Opinion

“If an expired license plate means another decoration for your living room wall … you might be a redneck.” — Jeff Foxworthy “I’m going to the courthouse to get new tags for the car,” I remember my grandfather saying as he tapped his pipe on the ashtray to empty the remains of Prince Albert tobacco. “You want to go with me.” That was a no-brainer.

Carl Oscar Edward Carlson, born June 18, 1922, was a paratrooper in the 17th Airborne, killed in action March 24, 1945, within weeks of the end of World War II on May 8, 1945. The 17th Airborne Division, “The Golden Talons,” was an airborne infantry division of the United States Army with the motto “Thunder from Heaven.” Operation Plunder had begun in the evening of March 23.

The Texas Senate on the first day of the Legislature’s second special session unanimously passed a tax bill last Wednesday that increases the homestead exemption and includes a pay hike for teachers, the Austin American-Statesman reported.

To the kind lady with braces who helped me at the Walmart gas station, thank you. It’s trying times like these when random acts of kindness truly mean the most.

“Don’t worry about getting older. You’re still going to do dumb stuff.

Here are some shoutouts we received this week about the kindness spreading through our community. “Tonight I had dinner with my friend.

Texas’ power grid reported record electricity use early last week. Both the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas are urging residents and businesses to voluntarily reduce electricity use as temperatures soar above 100 degrees over much of the state. So far the grid, which administers 90% of the state’s power load, has been able to keep up with demand.

“Family reunions are the place where you remember where you came from.” — Author unknown “You know,” Stan said. “Those two are the reason we’re here.” The ‘here’ he referred to was another gathering of the descendants of Arthur George Johnson and Bernice Conlee Johnson, a family with Kentucky roots dating to the 1700s.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick claimed last week that Gov. Greg Abbott is sabotaging the Senate’s work because of their ongoing feud over which approach to property tax reform is best, The Dallas Morning News reported. Abbott vetoed three bills by Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, who has been Patrick’s point senator on increasing homestead exemptions in order to provide tax cuts. As of Friday afternoon, he had vetoed 31 bills.

It’s the time of the year when you see people go out and enjoy our community parks. Neighbors and familiar faces from the online community stroll or jog the trails. A time when we can enjoy the sun (well before it gets too hot) and improve our health.

A loophole in the Texas Public Information Act that many law enforcement departments use to withhold records when someone dies in police custody will be closed with a new law taking effect Sept. 1.

“The thing about parenting rules is there aren’t any. That’s what makes it so difficult.” — Ewan McGregor, Scottish actor.

This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Jason Hennington. This is not the opinion of the Taylor Press.

The Austin real estate developer who is at the heart of Attorney General Ken Paxton’s impeachment was arraigned on eight federal charges Friday, the Austin American-Statesman reported. Nate Paul was arrested by the FBI on Thursday.

Over the past two weeks, we have received a lot of shoutouts for people who walked the extra mile. “I’d like to give a huge shoutout to Robert, a Subway employee working right now serving a long line by himself and keeping a positive attitude.” - Julianne Guzman Flores “Duck Plumbing deserves a shout out.