Spate of new laws effective Jan. 1
After the Texas Legislature spent much of 2023 in session, a bevy of new laws go into effect on New Year’s Day, though some have been delayed by lawsuits challenging their constitutionality.
Opinion
Cedar pollen is the likely allergy culprit
Dear Neil: My wife and I are having discussions about whether I should remove a native cedar tree from our landscape. She tests positive for allergies to cedar pollen, and this time of year her miseries begin for a couple of months.
Getting a fresh start
Back in my grade school days you were told to clean the blackboards if you didn’t do your work or obey the teacher. Every time you did something wrong (breaking the rules) our teacher would write your name in the upper right hand corner of the blackboard.
Haunted by the Kids of Christmas Past
Since two of my daughters are now in college and one is in high school, Christmas just “hits different”– as those crazy kids (and my not-so-secret, sort-of-butnot- really guilty pleasure, Taylor Swift) say these days.
Legal groups sue to stop new immigration law
The ink was barely dry on a law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott that makes unauthorized entry into the United States a state crime before a lawsuit was filed by civil rights groups and El Paso County challenging its constitutionality.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor: The Democrats started the Civil War of 1861-1865, resulting in the deaths of 620 thousand Americans. They backed slavery.
Is there a reason for hope?
This year our world has been plagued by wars, threats, and rumors of more wars at any minute. Sadly, untold numbers killed and millions fleeing for their lives. Not counting floods and droughts besides all kinds of problems, difficulties, sickness with family, friends or loved ones.
Time to Treasure
Following the angel’s instructions, the shepherds arrived in Bethlehem to find the newborn baby lying in a manger. Wondering why these strangers had come to see her child, the shepherds told Mary about the angels’ announcement.
Deer damage too much for magnolia tree survival
GARDENER’S MAILBAG Dear Neil: We mowed our yard and forgot to replace the screen around our magnolia tree that I gave my wife several years ago. I discovered a buck deer had shredded the tree leaving only one inch of bark intact.
House kills school choice vouchers
Dear Editor:
I see the House of Representatives in Austin has killed School Choice Vouchers for private schools, thanks to Democrats and 31 Republican Rinos.
Well, well, how interesting. Forty percent of elementary and middle school students in Houstin are failing with DYF averages.
