Exodus

The Facebook link you shared (https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AXc8JzgVB/) points to a video post featuring Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The accompanying caption or description highlights Texas as having the most powerful economy in the nation and claims that with the launch of "New York Stock Exchange Texas" (NYSE Texas), the state adds the title "Financial Capital of America" to its resume. It attributes this to free enterprise and common-sense business regulations.

This is **true** and based on real events and statements.

In early 2025, the New York Stock Exchange (part of Intercontinental Exchange, Inc.) announced plans to launch **NYSE Texas** — a fully electronic equities exchange headquartered in Dallas. This involved reincorporating its existing NYSE Chicago operations into Texas and renaming it NYSE Texas (pending and later receiving regulatory approval).

Governor Abbott celebrated this announcement, stating explicitly: "Texas is the most powerful economy in the nation, and now we will become the financial capital of America."

He rang the NYSE Closing Bell in celebration of the NYSE Texas launch (in Arlington, Texas, around August 2025), joined by NYSE executives and others. The move aligns with Texas' strong economic growth, hosting the most NYSE-listed companies (representing trillions in market value), and attracting businesses through pro-growth policies.

This ties into broader developments like the separate Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) initiative and Nasdaq's expansions in the state, reinforcing Texas' rising role in finance.

The video appears to be promotional/official content echoing Abbott's and state announcements — no signs of fabrication or misinformation in the core claim. It's accurate boosterism from the Governor's office about Texas' economic momentum.

Henry McClure  
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Hazelwood

The captain of the Exxon Valdez during the 1989 oil spill was Joseph Hazelwood. He was in command when the tanker struck Bligh Reef in Alaska's Prince William Sound on March 24, 1989, though he had left the bridge and handed control to a third mate just prior to the grounding. [1, 2, 3]

Key Details About Joseph Hazelwood:

• Conviction: Hazelwood was the only crew member criminally charged, ultimately convicted of a misdemeanor charge of negligent discharge of oil.
• Sentence: He was fined $\$50,000$ and sentenced to 1,000 hours of community service.
• Acquittal: He was acquitted of more serious charges, including operating a vessel while intoxicated.
• Death: Hazelwood passed away in July 2022 at age 75. [1, 4, 5, 6, 7]

While Hazelwood was the captain (master), the third mate, Gregory Cousins, was in charge of the bridge at the time of the accident. [3]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://alaskapublic.org/news/2022-09-12/exxon-valdez-capt-joseph-hazelwood-dies-at-75

[2] https://www.wfsb.com/2022/09/12/exxon-valdez-capt-joseph-hazelwood-dies-75/

[3] https://evostc.state.ak.us/oil-spill-facts/details-about-the-accident/

[4] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/09/business/joseph-hazelwood-dead.html

[5] https://nypost.com/2022/09/13/joseph-hazelwood-captain-in-exxon-valdez-spill-dead-at-75/

[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Hazelwood

[7] https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2022/09/13/obit-joseph-hazelwood-exxon-valdez-oil-spill/6891663071731/

Henry McClure  
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Food

As of late January 2026, the best news in the Kansas City region includes significant recognition for its culinary scene, with six local spots named semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards, including Anjin, Drastic Measures, and pastry chef Helen Jo Leach. Other notable highlights involve major development in Johnson County and the ongoing, high-stakes discussions about the Chiefs' potential move to a new domed stadium in Wyandotte County. [1, 2, 3]  

Key updates for the Kansas City region: 

• Culinary Recognition: Kansas City Magazine (https://kansascitymag.com/the-6-kc-area-spots-nominated-for-james-beard-awards-copy/) highlights the area's 6 semifinalist nominations for the 2026 James Beard Awards. 

• Stadium Speculation: Discussions continue regarding the Chiefs potentially building a new domed stadium near the Legends in Wyandotte County. 

• Local Development: Johnson County Post reports that the Incred-a-Bowl owner in Overland Park has made required repairs, avoiding demolition, while new developments are planned in northern Overland Park. 

• Infrastructure & Safety: FOX4KC.com (https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-city-metro-shares-weekend-snowstorm-preparations/) reports that crews are prepared for a winter storm over the weekend of January 24-25, 2026, with 12-hour shifts to manage heavy snowfall. 

• Safety Success: A 7-year-old child was found safe following an Amber Alert in the metro area. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]  

Note: Information is based on reports as of January 24, 2026. [4]  

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXKwT3i75sE

[2] https://johnsoncountypost.com/

[3] https://kansascitymag.com/the-6-kc-area-spots-nominated-for-james-beard-awards-copy/

[4] https://www.kctv5.com/2026/01/24/first-warn-weather-day-winter-storm-underway-snow-bitter-cold-arrive-kansas-city/

[5] https://fox4kc.com/news/kansas-city-metro-shares-weekend-snowstorm-preparations/

Henry McClure  
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Just be honest

The image you shared appears to be a meme or social media post making several claims about Keith Ellison, the current Minnesota Attorney General (as of January 2026). It accuses him of physically abusing his girlfriend (implying domestic violence that caused visible injuries like a black eye), labels him a "woman beater," states he is also the Deputy Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), and suggests Democrats are suppressing discussion of the issue. I'll break this down factually based on available information, including the 2018 allegations against him, official investigations, and clarifications about the photo and his roles.

### The Allegations of Abuse

- In August 2018, during Ellison's campaign for Minnesota Attorney General, his ex-girlfriend Karen Monahan publicly accused him of emotional and physical abuse during their relationship, which ended in 2017.

### The Photo in the Image

- The photo of the woman with a black eye shown in the meme is **not** Karen Monahan, and it has no connection to Ellison's case. Fact-checking sites like PolitiFact, Snopes, and Politico have debunked similar viral images as hoaxes or misleading composites, often using stock photos or unrelated images to sensationalize the story.<Monahan's allegations did not involve punching or causing a black eye; they centered on the dragging incident and verbal/emotional abuse. No photos of injuries from her claims have been publicly released or verified as linked to Ellison.

### His Role as DNC Deputy Chair

- Ellison served as DNC Deputy Chair from 2017 to 2018 but resigned after winning the Minnesota AG election in November 2018.The meme's reference to him as the current Deputy Chair is inaccurate and likely based on outdated information from the 2018 allegations period.

### Claims of a Democratic Cover-Up

- The allegations received significant media coverage in 2018 from outlets across the spectrum (e.g., NYT, NPR, BBC, CBS, Vox, Politico), including Democratic-leaning ones.

Overall, the meme is misleading. Serious allegations were made and investigated but not substantiated. Ellison denies them, and key elements (the photo, his DNC role) are false or outdated. No new developments have emerged since 2018 to change this. If you're referring to something specific beyond "True" (e.g., a different aspect of the image), feel free to clarify!

Henry McClure  
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Loser

### Deep Dive into Top Tank: Topeka's Entrepreneurship Initiative

Top Tank was a one-time entrepreneurship competition launched in Topeka, Kansas, in 2017, designed to spark business growth and revitalization in the downtown area. Modeled after the popular TV show *Shark Tank*, it aimed to attract innovative business ideas by offering substantial financial backing in exchange for equity stakes. The project was spearheaded by a group of prominent local business leaders who sought to highlight Topeka's potential as an affordable, accessible hub for entrepreneurs, countering perceptions of economic stagnation. Below, I'll break down its origins, structure, key events, outcomes for participants, and why it ultimately concluded without repetition, along with any relevant updates through 2026.

#### Origins and Goals

The idea for Top Tank emerged from informal discussions among six Topeka businessmen who wanted to showcase positive developments in the city, such as downtown improvements, public-private partnerships, and educational investments like the East Topeka Learning Center. They emphasized Topeka's advantages: low cost of living, minimal traffic, proximity to larger markets (e.g., Kansas City), and support from organizations like GO Topeka and 712 Innovations. The focus was on filling downtown storefronts with retail, food, or service-based businesses to enhance quality of life and draw regional attention.<grok:render card_id="3b4818" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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The organizers were:

- **Brent Boles**: Managing partner of Schendel Lawn & Landscape (also co-owner of SPIN! Pizza).

- **John Dicus**: Chairman, president, and CEO of Capitol Federal Savings Bank.

- **Cody Foster**: Co-founder of Advisors Excel.

- **Jim Klausman**: President and CEO of Midwest Health Inc.

- **Mark Ruelle**: President and CEO of Westar Energy.

- **Greg Schwerdt**: President of Schwerdt Design Group.

Five of them (Boles, Dicus, Foster, Klausman, and Ruelle) pooled personal funds to create a $100,000 prize pot, while Schwerdt contributed pro bono design services to help finalists refine their proposals.<grok:render card_id="c36043" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> The group partnered with *The Topeka Capital-Journal* for promotion, viewing it as a way to celebrate local talent and encourage business ownership.<grok:render card_id="4af99f" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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The initiative officially launched on June 18, 2017, with a dedicated website (toptanktopeka.com, now defunct) for submissions. Entries were due by August 31, 2017, and organizers hoped to draw applicants from beyond Topeka, including nearby cities like Wichita, Omaha, and Des Moines.<grok:render card_id="96fd90" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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#### Competition Structure and Timeline

- **Applications**: 59 proposals were submitted, exceeding organizers' expectations. Ideas spanned restaurants, museums, retail, and more.<grok:render card_id="97f07c" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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- **Narrowing Process**: A selection committee reduced entries to 20 semi-finalists by early November 2017. These applicants visited Topeka for in-person discussions and tours to learn about local opportunities.<grok:render card_id="4e3760" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> By December 2017, it was further narrowed to 10 finalists.<grok:render card_id="950a98" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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- **Final Preparations**: The 10 finalists received donated design support from local firms (coordinated by Schwerdt) to polish their pitches.<grok:render card_id="5498d8" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> The competition culminated in a public symposium on February 17, 2018, at the Topeka Performing Arts Center, featuring a keynote speaker and community involvement.<grok:render card_id="ee15d3" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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The finalists and their concepts were:

- 2 Scoops Saloon (ice cream parlor) – Allyson Shove-Chard.

- A La Carrot (health food store/restaurant).

- aDRONEaline Racing (indoor drone racing facility).

- Chatterhouse Coffee Shop.

- Confectionary Disasters (likely dessert-focused).

- G's Cheesecake and More (cheesecake bakery with breakfast and sandwiches) – George Kearse.

- Local Fox Clothing Store.

- Restaurant Collective (restaurant incubator).

- Solitaire Spa and Barbery (spa and barber services).

- The Brew Bank (self-serve craft beer taproom) – Ryan Cavanaugh, Dusty Snethen, and Melissa Snethen.<grok:render card_id="5ffca5" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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#### Winners and Immediate Outcomes

In a surprise twist at the finale, the investors awarded two prizes instead of one, citing the high quality of all pitches.<grok:render card_id="e223ae" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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- **First Place: The Brew Bank** ($100,000) – A innovative taproom with 20 digital self-pour taps (10 for Kansas microbrews, 10 national, plus wine), emphasizing community gatherings in large shared spaces. The founders (who already ran video production companies) highlighted beer's role in fostering connections.<grok:render card_id="207cd2" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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- **Second Place: G's Cheesecake and More** ($50,000) – A bakery specializing in fresh cheesecakes, with additional breakfast items and open-face sandwiches. Kearse aimed to make it a destination spot, inspired by iconic eateries in other cities.<grok:render card_id="42d155" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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The event was hailed as a success for generating buzz, with organizers noting it taught lessons about entrepreneurship barriers in Kansas.<grok:render card_id="db6207" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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#### Long-Term Outcomes and Participant Updates

By November 2019, five of the 10 finalists had successfully opened businesses, demonstrating some lasting impact despite the challenges of starting retail ventures.<grok:render card_id="c40957" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> However, not all thrived long-term, reflecting broader economic pressures like the COVID-19 pandemic and downtown foot traffic issues.

- **The Brew Bank**: Opened at 822 S. Kansas Ave. in a historic building. The win provided credibility for additional loans.<grok:render card_id="10a172" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> It became a popular craft beer spot, praised in 2023 for its innovative self-serve model and community focus.<grok:render card_id="7d2e35" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> Unfortunately, it closed in November 2024 due to lingering post-pandemic financial strains, including reduced patronage and rising costs. Owners held a "bar-age sale" to liquidate merchandise.<grok:render card_id="3c80d8" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> As of 2026, the space remains vacant, per local restaurant roundups.<grok:render card_id="97cee3" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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- **G's Cheesecake and More**: Opened at 821 SW 21st St. (near downtown). It offered seasonal cheesecakes, custom orders, and catering.<grok:render card_id="e70909" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> Hit hard by the pandemic, it announced a temporary closure in May 2022 but reopened after resolving a property seizure by the Kansas Department of Revenue (likely tax-related).<grok:render card_id="a09d78" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> However, it appears to have closed permanently sometime after, with Yelp and Tripadvisor listing it as closed by early 2026, and no recent activity on its social media.<grok:render card_id="28e958" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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- **Other Notable Finalists**:

  - **2 Scoops Saloon**: The Chards pivoted to open Fire And Ice Distillery, which was celebrated in a 2018 Top Tank Facebook post.<grok:render card_id="cbf298" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> Limited updates available, but it may still operate as a distillery.

  - Information on the remaining finalists (e.g., A La Carrot, aDRONEaline) is sparse; some likely opened briefly but aren't prominently active in 2026 searches, aligning with the post's note on struggling establishments.

Overall, while Top Tank injected energy and funding, many ventures faced sustainability issues, echoing the X post's skepticism about long-term benefits amid a landscape of business closures.

#### The End of Top Tank and Legacy

Top Tank was conceived as a standalone event and did not repeat.<grok:render card_id="78069e" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> Organizers expressed openness to similar initiatives but shifted focus elsewhere. Its Facebook page went dormant after 2018, with no posts since.<grok:render card_id="18b529" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> No scandals or corruption were uncovered in research—despite the X post's title implying exposure; it seems more a critique of unfulfilled visions than wrongdoing. Searches for "Top Tank Topeka corruption" yielded only general Topeka allegations unrelated to the project.<grok:render card_id="df1005" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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Who ultimately benefited? The organizers achieved their goal of promoting Topeka's entrepreneurial spirit and downtown potential, potentially boosting their own community profiles.<grok:render card_id="667434" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> Participants gained exposure and funding, leading to at least temporary business launches. However, with winners like Brew Bank and G's closing, the long-term economic impact appears limited, prompting the post's inquiry into sustained success.

A spiritual successor emerged in 2025: "The Lion's Den," a Shark Tank-style pitch competition held October 23, 2025, in Topeka. It offered training, exposure, and two $10,000 prizes for young entrepreneurs and innovative ventures, organized during Global Entrepreneurship Week.<grok:render card_id="7cf06b" card_type="citation_card" type="render_inline_citation">

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</grok:render> This suggests ongoing interest in similar efforts, but under new branding. As of January 2026, no outcomes from Lion's Den are detailed in available sources.

Henry McClure  
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