South Carolina Republicans Reject Proposed Statewide THC Ban In Surprise Bipartisan Vote

A recent vote in the South Carolina General Assembly aimed to implement a statewide ban on THC products, which would have threatened the state's hemp industry. However, in an unexpected twist, the proposal faced bipartisan opposition and was effectively shelved, showcasing a rare moment of collaboration among lawmakers.

1. Background on THC and Hemp in South Carolina:

• In 2018, the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp in the U. S., which led to the legal sale of hemp-derived THC products in South Carolina.

• These products became vital for many residents seeking non-psychoactive alternatives for health issues.

2. Proposed Legislation:

• Two bills by Republican Representative Weston Newton sought to ban all THC products, jeopardizing many local businesses and impacting those relying on these products for medical purposes.

• The proposed ban was met with significant criticism from both Republicans and Democrats for being extreme and harmful to the community.

3. Legislative Debate:

• Various Republican representatives, including Gil Gatch and Greg Ford, argued against the proposed ban, highlighting the potential job losses for small business owners and the lack of alternative options for citizens with health conditions.

• Ford shared a personal story connecting his need for hemp products due to his son's medical issues, emphasizing the products’ life-saving benefits.

4. Outcome of the Vote:

• After extensive debate, the legislation was sent back to committee, effectively halting any progress.

• While the bill remains technically active, it lacks the necessary momentum to advance, marking a significant win for those opposed to the ban.

5. Implications for Future Legislation:

• Though this defeat may prevent immediate negative impacts, further attempts to restrict THC products are anticipated.

• The situation uncovers a broader discussion about the regulation of both marijuana and hemp products and the potential economic benefits of comprehensive legalization.

The South Carolina General Assembly’s recent vote demonstrates potential bipartisan cooperation in politics, especially on issues impacting public welfare and local economies. The rejection of the THC ban emphasizes the importance of listening to voters and supporting small businesses, marking a hopeful moment in the state's legislative process regarding cannabis regulation. This victory, while important, is part of an ongoing dialogue about cannabis law reform in South Carolina. 

https://carolinacourier.substack.com/p/south-carolina-republicans-reject?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=331850&post_id=187220949&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

WHO Report Reveals ‘Immunization Agenda 2030’ Reliant On Mass Censorship

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a briefing paper on its Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030), aiming to embed vaccination into national healthcare systems globally. This strategic plan looks to expand vaccination initiatives and combat public skepticism about vaccines.

• Objective of IA2030: To integrate vaccination into primary care and ensure universal health coverage by 2030.

• Progress on Vaccines: The WHO notes it has introduced over 308 new vaccines in low- and middle-income countries from 2021 to 2024, which is 60% of its goal of 500 introductions by 2030.

• Catch-Up Initiatives: Programs like “the Big Catch-Up” have helped vaccinate over 11 million previously un- or undervaccinated children.

• Challenges: Vaccine hesitancy and misinformation are viewed as major barriers to progress. The WHO expresses concern that these factors are leading to stalled measles elimination and delayed polio eradication.

• Member States' Role: Countries are encouraged to incorporate immunization into healthcare budgets and systems, emphasizing the need for effective communication strategies to boost public trust.

The WHO's IA2030 initiative strives to enhance global vaccination efforts while addressing critical issues of public confidence and misinformation. 

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/who-report-reveals-immunization-agenda?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3382126&post_id=187651828&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

UN Migration Chief: Western Governments Should Treat Migration As A ‘Tool’

 The Director-General of the UN's migration agency, Amy Pope, recently discussed how Western governments should view migration as a tool for development rather than just a crisis to manage.

1. Migration as a Development Tool: Pope emphasizes that the aim of the UN's migration strategy is to integrate migration into development policies, encouraging governments to see it as a beneficial aspect rather than a problem to be solved.

2. Focus on Upstream Solutions: Instead of investing heavily in border enforcement, Pope argues that resources should be redirected towards supporting communities likely to emigrate, as this approach is more cost-effective.

3. Remittances as Economic Lever: Migrant remittances are highlighted as significant financial resources that should be harnessed through lower fees and financial mechanisms, such as diaspora bonds, to enhance development outcomes.

4. Climate Change and Forced Movement: Pope suggests that climate change will drive future migrations and that governments need to prepare for this reality, shifting from reactive humanitarian measures to proactive migration planning.

5. U. S. Border Enforcement Critique: Pope critiques the high costs of U. S. border enforcement, advocating instead for investment in systems that facilitate migration.

Pope's remarks indicate a shift in global migration policy from containment to management, framing migration as an expected and economically beneficial phenomenon that should be formalized in government strategies.

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/un-migration-chief-western-governments?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3382126&post_id=187665623&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna SHREDS Senate Majority Leader John Thune for Planning to Cave to Schumer and Kill the SAVE Act

Representative Anna Paulina Luna and Senate Majority Leader John Thune about the SAVE Act, which aims to enforce voter ID and proof of citizenship in elections. It highlights contrasted political positions and the challenges faced in legislating these reforms.

• SAVE Act Overview: The SAVE Act has been passed by the House with unanimous support from Republican lawmakers. It requires documentary proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections.

• Senate Majority Leader's Stance: Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated he does not support a standing filibuster required to pass the SAVE Act with only 50 votes, stating there aren’t enough votes to change the filibuster rule. He has not signed on to co-sponsor the bill and is reportedly aligned with Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in not wanting to proceed with a Senate vote on the matter.

• Luna's Criticism: Rep. Luna has criticized Thune, labeling his views as "very disturbing. " She argues that he is ignoring the desires of Republican voters, who largely support voter ID laws. She contends that Thune's actions show a failure of leadership in the Senate.

• Bipartisan Support: The SAVE Act received support even from a Democrat, Rep. Henry Cuellar from Texas, highlighting its potential as a bipartisan issue. Luna emphasizes that voter ID is an important topic that resonates with many Americans.

• Luna’s Challenge to Thune: In her remarks, Luna suggests that if Thune is relying on President Trump’s influence to maintain his position while opposing critical voter ID legislation, he might need to reconsider his political career.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna expresses strong dissatisfaction with Senate Majority Leader John Thune's reluctance to advance the SAVE Act, which she believes has widespread support among constituents. The political dynamics unveil a broader debate about voter ID legislation, with implications for future legislative actions in Congress. 

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/watch-rep-anna-paulina-luna-shreds-senate-majority/

Japan Restarts World's Largest Nuclear Plant, 15 Years After Fukushima Shutdown

 Japan has restarted operations at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world's largest nuclear facility, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster. This significant move represents Japan's effort to return to nuclear energy amidst evolving energy demands.

• The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, located in Niigata Prefecture, has a capacity of 8.2 gigawatts, enough to power millions of homes.

• Although the plant wasn't damaged in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, all its reactors had been offline due to safety concerns and public opposition.

• A recent vote showed deep divisions in the local community regarding the plant's restart, with many protests and strong public sentiment against nuclear energy.

• The advanced boiling water reactor began operations after extensive checks and inspections were conducted, with safety being a top priority for the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).

• Japan's energy needs are projected to grow, especially with the rise of AI data centers, prompting the government to aim for nuclear power to constitute 20% of its energy mix by 2040.

• TEPCO plans to incrementally increase the pressure inside the reactor and resume full power generation soon.

Japan's decision to restart its nuclear power plant reflects a strategic shift towards addressing energy security and reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports while balancing public safety concerns.

https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/japan-restarts-worlds-largest-nuclear-plant-15-years-after-fukushima-shutdown

The Hour of the Central Planners

 As the European Union (EU) leaders prepare for a significant summit, discussions revolve around the economic weaknesses of the Eurozone and proposals for collective debt financing, particularly through Eurobonds. The meeting highlights critical issues regarding Europe's economic dynamism and central planning strategies.

1. Debate on Eurobonds: French President Emmanuel Macron advocates for Eurobonds, aiming for collective debt financing as a solution to economic struggles faced by the Eurozone.

2. The Draghi Plan: Former ECB president Mario Draghi proposes a substantial debt-financed stimulus program to invigorate Europe’s economy. This involves raising €800 billion annually to invest in renewable energy and digitalization.

3. Economic Weakness: The Eurozone's economic growth has consistently lagged behind that of other major economies, largely due to structural barriers and over-indebtedness.

4. Fiscal Challenges: Many EU countries, including France, face severe fiscal issues. Macron's proposal for €1.2 trillion in joint Eurobonds annually aims to address these challenges, though skepticism exists about its feasibility.

5. Long-term Implications: Critics warn that increasing debt could worsen existing economic problems and shift financial burdens onto the middle class. The discussion includes the potential for raising taxes in Germany, revealing a technocratic approach to solutions.

6. Cultural and Moral Foundations: The article emphasizes that true competitiveness requires more than just financial investment. It must rest upon a foundation of shared values, strong family structures, and respect for individual achievement, which are seen as diminishing in current EU policy and culture.

The upcoming summit poses crucial questions about how the EU will navigate its economic challenges. Increasing reliance on central planning and debt may provide short-term relief but could lead the continent further into fiscal peril, highlighting a need for a shift in underlying cultural and moral values that support economic growth. The decisions made in this environment will significantly shape Europe's future sustainability and competitiveness.

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/02/the_hour_of_the_central_planners.html

White Liberals Think Black Voters, Married Women Are Too Stupid To Get Voter ID

 A recent political discussion centers on a bill known as the SAVE America Act, which requires voters to provide proof of citizenship and a photo ID to vote. This bill has garnered significant attention, leading to a strong opposition from the Democratic Party, which argues that such requirements could disenfranchise marginalized groups.

1. Political Opposition: All but one House Democrat voted against the SAVE America Act. They argue that these requirements echo historical voter suppression tactics like those from the Jim Crow era, claiming it will particularly affect low-income Americans and people of color. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described it as disenfranchising citizens.

2. Perception of Competence: Critics, particularly from the GOP, assert that Democratic leaders condescend to minority communities by suggesting that they cannot manage to obtain ID. Will Martin, a Republican candidate, characterized this attitude as "social paternalism. "

3. Public Support for Voter ID: Despite the Democratic opposition, polls show that a significant majority of Americans, including many in minority communities, support the requirement for voter ID. A Pew Research Center study indicated that 83% of U. S. adults believed in the need for a government-issued ID to vote.

4. Misrepresentation of Barriers: Democrats argue that numerous Americans lack the necessary documents for voter ID due to systemic barriers. However, many individuals from the communities affected stated they find these claims insulting and pointed out that they routinely use IDs for various daily activities.

5. Allegations of Hyperbole: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claimed that the SAVE Act could disenfranchise 70 million married women who have not updated their documentation after changing their names. Co-author Chip Roy refuted this, emphasizing that the Act includes provisions for those who face name changes.

6. Past Outcomes in Georgia: Similar allegations were raised against voter ID laws in Georgia, where Democrats described the changes as "Jim Crow in new clothes. " However, Georgia experienced record voter turnout following the implementation of these reforms.

7. Future of the Bill: The SAVE Act has been stagnant in the Senate for nearly a year, with some Republicans indicating hesitance to support it, highlighting divisions even within the party.

The debate over the SAVE America Act showcases deeper divides regarding voter access and representation in the U. S. While supporters argue for election integrity through ID requirements, opponents claim that these laws perpetuate systemic disenfranchisement. Public sentiment appears to favor voter ID, despite ongoing contention about its implications for marginalized groups.

https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/12/white-liberals-think-black-voters-married-women-are-too-stupid-to-get-voter-id/