Texas Silver-Haired Legislature and Senate Bill 38: A Unified Push to Combat Squatting
The Texas Silver-Haired Legislature (TSHL) and the Texas Senate are taking decisive action to address the growing crisis of squatting, a practice that leaves homeowners vulnerable to unlawful property takeovers. As part of its Criminal Justice Committee’s priorities, the TSHL Priority #6 (SL08) Resolution calls for the criminalization of squatting, ensuring homeowners can reclaim their properties swiftly and safely.
This push aligns with the recent passage of Senate Bill 38 (SB 38) in the Texas Senate, a high-priority measure authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt (R) and championed by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick (R). The legislation seeks to restore property rights and reform what Bettencourt described as a “broken” civil eviction process that has left hundreds of homeowners and landlords vulnerable to abuse.
The TSHL’s resolution complements SB 38 by emphasizing the need for immediate legal action to remove squatters upon proof of ownership and enforce criminal penalties against those attempting to take possession unlawfully.
With SB 38 now heading to the Texas House, where Rep. Angie Chen Button (R) is carrying the companion bill, HB 32, the momentum to combat squatting is stronger than ever. Texans are hopeful that these measures will close legal loopholes, speed up the eviction process, and ensure that homeowners can reclaim their properties without delays or abuse.
Central Texas Prepares for May 3rd General Election
Residents across Central Texas are gearing up for the May 3, 2025 General Election, a pivotal event that will shape local leadership and community initiatives. With early voting getting underway from April 22 through April 29, voters have the opportunity to make their voices heard on a range of important races and propositions.
The election will feature a variety of contests, including:
- Mayoral races in cities such as Bastrop, Blanco, Burnet, and Hutto.
- City council elections in communities like Cedar Park, Georgetown, Killeen and Round Rock.
- School board trustee elections in districts including Pflugerville ISD, Lake Travis ISD, and Dripping Springs ISD.
- Bond propositions for school districts such as Hays CISD and Marble Falls ISD.
For many voters, the ballot will be relatively short, with some only deciding on a single race or proposition.
Key Dates and Voting Information
Early Voting: April 22–April 29
Election Day: Saturday, May 3, 2025. Polls will be open from 7 am to 7 pm.
To find your polling location or view a sample ballot, visit your county’s election website. Acceptable forms of ID include a Texas Driver License, U.S. Passport, or Texas Personal Identification Card.
Local elections often have a direct impact on communities, influencing decisions on education, infrastructure, and public services. With voter turnout historically lower in non-presidential election years, every vote carries significant weight.
For more information, visit Vote411.org and enter your address.
Broken Crayons Wanted!
Do you have broken crayons lying around? Don’t toss them—we’re giving them new life! Texas Folklife is cooking up a colorful, community-inspired art project and we’d love your help. Send us your gently used or broken crayons and be part of something vibrant and creative that celebrates Texas stories and traditions.
Mail your crayons to:
Texas Folklife
7301 Ranch Rd, 620 N. Suite 155 #329
Austin, TX 78726
Thank you for helping us turn broken pieces into beautiful new narratives!
Programming for Saturday, April 19th
StarDate at 8:20am
More Messier 3 – The Sun is four and a half billion years old – a third of the age of the universe. Compared to the stars in globular clusters, though, it’s a youngster. Those stars were born when the universe was young.
EarthDate at 10:30am
Topping Off Everest – The world’s tallest mountain just had a couple of feet added to it.
Mount Everest sits on the Nepal–Tibet border. In Nepalese, it’s called Sagarmatha, meaning “the head of the sky.” In Tibetan, it’s called Chomolungma, “goddess earth mother.”
The Senior Spotlight at 9:20am
On Senior Spotlight: Gary Gerstenhaber & Dr. Linda Timmerman from the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature discuss a proposal to criminalize squatting. Plus, Gary shares early voting info for the May 3rd local elections and happenings at the senior centers in the area.
Science and the Sea at 11:30am
Cobia – A tasty fish that’s not all that well known could become a seafood staple in the years ahead.
The fish is called cobia or ling. It’s found in fairly warm waters around the world, including along the American Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
Sock Hop Saturday Night with Bruce Vasbinder at 8pm
Glen Campbell’s Galveston: A Song That Defined an Era
On April 19, 1969, Glen Campbell soared to the top of the Billboard country singles chart with Galveston, a song that would become one of his most enduring classics. Written by the legendary songwriter Jimmy Webb, Galveston was more than just a country hit—it was a poignant reflection of longing, duty, and the emotional weight of war.
Webb, known for crafting deeply emotional and evocative lyrics, penned Galveston with a soldier’s perspective in mind. The song tells the story of a man stationed far from home, dreaming of the coastal beauty of Galveston, Texas, and the love he left behind. While some listeners interpreted it as an anti-war ballad, Webb himself described it as more of a personal reflection on the experience of war rather than a political statement.
Campbell, already a rising star in country and pop music, transformed Galveston into a polished, radio-friendly hit. His version featured lush orchestration, courtesy of the famed Wrecking Crew, and a more upbeat tempo compared to earlier renditions. His smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery elevated the song beyond its original composition, making it a crossover success that resonated with audiences across genres1.
Galveston became one of Campbell’s signature songs, appearing on multiple compilation albums and earning a place in country music history. Over the years, it has been covered by various artists, including David Nail and Lee Ann Womack, further cementing its status as a timeless classic. Campbell himself revisited the song in later years, recording a new version for his 2013 album See You There.
Even decades after its release, Galveston remains a powerful reminder of Campbell’s artistry and Webb’s songwriting brilliance. It captures the universal themes of longing, love, and the bittersweet nature of memories—making it a song that continues to resonate with listeners today.
The Lone Star Flight Museum
Celebrating the Skybound Legacy: Texas Aviation Hall of Fame Inducts 2025 Class
HOUSTON – Aviation history took center stage on April 11, 2025, as the Lone Star Flight Museum hosted the prestigious Texas Aviation Hall of Fame induction ceremony and luncheon. Held at Ellington Airport’s Heritage Hangar, the event brought together 300 guests to honor three pioneering aviators who have left an indelible mark on the skies.
This year’s distinguished inductees include Al Cisneros, the first Hispanic pilot in the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Jeannie Leavitt, the first female U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, and Tammie Jo Shults, one of the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. Navy and a heroic airline captain. Their induction marks a milestone, as the Hall of Fame now boasts 100 members who have significantly contributed to Texas’ aviation legacy.
The ceremony opened with remarks from Lone Star Flight Museum President & CEO Anna Hawley, followed by Texas Aviation Hall of Fame board chair Pete Olson, who presented each inductee with the official medallion, award, and a proclamation from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The event was topped off with a surprise video message from Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, further recognizing the honorees for their outstanding careers.
In addition to the inductees’ families, friends, and colleagues, notable attendees included government officials, city representatives, and leaders from the aviation and business communities. Guests had the opportunity to tour the museum, admire historic aircraft, and celebrate the achievements of these trailblazers.
Established in 1995 by the Texas Legislature and signed into resolution by then-Governor George W. Bush, the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame honors individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to aviation. Inductees are recognized in four categories: Trailblazers & Explorers, Military Aviators, Leaders, and Entrepreneurs & Innovators. The 2025 honorees exemplify all these qualities, inspiring future generations of aviators.
The Lone Star Flight Museum (LSFM) is a premier aviation and STEM learning center dedicated to celebrating Texas aviation achievements. Featuring a collection of historic aircraft and interactive educational programs, the museum offers visitors the chance to experience flight firsthand. Located at Ellington Airport, LSFM welcomes guests for tours, warbird rides, and engaging exhibits that bring aviation history to life.
The Lone Star Flight Museum is located at 11551 Aerospace Ave, Houston, TX 77034. It’s housed at Ellington Airport, just 20 minutes from downtown Houston.
Museum Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
- Sunday: Noon – 5pm
- Monday: Open Memorial Day through Labor Day (10am – 5pm)
For more information on the museum and the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame inductees, visit lonestarflight.org.
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