Texas Food Stamp Limits May Hit Convenience Stores Where It Hurts
April 18, 2026 – Texas’ new restrictions on what food stamp recipients can buy are beginning to ripple beyond grocery aisles—raising concerns about unintended consequences for small retailers, especially convenience stores that rely heavily on snack sales. Beginning April 1, more than 3.5 million Texans who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can no longer purchase candy or sweetened beverages with their...
Ruth (Petty) Miller
July 3, 1929 — April 16, 2026 Sulphur Springs Funeral service for Ruth (Petty) Miller, age 96, of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Chapel with Bro. Byron George officiating. Interment will follow at Brashear Cemetery with Jerry Petty, Justin Petty, Jason Petty, Casey Petty, Cody Kinsey, and Tyler Childers serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy...
Clothing Donations and Consequences: The Global Trade Few Donors See
April 17, 2026 – Millions of Americans drop off used clothing each year at thrift stores, charity bins, and donation drives, often assuming their items will go directly to people in need. But the reality is far more complex—and increasingly controversial in parts of the developing world. Approximately 45% to over 80% of donated clothing is shipped overseas, as charities can only sell a small fraction—often only 10–20%—in local...
ERCOT Now Warning Texas About Planned Data Centers’ Power Demands
April 17, 2026 – Texas’ main power grid operator is warning regulators that electricity demand could surge dramatically over the next decade, fueled by rapid growth in data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and large-scale industrial projects. At a hearing scheduled this week, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is expected to present projections showing that peak electricity demand—currently at a record...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Houston Officials for Adopting Sanctuary City Policies
April 17, 2026 – Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against officials in Houston, alleging the city adopted an unlawful “sanctuary” policy that restricts local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The lawsuit centers on a recently approved city ordinance that limits how Houston police can act on administrative warrants issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to the filing, the...
Governor Abbott Touts Texas Jobs Council During Gulf Coast Visit
April 17, 2026 – Greg Abbott highlighted the state’s workforce development efforts during a visit to Crosby on April 16, promoting the newly launched Texas Jobs Council as a key driver of future economic growth. During the visit, Abbott toured the International Training & Education Center, the flagship facility of the International Union of Operating Engineers, where workers receive hands-on training for high-demand careers...
Jessica Young-Swatsell
January 28, 1977 — April 12, 2026 A Memorial Service for Jessica Young-Swatsell will be held on Saturday, April 25,2026, at 2:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Jessica Michele Young-Swatsell was born January 28, 1977, in Greenville, Texas to Tom and Debbie (Wrenn) Young. She married Chad Swatsell in Sulphur Springs, Texas on October 19, 2019. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sulphur...
Camp Mystic Owners Ordered to Leave Flood Site Undisturbed After Deadly Disaster
April 16, 2026 – Authorities have ordered the owners of Camp Mystic to leave the site of a recent deadly flood untouched as investigators work to determine what led to the tragedy. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny over safety conditions and emergency preparedness at the camp, where multiple children lost their lives after sudden floodwaters swept through the area. Local officials say the order is necessary to preserve...
UPRA Rodeo Tickets Up For Grabs
April 16, 2026 – SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX — Excitement is building in Hopkins County as the community prepares to host the 46th annual Nottingham’s SS Dodge UPRA Rodeo later this month. The long-running event, organized by the Hopkins County Rodeo Committee, will take place at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Arena over two nights. The rodeo kicks off on Friday, April 17, 2026, followed by a second performance on Saturday,...
Danny Carper
Memorial Service for Danny Eugene Carper will be at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at West Oaks Funeral Home. Danny passed away on April 12, 2026, surrounded by his family. Full obituary forthcoming. Arrangements are under the direction of West Oaks Funeral Home. www.westoaksfuneralhome.com Danny Carper
