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

I sure hope the March primaries were better for you than they were for me. No, I’m not talking about the poor field of candidates and the lack of real statesmen out there. I’m still looking for that man or woman who cares more about me and other Texans in this state than in their own self-serving needs. I mean when you have a very high-ranking elected state official saying we need to sacrifice our elderly during COVID so we can all go to Walmart to boost the economy, there’s something seriously wrong with the state leaders of the 21st Century.

Nine accused of sex trafficking at center
 
Nine employees at a Bastrop County facility that cares for young victims of sex trafficking have been accused of trafficking those same girls, according to the Austin American-Statesman.  

Several races headed to runoffs
 
A number of statewide races are headed for a May 24 runoff after the votes were tallied in the March 1 primary.
Topping the ballot in the Republican races is the contest for attorney general, where incumbent Ken Paxton led the field with 42.7% of votes cast, followed by George P. Bush, current land commissioner, who garnered 22.8%. The remainder of GOP ballots went to former Supreme Court justice Eva Guzman at 17.5% and U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert with 17%.

By RUSSELL VIERS
Digiversity.tv

State high court hears challenge to abortion law
The Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments last week on the question of whether state regulators can be sued by abortion providers hoping to block enforcement of the state’s restrictive abortion law, known as Senate Bill 8.

Early voting ends Friday
Early voting for the March 1 primary ends Friday. Initial reports indicate turnout has been low, as is traditional in midterm primary elections, with less than a fourth of registered voters going to the polls most years.
Voters will pick nominees for Texas’ governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner, comptroller and railroad commissioner, as well as legislative and county races.

Mail-in ballot applications rejected at high rate

By Jim Pumarlo, consultant