STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Democrats Talarico, Crock- ett set first debateThe 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.

LAUGHS OF THE WEEK

Compiled off the Internet by Jeff Blackmon, Publisher of the Hereford BRANDFor those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery down stairs.The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s Hamlet in the church basement on Friday at 7 pm.

TALES OF DEAF SMITH COUNTY

“Nostalgic memories, even when they may have a tinge of sadness, allow us to understand where we have been in our lives and the people we have gotten to know along the way.”--Nicholas D.

Brush Up & Show Up: Rural Voices Matter in the March Primary Election

In much of rural Texas, elections are effectively decided in March. By the time the November election rolls around, the field is narrowed, theoutcome is possibly set, and the real choice is long past.

New Year’s financial resolutions: Making them stick

New Year's financial resolutions: Making them stickAs the calendar flips to a new year, millions of Americans pledge to improve their financial lives. But without a concrete plan, those well-intentioned resolutions often fade quickly.

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

New laws taking effect in New Year A spate of new laws took effect on Jan. 1, The Dallas Morning News reported. Here’s a brief summary of the most notable new laws now in force: • County sheriff's offices are now required to cooperate with U.S.

LAUGHS OF THE WEEK

Compiled off the Internet by Jeff Blackmon, Publisher of the Hereford BRANDGolfer’s Funeral: At a gravesite service for an avid golfer, attendees dropped golf balls into the grave instead of flowers.

Abbott’s Tax Plan Promises Relief — But Puts Rural Texas on the Chopping Block

Last month, Governor Greg Abbott unveiled what he calls a “bold” plan: eliminate school district property taxes on homesteads and replace roughly $35 to $39 billion in local school funding with the state’s current budget surplus and other state revenues.

Financial Focus

With the new year around the corner, many people are setting goals for 2026. After months of rising prices on everything from milk to mortgages, money-related resolutions are prominent.

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Five big moves from the Lege in 2025 The Texas Legislature made a host of major decisions in 2025, as The Dallas Morning News reported. Here are the highlights:• Homeowners received a break on their property taxes after approving a proposed constitutional amendment in November.