State Capital

TEA releases financial accountability ratingsMore than four-fifths of Texas public schools received an ‘A’ rating for their financial practices, according to the Texas Education Agency, which released the final financial accountability ratings for the latest school year last week.

PASTOR’S CORNER

As autumn leaves paint the landscape and the air turns crisp, we are reminded of the approaching Thanksgiving holiday. This cherished time of year calls us to gather with loved ones, share hearty meals, and reflect on the many blessings in our lives.

A Prophet in My Own Mind...

I’ve never claimed to have the gift of prophecy, nor do I now.Yet, it seems beyond coincidence that two of my past three columns have centered on bears, and now— lo and behold— bears are back in the news, particularly in Japan, where they are attacking people.

HIGHLIGHTS

State CapitalVoters approve all 17 proposed amendmentsTexas voters approved all 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot last week, the Houston Chronicle reported.

PASTOR’S CORNER

Most people spend their entire lives striving for something greater. They desperately wish they could have more money, a new car, a new spouse, or a new house.

Much New Under the Sun...

Their numbers are dwindling, but folks figuring there’s nothing new under the sun are spending too much time in the shade and/ or staring too much at the fiery object that planets circle with precision—at least so far.

HIGHLIGHTS

State CapitalPremiums rise as ACA open enrollment beginsThe window for signing up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act is now open through Jan. 15, with most Texans expected to pay considerably higher premiums, The Texas Tribune reported.

All About Time...

Uncle Mort remembers the 1974 event vividly when the lady in front of him at the post office protested the cost of first-class stamps going up 25%—from eight to ten cents.“Are you telling me that it’s going to cost a dime to mail a letter to my daughter in Houston?” she fumed.

State Capital

Shutdown could halt SNAP for 3.5 million TexansThe continuing federal shutdown means food benefits provided to 3.5 million Texans could be cut off in November, The Texas Tribune reported. Of those affected, nearly half are children.

Here Comes the Sun...

I’ve pondered— likely at times when I should have been engaged in thoughts of consequence—about goings- on that seem to “fit” into one of three categories: Divine intervention, coincidence or “blind hog luck.