Spate of new laws effective Jan. 1

Body 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.

TALES FROM TUMBLEWEED SMITH

Body TUMBLEWEED As 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.

Recycle and refresh in the new year

Body I’mgonnarecycle a few things this new year. I’ll reuse my car, now withover210,000milesonit. My clothes and shoes still fit, so there’s little need to add to the wardrobe as I have no grand openings, awards shows, or premieres to attend. Same friends.

Taking thankful stock at the end of the year

Body By the time you read this, the publisher and editor of these newspapers will be bound for the East Coast to spend the holidays with family and friends.

Property tax cuts go into effect

Body AUSTIN— 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.

Check Your Mirrors

Body The Christmas Red Zone A Sunday of NFL football means that the phrase “red zone” is within earshot when in and out of the living room. Once a team reaches the opponent’s 20-yard-line, it is within twenty yards of the endzone. Scoring opportunities are within grasp.

Christmas is on display in Eldorado

Body As 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.

Cowgirl judge: ‘herstory,’ not history

Body “I think the women hoped that she would be a voice for women’s rights, that she would be a voice against discrimination against women and other protected groups. I think women expected that she would be supportive of women’s groups and issues. And she was.

None of your beeswax

Body It’s that brain-straining gift-giving time of year when we realize how much we don’t know about our own family members. You’ve got two choices—actually three.

Rosalynn

Body SUE JANE SULLIVAN [ dripping with sarcasm] “ Of course, Jimmy, I want you to forget the fact that you graduated in the top percentile of the United States Naval Academy and are well on your way to an illustrious naval career so that we can go home and farm.