That $100 Million For Childcare in Texas Didn’t Go Far
November 27, 2025 – LUFKIN — When Texas lawmakers approved a $100 million boost to the state’s child care scholarship fund earlier this year, the investment was billed as a lifeline for working families struggling with soaring child-care costs. But months later, many child-care centers say they have seen little change — and thousands of eligible families remain stuck on waitlists.
The problem, state officials and providers say, comes down to how the money was structured and how quickly costs have risen.
The $100 million infusion was intended to stabilize the Texas Workforce Commission’s child-care assistance program, which helps low-income parents afford care so they can stay in the workforce. But unlike past emergency federal funding, the new state money did not expand capacity. Instead, it was largely absorbed by rising reimbursement rates — the amount the state pays providers per child.
In short: the money helped keep the system from collapsing, but it didn’t create many new spots.
Providers across East Texas say they’re operating at — or beyond — capacity, with staffing shortages making expansion nearly impossible. “We can’t open a new classroom without a qualified teacher,” said one Lufkin-area director. “Even if more families qualify for aid, we have nowhere to put the kids.”
Families are feeling the impact. While demand for subsidized child care is growing, especially in rural and low-income areas, providers say inflation, rising wages, and new safety and quality requirements have outpaced funding. As a result, the $100 million stabilized the program on paper but failed to meaningfully shorten waitlists.
Child-care advocates argue that Texas will need recurring, long-term investments — not one-time boosts — to make subsidized care both accessible to families and financially sustainable for providers.
For now, parents in Lufkin and across the state continue waiting, hoping the next legislative session delivers a fix.
Texas Wants Drastic Fee Increase For Camps After Tragedy
November 27, 2025 – Texas regulators have proposed dramatic hikes to summer camp licensing fees — increases that could reach as much as 4,000% — sparking concern among camp operators that many longtime youth and overnight camps might be forced to shut down.
Under current law, the initial license fee for a residential youth camp — like an overnight summer camp — is $750, with annual renewals ranging from $103 to $464 depending on the camp’s size.
Under the new proposal filed by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), that initial fee would soar to as high as $21,000 for very large camps, while renewal fees for some camps could rise to as much as $19,500 per year.
Day-camp fees would also climb steeply: from $250 to as high as $3,200, based on camper volume.
State officials argue that the increase is needed to help fund expanded oversight, inspections, and enhanced safety regulations passed in response to the tragic July 4 floods at Camp Mystic and other camps.
But critics — including many small, nonprofit camps — warn that the cost jump is untenable. Some say they may not survive the added financial burden.
Camp directors told DSHS they support increased safety, but pleaded for more reasonable fee structures. “This causes an undue burden for smaller or more remote camps,” one operator wrote.
Others said that the new broadband-connectivity and evacuation-plan requirements, in addition to skyrocketing fees, could force them out of business.
The proposals also include a restructuring of the state’s Youth Camp Advisory Committee — reducing representation from camp operators and adding seats reserved for child-safety experts, parents, and mental-health professionals.
The public comment period on the rules is open through mid-December. As Texas camps weigh their future, many worry that some of the state’s oldest summer traditions may vanish.
USDA Attempts to Stabilize US Fruit Market
November 26, 2025 – Texas hopes that the U.S. Department of Agriculture puts Texas-grown fruit at the forefront of a new federal food-supply initiative. This follows the USDA’s announcement that it will purchase up to $30 million in fresh fruit from American farmers.
The USDA purchase is part of a broader effort to stabilize the national food supply chain, support domestic growers, and respond to recent market disruptions caused by weather events, trade pressures, and agricultural import imbalances. Federal officials say the fruit will be distributed through nutrition programs and food banks, helping address ongoing food-insecurity challenges across the country.
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller welcomed the investment but said Texas producers must play a central role. He argued that Texas citrus growers — especially those in the Rio Grande Valley — have been hit harder than most states due to repeated freezes, drought, and what he described as Mexico’s failure to meet its water-delivery obligations under the 1944 treaty governing Rio Grande flows.
“Texas farmers aren’t looking for a handout, just a level playing field,” Miller said, calling Texas fruit “the sweetest, freshest citrus in America.”
Texas remains one of the nation’s top citrus producers, with oranges and grapefruit serving as economic pillars for South Texas communities. Miller said USDA’s purchase program can only reach its full potential if Texas fruit is represented in federal contracts.
The commissioner also praised President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Rollins for prioritizing American-grown products, calling the $30 million commitment a meaningful step toward strengthening the domestic agriculture sector amid a volatile global market.
The USDA is expected to begin issuing contracts in the coming months.
Paxton Warns About College Sports Commission Power Grab
November 26, 2025 – Attorney General Ken Paxton is escalating his fight with the College Sports Commission (CSC), sending formal letters to Texas universities — and to attorneys general across the country — urging them to reject what he calls an “unlawful” and “dangerous” agreement that would reshape control over college athletics.
Paxton’s warning targets the CSC’s proposed University Participation Agreement, a document that would govern member schools across major athletic conferences, including the ACC, Big 12, SEC, and Big Ten. The CSC, a newly formed national governing body created in response to ongoing legal battles around NIL compensation and athlete employment status, is seeking broad authority over compliance, finances, and future policy decisions.
Paxton argues the agreement would give the CSC “practically limitless power” while stripping universities of autonomy. Among the most controversial provisions, the agreement would penalize any school that cooperates with its own state attorney general in legal challenges against the CSC — even making universities ineligible for postseason play if they provide information, documents, or testimony in such cases.
The Attorney General also warns that the agreement allows the CSC to impose arbitrary fines, sanctions, and new policies without meaningful oversight or an appeals process. He says the arrangement could expose universities to significant legal risk and may violate the Texas Constitution, potentially making it illegal for state-funded schools to sign.
In letters sent to universities in Texas and to AGs nationwide, Paxton urged officials to intervene and advise schools in their states to reject the agreement. His office argues that the CSC is attempting to shield itself from lawsuits while consolidating unprecedented control over college sports governance.
Paxton framed the issue as a matter of protecting both taxpayer-funded institutions and the integrity of college athletics.
“This power grab by the CSC must be stopped,” he wrote. “No entity should be allowed to give itself this level of immunity at the expense of our universities.”
The dispute sets up a growing national showdown over who should govern the rapidly changing landscape of college sports.
Learn About Teacher Lewis Ben Smith’s Book Signing Event November 29th on This Segment of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
November 25, 2025 – Local author Sharon Feldt had A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to talk about the book signing for Sulphur Springs History Teacher Lewis Ben Smith being held November 29th, 2025. Sharon and John Mark also chatted about the book, Firestorm, the book, The Emperor Of Gladness, and much more. Learn about what’s going on at a local small business and perhaps learn about a new book you’ll want to read on this charming episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee.
Give a Gift of Health Through the Snowflake Campaign
November 25, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign is taking flight, and the community is encouraged to think of the Snowflake recognition program as a way to honor or memorialize friends, family and/or customers. By donating a recommended $25 individual to be recognized, you are also helping the Foundation purchase a new blanket warmer for use in the expanded surgical services wing of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs.
It is always tough to buy gifts for adults. So many of us have all we need and purchase all we want when we need it. Gifts that don’t need upkeep, maintenance, or feeding are especially appreciated these days. That is why the Snowflake Campaign is a perfect gift that doesn’t require anything from the receiver. Additionally, it is fast and easy on the giver!
Once the Foundation receives the information to proceed with honoring or memorializing a person(s), the office prepares a snowflake to hang in the lobby of CMF-SS. A card is sent to the honoree or the designated person to be notified of the memorial recognition. The card makes the recipient aware of the gift and who made it.
Since the Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, gifts to the Snowflake Campaign may be tax-deductible; ask your tax preparer.
To donate to the Snowflake Campaign visit the website at Snowflake2025.GiveSmart.com. Or mail a check made payable to the HCHC Foundation to P O Box 1011, Sulphur Springs, TX 75483. Please include contact information for the donor as well as the individuals to whom an acknowledgment of the recognition should be sent. Additionally, include the name(s) of the individual(s) to be added to the snowflakes as well as if the gift is in honor of or memory of the person.
To learn more about the Foundation’s Snowflake Campaign call 903-438-4799. The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is a 28-year-old, IRS 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization serving Hopkins County.
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Honor or memorialize your friends and loved ones by purchasing snowflake recognition at Snowflake2025.GiveSmart.com or call 903-438-4799. What a wonderful way to spread joy and health this holiday season.
To send a thoughtful gift of snowflake recognition, visit Snowflake2025.GiveSmart.com or call 903-438-4799.
The Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group Celebrates One Year of Service
November 25, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – November marks one year of the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Breast Cancer Support Group. Meetings have become a network of encouragement and resources for women who have or have had cancer.
Women who have had any type of cancer, not just breast cancer, are invited to attend meetings on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Medical Plaza, 113 Airport Rd. The group has expanded as a response to community need.
November’s meeting welcomed Tracy Kelley, local author of “Living Loved”, as the guest speaker. She shared about her personal battle with skin cancer, and her mother, Dinah Stille, shared about her miraculous recovery from breast cancer.
In honor of Thanksgiving, Tracy highlighted the meaning of gratitude. “Gratitude is not dependent on circumstances. When we can look at the worst thing in our lives and say ‘I’m thankful even for that’, that is true gratitude.”
Tracy commended the support group ladies for the community they have built. “By gathering around the very thing that tried to destroy you, that’s a powerful way of saying ‘I’m not going to let this isolate me, I’m not going to let it win.’”
The next meeting of the support group will be December 8 at the same time and place. Keep up with support group news and all offerings of the Foundation by following on Facebook and Instagram. To reach the Foundation office, call (903) 438-4799 or email [email protected].
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Rainbow Trout Stocking Returns to Texas Waters Nov. 26
Nov. 25, 2025 – AUSTIN – Just in time for the holiday season, rainbow trout arrives at waterbodies across the state for the annual Texas winter tradition of trout fishing. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) will begin stocking thousands of rainbow trout Nov. 26, the day before Thanksgiving.
It doesn’t take a lot of sophisticated fishing equipment to reel in a rainbow trout. They can be caught using simple, light tackle or hand-tied flies on a fly rod. However, anglers should keep an array of baits and lures nearby as well as ice to keep trout fresh. Rainbow trout are an attractive, tasty fish, and anglers can easily find recipes online.
“TPWD is proud to continue the tradition of bringing rainbow trout to waters across Texas,” said Neil Pugliese, TPWD rainbow trout program director. “Our annual stocking program is designed to make fishing accessible and enjoyable for everyone from seasoned anglers to families casting a line for the very first time. It’s about more than fishing; it’s about creating opportunities to connect with nature and build lasting memories.”
TPWD plans to stock 335,048 rainbow trout in Texas from Nov. 26 to March 6. Because rainbow trout are unable to survive in most areas of Texas after winter due to the warm water temperatures, anglers are encouraged to keep up to their daily bag limit of five trout.
Exceptions exist within special trout management zones on the Guadalupe River downstream of Canyon Lake, which often remains cool enough for rainbow trout to survive year-round. This portion of the Guadalupe River is recognized as one of the top 100 trout streams in the nation and is considered the southernmost trout stream in North America.
Fishing for rainbow trout on Texas rivers and streams is popular among anglers. In addition to stocking the Guadalupe River downstream of Canyon Lake, TPWD also stocks rainbow trout in the Brazos River downstream of Possum Kingdom Lake, portions of the Frio and South Llano rivers, and in the Clear Fork of the Trinity River.
Other stocking locations include dozens of local city- and county-managed park ponds and the newly renovated Lake Zebco and Centex and Strike King ponds at the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. Although trout stockings take place at numerous locations in Texas, TPWD’s Neighborhood Fishin’ program provides a unique experience for families and new anglers to catch a fish in and around major cities.
TPWD manages 18 Neighborhood Fishin’ lakes statewide in most major urban centers, including Amarillo, Austin, the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Houston, San Angelo, San Antonio and Wichita Falls. These lakes — frequently stocked with rainbow trout during winter — offer plenty of amenities so family members of all ages can enjoy a fun and relaxing day fishing and connecting in nature. Other stocking locations include dozens of local city and county park ponds.
In addition, anglers can enjoy complementary fishing without a license in a Texas state park from a bank, dock or pier. TPWD recommends anyone planning a trip to a state park reserves a day pass in advance especially during busy times like weekends and holidays. Day passes can be reserved online though the TPWD website or over the phone by calling (512) 389-8900.
Texas does not require a fishing license for youth under the age of 17, but adults must have a fishing license with a freshwater fishing endorsement. Funds from the sale of fishing licenses and freshwater fishing endorsements directly support efforts by TPWD to provide great fishing opportunities for current and future generations.
An angler fishing in a Community Fishing Lake or from a dock, pier or jetty within a Texas State Park may use no more than two poles. The statewide bag limit is five trout with no minimum length limit, except on parts of the Guadalupe River where special limits are in effect.
The dates and locations are subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Be sure to check the 2025-26 Trout Stocking Schedule online before going fishing to confirm the stocking date, check fishing regulations and to find other winter trout stocking program angling tips.
Commissioner Sid Miller Celebrates Major Growth of GO TEXAN Program in 2025
Texas Department of Agriculture Announces Surge in Membership, Doubling of Champion-Level Partners
November 25, 2025 – AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today celebrated a year of remarkable growth for the Texas Department of Agriculture’s (TDA) GO TEXAN program, highlighting significant increases in membership, expanded partnerships, and unprecedented momentum for one of the state’s flagship marketing initiatives.
The GO TEXAN program has experienced a 19% surge in total program participation, growing from 1,771 members on December 30, 2024, to 2,109 members this year alone. This robust growth reflects the continued strength of Texas-made products, Texas-owned businesses, and the public’s rising demand for goods that proudly bear the GO TEXAN mark.
“These numbers tell the story of a program that is promoting Texas products like never before,” said Commissioner Sid Miller. “GO TEXAN is stronger than ever, and Texas businesses are stepping up in record numbers to join this movement. When you see that iconic GO TEXAN mark, you know you’re supporting local jobs, local families, and the Texas economy. I couldn’t be prouder of this growth or more excited for what’s ahead.”
The program has also more than doubled its Champion partners, the top sponsorship tier within GO TEXAN. These Champion partners represent some of the state’s most dedicated supporters of Texas agriculture, manufacturing, and small business innovation.
“GO TEXAN remains not just a brand, but a community,” Commissioner Miller added. “This year’s growth shows that Texans believe in buying local, promoting local, and lifting the small businesses that keep our state strong. Under my watch, we’re going to keep that momentum going.”
Since its inception, GO TEXAN has promoted Texas-made and Texas-grown products through marketing support, event partnerships, retail visibility, and statewide consumer engagement. The program remains a cornerstone of TDA’s economic development strategy, supporting businesses of all sizes and strengthening the Texas brand at home and across the country.
For more information on the GO TEXAN program and to join, visit GOTEXAN.org.
See the full list of sponsors, new and old, below:
| New Champion Partners | Existing Champion Partners |
| MCLANE GROUP INTERNATIONAL LP | JERI’S SEAFOOD, INC |
| DRAINS MADE SIMPLE | FORT WORTH AND WESTERN RAILROAD |
| THE CAJUN TURKEY COMPANY | CAPITAL FARM CREDIT ACA |
| INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTER | FORT WORTH MEAT PACKERS LLC |
| ENVIGOR8 TEXAS LLC | PRIEFERT MFG CO INC |
| GUARDIAN 6 SOLUTIONS LLC | ALDI LLC |
| VR DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LLC | LA RANCHERA INC |
| WHATABURGER RESTAURANTS LLC | PRESTIGE OYSTER INC |
| REPUBLIC BOOT CO INC | HEB LP |
| CIRCLE U FOODS, INC. | |
| FADI’S SIGNATURE TELFAIR LLC | |
| FENIEX INDUSTRIES |
Use a VPN? States Look to Restrict Their Use to Protect Children From Porn
November 24, 2025 – Texas lawmakers are escalating their campaign to “protect children” from online pornography, but questions are mounting over whether the measures are effective — and whether the newest proposal, a statewide ban on VPNs, is even workable.
Age-verification laws in Texas are intended to reduce minors’ exposure to online pornography — but based on current evidence, they only partially work and come with significant limitations.
In 2023, Texas enacted one of the nation’s strictest age-verification laws for adult websites, requiring platforms to confirm users’ ages through government IDs or third-party verification services. State leaders hailed the law as a major step toward shielding minors from explicit content. But within weeks of its enactment, most major adult sites responded by blocking Texas users entirely rather than attempt compliance or risk liability.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for your internet traffic to protect your privacy and anonymity. It works by routing your data through a remote server, which hides your real IP address and encrypts your activity, making it difficult for ISPs, hackers, and other third parties to track you online. This helps to secure your connection, especially on public Wi-Fi, and can bypass geographic restrictions.
Supporters claimed this was proof the law was working. Critics countered that tech-savvy teens — and many adults — simply turned to Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, to bypass geographic blocks and access the same content anonymously.
Now, state officials are reportedly drafting legislation that would restrict or ban VPN use for the purpose of circumventing age limits, framing the move as the next necessary step in “protecting children online.” Privacy advocates and cybersecurity experts warn such a ban could impact millions of Texans who rely on VPNs for remote work, personal data security, and protection from hacking. They also argue that enforcing a VPN ban would be technologically difficult, if not impossible, and could push users toward even more sophisticated workarounds.
Civil liberties groups say the escalating restrictions resemble a slippery slope toward broader digital surveillance. Tech industry analysts add that determined minors will continue finding ways around filters, while law-abiding adults could lose critical privacy tools.
State officials insist the proposals reflect growing public concern about children’s exposure to online pornography. Opponents argue that the state is oversimplifying a complex issue, pursuing headline-grabbing policies rather than investing in digital literacy, parental support, and comprehensive online-safety education.
States appear headed for a high-stakes debate over the balance between child safety, adult privacy rights, and the realistic limits of state power in the digital age.
