Legislature returns for special session The Texas Legislature convened in special session last Thursday and GOP legislators introduced a fresh set of voting bills after Democrats blocked an earlier attempt during the regular session by walking out in May, preventing a quorum. HB3 and SB 1 don’t include some of the more controversial measures that were in the previous bill, such as restricting voting on Sundays.

Gas prices at highest level since 2014 As Texans hit the roads this summer with pandemic restrictions eased and vaccinations widespread, the national average price of gas is expected to top $3 per gallon, though the average in Texas for regular is $2.799, according to AAA. Drivers should expect prices to keep rising as demand rises, according to the Consumer Energy Alliance.

For youngsters, the wheels of time turn slowly, no matter how many “hurry ups” they desire. Indeed, dream fulfillment is painfully slow.

Whatever is said usually doesn’t measure up to sheer artistry, since brush-and-easel greats can land haymakers to writers who are armed only with words. Use of color and much else conveys mind’s eye images to canvas, thus usually tilting communication effectiveness scales toward artistry.

Heat wave prompts conservation call The Electric Reliability Council of Texas urged Texans to cut back on power usage last week when an unusually large number of power plants shut down for unexpected repairs as temperatures soared. ERCOT officials announced Friday that Texans could resume normal levels of electricity use, however.

Abbott vows to expand border ‘barrier’ Gov. Greg Abbott vowed last week at a border security summit to build a barrier to slow the flow of migrants through the state’s southern border.

Fifth-grade violinists from Grandview, TX, Elementary School are accustomed to taking Branson, MO, by storm, but this year they wowed audiences despite the “double whammy” of rainstorms and a pandemic.

Let me ask a quick question: Has your tongue ever gotten you in trouble? I bet it has. My tongue has gotten me in plenty of trouble.

Population gains, losses in state detailed The U.S. Census Bureau has released is sub-county population estimates from April 2010 to July 2020.

Ever-deepening Christian faith is called upon by believers who sometimes are challenged by their “trust and obey” commitment. We need only point to COVID-19, which has laid claim to as many as seven million lives worldwide, and many times that number who have been affected greatly by the pandemic’s countless joy-sucking tentacles.