Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Awards $21.2 Million in Local Parks Grants
Jan. 29, 2026 – AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $21.2 million in local park grants, a new record, to help create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities. These competitive grants are allocated to local government entities on a 50/50 reimbursement match basis. Once funded, the sites must remain a parkland in perpetuity, properly maintained and open to the public. Fifty community parks...
Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce SNAP Replacement Benefits Extension Following Winter Storm
Austin, Texas — January 30, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott on Friday announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has received federal approval to extend the deadline for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed during the January winter storm. The extension gives Texans additional time to recover from freezing temperatures and...
Imogene Graves
May 11, 1928 — January 28, 2026 Sulphur Springs, Texas Imogene Graves, age 97, of Sulphur Springs, Texas, passed away at Christus Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs, Texas, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. No formal services are planned at this time. Imogene Graves was born on May 11, 1928, in Brashear, Texas, to Earl and Velma (Johnston) Clark. She was retired from working in home health care. Imogene is survived by her daughter,...
Verrera Roland
Verrea Roland was born on February 16, 1934 in Como, Texas to Garland McQueen and Willie Harris. She married Ervin Ray Roland and to this union, five children were born. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Alonzo Roland (Ping) in Oklahoma; daughter, Glodell Roland of Sulphur Springs; five grandchildren, Crystal, Jason (Rachell), Ervin Ray, Jeanette and Marie; five great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Verrea was...
Kenneth Paul Cockrum
May 26, 1942 — January 29, 2026 Sulphur Springs Funeral service for Kenneth Paul Cockrum, age 83, of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home with John Kennedy officiating. Interment will follow at Peerless Cemetery with Cade Kennedy, Carson Kennedy, Brock Kennedy, John Pat Kennedy, Brad Wood, and Alford Echols serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe...
Marvin Nichols Reservoir On Hold
January 30, 2026 – The Texas Water Development Board has voted to keep the proposed Marvin Nichols Reservoir in the state water plan while placing the long-discussed project on hold, a decision that preserves the reservoir as a future option without advancing it toward construction. Board members approved the action during a recent meeting, signaling that while the project remains part of Texas’ long-term water supply strategy,...
Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration to Prevent New World Screwworm Fly Infestation
Austin, Texas — January 29, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott on Thursday issued a statewide disaster declaration aimed at preventing the potential spread of the New World screwworm (NWS) fly into Texas, authorizing additional state resources to protect livestock, wildlife, and the state’s agricultural economy. Although the destructive parasite is not currently present in Texas or elsewhere in the United States, state officials warn...
Commissioner Sid Miller Activates TDA Relief Efforts for Producers Impacted by Winter Storm Fern
January 29, 2026 – AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced that the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has activated relief efforts to assist producers, ranchers, and agribusinesses affected by Winter Storm Fern. Miller is also urging Texans and organizations statewide to support recovery efforts through donations to the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund. Severe winter conditions across...
Attorney General Paxton Announces Investigation Into H‑1B Visa Abuse, Starting With Three North Texas Businesses
January 29, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a wide sweeping investigation into abuse of the H-1B visa program by Texas businesses. As part of the investigation, he has issued Civil Investigative Demands (“CIDs”) to three North Texas companies suspected of engaging in fraudulent activity—including entities identified in videos that were widely-circulated online. The H-1B visa is a U.S. nonimmigrant visa allowing...
Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce $44 Million in Grant Funding for Rural Hospitals
January 28, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday announced that the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will make $44 million in grant funding available to eligible hospitals serving rural communities across the state, an effort aimed at stabilizing facilities facing financial challenges and expanding access to health care in underserved areas. The funding will be distributed through the Rural Health Financial...
