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WHAT IS SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER?
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This article is based on reporting by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization dedicated to informing Texans on public policy, politics, and state issues.
As Texas gears up for the elections, voters are eager to see the results as soon as polls close. However, the counting process is meticulous and lengthy, especially in larger counties. Here’s a look at what Texans can expect and the steps involved in ensuring every vote is counted accurately and securely.
At 7 p.m. on Election Day, polls across Texas officially close. This is when early voting results start to roll in. Early voting typically accounts for a significant portion of ballots, as a large number of Texans cast their votes before Election Day. In Harris County, for instance, about 88% of votes in the 2020 presidential election were cast during early voting.
In larger counties, such as Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin, the process is more complex, with thousands of ballots arriving from numerous polling locations. Election workers coordinate the secure transportation, counting, and verification of these ballots, working tirelessly, often through the night, to meet the state’s reporting deadline.
Shortly after 7 p.m., counties begin reporting early voting results. This initial batch includes ballots cast during the early voting period and mail-in ballots received up to Election Day. Larger counties, with populations exceeding 100,000, can begin
processing mail-in ballots as soon as early voting ends, allowing for faster early results. In smaller counties, this process generally begins on the morning of Election Day.
For votes cast on Election Day, the counting process is more complex. Polling places remain open until 7 p.m., but any voter already in line by that time must be allowed to cast their vote. In some cases, this can extend well into the evening, especially in years with high turnout, as seen during the 2020 primaries when voters waited for hours after polls closed.
Once voting concludes at each polling location, supervisors undertake a rigorous process to ensure accuracy and security. They must complete paperwork detailing the number of ballots counted, ensure the safe packing of ballots, and then transport all materials to the county’s central counting station, where the votes are tallied, and unofficial results are generated. This entire process can take up to an hour or more per location.
In a sprawling area like Harris County, transporting ballots from over 700 locations, some more than 40 minutes away from election headquarters, adds further delay. To speed things up, counties often set up substations where election workers can drop off ballots and materials closer to their polling locations. Harris County, for instance, has six substations, while Tarrant County has seven to accommodate its 349 polling sites.
Securing Election Integrity
Throughout the process, election administrators adhere to strict protocols to maintain election integrity. These measures are
especially crucial in larger counties, where safeguarding ballots and equipment is essential. Bruce Sherbet, Collin County’s election administrator, emphasizes the importance of a solid “chain of custody” — ensuring that every item and record from a polling site is securely tracked and accounted for.
Once materials are returned to the central counting station, county officials compare the total number of voters to the number of ballots cast to ensure consistency. This information is then posted publicly on county websites.
After counties tally results from each polling location, they submit these numbers to the state using Texas’ statewide election management system, known as TEAM. Here, election workers manually input totals from each race, and the Secretary of State’s office reviews the data to ensure its accuracy.
Should any discrepancies arise between county reports and state records, the Secretary of State’s office works with local election officials to resolve them. By Texas law, counties must submit Election Day totals within 24 hours of poll closing.
To meet this deadline, election officials work in shifts, continuing to count votes until every ballot is processed. For larger counties, this often means counting well into the early hours following Election Day.
The results reported on election night are labeled as unofficial because not all ballots have been counted. Late-arriving mail-in ballots, ballots from military or overseas
voters, and provisional ballots still need to be processed and verified.
Texas election law specifies deadlines for counting each type of ballot, all of which must be reviewed, counted, or rejected by November 18. Only after all eligible ballots are included can county commissioners conduct the official local canvass, finalizing vote totals by November 19.
On December 9, the statewide canvass takes place, where the governor certifies the results with the Secretary of State. At this stage, the election results become official.
While the wait for official results can feel long, each step in the counting process is designed to ensure accuracy, transparency, and security. Texas election officials and workers perform a complex, highly detailed operation to manage millions of ballots cast across hundreds of locations, especially in populous areas.
The careful handling, transportation, and verification procedures required mean Texans may not know the final outcomes of close races until days after Election Day. However, this thorough approach, with its many layers of checks and balances, ensures that every valid vote is counted and accounted for, providing confidence in the integrity of Texas’ election process.
Through dedication and strict adherence to process, election workers aim to balance timely reporting with the utmost commitment to accuracy. For Texas voters, this means patience is key — as the wait ultimately reflects a system focused on safeguarding democracy, one vote at a time.
BY ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
Democratic candidate Kamala Harris cannot say this very loudly, because no presidential hopeful wins an election saying that things are good. But the fact is the U.S. economy is doing very well, certainly much better than the “disaster” Republican hopeful Donald Trump claims it to be.
Don’t take my word for it: Consider what leading financial institutions and conservative economists — people who can’t be labeled as “socialists,” as Trump likes to portray his critics — are saying about America’s economy. And see what many of them have to say about the potential impact a Trump victory would have on U.S. consumers, on Latin American and other world economies.
According to an Oct. 22 International Monetary Fund report, the U.S. economy remains the engine of global growth, and will grow more than expected in 2024 and 2025.
The IMF has increased its earlier U.S. growth projections to 2.8% this year, citing a stronger-than-expected consumption and higher inflation-adjusted wages. It will be the second year in a row in which the United States has the highest economic growth rate among developed countries, the IMF figures show.
The influential British magazine The Economist carried a special report on Oct. 19 whose headline says the U.S. economy is “the envy of the world.” The report said, “the American economy has left other rich countries in the dust.”
The Wall Street stock market is at a record high, and gasoline prices have fallen drastically in recent months. We may see gas prices below $3 a gallon by election day in some swing states, according to a Fortune magazine report.
It may be no coincidence that, in recent weeks, Trump has been focusing much more on his anti-immigration pitch than on the state of the U.S. economy. He’s still repeating his false assertion that President Biden and Harris have “destroyed the American economy” and the even more ridiculous claim at the United States has become a “failed nation,” but immigration has become his top campaign issue.
The latest economic data have made his apocalyptic economic predictions sound increasingly off the wall. They sounded true in 2021 and 2022, when inflation was much higher, but the U.S. economic rebound since then has made them sound hollow today.
What’s more, international economists warn that if Trump carries out his promises of drastically increasing import duties, implementing mass deportations and having an active say in the Federal Reserve’s decisions on interest rates, the resulting inflation would slow down America’s economic growth.
“Trump’s three major economic proposals are highly inflationary...and would produce a U.S. economic contraction by 2026,” Marcelo Giugale, a former head of the World Bank’s Department of Financial Advisory and Banking Services, told me. “Both Latin America and the rest of the world would be better off with Harris.”
Alejandro Werner, a former head of the International Monetary Fund’s Western Hemisphere department, agrees.
Werner told me that mass deportations, for instance, would increase existing labor shortages in the construction industry, agriculture, and other industries, and increase U.S. labor costs. Such costs would be passed on to U.S. consumers, increasing inflation and slowing down U.S. economic growth, which would be bad news for Mexico and other countries that rely heavily on their exports to the U.S. market.
Granted, many Americans have bad memories of the first two years of the Biden administration, when post-pandemic inflation rates hurt them badly.
The big question now is whether enough Americans have become aware of America’s economic upswing, and of their increasingly improved purchasing power, or whether their bad memories about the economy — amplified by Trump — will prevail at the time of casting their ballots.
I don’t know the answer to that. The only thing we can say for sure is that there is a widespread consensus among economists that the U.S. economy has come back strongly, notwithstanding Trump’s false claims to the contrary.
At the 67th Annual International Festival & Events Association (IFEA) Convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the City of McAllen celebrated an impressive win, taking home 75 awards, a distinguished international designation, and an industry award. This recognition, which included awards from the IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Insurance Pinnacle Awards and the prestigious IFEA World Festival & Event City Award, highlights McAllen’s exceptional achievements in festival management, creative excellence, and community engagement. Representatives from 10 countries and 29 states gathered to honor world-class events across categories including TV/Radio, Social Media, Multi-Media, Print, Merchandise, Sponsorship, Emergency Preparedness, and Entertainment.
McAllen’s South Texas Book Festival, hosted by the McAllen Public Library, was awarded the Grand Pinnacle—the highest honor given by the IFEA. This marks the third Grand Pinnacle win for the festival, celebrating its standout success in community outreach and literary engagement. Additional award-winning McAllen events included the McAllen Holiday Parade, MXLAN, South Pole Illuminated Festival, McAllen International CarFest, McAllen Marathon Scott Crane Running Series, and events at Quinta Mazatlán and the McAllen Public Library.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of our Pinnacle Award winners for their exceptional contributions to this year’s competition,” said Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, President & CEO of the IFEA. “The IFEA/Haas & Wilkerson Pinnacle Awards recognize the outstanding achievements and top-tier creativity, promotional efforts, operational excellence, and community outreach demonstrated by festivals and events worldwide. By striving for the highest standards across all budget levels and regions, this competition not only elevates the quality of festivals and events globally but also shows how event producers can use innovation and creativity to achieve a higher level of success.”
“I am proud of the amazing work that the City of McAllen does to plan, organize, host and promote the quality festivals
and events in our community throughout the year,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “Most importantly, these festivals and events continue to elevate the quality of life for our residents and visitors to our great city and are a reflection of the dedication, professionalism and creativity of our McAllen employees. These awards are truly well-deserved; it’s inspiring to be honored in such amazing company with other festivals and events from around the world.”
For the eighth consecutive year, the McAllen Holiday Parade earned the title of Best Parade in the World, further underscoring its reputation as an international favorite. In addition, McAllen was once again designated as an IFEA World Festival and Event City, joining cities like Gwangju Dong-gu in Korea, Milwaukee, Phuket, and Philadelphia in this elite recognition. According to IFEA, this designation celebrates cities whose festivals drive economic and social impact, supported by strong community partnerships.
“The festivals and events reflect the best of our city, our people and our values. Aside from being economic generators for McAllen, these festivals and events bring our community together,” said McAllen Assistant City Manager Joe Vera and IFEA World Board Chair-Elect Joe Vera.
McAllen’s accomplishments spanned 33 Gold, 26 Silver, and 16 Bronze Pinnacle Awards for events like the McAllen Holiday Parade, Quinta Mazatlán’s Planta Nativa and ReFest, the McAllen Public Library’s World Languages Festival, the McAllen Convention Center’s CarFest, and the Parks & Recreation Department’s McAllen Marathon.
“We are always hosting something, whether it be a small music fest, a largescale cultural celebration or our very own internationally acclaimed McAllen Holiday Parade,” added Vera. “These events and festivals and celebrations are why people from throughout the Rio Grande Valley, northern Mexico and beyond flock to McAllen,” he concluded.
The professional competition drew entries from some of the world’s top festivals and events, Winning entries came from organizations as diverse as the Cherry Creek Arts Festival in Denver, CO; the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, OH; the Pasadena Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, CA; the Philadelphia Flower Show in Philadelphia, PA; the Seafair Festival in Seattle, WA; Celebrations of Traditions Pow Wow in San Antonio, TX; Canada Together in Vancouver, BC, Canada; Vivid Sydney in Sydney, Australia; Festival Lent in Maribor, Slovenia; Chiang Mai Blooms in Bangkok, Thailand; Rome Future Week® in Roma, Italy; Huangling Shaiqiu Cultural Festival in Shangrao, China; the Cheonan World Dance Festival in Cheonan, Republic of Korea and of course, multiple events from the City of McAllen.
Tcommunity’s affordable center its efforts animals BARCC’s housing offers which Dr. Antonio emphasizes “Microchipping pets with provides that greatly returning In ensures tered This addresses also helps are committed which they Caldwell To BARCC cine clinic provide vaccinations price, promoting For be ready ing program. to support term commitment,” gives the community For services btxbarcc.com 544-7351.
The Brownsville Animal Regulation and Care Center (BARCC) is committed to safeguarding the community’s pets and strays by providing affordable and essential services. As the center prepares for an eventful year ahead, its efforts to ensure the safety and health of animals in the community continue to grow.
BARCC’s mission goes beyond merely housing and adopting out animals; it also offers vital services such as microchipping, which is available for as low as five dollars. Dr. Antonio Caldwell, director of BARCC, emphasizes the significance of these services. “Microchipping is crucial for reunifying lost pets with their families,” Caldwell said. “It provides a permanent form of identification that greatly increases the chances of a pet returning home.”
In addition to microchipping, BARCC ensures that every animal is spayed or neutered and vaccinated before being adopted. This comprehensive approach not only addresses community health concerns but also helps control the pet population. “We are committed to responsible pet ownership, which is why every animal receives the care they need before finding a new home,” Caldwell added.
To further support the community, BARCC is planning its annual low-cost vaccine clinic for next year. This initiative will provide residents with access to essential vaccinations for their pets at an affordable price, reinforcing the center’s dedication to promoting responsible pet care.
For those who wish to help but may not be ready for adoption, BARCC offers a fostering program. “Fostering is a wonderful way to support animals in need without a longterm commitment,” Caldwell explained. “It gives pets a temporary home and allows the community to play a role in their care.”
For more information about BARCC’s services and upcoming initiatives, visit btxbarcc.com or contact the center at (956) 544-7351.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas | Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 43-year-old man has been sentenced for importing meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Arnulfo Hinojosa Jr. pleaded guilty Aug. 1.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Hinojosa to serve 135 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Hinojosa played an integral role in smuggling illegal narcotics into the United States. In handing down the sentence, the court noted traffickers could not succeed without the willing participation of transporters like Hinojosa.
On April 22, Hinojosa claimed he had no illegal drugs in his vehicle when arriving at the Rio Grande City Port of Entry.
Authorities referred him to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics. A subsequent search revealed 101 bricks of meth, weighing approximately 140 kilograms and hidden in compartments under the vehicle’s cargo bed.
The meth had an estimated street value of approximately $350,000.
At the time of his plea, Hinojosa admitted he knew he was smuggling narcotics into the United States.
Hinojosa will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Parran III prosecuted the case.
By Amanda Alaniz
Dr. Leticia Villarreal Sosa, UTRGV professor of Social Work, will join the newest cohort of 45 fellows for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities’ Leadership Academy.
HACU states the program is designed to “increase diverse representation in executive and senior-level positions in higher education.” Fellows take part in various leadership development activities preparing them for leadership roles in the full spectrum of institutions, with an emphasis on Hispanic-Servicing Institutions and emerging HSIs.
Villarreal Sosa, inaugural associate dean for Research and Faculty Development, is one of 45 new fellows of the Leadership Academy from institutions of higher education around the country.
She said she was honored and excited to be part of this inclusive program.
“I am so proud to be a faculty member at UTRGV, which is the second-largest Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) in the country. I am always eager to learn more and develop my leadership skills, so this is an excellent
opportunity to learn, but also to be mentored and extend my network,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to continue to develop my leadership skills and learn the ins and outs of the technical skills needed to be effective in executive roles.”
HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores said the organization is proud of the previous cohorts and is looking forward to showcasing more success stories.
“The HACU Leadership Academy/La Academia de Liderazgo has a proven record of advancing diverse leaders within a wide range of higher education institutions, demonstrating the value of the program in expanding representation at the highest levels of college and university administrations” he said.
Leadership Academy is made up of faculty who are current and former presidents, chancellors and senior administrators, and offers more than 100 years of combined experience in a range of higher education areas.
Villarreal Sosa said that, as a first-generation college student herself and now acting associate dean for Academic Affairs, she recognizes the significance of the program’s opportunities.
“It is important for students to see others in leadership positions that reflect diverse, lived experiences. To see those who share a similar identity. To see people like them in leadership roles,” she said. “I am very committed to advancing the development of ‘servingness’ at our institution, given its HSI status and the important role HSIs will play in educating future generations.”
The one-year fellowship program includes webinars and three seminars, with the first seminar to be held Nov. 1-3 in conjunction with HACU’s 38th Annual Conference in Aurora, Colorado.
To learn more about the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, visit hacu.net.
Are you interested in learning martial arts and building essential life skills? Join our Tae Kwon Do program, a fun and engaging way to develop your physical and mental abilities through this traditional martial art.
Our program is designed to introduce you to the fundamental principles and techniques of Tae Kwon Do, focusing on essential skills such as:
Discipline and Respect: Learn the core values that Tae Kwon Do emphasizes, promoting self-discipline, respect for others, and mental focus.
Basic Kicks and Hand Movements: Master the foundational movements that form the basis of Tae Kwon Do, from powerful kicks to precise hand techniques.
Interactive Practice: Through the use of
pads and shields, practice each movement in a safe and controlled environment, building strength, agility, and coordination.
This class is perfect for anyone looking to try out a new sport, improve physical fitness, or simply enjoy a fun and supportive environment where you can grow your martial arts skills. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, our instructors will guide you at your pace.
Unleash your potential, learn new skills, and make new friends. Join our Tae Kwon Do program and start your martial arts journey with us! For more information and registration, visit our website or stop by the facility.
a.m. at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery. This heartfelt event offers a moment to pay tribute to the courage, service, and sacrifices of our veterans.
portunity to lay flags on the graves of those who have served our country. Flags will be provided, and no RSVP is necessary—just bring your gratitude and respect for those who dedicated their lives to protecting our freedoms. This gathering is a simple yet powerful way to show appreciation and honor the memories of our veterans.
ans. We hope to see you there.
The McAllen Holiday Parade, presented by H-E-B and powered by Bert Ogden, just announced two beloved stars who will be making special appearances this year, adding even more excitement to an already magical event! As the most anticipated holiday parade in Texas, the McAllen Holiday Parade never fails to bring world-class characters and performers to its lineup, and this year is no different.
Under McAllen’s festive lights, the adored Ms. Hello Kitty will grace us with her presence, bringing smiles and waves to parade-goers of all ages. Joining her in this star-studded event is everyone’s favorite undersea friend, SpongeBob SquarePants! These two icons are set to make this year’s parade unforgettable as they spread holiday joy throughout
Kicking off the parade festivities in style, McAllen proudly welcomes 10-year-old Mateo Adalberto Lopez, recognized as the World’s Youngest Mariachi. His talent and charm are bound to light up the stage and set a spirited tone for the evening. With his signature charro suit and traditional mariachi tunes, Mateo will bring the vibrant culture of mariachi music to life, adding a unique and heartwarming layer to this year’s holiday celebration.
Don’t Miss Out – Get Your Tickets Now!
With the addition of Hello Kitty, SpongeBob SquarePants, and the incredible Mateo Adalberto Lopez, this year’s parade promises to be one for the books. Don’t miss the chance to experience the holiday magic up close! Grab your tickets today at www.McAllenHolidayParade.com to secure your spot at this unforgettable holiday event.
Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
Location: McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium
Tickets: Available at www.McAllenHolidayParade.com
Ready to step into the world of work? Whether it’s a part-time job, summer internship, or simply preparing for future opportunities, this event at Speer Memorial Library offers teens a chance to develop essential interview skills and gain confidence. Taking place from November 12th to November 14th, between 6 PM and 8 PM, these practice interviews are a valuable chance to simulate a real job interview in a supportive environment.
During your session, you’ll be able to practice responding to common interview questions, showcase your strengths, and refine the way you present yourself. Trained staff will help you feel at ease and provide feedback on your answers, body language, and overall approach, giving you an edge for your next real interview. This hands-on experience is an excellent way to build confidence, understand the professional interview process, and prepare for success.
Slots are limited, so be sure to call (956) 580-8479 to reserve your session with the Teen Department. Speer Memorial Library is located at 801 E. 12th St., Mission, Texas. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your first steps toward adulthood with newfound confidence and practical skills that will set you apart in your job search!
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that follows seasonal patterns, often starting in late fall or winter as daylight decreases. SAD can lead to mood shifts that impact daily life, with symptoms usually lifting in spring or summer. Winter-pattern SAD, or “winter depression,” is more common than summer-pattern SAD, or “summer depression,” which involves similar but distinct symptoms.
SAD is marked by depressive symptoms lasting around 4–5 months per year, including persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in hobbies, fatigue, and changes in sleep, appetite, and energy. Winter-pattern SAD can also cause oversleeping, carb cravings, and social withdrawal, while summer-pattern SAD may bring insomnia, weight loss, restlessness, and anxiety. It’s crucial to distinguish SAD from the “holiday blues” tied to specific seasonal events or stress, as SAD is linked to seasonal daylight
Diagnosis is based on symptoms recurring in specific seasons over at least two years. For SAD diagnosis, a mental health provider might use questionnaires to assess symptoms’ seasonal pattern, severity, and impact. SAD is more common in women and those with other mental health conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and anxiety. People in northern regions, where winters are darker, tend to experience winter-pattern SAD more frequently than those in sunnier climates.
people with light-sensitive conditions should consult a doctor.
Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), especially CBT-SAD, is adapted to help those with SAD identify negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with seasonal changes. CBT-SAD includes techniques like behavioral activation, encouraging activities to maintain interest and engagement through the winter.
Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and bupropion (FDA-approved for SAD) can help regulate mood by affecting serotonin levels. These medications may take several weeks to start working and should only be adjusted under medical guidance.
Vitamin D: Winter-pattern SAD is sometimes linked to low vitamin D, so supplements may help those with deficiencies. However, studies show mixed results regarding its effectiveness as a treatment for SAD.
duce the body’s sunlight exposure, lowering serotonin levels. People with winter-pattern SAD also produce more melatonin, a hormone that increases sleepiness, which may worsen symptoms.
In summer-pattern SAD, research suggests that longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures may disrupt sleep, reducing melatonin levels and increasing stress. Both serotonin and melatonin regulate the body’s daily rhythm, and these imbalances can lead to mood and behavior shifts in SAD sufferers.
SAD can be managed with various treatments, often used in combination depending on the severity of symptoms and patient preferences:
Due to the predictable seasonal nature of SAD, people who experience symptoms may benefit from beginning light therapy, medication, or CBT before the seasons change. While research on prevention is limited, consulting a healthcare provider for a personalized plan can help reduce or prevent symptoms.
Clinical trials play a significant role in discovering new treatments for SAD, offering an opportunity for volunteers to contribute to research that may improve future care options. Some people join trials to help further research, while others participate to try treatments that may not yet be widely available.
Conclusion
The causes of SAD are not entirely known, though research suggests that it may stem from biochemical imbalances triggered by seasonal light changes. Winter-pattern SAD is linked to reduced serotonin levels, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood, and vitamin D deficiency, as shorter days re-
Light Therapy: This is a primary treatment for winter-pattern SAD, developed in the 1980s, where patients sit by a bright light box (10,000 lux) for 30−45 minutes each morning to offset light deprivation in winter. The therapy is generally safe, though changes.
SAD is a manageable condition with various treatment options that may be tailored to individual needs. Speaking with a healthcare provider can clarify the best course of action for those experiencing seasonal mood changes, from light therapy and CBT to medication and preventive strategies.