The 89th Texas legislative session begins Jan. 14 with a still-unresolved race for speaker of the House of Representatives. State representatives David Cook, R-Mansfield, and Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, are considered the frontrunners for speaker, but speculation continues as to whether other candidates will throw their hats into the ring.

Drivers will no longer be required to get annual safety inspections beginning Jan. 1, the Texas Standard reported.

I’m sharing the following as an example of a family’s submission for Volume 3 of local history. Submission deadline is February 1, 2025! Harvey Laney Cannon, born December 11, 1919.

Gov. Greg Abbott said last Thursday the state is initiating a billboard campaign across Central America and border cities in northern Mexico to discourage migrants from attempting to enter Texas, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

One of the things I love about this time of year is the way people treat each other. There is a genuine uptick in cheerfulness, courtesy, and a pervading good will towards men kind of attitude during this season.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is seeking a $300 million transfusion of funds to bolster the state’s Medicaid application process, The Texas Tribune reported. The public health insurance program provides coverage for people or families with limited income, as well as pregnant women and people with disabilities.

The Museum’s current exhibit featuring arts and crafts is my all-time favorite, with a wide variety of unique items. If you don’t know the term “Tramp Art”, come see examples.

In my short time as mayor, I have had several questions about how city governments work. Over the next few issues, I will give you a quick overview of the roles and responsibilities of your elected officials. This information comes from the Texas Municipal League (TML) Handbook for Mayors and Councilmembers (www.tml.org).

Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan withdrew last week from seeking another term leading that chamber. After three rounds of voting on Saturday, Dec.

My last column was ran in its entirety, even though my word count was triple of what it was supposed to be. Thank you to the Editor! Scotsmen are supposedly known for their brevity, but apparently my Irish ancestry overrides the Scot in my penmanship.