Note to editors: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday Nov. 28, Capital Highlights for the week of Nov. 25 - 29 will be released early - on Friday, Nov. 22.

More than 1,500 bills filed as session approaches

By Jim Pumarlo, Consultant

Elections are over, and you breathe a sigh of relief. The exhaustive campaign season has concluded, and newsrooms can return to some level of normalcy.

Not so fast. The most substantive aspect of election coverage may loom. Your pages have been filled with campaign promises detailed in stories, letters to the editor and ads. The next logical step: Are the winners keeping their promises?

This is an early bulldog edition of Capital Highlights to accommodate newspapers with early deadlines because of Veterans Day. An updated version will be sent Sunday if events dictate.

GOP win raises stakes for Cornyn’s leadership bid 

Insurance hikes make affordable housing tougher

A growing number of Texas homeowners are forgoing buying homeowners insurance as premiums skyrocket, according to a recent report from the Texas comptroller.

By TCCJ Director Austin Lewter

Charles Baum was a friend of mine. He was born in 1917.

He was the grandfather of a childhood friend, and he was a lifelong public servant. 

Charlie was in the Philippines when Bataan fell. Subsequently, he was captured and spent most of World War II as a prisoner of war.

He was one of few Americans who survived the Bataan Death March before being liberated in September 1945.

Bill Patterson, TPA President

By now the election season dust is settled and everyone is hunkering down for a long winter’s nap — or maybe just a short one.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has become increasingly evident in the retail world since Labor Day. Now Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s are just around the corner. Before you know it, the holidays will be a blur in the rear-view mirror and 2025 will be here.

Early voting ends on Friday

Texans who wish to vote early in the Nov. 5 general election have until closing time Friday, Nov. 1 to do so. Secretary of State Jane Nelson is encouraging voters to double-check their precinct numbers and candidate selections before casting their ballots.

5th Circuit Court removes judge from foster care suit

By JIM PUMARLO, Consultant
Election Day is fast approaching. Newsrooms are likely starting the countdown when they take a collective breath from the exhaustive campaign season and return to some level of normalcy. 

EDITORS: This is an early bulldog edition of Capital Highlights to accommodate newspapers with holiday deadlines. An updated version will be sent Sunday if events dictate.

Early voting begins next week

Early voting for the Nov. 5 general election begins Monday, Oct. 21 and ends on Nov. 1. Texas voters will be choosing from a full slate of candidates, from president to U.S. senator to various county positions.