Brine Operation Scheduled for Bridges, Major Roadways
January 23, 2026 – TxDOT prepares for possible winter weather
PARIS – Due to the possibility of winter weather, TxDOT crews began brine operations on Interstates 30 and US 75, this week.
All bridges and overpasses across the nine-county district are also scheduled to receive an application of brine, which is a solution consisting of salt and water designed to help prevent ice and snow from sticking to surfaces. The Paris District includes Delta, Fannin, Franklin, Grayson, Hopkins, Hunt, Lamar, Rains and Red River Counties.
“We prepare for the worst when it comes to winter weather scenarios,” said Paris District Engineer Noel Paramanantham. “If you see our mobile convoys on the roads, we ask motorists to slow down, keep a safe distance and give them room to work.”
Additional brine operations are tentatively scheduled to take place along the same areas if needed, based on the weather forecast.
In the event of hazardous conditions on the road due to weather, motorists are urged to stay home if possible. But if you must drive, please use extreme caution. Motorists are advised to buckle up, stay alert and slow down. You should allow for at least three times more space than usual between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Visit DriveTexas.org or call 1-800-452-9292 for around-the-clock updates on highway conditions.
For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Paris District PIO Kristen Prater at [email protected] or call (903) 737-9213.
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Launches Wide-Sweeping Investigation into Unlawful Financial Incentives Related to Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
January 22, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton opened a landmark investigation into the multi-level, multi-industry scheme that has illegally incentivized medical providers to recommend childhood vaccines that are not proven to be safe or necessary. The wide-sweeping investigation will analyze an incentivization framework that has historically forced Texas kids to receive over 70 shots from birth to age 18 in order to continue receiving medical care.
The investigation will examine whether pediatric medical providers, insurance companies, vaccine manufacturers, or other entities engaged in deceptive or unlawful conduct by failing to disclose financial incentives connected to their administration of childhood vaccines. The investigation comes as children across the state are expelled from pediatric practices and denied medical care based on their vaccination status. Doctors’ wages, bonuses, and even employment often hinge on the number of vaccinations they administer.
As part of the investigation, Attorney General Paxton is issuing over 20 Civil Investigative Demands (“CIDs”) to some of the largest medical providers, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the country, including entities like UnitedHealthcare and Pfizer.
“I will ensure that Big Pharma and Big Insurance don’t bribe medical providers to pressure parents to jab their kids with vaccines they feel aren’t safe or necessary,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Alongside President Trump and Secretary Kennedy’s significant efforts to ensure safety when it comes to childhood vaccines, my office will fight to protect kids’ health and uphold transparency in the medical industry. Together, we will Make America Healthy Again. Texans deserve to have full faith in the recommendations of their medical providers—particularly when it involves the health of their children. I will not tolerate a ‘carrot and stick’ approach to healthcare recommendations. Any provider or entity whose medical guidance is fueled by financial incentives from an insurance company, Big Pharma, or otherwise will be exposed.”
President Trump and Secretary Kennedy are already implementing important reforms regarding childhood vaccines, highlighting the Trump Administration’s commitment to Gold Standard Science as opposed to the Biden’s Administration’s policy of pushing as many possible shots into as many arms as possible. Attorney General Paxton is committed to furthering the momentum of parental choice in childhood vaccination decisions.
Governor Abbott Calls On CFISD To Sever Ties With CAIR-Sponsored Islamic Games
January 21, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD) regarding the New Jersey Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ (CAIR NJ) sponsorship of the 2026 Houston Islamic Games taking place at taxpayer-funded facilities.
“It has come to my attention that Bridgeland High School intends to offer public school facilities to host the 2026 Houston Islamic Games,” reads the letter. “Be aware I recently designated ‘the Muslim Brotherhood and its successor organization CAIR’ as foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal organizations under state law. You cannot invite such dangers through the front doors of our schools. Texans deserve immediate action to curb the spread of Islamic extremism, and public facilities funded by their tax dollars will not be utilized to host terrorist related groups.”
At the direction of the Governor, CFISD must immediately preserve all records and communications concerning this event and confirm with the Office of the Governor within seven days that any negotiations or agreements for the event are terminated. Should CFISD fail to comply, the Governor will direct the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to immediately seize and uncover any communications district employees may have regarding CAIR, any attempts to conceal CAIR’s involvement, and any agreements or financial statements related to the proposed event. TEA will immediately refer its findings to the Texas Attorney General to pursue legal action.
Read the Governor’s letter here.
Governor Abbott continues to take action to uphold the rule of law and defend Texas communities from threats posed by the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR, including:
- Requesting that U.S. Secretary Bessent suspend CAIR’s tax-exempt status
- Directing DPS to launch criminal investigations into the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR
- Designating the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations
- Ordering investigations into Sharia Courts
Hopkins County Judge Newsom Issues Declaration of Local State Of Disaster
DECLARATION OF A LOCAL STATE OF DISASTER
WHEREAS, The County of Hopkins, Texas, beginning Friday, January 23, 2026, is under threat of widespread and severe damage, injury, and loss of property, or the imminent threat thereof, resulting from a forecasted winter storm, including but not limited to:
wintry mix, sleet, snow, recurring precipitation,
prolonged freezing temperatures, and accumulative ice; and
WHEREAS, The County Judge of Hopkins County has determined that extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and to protect or rehabilitate property; and
WHEREAS, Hopkins County is expected to experience conditions that may cause widespread and severe damage, including loss of property to the County and its citizens, including but not limited to:
damaged homes, buildings, roads, bridges, parks and playgrounds;
downed powerlines, extended power outages, food spoilage, fallen trees,
hazardous debris, and
WHEREAS, Such conditions may threaten public health, safety, and welfare and require the utilization of all available County resources;
THEREFORE, I, the County Judge of Hopkins County, Texas, do hereby authorize the use of all available and necessary public resources of Hopkins County and its incorporated cities to respond to this disaster; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNTY JUDGE OF HOPKINS COUNTY, TEXAS:
- That a local state of disaster is hereby declared for Hopkins County, Texas.
- That the Hopkins County Emergency Management Plan is hereby activated and
implemented.
- That this local state of disaster shall continue unless and until terminated by order of the
Commissioners Court of Hopkins County, Texas.
- That this declaration shall take effect immediately upon issuance.
UK Bans Popular ‘Jolly’ Candy
January 21, 2026 – Health officials are calling for tighter restrictions on food imports after popular American sweets, Jolly Ranchers, were found to contain potentially harmful chemicals linked to petrol.
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has issued an urgent food safety alert warning consumers not to eat certain Jolly Rancher products sold in the UK. Tests revealed the presence of Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH), substances considered unsafe for human consumption. MOAH are industrial contaminants commonly associated with petroleum products and can pose serious health risks if ingested over time.
The sweets, manufactured by US-based company The Hershey Company, are not authorised for sale under UK food safety regulations. While Jolly Ranchers are not officially distributed in the UK, they are often imported and sold through independent retailers, discount shops, and online marketplaces.
The FSA said the affected products present “a food safety risk” and has instructed local authorities to take action to remove them from sale. Health officials are now urging stronger enforcement measures to prevent unauthorised confectionery products from entering the UK market in the first place.
Food safety experts warn that MOAH compounds may contain carcinogens and should not be present in food at any level. “These substances are not permitted in food products sold in the UK,” an FSA spokesperson said, stressing that consumer safety must come before commercial demand.
The alert has renewed calls for stricter import controls and clearer accountability for retailers selling non-compliant products. Campaigners argue that gaps in enforcement allow unsafe foods to reach consumers, particularly children, who are the primary market for such sweets.
Consumers who have already purchased Jolly Ranchers are advised not to eat them and to dispose of the products safely. The FSA has said it will continue to monitor the situation and work with enforcement bodies to prevent further sales.
Governor Abbott Launches Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care
Schertz, Texas — January 20, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday announced the launch of the Governor’s Task Force on Early Childhood Education and Care, a new statewide initiative aimed at improving the quality, access, and affordability of child care and early learning for Texas families.
Speaking at an event in Schertz, Abbott said the task force was created to help parents overcome rising costs, inconsistent standards, and bureaucratic barriers that limit access to early childhood services.
“The real reason why we passed this bill, the real reason why we’re having this announcement today, is because of the importance of helping parents across the entire state be able to access quality and affordable early child care and child education for their children,” Abbott said. “We must put an end to the endless bureaucracy, the unclear standards of care, and the inflated costs that make it difficult for parents to get the early childhood care and education that they need.”
The task force was established through House Bill 117, authored by Representative Alan Schoolcraft and Senator Donna Campbell. The legislation amends the Texas Education Code and directs the task force to evaluate early childhood education and care programs across state agencies, with a focus on governance and operational challenges.
Abbott was joined at the announcement by state lawmakers, education leaders, and agency officials, including Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza, Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath, and Texas Health and Human Services Executive Commissioner Stephanie Muth.
Peter J. Holt, CEO and general manager of the HOLT Group, was named chair of the task force. Abbott also appointed 10 additional members representing education, health, business, and early childhood care sectors from across Texas. Appointees include educators, preschool owners, nonprofit leaders, and former business executives.
Members will serve terms through September 1, 2027. The task force is expected to review existing programs, identify inefficiencies, and recommend reforms designed to streamline oversight and improve outcomes for young children and working families statewide.
Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Winter Weather Threat
January 20, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of potential winter weather impacts expected across the state beginning Thursday.
“Based on current forecasts, the State of Texas is acting to ensure Texans have the resources they need before severe winter weather impacts communities across Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “As temperatures could drop below freezing and regions of Texas face snow, ice, and freezing rain, it is crucial that Texans remain weather-aware, check DriveTexas.org before traveling, and heed the guidance of state and local officials. I thank emergency management personnel and first responders for working tirelessly to keep Texans safe.”
According to the National Weather Service, an arctic cold front is expected to bring dangerously cold temperatures and wind-chills to the state through the early part of next week. Additionally, a storm system is expected to move through the state, bringing the possibility of freezing rain, sleet, and snow that could create hazardous travel conditions into the weekend and cause impacts to infrastructure. Areas most at risk of wintry weather are northwest, north, and northeast Texas. Freezing rain and sleet are more likely to impact areas across west, central, south-central, east, and southeast Texas. Cold rain is expected for areas in deep south Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.
At the direction of the Governor, TDEM has activated the following state emergency response resources to support weather response operations:
- Texas Department of Transportation: Winter weather roadway equipment and crews pre-treating and treating roadways; personnel and equipment to assist with traffic control and road closures
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team; personnel working with local partners to update warming center maps
- Texas National Guard: High-profile vehicles and personnel to support stranded motorists
- Texas A&M Forest Service (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System): All-Hazard Strike Teams consisting of firefighters, engines, and equipment such as motor graders to assist with snow/ice clearance; saw crews
- Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens to support local law enforcement; high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists
- Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordinating with utility providers across the threat area
- Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
- Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring
- Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers to patrol Texas roadways
- Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Public Works Response Team): Personnel to assist with public works needs
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents
- Texas Department of State Health Services (Emergency Medical Task Force): Winter and Severe Weather Packages including medics and ambulances
- Texas Health and Human Services Commission: Personnel to provide information on available services through the 2-1-1 Texas Information Referral Network
- Texas Education Agency: Monitoring school district needs across the state
- Texas Department of Information Resources: Monitoring technology infrastructure
Texans are urged to stay weather-aware, check road conditions before any necessary travel, and follow instructions from local officials.
Texans can access winter weather safety tips by visiting TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, find warming centers opened and operated by local officials at tdem.texas.gov/warm, and find general preparedness information at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.
20th Anniversary Gala Postponed Due to Weather
January 20, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has made the decision to postpone their 20th anniversary Gala scheduled for January 24. The Foundation has been asked by local officials to postpone the fundraiser since the Civic Center serves as a warming location for our community when needed. With that in mind as well as the Foundation’s concern for the health and safety of its donors, volunteers, and vendors, the decision has been made to postpone the 20th anniversary Gala scheduled for Saturday, January 24.
Once a new date has been identified, the Foundation will share with local media and on their social media. In the meantime, the Foundation will continue to directly communicate with those who have purchased tickets, etc. to make sure all are aware of the latest updated.
In the twenty-year history of the Gala, the date has only been postponed due to Covid-19. Though the Gala is typically a winter event, this is the first time weather has impacted the Gala. The Gala was held in December the first two years, January for the next twelve years, April for three years, with 2024 marking its return to January.
January has been the preferred date for the Gala since vendor costs are generally lower and there is less competition for scheduling with participants. But as we all know about Texas, the weather is not predictable.
Though this is the Foundation’s main source of event fundraising, the Foundation wants the citizens who have come to depend on the free clinics, educational programs, and breast cancer services such as In My
Closet and the support group to know, the Foundation will continue its free programming in the new year.
The 28-year-old Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that exists to create more local healthcare opportunities for our community.
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Hopkins County Genealogical Society Has Cancelled Next Lunch & Learn January 28th
January 27, 2026 – Because we are not yet comfortable with the level of safety offered by our highways, roads and city streets, we are opting to close again tomorrow, January 28, 2026. Hopefully, we will reopen at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
We are normally closed for research on Wednesday anyway, but this means we will not be able to hold a Lunch & Learn this month. An email will be sent to our members with the link to the video that we were going to present, so that you can be enjoyed from the warmth of your home. Anyone else wishing to view it can send a request for the link to [email protected], (which we can be access remotely) and it will send it to you as well.
Hopefully the weather will be more cooperative for our February 2026 “Fourth Wednesday Lunch & Learn” presentation by the Society of Sons and Daughters of WWII Veterans. More information will follow, but you may want to mark your calendar.
Courtney Carr
WWII Veterans Legacy Programs Manager
Pedestrian Killed in Sulphur Springs
January 20, 2026 – A 71-year old man from Mena, Arkansas was struck and killed on a service road to Interstate 30 on Monday January 19, 2026 at approximately 6:45pm. Michael Wayne King was crossing the south service road while carrying a spare tire when he was struck by a pickup truck traveling westbound on the frontage road.
King was attempting to reach a car on Interstate 30 which had a flat tire near the 118-mile marker. Texas Department of Public Safety reports that the investigation is ongoing and no additional information is available at this time.
