Paris District Road Report for April 20, 2026
April 17, 2026 – Paris — Here’s a look at work planned in Fannin, Grayson, Hopkins, Franklin, Delta, Lamar, Red River, Hunt and Rains Counties for the week starting April 20, 2026. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Motorists are advised to remain alert and pay special attention to all signs, barricades, and traffic controls, and reduce their speed as they approach and travel through work zones. They should also avoid distractions such as cell phones, eating, drinking, or car audio or navigation systems.
Sherman Area (Fannin, Grayson Counties)
Contacts: Sherman Area Office (903) 892-6529; Grayson Co. Maintenance (903) 893-8831; Fannin Co. Maintenance (903) 583-7566.
Grayson County:
US 75, from the Collin County Line to FM 902. This project will widen the US 75 mainlanes from the Collin County Line to FM 902 to six lanes. The project will also reconstruct the bridge at County Line Road and construct new u-turn bridges in Van Alstyne near Simmons Loop and in Howe south of Hall Cemetery Road. This project will convert the frontage roads from two-way operation to one-way operation. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project.
The frontage roads in Van Alstyne and Howe on both the east and west sides of US 75 from County Line Road (CR 375/Panther Parkway) to Haning St. are one-way roads. The pavement work is completed, and both lanes of the frontage roads are open to traffic except at Bear Rd and Hall Cemetery Rd. The sections at Bear Rd and Hall Cemetery Rd. will have only one lane open. There will be occasional lane closures to install work zone striping & other remaining works. The section of frontage road on the east side of US 75 between Kelly Lane and County Line Road will remain as two-way traffic in order to allow traffic on Kelly Lane to travel to County Line Road.
The US 75 frontage roads in Howe were converted to one-way traffic on February 04. This one-way conversion happened on both the east and west sides of US 75 from Hanning St to FM 902. Occasional lane closures will be in place in order to complete remaining items such as backfill and striping.
US 75, from SH 91 (Texoma Parkway) to US 82. This project will rebuild the US 75 mainlanes from SH 91 to US 82 as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at Taylor Street, Lamberth Street and the US 75 main lanes over US 82 and reconstruct the frontage road intersection at SH 91. A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Two lanes on the US 75 main lanes will remain open in each direction during the daytime hours with occasional further lane closures during the nighttime period. Watch for lane closures on the frontage roads during construction.
The US 75 frontage road U-turn at the US 82 frontage road intersection travelling southbound to northbound is closed to traffic to allow crews to continue work on a portion of the new US 75 main lane bridge over US 82. During this closure, traffic is asked to go through the US 75 and US 82 frontage road intersection by making a series of left turns.
US 75 northbound exit ramp to Lamberth Rd. (Exit 63) will be closed from August 20 to April 26. This is a long-term closure, and drivers should use the adjacent exits.
Lamberth Dr. Eastbound and westbound to be closed from January 17 to September 2026.
US 75 southbound entrance ramp from US 82 is closed.
US 75 main lanes and frontage roads at various locations will be closed for short duration during daytime and nighttime due to mobile operations from April 01 to April 30. These closures are short duration closures that will happen between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm or between 8:00 pm and 5:00 am.
US 75 northbound frontage road between Loy Lake Rd (Sherman) and FM 691 will be closed from March 30, 2026, at 7:00 am to February 26, 2027. This is a long-term full closure.
US 75 southbound frontage road between FM 691 and Loy Lake Rd. (Sherman) will be closed from April 20, 2026 at 7:00 am to June 21, 2027.
The north-south U-Turn at the frontage roads of US 75 and US 82 intersection will be fully closed during the day from April 01 to April 30 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The south-north U-Turn at the frontage roads of US 75 and US 82 intersection will be fully closed from April 01 to April 30.
US 75 southbound mainlanes from Loy Lake Sherman to Travis St (Exit 65) will be fully closed from April 20 to April 21 from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am. This closure is needed for paving operations
US 75 northbound frontage road between Taylor St and US 82 to be fully closed for multiple nights from April 13 to May 01 from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am.
US 75 northbound mainlanes between US 82 and Loy Lake Entrance Ramp will be fully closed from April 23 to April 24 from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am.
US 75, from US 82 to North Loy Lake Road. This project will rebuild and widen the US 75 mainlanes from four lanes to six lanes as well as reconstruct the entrance and exit ramps on US 75. The project will also reconstruct bridges at FM 691, Iron Ore Creek and Spur 503, and add U-turn bridges at Loy Lake Road in Sherman and Spur 503 in Denison. A reduced speed limit of 65 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and lane shifts on the mainlanes of US 75 as well as frontage road lane closures within the project. Watch for nighttime lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 mainlanes, as crews work to construct the new pavement section.
Westbound Spur 503 is closed to traffic near US 75 as the connecting northbound and southbound frontage roads are being built at the new Spur 503 bridge. Westbound traffic will travel to the intersection of Spur 503 and the northbound frontage road and will go north on the new frontage road to access northbound US 75. Motorists wishing to go south will follow the northbound frontage road to Loy Lake Rd, and take the U-turn and continue south until the next available entrance ramp to southbound US 75.
The U-turn lanes for the US 75 frontage roads at FM 691 are closed to traffic to allow crews to work on constructing the middle portion of the new US 75 bridge over FM 691. During this closure traffic wishing to make a U-turn at the intersection is asked to turn left onto FM 691 and make another left at the next signal light.
The exit ramp from northbound US 75 to North Loy Lake Road in Denison is closed permanently. Travelers who wish to access North Loy Lake Road from northbound US 75 will detour up to Crawford Street, make a U-turn at the Crawford Street intersection, and head south on the frontage road to reach North Loy Lake Road.
US 75, from FM 1417 to SH 91 (Texoma Parkway). A reduced speed limit of 60 mph on the US 75 mainlanes has been set on the mainlanes for this construction project. Watch for shoulder closures and occasional lane closures on the northbound and southbound US 75 main lanes between SH 91 and FM 1417 as crews work on completing the remaining work on this project. Watch for occasional lane closures on the frontage roads between FM 1417 and SH 91.
US 75 Overlay, from near FM 84 to the Oklahoma State line. Watch for lane closures on northbound and southbound US 75 as crews will be working from Sunday night through Friday morning during the overnight period. Occasional lane closures will be present at night for crews to overlay the roadway with hotmix. Lane closures will begin at 7:30 pm at night and should be reopened to traffic by 6 a.m.
SH 5, in Van Alstyne from Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue. Watch for daytime lane closures on SH 5 as crews work to install a shared use bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail will follow along SH 5 from the existing trail at Williams Way to Blassingame Avenue, then along Tolson Avenue, then along Main Street where it will connect with Van Alstyne Parkway. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
US 82, from SH 91 to the Fannin County Line. Watch for daytime lane closures on the US 82 eastbound and westbound main lanes as crews work to perform pavement repairs and then a pavement overlay on the surface. Motorists should expect delays during the daytime work hours.
US 75 debris pickup, from Collin County line to Oklahoma State line. Watch for mobile lane closures as workers pick up debris from the roadway every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the nighttime.
Southmayd Rd at Elba Creek, The bridge at Elba Creek was closed beginning June 25. The bridge replacement is completed and opened to traffic on December 03. Construction crews will continue working on the remaining minor items and motorists are requested to slow down as they drive through the work zone.
FM 697, from east of FM 2729 to US 69, This project will widen FM 697 on each side of the roadway to make the shoulders wider. The project will also safely treat fixed objects and add one course surface treatment on the full width of the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers direct traffic through the work zone.
Prescott Rd, Southmayd. Contractor will continue performing bridge replacement work on the Prescott Road bridge located between Johnny Watson Road and Jelley Road in Grayson County. Majority of the bridge work is completed, and it was opened to traffic on March 31, 2026. Occasional lane closures will be in place to finish the remaining items of work. Motorists are requested to slow down as they drive through the work zone.
Calf Creek Ln. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on Calf Creek Ln bridge located at Calf Creek. The bridge will be closed in both directions beginning March 10, 2026, and will remain closed until July 2026. Road closure signs are installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use Jim Lamb Rd and Whitney Rd. as an alternate route.
US 75 from Ray Bridge to Oklahoma State line. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform shoulder edge repair & level up work on the roads. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56 from US 377 to FM 901. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform edge repair work on the roads. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Various locations in Grayson County. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform herbicide application on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Fannin County:
Bonham State Park, Park Road 24. Park Road 24 in Bonham State Park will have daytime lane closures while crews rehabilitate the main road, camping spots and parking lots within the park. Detour routes will be present during construction to allow for the flow of traffic.
FM 274, from SH 78 to FM 1753. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate and widen the roadway to an overall width of 26 feet. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 121 overpass at US 69. The SH 121 overpass at US 69 opened to all traffic on 6/23/2025. Construction crews will continue working on minor items at this location. Motorists should expect delays as there will be occasional daily lane closures through the construction zone.
SH 56 at Hutchins Creek and at Caney Creek. Watch for lane closures as crews perform bridge repair work. The temporary signals are removed. However, motorists should expect delays as there will be occasional daily lane closures through the construction zone.
SH 78 from FM 273 to Oklahoma State line: Watch for daytime lane closures as crews work to rehabilitate the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as signals and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek. The onsite detour on CR 1202 at Tributary of Brushy Creek has been removed. The new bridge is completed and open to traffic. Traffic is asked to approach the bridge slowly and drive at an appropriate speed through the work zone while crews continue working on finishing the remaining bridge work.
CR 2105. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on CR 2105 bridge located at Robert Springs Tributary. The bridge is closed in both directions beginning March 05, 2026, and will remain closed until July 2026. Road closure signs are installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use CR 2110 and CR 2100 as an alternate route.
CR 2410 at Tanyard Creek. Contractor will be performing bridge replacement work on the CR 2410 bridge located at Tanyard Creek. The bridge is closed in both directions beginning January 22, 2026, and will remain closed until May 2026. Road closure signs are installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use FM 100 and FM 2216 as an alternate route.
SH 11. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform seal coat preparation work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 274. Watch for daytime lane closures as crews perform ditch maintenance work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Various locations in Fannin County. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform sign installation and bridge repair work along the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Sulphur Springs Area (Hopkins, Franklin Counties):
Contacts: Sulphur Springs Area Office (903) 885-9514; Franklin Co. Maintenance (903) 537-4976; Hopkins Co. Maintenance (903) 885-4031.
Hopkins County: SH 19, from I-30 to Rains County Line. Crews will be grading ditches. Watch for construction vehicles near roadway.
Franklin County: FM 21, from SH 37 to Titus County Line. Crews will be rehabbing the existing road. Watch for temporary traffic signals within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
Hopkins County: SH 19 at SH 11. Crews will be working on the pavement joints in the intersection. There will be daily lane closures during the repair process.
Paris Area (Delta, Lamar, Red River Counties):
Contacts: Paris Area Office (903) 784-1357; Delta Co. Maintenance (903) 395-2139; Lamar Co. Maintenance (903) 785-4468; Red River Co. Maintenance (903) 427-3561.
Lamar County:
BU 271 B, from 18th Street SE to 34th Street SE. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the north and south sides of the roadway.
SH 19/24, Lamar & Delta Counties: from LP 286 intersection to SH 19 . Watch for temporary lane closures and lane shifts while crews resurface the roadway, perform bridge rail upgrades, and bridge maintenance.
US 82, Lamar & Red River Counties: from State Loop 286 in Paris to Bowie County Line in Red River County. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
1st ST SW & South Main St., Lamar County: from Hearne St. in Paris to Kaufman ST. in Paris. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install a bike lane and perform pavement and curb repairs.
FM 79, at Little Creek. Watch for temporary shoulder closures and trucks entering and exiting the highway as crews perform bridge maintenance.
BU 82 H (Bonham St.), from Loop 286 to 11th Street NW. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the north and south sides of the roadway.
BU 271 (North Main St.), from Price Street to Martin Luther King Drive. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the east and west sides of the roadway.
Delta County:
SH 154, from SH 19 to BU 24. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews improve drainage structures.
Red River County:
FM 2120, from FM 2573 to SH 37. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews rehabilitate the existing pavement and improve drainage structures.
Northeast Texas Trail, Clarksville, Texas. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from BU 82J to Annona East City Limits. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
Northeast Texas Trail, from Annona East City Limits to Bowie County Line. Watch for trucks and equipment entering and exiting streets and highways while crews construct the off-system trail.
BU 82 J, from FM 2825 to High Street (Clarksville). Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures while crews install sidewalk on the south sides of the roadway.
Greenville Area (Hunt, Rains Counties)
Contacts: Greenville Area Office (903) 455-2363; Hunt Co. Maintenance (903) 455-2303; Rains Co. Maintenance (903) 473-2682.
SH 34, From Traders Road to FM 1570. This project will construct a turning lane, consisting of culvert extensions, roadway widening, overlay, and striping. Work on this project is currently suspended due to utility conflicts. TxDOT is working with utility owners to relocate utilities. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 2642, from FM 35 to SH 66. The contractor has set work zone signs and barricades. Contractor will begin striping on for new traffic phase on Monday. Please slow down, be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 512, from SH 34 to FM 118. Barricades and traffic signs are in place. Contractor will be setting signs and mailboxes. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
SH 276, from FM 751 to CR 3609. The 2.6-mile rehabilitation project will add a center turn lane. The contractor has placed barricades and work zone traffic signs. Contractor is now excavating near the eastbound shoulder. Flagger operations in place while work is being performed. Expect delays in the work zone. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
FM 36, from US 380 to SH 66. The 6.11-mile project will rehabilitate roadway surface and add safety end treatments. Final pavement surface is complete. Pavement marking operations will continue. Flagging will be present while work is being performed. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Interchange Improvements, from Monte Stratton to FM 1903. Barricades and advance warning signs are in place. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
I-30 Improvements, from CR2511 to FM 36. Temp wall work is ongoing. The contractor is working in the median and on frontage roads. Expect one lane closures and rolling closures at night. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
Hunt and Rains Counties:
Hunt County and Rains maintenance crews will be performing pothole repair, roadway sweeping, sign repair work, and mailboxes throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt County maintenance crew will be performing overlay on FM 2194 from FM 903 to US 69, and on FM 1563 from SH 11 to SH 11. Crew will be performing bridge maintenance work in various locations. Maintenance contractors will be performing guardrail repairs at various locations. Work will be performed on SH 66 at FM 36 to add a Right Turn Lane.
Rains County maintenance section will be performing base repair will be performed on FM 47 from SH 276 to Van Zandt County Line. Spot base repair will be performed on Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
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Hopkins County Genealogical Society to Hold Next Lunch & Learn April 22nd
April 17, 2026 – Our “Fourth Wednesday Lunch & Learn” is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 611 North Davis St., Sulphur Springs, Tx. The Hopkins County Genealogical Society invites individuals interested in genealogical research to attend. Bring your sack lunch, salad, or drive-through meal, and join us – and bring a friend. This event is free and open to the public!
This month we are excited to offer to you a talk by our president John Sellers about an often overlooked source of research information. He is going to tell us about the collections often available at colleges and universities, and in our case East Texas A&M specifically. This brief talk will be followed by a Q & A period which will allow you to ask him more about that subject or about any research issue you may be having.
It is not often we have the privilege of having John as our speaker and it is certainly not often we have the opportunity to address questions to him directly. So, between now and then, think about what you might like to ask and have your questions ready because he is a tough one to tie down!
See you then.
Unprecedented Level of Support Coalesces Behind Dr. Susan Ballabina as Sole Finalist for Texas A&M President
April 17, 2026 – BRYAN, COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Five of Texas A&M University’s leading affiliated organizations have publicly backed Dr. Susan Ballabina as sole finalist for president, marking an unprecedented level of support across the Aggie Network.
The joint letter is signed by the leadership of The Association of Former Students, the 12th Man Foundation, the Corps of Cadets Association, the Texas A&M Foundation and the George & Barbara Bush Foundation.
Together, these organizations represent generations of Aggies and the full breadth of the university’s mission. They support students, fund scholarships, sustain traditions, strengthen the Corps and advance the university through philanthropy and lifelong engagement.
In their words, Dr. Ballabina is “uniquely suited to lead Texas A&M at this important moment.”
They point to what they have seen firsthand. Steady leadership. Deep institutional knowledge. A clear understanding of how to move a complex university forward while staying grounded in its purpose.
They highlight her engagement with affiliate leadership, her respect for the Aggie Network and her ability to bring people together to get results.
Their conclusion is direct. As Texas A&M approaches its 150th year, this is a moment that calls for experienced, principled and steady leadership. They are confident she is the right choice.
Texas A&M University System Chancellor Glenn Hegar said the alignment speaks for itself.
“This is not routine,” Hegar said. “This is an unprecedented level of support from the very organizations that help carry this university forward every day. They know this institution. They know what it takes to lead it. And they are speaking with one voice.”
Board of Regents Chairman Robert L. Albritton said the support reinforces the Board’s decision.
“We conducted a national search and selected the leader we believe is best prepared to guide Texas A&M into its next chapter,” Albritton said. “This kind of alignment across the Aggie Network affirms that choice.”
The letter was signed by:
- Porter S. Garner III ’79, President and CEO, The Association of Former Students
- Travis Dabney ’96, President and CEO, 12th Man Foundation
- Bruce Hamilton ’78, President and CEO, Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association
- John Huser ’89, Vice President and CFO, Interim Leader, Texas A&M Foundation
- Alice Gonzalez Yates ’99, CEO, George & Barbara Bush Foundation
Dr. Ballabina currently serves as Executive Vice Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Her appointment is subject to the state’s required 21-day waiting period before final action by the Board of Regents.
Clothing Donations and Consequences: The Global Trade Few Donors See
April 17, 2026 – Millions of Americans drop off used clothing each year at thrift stores, charity bins, and donation drives, often assuming their items will go directly to people in need. But the reality is far more complex—and increasingly controversial in parts of the developing world.
Approximately 45% to over 80% of donated clothing is shipped overseas, as charities can only sell a small fraction—often only 10–20%—in local thrift shops. Much of this exported clothing is sold to markets in the Global South, though a significant portion becomes waste, creating environmental crises, such as in Ghana.
Organizations such as Goodwill Industries and The Salvation Army receive far more clothing than they can sell domestically. Only a fraction ends up on local thrift store racks. The majority is sold in bulk to textile recyclers and exporters, entering a global secondhand market that ships used garments—known in the trade as “mitumba”—to countries across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Mitumba is a Swahili term for “bundles,” referring to the massive trade of imported second-hand clothing in East Africa, particularly Kenya. These clothes, often donated or sold in Western nations, are shipped in compressed bales.
In countries like Ghana and Kenya, these imports are a major part of the clothing economy. Vendors buy tightly packed bales of secondhand clothes and resell individual items in open-air markets at affordable prices. For many consumers, used clothing provides access to brands and styles that would otherwise be out of reach.
But the influx has also raised concerns about its impact on local industries. Critics argue that a flood of cheap, imported clothing undercuts domestic textile production, making it difficult for local manufacturers to compete. In the 20th century, several African nations had thriving garment sectors, but many have struggled to maintain them in the face of global competition and secondhand imports.
In Ghana, high volumes of imported second-hand clothing from Western nations are known as ‘obroni wawu’, which translates from the Twi language to “dead white man’s clothes”. The term originated because locals initially believed that such a vast abundance of donated clothing could only come from deceased individuals.
There are also environmental consequences. Not all donated clothing is wearable. In fact, exporters acknowledge that a significant share of garments—sometimes described as “waste” even before shipment—ends up in landfills or informal dumping sites abroad. In Accra, mountains of discarded textiles have become a visible symbol of the problem, clogging waterways and contributing to pollution along the coast.
Supporters of the secondhand trade say it creates jobs and provides affordable clothing in low-income regions. Market sellers, transport workers, and sorters all depend on the industry for their livelihoods. Some economists also note that the decline of local textile industries cannot be attributed solely to used clothing imports, pointing to factors such as trade policies, infrastructure challenges, and the rise of ultra-cheap fast fashion.
The debate has reached policymakers. In recent years, regional blocs like the East African Community have considered restrictions on secondhand clothing imports to protect local manufacturing. However, such efforts have faced pushback over concerns about consumer prices and international trade relations.
For donors, the takeaway is less straightforward than it may seem. While giving away clothes can extend their life and reduce waste at home, it also feeds into a global system with uneven benefits and consequences.
As the volume of textile waste continues to grow worldwide, experts say the challenge will be finding solutions that balance affordability, sustainability, and the economic futures of countries on the receiving end.
ERCOT Now Warning Texas About Planned Data Centers’ Power Demands
April 17, 2026 – Texas’ main power grid operator is warning regulators that electricity demand could surge dramatically over the next decade, fueled by rapid growth in data centers, cryptocurrency mining operations, and large-scale industrial projects.
At a hearing scheduled this week, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is expected to present projections showing that peak electricity demand—currently at a record 85,508 megawatts—could more than triple by 2032. The forecast reflects an unprecedented wave of new, energy-intensive developments seeking to connect to the grid, particularly in fast-growing regions of the state.
But ERCOT officials are also emphasizing a key caveat: the projections carry significant uncertainty. Many of the proposed projects driving the forecasts are still in early stages, and some may be delayed, scaled back, or never completed. Factors such as financing challenges, changing market conditions, and evolving technology could all affect how much of the anticipated load ultimately materializes.
The warning places the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) in a difficult position. Regulators must decide how aggressively to plan for future demand, balancing the risk of overbuilding costly infrastructure against the possibility of falling short and jeopardizing grid reliability.
The issue comes amid heightened scrutiny of Texas’ power system following the devastating February 2021 winter storm, which caused widespread outages and prompted major reforms aimed at improving grid resilience. Since then, state leaders have prioritized ensuring that supply keeps pace with the state’s rapid population and economic growth.
Data centers, in particular, have emerged as a major driver of new demand. The facilities, which support cloud computing and artificial intelligence applications, require vast amounts of electricity to operate and cool servers. Similarly, cryptocurrency mining operations—drawn to Texas by relatively low energy costs and a deregulated market—can consume large amounts of power, often with fluctuating usage patterns.
ERCOT’s message to regulators is clear: while the scale of potential growth is enormous, planning based solely on high-end projections could lead to unnecessary costs for consumers. At the same time, underestimating demand could strain the grid and increase the risk of shortages during extreme weather.
As the PUC considers its next steps, the challenge will be crafting policies that are flexible enough to adapt to changing conditions while ensuring that Texas remains prepared for a future that could bring both explosive growth and significant uncertainty.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Houston Officials for Adopting Sanctuary City Policies
April 17, 2026 – Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against officials in Houston, alleging the city adopted an unlawful “sanctuary” policy that restricts local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The lawsuit centers on a recently approved city ordinance that limits how Houston police can act on administrative warrants issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to the filing, the policy prevents officers from stopping, arresting, or continuing to detain individuals based solely on ICE administrative warrants while in the field.
Paxton argues the ordinance violates Senate Bill 4, a state law passed in 2017 that prohibits local governments from adopting policies that “materially limit” the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The measure, often referred to as the “sanctuary cities ban,” was designed to require cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials.
The lawsuit names Houston Mayor John Whitmire, city council members, and other officials as defendants. It seeks to block the ordinance and ensure that local agencies comply with state law.
“I will not allow any local official to push sanctuary policies that make our communities less safe,” Paxton said, calling on the city to repeal the measure immediately.
Supporters of SB 4 have long argued it is necessary to maintain public safety and consistent enforcement of immigration laws. Critics, however, say such policies can strain relationships between immigrant communities and local police, potentially discouraging crime reporting.
The legal challenge marks the latest clash between state and local leaders over immigration enforcement in Texas, a state that has frequently been at the center of national debates on border security and federal authority.
Governor Abbott Touts Texas Jobs Council During Gulf Coast Visit
April 17, 2026 – Greg Abbott highlighted the state’s workforce development efforts during a visit to Crosby on April 16, promoting the newly launched Texas Jobs Council as a key driver of future economic growth.
During the visit, Abbott toured the International Training & Education Center, the flagship facility of the International Union of Operating Engineers, where workers receive hands-on training for high-demand careers in construction and industrial operations. The governor praised the center as an example of how industry partnerships can prepare Texans for well-paying jobs.
“The training and skills learned by workers like those behind me are helping ensure Texas has the best workforce in the nation,” Abbott said, emphasizing the importance of career-focused education pathways.
The Texas Jobs Council, launched last month, aims to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline by aligning education and training programs with employer needs. The initiative will focus on reducing regulatory barriers, expanding apprenticeships, and developing policy recommendations ahead of the next legislative session.
Abbott noted that Texas has invested more than $7 billion in career training over the past two years, including expanded career and technical education programs through recent legislation. The state has consistently ranked among the top in business relocations and economic expansion, bolstered by its reputation for a favorable business climate.
Workforce leaders and lawmakers joined the visit, underscoring collaboration between government, industry, and labor groups. The council is expected to deliver a final report in November outlining strategies to further strengthen Texas’ workforce development system and support long-term economic growth.
Give ‘em a Brake: Drive Smart in Work Zones
April 16, 2026 – 203 people were killed in traffic crashes in Texas work zones last year
PARIS – Highway work is dangerous work, often just inches away from speeding traffic. Help keep our workers and everyone on the road safe by slowing down in work zones and driving like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.
A growing state means more Texans on our roads, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is meeting that increased demand with roadway improvements underway in more than 1,800 active work zones across the state. This month, TxDOT is highlighting safety tips in work zones to help protect workers and drivers.
The data
In 2025, there were more than 28,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones, resulting in 203 people killed, including seven roadside workers.
- In the Paris District in 2025, there were 647 traffic crashes in work zones, resulting in 7 fatalities and 20 serious injuries.
And while workers are at risk doing their jobs to keep us safe, most of the people who died in work zone crashes were drivers and their passengers. Driving with caution through work zones is as much for your protection as it is for the people working.
Work Zone Awareness Week
In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20–24, TxDOT is raising awareness about how to be safe and drive smart in work zones to avoid crashes and fatalities.
“Maintaining a safe highway system requires year-round effort from brave and dedicated work crews,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Unfortunately, work zone crashes happen far too often. It’s crucial that drivers slow down, pay attention and give workers space. It’s the Texan thing to do.”
Stay safe in work zones with these Be Safe. Drive Smart. tips
- Slow down. Follow the speed limit and adjust your speed to road conditions. Remember that traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present.
- Stay alert. Focus on driving, avoid distractions and put your phone away.
- Watch out for road crews. Roadside workers deserve to get home safely, too. Always follow their instructions and work zone signage.
- Never tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash.
- Allow extra time. Road construction can slow down traffic. Plan ahead so you aren’t tempted to speed.
Motorists are also reminded to follow the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law. The law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights activated. That’s not just law enforcement cars, but emergency vehicles, TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks or utility vehicles.Be Safe. Drive Smart. is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
SSISD Supt. Dr. Steeber was John Mark’s Guest on This Second Cup Of Coffee From April 14th
April 16, 2026 – Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent, Dr. Deana Steeber, was the guest on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, from April 14th, 2026. Dr. Steeber and John Mark chatted about the students that competed in the UIL Competition, and how well they did. They also talked about the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Sulphur Springs High School Class of 2026… And they talked about so much more. Be sure to check out this informative episode of Second Cup Of Coffee and learn how well your community’s students are doing.
Camp Mystic Owners Ordered to Leave Flood Site Undisturbed After Deadly Disaster
April 16, 2026 – Authorities have ordered the owners of Camp Mystic to leave the site of a recent deadly flood untouched as investigators work to determine what led to the tragedy. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny over safety conditions and emergency preparedness at the camp, where multiple children lost their lives after sudden floodwaters swept through the area.
Local officials say the order is necessary to preserve critical evidence. Investigators from state and regional agencies are expected to conduct a detailed examination of the grounds, including drainage systems, building placement, and any warning measures that may—or may not—have been in place before the water surged. Disturbing the site prematurely, they say, could compromise the ability to reconstruct exactly what happened.
The flood struck with little warning, according to early reports, rapidly inundating cabins and low-lying areas of the property. Survivors described chaotic scenes as staff and campers scrambled to reach higher ground. Emergency responders faced difficult conditions as they carried out rescue operations, with debris and strong currents complicating access.
Camp Mystic’s owners have expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said they are cooperating fully with authorities. In a brief statement, they acknowledged the order and emphasized their commitment to supporting the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, questions are mounting about whether proper risk assessments were conducted, particularly given the camp’s proximity to waterways prone to sudden flooding. Officials have not yet indicated whether charges or penalties could follow, noting that the investigation is still in its early stages.
For now, the focus remains on understanding the sequence of events and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Authorities say a full report will be released once investigators complete their work, though that process could take weeks or longer.
