Texas
Texas moves to close cannabis loophole
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick announced on Wednesday that a new bill will be introduced to the state legislature banning the sale of “all forms of consumable Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)” anywhere in the state.
Patrick said that retailers in Texas have been selling “life-threatening, unregulated forms of THC to the public” and argued some of these have been targeted at children.
In 2019, Texas legalized the sale and consumption of hemp, a weaker form of cannabis containing a maximum of 0.3 percent THC, bringing the state in line with a federal law passed the previous year. However, marijuana, which has a higher THC content, remains illegal. The legislation produced a large legal hemp industry in Texas, with the product being sold in a range of forms, including vapes, gummies, drinks and creams.
Announcing the new legislation, Senate Bill 3, Patrick said: “In 2019, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 1325, by Rep. Tracy King, D-Uvalde, to bolster agriculture in Texas. Part of that bill allowed for the commercialization of hemp which might include un-removable non-intoxicating trace amounts of Delta 9 THC.”
However, Patrick argued this legal change was exploited by unscrupulous retailers, some of whom sold products with a THC content several times higher than the marijuana typically sold by drug dealers.
“Dangerously, retailers exploited the agriculture law to sell life-threatening, unregulated forms of THC to the public and made them easily accessible. These stores not only sold to adults, but they targeted Texas children and exposed them to dangerous levels of THC,” he said.
“Since 2023, thousands of stores selling hazardous THC products have popped up in communities across the state, and many sell products, including beverages, that have three to four times the THC content which might be found in marijuana purchased from a drug dealer.”
Patrick added that Senate Bill 3 would be carried by state Senator Charles Perry, a fellow Republican, and expressed confidence it will have “broad bipartisan support in the Senate.”
Newsweek reached out to Patrick and Perry for comment on Thursday via email outside of regular office hours.
Brett Hondow/GETTY
In a May 2024 report, the Baker Institute, a non-partisan think tank based out of Rice University in Houston, said Texas lawmakers “did not anticipate the massive market for hemp-derived cannabinoids” produced by the 2019 legalization.
Consequently, they said, “From 2020 to 2023, sales of hemp-derived cannabinoids (excluding the non-impairing cannabidiol) increased by 1,283%, reaching a value of $2.78 billion last year.”
The Baker Institute argued against making the sale of all hemp products illegal, arguing this would be “certain to fail” and would force the industry underground.
“As of April 2024, Texas had over 7,000 registered hemp dispensaries. More than 50,000 Texans are estimated to be employed through the hemp sector,” they said. “A state ban would ruin this industry, but it would not reduce consumer demand for hemp-derived cannabinoids. Instead, consumers would turn to the illicit hemp market that would inevitably form in the wake of state prohibition.”
On November 5, voters in Nebraska voted to legalize medical marijuana, though attempts to legalize marijuana for recreational use failed in Florida, South Dakota and North Dakota.
In Florida, the move had majority support but failed to pass the 60 percent threshold to become law.
Texas
Texas maintenance workers poisoned by fentanyl-laced flyer outside library
Two workers fell ill after being handed a fentanyl-laced flyer outside of a Texas library, according to authorities.
The pair of Montgomery County workers told police they were approached around 2:25 p.m. Tuesday by a woman in the parking lot of RB Tullis Library in New Caney who handed them a damp, pink-tinted flyer, Precinct 4 Constable Rowdy Hayden said in a statement.
About 30 minutes later, the employees began feeling shaky, dizzy, and experienced hot flashes, cops said.
After bringing the suspicious paper to the constable’s office, an evidence technician tested it and confirmed the presence of fentanyl, police added.
The letter appeared to contain a typed religious message, according to photos released by police.
Authorities urged residents to proceed with caution if offered any sketchy items.
“We urge everyone to exercise caution and avoid accepting items from unknown individuals in public settings. If you see something suspicious, please report it immediately,” the office said.

Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, can be lethal even in minuscule doses.
Retired Houston police officer Mark Stephens told ABC13 that the tainted flyer case is an example of how dangerous accidental exposure to the potent drug can be.
“You can’t just trust anyone anymore, especially when it comes to fentanyl,” Stephens told the outlet.
“It’s a deadly drug that can get into your system just by touch. I’ve seen officers go unconscious because the wind blew and they inhaled the powder. It’s a deadly, deadly drug,” he added.
The condition of two employees, who were identified to the outlet as maintenance workers, is not immediately clear.
The incident remains under investigation.
Texas
College football Week 10 streaming guide: Vanderbilt-Texas, ‘GameDay’ in Utah, chaos awaits
Another upside-down weekend for a shaken-up FBS season. Vanderbilt’s quarterback is drawing Heisman hype. Utah’s campus hosts “College GameDay.” Power conference coaches are getting midseason pink slips as the sport’s intelligentsia tries to model Indiana’s sideline. When the going gets weird, the weird get … into shotgun with Trinidad Chambliss.
This weekend has entertainment value and chaos potential on its horizon. Both befit the unhinged trip that is 2025. Come Saturday, Diego Pavia’s Commodores are the main attractions at Texas Memorial Stadium, while Georgia has a marshy trap game within the Gainesville swamp. Nos. 1 and 2 are both active in the Big Ten slate. Two rising ACC programs go on the road to risk undefeated conference records. There’s a possible “Mr. November” lacing up from Berkeley to Denton.
Week 10 lines up games from Tuesday through Saturday. As we’ve done all season, we’re sorting the broadcast windows by headliner status (“best on paper”), weirdness in the air (“chaos potential”) and low-key appeal (“sleeper pick”).
All times ET, and all odds via BetMGM.
Week 10 viewing guide
Watching in person? Get tickets on StubHub.
| Game | Time (ET) | TV | Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Tulane at UTSA |
7:30 p.m., Thurs. |
ESPN |
|
|
Memphis at Rice |
7 p.m., Fri. |
ESPN2 |
|
|
Vanderbilt at Texas |
Noon, Sat. |
ABC |
|
|
Penn St. at Ohio St. |
Noon, Sat. |
Fox |
|
|
Navy at North Texas |
Noon, Sat. |
ESPN2 |
|
|
Georgia at Florida |
3:30 p.m., Sat. |
ABC |
|
|
Virginia at Cal |
3:45 p.m., Sat. |
ESPN2 |
|
|
Mississippi St. at Arkansas |
4 p.m., Sat. |
SECN |
|
|
South Carolina at Ole Miss |
7 p.m., Sat. |
ESPN |
|
|
Oklahoma at Tennessee |
7:30 p.m., Sat. |
ABC |
|
|
Cincinnati at Utah |
10:15 p.m., Sat. |
ESPN |
ABC and Fox are free over the air. Fox also streams on Fox One. All ESPN network content, including ABC and SECN telecasts, is available on ESPN Unlimited.
Thursday
The light stretching: Tulane at UTSA, 7:30 p.m. on ESPN
According to The Athletic’s College Football Playoff projections, Tulane has boosted its postseason tournament chances up to 36 percent. There is no room for slippage in the American Athletic Conference, especially with Navy’s unbeaten mark and Memphis’ national profile. More on that below. We’d expect to see Jon Sumrall’s 6-1 Green Wave comfortably favored versus the 3-4 Roadrunners. Nothing makes sense this year, though, so the spread has shed down to just -3.5 as of Monday. There’s a reason to hop inside the Alamodome on Thursday. And wait … could it be? … yup, another McCown quarterbacking in a remote corner of the football multiverse. Let’s put our hands together for UTSA’s Owen, son of Josh, who has 13 touchdowns to four interceptions in seven games.
Friday
The warmup: No. 25 Memphis at Rice, 7 p.m. on ESPN2
After waiting for the Wave to crest Thursday night, 7-1 Memphis will take a different Texas field in a similar trap spot. Senior QB Brendon Lewis was born upstate in Melissa. He can show out under Friday night lights, before his Tigers host a decisive Tulane tilt next week. The Athletic’s CFP model has Memphis at 7 percent odds of crashing the bracket.
We’re not deprived enough to recommend North Carolina at Syracuse (7:30 p.m. on ESPN). But it is Halloween night, and Bill Belichick keeps finding cursed ways to take uniquely-tailored Ls. Something eerie probably awaits those brave enough to watch.
Saturday, early window
Best on paper: No. 9 Vanderbilt at No. 20 Texas, noon on ABC
“On paper” are the operative words here. Paper can be awesome — sometimes it has kind words written by a close friend, or for the real sentimentalists, a section and row assignment for the Longhorns game. But paper also rips.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning didn’t practice Monday, after taking a tough hit in last weekend’s Mississippi State comeback. His absence would spoil the cool draw of a promised sensation in Manning versus a distant vision actualized in Pavia. Vanderbilt, unaccustomed to being here, has its best AP ranking since 1937. Texas, worlds away from preseason No. 1 props, at least has its talent-rich, burnt-orange defense (10th in points allowed per game thanks to LB Anthony Hill Jr. and CB Malik Muhammad). Pavia has a deceptively tough matchup. These are the storms that one Texas superfan tried to chase down. If Manning can’t suit up, Matthew Caldwell will get the nod. He audibled into the game-winning fade throw on Saturday.
Best potential chaos agent: Penn State at No. 1 Ohio State, noon on Fox
How did we arrive at this call? The ultra-scientific method of wondering, “What’s the most deranged thing that could happen in this nonsensical season?” This was supposed to be a Big Ten title game preview, or heck, a possible national title game preview. Instead, Penn State is going for its first conference win — the Nittany Lions lost to UCLA after it fired its coach and to Northwestern despite it still being Northwestern.
Fine, a sliver of real analysis on how this could get close. In recent years, Penn State has turned OSU week into a ceremonial rock fight, and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was with the Buckeyes for their 2024 championship run. He knows Ryan Day’s tendencies and preferred game scripts. That’s about all we can put forth in good faith. Jeremiah Smith had 97 yards against Wisconsin last outing, but he’s still seeking his first triple-digit day in conference play.
Sleeper pick: Navy at North Texas, noon on ESPN2
Can we interest you in some points? So many points, the kind of feast that requires a tucked-in napkin and loose-fitting jeans. North Texas leads the nation in scoring, averaging more than 46 points so far. It airs out behind Drew Mestemaker, who starts the week at No. 6 in passing yards per game. Navy hits the scoring potluck with more than 37 points per outing. It paces the nation on the ground with its usual religious devotion to funny formations (the “flexbone” these days). We’ve got 7-0 versus 7-1, a meaningful game for a fun American Conference campaign.
Saturday, afternoon window
Best on paper: No. 5 Georgia at Florida, 3:30 p.m. on ABC
The Okefenokee Oar is brought into the jaguar den. Per usual, Georgia and Florida split the difference by meeting in Jacksonville. One of college football’s fiercest series (and top tailgates) gets renewed. Admittedly, the Bulldogs have owned this of late with four consecutive wins, and coach Kirby Smart is 7-2 against the Gators since his 2016 takeover. At least Florida has a serviceable defense, one that should test Georgia’s Gunner Stockton (10 TD, 1 INT, sixth in Heisman odds). Maybe it’s coasting a bit on legacy, but this rivalry gets main billing for the afternoon audience.
Best potential chaos agent: No. 15 Virginia at Cal, 3:45 p.m. on ESPN2
This is UVA’s highest ranking since 2004. The Cavs now have to hold it on a long flight over to California. Saturday marks the very first head-to-head between these two programs. Also consider the Cavs’ last three finishes: won by 1 (UNC), won by 2 (Washington State), won by 3 (Louisville). Let’s get weird. Chandler Morris is grinding toward campus legend, even if this is his fourth school stopover (Oklahoma, TCU and North Texas). Golden Bears running back Kendrick Raphael is a high-volume lead option, and good things are happening with California Kendricks right now.
Sleeper pick: Mississippi State at Arkansas, 4 p.m. on SEC Network
Two sides with a combined 0-8 conference record? Rock with us for a second. Oddsmakers have set a total of 67.5 points, which is either low-stakes cool or much-needed comic relief. Mississippi State is coming off the 45-38 overtime thriller with Texas, and it took Tennessee to an OT ending four weeks ago. Arkansas gave Texas A&M a jump scare in Week 8 (45-42), and it also lost to Tennessee by a field goal. There’s not much to lose down in Fayetteville.
Saturday, evening window
Best on paper: No. 18 Oklahoma at No. 14 Tennessee, 7:30 p.m. on ABC
This should be a blast for all unaffiliated viewers: Tennessee is a three-point home favorite, which indicates a near-even pairing, and Bill Connelly’s SP+ model has the Sooners winning with a 28-27 final score. The Vols have a blow-by gadget in Chris Brazzell II (four grabs for 138 yards last Saturday) and a chance-taker in Joey Aguilar (fourth in the nation at 2,344 passing yards). Sooner counterpart John Mateer has not looked right since injuring his hand in late September, but he will face an inconsistent secondary and can rely on a strident defense. Oklahoma is fifth in scoring defense, and edge flexer R. Mason Thomas has 5.5 sacks in his prior five games. We’re rooting for a close and compelling finish, which basically makes us Rob Lowe in the NFL shield hat, but whatever.
Best potential chaos agent: South Carolina at No. 7 Ole Miss, 7 p.m. on ESPN
Like Vanderbilt-Texas, this is about an unusual and poetic quarterback duel. Trinidad Chambliss was playing in Division II last fall. The reluctant transfer has become college football’s overachieving inspiration of 2025, running through the SEC with a smile. His Rebels are riding high, but no one is safe in this year’s chaos vortex. On the other sideline, LaNorris Sellers entered the season with Heisman chances and top-line hype, only to lose five of his first eight starts. There’s ample room for improvement in his decision-making, but Sellers does have the frame and size to ball out once everything clicks. South Carolina led Alabama last Saturday before it allowed a fourth-quarter Tide rally.
The Lane Kiffin-LSU rumors are rustling already, because of course they are.
“Sleeper” pick: No. 17 Cincinnati at No. 24 Utah, 10:15 on ESPN
A “sleeper” in name only because of its late start, this game kicks off more than two hours after the rest of the evening window. The only slot behind it is the insomniac’s Hawaii action. And just saying, that Hawaii-San José State has its own Mountain West chaos energy.
Still, this matchup itself is fantastic. That’s why “College GameDay” is coming to Salt Lake City. Utah quarterback Devon Dampier missed his team’s Week 9 win over Colorado (53-7, sheesh) due to an ankle issue. In his place, Byrd Ficklin cruised to 140 passing yards, 151 rushing yards and three total scores.
On the other side, DE John Henry Daley enters with 9.5 sacks, with at least half a sack in every Utes game thus far. He’s a 6-foot-4 game-wrecker who somehow had just one sack in his first two collegiate seasons, and he leads all FBS defenders with 13.5 tackles for loss. Daley has to chase down Brendan Sorsby, who has looked eminently cozy at a 20:1 TD-INT rate. The Bearcats lost a three-point teeth-grinder to Nebraska at Arrowhead Stadium, and have since ripped off seven straight Ws. Cinci is tied with BYU atop the Big 12, and the Cougars have a bye this weekend.
It should be a worthwhile watch, so long as your caffeine intake of choice is available.
Updated Week 10 college football odds
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Texas
Fall cold front brings high wildfire threat to Austin
Because of gusty winds and low humidity expected behind a cold front blasting through Texas on Tuesday, a fire weather watch is in effect for Wednesday across most of Central Texas and it could be upgraded to a red flag warning if conditions worsen, the National Weather Service said.
The strong cold front that is moving through Central Texas on Tuesday will bring a quick shift in winds and usher in much cooler, seasonable temperatures for the rest of the week.
Although the front will pass through mostly dry, aside from a few spotty showers north and east of Austin, it will be easy to tell when the front arrives because wind will quickly shift to the north and become quite blustery, with some gusts reaching 35 to 40 mph, close to triggering wind advisories from the weather service.
Despite the weekend rainfall, Central Texas soil remains dry, with Austin cumulative rainfall for the year still running about five inches below normal.
Unfortunately, the air behind this front will be even drier, setting the stage for critical fire weather conditions. Gusty north to northwest winds and low humidity values between 15% and 25% will create an increased risk of rapid wildfire spread and an elevated fire danger through midweek.
Currently, 146 counties across Texas are under burn bans, including all counties in Central Texas and the Hill Country.
In Travis County, the burn ban means that all outdoor burning is prohibited, including:
Practicing wildfire safety will be key over the next several days and Texans need to remain vigilant and report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.
• Avoid outdoor burning or welding when winds are strong. Sparks can easily ignite dry grass and brush.
• Properly dispose of cigarettes, never throw them out of a vehicle window.
• Park vehicles on paved or gravel surfaces, not on dry grass, as hot exhaust systems can ignite fires.
• Secure trailer chains to prevent them from dragging and creating sparks on roadways.
• Keep a defensible space around your home by clearing away dry leaves, brush, and debris within at least 30 feet of structures.
• Have an emergency plan and know multiple evacuation routes in case wildfire threatens your area.
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