diamond day

Lords of the rings: Houston Astros level up with World Series Championship bling, Lyle Lovett, and Paul Wall

After a star-studded Opening Day that saw Mark Wahlberg, Megan Thee Stallion, Cody Johnson and more, the Houston Astros returned to Minute Maid Park on Friday, March 31 for Game 2 of a 4-game home stand against the Chicago White Sox — and to load up on jewelry.

In a memorable ceremony, Astros players and staff received their 2022 World Series Championship rings. Owner Jim Crane and wife Whitney kicked off the event by poignantly exchanging rings with each, then handed out the massive Jostens rings that boast 624 diamonds and 55 orange and blue sapphires for a total of more than 15 carats. Charismatic manager Dusty Baker Jr., led off, finally receiving the first-ever championship ring of his illustrious career.

Our world champs donned the regal rings and posed for pics before legendary country crooner — and Klein native — Lyle Lovett sang the National Anthem and former Astros great Jason Castro — now retired — threw out the first pitch. People's Champ and always gloriously grilled hometown rapper Paul Wall handled the Play Ball call.

A magical hometown moment belonged to new Astros outfielder Corey Julks, a native of Friendswood who played at the University of Houston. Julks' family was in the stands as the designated hitter recored his first hit for the team. Another fan favorite, Kyle Tucker, blasted his first home run of the season. Key batting from slugger Yordan Alvarez and David Hensley sealed a 6 -3 win for the 'Stros.

Fans who want to score 2022 World Series Championship jewelry from Jostens — included 200 coveted, limited edition rings, can find them online.

--- Additional reporting by Marco Torres/@MarcoFromHouston

Photo courtesy of Houston Astros

no more trips to Colorado

Bill to legalize marijuana in Texas filed by Dallas Democrat

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

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Texas Rep. Jessica González (D-Dallas) has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

politics marijuana