🔥Texas cannabis is on fire + look who's running again

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🗞️NEWS OF THE DAY:

Is weed poised to surpass wine in Texas? Cannabis is catching up in terms of economic impact, despite recreational use still being illegal in Texas. Businesses involved in manufacturing, wholesale and retail for hemp-derived cannabinoid products employ more than 50,000 in Texas and generate $19.1-to-$22.4 billion in economic activity, according to a report. Hemp products were legalized nationwide after a 2018 change in federal law. The wine industry generated more than $20 billion in 2022 and supported more than 141,000 jobs, according to Wine America.

Fort Worth-based Ben E. Keith Co. has agreed to distribute L’uva Bella Winery products in Texas beginning next month, according to the winery's Marisa Sergi-Schumann, co-owner and CEO. L’uva Bella brands are Purple Rain, Passion and Red’s, and a Reserve Collection.

Outdoor patios in this heat? It ain’t happening here. Triple-digit heat wave puts strain on North Texas restaurants.

High school students taking dual credits at Tarrant County College no longer will be charged for their college tuition. The waiver applies immediately, so those students who paid fall 2023 tuition fees will be reimbursed. “The TCC Board of Trustees made a bold move ... to support the objective of more credentials for high school students, our future workforce,” said TCC Chancellor Dr. Elva LeBlanc.

The Small Business Administration is suspending applications to its 8(a) contracting program, which directs 5% of the federal government's contract spending to businesses owned by socially disadvantaged people. In the future, it will require many existing participants to draft a narrative to explain why they are socially disadvantaged.

Charlie Geren (R—Fort Worth), a state representative since 2001, announced he's running again. He served as House Speaker Pro Tempore during 2023.

Texas is offering a beneficial severance tax exemption on flared gas used at the well site. The state will begin accepting applications September 1. Learn more here.

Undergraduate and graduate nursing degree programs at the Health Science Center were approved by the University of North Texas System Board of Regents. A Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing in Nursing Practice Innovation will be offered to the first class in fall 2024 if the degrees are approved by two certifying boards.

Taste Project Fort Worth's plan to open its pay-as-you-want concept in Arlington at 200 N. Cooper Street is delayed about eight months until August 2024. Construction delays and need from the city for another $350k for HVAC and roof repairs.

🩴🩴PEOPLE ON THE MOVE:

• Empathix: Dr. Stevie Dawn Carter appointed CEO

• Trademark Property Company: Promotes Cassie King to Vice President - Design & Placemaking

• O'Brien Right of Way Valuation: Names Matt Browne Managing Director

• Safari Electronics & Defense: Hires Melissa Willard as Executive Assistant

✂️SNIPPETS:

⌚TODAY IN HISTORY (August 21):

• 1942: The animated film Bambi had its theatrical release in the United States, and it became a classic in the Disney canon, noted for its lush hand-drawn animation and sensitive affective narrative.

• 1959: Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state.

• 1961: Motown releases what would be its first #1 hit, “Please Mr. Postman” by The Marvelettes. (listen)

• 1987: The romantic drama Dirty Dancing, starring Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey, was released in American theatres, and it became a huge—and enduring—hit.