Texas DPS Launches ‘Ghost’ Patrol Units, Ignites Online Debate
August 20, 2025 – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has unveiled a new fleet of low-profile “ghost” patrol units, designed to blend into traffic and crack down on dangerous driving behaviors. These vehicles, which feature subtle markings only visible at certain angles or under specific lighting, are part of DPS’s strategy to enhance roadway safety while maintaining an element of stealth.
The goal, according to officials, is to deter reckless driving, street racing, and other traffic violations by increasing the presence of law enforcement without being immediately recognizable. DPS says the ghost units are already being deployed in high-traffic areas and regions with elevated crash rates.
The move has sparked a wave of reactions online, with some praising the tactic as a smart safety measure that will keep dangerous drivers in check. Others have criticized it, raising concerns about transparency and potential overreach, arguing that police should be clearly visible rather than operating covertly.
Supporters say that the element of unpredictability will make drivers think twice before speeding or texting behind the wheel. Opponents, meanwhile, fear it could lead to more citations rather than improved safety.
Despite the debate, DPS says the ghost units are here to stay.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures $9.5M Settlement Over “Junk Fees” with Booking Holdings
August 20, 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has reached a record-setting $9.5 million settlement with Booking Holdings Inc., the parent company of Booking.com, Priceline.com, and Kayak.com, over deceptive pricing practices involving hidden “junk fees.” This is the largest state-level settlement ever obtained against an online travel agency for such conduct.
The lawsuit alleged that Booking misled consumers by advertising unrealistically low hotel rates that excluded mandatory fees. These hidden charges were often grouped with legitimate government taxes under a vague “Taxes and Fees” label during checkout, obscuring the true cost and giving Booking an unfair advantage over more transparent competitors.
“Texans deserve clear, honest pricing—anything less is a violation of trust and of the law,” said Paxton. “This settlement ensures companies like Booking are held accountable and sends a strong message: deceptive practices will not be tolerated.”
Under the settlement, Booking must now clearly disclose all fees upfront, empowering consumers to accurately compare hotel prices across platforms. The case is part of a broader consumer protection push by Paxton, who has also secured similar agreements with major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Omni.
Paxton’s efforts have helped drive federal regulatory momentum to eliminate hidden fees across the travel industry.
Governor Abbott Celebrates Re-Opening Of Cow Creek Bridge
August 20, 2025 | Marble Falls, Texas | Governor Abbott celebrated the re-opening of the Cow Creek Bridge after the bridge was washed out by catastrophic floods last month. The bridge was rapidly rebuilt to completion in 29 days.
“This is what Texas is all about—we get things done,” said Governor Abbott. “In just a short period of time, crews put together the pieces, finished construction, and got this bridge completed. Because this bridge was completed so quickly, it will ensure that we reconnect communities and get things back to normal for all the people who were affected.”
Watch the full re-opening ceremony here.
During the ceremony, Governor Abbott thanked the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the construction crews who worked around-the-clock to quickly rebuild the bridge after it was destroyed. The Governor also emphasized that the re-opened Cow Creek Bridge has been redesigned to be a bigger, wider, and taller bridge than its previous version.
Governor Abbott was joined at the re-opening ceremony by Federal Highway Administration Deputy Administrator Jay Payne, Senator Donna Campbell, Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) Acting Chair W. Alvin New, TTC Commissioner Steven Alvis, TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams, and other state and local officials.
Foundation Surpasses $1M Raised in FY25 Due to Generosity of Community
August 18, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is celebrating a milestone that has been 28 years in the making. Due to the donations and support of Hopkins County residents and businesses, the Foundation raised over $1 million in the first 10 months of the fiscal year 2024-25. Board members are eager to state that this is means more dollars that will be invested in local healthcare to benefit Hopkins County residents.
“This accomplishment was only possible due to the generosity of the community,” said Pam Black, chair of the Foundation Board of Directors. “The Health Care Foundation raises money that is then given back to the community through healthcare initiatives such as free clinics, education, improved facilities, and cutting-edge equipment. We believe that any support the Foundation receives enables medical professionals to save local lives. That is why we take our role in this process very seriously.”
The Foundation is known for some of the best fundraisers in Hopkins County, such as the annual Gala, Snowflake campaign, and bingo events such as Man Bingo and the upcoming Designer Handbag Bingo. But the group is most proud of the work the Foundation is able to accomplish due to the financial support received from the community.
Each year, the Foundation offers free clinics including a free mammography clinic for uninsured Hopkins County women and a free heart calcium scan clinic for Hopkins County men. The Foundation also provides In My Closet for the women’s cancer community. This includes free items to assist breast cancer patients and survivors, as well as the Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group.
“The more money we receive, the more we can invest locally in healthcare to benefit all of us,” stated Black. “Raising $1 million was a community-wide effort that will benefit all of us.” The Foundation also provides funds to two other local healthcare entities, the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS and CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs, to ensure that they have what they need to better serve Hopkins County.
Annually, the Foundation Board considers funding requests from these two organizations to determine which projects will have the most healthcare benefit for local residents. This may involve updating existing equipment, adding a machine to provide additional testing locally, or, as is currently the case, assisting with fundraising for a construction project.
This record year has highlighted the need to donate to the surgical wing expansion at CMF-SS. The generous gift from Sharon and Charles Helm to name and underwrite the four new operating rooms played a huge role in the Foundation’s fundraising success and will have a long-lasting impact on Hopkins County’s access to state-of-the-art surgical offerings.
In Fiscal Year 2025-26, the Foundation has already provided $12,500 to the Hopkins County Hospital District/EMS to be used for a whole blood initiative to help save lives prior to an ambulance arriving at the hospital. In February, the Foundation donated $260,000 toward an MRI upgrade that is already in use. The Foundation also facilitated a donation from Alliance Bank to purchase a golf cart for the Mobile Athletic Training Room used by CMF-SS. The golf cart will be on the sidelines at high school sporting and community events to assist trainers and medical staff in rendering aid.
Foundation Chair-Elect Steve Rutherford underscored why the Foundation exists. “The Foundation fills in the gaps to make sure that our rural community has the equipment, technology, and facilities necessary to provide us with as many opportunities to receive quality local care. The Foundation believes that choosing a great quality of life outside of an urban area should not negatively impact residents’ healthcare treatments and opportunities. Our community deserves great healthcare. We appreciate the individuals, organizations, and businesses that help us fulfill our mission.”
The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization; all or part of donations may be tax-deductible. Donors should consult their tax preparer for more information. Donors interested in learning more about the Foundation or the Spreading Our Wings Campaign, making a cash donation, including the Foundation in estate planning, or establishing a pledge may contact the Foundation at 903-438-4799 or [email protected].
No celebration is complete without a spray of champagne, or in this case, grape juice. Foundation Chair-Elect Steve Rutherford turned the twist top after the announcement of the Health Care Foundation’s fundraising accomplishment.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Board of Directors has cause for celebration of FY 2024-25. Due to the generosity of Hopkins County residents, organizations, and businesses, the Foundation surpassed $1 million in funds raised during the first 10 months of last fiscal year. What that means for Hopkins County residents is that they will have even more local health-related opportunities! A win-win! Shown here are former Foundation Board Members, from left to right, Markeda Fisher, Wanda Galyean, and Lynda Hager.
Current and former Health Care Foundation Board members and donors gathered to hear a surprise announcement 28 years in the making. Chair-Elect Steve Rutherford, Mary Heilman, and Jimmy Jones catch up prior to the reception.
A healthy group of current and former Foundation board members gathered to hear the news. Initial Board Member, Dr. Bill Dietz, current Board Member Mickey McKenzie, former Board Member Tom Sellers, and former Board Member Jimmy Jones wait for the big announcement.
Current and former Foundation Board Members, left to right, Tom Sellers, Jessica Kultgen, Paul Harvey, Sharon Helm, and Charles Helm gather for a surprise announcement about the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation.
Texas DPS Unveils New, More Secure Driver’s License and ID Cards
August 19, 2025 – Starting this week, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is rolling out a new design for all driver’s licenses and state ID cards, aimed at enhancing security and deterring fraud.
The previously issued cards, with the current design, are still valid until their expiration date.
The updated cards include advanced security features, including laser-engraved text, tactile surfaces, and new ultraviolet elements that are nearly impossible to replicate. DPS officials say the changes are designed to make it much harder for counterfeiters to create fake Texas IDs.
“These new designs will help protect Texans from identity theft and keep our systems ahead of those trying to exploit them,” said a DPS spokesperson. “It’s all about ensuring trust in the integrity of our identification process.”
The new cards will also have an updated layout and design, including more prominent placement of personal information, and refreshed graphics showcasing Texas themes. The DPS noted that all existing cards will remain valid until their expiration date, so there’s no need for current cardholders to take immediate action.
The redesign is part of DPS’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety and comply with federal REAL ID Act standards. The department is encouraging Texans to verify their documents are current before traveling or updating ID-related records.
Texas Health Officials Declare End to 2025 Measles Outbreak
August 18, 2025 – The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has officially declared an end to the 2025 measles outbreak that affected communities across the state earlier this year. The outbreak resulted in 762 confirmed cases and two deaths, marking it as one of the most severe measles outbreaks in Texas in over a decade.
Health officials say no new cases have been reported for more than 42 days—the equivalent of two full measles incubation periods—meeting the criteria to declare the outbreak over. The outbreak began in January and spread rapidly across multiple counties, largely fueled by low vaccination rates in certain areas and international travel.
DSHS officials emphasized the importance of vaccination as the key defense against highly contagious diseases like measles. “This outbreak was preventable,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford. “Vaccination protects not just the individual, but entire communities—especially those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons.”
The two deaths involved unvaccinated children with underlying health conditions, officials said.
In response to the outbreak, state and local health departments launched an aggressive campaign of contact tracing, vaccination clinics, and public education. Over 50,000 MMR vaccine doses were administered statewide during the response effort.
While the outbreak is officially over, DSHS urges families to ensure they are up to date on their vaccinations, especially ahead of the school year.
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 feed the world,” said Governor Abbott. “But the New World screwworm puts that at risk. This new facility will produce hundreds of millions of sterile flies to stop the pest’s spread and protect our food supply.”
The New World screwworm can devastate cattle and livestock by laying larvae in open wounds, leading to serious infections and death. While the U.S. currently relies on a production facility in Panama, this new facility will triple output, producing up to 300 million sterile flies per week—a first for domestic operations.
Secretary Rollins emphasized the urgency, citing the pest’s spread from Mexico. “President Trump has made it clear: We must protect our borders and our agriculture from foreign threats,” she said. “This is a national security issue.”
The Edinburg facility aims to strengthen the country’s ability to prevent future outbreaks and ensure food security. The project is supported by top Texas leaders, including Commissioner Sid Miller and members of the Texas Legislature.
In June, Governor Abbott also launched the Texas New World Screwworm Response Team, coordinating with state agencies to contain the pest.
Construction on the facility is expected to begin later this year, marking a pivotal move in fortifying America’s agricultural resilience.
China Accounted for 8% of Foreign Buyers in Texas Real Estate Market Ahead of New Law
August 15, 2025 – Austin, TX — A new report by Texas Realtors shows that international real estate activity in Texas is on the rise, with foreign buyers purchasing more homes across the state in 2025. Overall, foreign residential property purchases increased by 9% compared to the previous year.
Mexican buyers led the way, accounting for 30% of international purchases, while both Canada and China each made up 8% of the market. The trend highlights Texas’s ongoing appeal to global investors, particularly in major metro areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Austin.
However, the international buyer landscape could shift dramatically in the coming months. A new Texas state law, set to take effect on September 1, will ban the sale of Texas residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial land to citizens of countries classified as national security threats. These designations are determined by either the U.S. Director of National Intelligence or the Governor of Texas.
While the law does not specifically name China, the country is frequently cited in national security discussions, raising questions about how the measure could impact future property transactions involving Chinese nationals.
Supporters of the law say it protects Texas land and resources from foreign influence. Critics argue it could damage international investment and strain diplomatic relationships. As the law takes effect, real estate professionals and foreign investors alike are watching closely to see how enforcement will unfold.
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 the Winniford Building at Heritage Park, 416 Jackson St., Sulphur Springs, Texas, Paula Altenbaumer will portray Sulphur Springs born Native American, Sophia Alice Callahan. Sophia was born in Sulphur Springs January 1, 1868 and died in Muskogee, Oklahoma January 7, 1894. She is thought to be the first Native American to publish a book.
This is a free event and everyone is welcome! Paula is an active member and volunteer with both the Hopkins County Genealogical Society and the Hopkins County Historical Society. She has taken on the persona of many Hopkins County pioneers over the years and has never failed to deliver a delightful presentation. We look forward to seeing you there.
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 site, along with facility manager Bill Bowers, 55, of San Angelo, surrendered to the Travis County District Attorney’s Office on charges of felony tampering with a governmental record. Both men allegedly entered false information into the Texas Wildlife Information Management System (TWIMS) to facilitate illegal smuggling of white-tailed breeder deer. They also face more than 100 misdemeanor charges related to unlawful breeder deer activities in Tom Green County.
The “Ghost Deer” investigation has uncovered widespread, coordinated deer breeding violations including, but not limited to: smuggling captive breeder deer and free-range whitetail deer between breeder facilities and ranches, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) testing violations, license violations and misdemeanor and felony drug charges relating to the possession and mishandling of prescribed sedation drugs classified as controlled substances.
The suspects charged in the case include:
- Evan Bircher, 59, San Antonio
- Vernon Carr, 55, Corpus Christi
- Jarrod Croaker, 47, Corpus Christi
- Terry Edwards, 54, Angleton
- Joshua Jurecek, 41, Alice
- Justin Leinneweber, 36, Orange Grove
- James Mann, 53, Odem
- Gage McKinzie, 28, Normanna
- Herbert “Tim” McKinzie, 47, Normanna
- Eric Olivares, 47, Corpus Christi
- Bruce Pipkin, 57, Beaumont
- Dustin Reynolds, 38, Robstown
- Kevin Soto, 55, Hockley
- Jared Utter, 52, Pipe Creek
- Reed Vollmering, 32, Orange Grove
- Clint West, 56, Beaumont
- James Whaley, 49, Sevierville, Tenn.
- Ryder Whitstine, 19, Rockport
- Ryker Whitstine, 21, Rockport
- Claude Wilhelm, 52, Orange
Cases are pending adjudication in Bandera, Bee, Brazoria, Duval, Edwards, Jim Wells, Live Oak, Montgomery, Tom Green, Travis and Webb counties.
The investigation began in March 2024 when game wardens discovered the first violations during a traffic stop. That incident led wardens to the much larger network of violations, resulting in one of the largest deer smuggling operations in Texas history.
About Texas Game Wardens
Texas Game Wardens, within the Law Enforcement Division of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, are responsible for enforcing laws related to the conservation and management of natural resources and public safety through community-based law enforcement. Their mission is to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. Additionally, they play a crucial role in search and rescue operations during natural disasters, exemplifying their commitment to protecting both the environment and the people of Texas.
If you witness a fishing, wildlife or boating violation in progress, please call 1-800-792-GAME (4263) immediately and report it to Operation Game Thief (OGT), Texas’ Wildlife Crime-Stoppers Program. You can also text your tip by sending the keyword TXOGT plus your tip to 847411 or through the Texas OGT App, available for iOS and Android devices. Dispatchers are available 24/7.
