Suspects Identified in Most Recent Drug Bust
May 5, 2026 – May 5, 2026 — Sulphur Springs, Texas — The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on May 4, 2026, at the Old Spanish Villa Apartments on I-30 at Texas Street in Sulphur Springs, near Sulphur Springs Intermediate School on League Street. The operation was part of an ongoing narcotics investigation led by Narcotics Investigator Tanner Steward. Three individuals were arrested at the scene.
During the search, investigators reported seizing a significant amount of illegal drugs and weapons, including 309 grams of cocaine, 1,677.5 grams of THC vape pens, 73 grams of psilocybin, and 15 pounds of marijuana. Authorities also recovered two AR-platform rifles, one handgun, and $73,294.02 in U.S. currency.
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office said it received assistance from the Hunt County Narcotics Unit, which helped coordinate and support the operation as part of a broader regional effort to combat drug trafficking activity across Northeast Texas.
Officials stated the investigation is ongoing and remains focused on disrupting distribution networks operating in the area. The sheriff’s office emphasized that collaborative enforcement between counties continues to be a key factor in addressing narcotics-related crime and associated violence.
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office said it remains committed to proactive enforcement and maintaining public safety through continued narcotics investigations and coordinated regional operations. All suspects awaiting bond to be set in the multiple felony charges. Suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Executes Search Warrant Leading to Multiple Arrests and Significant Seizures
May 5, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, Texas — On May 4, 2026, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at an apartment complex in Sulphur Springs. The operation was led by Narcotics Investigator Tanner Steward as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Three subjects were arrested at the scene.
During the search, investigators recovered a substantial quantity of illegal substances and contraband, including:
· 309 grams of cocaine
· 1,677.5 grams of THC vape pens
· 73 grams of psilocybin
· 15 pounds of marijuana
· Two AR-platform rifles
· One pistol
· $73,294.02 in U.S. currency
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to the Hunt County Narcotics Unit for their assistance and collaboration throughout this investigation. Their support continues to strengthen regional efforts to combat criminal activity.
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office remains vigilant and proactive in its mission to protect the citizens of Hopkins County and will continue to take decisive action against illegal activity.
Paxton Digs Deeper on Secret EPIC City Meeting
May 5, 2026 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Double R Municipal Utility District No. 2A, alleging violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act (TOMA) tied to what he describes as an attempted illegal takeover connected to the proposed EPIC City development.
The lawsuit targets the utility district, which spans parts of Hunt County and Collin County, along with individuals Paxton identifies as improperly acting as board directors. According to the filing, the group conducted a meeting on September 12, 2025, in a remote field under conditions that failed to meet the transparency and public notice requirements mandated by state law.
According to the lawsuit, the meeting was held in a remote field rather than a typical public venue and was not properly disclosed to the public. Under the Texas Open Meetings Act, government bodies like municipal utility districts are required to provide clear notice of when and where meetings will take place and what topics will be discussed, ensuring the public has a fair opportunity to attend.
During that meeting, the defendants allegedly took sweeping actions, including firing legal counsel, accepting the resignation of the entire sitting board, appointing a new slate of directors, and attempting to annex more than 400 acres of land. State officials claim the land in question is tied to the planned EPIC City project, an initiative associated with the East Plano Islamic Center.
During the meeting, the individuals involved allegedly carried out a series of major decisions in rapid succession. These included terminating the district’s legal counsel, accepting the resignation of the entire existing board, appointing a completely new board of directors, and attempting to annex more than 400 acres of land.
Paxton’s office argues that the notice for the meeting was intentionally vague and failed to provide meaningful access to the public, a key requirement under TOMA. The lawsuit also alleges that the scope of the decisions—particularly the annexation tied to EPIC City—was not properly disclosed in advance.
“This was not just a technical violation—it was a deliberate attempt to bypass the law,” Paxton said in a statement. “We will continue to use every legal tool available to ensure transparency and accountability.”
The legal action seeks to void the attempted annexation and have the court declare the actions taken during the meeting unlawful. It also requests injunctive relief to prevent further violations.
This case builds on earlier legal efforts by Paxton’s office. In prior proceedings, the state secured a temporary restraining order and later a temporary injunction blocking the same group from taking additional action on behalf of the utility district. Those rulings also invalidated most actions taken by the disputed board after the September meeting.
The controversy has drawn attention in Northeast Texas, particularly in areas near the proposed development. Hunt County, which borders Hopkins County to the east, has seen increased public interest due to its proximity to the land involved in the dispute.
Municipal utility districts, or MUDs, are commonly used in Texas to finance infrastructure for new developments, including water, sewer, and road systems. Because they have the authority to levy taxes and issue bonds, their governance is subject to strict transparency laws like TOMA.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have broader implications for how such districts operate and how large-scale developments are approved across the state. For now, the case remains pending as courts weigh whether the actions taken in September violated state law and whether the attempted expansion tied to EPIC City can proceed.
Texas Wins 2026 Prosperity Cup As Top State For Job-Creating Business Investment
May 4, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas winning the 2026 Prosperity Cup awarded annually by Site Selection magazine to the top-performing state for job-creating business investment.
“Texas is once again the top state for job-creating business investment,” said Governor Abbott. “In Texas, we want people and businesses to succeed. With America’s best business climate, powered by predictable, pro-growth policies and a highly skilled and growing workforce, we will build a more prosperous Texas for decades to come.”
“If you want to know how Texas put together a corporate facility deal-making dynasty, it pays to look at the numbers,” said Executive Vice President of Conway Data Inc. and Site Selection magazine Ron Starner. “By any measure employed by Site Selection, Texas outperforms all comers and does so by a wide margin.”
Texas again takes the crown for registering the highest scores across 10 categories in the Prosperity Cup index that tracks business location and expansion projects, capital investment, job creation, business and tax climate, and workforce readiness.
This is the second year in a row Texas has been recognized by Site Selection with this “Triple Crown” win. In March, Governor Abbott accepted Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup recognizing Texas as the No. 1 state for attracting the most new and expanded business facility projects for an unprecedented 14th consecutive year. Last November, Site Selection recognized Texas for the third year in a row as the Top Business Climate in the U.S.
Learn more about why Texas works for job-creating businesses: gov.texas.gov/business
More Texas Students Receive School Choice Funds
May 5, 2026 – More than 53,000 additional Texas students are set to receive school choice funding this week, marking a significant expansion of the state’s new education program. The latest group of accepted applicants falls under Tier 2 eligibility, which includes families earning at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level—approximately $66,000 annually for a family of four.
The announcement builds on an earlier round of awards distributed last month, when more than 42,600 students in the program’s highest-priority category were approved. That top tier primarily includes students with disabilities and their siblings, reflecting the program’s initial focus on families with the greatest need for specialized educational options.
Despite the large number of awards, demand for the program has far outpaced available resources. State officials report that more than 274,000 applications were submitted during the initial application window, far exceeding the $1 billion allocated for the program’s first year. As a result, many families remain on a waitlist, hoping additional funding or declined offers will open more opportunities.
Families who receive funding offers in this latest round must make a decision by July 15. Those who decline or fail to respond will forfeit their awards, which will then be redistributed to students currently on the waitlist. This rolling process is expected to continue as the state works to maximize the number of students served within the program’s budget constraints.
Supporters of the initiative argue that it provides families with greater flexibility to choose educational settings that best meet their children’s needs, including private schools, tutoring, or other approved learning services. Critics, however, have raised concerns about limited funding, equitable access, and the potential impact on public school systems.
As the program moves forward, state leaders will likely face continued pressure to address the gap between demand and available funding, while families weigh their options ahead of the July deadline.
Low Turnout in Sulphur Springs City Council Race Reflects a Broader Texas Trend of Civic Apathy
May 4, 2026 – SULPHUR SPRINGS, Texas — Voter turnout in Sulphur Springs’ city council election was strikingly low this cycle, continuing a pattern seen across many small Texas cities where local races struggle to draw even a fraction of eligible voters to the polls.
Election officials and political observers say the outcome isn’t surprising—but it is concerning. In many municipal elections like Sulphur Springs’, turnout often hovers in the single digits, raising questions about civic engagement, voter awareness, and the structure of local election cycles.
“Low-stakes” perception drives voter disengagement
One of the biggest factors is perception. City council elections rarely generate the same visibility as statewide or national contests, and many residents simply don’t see them as urgent.
“People tend to underestimate how much local government affects their daily lives,” one Texas election analyst noted. “But when voters don’t feel immediate stakes, they stay home.”
The best estimate for Sulphur Springs: approximately 7,000–10,000 registered voters
Issues like street maintenance, zoning, utilities, and local budgets are decided at the city level—but those issues rarely break through to voters the way higher-profile political races do.
Election timing and fatigue play a role
Texas holds multiple election dates throughout the year, including separate local, primary, and runoff elections. That structure can contribute to what experts call voter fatigue, where citizens become less likely to participate when they are asked to vote frequently or in low-visibility contests.
In many small cities, council elections also fall outside major election cycles, meaning they don’t benefit from the higher turnout that comes with presidential or midterm races.
Lack of competition reduces urgency
Another key factor is uncompetitive races. In some small-city elections, candidates run unopposed or face little opposition, which further reduces motivation for voters to participate.
“When people already assume the outcome is decided, they don’t see a reason to show up,” said one local government researcher familiar with Texas municipal voting patterns.
A statewide pattern, not an isolated case
Sulphur Springs is not alone. Across Texas, municipal elections routinely see very low participation compared to state and national contests. Even in larger cities, turnout in local elections can dip below 10% of registered voters.
Recent examples in other Texas cities show similar trends, with some special elections drawing only a small fraction of eligible voters despite being consequential for city leadership and budgets.
What this means going forward
Experts say the issue isn’t just apathy—it’s structure. Low-turnout elections tend to reinforce themselves: when fewer people vote, campaigns invest less energy, media coverage shrinks, and public awareness declines even further.
Some reform advocates suggest consolidating local elections with statewide cycles or increasing voter education efforts to reverse the trend.
For now, however, Sulphur Springs reflects a familiar Texas reality: local democracy is happening—but most people aren’t showing up to participate in it.
Decline in SNAP Participation Sparks Debate Over Reform and Access
May 4, 2026 – WASHINGTON – Since President Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has undergone its most significant contraction in decades. New federal data reveals that nearly 4.3 million Americans—approximately 10% of total participants—exited the program between January 2025 and January 2026.
The shift follows the implementation of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a 940-page legislative overhaul that merged massive tax cuts with aggressive changes to federal assistance eligibility. While the administration celebrates the decline as a victory for economic independence, critics argue the drop reflects a systemic “locking out” of the nation’s most vulnerable.
Administration Credits Economy and Integrity
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins defended the trend this week, attributing the dip to a flourishing labor market and a crackdown on systemic abuse.
“The economy is strong, and frankly, people don’t need food stamps like they used to,” Rollins stated. She emphasized that the administration has prioritized weeding out fraud, noting that many recipients were “taking from the program when they shouldn’t have been.”
However, government data from 2023 shows that fraud accounts for a tiny fraction of the program’s footprint. Only about 41,500 people were removed for fraudulent activity that year—less than 1% of the total 42 million participants.
The Impact of the “One Big Beautiful Bill”
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” is projected to slash federal SNAP spending by 20% over the next decade. Most of the 4.3 million-person decline occurred in the latter half of 2025, immediately after the bill’s new work requirements and stricter documentation hurdles took effect.
Under these new rules, “able-bodied” adults face more frequent eligibility check-ins and narrowed exemptions. Advocates for the poor argue these are not “incentives to work,” but rather “administrative hurdles” designed to trigger automatic disqualifications.
Rising Costs Amid “Strong” Metrics
While the White House points to low unemployment, experts note that the cost of living remains a crushing burden. Food prices rose 3.1% in 2025 and are forecasted to climb another 2.9% through 2026.
“We have a persistent poverty problem in this country,” said Kate Bauer, an associate professor of nutritional sciences at the University of Michigan. “Even in good economic times, most people are not able to pull their families out of poverty just because the stock market is up.”
As the number of participants drops to 38.55 million, the disconnect between official economic optimism and the reality at the grocery checkout line remains the central tension of Trump’s second-term domestic policy. For millions of former recipients, the question isn’t whether the economy is growing—it’s whether they can afford to eat while it does.
Paxton Wins on Texas Workforce Commission and EPIC City Battle
May 4, 2026 – AUSTIN, Texas — Ken Paxton announced that a temporary injunction involving the proposed EPIC City development has been suspended following an appeal to the Fifteenth Court of Appeals, allowing state officials to pause compliance with a lower court order while the case proceeds.
EPIC City, now known as The Meadow, is a planned 402-acre master-planned community near Josephine, Texas, is spearheaded by members of the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC). Currently stalled by a series of legal and political battles, the project proposes to feature more than 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K-12 school, a community college, retail space, and elderly care facilities.
The dispute centers on a lawsuit filed by developers of the EPIC City project, which sought to compel the Texas Workforce Commission to approve certain fair housing documents tied to the development. A lower court had issued a temporary injunction requiring the agency to move forward with approvals, despite what state officials describe as ongoing legal and regulatory concerns.
Paxton’s office argued that complying with the order would have forced the TWC to act outside its legal authority, particularly given a reported federal investigation connected to the project. By appealing the decision, the attorney general secured a stay of the injunction, effectively halting the requirement while the appellate court reviews the case.
“Following my appeal of the flawed ruling … I am glad to see that the developers will not receive such services as this lawsuit is proceeding,” Paxton said in a statement, adding that his office will continue to challenge what he described as efforts to bypass legal requirements.
The EPIC City development has drawn heightened attention in recent months, both for its scale and for questions raised by state officials about regulatory compliance. While details of the federal inquiry have not been fully disclosed, it has become a central factor in the state’s legal position.
Temporary injunctions are often used in civil cases to preserve the status quo until courts can fully evaluate the merits of a dispute. In this instance, the appeals court’s decision to suspend the injunction means the TWC is not required to take action on the housing documents until further rulings are issued.
The case now moves forward in the appellate process, where judges will determine whether the lower court’s order was appropriate and how state agencies should proceed as the broader legal questions surrounding the EPIC City project continue to unfold.
Mahoney Cemetery to Celebrate its 125th Anniversary June 14th
May 3, 2026 – Mahoney Cemetery will be celebrating its 125th anniversary on Sunday, June 14, 2026.
The celebration will begin immediately after the Annual Cemetery Meeting at 10:30am.
The address is 3198 CR 3518, Sulphur Springs, TX 75482.
Anyone with questions is requested to contact Gilda Cain at 214-435-4263.
Hopkins County Hospital District Will Seat Three New Board Members
May 2, 2026 – The May 2nd election saw seven candidates running for three of the spots on the Hopkins County Hospital District Board. Newcomers Tanner Ragan, Jaime Mitchell and Sharla Tanton Campbell received the most votes edging out two incumbents (Chris Brown and Rosario Mejia) as well as hopefuls Robin Boshears and Jennifer McCoy.
The new members should be installed at the next regular meeting of the Hopkins County Hospital District Board joining current board members Joe Bob Burgin, Dr. David Black, Kerry Law, and Kristi Shultz.
Voter turnout proved to be very decent for the county wide election with 4,531 votes cast in total for the spots on the board. The total was made up from 259 absentee votes, 2,936 early votes and 1,336.
