Opinion

A spate of new laws took effect on Jan. 1, The Dallas Morning News reported.

“I remember the year that Clayton Delaney died…no, wait, I was remembering the year Molly Farkle was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. My bad.” – with apologies to country music legend Tom T. Hall.

Since 1908, the Fort Stockton Pioneer Newspaper has been watching over the chaptered stories of this wild place. Since its founding, this newspaper has served as the living record for a community built on grit, diverse heritage, and a true pioneering spirit.

CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS The Texas Legislature made a host of major decisions in 2025, as The Dallas Morning News reported. Here are the highlights: • Homeowners received a break on their property taxes after approving a proposed constitutional amendment in November.

Wealth, fame and success still don’t make us happy — but strong relationships do. That has been the consistent message from the Harvard Study of Adult Development — the longest-running scientific study of adult life in the world.

Winter has officially arrived, and officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas say the Texas power grid is expected to hold up through most weather conditions, the Houston Chronicle reported. However, the boom in data centers across the state increases the risk of rolling brownouts to 1% to 2% through February.

The Northeast was blanketed with snow last weekend, and I loved it — because I love how snow humbles us. When it snows in my hometown of Pittsburgh, people pour out into the streets.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, entered the U.S. Senate race on the final day to file, pitting her against state Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock. The Austin American-Statesman reported the difference between the two is more of style than substance, with both raising the issues of income inequality, rising prices, corruption and polarization.

After charitable giving dipped during the COVID years — when inflation, lockdowns and economic strain made it harder for average families to give — American generosity has rebounded. In 2024, U.S.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to reverse a lower court’s ruling and uphold the mid-decade redrawn congressional map for Texas sent candidates scrambling to file or opt to retire with the filing deadline on Monday, Dec. 8. The map is likely to give Republican candidates wins in up to five congressional districts previously held by Democrats.