Lake Country CASA Hosts Second Annual Derby Fundraiser on May 3, 2025
April 9, 2025 – Lake Country CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated Second Annual Derby Fundraiser, taking place on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This exciting event, inspired by the iconic Kentucky Derby, will be held at The Diamond at Star E Ranch and promises an unforgettable evening of entertainment, philanthropy, and community spirit.
Get your tickets by clicking here.
The Derby Fundraiser serves as a crucial initiative to support Lake Country CASA’s mission of advocating for abused and neglected children within the court system. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit CASA’s programs, ensuring that every child in need has a dedicated advocate fighting for their best interests.
Guests will enjoy an evening filled with classic Derby traditions, including live horse racing simulcast with raffles, a best-dressed contest, live music, and signature mint juleps. Attendees are encouraged to don their finest Derby attire—big hats, bow ties, and all—to fully embrace the spirit of the event.
“This fundraiser is more than just a celebration; it’s a chance for our community to come together in support of children who need a voice,” said Amy Glenn, Executive Director of Lake Country CASA. “Every ticket purchased, every raffle ticket purchased, and every donation made directly impacts a child’s future.”
Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are available now, with early reservations highly encouraged due to limited seating.
For more information, to purchase tickets, or to become a sponsor, please visit www.lakecountrycasa.org or contact Lake Country CASA at 903-885-1173.
Join us on May 3, 2025, as we race towards a brighter future for children in need.
About Lake Country CASA: Lake Country CASA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing trained volunteer advocates for children in foster care. Our volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that every child has a safe, permanent, and loving home. Learn more at www.lakecountrycasa.org.
Some International Student VISAs Terminated in Texas
April 9, 2025 – The Trump-aligned White House has begun revoking the visas of international students at Texas universities, escalating a crackdown that has already affected at least 15 students in the University of Texas and Texas A&M systems. Officials cite national security and campus safety as justifications, though critics argue the actions are politically motivated and overly punitive. One student reportedly lost their visa over a minor speeding ticket, raising concerns about selective enforcement and due process.
“Specifically, they are changing their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record from Active to Terminated, which essentially means they no longer have legal status in the U.S.” – Samantha Clement of the Texas A&M International Student & Scholar Services.
Senator Marco Rubio defended the move, stating, “If you apply for a student visa to come to the United States and you say you’re coming not just to study, but to participate in movements that vandalize universities, harass students, take over buildings and cause chaos, we’re not giving you that visa.” The decision comes amid rising tensions over pro-Palestinian protests and broader student activism, particularly on elite and state university campuses.
Immigration attorneys and civil rights groups are alarmed, arguing the administration is using immigration policy as a tool to suppress dissent and intimidate student protesters. Universities have so far remained largely silent, but pressure is mounting from faculty and advocacy groups demanding clarity and protection for affected students.
Paxton Announces Candidacy
April 8, 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has officially announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary. Paxton made the announcement during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle,” positioning himself as a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump and a critic of the Republican establishment.
Paxton has enlisted Axiom Strategies, a prominent Republican consulting firm, to manage his campaign. This move indicates a potentially contentious and costly primary battle ahead.
Senator Cornyn, who has served since 2002, has faced criticism from within his party for his bipartisan efforts, including support for a 2022 gun control bill and reservations about Trump’s 2024 candidacy. Despite this, Cornyn’s campaign has defended his pro-Trump voting record and dismissed Paxton as a “fraud.”
Paxton’s candidacy introduces a significant challenge to Cornyn, highlighting the ongoing divisions within the Republican Party between establishment figures and those aligned with Trump’s agenda. The primary is expected to be fiercely contested and could have substantial implications for the party’s direction in Texas.
SSHS Lady Cats Took on Pittsburg in Softball Action April 7th in Mt. Vernon
April 8, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs High School Lady Cats competed against the Pittsburg Pirates in a game of softball on April 7, 2025. The two teams met up in Mount Vernon for this exciting game. Below is KSST’s coverage of this thrilling game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, and Tony Flippin called Play by Play and Color Commentary. Check out the fun action below!
Attorney General Ken Paxton Launches Investigation into USA Fencing
April 2025 – Austin, Texas — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has announced an official investigation into USA Fencing, citing potential violations of state law. The move comes after the organization disqualified female athlete Stephanie Turner, who protested by kneeling rather than competing against a biological male.
“You’re a man, and I’m a woman, and this is a women’s tournament.” – Stephanie Turner
Paxton has issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to obtain documents related to the incident, aiming to determine whether USA Fencing engaged in false, deceptive, or misleading practices under Texas consumer protection laws.
“USA Fencing is on the wrong side of history and potentially the wrong side of the law,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Their policies not only may violate state law but also insult young women like Stephanie Turner who have worked tirelessly to compete in sports.”
The investigation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding gender participation in athletics and state-level efforts to uphold laws protecting women’s sports. Paxton reiterated his commitment to defending fairness and integrity in competition, pledging to oppose any policies he sees as unjust or unlawful.
The case could set a precedent for how sports organizations navigate state regulations and gender policies moving forward.
Governor Abbott Sets Special Election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District
April 8, 2025 – Austin, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott has announced a special election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District will take place on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The election will fill the vacancy left by the late Congressman Sylvester Turner.
In his statement, Governor Abbott emphasized concerns over Harris County’s election procedures. “No county in Texas does a worse job of conducting elections than Harris County,” said Abbott. “They repeatedly fail to conduct elections consistent with state law. Safe and secure elections are critical to the foundation of our state.”
Abbott explained that a rushed special election would jeopardize voter access and confidence. By selecting the November date, the Governor said, Harris County will have adequate time to ensure proper election administration.
Prospective candidates must submit their applications to the Secretary of State by 5:00 PM on September 3, 2025. Early voting is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 20, 2025.
This election is expected to draw significant attention, given the importance of the 18th District and the legacy of Congressman Turner’s decades-long service.
CHRISTUS Health Provides Tips to Find Relief During Allergy Season
April 7, 2025 – (EAST TEXAS) – Spring has officially begun, bringing warmer weather — and allergy season. CHRISTUS Health is providing tips for relieving pesky allergy symptoms as flowers bloom and trees release pollen.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25% of Americans, or about 80 million people, suffer from seasonal allergies, which range from mild discomfort to severe reactions.
“Allergy symptoms can persist year-round depending on where you live,” said Dr. Rita Alumanah, a family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic. “The key is to take a proactive approach to managing symptoms before they worsen.”
Alumanah recommends starting with an antihistamine such as Claritin, Allegra or Zyrtec early in allergy season and rotating between different antihistamines every three months to prevent the immune system from building a tolerance.
She also advises that people know their “triggers,” meaning what specific pollens or molds they may be susceptible to. Following the daily forecast and monitoring air quality can help reduce your chances of experiencing an allergy attack.
“Try to take as many precautions as possible by using medications, wearing a mask, and even changing your clothes to avoid those particles that stick to fabrics,” she said. “Be very mindful of the conditions before you go outside, especially for children or individuals with any immune deficiencies.”
For milder symptoms, Alumanah said over-the-counter treatments such as nasal corticosteroids, saline rinses, local honey and decongestants can provide relief.
Severe symptoms include not being able to breathe or catch your breath, lips and fingers turning blue, and normal medication not being effective. In the event of any of these scenarios, please call 911 or, if possible, visit the closest emergency room.
“Everyone has a different tolerance to the changing seasons and what is in the air,” Alumanah said. “They key is to identify what steps you can take that best fit you and your needs.”
Paris Junior College Receives Grant to Expand Student Success
April 7, 2025 – Paris Junior College has received a $125,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to expand a program boosting success for developmental students. The grant was co-authored by Carey Gable, Program Coordinator of English and Developmental Writing, and Dr. Jennifer Collar, Division Director of Communications and Fine Arts, and they are co-directors of the project.
PJC is already well known at the state and national level for innovative work pairing developmental courses with first-year English or math courses. These co-requisite courses allow students who are less prepared academically to quickly catch up to their peers.
PJC’s co-requisite course structure is called College Connect in high schools, and Clarksville High School was the first to partner with PJC in the program. The grant will allow the College to expand supplemental instruction on campus as well as with College Connect in high schools.
Gable and Collar have participated for years in the Pathways Institute held by the Texas Success Center to encourage and share knowledge for ways to increase student success and degree completion. At last November’s Pathways Institute, Gable presented results of the College Connect partnership with Clarksville High School, and Collar was recognized with a Cynthia Ferrell Pathway Star of Excellence Award, which recognizes a change agent who has had a positive impact on removing barriers to student success and elevating the student experience at the college.
“The root of Pathways is student success, and this supplemental instructor initiative is about improving student success,” said Collar. “We’ve done great work with the co-requisite and had great success using supplemental instruction and we’re excited to expand it.”
PJC initially partnered with Adult Basic Education teachers on a limited basis in co-requisite courses at PJC, and this individualized attention aided students. Their participation can now be expanded.
“The grant pays for us to track everything and to pay for more supplemental instructors,” Gable said. “Where we’ve had one teacher with 20 students, we now had two. We’ve also partnered with the Writing Center and writing tutors. So, we may have as many as five teachers and tutors to help with a class. We’re meeting them exactly where they are and giving them exactly what they need to be successful.”
Gable sees great improvement but has more ambitious goals.
“I want us to have the leading developmental writing co-requisite program in the State of Texas,” Gable said. “The state completion average is 47 percent and we’re closing in on 77 percent. I want us to get further, to redevelop the entire thing. The way you do that is to increase one-on-one interaction with students who are behind.”
Supplemental instructors are taught a four-step teaching process by Gable so they may help students figure out what crucial knowledge they missed out on and get the students to ask how to fill those gaps. Then the instructors help them do just that. When students leave the class, they take with them a list of 10 steps for turning in a good paper in their next class.
“It’s not just English 1301, it’s now in 1302,” Gable said. “We started tracking our developmental writing students in English 1302 and they’re catching up to our students who were automatically college ready. So, a student can come in at the lowest level and be caught up by the time they graduate.”
The next stage is bringing supplemental instructors to developmental math. Tracking math results began with the second 8-week terms this spring.
“We also want to expand using supplemental instructors with our College Connect program in our high schools,” said Collar. “It means additional support for the schools.”
Any schools in PJC’s five-county service area interested in participating in College Connect may contact Collar at [email protected] or Gable at [email protected].
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.
No More Free Lawyers for Illegal Aliens
April 7, 2025 – Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock of the Texas Supreme Court has announced that the state-run program providing defense attorneys for illegal aliens will end by May. The program was initiated through an emergency order in August 2021, five months into Governor Greg Abbott’s Operation Lone Star—a border security effort aimed at curbing illegal immigration. The order ensured that individuals detained during the operation who could not afford legal representation were provided with defense attorneys, in line with constitutional protections.
However, Chief Justice Blacklock and the court now believe that the program has fulfilled its temporary purpose. Citing a steady decline in caseloads—thanks in part to ramped-up border enforcement—the court sees no further need for this extraordinary legal measure. Critics and supporters alike are watching the move closely, with some concerned about how the change might affect due process for those still facing prosecution under Operation Lone Star.
The decision marks a significant shift in Texas’s legal approach to handling border-related cases and reflects the state’s evolving strategy amid ongoing immigration debates. Robert Montoya first reported the update, highlighting how the rollback aligns with broader efforts to wind down emergency protocols that were only meant to be temporary.
USPS Adjusts ‘Service Standards’ in Attempt to Save $36 Billion
April 7, 2025 – The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is implementing new service standards for first-class mail, periodicals, marketing mail, and package services as part of a broader plan to improve reliability and reduce long-term costs. The changes, which took effect this month, are designed to streamline operations while maintaining the agency’s commitment to timely delivery.
Under the new standards, 75% of first-class mail will continue to be delivered within the same timeframe as before. Meanwhile, 14% of mail will benefit from an upgraded, faster service standard. However, 11% will experience slightly slower delivery times. Despite these adjustments, all first-class mail will still fall within the existing 1-to-5 day delivery window, ensuring that most customers won’t notice a significant disruption.
According to USPS, the new standards are expected to save the agency an estimated $36 billion over the next 10 years. This financial relief comes at a critical time for the Postal Service, which has faced years of budget shortfalls, rising operational costs, and growing competition from private delivery services. The changes are part of a broader effort to modernize USPS and improve operational efficiency.
USPS leadership says the updates will allow the agency to offer “more reliable service” to Americans, even as it continues to face pressure from critics. In recent years, the Postal Service has been a focal point of political debate, with former President Donald Trump and others calling for privatization. However, USPS remains a vital public institution, especially for rural communities and individuals who depend on affordable mail and package delivery. The agency hopes that this new strategy will help stabilize its operations and better serve the public in the long term.
