BUSINESS

Misinformation spreads because it taps into existing distrust. Leaders who want to protect their reputation must learn to spot early warning signs, pressure-test vulnerabilities and build trust before a false narrative takes hold.

President Donald Trump’s five-day pause on a planned U.S. attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure ends this weekend — putting Iran’s critical oil-export hub, Kharg Island, in the spotlight as the next potential target.

LSU’s recent habit of spending big and public negotiations could reveal some worrying trends for the athletic department.

A Powerball ticket worth $2 million was sold at the Old South Diner on Wednesday.

OKX says it will delay going public until it can deliver consistent shareholder returns, even after a $25 billion valuation tied to its NYSE parent company deal.

Preferred shares recovered in nine days after their ex-dividend drop, enabling further bitcoin accumulation.

A total of 59 million Americans are caregivers to adults in the U.S.

Politics plays a significant role in the success or failure of firearms sales.When a Democratic president is about to occupy the White House or is President, gun sales have increased significantly. But when a Republican is President, gun enthusiasts are not so worried about their Second Amendment rights and don’t feel a need to stock up on firearms.This has been the case with the presidencies of President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.And it hasn’t been good news for gun dealer Sugarbush Armory.Gun sales rose when Biden was president When Trump was president in 2019, the industry recorded 13.2 million background checks for sales. As Biden was preparing to become president in 2020, gun sales shot through the roof and set a record with over 21 million Americans buying firearms, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation.With Trump back in the White House and consumers also worried about the economy, gun sales have been dropping again, with sales falling below an industry standard of 1 million background checks for sales per month in 2025, according to The Reload.com.The decline in sales has affected gun dealers, forcing business closings and bankruptcy filings.

Sugarbush Armory files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to reorganize. Shutterstock

Sugarbush Armory files for bankruptcy Troubled firearms dealer Sugarbush Armory LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on March 24, after facing declining sales and multiple lawsuits.The Attica, N.Y.-based gun retailer filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of New York in Buffalo, listing $1 million to $10 million in assets and liabilities, according to Bankruptcy Observer.Sugarbush Armory’s filing comes after several months of declining firearms sales across the industry that have affected gun dealers nationwide.The debtor, however, did not specifically state a reason for filing for bankruptcy.Firearms sales declined in 2025Firearms sales declined 4.1% to about 14.6 million in 2025 compared to over 15.2 million in 2024, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the National Rifle Association’s American Rifleman reported.Industry experts believed some of the decline in sales might have resulted from buyers delaying purchases to take advantage of the reduction in the National Firearms Act tax from $200 to $0 beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the report said.On New Year’s Day 2026, 150,000 NFA applications were submitted to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.But not enough firearm buyers took advantage of the new $0 National Firearms Act tax pricing to significantly turn the industry around, as gun sales continued declining in January 2026 by 0.7% compared to purchases in the same month in 2025, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, American Rifleman reported.The foundation estimated 1.198 million firearms were purchased in January 2026, based on FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System data, compared to 1.207 million in January 2025.Silencer sales increaseNational Shooting Sports Foundation, however, reported that background checks for certain items, such as silencers, in January rose 121.2% compared to January 2025 to 206,871.Sugarbush Armory also endured the costs of some lawsuits filed against it in recent years.The debtor resolved two lawsuits in 2024: an alleged breach-of-contract lawsuit filed by Cloudfund LLC, which was settled on March 7, 2024; and a judgment was entered in a contract lawsuit filed by Ittia Ventures on Dec. 19, 2023, according to Unicourt.Sugarbush Armory sells firearms, ammunition, optics, accessories, gear, and supplies. It also offers gunsmith services and operates an indoor range.Gun makers file bankruptcyOther firearms companies that have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy over the last year include struggling firearms maker and dealer Custombilt Firearms Manufacturing LLC, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Feb. 8, 2026, after battling the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives over its license in 2023 and 2024.Daytona Beach, Fla., firearms manufacturer SCCY Industries LLC, whose assets were seized by the Volusia County Tax Office of Florida at its Daytona factory on March 11, 2025, for non-payment of tax debts of almost $250,000, filed its petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida on Aug. 1, 2025.Related: 31-year-old Subway rival franchisee files Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Joe Rogan, who endorsed Trump in 2024, has stepped up criticism of the president over the Iran war on recent episodes of his podcast.

TheStreet aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.Why we love this dealWith spring on the way, you might be spending more time outside. Whether you’re enjoying your cozy backyard patio or you’re getting home late from a fun weekend trip, having lights that can guide your way can make your experience so much better. You can prevent tripping on steps, struggling to find the lock with your key, or just create a warm ambience to relax in.If you’re looking for some solar lights to guide your path in the evening or at night, the Incx Waterproof Pathway Ground Solar Lights 12-Pack is a quick and easy choice. These waterproof lights stick right in the ground, soaking up the sun during the day and lighting your path at night. This 12-pack is just $30, pricing each light at less than $3 a piece. Incx Waterproof Pathway Ground Solar Lights 12-Pack, $30 (was $38) at Amazon

Courtesy of Amazon

Shop at AmazonWhy do shoppers love it?Each light has eight energy-saving LEDs that can run for up to 10 hours at a time on a full solar charge, typically taking about eight hours to charge in full sun. The light sensor automatically turns the lights on once it gets dark and turns them back off when the sun comes up, allowing you to focus on other things besides turning the lights on and off at the right time. They’re super easy to install. They include a ground spike that connects to the light and makes it easy to push into the ground. There are no wires or batteries, creating a simple, no-fuss setup. Related: Amazon is selling solar firefly lights for just $10 that can make your backyard look ‘magical’These lights measure 4.6 inches wide and feature a waterproof, snowproof, and sunproof design. The aluminum Chrome topper ring offers durability, and the improved plastic tips make it stable and easy to press into the ground. They’re great for lining the patio to prevent injuries, place them around your garden to create a fairy garden vibe, or line the driveway with them to more easily see your area when pulling the car in. They’re available in cool and warm lighting, both on sale. The pros and cons of these in-ground solar lightsProsThey are easy to install: They feature an easy two-step installation. Connect the ground spike to the light, and stick them in the ground wherever you want them.Brightness: Each light has eight bright, energy-saving LEDs to light your path.Versatility: These lights would be great in the garden, lining the driveway or the walkway to the door, around the fenced perimeter, around the pool, and more. Cons In-ground only: These lights are designed to be in-ground lights and don’t provide other ways of installation.Contingent on the sun: Just like any solar light, these rely on sunny days to work and don’t have backup power; however, reviewers have said they’ve worked every night since installation.One reviewer said, “These lights are top-tier! I cannot begin to explain the amount of money I’ve spent on bad solar lights, but these are the best. They actually work, they’re easy to install, and a great price. They’re super bright. Not a day goes by without them turning on, which is a major issue I’ve had with other lights. These are worth it.”Another shopper said, “They also seem to be sealed very well, the sprinklers don’t seem to affect them. After a few months, they are still as bright as the first day.”Shop more dealsWenaty Solar Spot Lights 12-Pack, $70 (was $90) at AmazonGigalumi Hanging Solar Lights 12-Pack, $25 (was $36) at AmazonSolpex Mini Solar Ground Lights, $15 (was $19) at AmazonThe Incx Waterproof Solar Lights 12-Pack offers a bright and simple solution for dark corners and hard-to-see driveways. They’re durable, waterproof, and offer up to 10 hours of light off one sunny day’s worth of charge.