"Lots to dislike in what’s going down in Austin, America" by: Mike Reddell

   I’m sure I’m far from alone from worrying about our state and our nation.    I’m likewise sure I’m far from being aligned with other Texans I know.

"My fall 2025 goal is to avoid voluntold tasks at all costs" by: Jessica Shepard

   I’ve been a volunteer off and on my entire life in some form or fashion.    I mean, it’s varied from extracurricular work back in school to local organizations and non-profit entities.    And even during my tenure at the paper, I’ve volunteered for special events and various boards.

"The stock market party appears to just be getting started" by: John Sample

   We nearly made the 18th record close for the S&P 500 while the NASDAQ made its 28th record close.    There just seems no stopping the Mag 7 and their high tech brethren from moving this market up.   There is starting to be talk that the multiples over 20 are something we will have to accept.

PSA: Does the 4% rule still make sense?

   You may have heard of the “4% rule” when it comes to retirement.    After you retire, you withdraw 4% of your retirement savings each year.    The truth is, the 4% rule should be viewed as a guide - not as a strict rule.    For example, the rule is based on retiring at age 65.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Weapons’ definitely a creepy, unsettling entry into horror genre" by: Jessica Shepard

   I’m going to be painfully honest with everyone – I had no real idea what IW as signing up for when I caught “Weapons” on the big screen last week.  In theory, the trailer showed something that did manage to grab my attention.  However, I wasn’t prepared for the actual ride this flick took me on!

‘Achievement + Connection = Success’

   Let the 2025-2026 school year begin.  For students in extracurricular activities, they’re already waking up at dark-thirty churning out practices wondering where summer went.

Sea Grant intern returns to A&M from summer of experiences

    Matagorda County became the ultimate outdoor classroom this summer for Trinity Jones, a Sea Grant CEI (Community Engaged Internship) intern, who spent the season diving into the county’s thriving aquaculture industry and environmental education programs.

"Summer 2025 topping my list of weirdest seasons ever" by: Jessica Shepard

   Technically, the last day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere is Monday, Sept. 22.  But with various countywide school districts starting up this week and next, I feel like that counts as the end of summer in my book.

"Despite all of the noise Wall Street moves forward" by: John Sample

   Last week ended with a thud as the jobs report did nothing to improve the mood on Wall Street after the Fed declined to reduce interest rates on Wednesday.  Maybe the markets are just deciding it is time to go on holiday like those in Europe.