My introduction to S. Griffin Singer dates back more than 30 years. A second-year journalism student at the University of Texas, I faced a long list of required courses with numbers for names and no roadmap to sequence them. 

By YVONNE MINTZ, The Facts

Registration loomed, and I felt very much a number myself when I showed up at Professor Singer’s office door.

“Griff” knew it all, friends told me. But because I hadn’t had him for class yet, my knock was timid, his response somewhat tepid.

Spring is upon us and all late-season cold fronts aside, the sun is shining.

John Denver put it well in his old song:

“Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy

Sunshine in my eyes

Can make me cry

Sunshine on the water

Looks so lovely

Sunshine always makes me high.”

By AUSTIN LEWTER, Director, Texas Center for Community Journalism

Of course, The Temptations liken sunshine to love:

“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day

When it’s cold outside, I’ve got the month of May.”

How much more can we take? 

That question is the topic of many of our conversations between newspaper colleagues.  We discuss it quietly with almost a whisper, as if it’s some big secret we’re afraid others will find out about.

By LISA CHAPPELL, TPA President 2025-26

Paxton calls for Hancock’s removal

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton called for Gov. Greg Abbott to remove acting state comptroller Kelly Hancock, calling him an “incompetent loser,” The Dallas Morning News reported. Paxton said the governor should replace him with Don Huffines, who defeated Hancock in the GOP primary race for the post earlier this month.

Islamic schools admitted to voucher program after suit

Four Islamic schools have been admitted to the Texas voucher program after a federal judge ordered the state to invite the schools to apply, the Houston Chronicle reported.

The judge also ordered the application deadline for families be extended to March 31, citing concerns that no Islamic schools had been approved for the program.

Cornyn reverses filibuster stance

Editors are regularly solicited to publish news that puts merchants in good standing. In small communities, grip-and-grin photos of check presentations often dominate the requests. The topic generated a healthy conversation in an editors’ hotline during the holiday season of charitable giving. To no surprise, approaches covered the landscape. Editors know their communities best and incorporate policies accordingly.

By JIM PUMARLO, Consultant

It’s the time of year for people in the newspaper industry to come together for camaraderie, education, information and fun.  It’s time to sign up for your favorite press association conferences.

By LISA CHAPPELL, 2025-26 TPA President

Primary turnout smashes recent midterm records

Texans urged to heed travel warnings about Mexico