Editorials

If You’re Explaining, You’re Losing

If You’re Explaining, You’re Losing

If You’re Explaining, You’re Losing

Suzanne Bellsnyder
Thursday, February 5, 2026
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.
GARY BORDERS, TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

GARY BORDERS, TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

POWER GRID HOLDS UP DURING WINTRY BLAST

News Staff
Thursday, January 29, 2026
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.
JEFF HURT - EDITOR

JEFF HURT - EDITOR

HOT CIDER AND HARD CHOICES

News Staff
Thursday, January 29, 2026
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

DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR MARCH PRIMARY NEARS

DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR MARCH PRIMARY NEARS

Gary Borders, Texas Press Association
Thursday, January 22, 2026
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.
GRAB YOUR OIL PANS, A LUG WRENCH, AND PROBABLY A PLUNGER

GRAB YOUR OIL PANS, A LUG WRENCH, AND PROBABLY A PLUNGER

GRAB YOUR OIL PANS, A LUG WRENCH, AND PROBABLY A PLUNGER

Jeff Hurt - Editor
Thursday, January 22, 2026
This week didn’t provide an editorial villain. I’m not even irritated at anyone. It would feel suspicious, if it weren’t for the March primaries lurking around the corner, where candidates are already working to dress their opponents in black capes and masks.
Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

News Staff
Thursday, January 22, 2026
To the Editor: At a time when trust in media is declining and local newspapers are struggling to survive; we want to thank you for providing the kind of good and accurate journalism that is so essential to our democracy.
FORTY YEARS OF NON-SMOKING

FORTY YEARS OF NON-SMOKING

FORTY YEARS OF NON-SMOKING

Tumbleweed Smith
Thursday, January 22, 2026
In 1986 to celebrate the Texas Sesquicenten-nial, I did a report from each of the 254 counties in Texas. I also celebrated in another way. I quit smoking in January of 1986. I had tried quitting before, but it took attending a SMOKE ENDERS course at the local hospital.
DEMOCRATS TALARICO, CROCKETT SET FIRST DEBATE

DEMOCRATS TALARICO, CROCKETT SET FIRST DEBATE

DEMOCRATS TALARICO, CROCKETT SET FIRST DEBATE

Gary Borders, Texas Press Association
Thursday, January 15, 2026
The first debate in the state’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate is set for Jan. 24 in Georgetown, The Dallas Morning News reported. U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Dallas and state Rep. James Talarico of Round Rock are vying for the nomination.The seat is now held by U.S. Sen.