On November 26th, 1716, a tamed African lion was exhibited for the first time in the American colonies by Captain Arthur Savage at his house on Brattle Street, in Boston, Massachusetts. — November 26th is the birthday of both gun inventor Eugene Reising (born 1884, died February 21, 1967) and the late Barton Biggs (born 1932, died July 14, 2012). Biggs was a money manager known for his pro-preparedness stance. — Today’s feature article is by JWR. — We have room for just one or two entries in Round 121 of the SurvivalBlog non-fiction writing contest. More than $970,000 worth…

Filmmakers Jessica Dimmock and Zackary Canepari explore the grim realities of school shootings in their new HBO documentary, “Thoughts & Prayers,” set to debut on November 18. The film documents how the active shooter preparedness industry, valued at $3 billion, affects students and educators, with Dimmock revealing that their 8-year-old daughter participates in active shooter drills without fully understanding their purpose. Canepari highlights a haunting takeaway from their six-year project: children are constantly aware of the threat of violence at school. The documentary combines real interviews with unsettling scenes that showcase the emotional toll of drills designed to prepare children…

During a recent press session, Vice President Kamala Harris encountered significant challenges when discussing strategies to reduce handgun violence, which is linked to a majority of homicides in the United States. Harris’s responses to questions about the high death toll from handguns compared to that of assault weapons sparked curiosity and concern among journalists and advocates alike. Handguns are responsible for over 60% of all gun-related deaths in the country, highlighting the urgent need for effective gun control measures. Harris’s struggle to articulate a clear stance on reducing handgun availability raises important questions about policy direction and the Biden administration’s…

A recent study highlights the complex relationship between gun ownership and public safety, suggesting that wider access to firearms might not always result in negative outcomes. Conducted by economists Michael D. Makowsky and Patrick L. Warren, the research explores historical gun control laws during the Jim Crow era in the southern U.S. and their relationship to incidents of lynching against Black individuals, finding that increased firearm access for this community correlated with reduced lynching cases. This paper underscores the importance of thorough cost-benefit analyses in current gun policy discussions. It reminds policymakers that while the visible costs of gun violence…

The father of a 5-year-old boy, who unintentionally shot himself while in court, shares the shocking details of the incident, highlighting the need for better gun safety practices. According to prosecutors, the firearm fell from the father’s pocket while the child was sleeping beside him, raising serious questions about handling firearms around children. This heart-wrenching event serves as a crucial reminder for parents and guardians about the importance of secure gun storage and proper safety measures. As debates over gun control continue, stories like this underscore the real, often tragic consequences of firearm accessibility in households with children. Read full…

As the deer gun hunting season kicks off on Monday, Ashtabula County is emerging as a potential hotspot for hunters across Ohio. Recent data indicates a notable trend where hunters are increasingly drawn to Northeast Ohio, suggesting a shift in hunting preferences that may redefine local traditions. With more hunters seeking prime locations, Ashtabula County is capturing attention as a likely contender for the most popular hunting destination this year. This change could impact local wildlife management and the economic landscape for the region, making it essential for enthusiasts to stay informed on this evolving hunting narrative. Read full story…

Eden Prairie’s state lawmakers convene a town hall to tackle the pressing issue of gun violence in Minnesota, drawing approximately 70 attendees. This event follows several high-profile tragedies, including the assassination of House Speaker Emeritus Melissa Hortman and a school shooting in Minneapolis that left two children dead. Lawmakers emphasize the need for stricter gun control measures, highlighting the emotional toll these events have on students and families in the community. During the discussion, local legislators advocate for various proposals including extreme risk protection orders and assault rifle bans, pointing to the need for comprehensive reforms to enhance public safety.…

Internal emails recently released by Senate Republicans indicate that special counsel Jack Smith’s team made several errors in drafting subpoenas for the phone records of Republican senators involved in the January 6 investigation. Notably, the documents reveal confusion between Senators Tim Scott and Rick Scott, leading to miscommunication within the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section as they sought these sensitive records. Critics of Smith’s operation, including Senators Chuck Grassley and Ron Johnson, argue that these mistakes exemplify broader issues with the special counsel’s approach, which they characterize as an overreach into congressional matters. The emails suggest a lack of due…

Vermont’s deer hunting season not only draws hunters but also serves a critical role in monitoring the state’s forest ecosystems. Each deer reported at designated locations contributes invaluable data, helping wildlife managers understand population dynamics and the overall health of their habitats. According to John Austin from Vermont Fish and Wildlife, this data set is one of the richest for deer populations nationwide, providing insights into nutrition and ecosystem balance based on measures like antler size and condition. As hunters engage with Vermont’s natural landscape, they participate in a long-standing tradition that supports science and conservation efforts. These efforts ensure…

A recent letter to the editor argues that Charlie Kirk’s death should not be celebrated as a hero’s sacrifice but viewed as a tragic statistic in the ongoing crisis of gun violence in the United States. With over 374 mass shootings reported this year alone, including 174 incidents in K-12 schools, the author highlights the increasing toll of gun-related deaths and how memorializing individuals in the context of these events impacts grieving families. The letter draws attention to Kirk’s controversial belief that a certain level of gun deaths is an acceptable cost to preserve Second Amendment rights. The author questions…