I HAVE A LIGHTER IN MY POCKET BUT NOT MANY FRIENDS

I’m going break an internal rule of mine in that I am going to give editorial commentary on information not yet published.

THE RUNOFF BALLOT IS WORTH A CLOSER LOOK

The easiest election to miss may be one of the most important ones on the calendar. Next Tuesday, May 26 — the day after Memorial Day — Texans will return to the polls for the primary runoff election. It comes at an inconvenient time. School is wrapping up.

THE OWNER OF BRUSHWORKS

Kay Smith of Big Spring has done police work. She had a career as a nurse and retired from the VA where she worked in a hospital. Above all, she is an artist. She did art part time while working and now full time as an established artist.

THE PHARMACY ON MAIN STREET

SUZANNE BELLSNYDERWhy Drug Policy Is Rural PolicyIf you live in rural Texas, you already know that your local pharmacist is part of the fabric that holds a town together.

CIVIC MAINTENANCE OF SELF-GOVERNANCE

If you look close, this week’s edition has a theme woven into it. Not on purpose. It’s just there. It’s about elected officials, transparency rules, and the public engagement those rules were designed to protect.

MATAGORDA’S FAMOUS FISHING GUIDE

The biggest trout Tommy Kountz ever caught was 30 inches and he did it twice. “The first one I caught here in the Colorado river one winter,” says Tommy. “It weighed 8 pounds, 12 ounces. Then I caught one down at Baffin Bay, south of Corpus. That’s where the really big trout live.

Some feel-good things

Joy may seem elusive at times, but I like to think that there are people among us who know just when to write the song, produce the movie, make the podcast, or publish the book that could evoke some smiles.Recording artist Amy Grant’s new album was released last week.

LOW-COST SMARTPHONE PLANS FOR BUDGET-MINDED SENIORS

Dear Savvy Senior, What are the absolute lowest-cost smartphone plans for seniors who mainly talk and text but need a little cellular data for email and occasional use? I’m currently paying $40 a month and hoping to cut that down. --Looking to SaveDear Looking, You’re asking a smart question.

Faces & Places

“The sun's rays have vision and give us vision. However, it is the birds' eyes and the two invisible angels by your side that record everything. Nothing goes unnoticed throughout the universe. Wherever there is a vibration, there are eyes and ears.

HISTORY’S FIRST DRAFT; TOMORROW’S NEXT LINE

I am fairly certain that everywhere in the journalism industry—whether print, broadcast television, radio, or digital communications— there are publishers, editors, or even reporters that have some affinity for history.