by Dan Eakin I saw on television something to effect that hate has increased 400 percent in recent weeks across America. I don’t know how that could be determined, but I partly believe it may be close to being true.

The deadline to register to vote in the Texas Democratic and Republican primary elections is Feb. 5. Voters on March 5 will choose their nominees for president, U.S. Senator, all 38 U.S. House members from Texas, and a number of other state and local offices, from the Texas Supreme Court to district attorneys, sheriffs and county commissioners.

Dan Eakin asked me to write a column “From the Mayor’s Desk” this week. I will tell you that business is pretty routine in the city.

After the Texas Legislature spent much of 2023 in session, a bevy of new laws go into effect on New Year’s Day, though some have been delayed by lawsuits challenging their constitutionality. The Austin American- Statesman reported on SB 17, a new law that institutes a ban on programs and policies “designed or implemented in reference to race, color, or ethnicity” at Texas public universities or colleges — commonly known as diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI.

by Dan Eakin Back in the 1930s, a controversial minister named Harry Emerson Fosdick wrote a book titled, “The Power to See It Through.” Although I disagreed with a lot of his theology, I found that book to be very accurate and inspiring. He said a lot of people have starting power, but do not have staying power.

The ink was barely dry on a law signed by Gov. Greg Abbott that makes unauthorized entry into the United States a state crime before a lawsuit was filed by civil rights groups and El Paso County challenging its constitutionality. The Austin American-Statesman reported the suit was filed in an Austin federal court by the ACLU and two immigrant advocacy groups on behalf of the county.

Capital Highlights A total of $18 billion in property tax cuts were approved by more than 80% of voters in the November general election and should be reflected in property tax bills that are due by Jan. 31.

by Dan Eakin During the Christmas season, the name of Jesus pops up in public more than any other time of the year. This of course is because, even though we don’t know exactly when Jesus was born, Dec.

Dear Editor, Your article about the Legacy Scholarship was well written. It is heartwarming to see that there will be scholarships awarded to students who work while going to school. Mrs. Seabrooke couldn’t have been a better candidate for this year’s launching of an honoree. We are so fortunate to have teachers like her.

Guest Columnist Is the commercialization of the Christmas season destroying the true meaning of Christmas? Is Christmas only a secular holiday tradition? Christmas trees, lights, shopping, presents, wine, holiday parties, and sports events seem to be all that is happening around the world currently. Have we forgotten what Christmas signifies? Jesus is the true and only reason for this season.