State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

State CapitalHeat-related deaths in Texas likely undercountedAs Texans endure the dog days of summer, experts say deaths related to heat in Texas and nationwide are likely undercounted, the Texas Standard reported.

Mort in Dreamland…

It’s a line lifted from a short poem written by Robert Gray in 1868. “Ignorance is bliss when it is folly to be wise.”Ever fresh, it is an ongoing ponderance, like whether spearmint gum retains its flavor after overnight repose on the bedpost.

HIGHLIGHTS

State CapitalPandemic relief funds for schools about to endTexas public schools received more than $19 billion in pandemic relief funds over the last four years, but that pipeline of cash will largely end on Sept. 30, The Texas Tribune reported.

PASTOR’S CORNER

I would like to take a census and see what you think about your community. I lived in Littlefield for 26 years then I moved to Lubbock, but as a pastor I continue to come here.A question that I would ask this beautiful community, why has the population gone down from 7,500 to 5,900.

Mort and His ‘Sock-Assister’…

Olympics and a Shrewd Frenchman….Critics swear that the French successfully smeared “lipstick on a pig” for a big chunk of the 2024 Olympic Games. The French, though, are used to sloughing off jokes and insults.Someone said that if they can’t find an argument to join, they’ll start one.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

Pattern of abuse at Texas juvenile facilities A federal investigation into five state facilities concluded children in custody face excessive force, sexual abuse and a lack of vital services, The Dallas Morning News reported.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

State CapitalExpanded passenger rail again on the tableA huge pot of federal rail funding and chronic highway congestion are prompting some Texas officials to again consider expanding passenger rail in Texas, according to The Texas Standard.

Lessons in Holding On…

I’m not sure who the TV weather guy was, which city he served or exactly what he said, but if his observation passed down through the ages is even close to accurate, it still has wide application today.The man must have had his news antenna aimed far beyond the weather. He was a philosopher as well.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

State CapitalPUC outlines consumer protection rulesAs the dog days of August approach and electric bills soar, the Public Utility Commission is reminding consumers of rules in place to protect them from having their power disconnected due to financial difficulties, especially during extreme heat.

Popcorn Tradition Crosses State Lines…

A popcorn tradition was born 50 years ago this summer in the garage of our home in southwest Fort Worth.That was some 26 tons of popcorn and four machines ago. It was sparked by the late Dr. Veda Hodge, who owned a string of movie theaters and multiple West Texas oil wells.