Columns

Abbott wants ban on data centers in rural neighborhoods

Abbott wants ban on data centers in rural neighborhoods

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Abbott wants ban on data centers in rural neighborhoods

Texas Press Association
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Body AUSTIN— 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.
Markings along the Mother Road

Markings along the Mother Road

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Markings along the Mother Road

Barbara Brannon And Kay Ellington
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Body Kilroy Was Here.Those of a certain generation know what we’re talking about—the ubiquitous doodle from World War II that helped build a sense of American moxie, resilience and camaraderie.

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TxDOT Public comment period open through Aug. 3

Staff Reports
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Body SHARE YOUR VOICE ON TEXAS’ 10-YEAR TRANSPORTATION PLANThe Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) invites the public to help shape the future of Texas roadways by sharing thoughts on its new 10-year transportation plan.
The 501

The 501

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The 501

Hanaba Munn Welch
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Body Lose weight with the Cat DietDiets come. Diets go. Live long enough, and you’ll survive several.Remember the grapefruit diet? That one sticks in my mind. So does the diet that purposely triggers ketosis, which is bad news if it happens to your flock of sheep. Just saying.
Cotton, oil, screwworms

Cotton, oil, screwworms

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Cotton, oil, screwworms

Hanaba Munn Welch
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Body COMMENTARYNever ever have I done anything significant to help the human condition. But I know people who have. Does that count?No. Happenstance personal connections to greatness are just that. Happenstance. Nothing to be proud of. I am anyway. I guess that’s a sin.
“The Route 66 Centennial Caravan has continued east after our tragic loss, knowing Dr. Baker's passion for education and experience... especially when it came to Route 66,” posted leaders of the caravan on the event’s Facebook page June 13. “We carry his memory with us as well as his zeal for adventure.” | ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL CARAVAN

“The Route 66 Centennial Caravan has continued east after our tragic loss, knowing Dr. Baker's passion for education and experience... especially when it came to Route 66,” posted leaders of the caravan on the event’s Facebook page June 13. “We carry his memory with us as well as his zeal for adventure.” | ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL CARAVAN

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After tragedy, a tribute: R.I.P., T. Lindsay Baker

Text And Photos By Barbara Brannon And Kay
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Body “Let’s be careful out there,” the police lieutenant character on TV’s long-running “Hill Street Blues” would exhort his troops after every roll call.
Paxton hopes to unify Republicans after runoff

Paxton hopes to unify Republicans after runoff

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Paxton hopes to unify Republicans after runoff

Texas Press Association
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Body AUSTIN— Attorney General Ken Paxton and his allies began working to repair fissures among GOP voters after he routed incumbent U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in the March 26 runoff, The Dallas Morning News reported.
The killer cast-iron skillet

The killer cast-iron skillet

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The killer cast-iron skillet

Hanaba Munn Welch
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Body The more the frying pan gets reinvented, the less likely it is to deliver a fatal blow. Right? Nothing beats cast iron.Same holds true in culinary situations. Yesterday I was halfway through cooking an omelette when I gave up on the fake skillet and switched to the real thing.
Summer school

Summer school

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Summer school

Sue Jane Sullivan
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Body Regardless of one’s job or age, summer seems to be the time when we all experience some change of schedule. If you are an educator or student, the welcome nine weeks away from the classroom gives you the chance to rest and rejuvenate.
To or to? Plus Orangeburg

To or to? Plus Orangeburg

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To or to? Plus Orangeburg

Hanaba Munn Welch
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Body More than you wanted to know.Sounds like a good title for my next book. Capitalize everything but the “to.” Or should it be capitalized too because it’s part of an infinitive? An infinitive “to” deserves more than a lower-case “t.” My opinion. I could be wrong.Bored so soon?
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