PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
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US Reinstates ‘Gun Show Loophole’ in Rollback of Firearms Restrictions (Maria)
The author writes, “The U.S. Justice Department has rolled back several significant restrictions on guns, including reinstating the so-called ‘gun show loophole,’ which allowed people at such events to buy firearms without a background check.The changes, announced by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, amount to a shift in firearm policy advocated by supporters of the Second Amendment.”
The US Economy Was Shaky Before the Iran War. Now It’s in Real Trouble. (Dana)
From the Council on Foreign Relations: “Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz after the February U.S. and Israeli attack has sparked a global economic supply shock. The resulting damage could exceed the disruptions caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Despite a two-week ceasefire, traffic through the strait has hardly resumed to the level that President Donald Trump had promised, and countries around the world have started to feel the effects.”
Cole Allen Hated the Democratic Party, Too (DonkeyHotey)
The author writes, “Extremist. Radicalized. Leftist. Anti-Christian. Democrat. To read the coverage of Cole Allen, the alleged White House Correspondents’ Association dinner gunman, you’d think he was a poster boy for the administration’s belief that the country is under siege from a left-wing insurgency (see: NSPM-7). The evidence, as you’ll see, says otherwise — but everyone from the White House to major media outlets are sticking to the script regardless.”
Unfounded Health Concerns Are Powering a Solar Backlash (Reader Jim)
From ProPublica: “Some critics say large solar farms are a public health threat. While there is little reputable evidence for this, their claims have helped power a backlash. Restrictions on solar development are proliferating nationwide, helping to slow the growth of installations even as consumer energy costs are rising.”
It Doesn’t Matter How Much You Sit — Walking More Could Lower Your Risk of Death and Disease (Mili)
The author writes, “Sitting all day might not be as damaging as once feared — if you’re willing to move more. A massive study tracking over 72,000 people found that simply increasing daily steps can significantly reduce the risk of death and heart disease, even for those who spend long hours sedentary. Hitting around 9,000–10,000 steps a day delivered the biggest benefits, cutting mortality risk by nearly 40% and cardiovascular disease by over 20%.”
Farmers in Vermont Expected a Sheep To Have Twins. She Had Rare Sextuplets (Reader Steve)
From the Associated Press: “Anne O’Connor just kept counting sheep, and it made her anything but sleepy. A sheep owned by O’Connor, who runs Clover & Bee Farm in Underhill, Vermont, with her husband, Gunnar, gave birth to a rare batch of six lambs earlier this month. The sextuplets and their mother are all doing well, making the lamb windfall even more remarkable.”
