Susan “Diane” Livsey
October 2, 1942 — May 16, 2026 Susan Diane Smith Livsey (known as Momma and Grammie to her family) of Overton, TX, passed peacefully in her sleep into the waiting arms of Jesus on Friday, May 15, 2026. Born October 2, 1942, to Jacob Weldon Smith, Sr. and Susie Marietta (Lyle) in Longview TX, Diane spent her first few years in the East Texas oil patch while her father served in the United States Army during World War II. Later she...
Paxton Wins in Antimicrobial Pesticide Complaint
May 19, 2026 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a sweeping settlement with grocery giant Albertsons this week, ending a controversial practice involving the misting of organic produce with a synthetic antimicrobial solution in stores across the state. The agreement follows a months-long investigation launched in January 2026 amid concerns that consumers were unknowingly purchasing organic fruits and vegetables treated...
Opinion: For the Future of Texas, Pause Data Centers
An Editorial by Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller May 19, 2026 – Texas has always been a state that builds things. We farm, ranch, and produce the food, fuel, and fiber that power America. We champion growth, private enterprise, and innovation. The Lone Star State remains a global beacon of what freedom and opportunity can achieve. But Texans also demand smart, common-sense decisions. Right now, we need an honest...
Texas Attorney General Sues “TexAM” Over Alleged Illegal Degree Operations
May 19, 2026 – RICHARDSON, Texas — Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against an entity operating as “Texas American Muslim University” (TexAM), alleging the organization unlawfully presented itself as an accredited university and misled prospective students about its legitimacy. According to the Attorney General’s office, TexAM did not obtain the required certificate of authority from the state to operate as a private postsecondary...
Jimmy Foley
March 13, 1957 — May 16, 2026 Nelta Graveside service for Jimmy Foley, age 69, of Nelta, Texas, will be held at 12:30 P.M. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Connor Cemetery in Dike, Texas, with Bro. Donnie Powers officiating. Joe Forshee, James Sisson “Sisco”, Stanley Roberts, Isaac Foley, Samuel Foley, and Jonah Foley serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held thirty minutes prior to the service at Connor Cemetery. Mr. Foley passed...
Ryan Cade Prewitt
Ryan Cade Prewitt of Mount Vernon, Texas, passed away unexpectedly in Wylie, Texas, on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, at the very young age of 24. Ryan was born on April 12, 2002, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Keith Prewitt and Debra Louise Saxon. Ryan loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time hunting and fishing. He often spent time with his brother, Luke, whom he looked up to very much, shooting guns and doing target practice. He was...
Wildfires Force Ongoing Closure of Palo Duro Canyon State Park as Crews Battle Dangerous Conditions
May 18, 2026 — Texas Panhandle – Wildfires sweeping across the Texas Panhandle continue to threaten one of the state’s most iconic natural landmarks, forcing the extended closure of Palo Duro Canyon State Park as firefighters and emergency personnel work to contain rapidly changing conditions. Fires Trigger Evacuations and Park Closure The situation began escalating on May 15, when advancing flames from the Hungate Fire and...
Governor Abbott Announces Over $2.5 Million In Career Training Grants For Nine East Texas Area Schools
May 18, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today announced nine Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $2,524,300 have been awarded to nine schools in East Texas by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The JET grants will support career and technical education (CTE) training programs by helping the schools purchase and install equipment to initially train 700 students for high-demand occupations such as...
7th Annual Designer Handbag Bingo Dates Announced
May 18, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has set the dates for Designer Handbag Bingo sponsorships, tables, and individual tickets to go on sale. This annual sellout event is slated for Thursday, August 6. Sponsorships go on sale on Monday, May 18, at HandbagBingo26.GiveSmart.com. There are four sponsorships available, with each providing a handbag to the prize lineup. The $2,500 and...
Commissioner Miller Praises President Trump and Attorney General Paxton for Launch of Investigation into Meatpacking Industry
AUSTIN, Texas — May 17, 2026 – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller on Friday applauded Ken Paxton and the U.S. Department of Justice under President Donald Trump for launching a sweeping antitrust investigation into the nation’s largest meatpacking companies, citing long-standing concerns over market concentration and pricing practices in the beef industry. The investigation will examine allegations of price fixing, market...
