A tight budget picture and brutal fights over “red meat” issues such as school bathrooms and sanctuary cities are expected to dominate the 85th session of the Texas Legislature. 

Government transparency issues championed by the Texas Press Association Legislative Advisory Committee will have to compete for legislators’ time and attention.

GATESVILLE – Debbie Day has succeeded her husband, the late Marshall Day, as publisher of The Gatesville Messenger.

“I am honored to have been Marshall’s wife and I am honored to carry on Marshall’s legacy,” Day said. “He taught me this business and I will run the newspaper just like he did – nothing will change.”

GONZALES – Kevin Wright has assumed duties as publisher of the Gonzales Inquirer. 

Wright, who came to Gonzales from Ureka Springs, Arkansas, got his start in newspapers in 1982 with Jim Chionsini, who, at that time, had a newspaper in Ulysses, Kansas. 

MARIE HALL WHITEHEAD

RUSK – Marie Hall Whitehead, 88, former owner of the Cherokeean Herald newspaper and radio stations KTLU-AM and KWRW-FM in Rusk and the widow of state Rep. Emmett H. Whitehead, died Nov. 26 at her home in Rusk.

Stephen Garcia

PLEASANTON – Stephen Garcia is the new sports editor for The Pleasanton Express, which has one of the largest sports sections dedicated to high school and sub-varsity sports in Texas. 

Q: I need campaign finance reports for a couple of contested local races, but I am under the impression that I may not get access to those in time to write a story before the election. What all do campaigns have to keep track of? Is there a way to get this type of information while it’s still extra relevant?