CAMPAIGN SEASON: LET THE CASTING BEGIN

Early voting started this week, with candidates at the national, state, and local levels taking part in public forums and Q&A sessions. ’Tis the season when political hopefuls come equipped with smiling faces and glad hands.

Why the Rural Texas Vote Matters Most in the Primary

For many rural Texans, elections can feel like a formality. By the time November rolls around, the outcome often seems decided. But that’s exactly why the primary election matters more than any other vote you will cast.In much of rural Texas, the primary is the election of consequence.

ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN AN AC/DC WORLD

With the March primaries just around the corner, it feels like a good time to talk about ethics— because for some folks, ethics seem to run on alternating current. On when it’s convenient. Off when it isn’t.The application of ethical principles is not supposed to be seasonal.

Loving Main Street Means Standing with Small Business

By Justin CrossieSouth Central Regional AdministratorU.S. Small Business AdministrationValentine’s Day is about showing appreciation. Not just with words, but with actions. For me, that means recognizing the small businesses that keep our communities strong.

AT LEAST 11 DEAD IN STATE AFTER WINTER STORM

At least 11 people have died in Texas, nearly half of them children, after Winter Storm Fern swept the state last week, the Texas Standard reported. Among those killed were three young brothers who fell through ice on a private pond near Bonham, about 60 miles northeast of Texas.

If You’re Explaining, You’re Losing

Something important just happened in Texas politics, and it’s worth writing about — because unlike me, most folks in rural Texas don’t spend their days tracking political chatter out of Austin or Washington.

ENDOSCOPES AND MUDDY HANDSHAKES

Election season, nestled between mid-winter and the next four years, is underway.

POWER GRID HOLDS UP DURING WINTRY BLAST

The electricity grid that covers most of Texas was holding up as of Sunday during the latest winter storm, although localized power outages were reported in Deep East Texas and far West Texas.

HOT CIDER AND HARD CHOICES

Like many of you, I spent much of the past week either preparing for or waiting out winter’s late arrival in Texas. Following last week’s edition, the unseasonably warm weather made short sleeves feel reasonable when making deliveries—as late as those deliveries were—the suddenly: change occurred.

DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR MARCH PRIMARY NEARS

The last day to register to vote for the March 3 primary is Feb. 2, according to the Texas secretary of state’s office. Early voting runs from Feb. 17 through Feb. 27, with Feb. 20 being the deadline for applying for a mail ballot.Prospective voters can visit the votetexas.