While the outdoor economy is still growing, it’s going a bit slower than in previous years. Make no mistake: outdoor recreation is mega-popular in the U.S. and continues to expand. Unadjusted for inflation, the outdoor industry represented $696.7 billion of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, according to data released last week by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. In raw dollars, that’s $1.3 trillion in economic output from spending on the most popular outdoor activities, including boating, RVing, and hunting. However, the industry grew by only 2.7% compared to 2023, when the industry saw a 5.3% increase. Perhaps…

Thousands of mourners of the late Reverend Jesse Jackson packed inside the House of Hope Chicago church, to say farewell to the civil rights icon on Friday. The church was brimming with dignitaries, including former Presidents Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joseph Biden, as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and a host of other local, state and federal leaders. But in the crowd, stood retired Sgt. Major Hal P. McKinley of Indianapolis, Indiana, who came to pay his personal respect to the man he called “an inspiration.”“I had to be here, first because…

Images by the author. (Yes, I left the paper “brand band” on the handguard.) I am no stranger to Smith and Wesson’s folding pistol carbine line. I reviewed two others, a good while ago, in .22LR and 10mm. They were well-built, effective firearms. So, it was no surprise that when they introduced the FPC in 5.7×28, I wanted to see it.  It did not disappoint. Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s look at the specifications. Specifications and Features Width: 2.5 in Length: 30.4 in Height: 8 in Weight: 65.2 oz (4 lbs., 2 oz) Caliber: 5.7x28mm Size: Rifle Capacity:…

Obviously, Idaho’s resort skiing and snowboarding get a lot of attention, yet the state offers plenty of backcountry access and more winter activities for enjoying its winter landscapes. There’s also nightlife to consider, whether that’s top-notch stargazing or enjoying a meal with friends or family. Below, we highlight some of the state’s best-known spots and quieter retreats. No matter your preferred style of winter fun, Idaho winters are full of adventures that are worth the chill. Explore Idaho Winter Sports Part of Sun Valley’s appeal is the balance of terrain across its 2,000 acres; (photo/Visit Idaho) Diverse Terrain for Every…

We want more people shooting. We want more people in key government roles who are truly pro-gun, who take our gun rights as seriously as we do. So, it was with a great deal of joy that I saw that Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon went to the gun range this weekend. As head of the civil rights division, she’s been a key ally in taking on oppressive gun control laws at the state and local level. I could make the argument that just about everything good we’ve seen out of the Department of Justice…

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky man who joined the Army straight out of high school is the seventh U.S. service member to die in combat during the Iran war, the Pentagon announced Monday. Army Sgt. Benjamin N. Pennington, 26, of Glendale, Kentucky, died Sunday after being wounded during a March 1 attack on the Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, a Pentagon statement said. Mike Bell, retired pastor of Glendale Christian Church, said he’d known Pennington since he was a toddler and got a call from Pennington’s father when the soldier was hurt. “I talked to Tim Saturday morning,…