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Follow the Money: How Texas Cannabis Monopolies Tried (and Failed) to Kill Hemp In the wild world of Texas politics, where big money and backroom deals often dictate policy, the recent attempts to ban intoxicating hemp-derived THC products stand out as a classic case of "politricks." Senate Bill 3 (SB3) in the regular session, followed by SB5 in the first special session and SB6 in the second special session—all aiming to outlaw delta-8, delta-9, and other hemp-based THC items—thankfully fizzled out. Governor Greg Abbott vetoed SB3, and the later bills stalled in the House despite Senate passage. But why the relentless push for these bans? Spoiler: It wasn't just about protecting kids from "dangerous snacks," as some politicians claimed. Let's peel back the layers and follow the dollars straight to the motivations of the state's medical cannabis industry, which saw hemp as a pesky competitor eating into their profits. The Bills and Their Back...

Monroe Canyon Fire: 97% Contained, but Utah’s 2025 Wildfire Saga Leaves Lasting Impact It’s September 3, 2025, and Utah’s Monroe Canyon Fire , one of the state’s largest wildfires this year, has reached 97% containment after scorching 73,721 acres in Sevier and Piute Counties, per the National Interagency Fire Center . This human-caused blaze, burning since July 13, has devastated communities near Richfield, Monroe, and Koosharem, adding to the nation’s 55 large wildfires battled by 19,318 firefighters . As part of the relentless 2025 wildfire saga—from California’s lightning-sparked Sierra fires to Washington’s Crown Creek—the fire has destroyed homes and displaced families. Questions about laser technology to control lightning persist, alongside concerns about its potential misuse, though no evidence supports such claims. Here’s the latest on the fire’s impact, displacement, and what’s next. Monroe Canyon Fire: A Devastating Toll The Monroe Canyon Fire, sparked by human acti...

Trump’s Use of the Alien Enemies Act: Legal Challenges and Due Process Concerns Trump’s Use of the Alien Enemies Act: Legal Challenges and Due Process Concerns In March 2025, the Trump administration invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport alleged members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua , sparking a heated legal battle over the law’s applicability and the rights of detainees. This rarely used wartime statute has been at the center of controversy, with federal courts, including the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court, weighing in on its use. Below, we explore the legal rulings, due process concerns, and the ongoing debate surrounding this contentious policy. What Is the Alien Enemies Act? Passed in 1798, the Alien Enemies Act allows the president to detain or deport citizens of a hostile nation during a declared war or an “invasion or predatory incursion.” Historically, it was used during the W...

Milk Thistle: The Unsung Hero for Liver Rejuvenation Your liver is a powerhouse, tirelessly detoxifying your body, processing nutrients, and keeping your metabolism in check. But modern life—think processed foods, alcohol, stress, and environmental toxins—can take a toll. Enter milk thistle (Silybum marianum), a prickly herb with a centuries-old reputation for supporting liver health. Despite its use in clinical settings and growing scientific backing, milk thistle remains under the radar. It’s time to change that and share how this plant can help rejuvenate your liver! Why Milk Thistle Deserves Attention Milk thistle’s secret weapon is silymarin , a group of flavonoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and liver-protective properties. Silymarin works by: Shielding the liver from toxins and oxidative stress. Promoting cell regeneration to repair damaged liver tissue. Enhancing detoxification , helping the liver process and eliminate harmful substan...

Unprecedented Fire Siege: Lightning Sparks Chaos in Sierra Foothills, Lasers Raise Questions It’s September 2, 2025, and California’s Central and Southern Sierra foothills are under assault from an unprecedented wildfire outbreak, ignited by thousands of lightning strikes in a single day. Thunderstorms from Santa Barbara to Sacramento have sparked dozens of new fires , adding to the nation’s 55 large wildfires battled by 19,318 firefighters . With over 4.2 million acres burned in 46,323 fires this year, per the National Interagency Fire Center , this lightning-fueled chaos is pushing communities to the edge. Amid this crisis, advanced laser technology—like high-powered, ultrashort-pulse lasers—offers hope for redirecting lightning, but some wonder if such tools could be misused for nefarious purposes. Here’s the latest on the Sierra firestorm, displacement estimates, and the double-edged promise of lasers. Lightning-Fueled Firestorm: The Sierra Foothills Crisis A massive dry ...

The BBBY Comeback: A Wild Ride of Meme Stock Mania and Corporate Chess Buckle up, because the Bed Bath & Beyond saga is back with a vengeance, and it’s serving up a spicy mix of nostalgia, meme stock madness, and corporate maneuvering that’s got investors buzzing like a clearance sale on bath towels! As of August 29, 2025, Beyond, Inc. has ditched its BYON ticker, slapped the iconic BBBY ticker back on the NYSE, and rebranded itself as Bed Bath & Beyond, Inc. If you thought the meme stock era was over, think again—this move is lighting up X feeds, fueling retail investor dreams, and stirring a cauldron of market mayhem. Let’s dive into the wild dynamics of this potential short squeeze, the corporate chaos of the past, and the behind-the-scenes finagling that’s making BBBY the talk of the town. The Nostalgia Rocket: BBBY’s Ticker Triumph Picture this: the Bed Bath & Beyond name, once a staple of suburban shopping sprees, rises from the ashes of its 2023 ...

Natalie Merchant: Still Shining, Never Fading The other night, as my friend went to put on her PJs and hop into bed,  we started thinking about Natalie Merchant—wondering if she’d quietly slipped into the background after her ’90s heyday with 10,000 Maniacs and her soul-stirring solo work. Turns out, she’s as vibrant as ever. Natalie Merchant is out there, still creating, performing, and making a difference with that unmistakable voice and heart. As of November 2025 , Natalie is on an intimate acoustic tour across the Northeast U.S. with longtime collaborator and guitarist Erik Della Penna , running November 1–24, 2025 . She’s playing cozy rooms—think Tarrytown Music Hall and Provincetown Town Hall —bringing her 40-year catalog to life. Expect gems from her latest album, Keep Your Courage (2023, Nonesuch Records), a gorgeous collection about love and human connection that many consider among her best. Sample the hauntingly beautiful track “ Come On, Aphrodi...

Texas Finally Got One Right! Posted on September 1, 2025 As a Texan, I’ll be honest: I’m not always thrilled with how our state handles things. From questionable policies to head-scratching laws, it can feel like Austin’s playing a different game sometimes. But when House Bill 1443 kicked in on September 1, 2025, I had to give credit where it’s due. Texas finally nailed one, and it’s about protecting kids from some seriously disturbing stuff—child-like sex dolls. Here’s the deal: This law targets dolls, mannequins, or robots designed to mimic kids for sexual use. It’s not messing around: Owning one ? That’s a state jail felony—up to 2 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Got two or more ? They assume you’re distributing, making it a third-degree felony (2-10 years). Selling or promoting them ?...

Medical Cannabis and Gun Ownership in Texas: Navigating Conflicting Laws Medical Cannabis and Gun Ownership in Texas: Navigating Conflicting Laws Published: September 1, 2025 Disclaimer: We are not lawyers, and this blog post is for informational purposes only. Laws regarding medical cannabis and firearms are complex and subject to change. Always consult a qualified attorney for legal advice specific to your situation. In Texas, the evolving landscape of medical cannabis and gun ownership presents a unique challenge for residents. While the state has expanded access to medical cannabis through the Compassionate Use Program (TCUP), federal law creates significant hurdles for those who wish to exercise their Second Amendment rights. This post explores the current state of medical cannabis in Texas, its impact on handgun ownership, and the conflicting state and federal laws that create a lega...

Texas Marijuana Legalization: Is Federal Law Really the Barrier? Texas Marijuana Legalization: Is Federal Law Really the Barrier? The Federal Law Excuse in Texas For years, some Texas legislators have pointed to federal law as a reason to resist marijuana legalization. Marijuana remains a Schedule I controlled substance under federal law, meaning it’s illegal for all purposes, which creates a conflict with state-level efforts to legalize it. This tension has been a convenient talking point for lawmakers hesitant to embrace cannabis reform, particularly in a state known for its conservative leanings. In the 2025 legislative session, bills like HB 1208 and SB 335 , which aimed to legalize and regulate marijuana, didn’t even get a hearing. Some legislators argue that federal prohibition creates legal and regulatory complications, making legalization risky. But is federal law tru...

Pentagon Audit of Microsoft’s DoD Cloud Services Pentagon Launches Audit of Microsoft’s DoD Cloud Services Over Use of China-Based Engineers In a move to safeguard national security, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a comprehensive investigation into Microsoft’s cloud services supporting the Department of Defense (DoD), focusing on the company’s past use of China-based engineers. The audit, initiated in August 2025, aims to ensure the integrity of sensitive military systems and address potential cybersecurity risks. What Sparked the Investigation? In July 2025, a ProPublica investigation revealed that Microsoft had employed engineers based in China to maintain cloud systems used by the DoD, including those handling data up to Impact Level 5 (just below top secret). These engineers, supervised by U.S. personnel with security clearances known as “digital escorts,” were part of Microsoft’s support for contracts like the $9 bil...

A Quiet Weather Day to Savor: September 1, 2025 A Quiet Weather Day to Savor: September 1, 2025 Date: September 1, 2025 Today, the U.S. is experiencing a rare gift: a weather day with no storms, no tropical threats, and no extreme events. On September 1, 2025, there are no severe weather alerts, no hurricanes on the horizon, no blizzards, no dust storms—not even a hint of “sharknadoes” or tabloid-worthy celebrity proposals. This calm is a fleeting opportunity to enjoy, so let’s dive into why it’s special and how to make the most of it. A Break from the Weather Norm The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) reports no severe weather risks today—no thunderstorms, tornadoes, or high winds flagged anywhere in the contiguous U.S. Days like this are uncommon, especially in early September when storms often pop up in the Plains or Southeast. Historically, only about 10-20% of days each year see no severe weath...

Is the USA PATRIOT Act Still in Effect and Does It Oppose the Constitution? Is the USA PATRIOT Act Still in Effect and Does It Oppose the Constitution? Posted on September 1, 2025 Is the USA PATRIOT Act Still in Effect? The USA PATRIOT Act, passed in October 2001 after the 9/11 attacks, was designed to enhance national security by expanding government surveillance and investigative powers. As of September 1, 2025, the Act is still partially in effect, though some key provisions have expired or been modified. Most of the Act’s provisions are permanent, but controversial sections, such as Section 215 (allowing access to business records, including library and phone metadata), expired on March 15, 2020, after Congress failed to reauthorize them. Other expired provisions include those for roving wiretaps and "lone wolf" surveillance. However, many surveillance powers remain active through permanent parts of the Act or integration into la...