Author: Gunner Quinn
Several states offer specific days in which there is no sales tax on firearms and ammunition. The so-called “tax-free holidays” can mean significant savings. Many take place just as sportsmen are getting ready for opening day, however a hunting license isn’t usually required to qualify. This year Florida has added a new twist—its special “Day” lasts from September 8 to December 31. When Florida passed its annual budget in June, it was trimmed, and some savings are being passed onto residents. For example, its annual “tax holiday” on items ideally suited for hurricane preparedness, traditionally only several weeks long, became…
The Second Amendment, often at the center of America’s gun control debates, is scrutinized in the wake of renewed calls for stricter gun laws following tragic incidents like the Parkland shooting. Scholars argue that the real obstacle to effective gun regulation is not the constitutional right to bear arms, but rather a persistent lack of political will among lawmakers to enact meaningful change. This notion underscores the significant evolution in firearm technology over the last 227 years, as noted in discussions surrounding the adaptation of legislation to address contemporary concerns. While firearms have transformed dramatically, many advocates emphasize that legislative…
The first judicial examination of Second Amendment sanctuary laws is unfolding in Columbia County, Oregon, where local officials aim to ban police from enforcing specific state and federal gun regulations. Notably, the measure, approved narrowly by voters, could impose fines for enforcement violations and has elicited both support and opposition within the community, underscoring a deep divide on gun rights and safety measures. As the case progresses, legal experts note it is the first of its kind in the U.S., with implications that may extend beyond Oregon. Advocates, including the group Everytown for Gun Safety, claim the ordinance contradicts constitutional…
In an increasingly interconnected world, the security of critical infrastructure, particularly power grids, is paramount. While geopolitical tensions often dominate headlines, there are some extremely concerning threats that aren’t getting as much play as they should: the potential for foreign actors to exploit vulnerabilities in seemingly innocuous imported components. In the essay, we’re going to chat about some recently uncovered instances of undisclosed communication devices embedded in critical infrastructure components, such as solar inverters and port cranes, highlighting the severe risks these “backdoors” pose to national security and even you as a private citizen (prepper or not). We’re also going…
Police officers in Speke uncover two handguns and a substantial amount of drugs during a raid sparked by the smell of cannabis. The discovery follows the arrest of a 40-year-old woman on suspicion of possessing criminal property, with police finding thousands of pounds in cash hidden within the residence. During the operation, a passerby with a strong cannabis odor prompted further investigation at a nearby property, leading to the recovery of additional drugs, including suspected cocaine, along with two firearms stashed in the loft. Police have arrested a 35-year-old man for multiple offenses related to drug trafficking and illegal firearms…
On July 20, 1793, Scottish explorer Alexander Mackenzie completed the first European east-to-west crossing of America north of Mexico. Here is a quote from his biography: “Emigrating at a young age from his native Scotland, Mackenzie began working for a trading company aligned with the North West Company, the big rival to the Hudson Bay Company. In 1788 Mackenzie travelled to and later took charge of a trading port at Lake Athabasca (in modern Alberta). Tasked with discovering a river route to the Pacific Ocean, Mackenzie set out in 1789 and became the first to traverse what is now called…
An Odessa couple, Eddie Perdue, 40, and Lluvia Gonzalez, 23, faces multiple charges after police uncover a significant stash of Fentanyl during a drug bust on Thursday. Following an investigation into the distribution of Fentanyl-laced pills, detectives observed suspicious activity at their trailer, leading to their arrest after a traffic stop revealed illicit substances and stolen firearms. The operation resulted in the recovery of approximately 13.3 grams of Fentanyl and a second stolen firearm linked to Perdue. Both suspects are facing serious charges, including manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, with Perdue’s bond set at $130,000 and Gonzalez’s at…
Residents in southwest Seattle express frustration as encampments re-emerge in areas recently cleared by city efforts, leading to heightened concerns about associated crime and drug activity. Diane Radischat, a local advocate, emphasizes the distress of neighbors living near clusters of RVs, where reports indicate a steady influx of drug-related incidents, including an operation involving stolen goods and drugs that overwhelmed a local camp. Seattle police recently dismantled a camp, recovering significant quantities of drugs and firearms, further alarming residents like Radischat. As the community seeks solutions, they are questioning the city’s commitment to address these issues, particularly after a judge’s…
In a significant move, President Trump issues a blanket pardon for individuals convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riots, stirring legal and historical debates about clemency in the face of insurrection. This decision draws parallels to early American history, where figures like John Hancock and George Washington granted pardons during violent tax revolts, raising questions about justice and political motivations. Among those pardoned are individuals convicted of serious charges, including seditious conspiracy, echoing the complexity of addressing due process violations that some rioters claim to have faced during their pre-trial confinement. This bold action has reignited discussions about…
A masked armed robber carjacks a driver outside a donut shop in Grapevine early Saturday, opting for the victim’s blue 2023 Dodge Challenger GT at gunpoint around 5:30 a.m. The car, which features Texas license plate TVK 8987, was stolen in the parking lot of a shop located on Glade Road, prompting an urgent search by local authorities. Police describe the suspect as a muscular Hispanic male about 5 feet 6 inches tall, dressed in dark clothing when the crime occurred. Investigators, leveraging surveillance footage, believe the suspect may still be in the nearby Euless or Mid-Cities area. Anyone with…