The 501

COMMENTARYIf your mind is blank, check Facebook. You can end up blanker.Or can you? “Blanker” should not be a word—not even for taking potshots at oft-maligned Facebook. “Blanker” falls in the same category as “uniquer.” But if Spellcheck lets you spell whatever, then it’s a bona fide word.

Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies

CUISINE & CULTURE | ANGELINA@ANGELINALARUE.COMI’m not sure I’ve ever met a chocolate chip cookie I didn’t like, but this jazzed-up version is at the top of the list. The texture and depth of flavor are unmatched.The addition pecans and flaky salt take these decadent cookies over the top.

Cyclosporiasis mostly in two regions in state

AUSTIN— Nearly threefourths of cyclosporiasis cases detected in Texas have been confined to two regions, The Dallas Morning News reported. The Texas Department of State Health Services provided numbers for each of the state’s eight public health regions.

An open letter to the Citizens of Floyd County:

This open letter is to share the concerns and feelings of the Floyd County Commissioners Court with those we represent. The data center issues we are dealing with were thrust upon us, early this year.

How to grill shrimp—even far from the coast

Growing up so far away from the coast, I didn’t eat a lot of seafood…..until I moved to Biloxi for a bit when I was about 30 years old.

Okra-centric usings, recipe

The off-putting name sounds appropriately yucky for something that turns slimy when cooked.Don’t get me wrong. I’m not anti-okra — which sounds a lot like Annie Oakley. I’m not her either.

Aug. 8 is National Zucchini Day

From the garden ELLEN PEFFLEY Aug. 8 is National Zucchini DaySome West Texas crops have suffered from our many sweltering days of 100+ degrees. Crops shrivel and leaves turn brittle even with plenty of water.

Floydada CISD hosts Meet the Teachers

Floydada CISD is scheduled to host Meet the Teachers at A.B. Duncan Collegiate Elementary on Thursday, Aug 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.Students are allowed to drop off their school supplies for the upcoming school year in addition to meeting their teachers before the first day of school on...

A WHIRLWIND START

Floydada Collegiate ISD staff kicked off the 2026–27 school year with their District Convocation on Tuesday, Aug. 4. They were honored to have Larry Bell, a former educator and renowned public speaker from Virginia, speak to their staff and help set the tone for another school year.

NEW ELEMENTARY TEACHERS FCISD

Recognized new staff at our FCISD Convocation this week. Pictured are new elementary staff members: Left to right: Lily Campbell, Angelica Martinez, Kayla Luna, Crystal Ascencio, Andrea Cortinas, and Ruben Deleon.