Texas Attorney General Paxton Takes on Chinese Companies
May 7, 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched legal action against several Chinese companies, including TP-Link, Alibaba, and CapCut, accusing them of violating Texans’ privacy rights under the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA). These companies, which Paxton links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), have been given thirty days to comply with the state’s privacy laws or face further legal consequences.
The TDPSA requires businesses to be transparent about how they process consumer data, give users the ability to opt out of data collection, and allow them to delete their personal information. Paxton emphasized that noncompliance, especially by foreign entities tied to the CCP, poses a significant risk to Texan citizens’ digital privacy.
“I have notified several Chinese-owned companies that they must stop violating Texas’s privacy laws and protect Texans’ data from falling into the hands of the CCP,” Paxton said. This action builds on his broader efforts to combat data misuse, including a recent investigation into the CCP-affiliated AI company DeepSeek, which has since been banned from all Texas Attorney General’s Office devices.
Paxton’s initiative reflects growing national concern over foreign influence in tech and data security. Texans are encouraged to report potential TDPSA violations to the Attorney General’s Office.
‘DART Killer’ Bill Advances
May 6, 2025 – After weeks of debate and testimony, Texas lawmakers on the House Transportation Committee voted 9 to 2 on Tuesday to advance House Bill 3187, a measure that could significantly reshape public transit funding in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Authored by Rep. Matt Shaheen (R-Plano), the bill proposes reducing the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system’s one-cent sales tax collection from member cities by 25%. That reduced portion would instead be funneled into a new general mobility fund, allowing cities to invest in alternative transportation and infrastructure projects.
DART serves Dallas and 12 surrounding cities with multimodal public transit services and customer facilities tailored to make exploring North Texas easy. DART buses, trains, GoLink On-Demand, Paratransit Services, Dallas Streetcar and the TRE make riding DART the fast and reliable way to travel.
Supporters of the bill argue that cities need more flexibility in how they spend transit-related funds, especially as local needs evolve beyond traditional rail and bus systems. Shaheen and others claim the legislation would empower municipalities to invest in broader mobility solutions, such as road improvements, bike lanes, or emerging technologies.
However, DART officials warn the consequences could be severe. Spokesperson Jeamy Molina said the proposed funding cut could result in service reductions of up to 30%, impacting daily riders who rely on buses and trains for work, school, and essential travel. DART serves 13 member cities, and a sharp reduction in services would disproportionately affect low-income and transit-dependent communities.
Critics also argue the bill undermines regional cooperation and threatens long-term investments in public transit infrastructure. As the legislation moves to the full House for consideration, the debate is likely to intensify, with public transit advocates, city leaders, and riders watching closely. The outcome could set a precedent for how Texas—and potentially other states—balance the needs of public transportation agencies with the push for local spending autonomy. With so much at stake, HB 3187 is shaping up to be one of the session’s most consequential transportation policy battles.
Sr. Center COOR Dawna Pryor had a Second Cup of Coffee to Discuss What the Center has Planned for a Mother’s Day Celebration
Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator Dawna Pryor stopped by for A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to share what the Center has in store for the community in the upcoming weeks. John Mark and Dawna chatted about the Mother’s Day Celebration the Senior Citizens Activity Center will host May 9th, 2025. The two also talked about the upcoming talk CNB will have on avoiding fraud, the Senior Prom, and so much more. Don’t miss this episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee!
ETAMU to Celebrate Largest Graduating Class of All Time on May 9 & 10
May 6, 2025 – Students will receive their degrees in one of five ceremonies across two days.
COMMERCE, TX, May 6, 2025— More than 1,600 East Texas A&M University students are poised to break a record as the largest graduating class in the 135+ year history of the university at commencement ceremonies scheduled for Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10.
In total, 1,646 graduates will receive their degrees across five ceremonies—two for graduate-level students and three for undergraduates—at the university Field House located at 1804 Lee Street in Commerce.
University President Mark Rudin congratulated the record-breaking Spring 2025 graduating class.
“Graduation is always an occasion worth celebrating, but being a part of the largest graduating class in our university’s long history must be a special feeling for our students,” Rudin said. “I couldn’t be prouder of these Lion graduates and their hard work and perseverance to reach this moment.”
Rudin continued: “I am confident that these 1,600+ Lion alumni will go out into the world and demonstrate how we fulfill our mission to transform lives.”
Graduate Fast Facts
Out of the more than 1,600 upcoming graduates, here are a few highlights
- Age of youngest graduate: 14
- Age of oldest graduate: 75
- U.S. states represented: 34
- Countries represented: 4
- First-gen graduates: 599
- International student graduates: 150
- Students graduating with academic distinction: 578
Commencement ceremony schedule
See our schedule below:
Graduate School – Master’s
Friday, May 9 at 1 p.m. | Livestream
College of Business
College of Science and Engineering
Graduate School – Doctoral and Master’s
Friday, May 9, 2025 at 4 p.m. | Livestream
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
College of Education and Human Services
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s
Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. | Livestream
College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
College of Business
College of Science and Engineering
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s
Saturday, May 10 at 11:30 a.m. | Livestream
College of Education and Human Services
College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Arts
Undergraduate – Bachelor’s
Saturday, May 10 at 2:30 p.m. | Livestream
College of Innovation and Design
Guest information
Tickets
- Each graduate received an allotted number of tickets to share with family and friends. A ticket must be presented for each guest, including infants and toddlers.
- Guests should ensure they have their tickets BEFORE arriving at the ceremony and have them ready to be scanned BEFORE entering the building.
- Guests without tickets may view a live stream of the ceremony via the links above.
Parking
- The closest parking lots are 1, 2, 3, and 5.
- Guests with disabilities (with proper vehicle identification) may park in Lot 4. The entrance to Lot 4 is on Bois D’Arc St.
- Shuttle buses are free of charge and will rotate throughout the parking areas approximately every 15 minutes.
Bags
- A clear bag policy is in place.
- ALLOWED: Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags- no larger than 12”x 6”x 12”
- NOT ALLOWED: Clear bags with buckles, hardware, or décor concealing the bag, backpacks, regular-size purses, large totes, diaper bags, or other similar items
Accessibility
- The bottom two rows of bleachers are reserved for guests with disabilities. Representatives from the Student Disability Services office will be available to assist. For ADA accommodations, please contact [email protected].
For additional guest information, please visit tamuc.edu/Graduation. Follow East Texas A&M on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and check out the University Photo Archive for upcoming graduation photos!
Photo by Matt Strasen, East Texas A&M Marketing and Communications | The university’s 1,600+ Spring graduates represent 34 total U.S. states and four countries.
Mt. Vernon Set to Become Nation’s Lithium Capitol
April 6, 2025 – GeoFrame, a Houston-based energy and mining company, has announced bold plans to turn Mount Vernon, Texas — a small town with a population of just 2,500 — into the nation’s largest single-source lithium producer. The company’s ambitious initiative promises to inject new economic life into the rural community, bringing over 100 new jobs and positioning the area at the forefront of the U.S. energy transition.
The project centers on a newly discovered lithium-rich brine deposit just outside Mount Vernon. GeoFrame intends to use advanced direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology to produce the mineral more efficiently and sustainably than traditional methods. Once operational, the facility is expected to triple current domestic lithium output, reducing America’s reliance on foreign imports and supporting the growing demand for electric vehicles, batteries, and renewable energy storage systems.
Local officials have expressed optimism about the project’s potential, emphasizing not just job creation, but also improvements in infrastructure, tax revenue, and long-term economic diversification. Critics, however, have raised concerns about environmental impact and water use — issues GeoFrame says it will address through strict oversight and innovative, low-impact extraction techniques.
Construction is slated to begin in early 2026, with full-scale production expected by 2028. If successful, the Mount Vernon site could significantly reshape both the local economy and the U.S. lithium supply chain. For a small East Texas town, the promise of becoming a critical player in a global energy market marks a dramatic and potentially transformative shift. As GeoFrame moves forward, all eyes will be on whether it can deliver on its promises — and turn Mount Vernon into a new symbol of American clean energy independence.
Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting for May
May 5, 2025 – Hello everyone! We have all enjoyed Kenny Sivard’s previous presentations and we are looking forward to another one on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the HCGS Library, 611 N. Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Kenny is coming from Oklahoma to bring us the story of the “Battle of Honey Springs,” a Civil War battle fought in Indian Territory. He may even augment his talk by dressing in period costume!
Kenny Sivard, is a 7th generation resident of McCurtain County, Oklahoma. Currently he is the president of the McCurtain County Historical Society and serves on the board of directors of the Oklahoma Historical Society where he sits on the organization’s Research and Publications Committees. He also serves on the executive board of the Friends of Fort Towson Historic Site and the board of directors of the Friends of Honey Springs Historic Battlefield. Kenny was formerly a history writer for the Oklahoma Edge Magazine and has written history articles for the McCurtain Gazette newspaper for over ten years.
If you are unable to attend this meeting in person you are invited to attend via Zoom:When: May 15, 2025 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/jo18Ihm0QJOxbL9wlmpsMg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Watch for Safety Lighting Improvements in Lamar and Hopkins Counties
May 5, 2025 – PARIS – Texas Department of Transportation officials today announced that Safety Lighting work will be underway beginning May 12.
The contractor, Vaca Underground Utilities, Inc, plans to begin installation of Safety Lighting on US 271 North at the intersection of FM 3298 in Lamar County and will move to various locations as the work progresses. The contractor will be installing this safety lighting in Lamar and Hopkins Counties. Work will be performing at the following locations:
- Lamar County
- US 271 at FM 3298 Intersection
- US 271 at FM 2648 Intersection
- South LP 286 at FM 905
- Hopkins County
- FM 69 at FM 269 Intersection
This work will involve the installation of safety lighting to improve visibility at night. The majority of this work will be performed on the shoulder and off of the roadway surface, but occasional lane closures with flaggers will be utilized. The roadway will be opened to normal traffic flow at the end of each day.
Motorists who travel frequently in this area are asked to pay special attention to all barricades, traffic controls and signs, and to reduce their speed as they approach and travel through these intersections. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
CHRISTUS Health Recognizes Stroke Month: Know the Signs of a Stroke
May 5, 2025 – (EAST TEXAS) – May is National Stroke Awareness Month and CHRISTUS Health is encouraging people to know the signs of a stroke, which affects nearly 800,000 Americans each year and nearly 15 million worldwide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke, and there are more than 450 deaths from stroke each day.
“Stroke recovery and survival can be a matter of minutes and, quite frankly, seconds,” said Kala Anders, stroke program manager at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. “Being able to recognize the signs and calling 911 immediately may make the difference in having a strong recovery, a long-term disability or even death.”
A stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts.
Anders said that, generally, if a stroke patient receives treatment within three or four hours of the first symptoms, major long-term disabilities can be reduced or eliminated.
“The quicker the better,” she says.
The easiest way to recognize symptoms is the acronym BEFAST.
B: Balance – Is there a sudden loss of balance or coordination?
E: Eyes – Is there sudden blurred or double vision?
F: Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of their face droop?
A: Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S: Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? T: Time – If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately, as time is very important.
If you are a stroke survivor, you are at a higher risk of having another stroke as nearly 200,000 strokes occur in people who have had a previous stroke, Anders said.
According to the American Stroke Association, eight key factors can increase your risk of stroke: smoking, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, obesity, poor sleep routines, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
People with atrial fibrillation are prone to suffer more serious strokes than those with other underlying factors.
“Life after a stroke can be broken down into thirds,” Anders said. “A third of people will live with a disability after a stroke, a third will live a normal life and a third, unfortunately, die from a stroke. This is why it is so imperative to follow preventative measures, to hopefully reduce your risk of a stroke.”
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Student Taken into Custody Following What’s Called a “Spoofing” Incident
May 5, 2025 – The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office says a student has been taken into custody following what’s called a “spoofing” incident which targeted a teacher.
The Como-Pickton Consolidated ISD says a person called a teacher Friday from a spoofed number and threatened to shoot her if she didn’t change the caller’s grade.
Superintendent Dr. Greg Bower says: “The student suspect has been identified and caught by law enforcement. Let me reiterate that we have zero tolerance for this type of behavior. We want to thank the effort, work, and support of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Tatum.”
Bower posted a statement on Facebook saying in part: ”We will pursue every legal option available against such behavior including maximum school discipline or other maximum legal actions at our discretion. Please take the time to speak with your child, regardless of grade level, to remind them of the seriousness of making any threatening statement or remarks, at school or outside of school, directed at any person within our school community.”
He continued: “We do not find there to be any danger, but to set minds at ease, we are going to double our law enforcement presence at school for the meanwhile. “
Sun Savvy Women: Taking Control of Skin Health and Ageing
April 5, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Ladies, the sun is officially out for spring and will only heat up
more during summer. Make sure your skin is ready to take the heat with these sun exposure tips from the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation.
Sun exposure is the biggest threat to skin health. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays, otherwise known as UV, is the primary cause of skin cancer and is responsible for almost 90% of skin aging.
About 95% of solar radiation is UVA, which damages elastin and collagen deep within the skin layers, making skin thinner, weaker, and more prone to dark spots and wrinkles.
UVA is the most common UV used in tanning beds. Women have approximately 20% thinner skin than men, meaning there is less elastin and collagen to lose. Women’s bodies also naturally start to lose elastin and collagen at more dramatic rates after menopause, pronouncing the signs of aging more rapidly.
UVB, the other type of harmful UV, burns and blisters the top layers of skin, directly causing mutations to DNA in skin cells. Think of the “A” in UVA to mean ageing, and the “B’ in UVB to mean burning. Both UVA and UVB cause skin cancer.
Although most UV rays are UVA, regular sunscreens only protect from UVB because it is the type that visibly burns the skin. Broad spectrum sunscreen is preferable as it protects from both UVA and UVB. For babies or those with sensitive skin, sunscreens with the active ingredients of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are gentlest.
Mineral and chemical sunscreens are two categories of sunscreens to choose from. Mineral sunscreens are effective immediately, coating the surface of the skin and reflecting UV off. They are more sensitive on skin and are generally reef safe for ocean swimming.
Chemical sunscreens take roughly 20 minutes to activate, but they allow the absorption of UV rays and deactivate them within the skin cells. This reaction converts UV into heat that is then released from the body. Both mineral and chemical sunscreens have pros and cons, so it is best for individuals to read up and decide which will work for them. UV rays can pass through clouds and glass, so it is important to wear sunscreen even on overcast days or for car rides. Daily wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology to prevent skin cancer. Choose a water-resistant sunscreen for swim days and reapply every 2 to 3 hours for full protection.
Reapplying can sound daunting when a full face of makeup is at risk of being ruined by pasty white sunscreen, but there are products and methods that can save face in more ways than one. Sunscreen sticks, spray sunscreens, and even mineral powder sunscreens apply well over makeup to freshen up skin protection every few hours.
The SPF in makeup is not enough on its own to protect the skin. While foundations may include SPF, the amount is too small of a percentage of the total mixture to provide true protection on its own.
Wondering how much is enough? For the face, a nickel size amount of sunscreen or the amount that fits on two fingers tips should cover it. For the rest of the body, roughly 6 to 8 teaspoons or a one ounce shot glass full of sunscreen provides adequate coverage.
SPF does not add up if layered. For example, if foundation has a SPF of 20 and a sunscreen powder is layered on top with a SPF of 30, the skin is protected at a rating of 30 SPF, not a cumulative 50.
While layering different forms of SPF does not increase the overall SPF, it does help to cover any missed spots. If the base SPF didn’t cover one area of skin, perhaps the powder will. Think of layering and reapplying as gap insurance against skin cancer.
1 in 5 Americans develop skin cancer during their lifetime, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be prevented. While skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, it is also the most preventable. By committing to protect and monitor the skin, skin stays stronger, healthier, and more youthful.
