Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD students, on average, performed at higher levels than the state and region when comparing results of the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR test. SCUCISD trustees on Jan. 22 reviewed the Texas Academic Performance Report, which is required to be shared with district stakeholders annually.

Breaking it down: In the report, SCUCISD students performed at higher averages for STAAR test results compared to Region 20 and the state. For the number of students who master subject matter, the district falls in line with the region and slightly below the state.

Kelly Kovacs, assistant superintendent of schools, said the participation rate for the STAAR tests were 99%. Alongside STAAR results, the report focused on attendance rates and college, career and military readiness, or CCMR, for students who graduated in 2024.

In the 2023-24 school year, the district achieved a 94% attendance rate, which is approximately 1% higher than the regional and state averages. The four-year graduation rate was 95.7%, around 5% higher than the state average.

A new sandwich shop has plans to open in Live Oak.

What we know: Jason's Deli is anticipated to open at 8214 Agora Parkway in Live Oak, according to a permit filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The new, 4,407-square-foot location will have a drive-thru service lane, according to an email from Donna Lowder, manager of Live Oak's economic development corp.

Jason's Deli—founded in Beaumont—sells specialty sandwiches, salads, pastas and soups. The restaurant also has the option to build your own sandwich.

Notable quote: Lowder said Jason's Deli is a well-known Texas brand with a strong reputation for quality and community.

“Their decision to invest in Live Oak reflects the continued strength of our market and the demand for great dining options,” Lowder said in an email to Community Impact.

• 8214 Agora Parkway, Live Oak

This iconic San Antonio-born Tex-Mex chain is celebrating a big milestone this year, serving the Alamo City for decades.

What’s happening? Las Palapas is celebrating its 45th anniversary in business in San Antonio throughout 2026. The chain first opened in the city back in 1981 by founder Ron Acosta, and now has over 20 locations throughout San Antonio, Boerne and New Braunfels.

A celebration recognizing the milestone was held on Jan. 13 and featured 45 cent tacos, according to a Facebook post from the chain.

Current situation: One of the chain’s original locations at 11860 Blanco Road in North San Antonio was recently listed for sale, according to a news release from Barlowe Daly Realty, the company’s commercial realtor.

• Locations throughout South Central Texas

The March 3 primary election is coming up, and so is the deadline to register to vote. Eligible Texans must register by Feb. 2 to cast votes in dozens of races, including 18 statewide officials, 38 members of Congress, 166 state legislators and various local seats, such as county judges and commissioners.

How to register: Texans must submit a paper voter registration application by Feb. 2. Applications can be mailed to their county elections office or delivered in-person.

To avoid delivery delays under new federal postmark rules, prospective voters may requests that mailed applications be hand-stamped at a local post office.

The big picture: Texas holds primaries for partisan elected positions at the federal, state, regional and local levels. Republican and Democratic primary voters will have a say in which candidates will represent their chosen political party on the November ballot, shaping who is ultimately elected to each seat.

In recent years, no more than one-fourth of registered Texas voters have cast ballots in primary elections, state data shows.