Opinions

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

Forecasters for the National Weather Service are anticipating a more active hurricane season this year because of record-warm ocean surface temperatures, the Texas Tribune reported.

An unprecedented number of child care centers are expected to close across the state as pandemic relief funding ends, the Texas Standard reported. A survey conducted by the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children of about 1,600 child care programs indicated 44% were likely to close their doors without additional funding. Federal pandemic relief funds ended for most centers in June.

The risk for wildfires across the state has risen along with the hot and dry conditions, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

ROTH

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

Texas House Democrats unveiled a $20.9 billion plan for property tax relief that drops tax rates, increases the homestead exemption, gives annual rebates to renters, and includes pay raises for teachers, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

A STORY WORTH TELLING

TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION

Before John the Baptist was born, his father Zechariah, who had been filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied of John, “You, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways” (Luke 1:76). In other words, John would be the forerunner of Jesus, both life and in death. Like Jesus, John was born to die a martyr, which St. Mark records for us in Mark 6:14-29.