#Firearm Industry Trade Association

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Gabe Fleisher at Wake Up To Politics (10.07.2024):

This morning also marks the beginning of the Supreme Court’s 2024-25 term, which will be the focus of today’s newsletter. The court’s last term was marked by highly charged political cases, several of them decided with the six conservative justices in the majority and the three liberal justices in the minority, including Trump v. United States (which set the standard for how presidents can and can’t be prosecuted) and Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (which significantly reduced the power of the regulatory state). The court also weighed in on disputes over racial gerrymandering and bump stocks for firearms (also along the same 6-3 battle lines), as well as cases involving January 6th, social media, abortion pills, opioids, pollution, and Donald Trump’s eligibility to run for the White House (all of which were decided along more mixed ideological lines). [...]

That’s the context in which the nine justices will appear from behind the bench this morning to hear their first oral arguments of the term at 10 a.m. ET. The term ahead does not — yet — have as many controversial cases on the docket, but there are still several high-profile disputes. Here are some of the key cases to watch this term:

United States v. Skrmetti: After years of the issue roiling the country, this will be the Supreme Court’s first formal foray into adjudicating transgender health care. The case stems from the federal government’s challenge to a Tennessee law banning puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and gender-transition surgeries for minors. The court’s decision will have broad national ramifications, likely carrying over to the 24 other states with similar prohibitions on the books.

Garland v. VanDerStok: Like last term, which included multiple gun control cases, the Supreme Court will take up another Biden administration gun regulation later this week. This one involves “ghost guns,” firearms that are put together with kits at home — and therefore don’t have serial numbers and are untraceable by authorities. In 2022, the Justice Department unveiled a rule requiring vendors who sell ghost guns to treat them as fully completed firearms; gun rights groups are now challenging the regulation.

Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton: Another hot-button culture war issue is at the center of this case, which involves challenges to a Texas law requiring pornographic websites to verify their users’ ages. The Free Speech Coalition, a trade association for the adult entertainment industry, is arguing that the law violates their First Amendment rights, while Texas says the statute protects children. As in 10 other states with similar laws, the site Pornhub has opted to block access to users in Texas rather than comply with the requirements.

Other cases involving the death penalty, nuclear waste, and vaping are also poised to reach the court.

SCOTUS will have some big cases on the docket this term:

United States v. Skrmetti (gender-affirming care)

Garland v. VanDerStok (ghost guns)

Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton (age verification)

[pb-dot]

WIP Wednesday: The Coal Wars pt. 2

Welcome back to my recap of the history of the disastrous Coal Wars that led to the status quo of The Clockwork Boy. Pt 1 is here, and the TL:DR is that the empire of Imelia got greedy with its colony subjects and got a chain of declarations of independence thrown in their faces for their trouble. When we left off, the Imperial Council ruling in the stead of the recently deceased empress, had just ordered a full-scale invasion of the empire's largest former colony, Pelia.

Before we resume with the grim business of war, it is expedient to speak briefly of private concerns in the Imelian conflicts. While the chief benefactor of the colonial riches was the imperial government, a cluster of canny merchants had also gotten their fingers in the colonial pie. Trade in luxury goods and parts for steam contraptions to the colonies and whatever resources could be picked up for cheap back to Imelia brought in a tidy profit for the enterprising merchant.

One would expect the war would bring a swift stop to these trade routes, but if anything it accelerated them. Granted, the blockade and subsequent invasion of Pelia put a stop to much of the trade that way, but the trading companies compensated by investing in consolidating their real estate and industry holdings in Imelia proper, as well as the minor colonies growing more hungry for the goods they could provide as the shipments of goods from the companies associated with the Imelian government ceased. There were murmurs that the trade company fleets also carried intelligence on Imelian troop movement, but although treason was suspected, nobody was ever able to prove it.

Now back to the war at hand. The invasion of Pelia did not run into the quagmires that the earlier invasions in the minor colonies suffered. Pelia's government met them head-on as the Imelian strategists had expected, but unfortunately for the Imelians, they brought new weapons to bear that were more than a match for the Imelian steam-powered armies. Pelia had developed gunpowder and gunpowder-powered firearms that Imelias steam-powered tanks and comparatively primitive infantry did not hold any intrinsic advantage over. Granted, the heavy armor of the steam-tanks deflected all but the luckiest of musket shots, but just about anyone with two hands and two eyes could be trained to use a musket, and the flexibility afforded to musketeers on foot meant that the Imelian forces frequently found themselves outflanked and caught in crossfire.

While the losses of steam-tanks, walkers, and artillery like the crank-catapult and rail ballistae remained low, the Imelian infantry losses were immense. Field medics discovered to their horror that even a stray musket shot to a limb could be debilitating, or even deadly. Even so, the Imelian military was backed by an economy that had reached its absolute zenith only a short while ago, and thus, with immense losses buoyed by steady shipments of new soldiers from Imelia proper, Imelia pushed in from the initial landing at the rocky shores of Pelia towards the industrial capital Meor, intending to secure Meor's bountiful coal mines for the war effort.

The Imelian army progressed slowly in their campaign, struggling to protect their supply lines from Pelian harassment tactics. As such, the compounding manpower and morale losses quickly became all but unmanageable, and a new problem arose in the shadow of the mounting losses. Put simply, the professional soldier was becoming a rare commodity in Imelia as the nation poured every drop of their accumulated military might into a war they still believed wholeheartedly they could win. This led to a blossoming market for mercenaries, as well as the Imelian government instituting a draft for the first time in the nation's history.

The drafts were far from popular among the populace. In general, support for the war was low and still sinking with every shipment of rationed supplies and fathers, brothers, and sons with little to no hope of returning. "The ships to Pelia are heavy when they leave, and very light when they return" as a popular folk song from the period put it. There was, however little respect for this sentiment in the halls of government, where the Imperial Council was starting to realize the grim nature of their situation.

Put plainly, the Imperial coffers were empty, and had been empty for some time as the expensive wars with the minor colonies had all but bankrupted them in the first place. The foray into Pelia was funded by a conglomerate of private lenders and creditors, backed by the promises of lucrative land grants and trade routes once Pelia was brought to heel. The sheer sluggishness of the war had taken both lenders and councilors by surprise, and the question of how the repayment of the empire's debts was to be made in the case of a white peace, or even worse a full Imelian defeat, was becoming a hot-button topic.

The negotiations and maneuvers between the imperial council and their debtors grew into a theatre of its own. Sales of war bonds and collections of war taxes were put into effect but failed to extract much value from the impoverished, and greatly diminished, working class and ultimately only expanded and solidified the capital class' grip on Imelia. Wide programs of austerity were pushed through every political and legislative barrier at the behest of the debtors, but these did little more than delay the inevitable. With wide opposition to the government making tax collection all but infeasible, and the coffers of the colonial nations being solidly out of reach, there was seemingly no hope of Imelia avoiding bankruptcy at best.

Even in this atmosphere of utter despair, it wasn't until news of the siege of Meor breaking due to massive desertion from the Imelian troops that the debtors took matters into their own hands. It is unknown to all but those that were there that day whether the private security force representing a group of Imelia's aimed to overthrow the government for their masters, or whether the plan was merely to repossess the contents of the Imperial Palace as a down-payment on the nation's considerable debt, but the outcome was at any rate the same. Fighting broke out as loyalist Imelian forces clashed with the mercenaries, and by the time the dust had settled, every member of the Imelian Imperial Council was dead, as well as the vast majority of their direct supporters.

With the death of the council, the last vestige of government in Imil was now eradicated. The throne, such as it were, was free for the taking, but given the nation's unenviable position with scores of routed and wounded soldiers overseas as well as a thoroughly gutted public sector lacking public support, it was more of a white elephant gift than such power usually was. The de facto leader of the debtors, Mitchell C. Orthon made a public statement that "As far as We are concerned, the nation of Imelia is as of today defunct. As the representatives of your landlords, bosses, and betters, we encourage you to peacefully resume working, anon."

After the fall of Imil, it didn't take long for the nation of Imelia to disintegrate completely. Some cities and regions declared independence and have been warring and bickering over claims on Imelian land with their neighbors ever since, other cities merely collapsed, causing an exodus into neighboring countries, nations, grand manufactories and others. Imil, however, stayed a city without a nation. The considerable presence of private armies and mercenaries on the payroll of the late government's debtors kept a sort of peace in the city, and, as things settled down, the fertile lands outside of the city.

Little changed for the population of the city formerly known as Imil between the late days of The Coal Wars and the early days of the enforced peace of the debtors. Granted, there were no policemen or taxmen to be found, but that had been the case for several years at that point as the austerity measures had all but annihilated the police force, causing mass resignations and brain drain to various private security contractors. There were no taxes, which was a nice reprieve from the punishing war taxes that had been levied, but the average citizen found that their earnings didn't reach much farther given this lien, given that their employers, inevitably citing "recent times of crisis," cut wages across the board. Landlords were also considerably emboldened by these developments, and would often charge their tenants an additional "safety fee," in essence extortion.

And this is the sorry state of the once-great city that we meet at the start of The Clockwork Boy. Some minor trends changed between the equilibrium post-collapse and the current day such as the construction of the debtor's seat of power, The Spire, and how further consolidations left the owners of industry and other means of production also owning considerable amounts of real estate, leading to the rise of "company blocks," essentially flophouses for factory and workshop workers in the crummier parts of the city, one of which houses our hero, Jake, before his life gets turned upside down a couple of times.

Now, you may ask me "Hey, Peebs, isn't this just an overengineered explanation for why the setting operates under an anarcho-capitalistic system?" to which I would reply "Anarcho-capitalism is a contradiction in terms, but yes, that is essentially what this is."

[beardedmrbean]

A federal judge on Wednesday blocked California’s attorney general from enforcing a new law that allows residents, the state and local governments to sue members of the firearms industry that manufacture or sell “abnormally dangerous” guns.

U.S. District Judge Andrew Schopler in San Diego sided with a firearms industry trade association in finding that part of a gun control measure signed into law by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2022 was likely unconstitutional.

That law, the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act, was enacted shortly after the conservative-majority U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark ruling in June 2022 concerning the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment that significantly expanded gun rights.

Newsom, in signing the new state firearms restrictions into law in July 2022, called them necessary to ensure makers of deadly firearms could be held accountable in court and could “no longer hide from the mass destruction that they have caused.”

But in a lawsuit filed in May, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) argued California’s restrictions violated several provisions of the U.S. Constitution including the Second Amendment, which protects the right to keep and bear arms.

Schopler, an appointee of Democratic President Joe Biden, did not address the Second Amendment issue in Wednesday’s ruling and instead found the law likely violated the Constitution’s so-called dormant Commerce Clause, which restricts states from interfering with interstate commerce.

For example, he said, a Tennessee company that manufacturers guns that are legal in its state but that meet California’s definition of “abnormally dangerous” could still face liability under the law even its products were shipped to nearby Arizona and used later to commit a crime in California.

“Because the ‘abnormally dangerous’ firearm rule reaches beyond California’s borders and directly regulates out-of-state commercial transactions, it likely runs afoul of the dormant Commerce Clause,” Schopler wrote.

He issued a preliminary injunction barring California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, from suing NSSF’s members while the lawsuit moves forward. Bonta’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

Lawrence Keane, the NSSF’s general counsel, in a statement welcomed the ruling, saying the law “attempts to use the real threat of liability on commerce beyond California’s border and impose its policy choices on other states.”

The judge dismissed other parts of NSSF’s lawsuit challenging other provisions of the law, citing a lack of standing, though he allowed NSSF to amend its complaint to try to address those issues.

[unofficialoxtimeline]

A Volisport Calendar of Events

Here is a list of events and event series in Volisport occurring on a cyclical basis:

Annual

The Splintered Bone Annual Festival of Fights: an underground fighting event marked by high betting and electrified cage fighting. Cross Coleburn serves at the current organizer and emcee (High Stakes at the Splintered Bone)

Cab-Con: A trade show for the cab driver's union featuring many innovations, both mechanical and goat-related. Non-members are allowed by application. While it is an industry event, it has become very popular with the general populace and includes delights such barbershop quartets and loads of merch (The Cab-Con Caper)

Crimsnight: A holiday held on the winter solstice. It's Christmas, but also the Purge. People avoid the streets and stay locked up at home or at the pub. Crimsnight is celebrated differently in Volisport than in Tycheros. In Tycheros, the winter solstice is a separate event, and Crimsnight itself is celebrated essentially on the equivalent of Epiphany (A Crimsnight Carol)

Crimsnight is not the original winter solstice holiday of Geth, which was Sun's Turn (Silent Knight). Crimsnight is instead descended from All Crims Eve, a holiday that was created by the Duke of Redcastle and not associated with the winter solstice at all (Plunder Siege).

Periodic

Balloon racing: Illegal hot air balloon racing is held on multiple predetermined circuits, including the North Hook run. Racing teams are drawn from a number of gangs (Lampblacks, Billhooks), guilds (Railjacks), and whatever the Red Sashes count as. Different races allow different levels of violence, such as including or excluding firearms. The North Hook run does not allow firearms, but does encourage sabotage. It's not clear whether it includes a spectator element, nor whether there is a championship series, but the teams are well-established and train together (First Flight of the Sparrowhawk)

Snail racing: The object in snail racing is to make the matches last as long as possible, and doping is extremely common. Due to its cruelty, snail racing is punishable by death

[amrutatbrc1]

Shooting Ranges Market 2024 : Industry Analysis, Trends, Segmentation, Regional Overview And Forecast 2033

The shooting ranges global market report 2024 from The Business Research Company provides comprehensive market statistics, including global market size, regional shares, competitor market share, detailed segments, trends, and opportunities. This report offers an in-depth analysis of current and future industry scenarios, delivering a complete perspective for thriving in the industrial automation software market.

Shooting Ranges Market, 2024 report by The Business Research Company offers comprehensive insights into the current state of the market and highlights future growth opportunities.

Market Size - The shooting ranges market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $1.13 billion in 2023 to $1.22 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising self-defense training, growing indoor and outdoor sports, a rise in law enforcement training, rising demand for well-equipped shooting facilities, and a and a rising preference for guns.

The shooting ranges market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $1.70 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to an increase in recreational shooting activities, increasing contemporary shooting equipment, increasing civilian firearms, increasing defense budgets, and increasing adoption of smart range technologies. Major trends in the forecast period include the development of virtual stimulators, innovation in shooting range technologies, developing soundproofing technologies, integrating wireless target setup systems, and the and the installation of advanced defense training platforms.

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The Business Research Company's reports encompass a wide range of information, including:

1. Market Size (Historic and Forecast): Analysis of the market's historical performance and projections for future growth.

2. Drivers: Examination of the key factors propelling market growth.

3. Trends: Identification of emerging trends and patterns shaping the market landscape.

4. Key Segments: Breakdown of the market into its primary segments and their respective performance.

5. Focus Regions and Geographies: Insight into the most critical regions and geographical areas influencing the market.

6. Macro Economic Factors: Assessment of broader economic elements impacting the market.

Market Drivers - The rising recreational activities are expected to propel the growth of the shooting ranges market going forward. Recreational activities refer to leisure pursuits that individuals engage in during their free time for enjoyment, relaxation, and entertainment. The rise in recreational activities can be attributed to increasing disposable income, growing awareness of health benefits, and enhanced access to recreational facilities and infrastructure. Shooting ranges contribute to rising recreational activities by offering a unique and engaging experience for enthusiasts and beginners and providing a safe environment for individuals to practice shooting skills, participate in competitions, and enjoy social activities. For instance, in 2023, according to the Outdoor Industry Association, a US-based trade organization, the number of outdoor recreation participants grew by 2.3%, reaching 168.1 million people in 2023. Therefore, the rising recreational activities are driving the growth of the shooting ranges market.

Market Trends - Major companies operating in the shooting ranges market are focusing on developing innovative solutions, such as shooting stalls, to provide users with a more dynamic and engaging experience. A shooting stall is an individual shooting lane or booth within a shooting range designed to give shooters a controlled and safe environment. Each stall typically accommodates one shooter at a time and is equipped with necessary safety features and amenities to ensure a secure and efficient shooting experience. For instance, in January 2022, Action Target Inc., a US-based shooting range equipment manufacturer, introduced Citadel Shooting Stall to its industry-leading shooting stall lineup. The Citadel features stunning floor-to-ceiling LED lighting that highlights its modern design, emphasizing strong lines and customizable bold materials to elevate any range's aesthetics to a high level of sophistication. The stall also includes a customizable holographic lane number projection system to match your business and range facility's branding needs. Shooters will appreciate its deeper footprint for enhanced privacy, while sizable ballistic glass panels ensure high visibility and promote safety on the range.

The shooting ranges market covered in this report is segmented –

1) By Type: Indoor Shooting Range, Outdoor Shooting Range 2) By Product: Fixed Targets, Moving Targets, Virtual Simulators 3) By Application: Military Training, Self-Defense, Training Recreation, Other Applications

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Regional Insights - North America was the largest region in the shooting ranges market in 2023. The regions covered in the shooting ranges market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa.

Key Companies - Major companies operating in the shooting ranges market are Saab AB, ATS Targets, Meggitt PLC, Cubic Corporation, Beretta Holdings, Remington Arms Company LLC, Smith & Wesson Brands Inc., Fabrique Nationale Herstal S.A., Heckler & Koch GmbH, Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC, Savage Arms Inc., InVeris Training Solutions Inc., Glock Ges.m.b.H., Browning Arms Company, Action Target Inc., Sig Sauer Inc., VirTra Inc., Zen Technologies Limited, O.F. Mossberg & Sons Inc., Laser Shot Inc., Theissen Training Systems GmbH, Range Systems Inc., Polytronic International AG

Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary 2. Shooting Ranges Market Report Structure 3. Shooting Ranges Market Trends And Strategies 4. Shooting Ranges Market – Macro Economic Scenario 5. Shooting Ranges Market Size And Growth ….. 27. Shooting Ranges Market Competitor Landscape And Company Profiles 28. Key Mergers And Acquisitions 29. Future Outlook and Potential Analysis 30. Appendix

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[dankusner]

SUPREME COURT Ghost guns, transgender care on upcoming agenda

Big questions at stake but election could upend plans for term

The Supreme Court wades back into hot-button issues including gun control, the death penalty and gender-affirming care for minors in the term that begins Monday, even as the fast-approaching presidential election could end up dominating the docket.

Last term was marked by blockbuster rulings on the scope of former President Donald Trump’s immunity from prosecution and place on the 2024 ballot, as well as federal agency power, social media regulation and abortion pills.

The cases on the court’s calendar so far pose other significant questions for the justices:

Can states prevent transgender adolescents from obtaining certain gender-affirming medical treatments?

Can the Biden administration regulate homemade “ghost guns” in the same way as other firearms?

Do age-verification requirements to protect minors from online pornography violate the First Amendment rights of adults?

Looming in the background is the November election and the possibility that the Supreme Court will be drawn into a slew of disputes over ballot counting and voting access.

That would put the justices in a pivotal position reminiscent of their role in the 2000 election, when the Supreme Court’s decision assured victory for George W. Bush over Al Gore and bitterly divided the nation.

Polls show a dramatic decline in public confidence in the Supreme Court after the majority eliminated the nationwide right to abortion in 2022 after nearly 50 years.

Seven out of 10 Americans believe the justices are guided by their ideology and do not rule impartially, according to a June survey from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

IN THE KNOW

Three major cases coming before the court

REGULATIONS ON GHOST GUNS

In its new term, the Supreme Court will examine the Biden administration’s regulation of “ghost guns,” untraceable firearms assembled from kits.

Such weapons have become increasingly popular with teenagers and those whose criminal records keep them from buying guns in the marketplace, and their use in violent crimes has spiked.

DID ATF EXCEED AUTHORITY?

The justices are reviewing a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, which concluded that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives exceeded its authority by requiring the ghost gun kits to follow the same licensing and recordkeeping rules as fully assembled guns sold by licensed retailers.

In a closely divided vote last summer, the Supreme Court initially allowed the regulations to remain in place while litigation continued.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined the court’s three liberal justices in siding with the Biden administration.

But it’s unclear how that preliminary vote will play out before a court generally been skeptical of broad government regulation.

TEXAS’ ONLINE PORNOGRAPHY LAW

Later this term, the court will take up a challenge to a Texas law restricting minors from accessing obscene material online.

The measure requires websites that host sexually explicit content to verify that users are at least 18 years old through government-issued identification, digital identification or other methods.

Opponents say the law violates the First Amendment right of adults to view a broad range of sexual material.

It was challenged by a trade association for the adult-entertainment industry, companies that host sexual content on their websites and an adult-film star.

GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE FOR MINORS

The court will for the first time consider the constitutionality of laws banning certain gender transition treatment for people younger than 18.

Two dozen states have passed such restrictions since 2021 as the issue has moved to the forefront of the nation’s political divide.

The Supreme Court extended employment protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender workers in 2020 but has yet to rule on the constitutionality of lower-court decisions involving transgender minors, bathroom access or athletes.

TENNESSEE LAW AT STAKE:

At issue is Tennessee’s ban on transgender minors in the state accessing puberty blockers and hormones.

The Biden administration, transgender young people, their families and medical providers asked the court to reverse a decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit that upheld the ban. In a divided decision, Judge Jeffrey Sutton said courts should not second-guess state lawmakers in this instance.

[dixiedrudge]

Gun Sales Accelerate Ahead of Election

Fight Censorship and Help Spread Mockingbird Non-Compliant News! Like, Share, Re-Post, and Subscribe! There’s a lot more to see at our main page, Dixie Drudge! View Source: Americans purchased more firearms in August than they did in July, which marked five straight years of million-or-more purchases. And August’s sales, according to the Firearm Industry Trade Association (NSSF, formerly the…

[stevenmangra]

Invest with Integrity: How to Align Your Financial Goals with Your Ethical Values

In recent years, the concept of ethical investing has gained significant traction. More investors seek to align their financial goals with their values, aiming to impact society and the environment while achieving financial returns positively. This approach, known as ethical or socially responsible investing (SRI), allows investors to support companies and initiatives that resonate with their beliefs. This article explores ethical investing principles, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into your financial strategy.

Understanding Ethical Investing

Ethical investing involves selecting investments based on ethical principles and financial considerations. This approach can encompass a variety of strategies, including:

Socially Responsible Investing (SRI)

This strategy involves screening companies based on social and environmental criteria. Investors may avoid businesses in industries like tobacco, firearms, or fossil fuels while favoring those engaged in renewable energy, fair trade, and community development.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Investing

ESG investing evaluates companies based on environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices. This method examines how companies manage issues like carbon emissions, labor practices, and corporate governance structures.

Benefits of Ethical Investing

Alignment with Personal Values

One of the primary benefits of ethical investing is the alignment of investment portfolios with personal values. Many investors find supporting companies and projects that reflect their beliefs and contribute to positive change gratifying. This alignment can enhance the overall satisfaction and sense of purpose derived from investing.

Positive Societal Impact

Ethical investing can drive significant social and environmental benefits. By directing capital towards responsible companies and initiatives, investors can promote sustainable business practices, improve corporate governance, and support social equity. This collective action can lead to broader industry standards and corporate behavior changes.

Competitive Financial Returns

Contrary to the misconception that ethical investing compromises financial performance, numerous studies have shown that it can yield competitive, if not superior, returns. Companies with strong ESG practices often exhibit better risk management, operational efficiency, and long-term sustainability, which can translate into financial success. Additionally, ethical investing can reduce exposure to risks associated with poor environmental or social practices, such as regulatory penalties or reputational damage.

Market Demand and Growth

The growing demand for ethical investment products has led to a proliferation of mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other financial instruments designed for ethical investors. This increased availability provides more options for investors to build diversified portfolios that align with their values.

Steps to Incorporate Ethical Investing into Your Strategy

Define Your Values and Goals

The first step in ethical investing is clearly defining your values and financial goals. Consider the most important issues, such as environmental sustainability, social justice, or corporate transparency. Identifying these priorities will help guide your investment choices and ensure your portfolio reflects ethical principles.

Research Investment Options

With your values and goals in mind, research investment options that align with them. Look for companies, mutual funds, and ETFs with strong ESG ratings or are known for their positive social and environmental impact. Resources like the MSCI ESG Ratings, Sustainalytics, and Morningstar’s Sustainability Rating can provide valuable insights into the ESG performance of various investments.

Evaluate Financial Performance

While aligning with your values is crucial, evaluating potential investments' financial performance is also essential. Analyze historical performance, risk factors, and future growth prospects to ensure the investments meet your financial objectives. Tools like financial news websites, investment platforms, and financial advisors can assist in this evaluation.

Diversify Your Portfolio

Diversification is crucial in any investment strategy, and ethical investing is no exception. Spread your investments across different asset classes, sectors, and geographic regions to mitigate risk and enhance potential returns. Diversifying within ethical investments ensures that your portfolio remains robust and resilient.

Monitor and Adjust

Ethical investing is not a one-time activity; it requires ongoing monitoring and adjustments. Regularly review your investments to ensure they align with your values and financial goals. Stay informed about changes in ESG ratings, corporate behavior, and market trends that might impact your portfolio. Be prepared to make adjustments as necessary to maintain the integrity and performance of your investments.

Challenges of Ethical Investing

Limited Availability and Higher Costs

Despite the growing number of ethical investment options, the availability may still be limited compared to traditional investments. Additionally, some ethical funds and products may have higher management fees due to the additional research and screening required. Investors need to weigh these factors when building their portfolios.

Subjectivity of Ethics

Ethics can be subjective and vary widely among individuals. What one investor considers ethical, another might not. This subjectivity can make finding investments that perfectly align with personal values challenging. To address this, investors should clearly define their ethical criteria and seek out funds or advisors that specialize in those areas.

Risk of Greenwashing

Greenwashing, where companies present a misleading image of their environmental practices, is a significant concern in ethical investing. Investors must be vigilant and conduct thorough research to ensure that the companies and funds they invest in genuinely adhere to ethical standards. Relying on trusted ESG ratings and third-party audits can help mitigate this risk.

Ethical investing is an empowering way to align your financial goals with your values, contributing to positive societal change while pursuing competitive financial returns. You can successfully integrate ethical investing into your financial strategy by defining your values, researching options, evaluating performance, diversifying your portfolio, and staying vigilant against greenwashing. As the movement towards socially responsible investing continues to grow, more investors are discovering that it is possible to invest with integrity and achieve their financial objectives simultaneously. Embrace ethical investing, and let your portfolio reflect the change you wish to see.

[vipinmishra]

Small Arms and Light Weapons Market 2029 is Anticipated to Register Robust Growth

Military modernization initiatives worldwide drive demand for advanced and modular SALW, emphasizing technological innovation are the factors driving market in the forecast period 2025-2029.

According to TechSci Research report, “Small Arms and Light Weapons Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Competition Forecast & Opportunities, 2029”, The Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market stood at USD 13.75 Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow with a CAGR of 6.59% in the forecast period, 2025-2029. The Global Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) market is characterized by its multifaceted nature, catering to the diverse needs of military, law enforcement, and civilian end-users. SALW encompass a wide range of firearms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, and light machine guns, as well as associated accessories and ammunition. This market is influenced by various factors, including geopolitical tensions, military modernization efforts, and evolving regulations.

Military Modernization and Innovation: One of the primary drivers of the SALW market is the continuous modernization efforts undertaken by armed forces globally. Nations invest in advanced SALW to equip their military with cutting-edge technologies, modular designs, and lightweight materials, enhancing operational capabilities. The emphasis on precision, accuracy, and adaptability in modern warfare propels the development and adoption of state-of-the-art small arms.

Law Enforcement Needs: Law enforcement agencies worldwide contribute significantly to the SALW market, requiring firearms tailored to urban policing, tactical operations, and special units. The market responds with compact, maneuverable firearms equipped with electronic sights, non-lethal options, and advanced ergonomics. The demand for SALW in law enforcement underscores the importance of addressing public safety and maintaining order in dynamic and challenging environments.

Civilian Market Dynamics: The civilian market is a key component of the SALW landscape, with variations in regulations and preferences influencing the market's diversity. In regions where civilian firearm ownership is legal, the market caters to individuals seeking personal defense, sport shooting, and recreational purposes. Handguns, shotguns, and sporting rifles are among the popular choices, and manufacturers often introduce innovations, such as personalized user recognition systems and modular designs, to meet the evolving demands of civilian firearm enthusiasts.

Geopolitical Tensions and Security Concerns: Global geopolitical tensions and security concerns contribute to the sustained demand for SALW. Countries facing security threats and conflicts seek to bolster their defense capabilities, driving procurement of advanced small arms. The market's dynamics are influenced by the changing nature of warfare, counter-terrorism efforts, and the need for reliable and efficient SALW to address evolving security challenges.

The SALW market faces challenges related to the illicit arms trade, posing risks of diversion to non-state actors and contributing to armed violence. Efforts to curb illegal trafficking involve international cooperation, regulatory measures, and initiatives to secure stockpiles. The challenges associated with controlling the flow of SALW in conflict zones and regions experiencing political instability underscore the importance of addressing the humanitarian impact of these weapons.

Technological Advancements: Technological innovations play a pivotal role in shaping the SALW market. The integration of smart technologies, such as electronic optics, biometric locks, and connectivity features, reflects a trend toward enhancing weapon effectiveness, improving safety, and providing users with advanced capabilities. This continual advancement aligns with the broader trajectory of the defense industry toward modernization and efficiency.

Browse over market data Figures spread through XX Pages and an in-depth TOC on " Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market.” https://www.techsciresearch.com/report/small-arms-and-light-weapons-market/22461.html

North America, particularly the United States, plays a central role in shaping the global small arms and light weapons (SALW) market. The U.S. exhibits a robust civilian firearms culture, driving substantial demand for handguns, sporting rifles, and shotguns. The country's technologically advanced military and law enforcement sectors contribute significantly to the market's dynamics, with a focus on innovation and modular designs. Stringent regulatory frameworks, including background checks and licensing, influence the market's structure, balancing individual rights with public safety considerations.

Europe is characterized by a diverse SALW market influenced by varying national regulations and the region's history. Countries such as Germany and France have well-established defense industries contributing to military and law enforcement needs. The civilian market is present but often subject to strict regulations, emphasizing safety and preventing misuse. European nations actively participate in international efforts to control the illicit arms trade, and the region's SALW market trends reflect a blend of technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, and adherence to stringent regulatory standards.

The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing dynamic growth in the SALW market, driven by military modernization efforts, geopolitical tensions, and evolving civilian demands. Countries like China, India, and Australia have substantial military and law enforcement sectors, contributing to diverse SALW requirements. The civilian market is expanding in response to a growing interest in sport shooting and personal defense. Geopolitical factors, including territorial disputes and security challenges, influence the market's trajectory, fostering the adoption of advanced SALW technologies.

The Middle East and Africa exhibit unique dynamics in the SALW market, shaped by regional conflicts, security concerns, and diverse regulatory landscapes. Nations in the Middle East, such as Israel and Saudi Arabia, invest significantly in advanced SALW for military and defense purposes. The region experiences a complex geopolitical situation, leading to a substantial demand for SALW with cutting-edge technologies. Africa faces challenges related to illegal arms trade, armed violence, and the need for regulatory frameworks to manage SALW effectively.

Major companies operating in Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market are:

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc

General Dynamics Corporation

SIG Sauer, Inc

Heckler & Koch GmbH

FN Herstal S.A.

Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC

Raytheon Technologies Corporation

Download Free Sample Report https://www.techsciresearch.com/sample-report.aspx?cid=22461

Customers can also request 10% free customization in this report.

“In the realm of small arms and light weapons, emphasize the critical need for a balanced approach, considering both individual rights and societal safety. They stress the importance of robust international cooperation to address the challenges posed by the illicit arms trade and the humanitarian impact of armed violence. Furthermore, experts advocate for continuous advancements in smart technologies, emphasizing responsible innovation to enhance the effectiveness and safety of small arms while navigating the evolving landscape of global security,” said Mr. Karan Chechi, Research Director with TechSci Research, a research-based management consulting firm.

“Small Arms and Light Weapons Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Small Arms And Light Weapons), By End-User Sector (Law Enforcement, Military & Defense, Civil & Commercial), By Caliber (14.5 Mm, 9 Mm, 12.7 Mm, 5.56 Mm, 14.9 Mm, 7.62 Mm), By Region, Competition, 2019-2029”, has evaluated the future growth potential of Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market and provides statistics & information on market size, structure, and future market growth. The report intends to provide cutting-edge market intelligence and help decision makers take sound investment decisions. Besides, the report also identifies and analyzes the emerging trends along with essential drivers, challenges, and opportunities in Global Small Arms and Light Weapons Market.

Browse Related Reports:

North America Aircraft Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) Market

United States 3D Radar Market

India Defense Equipment Market

Contact

TechSci Research LLC

420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 300,

New York, United States- 10170

M: +13322586602

Website: www.techsciresearch.com

[usapcbpowermarket]

Understanding ITAR Compliance: Safeguarding The Defense & Space Industry

In today's world, safety and quality are paramount concerns, especially in the defense and space industries. To ensure the protection of sensitive data related to defense and space articles in the United States, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) plays a crucial role. ITAR compliance is of utmost importance for organizations engaged in the import, export, manufacturing, and sales of defense and space-related articles in the US.

What is ITAR?

ITAR stands for International Traffic in Arms Regulations, an extensive set of regulations administered by the United States to control the export, import, manufacturing, sales, and distribution of defense-related articles and services listed on the United States Munitions List (USML). The primary objective of ITAR regulations is to safeguard foreign policies and the national security of the United States.

Understanding ITAR's 'Technical Data'

ITAR's 'technical data' encompasses a wide range of sensitive information, including plans, diagrams, and photographs of military hardware and space-related machinery. It also includes all documentation related to military gear. Access to physical materials and technical data associated with defense and military is restricted to US citizens only. US companies with overseas operations are prohibited from sharing technical data with non-US citizens.

Who Needs to Be ITAR Compliant?

Any company based in the US engaged in manufacturing, designing, exporting, importing, sales, and distribution of defense articles listed on the USML must become ITAR Compliant. These companies are required to register themselves with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) to ensure ITAR compliance.

ITAR Coverage

Contrary to a common misconception, ITAR regulations extend beyond certain weaponry and defense articles; they encompass a broader set of technical and physical data. To check if your services and products fall under ITAR, consider the 21 defense article categories listed on the USML, which include firearms, ammunition, missiles, explosives, military electronics, space-related articles, and more.

ITAR Penalties

Non-compliance with ITAR can lead to serious consequences and hefty fines for companies. Penalties may include imprisonment of up to 10 years, civil fines of up to $500,000, and criminal fines of up to $1,000,000. Additionally, authorities have the power to ban non-compliant companies from conducting international business.

The Role of ITAR-Compliant PCBs

ITAR-compliant PCBs play a critical role in supporting cutting-edge innovations while simultaneously upholding national security standards. These specialized PCBs are designed to meet the unique demands of defense and space applications, where precision, reliability, and data protection are paramount. ITAR-compliant PCB manufacturing offers optimal performance, functionality, and PCB Power Market is proud to be one of the ITAR-compliant manufacturers.

In conclusion, understanding and adhering to ITAR regulations are of utmost importance for organizations in the defense and space industries. ITAR compliance ensures the protection of sensitive data, strengthens national security, and contributes to the overall safety and quality standards in these critical sectors. As businesses continue to innovate and expand globally, staying ITAR compliant is not just a legal obligation but a responsible commitment towards safeguarding our nation and its interests.

Original Source: https://www.pcbpower.us/blog/itar-compliance

[sciencespies]

A Faked Kidnapping and Cocaine: A Montana Mine’s Descent Into Chaos

https://sciencespies.com/environment/a-faked-kidnapping-and-cocaine-a-montana-mines-descent-into-chaos/

A Faked Kidnapping and Cocaine: A Montana Mine’s Descent Into Chaos

Just before 2 a.m. on April 18, 2018, Amy Price, the wife of the coal executive Larry Price Jr., called the police in Bluefield, Va., to report her husband missing. Police scoured Bluefield, a town of less than 10,000 people nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and soon discovered Mr. Price’s white Mercedes at a deserted parking lot.

Mr. Price, a 42-year-old father of six, was an industrious businessman who ran surface operations at an underground mine, one of the nation’s largest, near Roundup, Mont. He also ran a motorcycle shop, Hawg Pit Cycles, that traded used Harley-Davidsons. And he had promised several investors big returns in coal. Recently, some of them had confronted Mr. Price about their money.

As night fell, a driver traveling along a state road some 20 miles away from Bluefield noticed a man on the roadside: a disheveled Mr. Price, who was rushed to a hospital. He told investigators he had been abducted by an outlaw biker gang that drugged him and took him to his motorcycle shop where they robbed him before loading him into a van and dumping him on the roadside. When surveillance cameras showed there hadn’t been a robbery, he changed his story, saying that the gang had asked him for coal train schedules for a scheme to traffic methamphetamines by rail.

The truth was, Mr. Price hadn’t been kidnapped at all. As he later admitted in court, he had staged his own kidnapping, a last-ditch attempt to escape investors’ wrath for embezzlement schemes totaling more than $20 million that he’d hatched with the president of the Montana coal mine.

The embezzlement and fake kidnapping were part of the unraveling of a coal company called Signal Peak Energy that also involved bribery, cocaine trafficking, firearms violations, worker safety and environmental infringements, a network of shell companies, a modern-day castle, an amputated finger and past links to President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.

Larry Price, Jr., left, at the James F. Battin Federal Courthouse in Billings, Mont., in 2020.Larry Mayer/Billings-Gazette

A bulldozer moving coal tailings at the Signal Peak Mine.Louise Johns for The New York Times

Nine former Signal Peak executives, including Mr. Price, and their associates have been either convicted or charged as part of a broad federal investigation. Mr. Price is now serving time in a federal prison. Signal Peak’s former president and chief executive, Brad Hanson, who Mr. Price said was the mastermind behind the schemes, died at his home in Florida in 2020. The company itself was fined $1 million last year for failing to report worker injuries and for illegally dumping toxic slurry, chemicals and unprocessed soil containing heavy metals, arsenic and lead, into an abandoned section of the mine.

Attempts to reach Mr. Price in prison were unsuccessful. In written responses to questions, Signal Peak stressed that it had taken “swift and comprehensive remedial measures” after the misconduct came to light, terminating all employees involved, installing new executive leadership and revising its internal policies to prevent future wrongdoing.

Local ranchers and environmental groups that oppose the mine say Signal Peak Energy, which operates the Montana mine, 30 miles north of Billings, has become an extreme example of the opaque operators left behind in a declining industry as the biggest actors leave or go bankrupt. Coal use has shrunk by half from its peak in 2007 amid the shift to natural gas and renewables. Those left behind have an incentive to extract as much money as possible — and get out.

Last summer, a coalition of environmental groups petitioned both the federal government and the State of Montana to order the mine to cease operations pending a wider investigation, citing ongoing environmental and permit violations and its overall “destructive and lawless operations.”

That hasn’t stopped Signal Peak from planning a 7,000-acre expansion of the mine, though those plans have been repeatedly stopped by federal courts for failing to meet environmental standards.

Understand the Latest News on Climate Change

Card 1 of 5

Exxon’s climate research. A new study published in the journal Science found that starting in the late 1970s, Exxon’s scientists made remarkably accurate projections of just how much burning fossil fuels would warm the planet. Yet for years, the oil giant publicly cast doubt on climate science, and cautioned against any drastic move toward alternative resources.

A controversial appointment. The decision by the United Arab Emirates to select the head of its national oil company to oversee the COP28 climate talks in Dubai this year has drawn ire from environmental groups. The move reflects the complex balancing act the United Arab Emirates is trying to pull off as the oil exporter prepares for a renewable future.

Eight hot years. Scientists from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that the last eight years were the warmest on record. Extreme summer temperatures in Europe, China and elsewhere contributed to 2022 being the fifth-hottest year on record; 2016 was the hottest year ever.

U.S. carbon emissions. America’s greenhouse gas emissions from energy and industry rose last year, moving the nation in the opposite direction from its climate goals, according to preliminary estimates by a nonpartisan research firm. Emissions ticked up 1.3 percent, even as renewable energy surpassed coal power nationwide for the first time in over six decades.

Parasitic populations According to a groundbreaking new study that analyzed 85 parasitic species, the majority of them suffered population declines over 140 years. The decline, seemingly driven by warming temperatures, suggests another unexpected way that climate change can harm ecosystems.

On a recent afternoon, Signal Peak’s new chief executive, Parker Phipps, ushered a visiting reporter from his office in a squat two-story building perched at the mine’s edge, saying he was unable to speak with reporters. He cited the “tremendous amount of litigation” against the firm. Nearby, coal trundled up a conveyor and onto a vast, black mound.

Steve Charter, a member of the local environmental group the Bull Mountain Land Alliance, said mine workers used an excavator to tear up a watering hole used by his cattle.Louise Johns for The New York Times

Mr. Charter’s ranch. Signal Peak now controls much of the ranch land in the area and is canceling leases ranchers have held for more than half a century.Louise Johns for The New York Times

A ‘Bastion’ of Malfeasance

Miners have dug for coal in the outcrops of the Bull Mountains, a range of grasslands and sagebrush in southern Montana crisscrossed by cattle trails, since the late 1800s. But after booming through the 1960s, mining in the region declined precipitously. Then, in 2008, the Boich Companies, run by the Ohio-based billionaire Wayne Boich, and FirstEnergy Corp, one of the nation’s largest investor-owned utilities, bought the Bull Mountains No. 1 coal mine for $125 million and renamed it Signal Peak Energy. Two years later, the Gunvor Group, an oil and commodities trading firm registered in Cyprus, assumed a stake in the company.

Signal Peak embarked on an intensive method of digging coal from the ground, known as longwall mining, in which miners systematically mine coal from panels of earth several miles long and hundreds of feet wide

Mr. Price‌, who had worked mining jobs in the coal fields of Southwest Virginia, t‌ook a job with Signal Peak in 2009‌. At the mine, Mr. Price rose through the ranks to become vice president in charge of surface operations, a position that brought him in close contact with Signal Peak’s new chief executive, Bradley Hanson. On the side, Mr. Price operated a private business called 3 Solutions, which supplied Signal Peak with industrial chemicals.

At his trial, Mr. Price painted Mr. Hanson as the mastermind behind a series of schemes to defraud investors at two separate companies, as well as Signal Peak itself, of more than $20 million. Yet a federal judge found Mr. Price was responsible for the fraudulent activity. In one scheme, he convinced a Wyoming ‌firm called Three Blind Mice to lend 3 Solutions $7.5 million for a contract that did not exist.

The money supported an extravagant lifestyle. In Billings, he lived with his family in the area’s largest home:a 26,000-square foot, 10-bedroom stone castle. It had a tower, moat, drawbridge, glass elevator, bowling alley, swimming pools and an indoor shooting range with bank vault doors. At his sentencing, Mr. Price admitted that the full scope of the embezzlement was closer to $40 million.

But Mr. Price was not simply a rogue element at an otherwise reputable company. By 2018, the mine had become, in the words of United States attorneys working on the case, a “bastion of unreported injuries and malfeasance.”

The stone mansion in Billings, in the style of a castle, that was built by Mr. Price in 2014. It now has a new owner.Louise Johns for The New York Times

One United States attorney cited “utter disregard for environmental and worker health and safety standards” at Signal Peak. Louise Johns for The New York Times

According to Department of Justice statements, Dale Lee Musgrave, Signal Peak’s vice president of underground operations at the time, pressured mine employees not to report injuries that had occurred while on duty, using overt and implicit pressure, threats and bribes — actions which gave the mine “the veneer of an outstanding safety record.”

In 2018, according to the Department of Justice, Mr. Musgrave instructed an employee who had crushed his finger while loading mining materials to say that the injury was unrelated to his job, telling him that he would “make it worthwhile.” Mr. Musgrave eventually gave the employee, whose finger had to be partially amputated, $2,000 in cash.

Federal investigators who were looking into activities at the mine then noticed multiple mysterious FedEx shipments arriving at Mr. Musgrave’s residence — 27 such shipments just in the first few months of 2019. When they intercepted one, they found small bags of cocaine inside. In December 2021, Mr. Musgrave pleaded guilty to conspiracy to submit false statements in records. Under a plea agreement, prosecutors dismissed two counts of cocaine trafficking.

Last year, Signal Peak was given a criminal sentence and a $1 million fine for willfully violating health and safety standards. In a broad summary of the case, United States Attorney Leif M. Johnson underscored the “utter disregard for environmental and worker health and safety standards.”

Industry experts say the criminal activity points to a bigger mystery: Despite the embezzlement and despite the coal industry’s protracted decline, the company has been able to survive. Many of Signal Peak’s better-positioned industry peers lost money on coal exports and went bankrupt.

“It never quite made sense to me,” said Clark Williams-Derry, an energy finance analyst at the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. “How did Signal Peak even stay afloat?”

Shell Companies

Pat and Maureen Thiele run a small, 50-acre ranch in Roundup, just outside of the boundaries of the Signal Peak mine. The small herd that grazes on the couple’s land, as well as their hardscrabble garden, rely on water they fear is under threat from the mine, and Signal Peak’s expansion plans would bring the drilling under their property.

“It’s marching toward us,” Mrs. Thiele said. “It’s coming close, and damage to our land and our aquifer is becoming more likely.”

The couple are two in a handful of ranchers in the area who are upset about the damage Signal Peak has done to the land.

Steve Charter, a member of the local environmental group the Bull Mountain Land Alliance, said that in 2020 mine workers used an excavator to tear up a watering hole that provided water for his cattle. Now the company, which controls much of the ranch land in the area, is canceling leases ranchers have held for more than half a century.

“It’s like dealing with the mob,” he said.

Pat Theile, center in hat, and Kit Nilson, left with headband, with members of the Bull Mountain Land Alliance, prepared to canvass the community about water quality.Louise Johns for The New York Times

An exposed coal seam on a ranch in the Bull Mountains.Louise Johns for The New York Times

Signal Peak said Mr. Charter’s watering hole, made of old tires, had posed “a significant risk” to its employees and the environment. And by canceling leases, the mine said, it was merely exercising its land rights.

In recent months, Mr. Thiele has been consumed by a new pastime: digging into the multinational corporations that lurk behind Signal Peak, an attempt to understand the corporate forces that ranchers like him are up against.

“It’s important for us to know who we’re dealing with,” he said during a recent interview at his home, about a 10-minute drive from the mine.

In painstakingly compiled handwritten notes and diagrams, Mr. Thiele laid out the corporate structure: Signal Peak is technically owned by two shell companies, paper-only businesses with minimal disclosure rules, that obscure the fact that they are controlled by a trio of out-of-state corporations. What’s more, he was stunned to learn, those corporations are embroiled in their own scandals.

One is FirstEnergy, the Ohio-based utility that invested $400 million to open the underground mine in 2009 with the investment firm Boich Group. In 2021, the company admitted to funneling tens of millions of dollars in bribes to state legislators and regulators to advance a $1 billion bailout for aging nuclear and coal-fired power plants. The Justice Department fined FirstEnergy a record $230 million in a sprawling bribery case, the largest ever in Ohio. A spokeswoman for FirstEnergy said that while FirstEnergy has a stake in the company that operates the mine, it does not run the site.

Mr. Boich has also been implicated in the case. According to local news reports and a federal criminal complaint, he made substantial donations to the dark money organization at the center of the scandal. He has not been charged with any crime. A spokesman for Mr. Boich said the billionaire’s political contributions had taken place in strict accordance with the law.

The third owner is the Gunvor Group, a multinational trading company formerly co-owned by Gennady N. Timchenko, a Russian billionaire and confidante of Mr. Putin. Signal Peak is the only coal mine owned by Gunvor, which specializes in trading commodities like oil, gas and minerals, not producing them.

For years, the United States Treasury maintained that Mr. Putin held investments in Gunvor and may have had access to Gunvor funds. After Russia invaded Crimea in 2014, the State Department placed sanctions on Mr. Timchenko and he announced that he had sold his interest in the company.

A Gunvor spokesman stressed that Mr. Timchenko now “had absolutely zero involvement with Gunvor in any way” and called any alleged links with President Putin “old and entirely baseless.” Gunvor has “been seeking to divest its share in Signal Peak, which holds no strategic value for our company,” he added.

Environmental groups have alleged in complaints to state and federal regulators that, by using shell companies, the mine is violating requirements to clearly disclose the identity of its owners. These groups worry that the current owners, racked by their own scandals, will be able to walk away from their obligations — to restore land or water degraded by the mining, for example.

Ms. Nilson and her nephew, Boyd Charter, at one of their ranch’s watering holes. “The thing is, we know coal is on its way out,’’ she said. “But when they do finish up, they’ll be able to walk away and we’ll never see them again.”Louise Johns for The New York Times

A subsidence crack on Steve Charter’s property.Louise Johns for The New York Times

So far, the environmental groups have been unsuccessful. This year, the Interior Department, said it believed the mine was violating ownership disclosure rules and had failed to update parts of its mining permit. But the department said it could not find adequate proof of any imminent danger to public health or the environment.

“There’s a history of companies creating shells, and the owners walking away, leaving taxpayers to pick up the mess,” said Anne Hedges, a director at the Montana Environmental Information Center, a local nonprofit group. “And they’ve all already operated like they’re above the law.”

Signal Peak has supporters in the community, including Sue Olson, a local rancher who sits on the board of a philanthropic foundation funded by Signal Peak.

“Signal Peak mine did have some very bad apples,” she said. “But they’ve been caught, and the mine is now operating as a respected, honest business.”

Mr. Charter, the rancher, recently zigzagged to the top of his ranch on Bull Mountain, stopping to examine the latest crack that has appeared in the hard ground, a crevice several hundred feet long.

Below was a sweeping vista of Montana’s grassy plains, hazy with the smoke of distant wildfires. Mr. Charter’s finances have already been squeezed by the big meatpackers that have consolidated control of the American livestock industry. The mine is a more elusive adversary.

“Coal is in its death throes,” he said, “and it’s taking us down with it.”

#Environment

[newswireml]

Blue States Attempted To Crackdown On Guns. Firearm Sales Skyrocketed Instead#Blue #States #Attempted #Crackdown #Guns #Firearm #Sales #Skyrocketed

Blue States Attempted To Crackdown On Guns. Firearm Sales Skyrocketed Instead#Blue #States #Attempted #Crackdown #Guns #Firearm #Sales #Skyrocketed

Blue states have recently introduced restrictive gun laws that aim to remove firearms from the streets, but numerous states are now seeing massive increases in gun sales as Americans begin to “vote with their wallets,” according to data from the Firearm Industry Trade Association (NSSF). Gun sales in Oregon, Washington and Illinois jumped either before or after legislators introduced or passed…

[libertyprivateinvestigations01]

Choosing Available Private Investigation Services in Florida

Taking on a private investigation is a great way to get valuable information. Private investigators can conduct surveillance, monitor a person of interest, or perform other tasks. These services can be hired by individuals or businesses. They can also testify in court if necessary. Choosing a private investigator can be a tricky process. It's important to be sure you're working with a licensed agency.

If you're looking to hire a private investigator in Florida, it's important to understand the process. Florida requires PIs to be licensed. They must be trained in a variety of areas to be considered a licensed investigator. These fields include surveillance, infidelity, child custody, fraud, alimony, and missing persons. Some private investigators specialize in each of these fields, while others work in a variety of areas.

In Florida, private investigators can work for individuals or businesses. They may work full time, part time, or on a contract basis. The cost of hiring an investigator can vary depending on the type of service required. A basic investigation may cost $75 to $125 an hour, while specialized services can range from $150 to $350 an hour. The average pay for a private investigator was $43,980 in 2012. However, the top ten percent earned $65,550.

Licensed private investigators can carry a weapon, but you must have the proper license. In Florida, you'll need to obtain a firearms license if you intend to carry a weapon. You can renew your license online. You'll also need to pay a fingerprint processing fee. If you don't have the proper license, any information you collect will not be admissible in court. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for licensing fees.

To become a licensed private investigator in Florida, you'll need to take a course approved by the Florida Department of Education. PIs can also join a professional trade organization, such as the Florida Association of Licensed Investigators. These organizations hold seminars and continuing education classes to keep investigators abreast of the industry's latest trends. They also offer networking opportunities for licensed PIs in Florida.

One of the most popular investigative services is background checks. These checks provide clues that could help with a further investigation. These checks can also provide information about a person's criminal history. If a private investigator has a license, he or she can perform a background check on another state's resident.

If you need a Florida Private Investigator, you may have to pay for the service. Depending on the agency, the fee can range from $75 to $125 an hour. Some PIs specialize in particular fields, such as infidelity surveillance or theft surveillance. If you're unsure, you can ask for references. It's also important to be sure you're working with an experienced investigator. You want to make sure you have all the information you need, and that the investigator has the skills to get the job done.

A Florida Private Investigator's knowledge of a variety of disciplines is important. They can draw from their past experiences to make decisions. They also use information from the past to anticipate what's likely to happen in the future.

[yourreddancer]

Financing gunmakers How to make big banks like JPMorgan choose whether to be socially responsible

After a mass shooting in Parkland, Florida in February 2018, that left 17 people dead, JPMorgan Chase — America’s largest bank — publicly distanced itself from the firearm industry. Its chief financial officer reassured the media that the bank’s relationships with gunmakers “have come down significantly and are pretty limited.”

That was then. This past September, a new Texas law went into effect that bans state agencies from working with any firm that “discriminates” against companies or individuals in the gun industry. The law requires banks and other professional service firms submit written affirmations to the Texas attorney general that they comply with the law.

What was JPMorgan to do? Sticking with its high-minded policy of “significantly” reducing business with gun manufacturers would result in exclusion from Texas’s lucrative bond market. Texas sold more than $58 billion of bonds in 2020, and is currently the second largest bond market after California. (I’ll come back to California in a moment.)

JPMorgan Chase had been among the top bond underwriters for Texas. Between 2015 and 2020, the bank underwrote 138 Texas bond deals, raising $19 billion for the state, and generating nearly $80 million in fees for JPMorgan, according to Bloomberg. Yet since the new Texas law went into effect in September, the bank has been shut out of working for the state.

JPMorgan’s dilemma since Texas enacted its law has been particularly delicate because its chairman and CEO, Jamie Dimon, has been preaching the doctrine of corporate social responsibility — repeatedly telling the media that big banks like JPMorgan Chase have social duties to the communities they serve.

So what did JPMorgan decide to do about financing gun manufacturers, in light of the new Texas law? It caved to Texas. (Never mind that last year, the bank’s board granted Dimon a special $52.6-million award — which is almost three-quarters of the fees the bank received from underwriting Texas bonds between 2015 and 2020.)

On May 13 — one day before the Buffalo mass shooting and less than two weeks before the Texas shooting — JPMorgan sent a letter to the attorney general of Texas, declaring that the bank’s policy “does not discriminate against or prevent” it from doing business “with any firearm entity or firearm trade association based solely on its status as a firearm entity or firearm trade association,” adding that “these commercial relationships are important and valuable.”

The Texas law barring the state from doing business with any firm that discriminates against the gun industry is the first of its kind in the country. But similar laws — described by gun industry lobbyists as “FIND” laws, or firearm industry nondiscriminatory legislation — are now working their way through at least 10 statehouses, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence. This year, Wyoming passed a law that allows gun companies to sue banks and other firms that refuse to do business with them.

The lesson here is twofold.

First, pay no attention to assertions by big banks or any other large corporations about their “social responsibilities” to their communities. When social responsibility requires sacrificing profits, it magically disappears — even when it entails financing gunmakers.

But secondly, no firm should be penalized by pro-gun states like Texas for trying to be socially responsible. How to counter Texas’s law? Lawmakers in progressive states like California (whose bond market is even larger than Texas’s) should immediately enact legislation that bars the state from dealing with any firm that finances the gun industry.

In other words: Big banks like JPMorgan should have to choose: either finance gunmakers and get access to the Texas bond market, or don’t finance them and gain access to the even larger California bond market.

Robert Reich