It’s a debate as old as time: Are expensive sunglasses really worth it? In one camp, there are those who believe sunglasses are bound to break or get lost, so why spend more than $20-30 on them? The counter to that reasoning posits that not only are expensive sunglasses a better product, but the very fact that they cost so much means you will take care not to break or lose them. To be sure, there are klutzes out there (no shame), and if misplacing or mishandling things is in your nature, then cheap is the way to go. But…

A year ago, the Army did something it had never done before: It commissioned four of the most senior technology executives in the country as lieutenant colonels, allowed them to bypass the standard training pipeline, and told them to help modernize the force part-time while keeping their day jobs at Meta, Palantir and OpenAI. On June 10, the Army added three more. The unit is called Detachment 201, officially the Army’s Executive Innovation Corps. Its second cohort commissioned during a ceremony at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Virginia, timed to the Army’s 251st birthday celebration in June. The new officers are:…

In a 13-3 decision, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has dismissed an Everytown for Gun Safety-backed lawsuit that challenged the Texas law regulating carriage of firearms on private property open to the public.  The statute allows private property owners to ban firearms from their premises if they choose, but the property owner is required to give “effective” notice that entry with a handgun is forbidden. That can be accomplished both in writing with language and posting requirements specified by the state, or through oral communication as well. The plaintiffs in this case were a Unitarian…

The Coast Guard recently rescued a 9-year-old child after dogs attacked him on a beach in the Bahamas. The Royal Bahamas Police Force said in a statement that authorities took the unnamed child to a local hospital after several dogs attacked him and left injuries across numerous parts of his body at around 10 a.m. July 28 while he was playing on the beach. The police said that the Coast Guard then transported the child to the U.S. in an emergency evacuation with his father, after medics in the Bahamas said his condition was potentially life-threatening. “This case reflects the…

The gun control lobby is hoping to derail a rule proposed by the ATF that would allow for non-over-the-counter sales of firearms, and they’re enlisting the help of anti-gun politicians.  On Thursday we covered New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s announcement that she’ll be introducing legislation requiring gun sales to be conducted in person, which would negate the ATF’s proposed rule, at least in the Empire State. Hochul’s not the only elected official taking aim at the rule, though. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee have released a letter to ATF Director Robert Cekada calling on…

The Department of Veterans Affairs approved $1.2 billion in facility infrastructure improvements during the third quarter of fiscal year 2026, the agency announced July 20, bringing total obligated spending from its record $4.8 billion, nonrecurring maintenance budget to $2.3 billion for the year so far. The fiscal 2026 non-recurring maintenance, or NRM, budget is the largest in the VA’s history. The funds go toward significant maintenance, replacements and upgrades at VA medical facilities nationwide, intended to maintain and improve both operational capability and health care delivery. Where the Money Is Going Of the $1.2 billion approved in the third quarter,…

Support us! GearJunkie may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More Backcountry: Up to 40% Off (Photo/prAna) You can find nearly everything you might need for outdoor adventures at Backcountry. And you’ll find major deals on that gear during Backcountry’s Summer Sale. Get up to 40% off a variety of apparel, shoes, tents, and more. I’m partial to suggesting prAna’s Stretch Zion Pants. With many sizes and colors on sale for 30% off, it’s a solid choice for pants that will last a very long time. I’ve had my pair for over 10 years, and…

Buying and leasing both have their advantages, but the cheaper option depends on how long you plan to keep the vehicle, how much you drive, and whether you’re expecting a PCS, deployment, or other life changes. Before you sign on the dotted line, here’s what military families should consider. How Does Leasing Work? Leasing a vehicle is similar to renting it as you pay a monthly fee for the ability to use the car for a certain amount of time, which is typically two to three years. During that time, your lease agreement will dictate how you can use the…

A climbing rope made entirely from recycled materials has no business handling this well. The Mammut Crag Recycled 9.8mm Dry Rope ($200) looks and feels surprisingly similar to some of the thinner ropes I already own. That caught my attention because it had been a long time since I’d been interested in using a 9.8mm rope. The more experienced I became as a climber, the lighter I wanted my ropes to be. Lighter and thinner ropes have several advantages. They’re easier to feed out of a belay device, faster to clip, and lighter to carry. But they lose points in…

Homicides hit historic lows in 2025, and all indications seem to suggest that we’re going to set a new low here in 2026. That’s fantastic news, especially as this drop has coincided with the fearmongering among anti-gunners following the Bruen decision. The problem is, though, that anti-gunners don’t actually care about reality. All they need is enough of a perception that there’s a problem to sort of justify them doing stupid things, like, say, calling for a special legislative session to pass gun control in one of the most anti-gun states in the nation.The Delaware-based…

Your vehicle’s brakes are its most important safety system, but they’re also one of the easiest components to overlook when something goes wrong. While brake pads and rotors wear over time, your vehicle usually gives you warning signs before braking performance becomes dangerous. Paying attention to unusual noises, changes in pedal feel, or differences in how your vehicle stops can help you catch problems early. Knowing what to look for can help you avoid more expensive repairs – and keep you and your passengers safe on the road. 1. Squealing or Screeching When You Brake A high-pitched squeal when you…

The best running vest is the one you completely forget you’re wearing. I’ve tested dozens of vests over the years, and they usually fall into two traps. They either hold plenty of gear but bounce erratically, or they fit beautifully but lack space for longer efforts. Nathan hits a sweet spot with the VaporAir 4.0 and women’s-specific VaporAiress 4.0 ($160). Instead of just adding pockets, these vests focus on a fit you can change on the go. You can tighten or loosen the rig as your bladder empties, you shed layers, or the terrain changes. I tested the women’s VaporAiress…