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Opinion

Quakes prompt officials to limit disposal wells

The Texas Railroad Commission has suspended nearly two dozen permits that allow oil and gas companies to inject saltwater into the ground, which regulators say has contributed to increased earthquakes of greater magnitude in West Texas. The Austin American Statesman reported the 23 disposal wells hold hundreds of thousands of barrels of produced water, which is a toxic brine.

Ask Rusty – Can someone work while collecting Social Security benefits?

Dear Rusty: If a person is collecting Social Security disability benefits, can they, at any point, work at all? If they can, what is the maximum they can earn and still keep the disability benefit? I am asking because my husband is still young, but his injuries will not allow him to go back to the job he had prior to his injuries and surgeries. He does not just want to sit at home doing nothing! Signed: Concerned Wife Dear Concerned: Actually, the Social Security Administration (SSA) encourages those collecting SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits to attempt to go back to work and they provide considerable leeway for them to do so.

Spate of new laws effective Jan. 1

After the Texas Legislature spent much of 2023 in session, a bevy of new laws go into effect on New Year’s Day, though some have been delayed by lawsuits challenging their constitutionality. The Austin American-Statesman reported on SB 17, a new law that institutes a ban on programs and policies “designed or implemented in reference to race, color, or ethnicity” at Texas public universities or colleges — commonly known as diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI.

A blessing of beds...

We have eyes to see and hearts to serve, yet somehow don’t recognize the importance of both purpose and passion until we see needs up close at life’s intersections. Thankfully, such conscious-nessthe kind leaving lumps in our throats and guilt in our minds results when we hear accounts from folks whose lives have changed direction through the pursuit of serving others.