Deaths of unbuckled Texans spike
The main issue facing the country and most of our communities is what it has been for more than a year: the coronavirus. We are in what is almost certainly the last chapter, immunization – but this chapter may last a lot longer than it should, and make the economic recovery slower, because so many Americans are pandemic-fatigued, ill-informed about vaccines, and reluctant to get a shot, or even resistant.
The following is a brief summary, with comments, of a 55-page document. The U.S. Postal Service understands it is not financially sustainable in its current form. It admits to being unable to provide dependable service, and is in need of major capital investment. Their network is described as broken.
The USPS document provides, with numerous charts and exhibits, a 10-year plan to financial sustainability and reliable service. The plan depends on a series of changes and improvements to be successful.
Suzanne and I were privileged to attend the first combined regional press association convention between the North & East Texas Press Association (NETPA) and the West Texas Press Association (WTPA) held in Rockwall in April. We are planning to attend the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association convention this month and the other association’s conventions this summer.
‘Constitutional carry’ bill close to becoming law
State shows largest numerical population gain
Texas stands to gain two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives after results of the 2020 census released last week show the state had the largest numerical gain of any state since the 2010 census
Health-care expansion defeated in House
A bid to expand health coverage for low-income Texans failed in the Texas House last week, 80-68.
Early voting underway across state
Iowa weekly newspaper publisher Peter Wagner, who has fought a rearguard action against the digital revolution and social-media advertising, knows the facts when he sees them.
"Publishers looking to reboot their markets following the pandemic need to recognize the retail sector is no longer their best revenue source," Wagner starts his latest column for state newspaper associations.
Last summer’s Grassroots Editor still sits in my stack of journalism publications. The edition announced the Golden Quill winners in annual competition sponsored by the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors.
I have a passion for vibrant, local editorials. I believe energized, local editorials are at the foundation of energized communities. The Golden Quill recognizes the top 12 editorials written among nondailies.
By Jim Pumarlo, Consultant