Opinion

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

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State Capital Quakes prompt officials to limit disposal wells The Texas Railroad Commission has suspended nearly two dozen permits that allow oil and gas companies to inject saltwater into the ground, which regulators say has contributed to increased earthquakes of greater magnitude in West Texas. The Austin American Statesman reported the 23 disposal wells hold hundreds of thousands of barrels of produced water, which is a toxic brine.

Long Ago Promisies…

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When this weekly piece first saw the light of day in February, 2003, I promised to share stories worthy of belly laughs—or at least chuckles. I also vowed to offer occasional gems of wisdom. I wanted these “gems” to be worthy of comparison to the precious pearls of Majorca. Sadly, most more nearly resemble costume jewelry from the Dollar Store….

State Capital

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Voter registration deadline for primary approaches The deadline to register to vote in the Texas Democratic and Republican primary elections is Feb. 5.

Little Engines That Can…

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Compared to the glamour and glitz of Broadway’s “Great White Way” in New York City, two Texas venues fall a bit short. Yet, by many standards, they stand equally tall.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

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State Capital 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.

PASTOR’S CORNER

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(Editor’s Note: This column is written by a different Littlefield pastor for the Leader-News each week. The columns are published on this page on Wednesdays.) I don’t know what your state of encouragement is at this moment.

HIGHLIGHTS

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State Capital 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.

A Blessing of Beds…

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We have eyes to see and hearts to serve, yet somehow don’t recognize the importance of both purpose and passion until we see needs up close at life’s intersections. Thankfully, such consciousness— the kind leaving lumps in our throats and guilt in our minds—results when we hear accounts from folks whose lives have changed direction through the pursuit of serving others.

State Capital HIGHLIGHTS

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Property tax cuts go into effect A total of $18 billion in property tax cuts were approved by more than 80% of voters in the November general election and should be reflected in property tax bills that are due by Jan. 31.