Op-Ed: The Supreme Court’s War on the Voting Rights Act Sends America Backwards
It took 60 years for Black Americans to get representation in Congress proportionate to their numbers. Now we’re likely to backslide. By Dedrick Asante-Muhammad | May 7, 2026 The United States took a decisive step toward democracy with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. At the time, Black political representation was not…
Read MoreTexas Rangers, Law Enforcement Partners Extradite 1986 Cold Case Killer Hiding in Mexico
AUSTIN – Using modern forensic testing, law enforcement has identified the man they believe is responsible for the brutal 1986 rape and murder of 16-year-old Deanna Ogg in Montgomery Co. After four decades of investigation, Bobby Charles Taylor Sr., now 60, was located and arrested in Mexico City, Mexico, on an unrelated felony charge and…
Read MoreOp-Ed: China Plays It Smart in the Iran War
China Plays It Smart in the Iran War by Mel Gurtov 852 words China has played a cautious hand on Iran. It has chosen not to try to defend a country that is a major source of oil and officially a “comprehensive strategic partner.” Instead, it has urged a diplomatic solution that will reopen the…
Read MoreTexas agency that inspects jails doesn’t go far to find its new director
By Alex Nguyen, The Texas Tribune May 7, 2026 The governing board for Texas’ jail watchdog agency on Thursday confirmed its interim executive director for the permanent position. Ricky Armstrong, who worked as McLennan County’s jail administrator before joining the Texas Commission on Jail Standards as an assistant director in 2022, heads an agency that…
Read MoreWhat East Texans need to know about kratom
By Jasmine Douglas, MD In most gas stations or smoke shops, you will likely see colorful displays for a supplement called kratom. It often is marketed as a natural energy booster or a safe way to manage pain without a prescription. But providers in East Texas see a different story in clinics. Jasmine Douglas, M.D.,…
Read MoreWexford Ranches to Receive 2026 Texas Leopold Conservation Award
AUSTIN — The Wexford Ranches of South and West Texas are the recipient of the 2026 Texas Leopold Conservation Award. Leopold Conservation Awards honor ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. The O’Connor family will be…
Read MoreTHECB Issues Cease and Desist Letter to Illegal TexAM Entity
AUSTIN – At the direction of Governor Abbott, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) today sent a letter demanding that an entity calling itself Texas American Muslim University at Dallas (TexAM) cease all operations. The entity claims it is an educational organization offering higher education courses and degrees in Texas but has not complied with Texas laws for operating a higher education…
Read MoreMeet the Winners of America’s Startup
The future of American innovation is here, and it’s bold, creative, and full of possibility. We’re proud to announce the 10 winners of America’s Startup, a national collegiate competition recognizing the next generation of entrepreneurs shaping our country’s future. Selected from a highly competitive pool of student founders nationwide, these teams represent the ingenuity and…
Read MoreHelping Dogs Feel Safer: Understanding Fear And Anxiety In Everyday Situations
Many dogs experience moments of fear or anxiety, whether it’s during a thunderstorm, a visit from a stranger, or an unexpected encounter with another dog. While these reactions are normal, they can sometimes signal a need for closer attention. Understanding what those behaviors look like — and how to respond — can help owners better…
Read MoreUT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Center nurse receives DAISY Award
Tyler, Texas (May 8, 2026) — Coletta Ford, RN, recently received the DAISY Award for outstanding patient care at UT Health East Texas Rehabilitation Center. Ford was nominated by a patient who said she “is the true definition of a caring and compassionate nurse who does everything in such a professional manner.” “From…
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