Flag Football Set for 2028 Olympics
May 21, 2025 – NFL owners have officially approved the participation of NFL players in flag football at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking a historic milestone for both the sport and the league. The decision, announced this week, paves the way for top professional football talent to represent the United States and potentially other countries in the Olympic Games as flag football makes its debut on the international stage.
This move signals a growing collaboration between the NFL and international sports bodies to expand football’s global footprint. While traditional tackle football has long been viewed as a uniquely American sport with limited global adoption, flag football offers a faster-paced, low-contact version that is more accessible and widely played worldwide.
With the league’s blessing, the NFL and Olympic organizers will now begin coordinating on player eligibility rules, team selection procedures, and scheduling to ensure that NFL stars can participate without disrupting the professional season. The NFL has also expressed support for using this opportunity to showcase the athleticism and skill of its players to a global audience.
The inclusion of NFL athletes is expected to raise the profile of flag football significantly, potentially drawing in millions of new fans. It also aligns with the NFL’s broader strategy to promote youth participation and international engagement through non-contact formats of the game.
TPWD Highlights Importance for Boaters to “Clean, Drain, and Dry”
May 21, 2025
May 20, 2025 – AUSTIN – With Memorial Day and the launch of summer on the horizon, Texans across the state will spend time on the water for fun and recreation. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges boaters and paddlers who enjoy the waterways to do their part to protect the Texas lakes we love from aquatic invasive species.
“Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kick-off to boating season in Texas, and while we want everyone to have a great time, we also want them to avoid giving free rides to invasive species and helping them travel to new lakes,” said Brian Van Zee, TPWD Inland Fisheries regional director. “The best way to prevent the spread of many harmful aquatic invasive species is to clean, drain and dry your watercraft and equipment – every time.”
In addition to helping prevent harm to aquatic ecosystems, water infrastructure and the recreational experience at lakes, when boaters clean, drain, and dry their boat because it’s also the law. Transporting prohibited aquatic invasive species in Texas is illegal. Boaters must drain all water from their boat and onboard receptacles, including bait buckets, before leaving or approaching a body of fresh water. They must also remove all invasive plants from the boat and trailer before leaving a lake.
Two of the biggest threats to Texas lakes, zebra mussels and giant salvinia, continue to spread to new areas in Texas. In addition, other highly invasive species can also be spread or be introduced by boaters, including water hyacinth, crested and yellow floating heart and quagga mussels—or other invasive species not yet found in Texas.
Zebra mussels, a non-native shellfish that attaches to hard surfaces, pose a significant threat to our lakes. These invasive mussels damage boats and infrastructure for water supply and control, alter lake ecosystems and cause harm to native species. They also litter shorelines with hazardous, sharp shells that impact lakefront recreation.
Zebra mussels are now found in 38 Texas lakes across seven river basins, as well as in river reaches downstream of infested lakes. TPWD and partners monitor numerous at-risk lakes around the state for early detection of zebra and closely related quagga mussels. But, once they’ve been introduced and become established in a lake nothing can be done to control or eradicate them.
“Zebra mussels and quagga mussels can be attached to boats or even carried by anchors or plants clinging to boats,” said Monica McGarrity, TPWD senior scientist for aquatic invasive species. “Microscopic zebra mussel larvae can also be transported in residual water in the boat. Taking just a few minutes to clean, drain and dry boats can make a huge difference in our efforts to prevent further spread of this highly damaging species and harm to Texas lakes.”
Giant salvinia, a highly invasive, free-floating aquatic fern that can double its coverage area in a week, is another major threat to our lakes. This invasive plant can produce thick surface mats that make fishing, boating, swimming and other water recreation nearly impossible.
Giant salvinia is currently present on 27 East Texas lakes and numerous rivers, creeks and marshes between Houston and Beaumont. While TPWD efforts have kept giant salvinia from currently limiting angling or boating access in Texas public waters, they could still hitchhike from one lake to another on a boat, trailer or other equipment.
“There’s no doubt that Texans love their lakes, but we also need everyone to take action to help protect them,” said John Findeisen, TPWD aquatic habitat enhancement team lead. “It only takes a tiny fragment of an invasive plant to create a problem in a new lake and preventing aquatic invasive species introductions avoids costly, long-term efforts to manage these species once they become established in a lake. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — it only takes a small amount of our time as responsible boaters to clean, drain and dry our boats and equipment to prevent new introductions of aquatic invasive species.”
TPWD urges boaters to follow these three simple but crucial steps to clean, drain and dry boats and gear before traveling from lake to lake: remove plants, mud and debris; drain all water from the boat and gear; once back home, open compartments and allow everything to dry completely for at least a week, if possible.
If a boat or other equipment has been stored in the water at a lake with invasive mussels, it is likely infested and poses an extremely high risk for transporting these invasive species to a new lake. Before moving the boat, call TPWD at (512) 389-4848 for guidance.
For more information on how to properly clean, drain and dry boats and equipment, visit the TPWD YouTube channel for a short instructional video. To learn more about zebra mussels and other invasive species in Texas, visit tpwd.texas.gov/StopInvasives.
TPWD and partners monitor for invasive species in Texas lakes, but anyone who spots them on boats, trailers or equipment that is being moved can help prevent new introductions by reporting the sighting to TPWD at (512) 389-4848. Anyone who finds invasive species such as zebra mussels in lakes where they haven’t been found before can help identify new introductions by emailing photos and location information to [email protected].
“Project Homecoming” Underway With $1000 Bonus
May 21, 2025 – This week marked the launch of a controversial new immigration program as the first charter flight under the Department of Homeland Security’s “Project Homecoming” initiative departed from Houston, Texas. Aboard were 64 illegal aliens from Colombia and Honduras who had voluntarily agreed to return to their home countries, making them the first participants in the program aimed at promoting self-deportation.
Project Homecoming offers incentives to undocumented immigrants who choose to leave the United States voluntarily. Through the CBP Home App, individuals can apply to participate in the program, which provides free chartered flight assistance, a $1,000 reintegration stipend upon arrival in their country of origin, and potential eligibility to apply for legal U.S. entry in the future.
Supporters argue that this approach helps reduce the financial and logistical burden of forced deportations. According to Department of Homeland Security estimates, involuntary deportations can cost upwards of $17,000 per person, compared to a significantly lower cost for voluntary returns. Former President Donald Trump has endorsed programs like Project Homecoming, arguing that they promote humane enforcement while saving taxpayer money.
Critics, however, have questioned whether offering financial incentives might encourage abuse or send mixed messages about immigration enforcement. Immigration advocates also warn that some participants may feel coerced into leaving due to fear of legal action, rather than making a truly voluntary decision.
Nonetheless, DHS officials say early interest in the program is strong, and additional flights are expected in the coming weeks. With immigration remaining a central issue in national politics, Project Homecoming may offer a new model—or spark further debate—on how the U.S. handles the millions of undocumented immigrants already living within its borders.
Homeowners May Get Larger Tax Break
May 21, 2025 – Texas homeowners are one step closer to a bigger tax break after the state House gave unanimous preliminary approval to a set of legislative proposals Tuesday.
House members advanced bills aimed at giving homeowners relief on the property taxes they pay toward school districts, the biggest chunk of a property owner’s tax bill. Senate Bill 4 by state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, a Houston Republican, would change the state’s homestead exemption, which reduces how much of a home’s value can be taxed to pay for public schools, from $100,000 to $140,000.
Senate Bill 23, another Bettencourt proposal, would raise a separate homestead exemption for homeowners who are older or have disabilities from $10,000 to $60,000.
Both bills — key priorities for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Texas Senate — must come back before the House on Wednesday for a final vote. The Senate will have to sign off on changes the House made to the bills before they head to Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk.
Providing bigger tax breaks to homeowners is a key component of a deal brokered by Republicans in the Texas Legislature to lower tax bills for Texans, who pay among the highest property taxes in the country. The other major piece is giving business owners greater exemptions on their inventory. Texas is one of the few states that taxes businesses’ inventory.
House Bill 9 by state Rep. Morgan Meyer, R-University Park, would exempt up to $125,000 of businesses’ inventory from being taxed by school districts, cities, counties or any other taxing entity. Under current law, businesses don’t have to pay taxes on that property if it’s worth $2,500 or less.
The Texas Senate approved that bill last week, and House members gave a thumbs-up Monday to changes that chamber made.
House lawmakers shot down a push by the chamber’s more conservative members to boost the homestead exemption to $160,000. Supporters of the failed amendment argued that legislators could further tap the state’s $24 billion surplus to pay for greater relief. But other lawmakers stressed that state budget writers have only set aside enough money to pay to raise the exemption to $140,000.
Sponsorships for HCHC Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo On Sale Now
May 20, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Sponsorships are officially on sale for the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Designer Handbag Bingo. The event will be Thursday, August 7 and approximately 590 are expected to be in attendance.
There are 4 tiers of sponsorships available. The Luxury Bag Sponsorship is $2,500 and includes a table on the front row with bingo packets for 8 players. Sponsors’ logos will appear in the printed program, in the PowerPoint during the event, and will be displayed next to the designer bags. Sponsors’ names will be announced from the podium.
The Tote Sponsorship is $1,500 and includes a reserved table with 8 bingo packets. Sponsors’ logos will appear in the printed program, in the PowerPoint during the event, and will be displayed next to the designer bags. Sponsors’ names will be announced from the podium.
A Satchel Sponsorship is $500 and only sponsors a bag, no table or tickets are included. Sponsors’ names will be displayed next to the bags, printed in the program, and acknowledged from the podium.
Clutch sponsorships are $250, do not include tickets, and include the same marketing benefits as a Satchel Sponsorship.
Chosen sponsorship level determines the value of the bag associated with the sponsorship. Handbags in the past have come from designers such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Tori Burch, YSL, Hobo, Brighton, and Kate Spade.
Proceeds of the event will fund a free mammography clinic for uninsured Hopkins County women over the age of 40. Clinic signups and information will be released in September.
To sponsor visit handbagbingo25.GiveSmart.com, or for more information, email [email protected] or call the Foundation at 903-348-4799.
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Hopkins County Genealogical Society to Hold Next Lunch & Learn May 28th
May 19, 2025 – Lunch & Learn will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 611 North Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Tx. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites anyone who wants to learn more about doing genealogical research to join us. For this month’s session you are encouraged to bring your sack lunch, salad or drive-through meal or we have snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Rhonda Bechhold is going to lead the group in a deep-dive of the HCGS website. Many members and even some volunteers are not completely comfortable with navigating the website and may be missing out on some of the research tools it has to offer.
Please join us for Rhonda’s presentation and bring along a friend. We’re sure you will find something new and enlightening to improve your genealogical research.
Texas Ag Commissioner Miller Promotes Summer Meals Served by TDA Partners
AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today announced that summer meal sites will soon open across Texas. Starting around June 2, after school cafeterias close for summer, he and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will partner with schools, churches, city governments, and other nonprofits to administer the Summer Meal Programs in Texas. These programs serve no-cost meals to children 18 and younger and enrolled students over 18 with disabilities in low-income areas.
“Our Summer Meal Program partners work hard to ensure children have the nutrition they need to return to school in the fall ready to succeed,” Commissioner Miller said. “Children should look forward to enjoying their summers, not fearing food insecurity because they don’t have school meals for almost three months. I’m asking everyone to help me raise awareness of how families can find these meals and support our partners.”
Commissioner Miller encourages Texas families to use one of the following two ways to find a nearby meal site:
- Visit www.summerfood.org to access an interactive meal site map.
- Call 2-1-1 to speak to a live operator in English or Spanish.
In addition to locating a site, it’s important to frequently use these tools to confirm dates and times and gather more information about meal services. Some locations in rural areas will distribute multi-day meal bundles for families who have trouble attending a site daily. Utilizing these site-finding tools will provide families in remote and underserved areas with information about nearby sites that offer these accommodations.
Summer sites target low-income areas, such as areas where more than 50 percent of children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs. While meals are primarily intended for children 18 years old or younger, no-cost meals may be provided to persons 19 years of age and over who are determined by a state or local educational agency to have a mental or physical disability and are enrolled in a public or private school program established for people with mental or physical disabilities.
For more information about TDA’s Summer Meal Programs, visit www.SummerFood.org or call TDA’s Food and Nutrition Division at (877) TEX-MEAL or (877) 839-6325.
Will This Be The End for the Texas Lottery?
May 19, 2025 – In a sweeping move that could reshape how gaming is regulated in the state, the Texas Senate voted unanimously to eliminate the Texas Lottery Commission. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny of the agency’s operations, with lawmakers citing concerns over alleged corruption, lack of transparency, and poor financial oversight.
“The lottery is a tax on poor people and on people who can’t do math. Rich people and smart people would be in the line if the lottery were a real wealth-building tool, but the truth is that the lottery is a rip-off instituted by our government. This is not a moral position; it is a mathematical, statistical fact. Studies show that the zip codes that spend four times what anyone else does on lottery tickets are those in lower-income parts of town. The lottery, or gambling of any kind, offers false hope, not a ticket out.”
― Dave Ramsey
Under the Senate’s proposal, the duties of the Texas Lottery Commission would be transferred to another state agency, yet to be determined, which would continue overseeing the state’s lottery operations, including scratch-off tickets and multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Lawmakers supporting the measure say the change is necessary to restore public trust in the system and ensure that lottery revenues are properly managed and directed to their intended use—public education.
The timing of the vote is significant, as the Texas Lottery Commission is approaching its “sunset” date, a point at which the agency would automatically dissolve unless lawmakers choose to renew or reform it. With the Senate’s decision, attention now turns to the Texas House, which has until May 27 to either approve the Senate’s plan or propose its own alternative.
Supporters of the overhaul say it is a long-overdue correction to a system that has operated for years with minimal oversight. Opponents warn that abrupt changes could disrupt lottery operations and funding streams for public education.
If the House approves the reforms, Texas will enter a new era in lottery governance—one where accountability and transparency are intended to be front and center. The outcome of the House’s decision could determine the fate of billions of dollars in annual lottery revenue and the structure of gaming oversight in Texas for years to come.
Your Lady Cats are Going to the State Semifinals!
May 18, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs Ladycats softball team won the regional championship Saturday, completing a suspended game from Friday night with a 1-0 win over Sanger, and then winning the decisive third game of the series by the same score, 1-0. The games were broadcast on KSST.
The Ladycats will now play Andrews in the state semi-finals. The first game in a best-of-three series will be played at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Graham, west of Fort Worth. Game two will be at 5 p.m. Saturday with the third game, if necessary following soon after.
Over the weekend, sophomore pitcher Hannah Speed out dueled senior huler Leala Koever for Sanger.
In the suspended game completed Saturday morning, Speed struck out nine, walked three and did not give up a hit until the bottom of the eighth inning.
In game three, Speed struck out four, walked one, and gave up four hits.
In game two, the Ladycats scored in the top of the eighth when Gracie Thompson was hit by a pitch, K.K. Montgomery singled her to second, and Thompson scored on Shaelee Friddle’s singe.
In game three, the Ladycats scored in the third inning, when Emma Thompson walked and eventually scored from third on a wild pitch.
Claire Thompson had a sensational diving catch in right field in the first inning of game two, and K.K. Montgomery possibly saved game three with a running catch in left field to end the game.
Veterans Voices’ Bob Kerr Reports That the Marine Corps League will Hold a Memorial Service May 26th
May 17, 2025 – KSST’s Veterans Voices’ Bob Kerr announces that the Hopkins County Marine Corps League Det. 1357 will hold a Memorial Service on Celebration Square May 26, 2025, beginning at 11:00am. UOD, work with cover. Sarge, with handler Melissa, one of the League’s most impactful attractions, will be on display. Please spread the word… let your family, friends, and associated know about this important event. This will be a very heartfelt service and deserves an appreciative audience.
