AUSTIN — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit on April 21 vacated a lower court’s ruling and dismissed a lawsuit claiming that the National Day of Prayer is unconstitutional. Last week’s ruling found that the Freedom From Religion Foundation had no standing to challenge the President’s National Day of Prayer proclamation because the presidential action had not caused the plaintiffs any harm.

“Last week’s ruling was an important victory for religious liberties,” Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said. “The federal appeals court overturned the lower court’s decision and dismissed the challenge to the National Day of Prayer.”

Read more: Seventh Circuit upholds National Day of Prayer

The Progress Times is introducing a new online service for our readers and advertisers. Special sections of the Progress Times, such as today’s Mother’s Day Shopping Guide, will now be available online at www.progresstimes.net under the “Digital Editions” tab.

Read more: New Digital Online Editions

McALLEN — Melissa Renaud remembers the first time her son said, ”I love you.” He was 5 years old lying in bed after a hard day at school. She held him and stroked his hair for comfort and said, “Everything is OK. You need to be strong and we are here for you.” She knew he probably wouldn’t respond. However, in that moment, her son made direct eye contact, which isn’t normal, and said, ”I love you.”

Renaud’s son, Mikey, now 10 years old, was diagnosed with autism at age three. His diagnosis has united the family over the years. Together they have learned how to overcome obstacles to help their son have a chance to excel in life, and through their efforts to help Mikey, they have educated others.

Read more: Autism: A Child’s Silent Struggle

Districts look for an outside view

Editor’s note: The following is the first part of a two-part series on local school district staffing methodologies. The Progress Times has met with school administrators and education advocates to determine how districts deal with maintaining their staffing levels and whether a standard should be required.

MISSION — In the ongoing economic uncertainty for education funding, local school districts have begun cutting excess spending anywhere they can from energy efficiency to consolidating bus routes, office supplies, equipment and general departmental budget cuts.

Read more: STUDYING SCHOOL STAFFING

MISSION — Sharyland Independent School District board members decided not to pursue open enrollment during their recent board meeting.

“Sharyland’s a school community. People come here basically for the schools,” said SISD Superintendent Scott Owings.

At a previous board meeting, officials discussed open enrollment and charging tuition based on the difference the state would give for an enrolled student and what the district actually pays for a student’s education.

Read more: SISD says no to open enrollment

Motorists should expect lane reductions on 23rd Street from US 83 to Sarah Street in south McAllen. Crews are working on an asphalt overlay operation. The work is scheduled from April 25 to May 9. 23rd Street is part of a district-wide overlay project that includes US 83, FM 1015, FM 907, FM 1926 & FM 1426. TxDOT has already completed work on FM 1015, FM 1426, and FM 907.

MISSION — Hidalgo County officials this week reminded residents that Anzalduas Park remains closed to the public and will not be available for use over the Easter holiday.

Read more: Anzalduas Park remains closed for Easter

MISSION — The Mission City Council approved hiring 10 additional police officers last Friday at an annual cost of approximately $550,000. The council adopted a budget amendment to approve $248,503 for the remaining 12 pay periods of this fiscal year. The city will pay this expenditure out of the city’s general fund, said City Manager Julio Cerda.

This action comes on the heels of the opening of a new $2.2 million police substation and Fire Station No. 5 on Military and Glasscock roads.

Read more: Mission hires more police officers