"Summer is finally here and it’s a good time to relax for a while " by: John Sample

We made it past the debt ceiling crisis only to be faced with a Federal Reserve meeting this week.       The consensus opinion is that the Fed will pause this month.

PSA: Special needs trust could ease families’ stress

If you have a family member with special needs, you might face some financial concerns.     How can you maximize the financial support your loved one requires?     One tool to consider is a special needs trust.

"Remember the church is an oasis of hope in the desert " by: Caleb Gibson

A preacher is out hunting but can’t find any animals.      In frustration, he sets down his gun and heads to the stream to cool off.      About this time, he sees this huge grizzly bear racing toward him.      He falls on his knees and says, ‘God please, protect me.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’ takes Autobots into new territory" by: Jessica Shepard

Growing up, I didn’t have much interest in Transformers toys.     But, when they started rolling out the first live-action flick in 2007 – that’s when I got interested in them.     Well, mostly in the action movie that has giant sentient robots fighting sort of interest, but, I’m still digging them.

"Trial and error to find new ways to make summer squash more palatable" by: Jessica Shepard

If you’ve been a reader of my column for a while, you know that I absolutely hate squash.     And while I mostly mean the summer varieties of yellow or Zucchini – I also lump Okra into that pile and try to avoid it like the plague.

"And just like that the sun came out and all was beautiful and perfect" by: John Sample

We got a deal on the debt ceiling so the world is not over yet.     One encouraging sign is that both sides weren’t happy, which means the public usually benefits.

PSA: Should you consider 401(k) loans or withdrawals?

If you’re ever faced with a financial crunch, should you consider taking money from your 401(k)?     Ideally, you should avoid it if you can.     Your 401(k) is designed for your retirement, which may last decades.     So, consider other options, such as withdrawing money from your emergency fund.

"Reel Reviews:‘Across the Spider-Verse’ set to break records at box offices everywhere" by: Jessica Shepard

When I mentioned having a bit of superhero fatigue for Marvel Cinematic Universe’s (MCU) films, I specifically did not mention “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” in the same breath.

"Joys of living where others come to spend vacations" by: Mike Reddell

While I’m certainly capable of reading a calendar, a look at Matagorda and its environs this weekend told you that summer is here.     The annual Matagorda Volunteer Fire Department fundraiser was Saturday – the 75th anniversary of the department.

"Curious about others’ motivation when downing media" by: Jessica Shepard

I’ll admit that when I was growing up, I never really cared about the news on TV or the newspaper outside of weather reports, school closures, and the occasional funny clip or cartoon.     Truthfully, that mindset followed me into college and right up until I got my first reporter gig.