Opinion

STANDING FOR SOMETHING--Colonial volunteers brought their Pennsylvania and Kentucky long rifles to early engagements with British troops in the American Revolution. Their proficiency with rifles came naturally, as the skill was required to put food on the table and to defend their homes. As the country moved forward, these skilled hunters would also become passionate conservationists.

STANDING FOR SOMETHING--Colonial volunteers brought their Pennsylvania and Kentucky long rifles to early engagements with British troops in the American Revolution. Their proficiency with rifles came naturally, as the skill was required to put food on the table and to defend their homes. As the country moved forward, these skilled hunters would also become passionate conservationists.

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A nation of riflemen also came to stand for wildlife conservation

Jim Steiert
Thursday, July 2, 2026
“By the rude bridge that arched the flood Their flags to April’s breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world.
ALL IN Kerrie Womble Steiert

ALL IN Kerrie Womble Steiert

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All In: American

News Staff
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

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Texans encouraged to celebrate Independence Day safely

News Staff
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As Texans prepare to celebrate Independence Day and the nation’s 250th anniversary, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages residents to prioritize safety when using fireworks and participating in outdoor activities.
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

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STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Gary Borders
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Texas first state to mandate Bible reading in school The State Board of Education gave final approval last week to a new required reading list for every grade level and also passed a rewrite of the state’s social studies requirements for kindergarten to eighth grade, the Austin American-Statesman...
How Do We Decide What Matters?

How Do We Decide What Matters?

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How Do We Decide What Matters?

By Suzanne Bellsnyder, Texas Rural Reporter
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
I love to listen to podcasts, and it was The Mel Robbins Podcast that introduced me to a problem-solving exercise called the Five Whys.The premise is straightforward. When you’re trying to understand a problem, you ask why. Then you ask why again. Then again.
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

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STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Gary Borders
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Rural counties face hurdles in regulating data centers Rural counties trying to slow or even block data center construction are finding they have limited legal authority, the Texas Standard reported.

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Financial Focus

News Staff
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
You Have an Estate Plan — Whether You Know It or NotThink estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly? Think again. If you own anything — a home, a car, a savings account, even a pet — you already have an estate plan. The only question is: Did you create it, or will your state do it for you?

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

News Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Dear Editor,As we prepare for the Google datacenter construction, different people explain how this will benefit our county and city.
STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

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STATE CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS

Gary Borders
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Gains seen in all subjects on STAAR tests Texas high school students showed improvement in every subject in this spring’s end-ofcourse STAAR exams, the Texas Education Agency reported.The results include assessments in Algebra I, English I, English II, biology and U.S. history.
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