Low Turnout in Sulphur Springs City Council Race Reflects a Broader Texas Trend of Civic Apathy
May 4, 2026 – SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas — Voter turnout in Sulphur Springs’ city council election was strikingly low this cycle, continuing a pattern seen across many small Texas cities where local races struggle to draw even a fraction of eligible voters to the polls. Election officials and political observers say the outcome isn’t surprising—but it is concerning. In many municipal elections like Sulphur Springs’, turnout often...
Decline in SNAP Participation Sparks Debate Over Reform and Access
May 4, 2026 – WASHINGTON – Since President Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has undergone its most significant contraction in decades. New federal data reveals that nearly 4.3 million Americans—approximately 10% of total participants—exited the program between January 2025 and January 2026. The shift follows the implementation of the “One Big Beautiful Bill...
Hantavirus Related Deaths Aboard Ship Being Investigated
May 4, 2026 – A deadly outbreak of Hantavirus aboard the MV Hondius has left three passengers dead and several others ill, raising concerns about onboard health protocols during long international voyages. The MV Hondius is owned and operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, a Dutch-based cruise company specializing in Arctic and Antarctic expedition voyages. The vessel, launched in 2019, is a Polar Class 6 ice-strengthened ship...
Federal Red Snapper Season to Open May 22
May 4, 2026 – AUSTIN —The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal waters will open May 22 rather than the typical June 1 opening. This change was made to provide a longer window for saltwater anglers to enjoy coastal fishing and include the Memorial Day holiday. “As always, our goal is to give Texas anglers as many days as possible to fish in federal waters for red snapper while still maintaining our...
Paxton Wins on Texas Workforce Commission and EPIC City Battle
May 4, 2026 – AUSTIN, Texas — Ken Paxton announced that a temporary injunction involving the proposed EPIC City development has been suspended following an appeal to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals, allowing state officials to pause compliance with a lower court order while the case proceeds. EPIC City, now known as The Meadow, is a planned 402-acre master-planned community near Josephine, Texas, is spearheaded by members of the...
A Message of Inspiration From the Author of Living Loved, May 3, 2026
Hey friends! It’s been one of those weeks where it feels like there is no security under my feet. Feels like the ground is shifting and the weight of my steps can cause the ground to give way. Usually I am pretty good about getting quiet with God and letting his peace was over me like living water and restore that internal balance that keeps us steady even when nothing else is. The peace that surpasses all...
Luther V. Hurst
April 23, 1943 — April 30, 2026 Sulphur Springs Listen to Obituary Luther V. Hurst, age 83, of Sulphur Springs, Texas, peacefully passed away at his home on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Lee Randolph
April 20, 1949 — May 1, 2026 Lee Randolph was born April 20, 1949, in Como, Texas to Wilson and Gladis Cloree (Cutts) Randolph. He was raised in Hopkins County and joined the United States Marine Corp. Lee served his country from1968 until 1974. When he returned home from the Marines he worked as a maintenance man. Lee enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved being outdoors and camping near the lake. Lee never met a stranger and always...
CHRISTUS Health to Host Free High School Football Combine in Tyler
May 1, 2026 – (TYLER, Texas) -CHRISTUS Health will host a free high school football combine on Saturday, May 9, offering professionally administered performance testing to provide athletes with verified data that can support recruiting opportunities and athletic development. The event will take place at APEC at 1543 E. Grande Blvd in Tyler and is open to student athletes from eighth grade through high school seniors. Athletes...
Cancer Support Group to Meet with Guest Speaker Amy Newsom, APRN, FNP-C
May 1, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group will meet on Monday, May 11, for their monthly meeting. These inspirational meetings are held on the second Monday of every month at 5:30 pm in the Medical Plaza, 113 Airport Rd. Women who have or have had any kind of cancer are welcome. Ladies who have had skin cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, and more are represented. The group exists to...
