Note to editors: The next two weeks of Capital Highlights columns will be released early to help with early holiday deadlines. The column for the week of Dec. 25 - 29 will be available online for download by 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 22. The column for the week of Jan. 1 - 5 will be available online for download by 7 a.m. Friday, Dec. 29. Best wishes for a happy holiday season!

Property tax cuts go into effect

By BENJY HAMM

Director, Institute for Rural Journalism University of Kentucky

The Alex Murdaugh murder trial in South Carolina is a good example of how a judge can balance the free press needs of the media with the defendant’s fundamental right to a fair trial, according to Jay Bender, a veteran First Amendment attorney.

Legal challenges to amendments appear quashed

By KEN ESTEN COOKE, TPA president 2023-24

Hiring, firing and personnel issues are my least favorite parts of being a publisher. Most of us have had to deal with a bad hire – a surly receptionist, perhaps, or a reporter who shoots his mouth off on social media.

We’ve got to work constantly on good hires to build strong teams.

Texas Supreme Court hears abortion ban challenge

The Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments last week in a case that could decide whether medical exceptions to the state’s abortion ban are written clearly enough to protect pregnant women who face serious health risks, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

Abbott: Battle continues over vouchers

Note: This is an updated version of the Capital Highlights column for the week of Nov. 20 - 24. An earlier version was released Friday, Nov. 17, for newspapers with early deadlines this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

House kills school choice plan

Note: This is a special bulldog edition of Capital Highlights to accommodate early holiday deadlines. An updated version will be released Sunday as events dictate.

Bill passes to allow undocumented migrants arrests

Lege gets to work in fourth special session

Special session likely to end with no voucher deal

As the clock ran down  on the Legislature’s third special session, Texas House and Senate leaders exchanged barbs over Gov. Greg Abbott’s school choice bill and border security proposals, the Austin American-Statesman reported.