Texas

Letters to the Editor — Online voting, Texas wine, juvenile justice, free money, vouchers

Published

1 year ago

August 5, 2024

Letters to the Editor — Online voting, Texas wine, juvenile justice, free money, vouchers

Offer online voter registration

Much of my volunteer time is spent as a volunteer deputy registrar in several Texas counties. This means I’m certified by those counties to accept voter registration applications from eligible voters. I then drive those applications to the appropriate counties, where elections professionals verify eligibility and issue voter registration certificates to qualified applicants.

Texas is one of just seven states that does not offer online voter registration, compared to 43 states, Washington, D.C., and Guam that do. This saves election departments printing and storage costs for forms, eliminates transcribing handwritten information, means no more driving of forms to county elections offices and decreases rejections due to incomplete information.

As I visit with eligible voters, they are shocked when I inform them that they cannot register online. Gov. Greg Abbott continues to say he wants to make it “easier to vote and harder to cheat.” A good step would be to embrace that this is 2024 and offer online registration to eligible voters.

Cathy Murphree, Richardson

Let us dine with Texas wine

Re: “Protect Texas Wineries — Illegal, out-of-state shipments cut into tax revenue and wine sales,” Thursday editorial.

I concur with the call for our Legislature to address the issue of out-of-state wineries that are avoiding the payment of appropriate Texas taxes of their product. And while the Legislature is at it, I would hope they would change the anti-consumer rule of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission that prohibits proprietors of fine dining establishments from having the option to allow their customers to bring in those special Texas wines to enjoy with their meal.

Currently the law disallows this even though it is a win for the consumer, a win for the restaurant (they may charge corkage on a product they didn’t have to carry) and a win for the state since increased business for a restaurant translates into increased revenue for them, too.

I have written my concern to Rep. Mihaela Plesa and Sen. Bob Hall. No response.

Greg Polito, Dallas

Just wait for the election

Re: “Divisive bill could be back — ‘Hostile nations’ legislation has support, will be refiled, Republican Kolkhorst says,” July 25 Metro & Business story.

The Texas Legislature attempted to pass this racist measure in 2023. State Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, says, “Since then, voters have only continued to show their support for this policy, including on the March 2024 Republican primary ballot where it received over 95 percent approval.”

Kolkhorst said in a text message. “I look forward to delivering this policy to Gov. Greg Abbott during the next legislative session.”

The majority of people who voted in that election were Republicans. The proposals were not on the Democratic ballot.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Kolkhorst seem awfully sure of themselves talking about other horrible things they have planned for the 2025 legislative session.

I have a suggestion for them — don’t count your chickens before they hatch. A lot has changed since that election. Maybe they should wait to plan all that nastiness until after the November election?

There are seats all across this state with Democrats on the ballot in the Texas House and Senate. Don’t get happy clappy too soon!

Bonnie L. Mathias, Dallas/Pleasant Grove

No free lunch or electricity

Re: “Time to pay for ‘21 storm,” by Dave Lieber, Sunday Metro column.

After the big ice storm, the Watchdog screamed for more infrastructure so the grid can withstand future storms. I cautioned him that it would come with a price and he would be writing about that increase in costs in future columns.

So here we are. Pick any topic that involves the “what the government. should do.” They all sound wonderful until the bill arrives.

COVID tax-free money, the Affordable Care Act, student loans etc. Push, push, push for free money, then the bill arrives. Then the push is for someone else to pay for it.

That is the mantra of the Democratic Party. Free everything. Somebody else pays. Medical care suffers, education suffers, job opportunities move overseas. And next year you read it again like it is something new.

There is no free lunch. And, yes, people lived in Texas with no grid for several centuries. Amazing how we have become so dependent on the government to solve our problems. Learn to take care of yourself and your family. Government solves nothing. It just gets in the way.

Frank M. Wagnon, Southlake

Juvenile justice is someone’s job

Re: “Juvenile justice director resigns — His exit comes days after state’s surprise inspection of youth detention center,” July 20 news story.

An unannounced inspection conducted by the Office of Inspector General at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department revealed ongoing deplorable conditions at the youth detention center.

This story is a perfect example of an “It’s not my job” mentality. If this surprise inspection had not been done, rest assured, Darryl Beatty would not have resigned, and the problems would have received minimal attention.

It is no surprise to me that every person mentioned by name in this story is a Democrat. There is a fitting quote from the movie Blazing Saddles that applies to everyone involved in this fiasco: “We’ve got to protect our phony-baloney jobs!” Harump, harump, etc.

Mike Davis, Dallas

Even school playing field

The school voucher issue would simply disappear by creating an even playing field — put billionaire money into the existing public school system. Problem solved.

Frances Baldwin, McKinney

We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at letters@dallasnews.com

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Texas

Sam Leavitt leaves Kentucky without committing and is now visiting Texas Tech

Published

2 hours ago

January 4, 2026

Press Room

Sam Leavitt leaves Kentucky without committing and is now visiting Texas Tech

Portal season is going to keep coaching staffs and program front offices up at night.

Apparently, it’s going to keep fans up at night as well. Kentucky fans are going to face that reality these next few days, maybe even a week or more, regarding quarterback Sam Leavitt, who visited Kentucky this weekend.

Unfortunately, Leavitt left Lexington without signing with the Wildcats. He’s now set to visit Texas Tech on Sunday, per On3’s Pete Nakos

Leavitt is one of the top players to enter the transfer portal after the window opened on Friday. He currently ranks as the No. 2 overall player and top quarterback to hit the open market, according to the On3 Industry Transfer Portal Rankings.

Leavitt is expected to be one of the most sought-after transfer quarterbacks this cycle after spending the last two seasons at Arizona State. He helped lead the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff in 2024 before injuries impacted his production in 2025.

Wildcats fans are excited about the tantalizing prospect Leavitt is, but now the waiting game begins.

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How to Watch Oregon Ducks vs. Texas Tech: Preview, Prediction, Betting Odds

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

Press Room

After a big win in the first round of the College Football Playoff, the No. 5 Oregon Ducks are on to the quarterfinals. Oregon coach Dan Lanning and the Ducks will take on the No. 4 Texas Tech Red Raiders in the Capital One Orange Bowl.

How To Watch

When: Thursday, Jan. 1, at 9 a.m. PT.
Where: Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Radio Call: Oregon Sports Network, KUJZ-FM 95.3 (Eugene), KRSK-105.1 FM/1080 AM (Portland)

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore greets Duck fans at the Moshofsky Sports Center before the College Football Playoff game between Oregon and James Madison Dec. 20, 2025. | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Betting Odds

The Oregon Ducks are 2.5-point favorites against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on FanDuel Sportsbook. The moneyline for Oregon is -130, and the point total is set at 52.5.

Injury Update

The Oregon Ducks’ wide receiver unit is getting healthy at the right time. Wide receivers Gary Bryant Jr. and Dakorien Moore were both seen at practice on Saturday ahead of the game against Texas Tech.

Sep 13, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Headshot of Oregon Ducks wide receiver Dakorien Moore (1) against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Running back Jordon Davison has been a player to monitor, but was also seen back at practice, another positive sign for the Ducks.

The one player who was not seen during the open portion of practice by the media was wide receiver Evan Stewart. Stewart has yet to play in a game this season, and he will continue to be a player to monitor.

Oregon’s Explosive Offense To Play Key Role

The Oregon Ducks offense has been tough to stop, with its immense depth and explosive plays. The Ducks played well throughout the season despite injuries, but with players returning, Oregon will be tough to stop.

Nov 8, 2025; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) runs off the field after the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Ducks lead the FBS with plays going for over 20 yards and are No. 2 in yards per rush, proving the team’s explosiveness. The Ducks total 217.08 rushing yards per game and 251.8 passing yards per game.

The Oregon offense is led by quarterback Dante Moore, who is having a breakout year. Moore totals 3,046 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. He threw four touchdowns against James Madison, but he will have to be careful against the Red Raiders after also throwing two interceptions. Moore also totals 196 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

MORE: Oregon Ducks Injury Update From Practice Highlights One Major Absence

MORE: Texas Tech Defensive Coordinator Shares Blunt Assessment of Dante Moore

MORE: Oregon Quarterback Austin Novosad’s Likely Landing Spot After Transfer Portal Entry

Wide receiver Malik Benson has been a role player amid injuries to the offense. Benson leads the team with 645 yards and six touchdowns. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq leads the team with eight touchdown receptions and has 509 receiving yards.

Moore does well at spreading the ball around to his several receiving targets, making Oregon a tough team to defend against the pass.

Nov 18, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Oregon’s talented running back room has been one of the many highlights of the offense. Running back Noah Whittington leads the team with 798 rushing yards and has six touchdowns. True freshman running back Jordon Davison leads the team with 13 rushing touchdowns and has 625 rushing yards.

While Whittington and Davison may be leading the team, running back Dierre Hill Jr. is coming off a massive game against the Dukes, with one rushing touchdown and a 40-yard reception.

The Oregon Ducks have playmakers on offense that will help lead to a win against the Red Raiders.

Ducks’ Defense Must Stay Consistent

Oregon has one of the most dominant defenses in college football, but the Ducks must play all four quarters against Texas Tech. Oregon’s defense allowed the Dukes to score four touchdowns in the second half, and that cannot happen against a tougher opponent.

Oregon Defensive Coordinator Tosh Lupoi runs a warmup drill with his team before the game against Oklahoma State at Autzen. | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Oregon has allowed 16.3 points per game this season and is No. 4 in the nation in a three-and-out rate of 31.11 percent. The defense ranks No. 1 in the FBS for passes broken up (67), and will be a tough team to throw against.

Safety Dillon Thieneman is proving to be a massive transfer portal addition and is a big reason Oregon does well defending the pass. Thieneman totals 71 tackles, one sack, five passes defended, and two interceptions.

Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher has been a difference-maker with the Ducks throughout the season. He leads the team with 113 total tackles, and has one sack, four passes defended, one interception, and one forced fumble.

Linebacker Teitum Tuioti is another role player on the team, leading the Ducks with 7.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Oregon has a talented unit on defense, and the Ducks will have to be on top of their game to defeat Texas Tech.

Texas Tech To Pose Challenge

Nov 29, 2025; Morgantown, West Virginia, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire speaks to the media after defeating the West Virginia Mountaineers at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images | Ben Queen-Imagn Images

The Texas Tech Red Raiders enter the matchup with a 12-1 record and as Big 12 champions. With also coming off a bye, the Red Raiders should not be counted out.

Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton has passed for 2,643 yards and 22 touchdowns. He has thrown just four interceptions this season, proving he can make smart decisions and is an accurate thrower.

Texas Tech wide receiver Caleb Douglas leads the team with 846 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. The Red Raiders’ run game has been highly successful this season and will test Oregon’s defense. Running back Cameron Dickey leads the team with 1,095 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

Two players on the Red Raiders’ defense who may play a critical role will be linebackers Jacob Rodriguez and David Bailey. Bailey leads the team with 13.5 sacks, going against a tough Oregon offensive line. Rodriguez leads the Red Raiders with 117 tackles and has four interceptions, seven forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for a touchdown.