Opinion

Travis County residents got a double dose of worrisome public health news in August, as data showed the county is on pace to lead the state in fentanyl overdose deaths for a second straight year, and another dangerous drug–the veterinary tranquilizer xylazine–was detected in five people who died since late May.

The Texas standard is a smart place to start.

In 2000, Montana State University in Bozeman enrolled 11,760 students. This fall, the student population is breaking enrollment records with 15,717 total students on campus. However, that net increase of 3,957 students doesn’t explain what’s happening in Bozeman.

Gov. Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star border enforcement plan was a bad idea from the start, and the longer his cruel folly drags on, the worse it gets for Texas taxpayers, border communities and the migrants who arrive at our doorstep, some seeking asylum, some in search of work and better lives.

I am not a certified educator, but I listen to my daughter, granddaughter and two nieces.

DEAR ABBY: I have been married to “Frank” for 2 1/2 years. We met and married quickly. Best decision ever. We each had raised two daughters as single parents with different parenting styles. Our girls now range in age from 30 to 33. They are adults with lives and children of their own.

A total of 774 new laws went into effect on Sept. 1, affecting Texans in many areas of their lives, the Austin American-Statesman reported. The new laws concern property taxes, registration fees and voting access, among other issues. Several have drawn court challenges from opponents.

When I was five years old and my father worked for a subdivision developer, the Tyree family was giddily comparing floorplans for constructing a new house on a wooded lot next to our crowded domicile.

As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how extracurriculars like music and sports keep kids in school and unite the community. My daughter played the flute in the San Marcos High School marching band, which made all the difference for her. Serving as band volunteers made our whole family feel part of the community.

Houses are getting smaller again–which is going to make many Americans happier.

Well San Marcos Record users, the first week of having the SM Record delivered via snail mail is over! I’d like to send a big THANK YOU to the SM Record staff for moving to mail only vs having the paper thrown!

There’s a lot of sad news to go around, but this Vox story really breaks my heart: animal shelters are overflowing with abandoned dogs and cats again.