Opinion

Body When the longest federal shutdown brought the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to a standstill, it exposed a truth we cannot afford to ignore: hunger doesn’t wait for politicians to settle their disagreements.

Body The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday blocked a lower court ruling that threw out the state’s new congressional map, allowing the new districts to stay in place, at least for now. A federal panel, by a 2-1 vote, said a few days earlier that the new map was racially gerrymandered.

Body Thanksgiving is a myth? According to Smithsonian Magazine, our beloved holiday actually has two histories: one real and one largely made up. Naturally, we celebrate the made-up version.

Body More 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.

Body Don’t hate me because I’m stationary. Yes, the Tyrees are anticipating another laid-back, close-to-home Thanksgiving.

Body Texas voters approved all 17 constitutional amendments on the ballot last week, the Houston Chronicle reported. Those included measures to raise the homestead exemption and reduce property taxes for businesses, and to provide $1 billion annually for a statewide water fund.

Body My morning routine: wonder, “How many business ventures has Elon Musk launched in the time it took me to microwave this sausage patty?

Body CAPITAL HIGHLIGHTS The 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.

Body “Write something sensible.” I’m finishing this column on the first anniversary of my mother’s passing, and I can still hear her cajoling me to cater to her down-to-earth tastes. Her funny bone was unpretentious.

Body The 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.