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Abbott ties voucher passage to teacher pay, school funding

Abbott ties voucher passage to teacher pay, school funding

Gov. Greg Abbott, just hours after the Senate initially approved a school voucher measure, said he would add teacher raises and increased public school funding to the ongoing special session agenda if the Texas Legislature passes his voucher plan, the Texas Tribune reported. 10/18/2023 23:00

Texas employment at historic high, but jobless rate is up

Texas employment at historic high, but jobless rate is up

For the 30th consecutive month Texas showed job growth, reaching just under 14 million jobs and outpacing the nation in its annual rate of employment growth, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. 10/11/2023 23:00

October deadliest for pedestrians

October deadliest for pedestrians

AUSTIN – Fall and winter months bring shorter days and less light, making it harder for drivers to see–and safely avoid–pedestrians. October saw the highest number of pedestrian crashes in 2022. That’s why Tx-DOT is using National Pedestrian Safety Month to continue its “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign and remind Texans that pedestrians are our most vulnerable road users. 10/11/2023 23:00

The Postscript

“Talking to Dogs” 10/11/2023 23:00

9 Ways to Improve Your Morning Coffee

9 Ways to Improve Your Morning Coffee

As I sit at my typewriter this morning and pound out these words, I am enjoying a good cup of coffee. In a world apparently gone mad, coffee provides some degree of comfort. Coffee seems almost a supernatural beverage, imbued with mystic qualities. It’s like peace in a cup. No wonder that over one billion people around the globe enjoy coffee every day. In the words of Jerry Seinfeld, “this liquid is taking over the world!” 10/11/2023 23:00

Special session begins Oct. 9

Special session begins Oct. 9

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a letter to legislative leaders indicating a special session will begin on Oct. 9 dealing with what he has called “school choice” but is more widely known as vouchers. 10/04/2023 23:00

The Postscript

I’ve been thinking about forgiveness 10/04/2023 23:00

Suicide isn’t just for September

Suicide isn’t just for September

September is Suicide Awareness Month. Suicide is frightening, whether you are thinking about it for yourself, or know someone who is. Suicide is final, the end. A life is lost – the hopes and dreams, the talents and gifts, the plans and expectations -- all gone! And this life had meaning; the person mattered. But somehow, someway this person couldn’t see this, couldn’t see continuing into the future. 09/27/2023 23:00

Another special session slated for October

Another special session slated for October

Gov. Greg Abbott has called a third special session, this time about school choice, for next month. He is promising retribution for lawmakers who oppose his move to enact school vouchers in Texas, the Texas Tribune reported. 09/27/2023 23:00

The Postscript

I got anxious again today. 09/20/2023 23:00

Paxton acquitted on all impeachment counts

Paxton acquitted on all impeachment counts

Ken Paxton has been reinstated as Texas Attorney General after the Texas Senate on Saturday acquitted him of charges of brib- ery and misuse of office. Only two Republican senators joined the 12 Democrats in voting to convict him of some of the 16 charges heard by the Senate, with four other charges dismissed by the Senate, The Dallas Morning News reported. 09/20/2023 23:00

Paxton trial completes first week

Paxton trial completes first week

The first week of suspended Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment trial in the Senate ended with his for - mer lead law enforcement officer testifying an Austin developer alleged to have bribed Paxton constructed a "conspiracy theo - ry" that federal officials altered a search warrant for his property, the Austin American-Statesman reported. 09/13/2023 23:00

Traffic Alert

AUSTIN – The star on the Texas flag somehow seems to shine a little brighter every year as more and more people move to Texas to find a thriving economy and a better quality of life. While that growth is wonderful to see, it does bring challenges to our transportation system. 09/06/2023 23:00

Hundreds of new laws go into effect

Hundreds of new laws go into effect

A total of 774 new laws went into effect on Sept. 1, affecting Texans in many areas of their lives, the Austin American- Statesman reported. The new laws concern property taxes, registration fees and voting access, among other issues. Several have drawn court challenges from opponents. 09/06/2023 23:00

Footprints - Christian Wertzner

Footprints - Christian Wertzner

Christian Gotthelf Wertzner was born and raised near Wolkenstein, Saxony. In 1830, at the age of thirty, he immigrated to Texas and settled in Stephen F. Austin's colony where he worked as a merchant and tai- lor. He was one of the first German citizens to make the move to Texas and one of the first German immi grants to settle in present day Fayette County. 08/30/2023 23:00

Texans asked to conserve energy in heat wave

Texans asked to conserve energy in heat wave

The agency that operates the power grid for much of the state asked Texans to conserve energy use several times last week as the grid was beset with high demand and low wind-power generation, according to the Austin American- Statesman. 08/30/2023 23:00

Looking Down From the Saddle

Looking Down From the Saddle

The Horse 08/30/2023 23:00

The Postscript

“Apple Empanadas” 08/30/2023 23:00

STAAR scores show continued struggles in math, reading

STAAR scores show continued struggles in math, reading

Texas public student scores in standardized testing continue to improve since the pandemic, but more than half of those taking the test still struggle with math and just under half read below grade-level, the Texas Tribune reported. 08/23/2023 23:00

Record sea temps could spur more hurricanes

Record sea temps could spur more hurricanes

Forecasters for the National Weather Service are anticipating a more active hurricane season this year because of record-warm ocean surface temperatures, the Texas Tribune reported. 08/16/2023 23:00

LOOKING DOWN FROM THE SADDLE

23rd Anniversary

23rd Anniversary 08/09/2023 23:00