Opinion
News Staff
Small habits help shape a stronger financial futureFinancial security doesn’t have to come from a big salary, a lucky investment or some dramatic turning point. For most people, wealth is built more simply, through small habits repeated many times over.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
State Capital Highlights
Abbott wants ban on data centers in rural neighborhoods Gov. Greg Abbott is calling for a ban on data center construction in rural neighborhoods, according to the Houston Chronicle. Opposition to the facilities is growing because they require large amounts of electricity and water and can be noisy.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Southwestern Public Service Co. awarded $113 million grant to improve electric reliability, reduce costs
News Staff
Southwestern Public Service Company (SPS), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy, will receive a $113 million Texas Energy Fund Outside ERCOT Grant to benefit customers in the Panhandle and South Plains, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced this week.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
STANDING FOR SOMETHING--Colonial volunteers brought their Pennsylvania and Kentucky long rifles to early engagements with British troops in the American Revolution. Their proficiency with rifles came naturally, as the skill was required to put food on the table and to defend their homes. As the country moved forward, these skilled hunters would also become passionate conservationists.
A nation of riflemen also came to stand for wildlife conservation
Jim Steiert
“By the rude bridge that arched the flood Their flags to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world.
Thursday, July 2, 2026
All In: American
News Staff
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Texans encouraged to celebrate Independence Day safely
News Staff
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As Texans prepare to celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages residents to prioritize safety when using fireworks and participating in outdoor activities.
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Gary Borders
Texas first state to mandate Bible reading in school The State Board of Education gave final approval last week to a new required reading list for every grade level and also passed a rewrite of the state’s social studies requirements for kindergarten to eighth grade, the Austin American-Statesman...
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
How Do We Decide What Matters?
By Suzanne Bellsnyder, Texas Rural Reporter
I love to listen to podcasts, and it was The Mel Robbins Podcast that introduced me to a problem-solving exercise called the Five Whys.The premise is straightforward. When you’re trying to understand a problem, you ask why. Then you ask why again. Then again.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS
Gary Borders
Rural counties face hurdles in regulating data centers Rural counties trying to slow or even block data center construction are finding they have limited legal authority, the Texas Standard reported.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Financial Focus
News Staff
You Have an Estate Plan — Whether You Know It or NotThink estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly? Think again. If you own anything — a home, a car, a savings account, even a pet — you already have an estate plan. The only question is: Did you create it, or will your state do it for you?
Wednesday, June 24, 2026