Texans May Know Fate of School Choice Bill on Wednesday
February 4, 2025 – On Wednesday, the Texas Legislature should cast ballots on a significant school choice proposal that promises to reshape the state’s educational landscape. Lawmakers are considering a measure that aims to broaden educational options by providing increased support and funding for charter schools, voucher programs, and other alternative education initiatives alongside traditional public schools. Proponents argue that this legislation will foster healthy competition, driving innovation and accountability within the education system, while giving parents greater control over their children’s learning environments.
The bill proposes a broad school choice program that begins with 25,000 students and expands to all students over several years. Students in the program could get 75% of what the state spends on average per student in public school to pay for private tuition and other costs.
The bill also includes a $340 raise to per-student spending — from $6,160 to $6,500 — and pay raises for teachers and other school staff.
Supporters emphasize that expanding school choice can address diverse student needs more effectively by offering tailored educational experiences. They contend that increased competition among schools will spur improvements in academic performance and overall efficiency. Additionally, advocates believe that empowering families with more options will help bridge gaps in achievement and better prepare students for a dynamic, modern economy.
Critics, however, caution that redirecting resources toward alternative education options may lead to underfunded public schools, potentially worsening disparities in areas already facing challenges. They argue that the proposal could divert essential support from traditional schools, thereby affecting students who rely on established public education systems. As the legislative vote unfolds, the decision will likely have long-lasting implications for Texas’s approach to education reform.
Waffle House Flies The Coop; Charges Extra For Eggs
February 4, 2025 – Waffle House is introducing a new egg surcharge on its customers as a direct response to the rising cost of eggs, which has been impacting its overall menu pricing. As egg prices continue to soar due to supply chain challenges, increased feed costs, and other market pressures, the iconic restaurant chain is taking steps to offset these expenses without broadly raising prices on all menu items.
The surcharge will specifically target dishes that prominently feature eggs, ensuring that the cost increase is absorbed only by the items directly affected by the higher ingredient costs. Waffle House officials have stated that this measure is necessary to maintain the quality and consistency of their offerings while navigating an economically turbulent period. Rather than implementing a blanket price hike across the board, the surcharge allows the chain to precisely address the cost escalation related to eggs.
While some loyal patrons have expressed concerns over the added fee, Waffle House maintains that this is a temporary adjustment aimed at mitigating financial strain. The company is committed to transparency with its customers and will continue to assess the situation, making further adjustments if necessary. In the meantime, the surcharge represents a targeted strategy to sustain operational standards and preserve the affordability of the broader menu.
East Texas A&M Recognized for Top Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report
East Texas A&M earned top ratings from U.S. News & World Report for several online degree programs, reflecting the university’s commitment to excellence and innovation in online education.
COMMERCE, TX, Feb. 3, 2025—
East Texas A&M University’s online bachelor’s programs are #2 in Texas, according to the latest rankings by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings were released on January 21. East Texas A&M placed in the nation’s top 30% in five online degree programs for 2025.
East Texas A&M’s top online programs
These rankings highlight the university’s commitment to providing high-quality online education across multiple disciplines.
Best Online Bachelor’s Programs
- #2 in Texas (tied with University of North Texas)
- Top 7% nationally (25 out of 357 ranked schools–tie)
Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs
- #5 in Texas (tied with University of Texas Rio Grande Valley)
- Top 27% nationally (27 out of 101 schools–tie)
Best Online Graduate Business Programs (Excluding MBA)
- #5 in Texas (tied with University of Houston–Bauer)
- Top 30% nationally (66 out of 221 ranked schools–tie)
Best Online Master’s in Education Program
- #8 in Texas
- Top 27% nationally (85 out of 320 ranked schools)
Best Online MBA Programs
- #8 in Texas (tied with Sam Houston State University)
- Top 27% nationally (100 out of 366 ranked schools–tie)
All five online degree programs rose in the rankings from 2024, reflecting the university’s ongoing efforts to enhance educational quality and accessibility.
Dr. April Sanders, dean of the College of Innovation and Design, said East Texas A&M is proud to be a state and national leader in online degree programs.
“These rankings reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional online education that meets the evolving needs of today’s students,” Sanders said. “By combining innovative teaching methods with rigorous academic standards, we’ve created online programs that not only rank among Texas’s best but truly transform our students’ lives and careers.”
The evaluation process
U.S. News evaluates online degree programs using four weighted categories: student engagement, technology resources, faculty credentials and training, and peer assessment. These categories collectively highlight the quality of a university’s online programs. The Office of Institutional Research led the process in partnership with deans and department heads, working diligently to complete and submit the required documentation.
“We worked very hard, combed through all the questions, and verified large amounts of data,” said Dr. Dan Su, executive director of Institutional Research. “This process was valuable because it helps us reflect on and assess what we have been doing and how we can improve.”
Su congratulated the programs recognized in the 2025 rankings. “Achieving these prestigious academic rankings brings well-deserved distinction to East Texas A&M,” she said.
U.S. News & World Report rankings are widely regarded as the most authoritative and extensively used ranking system for higher education by prospective students, families, leaders and policy officials.
For more details on East Texas A&M’s rankings, visit U.S. News & World Report.
Paris Junior College Names Fall 2024 Students on President’s and Dean’s List
February 4, 2025 – Paris Junior College has announced more than 250 students named to the President’s and Dean’s lists for academic achievement in the Fall 2024 semester.
“We are incredibly proud of our students who have achieved the distinction of being named to the President’s and Dean’s Lists for the fall semester,” said Dr. Stephen Benson, PJC President. “Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence exemplify the spirit of our Paris Junior College community. Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition!”
To be eligible for the President’s List, students must earn a 4.0 grade point average, (straight A’s) on a minimum of 15 semester hours. Those on the Dean’s List must have a minimum of a 3.5 grade point average for at least 15 semester hours, and have no grade lower than a “C.” The lists are compiled exclusive of developmental hours.
Students from Texas named to the President’s List:
Argyle: Brock McKown
Arthur City: Joseph Birnbaum
Beach City: Austin Marlin
Bedford: Aialaisa Lilomaiava
Bells: Nicholas Smith
Blossom: Ashley Fendley, Steven Langley, Weslee Langley, Ariel Malone, Elizabeth Stowell, Briar Thomas, Christopher Withrow
Bogata: Kagen Hales
Brock: Brylee Burns
Bullard: Callie Bailey
Caddo Mills: Sophia Hamm
Campbell: Caleb Rouser, Gabriela Vizcaya
Commerce: Hannah Scarcelli
Como: Evan Carr
Cumby: Jenna Elmore, Jeri Howe
Denton: Samantha Ferguson
Deport: Dominique Turner
Detroit: Brandi Cortes, Cy Garrison
El Paso: Aidan Huante
Flower Mound: Siddarth Dendukuri
Fort Worth: Isabela Cornell
Frisco: Braden Hernandez, Christopher McDaniel
Grand Prairie: Nevaeh Bluefer
Greenville: Austin Cook, Angeline D’Andrea, Jett Fifield, Jose Fraire, Megan Green, Ian Kowalczyk, Jazmin Paulin Rios, Austin Russell
Honey Grove: Levi Beavers, Sonora Flowers, Alyssa Gilbert, Ka’Yauna Nelson, Daniel Tortorella, Lisa Williams, Kendal Wolfe
Houston: Mofiyinfoluwa Morebise
Katy: Tatiana Singhal
Klein: Bankston Lembcke
Klondike: Christopher Hayner, Eli Rhein
Ladonia: Kai Fornof
Lake Jackson: Breanna Allen
Lakeway: Gavyn Schlotterback
Lancaster: Blessing Teamer
Leesburg: Kristyna Stuckey
Liberty: Hadison Fults
Lone Oak: Beaux Ruff
McKinney: Caleb Barrett, Christopher Dick, Ethan Ho
Mount Pleasant: Jaden Coppedge
Naples: Aaron Jackson
Paris: Ashley Alston, Andrew Anderson, Brooklyn Atnip, Traniece Bizzell, Savanna Bradford, Addison Brown, Hailey Bryan, Aubrey Coco, Patricia Devereaux, Dillon Dingman, Ana Emeyabbi, Erik Emrick, Halen Guess, Jarred Jackson, Hannah Kent, Courtney Langford, Sarah Layton, Isabella Maggi, Hunter Moreland, Bradley Resendiz, Laren Robertson, Evan Roddy, Levi Sanders, Jesse Simpson, Michael Sullivan
Petty: Braden Burney
Pickton: Priscila Alonso, Hailey Snipes
Plano: Parker Bowman
Point: Nicholas Bowman
Powderly: William Bates, Camden Brown, Olivia Figueroa, Elizabeth Guillory, Marissa McCann
Quinlan: Miguel Bermudez, Amanda Carter, Zachary King, Katelin Leach, Molly Wilkins
Red Oak: Ciara Johnson
Rockwall: Dylan Rothwell, Zachary Willey
Rowlett: Solomon Astran
Royse City: Destinee Griggs, Jeid Huilar, Nathan Hurtado, Angelina Lozano, Goodness Onifade
Southlake: Grant Moore
Sulphur Springs: Marissa Banuelos, Malori Boyer, Ricardo Chavarria, Gisselle Gomez, Heaton Halbert, Cristian Trejo, Aaron Westerfield
Sumner: Kaidynse Steed
Talco: Jackson McLemore
The Colony: Brianna Ortega
The Woodlands: Jessica Battiste
Wolfe City: Jason Miller, Timothy Wright
Wylie: Cam Pruitt
Students from other states named to the President’s List:
Lakewood, California: Laci Berecochea
Upland, California: Sofia Hollingsworth
Shawnee, Kansas: Greyson Chappel
Monroe, Louisiana: Kaitlyn Worsham
Idabel, Oklahoma: Tamiera Jones
Valliant, Oklahoma: Kayden Bean
Students from other countries named to the President’s List:
Auckland, New Zealand: Catherine Smith
Guayaquil, Ecuador: Stefano Carvajal
Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Wesley Johnston, Cole LeClair
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada: Christopher Melvin
Students from Texas named to the Dean’s List:
Aubrey: Preslie Reffel
Bacliff: Giselle Gonzalez
Blossom: Tucker Crutchfield, Naomi Roberts
Bogata: Jestin Wright
Bonham: Aubri Pendergrass
Brookston: Mallory Sikes
Campbell: Destiny Millard, Jack Nichols
Henderson: Colton Acker
Commerce: Sarai Aguilar, Kacie Bates, Khana May, Jazmin Mojica-Castillo
Como: Joshua Bruce, Johnny Gallegos
Cumby: Alyssa Forgacic, Jeremy Freyman, Justin Green, Braxton Northcutt
Denison: Anizara De Oliveira Souza
Detroit: Raelin Musgrove
Dickinson: Ava Axtle
Dike: Ryleigh Bell, Jolee Wilson
El Campo: Alexis Salazar
Fate: Alejandra Castro Sanchez
Frisco: Dylan Parker
Greenville: Jose Castaneda, Johnny Honeycutt, Jared Morales, Diana Pineda, Patrick Polk, Arron Williams, Trey Witt
Henderson: Natalie Christy
Honey Grove: Tatum Banker, Asher Price, Macie Ragland, Lillian Ridley, Hayshus Tucker, Chloe Walker, Caycee Woodard
Houston: Fabrice Ndayishimiye
Irving: Chasity Rivera
Josephine: Kimberly Quintero
Ladonia: Katherine Chesson
Mabank: Alexia Martinez
Manor: Juan Briones
Mansfield: Xavier Peyton
Mesquite: Arayah Ross
Palestine: Emerith Hernandez
Paris: Robin Anderson, Devin Balazs, Metz Branch, Johnny Davis, Ellie Hubbard, Donnie Johnson, Briggette Ladd, Monica Martinez, Fisher McCoy, Ashjwanae Mickens, O’Toyu Milton, Janeth Ovando, Rhett Powell, Davie Rater, Michelle Sanchez, Shammond Smith, Jose Roman Tabora, Mary Warren, Brittany Woodall, Juan Yepiz
Pattonville: Ashton McQueen
Pflugerville: Lawrence Doe
Powderly: Patricia Garcia, Jehma Nesbit
Quinlan: Donovan Duarte, Jalin Millsap, James Morales, Jonathan Munoz, Pacey Murley-Bell, Blythe Van Ormer
Ravenna: Sawyer Price
Rockwall: Damian Camp
Rowlett: Lucas Solorzano
Roxton: Dusti Gaither
Royse City: Andy Garrett, Emma Neyra
Saltillo: Caden McGill
San Antonio: Gabriela Sosa
Sulphur Bluff: Josiah Hadnot
Sulphur Springs: Michael Bolton, Hannah Davis, Maria Garing, Aiden Horton, Dreu Jones, Ethan Klein, Rowdy Pogue, Isaac Stanley, Vanessa Tellez
Wills Point: Elisa McVeigh
Windom: Mariah Miller
Winnsboro: Pauline Curry
Yantis: Payton Rainbolt
Students from other states named to the Dean’s List:
Murrieta, California: Bradley Fleming
San Diego, California: Aleila Dugan
Miami, Florida: Leonel Aguilar
Columbia, Maryland: Nevaeh Brown
Sauk Centre, Minnesota: Violet Anderson
Antlers, Oklahoma: Katie Gee, Jonathan Webb
Hugo, Oklahoma: Jaisha McClure, Winter Oakes
Soper, Oklahoma: Helen Clifton
Luquillo, Puerto Rico: Sebastian De La Cruz
Hill AFB, Utah: Elsa Wandrey
Students from other countries named to the Dean’s List:
Bhaktapur, Nepal: Mandip Basnet
Flu A Most Common in North East Texas
February 4, 2025 – Health officials in Northeast Texas have reported a noticeable uptick in flu cases over the past few weeks. Local hospitals and clinics are experiencing higher patient volumes as seasonal influenza makes its annual return. Medical experts suggest that the current spike may be due to a combination of factors, including lower vaccination rates and increased social interactions as community events resume.
Which flu is worse, A or B? Flu A tends to be more aggressive and cause more severe symptoms compared to flu B. It’s more common in adults. In contrast, flu B is more common in children. While it typically causes mild illness, type B can be more severe in children under age 5 and older adults
State and local health departments are urging residents to take preventive measures. They emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated, frequent handwashing, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. Health clinics are extending their hours to accommodate the increased demand for flu vaccinations, and public service announcements are being broadcast to inform communities about early symptoms and the importance of seeking medical care promptly.
Local schools and workplaces are also implementing additional precautions to help reduce the spread of the virus. In some areas, temporary closures or modified schedules have been put in place for those affected by the flu. While the current situation is being closely monitored, health officials remain optimistic that with proper care and adherence to public health guidelines, the impact of the flu season can be mitigated. Residents are encouraged to stay informed and consult healthcare providers for advice tailored to their individual needs.
Lake Bois D’Arc is a Regional Destination For Nature Lovers
February 4, 2025 – Lake Bois D’Arc has quickly become a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts, offering not only breathtaking natural scenery but also some of the best fishing opportunities in the region. This new reservoir, designed with sustainability and recreation in mind, boasts clear, well-maintained waters that support a thriving aquatic ecosystem. Anglers flock to Lake Bois D’Arc for its abundance of fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish, all thriving in a habitat carefully managed to promote healthy populations.
Local fisheries experts and environmental managers have collaborated to stock the lake with a balanced mix of species, ensuring that both novice and experienced anglers can enjoy a rewarding fishing experience. The lake’s design incorporates gentle slopes and varied underwater structures, creating natural hideouts for fish and ideal conditions for breeding. This attention to ecological detail not only enhances the quality of fishing but also preserves the long-term vitality of the lake’s ecosystem.
Recreational facilities around Lake Bois D’Arc further add to its appeal. Several well-placed boat launches and fishing piers allow easy access to the water, while ample parking and nearby picnic areas create a welcoming environment for family outings. Local bait shops and tackle stores have already reported a surge in business, reflecting the growing popularity of the lake as a fishing hotspot.
Moreover, the management of Lake Bois D’Arc emphasizes catch-and-release practices and responsible angling to maintain a sustainable fishery for future generations. Regular community fishing events and workshops on sustainable practices help educate anglers on the importance of conservation, ensuring that the lake remains a vibrant ecosystem.
Overall, Lake Bois D’Arc is not only a testament to modern environmental planning but also a haven for those passionate about good fishing. Its success in merging recreational use with conservation sets a high standard for future projects in the region, promising many enjoyable days on the water for years to come.
Statement by Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller on Governor Abott’s Legislative Priorities
February 4, 2025 – “I applaud Governor Greg Abbott for using his State of the State address to highlight many of the same critical issues I’ve been fighting for—supporting Texas families, our hardworking public servants, and the farmers and ranchers who keep this state running.
Finally, we are eliminating discriminatory DEI policies from the state government, a fight the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has joined.
Texas must stay #1 in cattle, cotton, and our kids’ education. That means schools should teach, not indoctrinate. I fully support banning DEI in K-12 education and passing school choice. Parents—not bureaucrats—should decide what’s best for their children.
Water security remains a top priority, as agriculture and our state’s future depend on it. Last session’s $1 billion investment, along with Governor Abbott’s commitment to do more, is a crucial step forward.
Expanding rural healthcare is another necessity, and I appreciate the Governor’s commitment to ensuring every Texan, no matter where in our great state they may live, has access to quality care.
Texas has led the way in securing the border. Operation Lone Star proves it can be done, and now the Trump Administration is following our state’s lead. And let’s be clear—China and other hostile foreign adversaries have no business buying our precious Texas land. I’ll keep fighting until we put a stop to it.
These priorities reaffirm Texas as the national leader in agriculture, border security, and economic freedom—values that align with President Trump’s mission to make America strong, secure, and prosperous again.”
Learn About Houseplants on This Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With Guest CEA Mario Villarino
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark had another chat with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Agent Mario Villarino-Gutierrez. This time the two tackled the topic of indoor plants. They discussed the variety of species available, how low maintenance some of them are, the benefits of having an indoor plant, and much more. Be sure to take a look at this episode and see why you need to test your green thumb!
Paris Junior College Regents Tackle Long List at January Meeting
February 3, 2025 – The Paris Junior College Board of Regents tackled an extensive agenda at a meeting held Monday, January 27, 2025. Among the items were acceptance of the annual audit, support of legislative issues, review of a facility assessment report, an overview of PJC’s nursing program, and good news on spring enrollment.
“You have a clean opinion on these financial statements,” said Teffany A. Kavanaugh, CPA with McClanahan Holmes, L.L.P., Certified Public Accounts, as she presented the 2023-2024 independent auditor’s report.
Next the regents passed a resolution supporting legislative priorities of the Texas Association of Community Colleges and the Community College Association of Texas Trustees. Those include continuing outcomes-based funding established by HB 8, supplemental appropriations for FY 2024-2025, FY 2026-2027 funding recommendations made by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and including students who transfer to private universities in the college funding formula.
Regents then heard a Facilities Assessment Report overview presented by Amy Holzle, AIA, with Stantec Architecture Inc. Developed through a combination of personnel interviews, facility walk-throughs and building system analysis, the report provides an inventory of PJC’s facilities, general building and grounds condition, and a condition index to allow creation of timely system-wide maintenance schedules.
“You’ve got a great campus here,” said Holzle. “Sometimes it’s about figuring out where the puzzle pieces go and making sure your buildings are efficient.”
“As we continue with strategic planning, we will work with Stantec to develop a facilities master plan,” said Dr. Stephen Benson, Paris Junior College president.
Vice President of Workforce Education Dr. Michael Erny gave an overview of the nursing program at PJC. The federal government projects about 54,000 annual openings for licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses and 194,500.
“To address the projected shortage of registered nurses in Texas,” said Erny, “it’s important to provide licensed vocational nurses with opportunities to advance to RN status. This shortage is expected to grow from 29,000 fulltime RNs in 2020 to 57,012 or 16.3% of the workforce by 2032.”
PJC offers a one-year licensed vocational nursing program, and students may transition to the LVN to RN program in their second year for an associate degree in nursing. Texas is one of five states with the highest rate of employment for vocational and registered nurses. Vocational nurses average $56,490 and registered nurses earn $90,210 per year.
“Through grant and foundation funds,” Erny said, “we’ve been able to upgrade equipment, remodel spaces, and offer more in-house simulation experiences for the students. Part of the new testing for the next generation of nursing students is less about memorization, and more about applying knowledge to live situations and making decisions.”
As part of his President’s Report, Benson gave an update on spring enrollment. Head count is up 3.4 percent from a year ago. Registration is on-going for the second 8-week term that begins on March 17.
“We are already starting to see an increase in enrollment,” said Benson, “and the new Reboot Program, Dragon Promise and Presidential Scholarship programs will continue to make us accessible to student. The PJC Memorial Foundation is providing the funding and it is available right now, so we’re rolling these programs out.”
In other business, the Regents:
- Approved a consent agenda that included adding Vice President Keitha Carlton as an authorized representative of TexPool and as a signatory on the Alliance Bank and Guaranty Bank & Trust accounts; acceptance of TASB Policy Updates CAK (Local), CDE (Local), DHB (Local), FAA (Local); approval of a three-year contract with Modern Campus for website redesign and CMA implementation, interlocal agreement with Harris County Department of Education for purchasing products and services under the HCDE bidding umbrella, and of a Communications System Agreement Resolution with the City of Greenville allowing the PJC-Greenville Center police officer to communicate with the City’s emergency services.
- Gave the annually required review and approval of the Investment Policy CAK (Local).
What is USAID? And Will It Be Missed?
What is USAID?
USAID, or the United States Agency for International Development, is an independent agency of the U.S. government primarily responsible for administering foreign aid and development assistance. Established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, USAID’s mission is to promote broad-scale human progress at the same time it expands stable, free societies, creates markets, and fosters innovation. The agency focuses on various areas such as economic growth, agriculture, health, democracy promotion, conflict prevention, humanitarian assistance, and environmental sustainability.
USAID Is Ending
The debate over ending USAID touches on fundamental questions about America’s role in the world and the effective use of taxpayer dollars. Proponents of ending USAID argue that the agency’s programs have not consistently delivered sustainable outcomes. They claim that USAID can foster dependency among recipient countries rather than encouraging self-sufficiency. Critics also point to inefficiencies and bureaucratic complexities that sometimes delay aid, suggesting that the funds allocated to USAID might be better spent on domestic priorities like education, infrastructure, or healthcare. Some assert that U.S. foreign policy would be more effective if it relied on direct diplomatic engagement or market-based initiatives instead of large-scale aid programs.
On the other hand, defenders of USAID emphasize its historical contributions to global stability and humanitarian relief. They argue that USAID has played a crucial role in disaster response, poverty alleviation, and the promotion of democracy in fragile states. By investing in long-term development projects, USAID helps create conditions that reduce conflict and foster economic opportunities abroad—outcomes that can ultimately benefit U.S. national security and economic interests. Supporters also note that many programs have evolved to include accountability measures and evidence-based approaches, addressing past criticisms of waste and inefficiency.
Ending USAID would not only represent a major shift in U.S. foreign policy but also have wide-reaching consequences. It could lead to a gap in international development assistance that other nations or international organizations might struggle to fill. Such a move might also affect global perceptions of American leadership and commitment to humanitarian values. Ultimately, the decision to end USAID involves weighing immediate fiscal concerns and domestic priorities against long-term strategic interests in fostering global stability and prosperity.
