S-C-R-A-B-B-L-E

On Fridays, my two small classes forgo literature and deep dive into a board game that first appeared in the 1930s. Depression-era unemployed architect Alfred M. Butts gave the world Scrabble.Abigail, Ashleigh, Cadie, Carolina, Clay, Cooper, Juan, Tucker and Tynslee are becoming Scrabble fans.

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Shed a Little Light SUE JANE SULLIVANChances are you have watched a Holocaust movie.

The 501

HANABA MUNN WELCHDon’t hold ’er, Newt“How’s every little thing, Myrt?” My last week’s column (no, I don’t remember the topic either) ended with a promise to quote the three famous quotations from the classic radio show “Fibber McGee and Molly.”

Taking care of garden tools

Winter months before spring chores resume is the perfect time to clean up and sharpen tools that are regularly used in the garden.Clean. Start preventative care of tools by removing residual dirt from wide-bladed implements like trowels, shovels, spades, digging forks, and hoes to prevent the onset...

Playing with matches

This little light o’ mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Hide it under a bushel, no.

Agencies, universities seek $24.6 billion in new funding

AUSTIN—The Texas Senate’s chief budget writer said state agencies and higher education institutions have requested nearly $25 billion in funding as the legislative session gets underway.

The 501

COMMENTARYLife is all about getting ready for an estate sale. Your own.If you end up with a big one, good for you. If you end up with nothing much, even better. That’s my goal.Aren’t goals wonderful devices? They need not be reached to give us direction.

Legislative session begins on Jan. 14

AUSTIN– The 89th Texas legislative session begins on Jan. 14 with a still-unresolved race for speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.State Reps.

Pardon me

As I type this column, I am sitting in a hotel in Austin preparing for a student to compete in one of the University Interscholastic League’s speech events: State Congress.It is exactly what you would think. Students debate legislation which they have written.

Phelan drops bid for speaker; no clear winner yet

Dade Phelan withdrew last week from seeking another term leading that chamber. After three rounds of voting on Saturday, state Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield emerged as the preference of most House Republicans.