Top 5 stories of the week

State Rep. Lance Gooden takes the oath of office Tuesday, Jan. 8. (COURTESY PHOTO)
State Rep. Lance Gooden takes the oath of office Tuesday, Jan. 8. (COURTESY PHOTO)

Story No. 1 – State Legislature convenes: The 83rd Texas Legislature Regular Session began Tuesday.
Why it is important: Because the legal and financial decisions that impact every Texans’ life happen in the Legislature.
Learn more: There were many, many stories this week about the Lege. HCTNow had stories about lawmakers convening, and about State Rep. Jim Pitts filing distracted driving legislation and a bill to end the STAAR 15-percent Rule. The Review had a story about lawmakers heading back to Austin.

Story No. 2 – Rocked by the flu: Flu activity level continues to be widespread and intense in Texas and throughout the country.
Why it is important: HCTNow is currently working on a story about the flu impact locally, but it is clear that many in the county are sick.
Learn more: The Texas Department of State Health Services has the state info., the Centers for Disease Control reports flu activity increasing across the country.

Story No. 3 – Atheist drops lawsuit: San Antonio atheist Patrick Greene withdrew his lawsuit against Henderson County Judge Richard Sanders this week.
Why it is important: The lawsuit was based on the nativity scene displayed each year on the courthouse lawn, and that is still a hot-button issue for most people.
Learn more: HCTNow broke that story Wednesday.

Story No. 4 – Kendall Sanders takes a break: Former Athens Hornet and current Texas Longhorn Kendall Sanders came home following the UT bowl win over Oregon State.
Why it is important: Because you will be hearing Kendall’s name called plenty this year while watching the Longhorns.
Learn more: Check out our story here. 

Story No. 5 – Sylvan classes coming to Athens: Sylvan Learning Center will start offering remedial reading and math classes at the Cain Center starting in February.
Why it is important: Reading and math … can do much without those two.
Learn more: The Athens Review has the story.