Dec 25, 2024
Governor Kay Ivey signing the Senate Bill 46 to legalize medical marijuana in Alabama, with a legislative advisor present.
Alabama Becomes 37th State to Legalize Medical Marijuana

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 46 last week, making her state the 37th to permit distribution, sale, and use of medical marijuana. The bill goes into effect immediately, but lawmakers estimate it will be 15 months before the entire process is legally instituted and medical marijuana will be... Read More »

A group of people at a rally holding flags, with one person wearing a mask resembling a former president.
Oregon counties vote to secede, join Idaho

Last week five more Oregon counties passed a measure to begin the process of discussing how to secede and become part of Idaho instead. Malheur, Sherman, Grant, Baker, and Lake counties joined Jefferson and Union which approved a similar motion last year. A total of seven counties make up the... Read More »

A group of people gathers inside a building, holding signs related to abortion rights, with some signs stating "Roe is unconstitutional" and "We will adopt your baby."
Texas Governor signs "heartbeat" abortion bill

Texas joined South Carolina and Idaho last week in banning nearly all abortions if a fetal heartbeat is detected. The law is set to be enforced in September; it now requires a physician to check for a fetal heartbeat and makes any individual who knowingly assists with an unlawful procedure... Read More »

A person hiding behind a laptop, holding a sign that says "HELP!"
2.5 million to lose unemployment benefits by July

States across the country are deciding to no longer offer the additional $300 in federal pandemic unemployment benefits for their residents. The move will also end benefits entirely for those who were not traditionally eligible for unemployment insurance, such as gig-workers, freelancers, individuals who had exhausted their benefits, and those... Read More »

Matthew McConaughey gestures while speaking at a rally, advocating for community engagement in Texas.
Matthew McConaughey Possibly Running for Governor of Texas

Actor Matthew McConaughey, who has starred in movies like Dallas Buyers Club, Magic Mike, and Interstellar, is planning to run for governor of Texas. McConaughey, 51, was born in Uvalde, Texas. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife and children. In March, he said on a Texas podcast that... Read More »

Signage at a public location indicating that masks are recommended, with people walking by.
CDC Guidance on Masks Changes Causing Confusion

The CDC recently released new guidance about mask-wearing saying that people who are fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks in most situations. According to changes listed on the CDC website, as of May 13, 2021, “Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is minimal for fully vaccinated people. The risk of... Read More »