Can a Drug Sniffing Dog Violate Fourth Amendment Rights?
May 14, 2025 – The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the state’s highest criminal court, is weighing a case that could have significant implications for search-and-seizure protections under the Fourth Amendment. The issue centers around whether a police dog is allowed to insert its nose into an open car window during a traffic stop without a warrant or probable cause.
The case stems from the arrest of James-Varnell Organ in Waller County, where a narcotics detection dog named Jaks jumped up on Organ’s vehicle and pushed his nose through an open window during an exterior sniff. Upon alerting to the presence of drugs, officers searched the vehicle and discovered Etizolam, a Schedule I controlled substance. Organ was subsequently arrested for illegal possession.
Prosecutors argue that the dog’s behavior did not violate Organ’s constitutional rights, claiming that a sniff from a trained canine during a lawful traffic stop is not a “search” under the Fourth Amendment. They emphasize that the window was already open and that the dog acted instinctively during a lawful exterior sniff.
The defense, however, contends that the moment the dog’s nose entered the vehicle, it crossed a constitutional boundary. They argue that the intrusion amounted to an unlawful search without a warrant or probable cause, thus violating Organ’s Fourth Amendment rights.
Legal experts say the ruling could establish a precedent in Texas on the limits of canine searches and whether a distinction must be made between passive exterior sniffs and physical intrusion into a private vehicle. The outcome may also influence broader national conversations on the balance between law enforcement tools and personal privacy.
A decision from the court is expected later this year, and it could reshape how police K-9 units conduct vehicle searches in Texas and beyond.
Paris Junior College’s TRIO Upward Bound Student Ethan Dao Selected for Prestigious Gates Scholarship
May 13, 2025 – Paris, Texas – Paris Junior College’s TRIO Upward Bound program is celebrating a tremendous milestone: student Ethan Dao has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Gates Scholarship. This elite, full-ride scholarship is awarded to just 300 exceptional high school seniors nationwide each year, out of thousands of applicants.
Dao’s selection is a testament not only to his academic excellence, drive, and resilience, but also to the critical role of the Upward Bound program at PJC, which has supported him throughout high school.
“Ethan has been a part of PJC Upward Bound since his freshman year of high school,” said Christi Barham, Director of Upward Bound at Paris Junior College. “I highly encouraged him to apply for the Gates Scholarship last summer during our summer program, based on his academic achievements. We walked with him through every step of the multi-phase application process—from the initial application to the final interview.
Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Gates Scholarship (originally the Gates Millennium Scholars Program) was rebranded in 2017 and continues to provide a full scholarship covering tuition, fees, room and board, books, and additional expenses—eliminating financial barriers to higher education for high-achieving, low-income, minority students.
“Gates is one of the most competitive scholarships in the country,” said Barham. “It begins the summer before senior year, with multiple application phases and a final interview round. Ethan’s success in this rigorous process is extraordinary.”
Dao credits Upward Bound with preparing and supporting him throughout the journey.
In addition to the Gates Scholarship application, Barham and the Upward Bound team helped Dao complete the FAFSA, College Board CSS Profile, and college applications in early fall. The team continues to support him through his housing application, orientation registration, and every step toward a successful college transition.
Dao will attend the University of Texas at Austin this fall and plans to pursue medical school afterward, with the goal of becoming a cardiothoracic surgeon.
“Ethan and I really bonded over that goal since I’ve had personal experience with it from a parent perspective involving open heart surgery,” said Barham. “We are so proud of all his accomplishments and cannot wait to see what the future holds for him.”
Ethan is the fourth Gates Scholar to come from the PJC Upward Bound program during Barham’s time at the college.
PJC’s Upward Bound program, a federally funded TRIO initiative, provides academic support, mentorship, and college readiness for first-generation and low-income students. Dao’s achievement is a shining example of how the program transforms lives and empowers students to reach their dreams.
For more information about Paris Junior College’s Upward Bound program, visit www.parisjc.edu/main/upward-bound-at-pjc/ or contact [email protected].
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Paris Junior College — located in Paris, Texas, about 100 miles northeast of Dallas — has been a part of the Lamar County community since 1924.
Paris Junior College offers Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as Certificates of Proficiency in technical/workforce fields. The college has expanded its academic curriculum through the years to encourage associate degree and university transfer candidates. Since establishing its first vocational program — jewelry and watchmaking in 1942 — the college has been aggressive in adding technical/workforce programs that will benefit students entering the workforce.
The campus of 54 tree-shaded acres includes 20 major buildings and residence halls and provides students a unique and pleasant environment for learning.
Paris Junior College also operates centers in Sulphur Springs, Texas, and in Greenville, Texas.
Vision
To be the educational provider of choice for the region.
Mission
Paris Junior College is a comprehensive community college serving the region’s educational and training needs while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of our diverse community.
Sulphur Springs Emergency Sirens Will Be Tested May 13
May 13, 2025 – Emergency sirens will be tested in Sulphur Springs at noon today by the Sulphur Springs Emergency Management Office.
The test is to gauge the reliability of the emergency warning system and is conducted to find any potential flaws in the system so they can be corrected prior to a real emergency situation. The sirens could be sounded not only for weather warnings such as tornadoes, which are the most common in the area, but also in case of any emergency that could affect the safety and lives of citizens in Sulphur Springs.
Recent tests have shown the emergency sirens to be a ready source of warning in case of emergencies such as tornados or other threats to safety.
This will only be a test.
Boil Water Notice for Shirley Water Supply
May 13, 2025 – As a safety precaution since the water system lost pressure, We are issuing a BOIL WATER NOTICE, until our pressure is restored and water samples are taken.
You will need to boil your water prior to consumption (washing hands/face, brushing teeth, drinking etc.) Children, seniors, and persons with weakend immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions.
To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for 2 minutes. In leiu of boiling water, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from another suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.
When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the water system will issue a notice to that rescind the boil water notice. We are issuing this notice as a precautionary measure. If you have questions you may call the office at 903-485-5811.
Texas Education Agency Says Less Than Half of New Texas Teachers are Certified
May 13, 2025 – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has raised concerns over a troubling trend: a significant decline in the number of certified teachers in Texas classrooms. For the 2024–2025 school year, Texas schools hired approximately 43,800 new teachers, but only 45% of them were fully certified. This marks a sharp drop in the proportion of credentialed educators entering the profession, a development that officials say could impact classroom quality and student outcomes.
The remaining 55% of newly hired teachers are working under alternative certifications, emergency permits, or are uncertified entirely. Education experts point to a variety of contributing factors, including high turnover rates, low pay, and increasingly difficult working conditions. Many school districts, particularly in rural or under-resourced areas, are struggling to attract and retain experienced, certified educators.
TEA officials stress that while alternative pathways to teaching help fill urgent staffing gaps, certified teachers have undergone rigorous training that prepares them for the classroom in ways others may not. The trend raises long-term questions about teacher preparation, support, and retention.
State lawmakers are being urged to address the shortage by investing in teacher training programs, raising salaries, and reducing barriers to certification in order to ensure every Texas student has access to a qualified educator.
Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson Chats About an Event May 15th on This Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson. John Mark and Ronnie chat about what wildflowers are in bloom during this time of year, what mulch you should use, a program on lawns Ronnie Wilson will present at the Extension Office on May 15th, 2025, and so much more. Be sure to check out this interesting segment of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey and learn more about gardening and more.
STAAR Test On The Chopping Block
May 12, 2025 – House Bill 4, passed by the Texas House of Representatives on May 12, 2025, represents a sweeping reform of the state’s public school accountability system. Aimed at addressing long-standing concerns about overreliance on standardized testing, the bill significantly overhauls the current assessment framework, particularly the STAAR test (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness), and introduces broader performance indicators to better reflect student learning and school effectiveness.
A major feature of HB 4 is the reduction of standardized testing. The bill proposes replacing the STAAR exam with shorter, instructionally supportive assessments administered throughout the academic year. These new tests are intended to align more closely with classroom instruction and provide faster feedback, allowing educators to respond to student needs in real time.
The bill also restricts the authority of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) by requiring legislative approval for any significant changes to the A-F school rating system. This measure is designed to ensure greater transparency and oversight in how schools are evaluated.
In addition, HB 4 introduces new metrics into the accountability framework. Schools will now be assessed on factors such as the quality of teacher training in math and literacy and student participation in workforce training programs. These indicators are intended to better reflect both academic preparedness and career readiness.
Another innovative component is the creation of a grant program to support districts in developing their own local accountability plans, tailored to the specific needs and goals of their communities.
If approved by the Texas Senate, House Bill 4 could mark a major shift in how Texas measures educational success—emphasizing instructionally meaningful assessments and broadening the definition of school performance beyond standardized test scores.
Opinion: No Hospital, No Hope: The Fight for Rural Health Care in Texas.
An Editorial by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller
May 12, 2025 -As we recognize National Hospital Week, it’s important to honor the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities healthy. From the nurses who provide compassionate care to the doctors who offer life-saving expertise, our rural hospitals are staffed by incredibly committed individuals who often perform multiple roles to keep everything running smoothly, and it’s important we also recognize the challenges Texas’s rural hospitals face. Rural Texas is worth fighting for, and the healthcare providers who keep them healthy are worth celebrating.
In rural Texas, a hospital isn’t merely a place to seek care; it is the heart of a community. Whether it’s a farmer who has had an accident in the field, a rancher battling heart disease, or a child with a high fever in the middle of the night, rural hospitals are always there, ready to serve.
From hardworking ranchers in the Hill Country to cotton farmers in West Texas, one thing remains constant: Texans take pride in their small towns, the unique culture they represent, and the rural hospitals that serve them. Dozens of hospitals serve primarily rural areas across the vast expanse of Texas. These hospitals are more than just a place for medical treatment; they are a pillar of strength, offering healthcare and contributing to rural life with jobs, support, and stability.
But while rural hospitals are a source of pride, many are facing serious challenges that threaten their ability to continue providing care. Over the last decade, many rural hospitals in Texas have closed their doors, and more struggle to stay afloat. The reasons are clear: rising costs, a shortage of healthcare workers, and cumbersome federal regulations that consume precious time and talent that could be devoted to patient care.
Unlike their urban counterparts, rural hospitals operate in a much more challenging environment. They treat fewer patients but serve a significantly larger geographic area, sometimes covering hundreds of square miles, and are expected to provide everything from emergency care to routine check-ups with limited resources and staff.
It’s critical to recognize that rural hospitals are not just medical institutions—they’re economic engines for small towns across Texas. These hospitals are significant employers in rural counties, providing good-paying jobs that support families and drive the local economy.
That’s why we can’t afford to let rural hospitals fail. For rural Texas to remain strong, we must ensure rural hospitals have the resources necessary to continue serving and thriving. This means supporting rural health infrastructure, expanding access to telemedicine, and making sure bureaucratic red tape doesn’t hinder access to the care rural Texans need and deserve.
Texas must invest in our rural healthcare system and ensure these hospitals are equipped to continue serving the people who depend on them every day. When a rural hospital closes, it’s not just a loss for healthcare; it is a loss for the entire community. Local businesses suffer, families and seniors may be forced to travel long distances for care, and the community loses a vital piece of its identity.
During National Hospital Week, the Texas Department of Agriculture is proud to stand behind our rural hospitals. Through our State Office of Rural Health and other programs, we’re working hard to keep the doors open, the lights on, and the doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals in place.
Our small towns are a tremendously important part of what makes Texas the best state in the nation. Texans know we are only as strong as the communities we build, and rural hospitals play a key role in developing those communities. This National Hospital Week, let’s come together to celebrate their contributions and reaffirm our commitment to keeping them strong.
These hospitals are lifelines for rural Texans, and as your Agriculture Commissioner, I’ll keep fighting to make sure folks in small towns get the care they need without having to drive hours to find it. Let’s work together to ensure the rural hospitals of Texas remain a vital part of our future, for our families and our Texas way of life.
EPIC City Now Under Federal Investigation
April 12, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Justice has joined Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Governor Greg Abbott in launching a federal investigation into the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and its proposed development project, EPIC City—a 402-acre planned Muslim community near Josephine, Texas. The planned city will occupy land in Collin and neighboring Hunt County. The probe follows mounting controversy and public concern surrounding the scope, purpose, and legal implications of the project.
There is no federal law that prohibits the application of Sharia law in the US.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn, a key figure in prompting federal scrutiny, sent a letter last month to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting immediate review. Citing allegations of religious discrimination, questions about the possible application of Sharia law, and potential violations of federal and state law, Cornyn called for decisive legal action. “Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no place in the Lone Star State,” he stated. “Any violations of federal law must be swiftly prosecuted, and I know under the Trump administration, they will be.”
While EPIC maintains that EPIC City is a private, faith-based community project designed to serve the needs of Muslim families, critics argue that it may operate outside of constitutional and municipal frameworks. The project has sparked heated public debate, particularly in conservative circles, over religious freedom, community zoning, and the role of Islamic institutions in American life.
The Department of Justice has not yet detailed the scope of its investigation, but legal analysts suggest the probe will examine zoning practices, financial transparency, and civil rights compliance. The involvement of both state and federal officials underscores the political weight of the controversy and raises broader questions about religious liberty, cultural integration, and the limits of local control.
As the investigation unfolds, the outcome could have lasting implications for how religious communities build and govern private developments in Texas and across the nation.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Historic $1.375 Billion Settlement with Google Related to Texans’ Data Privacy Rights
May 11, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a $1.375 billion settlement in principle with Google, delivering a historic win for Texans’ data privacy and security rights and marking the highest recovery nationwide against Google for any attorney general’s enforcement of state privacy laws.
In 2022, Attorney General Paxton sued Google for unlawfully tracking and collecting users’ private data regarding geolocation, incognito searches, and biometric data. After years of aggressive litigation, Attorney General Paxton agreed to settle Texas’s data-privacy claims against Google for an amount that far surpasses any other state’s claims for similar violations. To date, no state has attained a settlement against Google for similar data-privacy violations greater than $93 million. Even a multistate coalition that included forty states secured just $391 million—almost a billion dollars less than Texas’s recovery.
“In Texas, Big Tech is not above the law. For years, Google secretly tracked people’s movements, private searches, and even their voiceprints and facial geometry through their products and services. I fought back and won,” said Attorney General Paxton. “This $1.375 billion settlement is a major win for Texans’ privacy and tells companies that they will pay for abusing our trust. I will always protect Texans by stopping Big Tech’s attempts to make a profit by selling away our rights and freedoms.”
Attorney General Paxton has led the nation in ensuring Big Tech companies do not violate the law or illegally use Texans’ personal data, founding the largest data privacy and security initiative of any state. In July, Attorney General Paxton secured a $1.4 billion settlement for the State of Texas with Meta (formerly Facebook) for unlawfully collecting and using facial recognition data—the largest settlement ever obtained from an action brought by a single State. Previously, Attorney General Paxton reached $700 million and $8 million settlements with Google for anticompetitive and deceptive trade practices. Attorney General Paxton thanks Norton Rose Fulbright, which served as outside counsel to the Office of Attorney General.
