COVID-19 vaccine pace rises while statewide hospitalizations drop

It’s an honor to take over writing “Capital Highlights” from two capable predecessors, Chris Cobler and Ed Sterling. They are tough acts to follow, but I’ll do my best. 

Lawmakers start $7 billion away from target

Observers welcome quiet opening to Legislature

As I write this, most families are readying themselves for the upcoming holiday and new year.
However, many of us in the Texas newspaper industry are readying ourselves for Jan. 12 — the beginning of the upcoming session of the Texas Legislature. 
This session will be different from any session we have seen in the past—but how different? 
Well, this remains an open question.
Initial information coming to us from lawmakers was that we’d have almost no access to the Capitol, and most lawmakers would have their offices closed to the public. 

Editors: Note that the lead item, which is written in past tense, is pegged to the opening of the Legislature, which is scheduled to occur at noon Tuesday, Jan. 11. For that reason, this week’s column is embargoed for release until 12:30 p.m. that same day — Tuesday, Jan. 11. Thank you for your cooperation.
Texas Press Association

New House speaker lays out challenges

New year can’t yet shake focus from COVID-19

Texans urged to roll up their sleeves

Public access to Legislature up in the air

One of my reporters recently returned from a local government meeting, and while summing it up he mentioned that a speaker had implored the government body “all news is fake. You know that, right?” 
My mouth dropped.