Last year, a New York grandmother lost $10,000 to an AI-cloned voice impersonating her grandson—one of countless scams that siphoned $108 million from Americans in 2024. It’s a stark glimpse of a future where artificial intelligence dazzles and devastates in equal measure, diagnosing cancer one moment, threatening democracy the next. In 2025, as Trump’s deregulation unleashes innovation and labs like OpenAI push self-governance, we stand at a crossroads: can America harness AI’s promise without letting it run wild? With China’s DeepSeek looming and the next generation—Gen AI—poised to inherit this tech-saturated world, the stakes are existential. Education, not bans, may be our lifeline—but only if we act before it’s too late.

Caught the tariff circus on the news? One day they’re on, the next they’re off, and now Trump’s slapped 25% on Mexico and Canada, 10% on China. Your $4 avocado’s now $5, that six-pack’s $12.50, and Canada’s eyeing Old Orchard Beach for a boycott—more lobster rolls for us? It’s a wallet-raiding mess, from guac to gas pumps, with history whispering warnings of trade wars past. Dig into the chaos, the costs, and what you can do about it—because this hidden tax hits closer than you think.

In today’s media landscape, the once-straightforward task of staying informed has spiraled into a maze of competing narratives, platforms, and slippery truths. We’ve traded the reassuring simplicity of a trusted newspaper or a steady voice like Walter Cronkite for a deluge of tweets, podcasts, and tailored streaming feeds. It’s a world where trust is scarce—Gallup’s 2024 poll shows confidence in media at a mere 31%—and the responsibility for verification has shifted squarely onto us. Without a Cronkite to guide us, we’re left to navigate this fractured frontier ourselves, armed with tools and strategies to sift fact from spin. Yet, this chaos isn’t doom—it’s a call to action. We’re the gatekeepers now, tasked with demanding proof in a wild west of information.

In the digital age of 2025, President Trump's second term has transformed American politics into a reality TV spectacle. Since retaking office in January, he has issued over 60 executive orders, ranging from attempts to revoke birthright citizenship to declaring himself "king" over traffic on social media. This flurry of actions has overwhelmed legal challenges and energized his base, while straining the system of checks and balances. Trump's approach, marked by theatrical authoritarianism and social media pageantry, pushes constitutional boundaries and raises concerns about the erosion of democratic norms. As the nation grapples with this unprecedented test of its institutions, the words of Benjamin Franklin echo: "A republic, if you can keep it." The future of American democracy now depends on whether citizens can uphold the principle that sovereignty rests with the people, not any single leader.

As the cannabis industry continues its rapid growth, the practice of "lab shopping" threatens to undermine consumer trust and product safety. This comprehensive analysis explores the complexities of lab shopping, where producers seek favorable test results from multiple laboratories, often inflating THC levels or overlooking contaminants. The blog delves into the legitimate factors causing result variations, such as different testing methodologies and natural plant variability, while distinguishing these from fraudulent practices. It emphasizes the importance of consumer education, proper sampling protocols, and regulatory actions in combating lab shopping. The piece also discusses potential solutions, including regional partnerships and standardized testing protocols, while cautioning against the establishment of state-run standards labs. Ultimately, the blog calls for collective action from all stakeholders to ensure the cannabis industry's integrity and safety for consumers and patients alike.

The blog post discusses the impact of the NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policy on college athletics. It highlights the evolution of NIL through legal battles, culminating in its adoption in 2021. The post then provides examples of athletes capitalizing on NIL opportunities through endorsements and social media. It analyzes the multifaceted effects of NIL, including its influence on the path to professional sports, the balance of power between schools, and the role of boosters. The post also delves into the complexities NIL introduces, such as the erosion of loyalty, rising costs, and the need for transparency, especially regarding NIL collectives. It concludes by emphasizing the responsibility to protect athletes' interests and ensure a fair and sustainable NIL landscape.

This article examines the inefficient agent registration process in Massachusetts' cannabis industry and advocates for streamlined regulations to foster growth. It highlights the "multi-badge madness" and burdensome background checks, drawing on the author's experience as a former regulator. By analyzing best practices from other regulated industries, the author proposes solutions like standardized training and portable credentials. The article concludes with a call to action for collaboration among stakeholders to create a more efficient and equitable legal cannabis market.

Cannabis consumption is evolving beyond the confines of private residences. Social consumption is creating exciting new public spaces where adults can enjoy cannabis in a safe and social environment. Imagine cannabis-paired dinners, infused mocktails, and yoga studios with infused sessions. But it's not just about consuming cannabis – it's about community, education, and elevating the experience. Dive into this article to explore the diverse models of social consumption, the economic benefits, and the role of technology in shaping this burgeoning industry. Learn how states are navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities to create a responsible and inclusive social consumption landscape.

Tired of the shouting and the pressure to pick a side in politics? It's okay to be in the middle! This op-ed explores the vanishing middle ground in American politics, arguing that it's not only okay but essential to embrace nuanced views and seek common ground. It highlights the pressures to conform, the surprising similarities between seemingly opposing ideologies, and the importance of civics and civility in a healthy democracy. Read more to find your voice and reclaim the power of the middle ground!

Today, six former state cannabis regulators submitted a comment to Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Administrator Ann Milgram, supporting the agency’s proposed rule to reschedule cannabis to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The former regulators from Nevada, Massachusetts, Maine, California, Minnesota, and Washington, represent former public officials who were directly responsible for oversight of both medical and adult-use cannabis marketplaces across the United States and have first-hand experience with the challenges faced by having cannabis listed currently as a Schedule I drug.

President Biden announced his Administration was formally beginning to reschedule cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3. That’s good, right? Well…maybe. I guess it is more complicated than that.