Texas Marks Child Abuse Awareness Month with Focus on Prevention and Reporting
April 8, 2026 – (AUSTIN) — April is recognized as Child Abuse Awareness Month in Texas, with state agencies, advocacy groups, and local communities working to highlight prevention efforts and encourage reporting of suspected abuse and neglect. Throughout the month, blue ribbons and pinwheels—national symbols of child abuse prevention—are displayed at schools, government buildings, and community centers to raise awareness. Events...
Texas Investigates Camp Mystic Amid License Renewal Effort
April 7, 2026 – AUSTIN — Texas health officials are investigating hundreds of complaints against Camp Mystic as the longtime summer camp seeks to renew its license and reopen for the 2026 season. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) confirmed it has received a large volume of complaints since February related to the camp’s operations during the summer of 2025. The complaints allege potential violations of state...
Wendell Frank Johnson, Jr
Wendell Frank Johnson, Jr was introduced to his parents Wendell Frank Johnson, Sr and Rita Nell (Harrison) Johnson on May 14,1976 in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Their hearts were filled with joy, and they happily welcomed their son with love and excitement. Frank transitioned from this earthly life on March 24, 2026, in Beaumont, Tx leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion to his family. He was a sweet, loving person whose...
Joe Don Shelton
March 4, 1952 — April 6, 2026 Sulphur Springs Graveside service for Joe Don Shelton, age 74, of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at Aiguier Cemetery in Birthright with Craig Shelton officiating and Michael Borden, Jeremy Shelton, Johnathon Shelton, Craig Shelton, Jeff Smith, and Ronnie Wolfe serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service at...
Calling All THEIA Members!
Saddle Up for the 2026 THEIA Annual Conference April 7, 2026 – Hunter Education Instructor In-Sights offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Hunter Education program, sharing timely updates, teaching tips, and valuable resources to support our instructors. From program events and policy updates to field-tested best practices and news, In-Sights keeps instructors informed, connected, and confident—sharpening the knowledge and...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Takes Legal Action as Part of a Landmark Investigation into an Alleged Effort to Impose Sharia Law on Texas
April 7, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton demanded documents from the Islamic Tribunal, which is a group that has been accused of making judicial rulings based on sharia law. Islamic Tribunal has reportedly sought to replace actual courts of law and evade neutral and generally applicable state and federal laws. Islamic Tribunal is a Dallas-based entity that claims to exercise jurisdiction over all aspects of Muslim life....
Texas Distributes $11.8 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds to Hospital Districts
April 7, 2026 – (AUSTIN) — Texas is sending $11.8 million in opioid settlement funds to hospital districts across the state as part of ongoing efforts to combat the opioid crisis, Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced. The funding, distributed through the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council (OAFC), marks the third round of payments from the state’s Opioid Abatement Trust Fund. The money is intended to support local...
Record Demand for Texas Education Freedom Accounts Highlights School Choice Shift
April 6, 2026 – AUSTIN — More than 274,000 students applied for Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) in the program’s first year, according to new data released by the Texas Comptroller’s Office, underscoring a surge in demand for school choice options across the state. Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock called the response unprecedented, noting that Texas set a national benchmark for first-year participation in a school choice...
Jerrell Lynn Echols
January 17, 1956 ~ April 4, 2026 (age 70) Funeral Services for Jerrell Lynn Echols, age, 70 will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at East Caney Baptist Church with Pastor LaVelle Hendricks officiating. Interment will follow the service at East Caney Cemetery. There will be a visitation from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, at West Oaks Funeral Home. Jerrell passed away on April 4,...
Texas Sales Tax Revenue Hits $4 Billion in March Amid Strong Economic Growth
April 6, 2026 – AUSTIN — Texas collected $4 billion in state sales tax revenue in March, a 10 percent increase from the same month last year, signaling continued strength in the state’s economy, Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced. The majority of March revenue reflects sales made in February, with collections showing the fastest growth rate since early 2023. Hancock credited the gains to broad-based economic expansion,...
