Opinion

Springtime in Washington is famous for two things: the Japanese cherry blossoms and the annual White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. It’s one of D.C.’s biggest bashes of the year when the paparazzi and the glitterati come together for an evening of laughter.

Fourteen years ago, the legislature passed vital protections for freedom of speech in the Texas Citizens Participation Act. This week, they’re looking to gut it.

As Memorial Day approaches, Americans nationwide prepare to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Ceremonies will be held, flags will be flown at half-staff, and families will gather to pay tribute. But amid the solemnity and gratitude lies a quieter, often overlooked truth. Many of our heroes return home not to peace but to a new battlefield, one waged within.

My friend Wally and I have a fractious relationship. This is no secret.

It’s an indelible icon of America’s early 20th century: A bowler hat and a toothbrush mustache, baggy trousers with worn-out shoes, a cheap cane, and a funny walk, all garnished with an impishly shy smile.

I hope that all veterans in Austin County have had a great start of the year. As was drilled into me during naval boot camp, fair winds and following seas. In this month’s article I will try to keep you up to date on the latest news from the VA.

Similar to many of my colleagues in medicine, I see firsthand how vitally important access to affordable medication is for patients battling autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Many of my patients rely on costly biologic therapies to manage their conditions and maintain their quality of life. Yet, an essential federal program designed to help vulnerable patients afford their medications—the 340B Drug Pricing Program—is failing to meet its mission.

The note from Marci was in Spanish, so I translated it to make sure I understood. “Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to see if you could help us share this photo of a dog to see if anyone could adopt her.