try

foodie_utils.py

@@ -1764,6 +1764,9 @@ def check_author_rate_limit(author, max_tweets=17, tweet_window_seconds=86400):
     reset_time = author_info.get('tweet_reset', current_time + tweet_window_seconds)
     prune_system_activity(reset_time)
     
+    # Debug: log is_any_script_running()
+    logger.debug(f"[DEBUG] is_any_script_running() = {is_any_script_running()}")
+    
     # Check if any script is running
     if is_any_script_running():
         # At least one script is running, trust rate_limit_info.json
@@ -1786,8 +1789,9 @@ def check_author_rate_limit(author, max_tweets=17, tweet_window_seconds=86400):
         remaining = remaining - author_info.get('tweets_posted_in_run', 0)
     else:
         # No scripts are running, post test tweet to sync quota
-        logger.info(f"No scripts are running, posting test tweet for {username} to sync quota")
+        logger.debug(f"[DEBUG] NO scripts running, will call get_x_rate_limit_status for {username}")
         remaining, api_reset = get_x_rate_limit_status(author)
+        logger.debug(f"[DEBUG] API returned: remaining={remaining}, api_reset={api_reset} for {username}")
         if remaining is None or api_reset is None:
             # Fallback: Use last known quota or assume 0 remaining
             if current_time < author_info.get('tweet_reset', current_time + tweet_window_seconds):