Licensed gun dealers in Iowa, like Kemlin Hart of Hart Brothers, are not seeing a significant increase in business despite new legislation. While the new law allows 18 to 20-year-olds to own and carry firearms and buy them through private sales, they still cannot purchase guns from licensed dealers due to federal regulations. This creates potential complications for dealers as they navigate the legality of family members gifting firearms to this age group, potentially triggering concerns about straw purchasing. Hart anticipates that the new law aims to allow immediate family members to gift or sell firearms to those aged 18 to 20, provided it is not part of a straw purchase.
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Senate rulekeeper deals blows to revised ‘Big, beautiful bill’ – well, that’s a headline that certainly sets the stage, doesn’t it? It seems the meticulously crafted – or perhaps, the hastily assembled – plans for this “Big, beautiful bill” are hitting some unexpected turbulence. The Senate’s rulekeeper, the Parliamentarian, is wielding their power and striking down provisions that don’t quite align with the established rules of the game. It’s a fascinating – and often frustrating – process to watch unfold.
The core of the issue seems to be with provisions specifically added to benefit Alaska and Hawaii, particularly concerning Medicaid payments.… Continue reading
Zohran Mamdani, the presumptive Democratic nominee for New York City mayor, declined to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada” on a recent interview, stating that he does not believe the role of the mayor is to police speech. Although he acknowledged hearing concerns from Jewish New Yorkers about the phrase, Mamdani emphasized his commitment to increasing funding for anti-hate crime programs. He further explained that his focus is on showcasing his vision for the city through his words and actions, rather than explicitly condemning specific language. Mamdani also addressed comments made by former President Donald Trump, clarifying that he is not a communist.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi refuted Russian justifications for the war in Ukraine, highlighting that the claims of NATO expansion being a threat contradict President Putin’s own statements from 2004. At that time, Putin welcomed NATO enlargement and expressed hope it would strengthen trust. Tykhyi accuses Putin of rewriting history to justify his aggression. He emphasized that NATO expansion has never threatened Russia; instead, it has denied Moscow the ability to conquer sovereign European nations.
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Multiple firefighters were shot while responding to a brush fire in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, prompting a shelter-in-place order and area avoidance. Law enforcement from various jurisdictions are on the scene, and fire suppression efforts have been halted. Idaho Governor Brad Little condemned the attack, calling it a direct assault on firefighters. The incident occurred in the Canfield Mountain Natural Area, a park with hiking and biking trails.
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Enid Rodriguez, a North Carolina resident, highlights the critical impact Medicaid expansion has had on her health and access to care. The article then explains that proposed cuts to Medicaid in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” threaten coverage for millions, including North Carolinians like Rodriguez. Republican efforts to downsize Medicaid, despite its popularity, could lead to significant coverage losses and negatively impact healthcare providers, particularly in rural areas. While some Republicans have expressed concerns, the potential cuts could still be substantial and could have a wide-reaching impact.
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President Trump stated he would withhold funding from New York City if Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, becomes mayor. Trump labeled Mamdani a “pure communist” and claimed he would be detrimental to the city. Mamdani responded on Meet the Press, denying the communist label and emphasizing his focus on working-class issues and advocating for a fairer distribution of wealth. Mamdani also addressed the controversial phrase “globalize the intifada,” stating he does not use the language, but understands and is working to address the concerns of Jewish New Yorkers through increased funding for anti-hate crime programs.
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The League of Social Democrats, one of Hong Kong’s last major pro-democracy parties, announced its disbandment on Sunday due to immense pressure and the pervasiveness of “red lines.” This decision follows careful deliberation, aimed at averting “consequences” for its members, and arrives just days before the fifth anniversary of the Beijing-imposed national security law. The party, known for its street protests and founded nearly two decades ago, cited the erosion of civil society and suppression of dissent, with its leadership having faced imprisonment and its bank accounts being closed. With the majority of Hong Kong’s political opposition either detained or having fled, the party’s vice-chairman believes it is no longer safe to run a political party, and that the political rights have almost totally disappeared in Hong Kong.
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Europe is enduring a relentless heatwave, prompting health warnings across numerous countries. Southern Spain is experiencing the most extreme temperatures, with El Granado recording a new June heat record of 46C. Italy and Portugal are grappling with a surge in heatstroke cases, particularly among vulnerable populations. The western Balkans are also significantly affected, with Serbia and Slovenia registering record-high temperatures for their respective recording periods.
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Canada, Europeans, and Brazil, not the US, issued statements backing LGBT rights. It’s striking, isn’t it? The contrast highlights a significant shift in the global landscape of human rights, where the United States, a country often perceived as a leader in these areas, seems to be lagging behind. It’s a stark illustration of how different nations prioritize, or perhaps don’t prioritize, the protection and advancement of LGBT rights. It feels almost… backwards. The speed at which some of these shifts occur can be unsettling.
The reasons behind this divergence are complex. Some observers attribute it to a form of theocratic influence taking hold, where certain religious viewpoints heavily influence political decisions.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood