W hat are you going to wear for the total solar eclipse weekend coming up in April? To my knowledge, there’s no official dress code for experiencing an eclipse other than to wear the special recommended safety glasses when looking at the sun. There’s also weather to consider, but, really, it’s up to you on how you suit up for the event.

Capital Highlights A federal judge is expected to rule quickly on the constitutionality of a Texas law about to go into effect that institutes new state penalties for illegal border crossings. During a hearing last week, U.S.

I was so looking forward to staying inside during the recent cold spell, doing some comfort cooking like beef stew, meat loaf, beef, barley mushroom soup, and maybe some chili for Zack. I’ve never been a big fan of chili. I know it’s positively un-American and definitely un-Texas, right? I make it for Zack when the temps drop. More about chili later.

S ince last Wednesday, most Christians around the world have been celebrating a special season called “Lent.” When did that tradition start and why? The earliest dated mention of a 40-day period of observing Lent can be found in the Canons of Nicaea in 325 AD. Earlier undated records mention similar observations in the second century.

A t this very moment, more than two billion people are celebrating what is called in the west Chinese New Year. In Asia, it is more commonly known as the Spring Festival.

Capital Highlights L t. Gov Dan Patrick joined with the world’s largest investment firm to pitch investors on building natural gas power plants in Texas at a summit held last week in Houston.

I was thinking of all the unsung heroes who get us through our days on a regular basis or in emergencies. I recently mentioned our local plumber Terry. In other columns over the last 23 years, I’ve written about or thanked everyone from receptionists and health care professionals at our local hospital and clinic to the owners of numerous local businesses.

Last week I hung out with An Thompson, the owner-operator of LA Thompson Gallery in historic downtown Clifton. I’ve known An since I returned to Clifton 10-plus years ago, and in this time, her wisdom and community spirit have really resonated with me.

Capital Highlights T he Texas Education Agency’s annual report was released last week. It indicates per-student funding in the 2021-2022 school year averaged $14,928 per student, up 42% since 2011.

Let Freedom Read W here do we learn about our freedoms? Who teaches us about our liberties? When do our rights kick in? Why did we learn about the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution? Well, I learned about the news (freedom to know) from my parents.