Diane Coleman Inducted Into New York State Disability Rights Hall of Fame, Class of 2025

Sunday, December 7, 2025

In collaboration with the 2025 New York Association on Independent Living’s (NYAIL) statewide conference, the New York State Independent Living Council (NYSILC) held its sixth New York State Disability Rights Hall of Fame awards ceremony and dinner, and Not Dead Yet’s Founder and CEO, Diane Coleman, [pictured right] was the first of the night to be honored with a posthumous award “For lifelong achievements which positively impact people with disabilities in society.”

For those who couldn’t attend the awards ceremony and dinner, the Patients Rights Action Fund’s (PRAF) Executive Director, Matt Vallière, and NDY’s Executive Director, Ian McIntosh, accepted the award on behalf of Diane Coleman who passed away suddenly, last November 1, 2024.

Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia

Thursday, December 4, 2025

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul [pictured left] wants to add a requirement that people videotape their requests for physician-assisted deaths, one of several conditions she’s put forward to sign the hotly debated Medical Aid in Dying Act.  

The Democratic governor proposed the amendments to the Legislature late last month, according to two people briefed on the negotiations but not authorized to speak publicly about them. Talks are ongoing, the people said.

The amendments are Hochul’s first foray into the wrenching debate over the topic, which has prompted lawmakers to share personal stories that touch on religious faith, individual liberty and their own experience caring for dying loved ones.

New York Porch Pirates

Fourteen men have been arrested in connection with a large-scale “porch pirate” operation in Long Island, New York, in which authorities say the group targeted 31 communities over the course of nearly two years. The ring allegedly focused on areas including Brentwood, Central Islip, Shirley, and Deer Park. Investigators tracked the thefts from October 2023 through February 2025 until the operation was dismantled.

Most of the suspects are reportedly from the Bronx. Authorities say they hacked into computer systems to track when phones and electronics were scheduled for delivery to AT&T and Verizon customers. The group then dispatched runners to steal the packages from doorsteps. More than 200 cellphones and tablets were allegedly stolen during the operation.

"They were gaining access to the tracking numbers as well as the deliveries, and through that they could tell which would be an electronic device from AT&T and Verizon," Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said, according to CBS News.

NYPD Officer Leaps Into Freezing River to Save Teenage Girl from Drowning

 By Emma Bussey Fox News, 

In a statement, the NYPD said: "When it came to saving a life, our officers had no hesitation. 32nd Precinct officers saw a woman in the East River and jumped into the frigid water to pull her to safety."

Reflecting on the rescue, Officer Gupta told the Post:

"I’m just glad that we were all there as a group. It was a team effort that gave her a second chance."  "It’s great when you save somebody. That’s what we signed up for in this job, right?" added Officer Amine.

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE #WALKAWAY CAMPAIGN

On the Election of Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City

Dear Patriots,

As the dust settles from last night’s election, we recognize a hard truth: New York City has chosen Zohran Mamdani, a radical socialist whose platform rejects the values of law, order, and freedom that built this city. This outcome is deeply disappointing, but we refuse to see it as a defeat.

Over the past weeks and months, the #WalkAway Campaign and our incredible community of patriots have poured our hearts into this fight. We spoke truth in the face of hostility. We rallied in the streets. We reached voters who had never heard another perspective. And in doing so, we planted seeds of courage and awareness that will continue to grow long after this election.

Our mission has never been about one candidate or one result; it’s about waking America up. It’s about empowering every citizen to think for themselves, reject extremism, and reclaim their voice.

So while New York may have taken a step in the wrong direction last night, we know the story isn’t over. This movement is alive. The spirit of freedom is burning brighter than ever. And we are more determined than ever to fight for truth, unity, and the American values we hold dear.

To everyone who stood beside us who volunteered, donated, prayed, and spoke up, thank you. You’ve proven that bravery and conviction still exist in this country.

This is not the end. This is the wake-up call.

And we will answer it.

With gratitude and resolve,

Brandon Straka

Founder, #WalkAway Campaign