School Vouchers Huge Step Closer to Realty for Texas Families
April 17, 2025 – In a historic shift, the Texas House passed a major school choice bill on Wednesday afternoon, marking the first time such legislation has cleared the chamber. After years of resistance, House lawmakers voted 85–63, mostly along party lines, to advance a school choice program championed by Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, and the Texas GOP. The vote followed hours of contentious debate that stretched past...
Robin Taylor
March 16, 1964 — April 11, 2025 Emory Graveside service for Robin Taylor, age 61, of Emory, Texas will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025 at North Hopkins Cemetery with Bobby Keller officiating. Pallbearers will include William Reed, Jr., Joshua Mills, Jackson Williams, Jason Gregory, Hunter Walls, and Anthony Skeen. Honorary pallbearers will be Ethan Wilson, William Reed, Buddy Walls, and Charles Crews. Visitation will be...
Texas House Passes Year Round Daylight Saving Time Bill
April 16, 2025 – This month, Texas House Bill 1393 (HB 1393), which proposes observing daylight saving time year-round, has passed the Texas House of Representatives. The bill was placed on the General State Calendar on April 15, 2025, and subsequently passed the House on April 16, 2025. However, HB 1393 has not yet become law. For it to take effect, the bill must pass the Texas Senate and be signed by the Governor....
Texas School Voucher Bill Set for Vote Today
April 16, 2025 – As of Wednesday morning, the Texas House is set to vote on a significant school voucher proposal, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s education policy debate. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 2, seeks to establish a $1 billion Education Savings Account (ESA) program. This initiative would allow families to use public funds for private school tuition and related educational expenses, providing...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Expands Investigation into EPIC City by Demanding Documents from Local Cities
April 16, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton Expands Investigation into EPIC City by Demanding Documents from Local Cities Attorney General Ken Paxton is expanding his investigation into EPIC City, which is affiliated with East Plano Islamic Center (“EPIC”), by demanding documents from local city officials potentially tied to the real estate development. Records requests have been sent to city leaders...
High Speed Rail Project Plows Ahead
April 16, 2025 – Despite the federal government’s recent withdrawal of a $64 million planning grant for the proposed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston, North Texas transportation leaders remain committed to advancing the project. Michael Morris, transportation director for the North Central Texas Council of Governments, emphasized that regional leaders are continuing with the environmental study for the...
Easter Weekend Weather Outlook
April 16, 2025 – The Easter weekend forecast for Hopkins County, Texas, including Sulphur Springs, indicates a mix of weather conditions. Saturday, April 19: Expect a breezy and humid day with clouds giving way to some sunshine. High temperatures are anticipated to reach around 83°F (28°C), with a low of 68°F (20°C) . Sunday, April 20 (Easter Sunday): The day will be mostly cloudy with a high near 80°F (27°C). There is a...
Michael Barrett
November 29, 1944 — April 14, 2025 Como Funeral service for Michael Barrett, age 80, of Como, Texas will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs, Texas with Bro. Terry Bolton officiating. Interment will follow at Greenpond Cemetery with military honors by Hopkins County Military Coalition. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at...
School Choice Debate on Wednesday
April 15, 2025 – A major school choice proposal backed by Governor Greg Abbott is set for debate on the floor of the Texas House this Wednesday, April 16. Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), which advanced out of the House Public Education Committee on a 9–6 vote earlier this month, aims to establish Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) of up to $10,000 per student to help families cover private school tuition, textbooks, transportation, and...
Dallas Houston High Speed Rail Loses Ally and Federal Grants
April 15, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Transportation has rescinded a $63.9 million federal grant initially awarded for the proposed high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston. This decision, announced on April 14, 2025, follows an agreement between the Federal Railroad Administration and Amtrak to terminate the funding designated for the Amtrak Texas High-Speed Rail Corridor, previously known as the Texas Central Railway...
