompted fresh caution about handing smartphones to children, highlighting possible connections between early device use and several developmental and behavioral concerns. A new study serves as a sobering warning to parents to avoid giving smartphones to their kids until absolutely necessary. That sentence captures the central takeaway researchers are sharing as they track device exposure and child outcomes. Parents and caregivers are being asked to think twice about timing and supervision when smartphones enter a child’s life. The question isn’t whether devices are useful, but when their costs outweigh the benefits. Researchers point to patterns rather…

Electric vehicle interest cooled as generous tax credits expired, sparking buyer hesitation and market shifts. Americans were already feeling uneasy about purchasing an electric vehicle. Then the generous tax subsidies ended. That combination changed the calculus for many shoppers who had been counting on big rebates and credits to offset sticker shock, and automakers and dealers felt the shift immediately. Prices for new EVs stayed high even as demand softened, which exposed a core tension: the cars still cost more to buy upfront than many conventional options. Consumers look at total outlays, not future savings, and when a promised subsidy…

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer said three of his New York offices were targeted with bomb threats in email with the subject line “MAGA.” Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer has reported that three of his New York offices received bomb threats sent through email, each bearing the subject line “MAGA.” The claim itself is stark and demands swift attention from those in charge of public safety and law enforcement. Threats against public servants and their staffs are unacceptable and must be treated seriously. From a Republican viewpoint, there is zero tolerance for politically motivated threats or intimidation, regardless…

Representative Smith’s decision to approve those subpoenas ignored the clearly established rights of congressional Republicans and set off legal and institutional alarms about fairness, precedent, and the balance of oversight in Washington. Smith never should have approved the subpoenas since they violated the congressional Republicans’ clearly established rights. That single move has become a flashpoint for concerns about how the majority treats minority participation in oversight. Republicans see this not as a procedural slip but as a pattern that undermines basic expectations of fairness in Congress. The constitutional foundation for congressional rights is longstanding and not negotiable because one party…

House Speaker Mike Johnson made a direct play to boost Republican Mat Van Epps by calling voters and encouraging support in a race where every turnout push matters. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to personally call voters on Monday to rally support for Mat Van Epps is a clear, hands-on move from national GOP leadership. It shows the party is treating this contest as strategically important and willing to invest high-profile time and effort. For Republicans, a phone call from the Speaker is both a signal and a boost that can mobilize donors, volunteers, and local activists. From a Republican…

A new documentary and newly surfaced documents claim top California officials failed to act during a deadly wildfire, and footage plus legal discovery are fueling the controversy. The film in question is titled Paradise Abandoned and it accuses Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of inaction during a major fire that consumed parts of the Pacific Palisades. A preview of the documentary is available as an embedded video inside this article, and the story has picked up steam after independent reporting and documents surfaced. The debate now centers on whether political decisions and operational choices left neighborhoods…

College football fever meets institutional reality in the Lane Kiffin episode, showing how personal ambition collides with public duty and why organizations, from universities to government, respond when loyalties shift. Fans of the SEC know “It Just Means More” isn’t just a slogan; it’s how football becomes identity in the South. The Lane Kiffin situation captured that intensity because it combined high stakes, big money, and public emotion. That mix makes every move look personal, even when it’s a business decision. Kiffin’s jump for a raise and a new seat isn’t shocking in itself; people take better jobs all the…

In late October, the House Oversight Committee urged the Justice Department to investigate executive actions taken by President Joe Biden’s (D) administration, stating that some orders were issued without his explicit approval, and the report alleged some of Biden’s aides may have used the autopen to sign off on some of the actions without him knowing about it. The timing of the committee’s request landed in late October and instantly raised questions about how executive power is being exercised and documented. Republicans on the committee argued this was not just a paperwork problem but a governance problem that touches on…

The Metropolitan Police Department is enforcing temporary juvenile curfew zones in the U Street Corridor and at Navy Yard this weekend to prevent youth rowdiness, with extra patrols and targeted enforcement meant to reduce disruptive behavior and keep public spaces safer for nearby residents and visitors. The Metropolitan Police Department is enforcing temporary juvenile curfew zones in the U Street Corridor and at Navy Yard this weekend to prevent youth rowdiness. Officers will be visible in those specific areas, focusing on deterring large groups and interventions when needed. Community members can expect a heightened police presence during the designated period.…