Author: Georgia McKoy

Kamala Harris has shifted her stance on banning plastic straws, a policy she previously supported.  At a CNN town hall meeting in 2019, she advocated for the ban, stating, “We do need to ban the plastic straws.” This marked a clear support for environmental initiatives targeting everyday items contributing to pollution. Straw Policy: A New Direction Source: Brian Yurasits/Unsplash Times are changing, and so is the Harris campaign’s stance on environmental matters. Once a proponent of banning plastic straws, the campaign now states Harris is not in favor of such a ban.  It’s a significant pivot, hinting at a new…

After more than a century, the gray wolf has made a notable return to California.  According to Axel Hunnicutt, the state’s gray wolf coordinator, the population has grown significantly, with at least 44 wolves now confirmed across the region. This year has been particularly fruitful with a record-breaking 30 new pups reported. Spreading Their Paws Source: Wikimedia Commons It’s an extraordinary time for gray wolves here, showing the largest growth spurt in a century. Seven distinct packs are now calling parts of nine different counties their home.  That’s a notable spread for a species that was once a whisper from…

A recent ruling by an appeals court has granted Hawaii the authority to prohibit firearms on its beaches.  The decision reflects a significant move towards increasing public safety in leisure environments, marking a pivotal moment in local gun control measures. Extensive Gun Bans Upheld in California and Hawaii Source: Documerica/Unsplash The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed that California and Hawaii can enforce gun bans in various public locations including bars, parks, and additional venues such as casinos, libraries, zoos, stadiums, and museums. This ruling applies to the associated parking lots as well, broadening the scope of the…

U.S. intelligence officials announced on Friday that Russia is increasing its efforts to interfere in the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election.  The aim is specifically to support Donald Trump against Kamala Harris, utilizing a range of sophisticated techniques. These methods reportedly include both unwitting and “witting” American individuals, with an eye also on influencing down-ballot elections. Multi-National Interference Briefing Source: Wikimedia Commons During a 75-minute briefing, senior officials from the U.S. agencies tasked with combating interference from countries like Russia, Iran, and China provided updates on these efforts.  While discussing classified matters, they refrained from detailing which Americans might be…

JD Vance, during an interview with Charlie Kirk at a church in Mesa, Arizona, suggested that families could reduce daycare expenses by involving relatives more.  He said, “maybe grandma or grandpa wants to help out a little bit more. Or maybe there’s an aunt or uncle that wants to help out a little bit more.” Audience Question Triggers Vance’s Response Source: Gautam Arora/Unsplash The question that prompted Vance’s response came from an audience member during the interview, asking, “What can we do about lowering the cost of day care?”  Vance acknowledged this as an “important question” and offered family involvement…

In Sarasota, Florida, a homeowners’ association (HOA) is enforcing a ban on parking pickup trucks and work vehicles in driveways overnight, a rule that conflicts with a new state law.  The Meadows subdivision, which established this rule in 1976, prohibits residents from parking their vehicles at home between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., despite recent legislative changes. One Resident’s Battle Source: The Meadows Subdivision Lynwood, IL/Facebook Meet Ryan MacIntyre, a Meadows resident and owner of a 2014 Chevy Silverado. His daily routine is complicated by a bizarre rule: “I can’t park my own truck in my own driveway,” he told…

Stanley Black & Decker, a giant in the tool-making industry and owner of brands like DeWalt and Stanley, is facing a boycott spearheaded by conservative groups. They’re under fire for their commitment to diversity hiring and support of LGBTQ initiatives.  The advocacy group Consumers’ Research has openly criticized the company for choosing suppliers based on diversity and lobbying for LGBTQ issues in Washington. Consumers’ Research Takes a Stand Source: Wikimedia Commons Consumers’ Research has taken a firm stance against what it perceives as Stanley Black & Decker’s politicization of their business.  Will Hild, the group’s director, said: “Stanley Black and…

After a challenging three decades in business, LL Flooring, previously known as Lumber Liquidators, is closing its doors for good.  The company has announced it will shut all 442 of its stores spread across 47 states. Massive Clearance Alert Source: Justin Lim/Unsplash Before they lock up, LL Flooring is rolling out a gigantic clearance sale.  These sales kick off tomorrow and will last about 12 weeks.  Heartfelt Goodbye from LL Flooring Source: LL Flooring/Facebook In a poignant letter to their customers, LL Flooring’s management expressed deep regret. They said,  “It is with a heavy heart that we must let you…

The Justice Department has unveiled startling allegations against Russia, claiming it manipulated American social media influencers to spread Kremlin-backed propaganda.  This campaign, orchestrated by two RT employees, was designed to target U.S. audiences as the 2024 presidential election looms. Millions in the Shadows Source: Laurieluvsmolly/X An indictment has brought to light the activities of RT staffers Kostiantyn Kalashnikov and Elena Afanasyeva, who are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act.  They allegedly channeled close to $10 million to a Tennessee company that collaborated with U.S. influencers, who were kept in the dark about…

This week, darkness fell unexpectedly across Venezuela, hitting hard in Caracas and sprawling into Táchira, Mérida, Barinas, and Zulia.  Residents found themselves in a sudden blackout, coping without electricity as it gripped various corners of the nation. Accusations of Sabotage from the Top Source: Patricia_Energy/X The power outage? An act of sabotage, says the Venezuelan government.  President Nicolas Maduro’s team was quick to declare the blackout an intentional act of “electrical sabotage,” pointing fingers at unnamed disruptors. The Usual Suspects: Old Problems and New Accusations Source: Wikimedia Commons Venezuela isn’t a stranger to blackouts—they’re a part of the backdrop here. …