Christmas is a fur piece away

Body Fur coats are in. Especially old ones.Not so long ago society frowned on fur-wearers because animals had to die. Minks or chinchillas or whatever.Is it minks or mink? I just looked it up. The “s” is optional. It’s enough to make me think of Minsk, but we won’t go there.

VALLEY CELEBRATES MR. ELLIOTT

Body VALLEY CELEBRATES MR. ELLIOTT for his dedication and hard work as he studied and passed his superintendent’s exam last week.

Supreme Court upholds state’s redrawn congressional map

Body AUSTIN— The U.S. Supreme Court’s 6-3 decision to reverse a lower court’s ruling and uphold the mid-decade redrawn congressional map for Texas sent candidates scrambling to file or opt to retire with the filing deadline on Monday, Dec. 8.

The gift of traditions

Body C O M M E N T A R Y | SUEJANESULLIVAN@GMAIL.COMHaving raised one Red Raider and one Aggie, I am enjoying watching my daughters revel in this year’s college football season. Both are living the fan dream.

Hot chocolate— with options

Body CUISINE & CULTURE | ANGELINA@ANGELINALARUE.

Keen truth from a poetic song

Body COMMENTARYThe road goes on forever, and the party never ends.You’ve heard that line from Robert Earl Keen’s classic song. Maybe you know all the lyrics. I didn’t previously. Call me illiterate. But I just now read every verse. Let’s just say I was late to the party. Wow!

Sécateurs for garden gifts

Body CUISINE & CULTUREStumped on what to give the gardener on your Christmas list? A new set of sécateurs will always be an appreciated addition to a gardener’s toolbox.

Older Texans face steep ACA price hikes

Body AUSTIN— 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.

’Tis the season for concession stands

Body Shed a Little LightFriday night lights are almost behind us (still cheering on Jayton in their quest for a three-peat). But never fear, the concession-stand season with basketball games on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays is upon us.

TALES FROM SMITH

Body TUMBLEWEEDAs the creator and producer of “The Sound of Texas,” one of the longest running syndicated radio programs in Texas, Tumbleweed seeks fascinating people who embody the spirit of the Lone StarStateandbringsthemintothehomesandheartsofthousands.Mr.