West Virginia communities rally to honor U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who tragically died, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, who remains in critical condition following a shooting in Washington, D.C. The two soldiers were deployed as part of an initiative aimed at enhancing public safety in the capital, drawing deep respect from state officials and residents alike. Governor Patrick Morrisey urges West Virginians to observe a statewide moment of silence in remembrance, while plans are underway for candlelight vigils to celebrate Beckstrom’s life and service. Beckstrom, who joined the National Guard shortly after high school,…

Ohio’s updated hunting regulations, which now allow the use of straight-walled rifle cartridges, are contributing to a remarkable decline in hunting accidents. Since implementing these changes over a decade ago, hunting accidents have dropped as hunters have embraced the accuracy and consistency of modern firearm options, with straight-walled cartridges being the preferred choice in the 2024-25 season, accounting for 32% of all deer harvested. The shift from traditional shotguns to these cartridges not only enhances hunting safety but also reflects changing preferences among hunters. In fact, the number of deer taken with handguns has plummeted to less than 1%, while…

Natalie Gee, a leading contender for the Sunset District supervisor seat in San Francisco, advocates for a controversial ban on police officers carrying guns. As discussions about public safety and police reform intensify, her position stands out in a city grappling with crime and policing challenges. Gee’s advocacy raises significant questions about the future of law enforcement in the region, especially in a time when community demands for accountability and change are at the forefront. Supporters argue that her proposals could reshape the dynamic between police and residents, prompting further debate on the effectiveness of traditional policing methods. Read full…

Shown here with a TOPS Apache Falcon knife, Linos Sheathworks’ custom Kydex sheaths are available to fit a wide variety of popular fixed-blade and folding knife models from other major brands—all without the need to ship the host knife to the company. Designs include both foldover (taco) and sandwich (pancake) styles along with options such as dangler attachments, ferro rod holders and a variety of belt fasteners such as those from Spyderco, Blade-Tech and UltiClip. Linos uses quality Kydex thermoplastic material in a variety of colors and patterns, mostly in 0.080″-thickness, although 0.093″ material is used for larger knives. The…

As the patent protections expire on popular firearm designs, the door is opened for other manufacturers to offer their take on a popular gun. Two cases in point are Colt’s M1911 and AR-15, and the proliferation of companies making some version of each. For the 21st century, the “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em” firearm is the Glock 9 mm pistol. TriStar Arms is throwing its hat into that ring with the new-for-2025 APOC. The TriStar APOC offers Glock compatibility and affordability in an affordable package. The APOC is a striker-fired, polymer-frame, semi-automatic pistol chambered in 9 mm manufactured…

The U.S. Army Rangers have relied on a unique blend of firearms that have evolved from the classic M16 rifles used in Vietnam to advanced modern battle rifles. This article delves into the most trusted guns of the Rangers, highlighting how these weapons not only reflect innovation in military technology but also underscore the strategic shift in combat tactics over decades. Among the featured firearms are the Barrett M107 sniper rifle, known for its impressive 1,850-foot effective range, and the Browning M2 heavy machine gun, which has been in service since 1921. The detailed exploration of each weapon, including its…

Following several national debt defaults (in 1557, 1575, and 1596), on November 29, 1596, King Philip II of Spain ordered the devaluation of the country’s silver coinage.  This included the famed Spanish Ocho Reales de Plata (“Pieces of Eight”) silver coin. By the 1630s, most coin mintings had 20 to 30% less silver than previously required. This debasement, combined with their sovereign debt, eventually led to the decline of the Spanish empire. — On November 29, 1890, the first US Army – US Navy football game was played, at West Point. The score: Navy 24, Army 0. — Today is…

The tragic shooting in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two adults lost their lives, has intensified discussions about the complexities of U.S. gun laws. Despite numerous calls for reform, attempts to restrict gun ownership face significant obstacles due to the Second Amendment and the powerful influence of pro-gun advocacy groups, such as the National Rifle Association (NRA). The federal Gun Control Act of 1968 outlines who can purchase firearms, but loopholes exist, particularly with sales over the internet. Texas, which has enacted laws easing gun access, does not have a “red flag” law that might prevent individuals deemed dangerous…

Texas Governor Greg Abbott rejects President Biden’s calls for stricter gun control, arguing that cities like Chicago and New York, with stringent regulations, continue to experience high rates of gun violence. He emphasizes that Texas, despite its more relaxed gun laws, sees less frequent mass shootings compared to these urban centers, suggesting that increased regulations are not an effective solution to the issue. During recent discussions, Abbott pointed out that the statistics do not support the notion that more laws equate to more safety. His remarks come amid ongoing debates about gun legislation in the wake of recurrent mass shootings…

Gun control advocates and members of the far-right Proud Boys group confront each other outside the NRA’s annual conference in Houston, escalating tensions just four days after a devastating school shooting in Texas. Local law enforcement intervenes to manage the escalating situation as both sides express their entrenched views on gun rights and regulation. This clash highlights the persistent divide in American society regarding gun control, particularly in the aftermath of tragic incidents involving firearms. With the backdrop of an NRA event, the protest underscores the ongoing national debate about the Second Amendment and public safety, sparking interest and concern…