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The First Baptist Church of Bellows Falls at 9 Church Street offers worship service at 10 a.m. every Sunday. This week members will light the Advent Candle of Joy. The angels proclaim to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11: “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy to all the people.” The message of joy is at the very heart of Advent, inviting parishioners to join in the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The angel’s proclamation reminds everyone that the coming of the Christ is not simply a historical event, but rather a message of hope and joy not just for a few, but for all people. The good news of Christ’s birth offers love, peace, hope, and joy to the entire world. Members are invited to receive and share in the blessed joy of God’s presence. The joy of the season is not dependent on our circumstances, whether good or bad, but rather on the incredible gift of Jesus who came to offer redemption. Let us fill our hearts with lasting joy, and may it encourage us to spread love and hope to everyone we encounter. Coffee time follows the service. For more information, call 802-463-3220. Offerings and donations can be mailed to 9 Church Street, Bellows Falls. Services at Immanuel Episcopal Church are offered at 20 Church St. and via Zoom at 10 a.m. on Sundays. To attend via Zoom, email immanuelepiscopal@gmail.com . Telephone: 802-463-3178. The 4th Season of "The Chosen" is being shown on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. The Mass schedule at St. Charles Catholic Church, 31 Cherry Hill St., is as follows: Wednesday through Friday at 9 a.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m., and Sundays at 9 a.m. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered every Saturday from 3 to 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact the church or Father Agnel Samy at 802-463-3128 or stcharlesrectory@comcast.com , or visit the website at stcharles.vermontcatholic.org . The United Church (UCC) of Bellows Falls, 8 School St., will hold worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday. Refreshments and fellowship after the service. For more information, call 802-463-4323 or find the church on Facebook. A tag, food sale, and raffle will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the church. This Sunday's 10 a.m. service at All Souls Church will focus on the theme, "holiday voices," led by Rev. Telos Whitfield. Members share some of the traditions around the holidays that emphasize gratitude and generosity. To suggest a story, poem, or song contact the service leader, Christina Gibbons. All services are offered in person and via zoom. The church offer Religious Exploration for kids at 9 a.m. prior to the service. Child care is available every Sunday. The service will be in person at 29 South St., and via Zoom at www.ascvt.org . The Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, Congregation Shir Heharim is a reform congregation with a commitment to practice and celebrate Judaism with creativity. Located at 151 Greenleaf St., BAJC welcomes young families and empty nesters, toddlers and elders, doubters and the devout. BAJC will celebrate the festival of Chanukah. The celebration will feature Klezmer music & dancing with Klezamir, menorah lighting, latke contest, crafts, traditional treats & refreshments, and even a juggling workshop with Kinetic Theory Theatre. All are welcome. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Klezamir, based in Western Massachusetts, is New England's dynamic roots rockin' Klezmer band extraordinaire. Klezamir plays traditional Jewish favorites as well as pop, rock, classical, and jazz. The event will be held Saturday, Dec. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Vermont Jazz Center, 72 Cotton Mill Hill. BAJC is located at 151 Greenleaf St. For more information, visit https://bajcvermont.org/ or call 802-257-1959. The third Sunday of Advent will be celebrated this Sunday at 10 a.m. at Centre Congregational Church, 193 Main St. The service will also be streamed on the Friends of Centre Congregational Church Facebook Group and Zoom. The Candle of Peace will be lit on the Advent wreath. Following the children’s message, the children will be led to Sunday School (Faith in Action). The scripture sourced from the lectionary will be Philippians 4:4-7. The Rev. Dr. Scott Couper will deliver a message entitled "The Peace of God” wherein Paul’s letter to the Philippians is explore in the context of peace experienced existentially amidst the world’s conflict. The following music on the piano and organ will be enjoyed: Prelude: "Comfort Ye, My People" by J. Pasquet and "Come Savior of the Gentiles" by J.S. Bach; Anthem: "Waiting for a King" by J. Martin; Offertory: "Will There Be Room?" by M. Patterson; and Postlude: Gigue on “In Dulci Jubilo” by J. Young. Join in after the service for Hospitality Time with light food and drinks. During Hospitality Time, a highly competitive “Ugly Christmas Sweater” fashion show and contest complete with trophy will be held. On Saturday, Dec. 21, Centre will host a Blue Christmas union service at 7 p.m. Centre Church hosts a weekly Sunday Spirit Book Discussion at the church; a United Church of Christ devotional every Monday at 10 a.m. on Zoom; a bi-weekly Christian Theology class every other Monday at 7 p.m. on Zoom; the Zen Buddhist community (dharma) gathers each Tuesday at 7 p.m. (half-day sitting on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 9 a.m. to noon); a Justice and Peace Film Screening at 167 Main Street on the first Thursday of each month; a weekly Thursday Women's Spirit book club in person at 92 Brets Road at 4 p.m.; Brattleboro Community Mantra Meditation (Kirtan) on the first and third Thursdays of each month, 6 to 7 p.m.; and prayer of the Muslim community (Jum'a) each Friday at 1 p.m. For more information, call the church office at 802-254-4730 on any weekday, or e-mail Centrechurchvt@gmail.com , visit the church website at centrechurchvt.org . Join in each Sunday at First Baptist/United Methodist churches, 18 Town Crier Drive. Service begins at 10:30 a.m. The Rev. Suzanne Andrews and the Rev. Ralph Howe preside. Holy Communion is offered each Sunday. First United Methodist and First Baptist have formed the Beloved Community of Brattleboro, a Center for Story, Spirit & Justice. Visit the website at belovedcommunityvt.org . For more information about events or for a ride to the services, call the church at 1-802-254-1234. First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 57 Putney Road, offers worship services in person every Sunday at 10:30 a.m., and Sunday School for children and teenagers up to the age of 20 is held at the same hour. A Wednesday testimony meeting is held each week at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome. For more information, visit csbrattleboro.org . Worship will be held Sunday at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 880 Western Avenue, to celebrate the third week of Advent. The service will center on Luke 1:39-55 and explore how to get ready for Christmas through just and liberating actions in our community. Music under the leadership of Steve Rice and Lisa Provatas will "People Look East" by the choir. All singers are invited to choir rehearsal at 9 a.m. The Annual Tuba Christmas concert is this Sunday at 3 p.m. Steve Rice directs this free event including performances and sing-along Christmas favorites to elevate your seasonal cheer. Come a bit early to guarantee a seat. The Rev. Jeremy Kirk's office hours are Friday from 10 a.m. to noon and by chance or appointment other days of the week. The church office is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact us at fccwb1770@gmail.com or 802-254-9767. The Vermont Insight Meditation Center offers meditations on Zoom and on the second floor of The Riverton Building, 28 Vernon St. To ensure access to the building, arrive at least 5 minutes early for in-person practice. Join in for a Sunday Sitting and Dharma Talk on Dec. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon. Vermont Insight's weekly schedule includes meditations at 7 a.m. every weekday, Tuesday and Friday evening practices, and meditations every Sunday. For more information about weekly events, plus course and retreat offerings, see vermontinsight.org/calendar or contact Drew Kovach at 802-257-1213. The West Brattleboro Quaker Worship Group meets for unprogrammed worship, both in person and on Zoom, Sundays at 10 a.m. In-person worship is indoors at the Brattleboro Area Jewish Community, 151 Greenleaf St. To join via Zoom, email WestBrattQuakers@gmail.com for more information. Each Sunday St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 16 Bradley Ave., offers an 8 a.m. service with Eucharist and a 10:15 a.m. service with Eucharist and music and nursery care for children 0-3. The 10:15 service is also available on livestream. Links to the bulletin for the 10:15 service and to the livestream for Vimeo are on the website, www.stmichaels-vt.org , under “Sunday Morning” and the “eNews.” All 10:15 a.m. services and many of the special services are available later on the website under “Livestream Archive.” All are welcome at the Advent and Christmas services: Christmas Eve Pageant and Holy Communion, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 4 p.m.; Festival Candlelight Christmas Eve Service with Holy Communion, Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 8 p.m.; Christmas Day Morning Prayer, Wednesday, Dec. 25, at 8 a.m.; and Christmas Lessons & Carols, Sunday, Dec. 29, at 10:15 a.m. Morning Prayer is offered each weekday at 8 a.m. on Zoom and in person in the Chapel on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. “Breakfast with the Psalms” is each Wednesday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at The Works on Main Street. Centering Prayer is in the Chapel from 11:30 to 11:55 a.m. each Wednesday and at 8 a.m. each Saturday. Eucharist with the Saints is each Wednesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel. Contemplative Worship is in the Chapel and on Zoom each Thursday from 5:30 to 6 p.m. The Church office hours are from 8 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Friday. Contact the Church office by emailing jeanie@stmichaelsvermont.org or by calling 802-254-6048, ext. 104. Saint Michael Roman Catholic Church, 47 Walnut St., offers weekend Mass on Saturdays at 4 p.m. (also livestreamed, ch. 1078) and Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. There is a coffee social after the 10:30 Mass. Father Henry Furman is the Priest. If you are 1) An unbaptized person who wishes to learn about the Catholic Faith, 2) A baptized Christian from another faith denomination who would like to learn more about the Catholic Church with the possibility of joining, 3) A baptized Catholic who has not yet received the sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation, or 4) A baptized and confirmed Catholic who would like to learn more about the Catholic Faith, come to meet with Father Henry Furman. Registration forms are available online or in the back of the church. For more information, call 802-257-5101 or email stmichael@vermontcatholic.org . Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA), 161 Western Ave., will hold a worship service on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. also livestreamed on the church's Facebook page. Bring food for the food collection. Calendar: Wednesday, 11 a.m. council meeting, 7 p.m. A.A. (women); Thursday, 9 a.m. Tai Chi, 10:15 a.m. Choir; Saturday 9 a.m. discussion and meditation. East Dover Baptist Church, 34 Dover Hill Road, welcomes everyone to worship service this Sunday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The church also offers a simulcast of the service. For more information, visit eastdoverbaptistchurch.org or call 802-348-6366. All are welcome to Sunday Services at 10 a.m. at West Dover Congregational Church, 104 Route 100, or join livestream at www.facebook.com/westdoverchurch . After the service there is a coffee hour and bible study. For more information, visit the website at https://Westdoverchurch.org or call 802-464-1195. Dummerston Congregational Church, UCC will worship this Sunday at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary at 1535 Middle Road. Members will celebrate the third Sunday in Advent. Rev. Shawn Bracebridge and Mary Westbrook-Geha will lead worship based on Malachi 3 1-4. Sunday school children will gather in worship with families, then head downstairs with director of Christian education Billie Slade after a special message. Grafton Community Church, 55 Main St., offers virtual worship services via Zoom. Visit graftoncommunitychurch.org or on Facebook (The Grafton Church). Join in this Sunday at 10 a.m. for worship at Guilford Community Church. Sunday services are also streamed live, and a link is available on the church website, www.guilfordchurch.org . This Sunday’s service is led by Allyson Platt and is the third Sunday of Advent. Children are invited to begin in worship with their families. After the Children’s Message they are dismissed to the Sunday Morning program. The children will begin rehearsing for the Pageant this Sunday. Peter Amidon directs the Choir. Becky Graber is the accompanist this Sunday. The Guilford Community Choir welcomes all singers. Arrive at 8:40 a.m. to rehearse The Annual All Ages Chrismas Pageant will be held at 10 a.m. on Dec. 22. There will be angels dancing, shepherds leaping, instrumental music performed by young and old and of course, traditional carols will be sung by all. This service will also be streamed live, and a link is available on the church website, www.guilfordchurch.org . This service is led by Pastor Allyson Platt. Andy Davis directs the Choir, and Rachel Johnson is the accompanist. On Tuesday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. the Church will hold a service of Lessons and Carols at-Guilford Community Church. The Christmas Eve service will also be streamed live. This service is led by Pastor Allyson Platt. Andy Davis directs the Choir, and Rachel Johnson is the accompanist. Jamaica Community Church, located in the “Heart of the Village,” welcomes all on Sunday at 11 a.m. To meet with Pastor Pete, call the church (802-874-7109) or his house (802-874-4181) or email him at carlsonpw56@gmail.com to schedule an appointment. His office hours are Tuesday from 10 a.m. to noon and Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Donations to the Wardsboro/Jamaica Food Pantry may be left inside the front door in the large basket during these hours. For complete listings, visit reformer.com . All are welcome to join in for worship service this Sunday at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church of Newfane. This is the second Sunday of Advent, on which the congregation celebrates the joy of the season. The Rev. Matthew Deen will lead a discussion of Luke 3:1-6, John the Baptist’s proclamation of the coming of Jesus, and offer his reflection on the passage. Music this week will include Music Director Jennifer Yocom leading the choir in “How Will We Know Messiah?” by Nylea L. Butler-Moore. Hymns sung by the congregation will include “O Come, O Come Emanuel” and “Lift Up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates.” This week’s calendar includes the annual Ladies Aid Holiday Cookie Sale on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon; Senior Lunch on Thursday at noon; and Bible Study on Thursday at 5 p.m. The Church office is open Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact admin@newfane.church or 802-365-4079. Pastor Matthew Deen has office hours Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 4 p.m. He can be contacted at the same phone number or at matt@newfane.church . Join in for worship and gathering at Putney Friends Meeting, 17 Bellows Falls Road, every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (hybrid). Thursday 6 p.m. online. Childcare provided for Sunday 10:30 a.m. worship. Meeting for Worship for Business monthly every third Sunday at noon. Contact clerk@putneyfriendsmeeting.org for online links. Handicapped accessible. For more information, visit putneyfriendsmeeting.org . Forest Flower Zen Sangha meets on Wednesday evenings (weather permitting) in Saxtons River at the 24 Main Street Community Building. Zen meditation and practice in the Diamond Sangha Zen tradition. 6:30 Newcomers welcome and orientation. 7 p.m. Meditation; 7:30 p.m. Dharma talk and discussion which ends at 8:15 p.m. Donations are accepted but not required. Beginners welcome. Visit www.forestflowerzen.org . Townshend Community Church meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. Pastor Don Hashem leads the service and his wife Carmen leads the music. The church in the country where the difference is worth the distance. Join in for Sunday services at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 26 Elm St., or via Zoom at 10 a.m. The Rev. Fred Chisolm has joined the congregation as priest-in-charge. Morning prayer will be offered on Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. with Contemplative Prayer from 10:30 to 11 a.m. and quiet library (reading) time from 11 a.m. to noon most Thursdays. For more information and Zoom link visit the website: www.stjohnswalpole.org or call 603-756-4533. Walpole Unitarian Church offers Sunday services at 10 a.m., led by the Rev. Elaine Bomford, the church’s affiliate minister, and other clergy and lay leaders. The church is located at the corner of Main and Union streets. The congregation embraces spiritual exploration, social justice and care for each other and the planet. The church plans to continue a modified Zoom element to the service as technology permits. Visit walpoleunitarianchurch.org . St. Mary’s in the Mountains Episcopal Church, 13 East Main St., holds services at 10 a.m. every Sunday in person and on Zoom. There will be coffee and refreshments after the service. For a Zoom link, visit smmvt.org .

It has been a tumultuous week for the Texas Legislature since House Speaker Dade Phelan abandoned his bid for another term. As soon as the embattled Beaumont Republican announced his withdrawal from the race late last week, one of his top allies, Rep. Dustin Burrows of Lubbock, launched his own bid for the gavel. Burrows’ eleventh-hour candidacy led to a dramatic showdown last weekend against Rep. David Cook of Mansfield, who won a closed-door vote to become the House Republican Caucus’ endorsed candidate after a contingent of Burrows’ supporters exited the meeting. Soon after, Burrows released a list of 76 current and incoming members — 38 Democrats and 38 Republicans — backing him for speaker, seeming to reach a majority of the 150-member chamber. But a few Republicans on the list immediately asked for their names to be removed, dropping Burrows’ public support below the 76-vote threshold. A handful of other GOP members on Burrows’ list have also come out for Cook this week, amid an intense pressure campaign that has seen Cook’s hardline conservative supporters threaten to censure and wage aggressive primary challenges against any House Republicans who do not get behind the caucus’ speaker nominee. Some have also noted that Burrows once supported the caucus’ rule requiring all GOP members to support the group’s nominee when the House officially picks the speaker in January. Burrows spoke with The Texas Tribune Friday morning about his bid for speaker and the delicate dance he is attempting as he looks to win the gavel with a mix of Democratic and Republican support. This interview has been minimally edited for length and clarity. Q: This all came together very quickly last week, with Speaker Phelan withdrawing from the race and you stepping forward essentially in his stead. What can you tell me about the backstory of how you suddenly emerged as a speaker candidate? What were those hours like last Thursday around when Phelan told members he was withdrawing and you filed paperwork to run yourself? A: I’ll give you the big picture. Many of the members, basically, we huddled, got together, knew that we had to have somebody run for speaker. And as we [discussed], a speaker really doesn't choose to be speaker. The members choose who they want to be their speaker. And many of the people came to me and said, we'd like you to run. And the support was overwhelming, and I filed after that. Q: Since you announced your list of 76 votes , a handful of members have asked for their names to be removed and said they're either backing Rep. Cook or they want to stay uncommitted. In light of that, do you still feel that you can get to 76 on the House floor? A: I still feel confident we’ll have over 76 votes on the opening day of session to be speaker of the House. I have a great team, and I'm still working to get even more members comfortable on the opening day to vote [for me]. I still believe we can have a majority of Republicans support us on the opening day [Jan. 14, when the House will vote to elect the speaker for the next two years]. Q: It sounds like you’re trying to win over Republican members who are currently backing Rep. Cook. Do you think that is a possibility, even in the current environment? A: The Texas Constitution says that all members get to vote on the opening day [of the Legislature]. And I believe that there's many Republicans who are either uncommitted, or committed to Cook, that know that I would do a better job by my experience, my steady-handedness, and how I've treated members in the chamber. And I expect them to do — I hope that they will do what they know in their heart is best for the state. Q: In the universe where you aren't able to get 38-plus Republicans on board, would you still feel comfortable becoming speaker if it means relying on a majority Democratic coalition? A: I am going to go to the House floor and be speaker of the Texas House. The people supporting me are from different ideological makeups. This is not about anything other than having a chamber that is independent, that has a voice and that knows [the speaker] is going to apply the rules fairly — rules that allow the majority to rule but the minority to have their voice heard and respected. And I don't mean that just on partisan lines. Some of the issues that we fight over aren't necessarily on partisan lines. But you have to allow the majority to prevail, but the minority to have their voice heard. And the Texas House has always worked better when everybody is at the table and we find common ground. Q: There's a lot of speculation about what sort of concessions, if any, you might be offering to Democrats. What case are you making when you’re talking to Democratic members? Are you offering them anything specific regarding continuing to appoint them as committee chairs or on school choice or ESAs [education savings accounts, the voucher-like policy that would allow parents to use public money to help pay for their children’s private school tuition]? A: No concessions have been made. That would be illegal, and it'd be unethical, and I would never vote for a speaker who made concessions. That being said, part of what, perhaps, is not visible is the relationships that I have built and forged, given the different positions that I have been in. There have been many times that I have collaborated with my Democrat colleagues, and they know that I am a steady hand. They know I have the experience, and they know that I have honored my word and commitment to being in a place to allow the right outcomes and have a sense of fairness — and that has been my appeal to them. And it doesn't hurt that the other side [Cook’s camp] has wanted significant rule changes to shut them out of the process completely, and that goes far beyond committee chairmanships. Q: Just to be clear, would you continue to appoint Democrats to chair a limited number of committees? A: This is what I've told every member, regardless of their party affiliation, and this is the traditionalist view of the Texas House, which is in respectfulness of the institution, which is what I am trying to take it back to: The rules are for the members. They are designed to protect the members from the speaker. They are designed to figure out what powers the speaker's office has or doesn't have. You can have a speaker's office with strong powers or limited powers, or hardly any powers at all, but it is very important that a speaker not put their thumb on the scale on those. The members have to work that out amongst themselves to be a deliberative body and feel good about the rules that we're going to have to guide the debate and dissent and discussion during session. So I will not put my thumb on the scale, regardless of how I may feel internally about that, until that vote happens. Q: That’s also the approach that Speaker Phelan has taken on school choice, or ESAs, which you have supported. Would you commit to giving [school vouchers] a floor vote? A: It is going to be the will of the House as it should be. But I've also, I've learned when talking to my colleagues who don't always support the positions that I do, that they want me to be open and honest about what I think is going to happen. They don't like to be surprised. I believe the political winds have shifted, and the votes are there for ESAs. But I want to be very clear, I believe next session will be focused on education. I believe that school finance will be a huge priority for members of all parties. School discipline is something that I hear about from teachers, administrators and colleagues that is very important and has to be done right. School safety, I've been in the middle of that conversation. I believe education — education for all students, public education funding, which needs to be improved, teacher pay raises, which we need to help our teachers — will be front and center of what the House is working towards on a unified front, along with ESAs, next session. Q: Last year, even some of Speaker Phelan's supporters seem to feel that he kind of walked [GOP] members into a primary bloodbath with the [Attorney General Ken] Paxton impeachment, et cetera. Given the rhetoric [threats of primary challenges and censures] being directed at Republicans who are supporting you for speaker, are you concerned about the possibility of your supporters essentially putting their careers on the line in 2026 by supporting you for speaker? A: So, I want to be clear: they're not necessarily supporting me for speaker. They're a team supporting the greater good of the House, and they feel committed to doing that. It's bigger than one person. I just happen to be the figurehead of it. They're fighting to make sure we still have a deliberative body, the people's House, where all members are going to have their voice heard, be able to represent their districts, and have somebody that is going to more respectfully, in my opinion, work with the Senate and the governor to accomplish the things that we need to accomplish next session. Q: You also, of course, were once House GOP Caucus chair, and some Cook supporters have been giving you grief about continuing to pursue your speakership bid even after the caucus nominated Cook. What’s your response to that line of argument, that you should be abiding by the caucus rules that you once supported and were vocally in favor of? A: I still believe on the opening day of session, I will be getting a significant number of House Republicans to vote for me. [Note: Burrows declined to expand further and said he expected one of his supporters, Rep. Terry Wilson of Marble Falls, to release an op-ed spelling out how the pro-Burrows contingent is approaching the caucus rule issue.] Q: Gov. Greg Abbott — who had stayed silent about all the speaker drama — came out recently saying, without mentioning any candidate names, that the speaker should be chosen by a majority of Republicans in accordance with caucus rules. At the moment, that’s a tacit signal of support for Rep. Cook. What’s your reaction to Gov. Abbott weighing in, especially given that you and the governor have been so aligned on property taxes and other issues? A: I still think that we will be having a significant number of Republicans support us, and I have not stopped working to help unite Republicans. But that last part of your question is right. I have worked closely with the governor over many sessions on a variety of issues. For the casual observer, I think that they have noticed that, and I will continue to work with both the governor and lieutenant governor where the interests of the House and them are aligned — which I think there'll be many things that we will be aligned on. Q: Lastly, going back five years ago, you were on the outs with some of your colleagues after the incident with then-Speaker [Dennis] Bonnen and [conservative activist] Michael Quinn Sullivan. [Note: Burrows and Bonnen were revealed to have provided names of House Republicans for Sullivan’s political group to primary. The matter prompted Bonnen to retire and Burrows to resign as House GOP Caucus chair .] When you think back to how you went from stepping down as caucus chair five years ago, to now being in this current moment where you could become speaker – what are your thoughts on the craziness of the last five years and your journey over that time? A: Let me point out, as an aside, some of my strong support comes from some of the members that were very oppositional to [me in] that period of time. That's worth noting. But I do believe that being the Texas House speaker, going into this session, members are looking for a known quantity. They're looking for somebody they know has experience — I don't mean all good experience — to actually lead. Somebody who they can rely upon that has that steady hand. I have gone from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows in that chamber. And I'm not talking about just that cycle [around the Bonnen scandal]. I'm talking about from 2015 to 2017 to 2019. I didn't really pass a bill for a long period of time. But I have walked in many different shoes in that body. It has been very good to me. I very much respect it, and I know the members know I care very deeply about it. And because I've had all those different experiences — some fantastic, some bad — they know the type of person and leader that I will be. And I will tell you, the part that will be the most sacred, difficult and challenging work I ever did, was leading the investigative committee in Uvalde [Note: Burrows chaired a House panel that looked into the 2022 shooting at Robb Elementary School] and passing a bipartisan school safety bill. And it was better because it was bipartisan. The internal deliberations and going through that experience ... was very impactful to me.Down 44%, This AI Stock Is a Screaming Buy Right Now (Hint: It's Not Nvidia)

One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again DAMASCUS (AP) — A transformation has started to take place in the week since the unexpected overthrow of Syria’s President Bashar Assad. Suddenly in charge, the rebels have been met with a mix of excitement, grief and hope. And so far the transition has been surprisingly smooth. Reports of reprisals, revenge killings and sectarian violence are minimal, looting and destruction has been quickly contained. But there are a million ways it could go wrong. Syria is broken and isolated after five decades of Assad family rule. Families have been torn apart by war, former prisoners are traumatized, and tens of thousands of detainees remain missing. The economy is wrecked, poverty is widespread, inflation and unemployment are high. Corruption seeps through daily life. Christians in Syria mark country's transformation with tears as UN envoy urges an end to sanctions DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — In churches across long-stifled Syria, Christians have marked the first Sunday services since Bashar Assad’s ouster in an air of transformation. Some were in tears, others clasped their hands in prayer. The U.N. envoy for Syria is calling for a quick end to Western sanctions as the country’s new leaders and regional and global powers discuss the way forward. The Syrian government has been under sanctions by the United States, the European Union and others for years as a result of Assad’s brutal response to what began as peaceful anti-government protests in 2011 and spiraled into civil war. Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000 DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorate over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials say new Israeli airstrikes have killed over 30 people including children. Israel's decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland's “extreme anti-Israel policies.” Ireland earlier announced that it would recognize a Palestinian state. And the Irish cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll in the war is approaching 45,000. The GOP stoked fears of noncitizens voting. Cases in Ohio show how rhetoric and reality diverge AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's Republican secretary of state and attorney general sought to reassure voters before the November election that the state's elections were being vigorously protected against the possibility of immigrants voting illegally. That push coincided with a national Republican messaging strategy warning that potentially thousands of ineligible voters would be voting. The officials' efforts in Ohio led to charges against just six noncitizens in a state with 8 million registered voters. That outcome and the stories of some of those now facing charges show the gap both in Ohio and across the United States between the rhetoric about noncitizen voting and the reality that it's rare and not part of a coordinated scheme to throw elections. South Korean leaders seek calm after Yoon is impeached SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s opposition leader has offered to work with the government to ease the political tumult, a day after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol over a short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Liberal Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, whose party holds a majority in the National Assembly, urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on Yoon’s impeachment and proposed a special council for policy cooperation between the government and parliament. Yoon’s powers have been suspended until the court decides whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days. Storms across US bring heavy snow, dangerous ice and a tornado in California OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Inclement weather has plagued areas of the U.S. in the first half of the weekend, with dangerous conditions including heavy snow, a major ice storm and unusual tornado activity. An ice storm beginning Friday created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska. More than 33 inches of snow was reported near Orchard Park, New York, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow. On Saturday, a tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, California, causing damage and several injuries. In San Francisco, a storm damaged trees and roofs and prompted a tornado warning, which was a first for a city that has not experienced a tornado since 2005. Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking 'cozy' and 'festive' this holiday season With a late Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season is five days shorter than last year, and owners of small retail shops say that people have been quick to snap up holiday décor early, along with gifts for others and themselves. Cozy items like sweaters are popular so far. Businesses are also holding special events to get shoppers in the door. But there’s little sense of the freewheeling spending that occurred during the pandemic. Overall, The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales in November and December will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy advanced technology to identify and track drones back to their landing spots. That is according to briefings from his office. Federal authorities have said that the drones do not appear to be linked to foreign governments. West Africa regional bloc approves exit timeline for 3 coup-hit member states ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS has approved an exit timeline for three coup-hit nations. It comes after a nearly yearlong process of mediation to avert the unprecedented disintegration of the grouping. The president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said in a statement: “The authority decides to set the period from 29 January, 2025 to 29 July 2025 as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period." In a first in the 15-nation bloc’s nearly 50 years of existence, the military juntas of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso announced in January that they decided to leave ECOWAS. Pope Francis makes 1st papal visit to France's Corsica awash in expressions of popular piety AJACCIO, Corsica (AP) — Pope Francis on the first papal visit ever to the French island of Corsica on Sunday called for a dynamic form of laicism, promoting the kind of popular piety that distinguishes the Mediterranean island from secular France as a bridge between religious and civic society. The one-day visit to Corsica’s capital Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon, on Sunday is one of the briefest of his papacy beyond Italy’s borders, just about nine hours on the ground, including a 40-minute visit with French President Emmanuel Macron. It is the first papal visit ever to the island, which Genoa ceded to France in 1768 and is located closer to the Italian mainland than France.

KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Sunday decorated visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the prestigious Mubarak Al-Kabeer Order in appreciation for his role in bolstering further the good ties between the Republic of India and the State of Kuwait. The honoring ceremony was held at Bayan Palace. HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal exchanged pleasantries with Prime Minister Modi during the honoring ceremony, stating: “This is our highest medal and you have earned it. We have maintained bonds with the Republic of India for hundreds of years.” The Indian premier replied: “Your Highness, this is an honoring for 1.4 billion Indians and I dedicate this great medal to the old friendship between the two countries. This is assuring as we will usher a new phase and I will be committed to elevating the level of our relations.” HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah also received Prime Minister Modi at Bayan Palace. An official reception was held for Modi, who greeted senior officials. On behalf of HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal, HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah held a luncheon at Bayan Palace, honoring Prime Minister Modi and his official delegation. HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad later held official talks with Modi, where distinguished and deep-rooted bilateral ties, in addition to avenues of cooperation to serve both friendly countries’ best interests, were discussed. Both sides renewed commitment to develop cooperation in information technology, energy technology, healthcare, AI and space. Four bilateral agreements were also signed. Modi and his accompanying delegation then departed the country. He was seen off at Kuwait International Airport by HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad and senior officials. — KUNA

NoneThe stock market has been on an incredible run since the S&P 500 ( ^GSPC 1.09% ) hit the bottom of the prior bear market in Oct. 2022. Since then, the index has increased about 70% as of this writing. Many stocks have seen even greater returns in that 26-month period. Most people think those returns are just the start of a strong bull market . In fact, 56.4% of consumers expect stock prices to increase over the next year, according to the most recent U.S. Consumer Confidence report from The Conference Board. While that might not sound like an overwhelming share of the population, it's a record high number since the survey started gathering this data 37 years ago. Stock values are influenced by two major factors -- financial results and investor sentiment -- and many companies driving the bull market have produced incredible financial results over the last two years. But smart investors can't ignore that more people are optimistic about the future returns of the stock market than ever, which has driven prices higher. Warren Buffett has some apt advice for the situation. Applying the same advice to three different markets In Oct. 2008, the S&P 500 had already fallen 40% from its 2007 peak, and many investors thought things could only get worse. In an op-ed for The New York Times , Buffett wrote, "Fear is now widespread, gripping even seasoned investors." Indeed, U.S. consumers had never been more pessimistic about the future of the stock market, according to The Conference Board's survey. Buffett was compelled to remind readers of the simple rule he laid out in Berkshire Hathaway 's ( BRK.A 1.37% ) ( BRK.B 0.86% ) 1986 letter to shareholders. "We simply attempt to be fearful when others are greedy and to be greedy only when others are fearful." When Buffett wrote those words in 1987 (to recap Berkshire's 1986 financial results), he noted, "Little fear is visible in Wall Street." At the time, investors had bid up stock prices, and as a result, he couldn't find any suitable equity investments for Berkshire's portfolio. Instead, he piled about $700 million of Berkshire's cash into Treasury bonds . He wasn't particularly thrilled about it, either. "At best, the bonds are mediocre investments," he said. "They simply seemed the least objectionable alternative at the time." In 2008, he applied the same exact idea to the market with opposite results. He moved his personal portfolio from 100% government bonds to 100% U.S. equities. It proved an extremely fortuitous move for the Oracle of Omaha. The S&P 500 hit its bottom a few months after Buffett published his op-ed and went on to produce incredible returns over the next 15 years . In 2024, Buffett again appears to be following his rule from almost 40 years ago. As prices have climbed over the past two years, Buffett has consistently sold off some of Berkshire's biggest equity holdings. His selling accelerated in 2024 as investors became increasingly bullish, pushing Berkshire Hathaway's cash and Treasury bill position to a record $325 billion as of the end of the third quarter. When discussing the growing cash pile at the 2024 shareholder meeting in May, Buffett echoed his 1986 comments. "I don't think anybody sitting at this table has any idea how to use it effectively, and therefore we don't use it." The alternatives to Treasury bills just aren't very attractive to Buffett right now. Is it time to get out of the stock market? Once again, investors find themselves in a market environment where "little fear is visible in Wall Street." Equity valuations have climbed to levels last seen during the dot-com bubble. Investors are more confident than ever that stock prices will be higher a year from now and are putting their money where their mouths are with record inflows into equity exchange-traded funds ( ETFs ) this year. However, that doesn't mean investors should sell all of their stocks and stash their money in government bonds. But it does require some careful consideration of their investments. Another Buffett quote applies here: "The less the prudence with which others conduct their affairs, the greater the prudence with which we should conduct our own." Buffett wrote that in his 1988 shareholder letter. At the time, he was describing the market for arbitrage opportunities as excess capital had flooded the market, decreasing potential returns while increasing risk. Buffett repeated himself in his 2017 shareholder letter, which he wrote at a time when investors were more confident than ever before in the future of the stock market. While the market did decline somewhat that year, it didn't quite fall into bear market territory. To be fearful doesn't mean to run away from the stock market entirely. It means investors need to be more judicious than the rest of the crowd if they want to ensure solid returns. Finding suitable investments for your portfolio will be more difficult as investor confidence has a tendency to bid stock prices up, making them less attractive. But Buffett's recent portfolio moves suggest there are still plenty of investments that could produce great returns for shareholders if they know where to look. Pay attention to what Buffett's buying While Buffett has been a big seller of stocks in 2024, he has made several relatively small purchases. Those purchases have one thing in common: They're all near the smallest-sized companies Berkshire can invest in to move the needle for its massive portfolio. But an individual could buy plenty for a relatively small portfolio. Buffett's moves highlight the possibility that there may be more opportunities for individual investors in small- and mid-cap stocks than in large-cap stocks, including those represented by the S&P 500. If you don't want to take the time to search for great individual stocks, you could buy an index fund or two. The Vanguard Extended Market ETF ( VXF 1.35% ) offers a way to invest in the entire U.S. stock market excluding the S&P 500. Investors may also want to consider index funds focusing on value stocks as another option. Nobody knows whether stocks will continue to move higher in 2025, but Buffett's advice has proven very valuable for several decades at this point. It's worth taking his words into consideration when planning your next moves as an investor.

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