Neighboring Hunt County Institutes Burn Ban
January 9, 2026 – Hopkins County has yet to issue a burn ban this fall, but our neighboring county to the west issued one today. Residents of Hunt County are now prohibited from outdoor burning. Hunt County residents are asked to be particularly mindful of any equipment or outdoor work that may cause a spark or ignition source that could go unnoticed. High winds can cause grassfires to spread very quickly and can cause...
Governor Abbott Announces $30,000 Reward For Information On Commissioner Betancourt Shooting
January 8, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $30,000 for information leading to the arrest of Reynaldo Mata-Rios. Eddy Betancourt was found deceased on December 27, 2025, and on the following day, the McAllen Police Department issued a warrant for Mata-Rios’ arrest for murder. Betancourt was the vice chairman of the Hidalgo...
‘Cedar Fever’ Time Once Gain
January 8, 2026 – North Texans battling runny noses, itchy eyes, and relentless sneezing may have a familiar culprit to blame this time of year: mountain cedar. Often mistaken for a lingering cold or the aftermath of holiday gatherings, mountain cedar allergies typically peak during the winter months, especially from December through February. The tree, also known as Ashe juniper, releases large amounts of pollen that can travel...
Hopkins County Commissioners Consider Another Solar Farm
January 7, 2026 – A work session was held at the Hopkins County Courthouse on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 to discuss the possibility of a tax break for Cobra Industrial Activites, Inc. Cobra is attempting to push forward a project by Sligsol Solar that was withdrawn from consideration near the end of 2024. The 515-acre facility would produce 81-megawatts of electricity at full capacity. Cobra representatives discussed the build out...
Attorney General Ken Paxton Detains Fifty Illegal Aliens in Raids Throughout the Houston Area
January 7, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton’s Criminal Investigation Division recently detained fifty illegal aliens during continued operational activity in the Houston metropolitan area and turned them over to federal authorities for deportation proceedings. “Texas has been invaded by foreign illegals who rob Americans of their safety and opportunity,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Under the corrupt Biden Administration,...
U.S. Lawmakers Eye “Privateer” Authority to Target Cartel Boats Under Proposed Legislation
January 5, 2026 – WASHINGTON — A controversial new proposal being floated in Congress could open the door for private American citizens to legally seize cartel ships and assets on the high seas, reviving a centuries-old constitutional power and sparking debate over enforcement and legality. A privateer is a private ship owner or seaman authorized by a government’s letter of marque during wartime to attack and capture enemy...
Burn Bans Likely Coming to Northeast Texas as Wildfire Danger Grows
January 5, 2026 – NORTHEAST TEXAS — Fire officials are warning residents across Northeast Texas to prepare for burn bans this week as warm, dry and windy conditions persist, fueling heightened wildfire risk across the region. There is currently 0.3″ forecast this week on Thursday Dry weather patterns and an ongoing lack of rain have left grasses, brush and timber unusually dry and highly flammable. Combined with gusty...
Application Window for Texas’ New School Choice Program Starts Next Month
January 2, 2026 – Senate Bill 2, approved by lawmakers in 2025, set aside $1 billion to establish the Education Freedom Accounts program. The initiative allows eligible families to use state-funded accounts to help pay for approved education expenses, including private school tuition, instructional materials, tutoring, and other qualifying services outside the traditional public school system. State officials say applications...
Staying In and Turning In Early Gains Popularity on New Year’s Eve
December 31, 2025 – As New Year’s Eve approaches, more Americans are choosing to celebrate quietly at home and head to bed early, a trend many say offers practical and personal benefits over late-night outings. Avoiding crowded parties and packed bars reduces stress and lowers the risk of accidents, particularly on roads where impaired driving increases during the holiday. Safety experts note that staying home eliminates the...
Paxton Secures $1.25 Million Settlement With Hyatt Over Hidden Hotel Fees
December 31, 2025 – AUSTIN — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a $1.25 million settlement with Hyatt Corporation after the company was accused of violating Texas consumer protection laws by advertising hotel room prices that did not reflect the full cost paid by customers. According to the attorney general’s office, the lawsuit alleged Hyatt used deceptive pricing practices by marketing rooms at attractive daily rates...
