No, $1,390 Stimulus Checks Are Not Coming — IRS and Lawmakers Confirm
August 18, 2025 – Social media posts claiming that $1,390 stimulus checks are set to be distributed soon are false, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and members of Congress. The IRS confirmed this week that no new federal stimulus program has been authorized and that Congress has not approved any new round of economic impact payments. The misinformation appears to stem from viral social media posts and videos...
Abbott, USDA Secretary Rollins Announce $750 Million Screwworm Protection Facility in Texas
Austin, TX — August 15, 2025 — In a major step to safeguard American agriculture, Governor Greg Abbott and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a $750 million federal investment to build a Domestic Sterile Screwworm Production Facility in Edinburg, Texas. The facility will combat the northward spread of the New World screwworm (NWS), a dangerous pest threatening U.S. livestock. “Texas agricultural producers...
Governor Abbott Announces Special Session #2
August 18, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott issued a proclamation identifying 19 agenda items for Special Session #2 that begins at 12:00 PM, Friday, August 15. “Delinquent House Democrats ran away from their responsibility to pass crucial legislation to benefit the lives of Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “Because of their dereliction of duty, Texas families and communities impacted by the catastrophic Fourth of...
A Message of Inspiration From the Author of Living Loved, August 17, 2025
Hey friends, I am absolutely enjoying digging deep in the life of David as I prepared the message for this mornings radio show! And listen friends, it just hit me about David the Shepard Boy. It hit me that as Samuel was anointing David, the young Shepherd Boy, with oil to be King one day, that God selected David. He says that he looks at the heart of men, not the outward appearances. It didn’t hit me that God...
“Doc” Dr. I.L Balkcom IV
Funeral service for “Doc” Dr. I.L. Balkcom, IV, age, 73, of Tyler, Texas will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025 at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs, Texas with Rev. C.J. Duffey officiating. Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home. Dr. Balkcom passed away at his home in Tyler on Thursday,...
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Hosts Joint Meeting
August 14, 2025 – It is that time of year again! In August of each year, the Hopkins County Genealogical Society and the Hopkins County Historical Society hold a joint meeting. This meeting is in lieu of the regular monthly meeting for HCGS, which is usually held on the 3rd Thursday of each month. So, please note carefully the change in the date and time for this meeting……………………… On Thursday, August 28th, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., in...
Basic Fertilizer Information from Master Gardener David Wall
August 15, 2025 – You can buy fertilizer based on name, most colorful & biggest package, cheapest price, or content, but purchase should be made on content, so let’s reexamine what’s in the bag. It’s often said a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 fertilizer is a complete fertilizer, meaning 30% or 40% of the content is Nitrogen, 10% is Phosphorus (actually Phosphate (P2O5)), and 20% is Potassium (actually potash (K2)). OK, so what? Well,...
Texas Game Wardens Near Conclusion of ‘Ghost Deer’ Case with 24 Suspects, 1,400 Charges Filed Statewide
Aug. 14, 2025 – AUSTIN – The Texas Game Warden investigation known as “Ghost Deer” has reached a possible conclusion after two additional suspects turned themselves in on felony charges. This brings the total number of individuals implicated in the case to 24, with approximately 1,400 charges filed across 11 Texas counties. Ken Schlaudt, 64, of San Antonio, the owner of four deer breeding facilities and one release...
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller Applauds EPA Action to End Harmful Diesel Exhaust Fluid Shutdowns
August 15, 2025 – AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today praised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for their decisive action in issuing new guidance that protects farmers, truckers, and other diesel equipment operators from sudden speed and power losses caused by diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems without compromising environmental protection standards. What is DEF? DEF is a non-toxic solution of...
CHRISTUS-Sulphur Springs Honored for Excellence in Stroke Care
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System receives national award for comprehensive stroke care Hospitals in Jacksonville, Sulphur Springs, Tyler recognized for excellence in stroke care (TYLER, Texas) – Three hospitals in the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Health System have been nationally recognized by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for delivering high-quality stroke care. The national award, Get With...
