Soda Tax

Want a soda? You'll pay more for one in Philadelphia, because five years ago, local politicians decided to tax it. They're 'protecting' people, they said. The tax would 'reduce obesity' and 'lower diabetes rates.

Capital Highlights

Paxton trial completes first week The first week of suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial in the Senate ended with his former lead law enforcement officer testifying an Austin developer alleged to have bribed Paxton constructed a “conspiracy theory” that federal officials...

The Idle American

We’ve always heard about how tiny errors can foster various responses, ranging from serious misunderstanding to thigh-slapping laughter. Hitting the keyboard’s “I” instead of the intended “o” caused chuckles recently.

Debating a Democrat

Colorado has a popular Democratic governor, Jared Polis. He's a rare Democrat who says, 'I'm for more freedom and lower taxes.' But is he really?At least he's willing to come to Stossel TV to debate. Refreshingly, Polis supports charter schools. He even founded two.

Capital Highlights

Hundreds of new laws go into effect A total of 774 new laws went into effect on Sept. 1, affecting Texans in many areas of their lives, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The new laws concern property taxes, registration fees and voting access, among other issues.

Control Versus Choice

COVID cases are up. Hospitalizations climbed 24% last week. But the media make everything seem scarier than it is. The headline 'Up 24%!' comes after dramatic lows. Hospitalizations are still less than half what they were when President Joe Biden said, 'The pandemic is over.

Capital Highlights

Texans asked to conserve energy in heat wave The agency that operates the power grid for much of the state asked Texans to conserve energy use several times last week as the grid was beset with high demand and low wind-power generation, according to the AustinAmerican-Statesman.

Capital Highlights

STAAR scores show continued struggles in math, reading Texas public student scores in standardized testing continue to improve since the pandemic, but more than half of those taking the test still struggle with math and just under half read below grade-level, the Texas Tribune reported.

The Fake Climate Consensus

We are told climate change is a crisis, and that there is an 'overwhelming scientific consensus.' 'It's a manufactured consensus,' says climate scientist Judith Curry in my new video. She says scientists have an incentive to exaggerate risk to pursue 'fame and fortune.

Capital Highlights

Record sea temps could spur more hurricanes Forecasters for the National Weather Service are anticipating a more active hurricane season this year because of record-warm ocean surface temperatures, the Texas Tribune reported. Hurricane season runs through the end of November.