Latest news with #XavierWalton
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
THC ban bill in Texas about ‘protecting kids' after 6-year flaw, officials say
(NewsNation) — A bill that would ban all products containing THC is now on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's desk after the Senate late Sunday approved the House version of the bill advanced by the lower chamber last week. NewsNation's Xavier Walton says lawmakers feel the bill will protect children. 'We can't regulate it,' Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. 'We don't have enough police to check every store, when there are 8 to 9,000 of them.' The bill came alongside a push by Texas Republicans to expand the state's medical marijuana program significantly. Under the new ban, possession of hemp products now carries a dramatically stricter penalty — a year in jail. The rule fixes a loophole in the 2019 Consumable Hemp Law that didn't allow products to contain more than trace amounts of delta-9 THC, nor establish that same threshold for other hemp derivatives. 'To put it into perspective, we only have 1,100 McDonald's in the state of Texas, 1,300 Starbucks in the state of Texas,' Patrick added. 'So, there are eight times more smoke shops selling this poison.' While state government officials argue that passing the bill would safeguard children, the economic impact the ban would have could be devastating to the state's economy. The hemp industry contributes $10.2 billion to the state, according to Whitney Economics. Local business owners acknowledged the bill is an 'overreach.' 'It's about $268 million in tax revenue that it's going to deplete,' said Jennifer Garza, owner of CBD American Shaman. 'And again, 53,000 Texans are going to be without a job. It's absolutely heartbreaking. I'm thinking about my customers, the veterans, all the business owners that are going to lose their jobs.' In passing the ban, Texas joins several states, including Colorado, Iowa, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska, that have banned or restricted intoxicating forms of hemp, or the compounds derived from it. If signed by Abbott, the bill would take effect in September. Shops and business owners have until January to fully comply. Lawmakers also agreed to expand Texas's 'Compassionate Use Program,' which allows those with specific conditions to use low-level THC products. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Hill
THC ban bill in Texas about ‘protecting kids' after six-year flaw, officials say
(NewsNation) — A bill that would ban all products containing THC is now on Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's desk after the Senate late Sunday approved the House version of the bill advanced by the lower chamber last week. NewsNation's Xavier Walton says lawmakers feel the bill will protect children. 'We can't regulate it,' Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. 'We don't have enough police to check every store, when there are 8 to 9,000 of them.' The bill came alongside a push by Texas Republicans to expand the state's medical marijuana program significantly. Under the new ban, possession of hemp products now carries a dramatically stricter penalty — a year in jail. The rule fixes a loophole in the 2019 Consumable Hemp Law that didn't allow products to contain more than trace amounts of delta-9 THC, nor establish that same threshold for other hemp derivatives. 'To put it into perspective, we only have 1,100 McDonald's in the state of Texas, 1,300 Starbucks in the state of Texas,' Patrick added. 'So, there are eight times more smoke shops selling this poison.' While state government officials argue that passing the bill would safeguard children, the economic impact the ban would have could be devastating to the state's economy. The hemp industry contributes $10.2 billion to the state, according to Whitney Economics. Local business owners acknowledged the bill is an 'overreach.' 'It's about $268 million in tax revenue that it's going to deplete,' said Jennifer Garza, owner of CBD American Shaman. 'And again, 53,000 Texans are going to be without a job. It's absolutely heartbreaking. I'm thinking about my customers, the veterans, all the business owners that are going to lose their jobs.' In passing the ban, Texas joins several states, including Colorado, Iowa, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska, that have banned or restricted intoxicating forms of hemp, or the compounds derived from it. If signed by Abbott, the bill would take effect in September. Shops and business owners have until January to fully comply. Lawmakers also agreed to expand Texas's 'Compassionate Use Program,' which allows those with specific conditions to use low-level THC products.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
DHS: Detainees in Texas threatened ICE agents, barricaded themselves
The Department of Homeland Security has levied new allegations against a group of accused Tren de Aragua gang members who were held in Texas' Bluebonnet Detention Facility, where detainees arranged themselves to spell out 'S-O-S' in April. NewsNation's Xavier Walton has the latest live on 'Morning in America.' #Texas #TrenDeAragua #DHS
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas pitmasters serve up Michelin-starred barbecue
(NewsNation) — May marks National Barbecue Month, and American barbecue is getting global recognition like never before. For the first time, four Texas barbecue joints in Houston and Austin — La Barbecue, InterStellar BBQ, LeRoy and Lewis Barbecue, and Corkscrew BBQ — have been awarded Michelin stars. The Michelin Guide made its debut in Texas in 2024, and these four spots made the cut, according to Business Insider. NewsNation's Xavier Walton visited CorkScrew BBQ, la Barbecue and Leroy and Lewis Barbecue to uncover what makes these Texas pitmasters truly exceptional. Burger King's Whopper lawsuit must move forward, judge says In Texas, barbecue is more than just food — it's a lifestyle. While Michelin stars are often associated with fine dining, these barbecue joints have proven there's more than meets the eye. At CorkScrew BBQ, customers visit in droves. 'We're on a half-acre. So basically, the line outlines the entire half acre that we're on,' said Will Buckman, owner of CorkScrew BBQ in Houston. Texas is home to three more Michelin-starred barbecue destinations, from that half-acre near Houston to Austin, arguably the mecca of meat. 'Not ever in a million years would I have ever thought that I would have a Michelin star,' said Alison Clem, owner of la Barbecue. Clem takes a unique approach. 'We cook a hot and fast brisket. I have a giant passion for creating with different cuts of meat,' she said. Even actor Seth Rogen has come by to sample the offerings at la Barbecue. California home to some of the best beers in the world At LeRoy and Lewis, they do things low and slow. 'We were a food truck for seven years,' said Sawyer Lewis, co-owner of Leroy and Lewis Barbecue. 'We believe that barbecue is a method and not a menu.' One of their standout items? Beef cheeks. 'They are very unique to us. They're like little mini briskets,' Lewis said. Lewis said the Michelin honor still feels surreal. 'This is truly the culinary entrepreneurial dream,' she said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
44% of Americans say Vietnam War was unjustified: Poll
Opinions on the Vietnam War and the U.S. government's treatment of its veterans have soured in the 50 years since the fall of Saigon, an exclusive poll from Emerson College/Nexstar Media found. NewsNation's Xavier Walton is live from the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Dallas with more. #Vietnam #VietnamWar #Veterans
