"Tourism deserves more respect, support" by: Jessica Shepard

   I have covered Bay City’s tourism board since we started this newspaper in 2014 – back when it was called the Convention and Visitors Bureau and was under the Bay City Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture.

"Last week taught me anything can jump up and bite you" by: John Sample

    Well, I have made it through the last week without giving up.    I feel the same way about this market.       We are close to record highs on the indexes and averages even after the first down week in a month.    Some are expressing concern over the recent news about new tariffs.

PSA: Should You Trust a ‘Finfluencer’?

   In the age of social media, it’s easy to find advice on just about everything - including how to manage your money.    Content creators known as “fin-fluencers” - short for “financial influencers” - use platforms like TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.    Some may have formal training or credentials.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’ again shows messing with Mother Nature is bad" by: Jessica Shepard

   I don’t know exactly how many movies we need highlighting the folly of mankind’s attempts to overturn nature’s will, but it looks like the Jurassic Park/World franchise isn’t done yet.

‘Polishing your intentions’

   Let’s review the nuts and bolts of intentions.   Growing up, the only time I heard the term ‘intentions’ was offering prayer intentions at church or perhaps my dad questioning the intentions of young men interested in dating his daughters.

"Kerrville flooding brings memories of places lost" by: Mike Reddell

   Kerrville was my hometown over four decades.  Since early Friday morning, when I first learned of the catastrophic Guadalupe River flooding, I've been in agony.  I've seen many years of different floods, but nothing like this flood.

"‘Cat Distribution System’ to be working overtime in Matagorda County" by: Jessica Shepard

   At any given time, you can come across local social media posts about lost pets or pets needing a new home.  Sometimes, those posts are for dogs and puppies – but the sad reality is that most of the ones I come across are for cats and kittens.

"Tragedy can really change your perspective" by: John Sample

   I was born and raised in Kerrville and my daughter’s family lives outside Hunt.   Her four boys attend either the Hunt or Ingram schools.   My son-in-law is a first responder with the Hunt Volunteer Fire Department.

PSA: The importance of setting strong financial goals

   There’s a quote about the importance of setting goals: “If you don’t know where you’re going, any path will take you there.”  This holds true for things that are important to you financially as well.  To set your financial goals, think about your priorities.

"Reel Reviews: ‘Heads of State’ features Cena, Elba as a tag-teaming comedy duo" by: Jessica Shepard

   I grew up watching John Cena in the wrestling ring and have seen him transition to the big screen for several years.  Over the years, I’ve found that I like his comedic roles best and can wholeheartedly say that ‘Heads of State’ is one of his better films despite the corny dialogue.