Huff Post: FBI Arrests Ryan Kelley, Republican Candidate For Governor Of Michigan

CNN: DeVos says she had 25th Amendment discussions with Pence and Cabinet members

Mother Jones: The Texas Abortion Ban Has Turned Clinics Into Travel Agencies

Trending On The Right

---

It seems as if pickleball is everywhere these days, and you’re probably wondering, “what’s the big deal?” Everyone and their grandma seems to be playing this game. It's time to give it a shot. The set includes two paddles, two outdoor balls, two indoor balls, and one carrying bag.

The lightweight paddles provide strength and optimal performance. Your arm won’t feel weighed down while swinging. Each paddle has of durable graphite face, featuring excellent strength and rigidity. You'll enjoy both power and control, perfect for seasoned players and newbies. Get your set today and head to the nearest court!

US: Maryland authorities say 3 dead, 1 injured after shooting at manufacturing plant (Fox News)

World: 3 foreigners who fought for Ukraine sentenced to death (AP)

US: NYC Health Chief Declares Latest COVID Peak Over; Toddler Mask Mandate Ends Monday (NBC)

US: NASA is putting together a research team to study UFOs (The Verge)

US: Invasive spotted lanternfly could threaten California’s wine grapes (Axios)

US: Police Rush to Britney Spears' Wedding as Ex-Husband Jason Alexander Crashes It (TMZ)

US: Sriracha shortage: What you need to know (CNN)

Sports: PGA Tour suspends all players taking part in first LIV Golf tournament (ESPN)

Credit: Moody College of Communication CC 2.0
On Tuesday, Uvalde native and actor Matthew McConaughey delivered an impassioned speech concerning gun ownership, violence, and firearm regulations. He noted his mother once taught kindergarten not far from Robb Elementary, where 21 were killed. McConaughey spoke from the podium at the White House press briefing room.

News Coverage from the Right: Matthew McConaughey praised for White House gun reform remarks: 'Different messenger' (Fox News)

News Coverage from the Left: Matthew McConaughey tells the story of those killed in Uvalde in emotional plea for action on guns (CNN)

From The Flag: The tragic events of the last few weeks have unfortunately compelled us to cover Buffalo, Uvalde, and President Biden’s response. Here’s how both sides are responding to McConaughey’s remarks and Hollywood celebrities being outspoken, with mass shootings and gun control as the backdrop.

• McConaughey delivered a scathing diatribe against lawmakers’ inability to pass meaningful gun reform.
• His intense and passionate plea hit home while major politicians have failed to have the same impact.
• McConaughey’s speech was so compelling that he should give entering politics more thought, as he's considered it in the past.

---

“Matthew McConaughey puts Congress to shame on guns” Paul Waldman and Greg Sargent, New York Post Opinion: “The debate over assault-style rifles is vexing. A number of recent mass shooters have been under the age of 21, and research suggests they are at a perilous moment in brain development. What’s more, the place of the rifle in American society has changed dramatically, with AR-15-style weapons militarizing the culture in recent decades. Yet federal law still sets the minimum age for rifles at 18 (and many states do the same). The law has not caught up with these shifting circumstances. But at the same time, Republicans seem to be insisting that the price of any action is that Congress doesn’t even vote on more ambitious policies, no matter how much the American people might want them. … That’s a deeply perverse situation, and it will remain so even if Congress does pass something. And so, with that performance, McConaughey really put Congress to shame.”

“Matthew McConaughey's gun speech did what Biden's didn't” Arick Wierson, NBC News Opinion: “...McConaughey’s speech felt more accessible and balanced. Biden very likely failed to move the needle of public opinion among the gun rights faithful, but McConaughey may have been able to. … At times, his speech was hard to listen to, particularly as he profiled the hopes and dreams of some of the children lost in the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting — aspirations that will now never be realized. …he spoke to the nation not as a slick Hollywood actor but as a father, a man of God, a gun owner, a Texan — a native son of Uvalde — and, most importantly, as an American who is sick of watching these same scenes of mass murder play out over and over while a divided Washington fails to act. Smartly, McConaughey didn’t come at the issue of guns through the divisive rhetoric that has failed to produce any meaningful change…instead, he approached the issue through the lens of responsible gun ownership.”

One more opinion piece from the Left: After his moving speech on gun control, it’s time for Matthew McConaughey to give up Hollywood for Washington Vinay Menon, Toronto Star Opinion

• Some of McConaughey’s proposals align with President Biden, but his true call is for lawmakers on both sides to meet in the middle.
• His proposals are, in actuality, not common sense and also unrealistic.
• McConaughey’s speech was incisive and effective because of his genuine emotion.

---

“The McConaughey Moment: Actor Tells Biden, Congress Meet in Middle on Guns” Philip Wegman, Real Clear Politics: “McConaughey had come to the White House as a gun owner calling for stricter gun control, and while some of the reforms the actor laid out… line up with what President Biden wants, his message to lawmakers was that the country wants them to meet in the middle already. ‘This should not be a partisan issue. There is not a Democratic or Republican value in one single act of these shooters,’ he said. People in power, he added ‘can't truly be leaders if we're only living for reelection.’ … A bipartisan group of senators has been negotiating behind closed doors, and while there is hope that the result of those talks could lead to gun reform, any compromise would have to survive an uphill slog before making it to the president’s desk. The Senate remains split, and it is an open question as to whether Biden and Congress can actually meet the McConaughey moment.

“Here’s The Fatal Flaw In Matthew McConaughey’s ‘Common Sense’ Gun Plan” Mollie Hemingway, The Federalist: “Corporate media and other activists praised his call for what they described as 'common sense' restrictions on the right to keep and bear arms. But even if people think the solution to the moral rot plaguing the country is to restrict gun rights, there is one very big reason why this plan is not 'common sense' at all and why Republicans in Congress would not be able to support it. Many Americans have a principled objection to restricting gun rights because they are the guard against tyranny that preserves American freedoms. But even for those who don’t hold principled objections to gun-right restrictions, to voluntarily hand over the right and the security it provides American families would require a profound trust in their government that has been obliterated in recent years through widespread corruption. … Who would administer, for example, the background checks and red flag laws that 'common sense' gun restrictors propose?”

One more opinion piece from the Right: Matthew McConaughey’s heart-rending appeal for unity over guns is all right, all right, all right Piers Morgan, New York Post Opinion

A live YouGov poll posed the following question to respondents: “How effective do you think [McConaughey’s] speech will be in influencing the actions of Congress?” An overwhelming 74% either said “not very effective” or “not effective at all.”

Another question asked whether or not celebrities should make statements regarding current affairs and politics. Just 33% of respondents felt celebrities should be vocal, 41% felt they shouldn’t, and 25% said it would depend on the circumstances.

Flag Poll: Do you believe there's value in celebrities addressing public affairs and political issues? Click here to share your thoughts.

🪛 Have you ever been in a situation where you need a screwdriver and there isn’t one for miles? This handy multi-tool device features 19 tools, including two Phillips heads and two flatheads. Even better — it’s compact and easily portable, so you’ll never be caught without a necessary tool in a desperate moment. Add one here for 18% off.

🛴 Scooters seem to be making a comeback. It’s time your kids felt the joy of coasting down the sidewalk. This classic Razor scooter features a vibration dampening system to create a smoother ride. There’s also a wheelie bar for the daredevils out there. Grab one for your kids, or revisit your youth, for a whopping 45% off!

🚰 Heading out to the trails or looking for a way to stay hydrated at your desk? This insulated bottle will do the trick! Not only is this 20-ounce bottle leakproof, but it also features new technology that delivers 25% more water per sip. Lightweight, durable, and dishwasher safe. The bottle’s plastic is also BPA-free, so you can drink with ease! Stay hydrated for 27% off.

On June 10, 1752, Benjamin Franklin was said to have flown a kite during a thunderstorm to collect ambient electrical charge in a Leyden jar, enabling him to demonstrate the connection between lightning and electricity. Above is an 1816 depiction by Benjamin West.

Mental Floss: The Right Way to Pet a Dog, According to Veterinarians

The Atlantic: Stranger Things Won’t Save Netflix

Inc.: Why Laziness Is Not Why You Procrastinate (Your Emotions Are)

Today I Learned they don't bleach toilet paper to make it white. It's bleached to make it softer and extend its shelf life. The whiteness of toilet paper is just a positive by-product.