Douglas Ernst

Assange blasts DreamWorks’ biopic as ‘propaganda’

Julian Assange, the founder WikiLeaks who has been trapped in the Ecuadorian embassy in London for seven months trying to avoid extradition to Sweden over sexual assault allegations, now has another thing to be upset over: his biopic. Published January 25, 2013

Fox News opts not to renew Palin’s contract

Sarah Palin's 3.4 million Facebook followers will no longer be able to see the former Alaskan governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee on Fox News. The network has confirmed that her contract was not renewed on Friday. Published January 25, 2013

Gen. Dempsey hints: Bar likely lowered for female combat units

Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, made comments at a Pentagon press conference on Thursday that will undoubtedly be used by critics of the decision to open up combat roles to women. Published January 25, 2013

Accused Fort Hood shooter aims to escape death penalty

Maj. Nidal Hasan, the Army officer who is facing 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder for the 2009 Fort Hood shooting, now wants to avoid the death penalty, according to The Associated Press. Published January 25, 2013

Medicare improperly paid $120M to illegal immigrants, inmates

A new report by Health and Human Services, which concludes that illegal immigrants and prison inmates have received more than $120 million in Medicare services from 2009-2011, even though they are ineligible for the program. Published January 25, 2013

Love is blind: Alaskan husky sled dog helps blind brother lead the pack

In a sport where synchronization is the key to success, Gonzo is at a distinct disadvantage — he's blind. Luckily, his brother Poncho is there to help. Published January 25, 2013

Issa irked by John Kerry’s debt comments

During his confirmation hearing to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton as Secretary of State, John Kerry stressed that America needed to get its fiscal house in order for him to be able to do his job. Darrell Issa had some harsh words in response. Published January 25, 2013

Yankees captain Derek Jeter plays Captain Planet in Switzerland

New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter hasn't been making footprints during the off season, but he's now apparently concerned about his carbon footprint. Published January 24, 2013

ERNST: A view from the infantry

While most commentary has focused on the physical rigors demanded of men in combat roles, little has been mentioned about the sexual element that first sergeants and company commanders will now be forced to deal with. Anything that takes the focus of a fighting force away from the mission at hand is a liability. Published January 24, 2013

Harbaugh parents pranked — by son John

Most parents would cringe if they were accused of loving one child more than the other. The parents of Super Bowl XLVII contenders Jim and John Harbaugh of the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens were asked to answer the charge for a national audience. Published January 24, 2013