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AUSTIN— A federal judge is expected to rule quickly on the constitutionality of a Texas law about to go into effectthatinstitutesnewstate penalties for illegal border crossings. During a hearing last week, U.S. District Judge David Ezra said he had concerns that other states would follow Texas’ lead in creating their own immigration laws – a power given exclusively to the federal government under the U.S. Constitution.

Believe in yourself, and presto — somebody will figure out a way to prey on your ego. Hold that thought.

Ida Tarbell. Tucker Carlson.

HANABA MUNN WELCH Overthinking overthinking Over thinker. Should it be one word? Spellcheck says no.

COMMENTARY Nothing beats shopping at a garage sale on your birthday and finding a Rolex for a dollar. Advertising on Facebook Marketplace for the everything’s-a-dollar sale included a line from the sponsoring family that said “You may find a treasure.” And sure enough, there was the Rolex, keeping company with some other lesser watches and keeping time.

It’s tempting during the sweltering summer months to despise the sun. Ah,butcomewinter,aday of sunshine that follows overcast and foggy days is pure gold with a Vitamin D boost.

More Texans than ever have signed up for health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act for 2024, according to federal health data released last week and reported by the Texas Tribune. The number of Texans inACAprograms,whichoffer inexpensive or free health care coverage, rose 37% to nearly 3.5 million – or 1 in 9 residents.

COMMENTARY What’sittaketobeanews reporter? A good high school English teacher. You also need to know how to gather information, and you may have to pass a drug test to get hired.

HANABA MUNN WELCH Gawrsh! Why not Faulkner? Some parents tamper with the truth. Mine gave me the straight scoop — nearly always.