Source: The Jolly Libertarian
by Marco den Ouden

“Although she wrote a number of non-fiction pieces over the years, The Objectivist Newsletter was Ayn Rand’s first foray into writing non-fiction on a regular basis. Published from January 1962 to December 1965, this monthly newsletter elaborated on Ms. Rand’s ideas on politics, philosophy and the arts. In the third issue, March 1962, she published a short essay called Have Gun, Will Nudge, that, like all of her writing, is still relevant today. Maybe more so today than ever. Before getting to that essay, let’s look at the background, the news of the day that spurred her to write her commentary.” (08/21/25)

https://jollylibertarian.blogspot.com/2025/08/have-gun-will-nudge.html

Source: Foundation for Economic Education
by Jake Scott

“President Donald Trump’s executive order of July 31st, effective August 7th, has upended global trade dynamics in a single stroke. Slapping a 40% tariff on all ‘transshipped goods’ — products rerouted through third countries to dodge US duties — this is merely the natural development of his evolving protectionist agenda. … While applied globally, China stands to take the biggest hit (and likely already is), with its vast factory networks and knack for rerouting goods through Southeast Asia, Mexico, and beyond. This isn’t just a tariff hike; it’s a calculated escalation in Trump’s ongoing crusade to reshape US trade policy and the global economy in the United States’ favor. But ripple effects that bruise consumers are already visible — and this move is likely to strain relationships with key allies as well.” (08/20/25)

https://fee.org/articles/transshipments-dead-end/

Source: The American Prospect
by Charlie McGill

“Before Texas Republicans triggered a nationwide redistricting fight, state lawmakers were already battling over a contentious question: How should Texas manage its large and growing hemp-derived THC industry? The fight began in early June after Gov. Greg Abbott (R) vetoed a statewide ban of THC products, one of the top legislative priorities of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick (R). Patrick, a staunch conservative who has long favored strict drug laws, saw the bill pass the state House and Senate with the support of GOP lawmakers, law enforcement, parents’ groups, and even a handful of Democrats. But Abbott, with the support of the hemp industry, veterans groups, and the general public, preferred a regulatory approach.” (08/21/25)

https://prospect.org/health/2025-08-21-texas-hemp-derived-thc-market-fuels-profits-poisonings-legislative-battle/