#PRAY FOR PAX

Body #PRAY FOR PAX Paxton Barclay is a 7-year old with DIPG, a rare, fastgrowing, and highly aggressive brain tumor that affects the brainstem—also the cause of encephalopathy and the swelling evident in his facial features.

Agency seeks $300 million to bolster Medicaid

Body AUSTIN— The Texas HealthandHuman Services Commission is seeking a $300 million transfusion of funds to bolster the state’s Medicaid application process, The Texas Tribune reported.

TALES FROM TUMBLEWEE SMITH

Body TUMBLEWEEDAs the creator and producer of “The Sound of Texas,” one of the longest running syndicated radio programs in Texas, Tumbleweed seeks fascinating people who embody the spirit of the Lone StarStateandbringsthemintothehomesandheartsofthousands.

A tale of two cities

Body Bethlehem is about 300 miles southwest of Damascus, Syria.The first city tends to occupy our hearts this time of the year, while the other made news recently for its historic liberation from the repressive autocratic Assad regime.

Phelan drops bid for speaker; no clear winner yet

Body AU S T I N— House Speaker Dade Phelan withdrew last week from seeking another term leading that chamber. After three rounds of voting on Saturday, state Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield emerged as the preference of most House Republicans. However, his opponent, state Rep.

The good doctor

Body Luke was a physician. A Gentile. A historian. He did not personally know Jesus but came to know him through Paul’s instruction.

Motley County basketball rewind, week of Dec. 2–7

Body Motley County had a full week of basketball starting Monday night, Dec. 2, as the junior high boys hosted Patton Springs at home. There was no girls’ game, as Patton Springs has only enough players to consolidate girls and boys for one team.

Christmas wish

Body Christmas carols have second, third, and fourth verses.“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” (1849, Edmund Hamilton Sears) And man at war with man hears not The tidings which they bring. O, hush the noise, ye men of strife And hear the angels sing.

Deportation vow alarms construction industry

Body AUSTIN— The state’s construction industry is voicing concern that President- elect Trump’s vow to deport millions of undocumented immigrants would cause major labor shortfalls, according to the Texas Standard.

TALES FROM TUMBLEWEED SMITH

Body TUMBLEWEEDAs the creator and producer of “The Sound of Texas,” one of the longest running syndicated radio programs in Texas, Tumbleweed seeks fascinating people who embody the spirit of the Lone StarStateandbringsthemintothehomesandheartsofthousands.