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December 2025
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Holiday Parties, Heartbreak, and Hard Truths
Why Safe Driving This Holiday Matters More Than Ever
I’ve seen firsthand how one reckless decision can shatter lives in an instant. Every December, while families are stringing lights and gathering around holiday tables, too many others are left grieving loved ones who drunk or drug-impaired drivers have taken. The numbers are staggering. In 2018 alone, 108 lives were lost on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve because someone got behind the wheel when they shouldn’t have. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 839 deaths in alcohol-related crashes throughout December alone. Unfortunately, the numbers have only gotten worse. Sometimes, it’s strange that we have to even remind ourselves that these aren’t just numbers. They were parents, children, friends. And every single one of those deaths was preventable. That’s why National Impaired Driving Prevention Month matters so much. It’s a reminder that we all have the power and responsibility to keep the roads safer. Planning a sober ride home before the party even starts isn’t hard. Whether it’s a rideshare, a designated driver, or public transportation, there are plenty of ways to celebrate without putting anyone’s life at risk. Trust me, calling an Uber at midnight is much easier than calling your family from jail, or worse, never making it home at all. One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is, “I stopped drinking an hour ago. I’m fine now.” The truth is that alcohol REFERRALS WELCOME Thank you for referring clients to us over the years. You will never be
doesn’t work that way. It doesn’t magically disappear because you had a coffee or danced it off on the living room floor. Your coordination, judgment, and reaction times are compromised long before you feel drunk. And those effects can linger well past the time people think they’re “okay” to drive. When someone makes the choice to drive impaired and causes a crash, Missouri law doesn’t take it lightly. We have strict penalties for DWI offenders, including license suspensions, extensive fines, and even jail time. The consequences get even tougher for repeat offenders or crashes causing serious injuries. Ignition interlock devices, extended suspensions, and higher fines are all on the table. But for victims, the road ahead can be overwhelming. Beyond the medical bills, lost wages, and physical pain, the emotional toll lingers long after the headlines fade. That’s where legal guidance can make a world of difference. My job is to help victims and their families understand their rights, hold negligent drivers accountable, and fight for the compensation they deserve. From negotiating with insurance companies to filing claims, I ensure they’re not facing this battle alone. The reality is sobering: 32 people in the U.S. die every day in impaired driving crashes. That’s one every 45 minutes . And it’s not just alcohol. Prescription drugs, recreational drugs, and even mixing substances can leave someone just as impaired as a bottle of whiskey. This holiday season, I’m asking you to make the wise choice before you celebrate. Plan ahead. Don’t let your friends drive impaired. Offer a ride. Call a rideshare. And always buckle up because seat belts cut the risk of death or serious injury in half. Lives depend on it, and you can be the reason someone makes it home safely.
embarrassed by a referral to our office. We’re always available to lend a helping hand to anyone with any legal need. Just give us a call at (314) 961-5678 or visit us at BeckLawMO.com .
-Paul Beck
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FDA vs. Vaping
E-Cigarette Firms Can Now Challenge FDA Decisions Closer to Home
The Supreme Court handed vaping companies a significant win, and it could shake up how the Food and Drug Administration regulates e-cigarettes. In a 7–2 decision, the justices ruled that e-cigarette businesses can challenge FDA decisions in courts outside of the agency’s home turf. Companies now have more options if they want to fight rules that block their products from the market. This case started with R.J. Reynolds Vapor Co., based in North Carolina, which sold popular berry and menthol- flavored vapes. The FDA said no to their Vuse Alto products, a move that basically wiped out a big chunk of the vaping market. Instead of being stuck filing in North Carolina or Washington, D.C. (FDA headquarters), R.J. Reynolds teamed up with Texas-based sellers and filed a lawsuit there. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the e-cigarette businesses, deciding that if FDA decisions hurt a company, it should be able to sue where it is based. The Supreme Court agreed, with Justice Amy Coney Barrett writing that the law does allow companies to take action in their home states if agency decisions hurt them. This comes after an earlier Supreme Court ruling in April, in which the justices sided with the FDA in a case about banning most sweet-flavored e-cigarettes to curb teen vaping. That decision gave the agency major power to regulate, but companies now have more flexibility in legal battles.
“The court’s decision doesn’tmean vaping rules are disappearing; it just gives sellers a stronger chance to fight back when the agency makes a move that could hurt their business.”
Not everyone is thrilled with the new ruling. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, voted against it, and groups like the Campaign for Tobacco- Free Kids also spoke out, warning the decision could let manufacturers “judge shop” to find friendlier courts. Conversely, attorney Ryan Watson, who represented R.J. Reynolds, called the decision a big win. He said FDA actions can have ripple effects that hurt retailers and other businesses, and this ruling keeps “the courthouse doors open” for those impacted. For him and the companies he represents, it’s about ensuring businesses have a fair shot at defending themselves. So, what does this mean for the vaping world? For one, companies now have more leeway to challenge FDA rules and keep their products on shelves. At the same time, the FDA still has considerable authority, and previous rulings about flavor bans and youth protection remain in place. The court’s decision doesn’t mean vaping rules are disappearing; it just gives sellers a stronger chance to fight back when the agency makes a move that could hurt their business. Ultimately, the battle over vaping regulations isn’t over. The Supreme Court’s ruling opens doors for manufacturers and retailers, and we’ll likely see more legal action in the months ahead.
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TAKE A BREAK
We’ve all been there: lying awake at night, replaying conversations, imagining worst-case scenarios, or obsessing over things we can’t change. Overthinking might feel harmless, but when those thoughts keep circling, they can take a toll on your mood, energy, and overall well-being. So, how do you break the cycle? It starts with noticing what’s happening in your mind. Next time your thoughts go into overdrive, pause and ask yourself: What emotion is fueling this? Maybe it’s worry, guilt, or frustration. Recognizing the source is the first step toward loosening its grip. Turn down the mental volume. When your brain feels stuck on repeat, try redirecting your energy. Dive into a hobby, work out, learn a new recipe, or volunteer for a cause that matters to you. Shifting focus Hit Pause When Your Brain Won’t Stop Talking When ‘What If’ Won’t Quit
Cardinal Cookies Frosty Gingerbread Gifts Menorah Mittens Peppermint
Pinecones Sagittarius Snowball Yule
Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
Ingredients
gives your mind a break and can help you feel more grounded.
Gravy • 4 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns • 1 tbsp mustard powder • 1 tbsp dried thyme • 1 tsp celery seeds • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 1/4 lbs topside joint of beef
• 2 beef stock cubes • 3 tbsp caramelized onion chutney • 2–3 tsp yeast extract
Breathing exercises also work wonders. Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly, and take slow, steady breaths in and
Directions 1. With a pestle and mortar, crush peppercorns, mustard powder, thyme, and celery seeds together. 2. Stir in oil, then rub into beef. 3. Preheat oven to 375 F and set seasoned beef in a snug roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour. 4. Remove from the oven, lift onto a platter, and cover with foil to rest 30 minutes. 5. For gravy, pour juices from the pan into a large measuring cup. 6. Let the juices separate, then spoon 2 tbsp of fat back into the pan. Discard remaining fat. 7. Top juices in the cup with boiling water to make 3 cups total liquid. 8. Heat pan with fat over medium heat and stir in flour, stock cubes, onion chutney, and yeast extract. 9. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, and gradually add juices/water. Bubble to thicken and serve with the beef.
out through your nose. It’s simple, but it signals your body to relax and can help calm racing thoughts in just a few minutes. Challenge your thoughts. Automatic negative thoughts (those instant, gloomy reactions) can trap you in “what ifs” and worst-case scenarios. Write them down, seek a more balanced perspective, and see if you can do anything about them. Taking small, thoughtful actions toward solutions can help quiet the mental noise. And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Talking to a trusted friend or a therapist can give you a fresh outlook on managing those runaway thoughts.
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
One Ride Home Could Save a Life … Maybe Even Yours. Vape Wars: Supreme Court Lets Sellers Take on FDA Nationwide
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Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
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Overthinking Overload? Try These Mind-Clearing Tips
4 Make Daily Tasks Easier With Voice-Activated Tech Hands-Free Help for a Smarter Home VOICE-ACTIVATED TECH IS CHANGING EVERYDAY LIFE
Smart Speakers That Simplify Life Today’s smart speakers do more than play music. The latest Amazon, Google, and Apple models let you use multiple assistants in one device. Whether it’s Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant, you can ask questions, control your home devices, or set reminders. Advanced microphones pick up your voice clearly, even with background noise, so you can give commands from across the room without repeating yourself. Cooking Made Easier In the kitchen, voice-activated appliances are changing the game. Smart fridges can recommend recipes based on what you have, while microwaves can start cooking on your
Imagine queuing up your favorite music, turning off the lights, or locking the doors … all without lifting a finger. That’s the magic of voice-activated technology. What once felt futuristic is now a daily convenience, making life at home simpler and way more fun.
command. Some devices can even help manage grocery lists or reorder essentials automatically, taking the stress out of meal prep. Security You Can Count On Keeping your home safe is easier than ever with voice-activated security systems. Just ask, and you can lock your doors, view camera feeds, or arm the alarm. Some systems even connect directly to emergency services, giving you peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. It’s peace of mind with zero hassle. Voice-controlled tech is no longer a luxury. It’s a practical way to make your home more efficient, secure, and easily managed.
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