One of the definitions of diplomacy, according to dictionary.com is, “skill in managing negotiations, handling people, etc., so that there is little or no ill will; tact.”

Recently my wife and I attended the college graduation of the youngest of our brood. This graduation was in Iowa, so there was plenty of time for conversation on the drive back to Texas. This graduation also got me to thinking about our younger generation and the unique challenges all the re…

Memorial Day serves as a meaningful moment for us to honor and remember those who selflessly laid down their lives so that our freedom endures.

If you didn’t know this already, I’m here to inform you: Sports parents are insane. I’m talking bat-poop crazy.

Several local high school and college theater students had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a masterclass May 5 at Angelina College led by the one and only Kristin Chenoweth.

Teachers will often believe in students until they believe in themselves. The most impactful teachers establish and maintain high expectations for successful student outcomes. The benefits of these higher standards are not only immediate; according to a November 2022 Education Week article o…

This year has been a year of celebrations at Lufkin ISD. We have celebrated our staff, our students, our progress building the new middle school and now it’s time to celebrate our 492 seniors.

As we reflect on the recent observance of Peace Officer Memorial Day, I am filled with deep reverence and gratitude for the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. This solemn occasion reminds us of the profound impact these selfless individuals have had…

I attended two high schools before I graduated. Classmates in neither voted me “Most Likely to Succeed.”

On May 18, 1912, the USS Texas, also known as Battleship Texas, launched and quickly became one of the most powerful weapons in the world. It is credited with the introduction and innovation of advances in gunnery, aviation and radar. She is the last surviving Dreadnought and the only battle…

The elderly man was browsing through the blouses, and I was standing an aisle over doing the same thing. It was a couple of days before Mother’s Day, and I figured he was shopping for his wife. I eased closer because I’m that nosy person who wanted to see what he chose.

U.S. life expectancy is lower than other developed countries. What is killing us? And why are some areas of the country (including Deep East Texas) worse off than others? The answers may surprise you.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, we are reminded of the incredible impact moms have on our lives. Mothers are the ones who guide us through life’s challenges, offer support and encouragement and provide us with unconditional love.

Strange how a guy’s view of Mother’s Day changes over the years.

The first few bills have made it to the governor’s desk for his signature, which signals the end of session is fast approaching. Of the more than 8,000 bills filed this session, slightly more than 100 bills and joint resolutions have been sent to the governor and four have been signed into law.

Teacher Appreciation Week provides students, parents and the community the opportunity to give gift cards, flowers, lunches and heartfelt sentiments of gratitude to those who instruct, guide and nurture a love of learning each day in classrooms across the country.

We are excited to present our first Celebrate Students! Exhibition, which will encompass our entire museum. The Lufkin ISD Young Scholars will have more than 300 works on display in the Discovery Room, the Rotary Gallery and our hallways.

Last week, we celebrated Cinco de Mayo. On May 5, 1862, Mexican Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza defeated French expeditionary forces at Puebla, Mexico.

As we kick off the month of May, I want to take a moment to recognize and thank the teachers in our communities during Teacher Appreciation Week.

I still remember my first “paycheck” job. I was 14 years old, and I was allowed to work for the county road department for two weeks in the summer. I’d gotten paid for other work when I was younger, stuff like mowing yards, stacking hay, mucking stalls, feeding livestock and other jobs I’d m…

May is here and time for election of officers for the American Legion family — Post (the veterans), SAL (sons of American Legion) any age from birth to death and Auxiliary — spouse (male or female), mothers, grandmothers, daughters, granddaughters and sisters, any age from birth till death.

Editor’s note: This column was submitted last week and should have run in our most recent Weekend Edition.

Hello, Lufkin! My name is Greg Weatherbee, and I’m the new kid on the block as I begin the role of publisher of The Lufkin Daily News. I appreciate the warm welcome my wife, Vicki, and I have received so far, and we’re looking forward to getting to know more about you and our new hometown.

With the 88th Legislature entering the final 30 days of session, the House is hard at work hearing and debating a wide range of bills on the floor and passing several key priorities. Please stay tuned as I provide insight on the latest developments during these last few weeks of session.

I was shooting pics when she launched her homer, and I kept shooting as she rounded the bases and headed toward home — and she was smiling all the way. After hitting the third-base bag, Abi spread her arms and pretended to “fly” her way to her awaiting teammates.

May is right around the corner, which means we only have a month left in this Legislative session. Deadlines are looming for bills to reach certain benchmarks. It’s a race to the finish.

Let me begin this article by introducing myself. I am Jose A. Echavarria, CEO of Woodland Heights Medical Center as of earlier this month. My wife Elena and I moved from Northwest Arkansas back home to Texas and could not be more excited to be here in Lufkin. We are very much looking forward…

The Battle of San Jacinto was a defining moment in Texas history and a shining example of the unbreakable spirit and fierce pride that defines our great state.

Today is San Jacinto Day in Texas, which celebrates the final battle of the Texas Revolution in 1836, when Texas won its independence from Mexico. The battle was fought in present-day La Porte and lasted just 18 minutes before Gen. Sam Houston defeated Gen. Santa Anna’s Mexican army.

I consider myself just a plain ol’, regular dude. Trust me. There’s nothing special about me. I won’t be landing on any magazine covers. Ever. Not with this mug. I won’t be walking any red carpets or taking the podium to receive a major prize.

On April 21, 1836, at a site on the San Jacinto River outside present day Houston, a small army of civilian volunteers led by Gen. Sam Houston routed a much larger army led by the Mexican dictator Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. The Mexicans knew the Texians were camped out not far from the Mex…

I have good news and bad news. The good news? In 2022, traffic fatalities in TxDOT work zones declined 16% from 2021. That is the first decline since 2018, and it makes me think the TxDOT safety message just might be getting through to some drivers.