Opinion

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas, entered the U.S. Senate race on the final day to file, pitting her against state Rep. James Talarico, D-Round Rock. The Austin American-Statesman reported the difference between the two is more of style than substance, with both raising the issues of income inequality, rising prices, corruption and polarization.

My Granddad, Papa Hop Weathers, exclaiming “Christmas Eve Gift!” is my first recollection of this family tradition that has been kept alive through the years. Where, when, and how it started in our family will remain an unsolved mystery, but I am sure it goes a way back. Papa Hop always got up before day break and put a fire under the coffee pot before seeing to the stock and chores. As soon as someone would come straggling up to the coffee pot about half asleep on Christmas Eve he would be waiting for them. “Christmas Eve Gift!” Papa Hop would sing out. He was always first to give that greeting in my younger years. Later, my Mom, we called her Mammy, carried on this tradition. She was already mixing the biscuit dough by the time anybody straggled in because nobody got up before she had coffee ready. Our family still observes this tradition that Papa Hop and Mammy kept alive during their time. Now, each of her kids, especially Sister Ann, extoll to the world, “Christmas Eve Gift!” We believe in family unity; and this tradition is one of the glues that hold us close. Of course, the umbrella that covers all of us is our belief in and trust of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And soon we celebrate the birth of Jesus as we each enjoy Christmas. But , on Christmas Eve, if you happen to ride by the Walker Ranch on the banks of the Guadalupe River near the community of Sattler, Texas, you will undoubtedly hear our daughter Frances exclaiming to the world, “ CHRISTMAS EVE GIFT!” Proudly carrying on a living tribute to our ancestors by keeping the tradition alive!

About 1 million Texans over the age of 45 who receive health insurance coverage through the federal Affordable Care Act will likely face monthly premiums of more than $1,000, the Austin American-Statesman reported. That accounts for one-fourth of the state’s 4 million ACA enrollees.The Republican- led Congress has thus far refused to extend pandemic- era subsidies that reduced ACA premiums, a factor in the recent government shutdown. Part of the deal to reopen the government includes a promise to hold a vote on the issue in December, but it appears unlikely to pass.Texas insurers have raised ACA premiums by an average of 35%, but the hikes have been even higher for older enrollees.“So price impacts tend to hit older folks the hardest,” said Laura Dague, who is the James M. Griffin professor of health policy at Texas A&M University. That is because insurance companies consider them higher risk, she added.