This is Halloween

Today is the last day to vote early. Please vote.

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From the Trick Department. See this from the Trib:

The state program intended to give additional exposure to businesses owned by women, minorities and disabled veterans seeking state contracts was frozen by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ office this week, the latest instance of Republican state officials targeting a program perceived as promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.

Information regarding the Historically Underutilized Business program was removed from the comptroller’s website and the office said it was pausing the issuance of all new and renewed certifications for state procurement, according to a statement by the comptroller’s office.

The office said it was freezing the program to allow for a review to ensure it is constitutional and complies with Gov. Greg Abbott’s January executive order banning DEI programs from state agencies.

“Businesses deserve a level playing field where government contracts are earned by performance and best value — not race or sex quotas,” acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock wrote on social media Tuesday. “We must END ALL DEI in Texas!”

Hancock served in the Texas Legislature for over 18 years. He even served as Chair of the Senate’s Business and Commerce Committee. He never had a problem with the HUB program until now. Now that it has been categorized as a DEI thing. Best I can tell is that folks like Hancock don’t want women and folks of color included in state government contracts. What a sad joke.

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“Today” donned their Halloween costumes this morning, and once again they were outstanding. The featured photo has Al as Clubber Lang, err, Mr. T, Sheinelle as Beyoncé, Craig as Prince, and Dylan as Frankie Valli.

Speaking of walking like a man, Dylan said this morning that security would not let her in Sheinelle’s dressing room this morning, because they thought she was a man. Too funny.

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From WorldPopulationReview.com:

Pumpkin production in the United States is an important part of the country’s agriculture sector, with several states contributing significantly to the overall output. The leading pumpkin-producing states include Illinois, Indiana, California, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. These states benefit from a combination of favorable climate conditions, fertile soils, and well-established agricultural infrastructure that support the large-scale cultivation of pumpkins. Pumpkins are used in various food products, such as pumpkin pies, soups, and roasted pumpkin seeds, as well as for decorative purposes, particularly during the fall season and Halloween festivities, which has driven much of the industry’s growth.

In terms of global pumpkin production, the United States is a major producer, although it is not the largest producer of squash and gourds overall. Countries such as China, India, and Russia lead the way in the production of these crops, which include pumpkins. While the United States may not be the largest producer, it still plays a significant role in the international pumpkin market, exporting pumpkins and pumpkin-derived products to various countries around the world.

Now you know.

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Daylight saving time ends on Sunday morning so remember to fall back.

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I will be handing out treats this evening. Have a safe Halloween evening.