You know, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a member of the Texas Press Association for a long time now. A really looooong time.
And I think I have earned the distinction of being the longest serving TPA board member in the history of the TPA.
In all this time I have observed a few things I’d like to share with those of you who are just beginning your trek through the TPA jungle.

What you need to know before taking flight
A cheaper, safer and more innovative way of reporting from the Texas skies has become available after a federal court struck down a state law that threatened civil and criminal penalties for using drones for newsgathering.

By Michael J. Lambert,
Media/First Amendment Attorney, Haynes and Boone, LLP in Austin

Early voting underway for May 7 election
Early voting began Monday for local elections and two proposed constitutional amendments relating to property tax reductions. Early voting continues through Tuesday, May 3, with election day on Saturday, May 7.
One proposed amendment would authorize the Legislature to limit property taxes on homesteads of elderly or disabled residents, while the other would increase the homestead exemption for school taxes from $25,000 to $40,000. 

Abbott halts border truck inspections
Gov. Greg Abbott halted the state’s aggressive truck inspection at all Texas border crossings after days of bipartisan criticism over the extended delays of goods entering the United States.

By JIM PUMARLO, Consultant

Election coverage was a priority when I toiled behind the editor’s desk. It was all-hands-on-deck in the newsroom as we sought information to help voters make their choices.

As a final step, we endorsed in all races from the city council to U.S. president. Regrettably, many newspapers today, small and large, have dropped weighing in on the editorial page. I believe it’s a missed opportunity, but that’s a topic for a different column.

Traffic deaths spike in highway work zones
The Texas Department of Transportation wants motorists to be aware of dangerous conditions in road construction zones after crashes in those zones killed 244 people last year.
The death toll is an increase of 33% over 2020 and is the highest in 40 years. The majority of those who died were drivers or their passengers, according to TxDOT.

Have you ever had one of those days, weeks, months?
You know … you take one step forward and get kicked back two. No matter how you try to please people, they can’t find anything but the negative to harp about.
Just when we make major progress on our postal problems, Florida legislators pull a U-turn and jeopardize how and where public notices can be posted. And I have no doubt some of our friends in Austin are licking their chops and making calls to Florida as we speak.

Deadline nears to register for elections
Eligible Texas voters who have not done so already have until April 7 to register to vote in the May 7 statewide constitutional amendment election, as well as any local elections for city, school districts and other local entities. 

Wildfire risk remains high in much of state
Much of the state remains at considerable risk for wildfires through this week, largely because of higher-than-usual temperatures and drought conditions. More than 40% of the state is suffering extreme drought conditions, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Nearly the entire state is in some form of drought, with much of the Panhandle, High Plains and west central Texas most at risk. 

Sheriff’s deputy dies in wildfires