Ten states, spurred by rising gun violence, have passed new laws to make it easier to sue firearm manufacturers and sellers, challenging two decades of federal immunity granted by the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. Connecticut’s latest law, which took effect this month, allows lawsuits against gun companies if they fail to prevent firearms from reaching prohibited individuals, marking a significant shift in accountability within the gun industry. These legislative changes come amid a flurry of lawsuits against gun makers, with advocates arguing that they compel manufacturers to operate more responsibly and help prevent future tragedies. Notably, legal…

I can’t run trail cameras in a lot of the places I hunt. I love that, but I also love running a whole bunch of cameras to try to decipher deer movement from year to year on specific properties. This latter tactic was a big part of my fall this year, and I noticed something that has led me to more questions than answers.On the surface, this is not the best reflection on cameras in general. After all, shouldn’t they just tell us where and when deer move, and we can call that good enough? Well, they do that. But…

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has signed a law that prohibits state and local law enforcement from enforcing federal gun bans, a move he claims is necessary to protect Second Amendment rights. This legislation reflects growing tensions between state and federal authorities over gun control, especially in the context of President Biden’s ongoing push for reform. Under this new law, Montana aims to assert its stance against federal regulations regarding firearms, ammunition, and magazines. Gianforte’s action signals a significant shift in the state’s policies towards federal gun laws, drawing attention to the broader national debate surrounding gun rights and regulation. Read…

The new Netflix documentary “All the Empty Rooms” explores the poignant reality of children killed by gun violence and the lasting absence felt by their families. CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman takes viewers into the untouched bedrooms of these children, emphasizing the deep emotional spaces that remain in their wake. With personal narratives interwoven throughout, the film not only sheds light on the aftermath of such tragedies but also aims to foster a critical dialogue about gun violence in America. By spotlighting these intimate settings, “All the Empty Rooms” invites audiences to reflect on the devastating impact of losing a…

The world’s largest arms manufacturers report a 5.9% surge in revenue last year, reaching an unprecedented total of $679 billion. This increase is largely attributed to heightened demand resulting from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as escalating military budgets across various nations. Among the notable gains, European companies witnessed a 13% rise in collective income, while U.S. firms, including Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics, contributed significantly despite facing delays in major projects. A report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute highlights that domestic needs, particularly in Russia, have bolstered arms revenue amid international sanctions, while issues…

A research team has captured rare footage of Bigg’s killer whales in Puget Sound quietly stalking sea birds in a shallow cove, showcasing behavior that appears to be more about practice than predation. This unique behavior was observed while researchers sought to record the vocalizations of the whales; they instead witnessed an intriguing scene where several whales stirred up mud while another attempted to sneak up on a group of loons and scoters. According to the Orca Behavior Institute, this stalking is not considered hunting but rather a form of target practice to refine their skills. Unlike their endangered southern…

Chainsaws are wonderful tools for wood cutting. But chainsaws are not perfect. Chainsaws are heavy. Chainsaws are noisy. Chainsaws require supplies of fuel and bar oil. These limitations can be problematic during field use. The Silky KatanaBoy Professional 700 presents an outstanding manual alternative to chainsaws for cutting trees and branches up to 14 inches in diameter. The saw is light and compact, weighing just four pounds and folding to a length of 33 inches. It creates so little noise that hearing protection is not required. It requires no supplies except the muscles of its user. And it uses those…

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We’ve announced the winners of Round 121 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. Note to the top three prize winners: Please contact me and let me know your UPS and USPS address(es), for your prizes. Thanks. – JWR The top three prize winners will each receive some great prize packages. The winners for Round 120 are… First Prize Winner: First Prize goes to  The Chemical Engineer, for Loaves, Fishes, Tree Bark, Seeds, and Knowledge. See: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7, and Part 8. It was posted October 20-27, 2025. He will…

A top Ukrainian defense executive warns that Western militaries may be misjudging their approach to weaponry in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Serhiy Goncharov, CEO of the National Association of Ukrainian Defense Industries, argues that while advanced systems like the U.S. M982 Excalibur guided shell are impressive, their high cost and limited numbers hinder effectiveness in a war defined by attrition. He emphasizes that quantity matters more than quality in prolonged engagements, stating, “You do not need 10 Archers…Instead, you need 200 cheaper howitzers.” As the war stresses Ukraine’s supply lines, the need for reliable, mass-produced arms becomes increasingly evident. The…