Together for Freedom: A Texas Without Human Trafficking
January 15, 2026 – Human traffickers use Texas roads. Texas drivers can stop them.
PARIS – Being a good Texan on the road isn’t just about driving kind, courteous and safe. It’s about looking out for each other, and that includes watching for the signs of human trafficking. While some behaviors on our roadways are obviously unsafe, the signs of human trafficking may not be as obvious.
That’s why the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is raising awareness about the tragic reality of human trafficking and empowering employees and travelers across the state to recognize the signs of human trafficking to help stop this horrific crime. Together we can ensure a Texas where nobody is victimized by human trafficking, and everyone feels safe to travel our roads freely.
“What would happen if we all know the signs of human trafficking and act when we see it? We can work together to give anyone who travels in Texas peace of mind wherever they go,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “We know our transportation system can be a conduit for trafficking, which is why we are providing tips to our employees and Texas drivers on how to spot the signs.”
During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, TxDOT is sharing important safety messages across the state, including new posters at Travel Information Centers. These can reach Texas drivers along major interstate corridors and encourage people to be on the lookout.
TxDOT employees also receive training to spot the signs of human trafficking. This training has helped save victims by enabling our TxDOT employees to recognize the signs of human trafficking at travel centers and report them to law enforcement.
Our Human Trafficking Awareness training educates our employees about the various types of human trafficking, red flags commonly associated with human trafficking, how transportation is used to aid traffickers and ways individuals can safely report suspicious activity.
TxDOT employees recently wore blue in recognition of “Wear Blue Day,” to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Here are some “red flags” that might indicate labor trafficking or sex trafficking:
- Worker is not free to leave.
- Worker lives at the business.
- Worker is transported to the location by the owner or manager and all workers arrive and leave at the same time.
- Person seems overly fearful, submissive, tense or paranoid.
- Person is deferring to another person before giving information.
- Person has physical injuries or branding such as name tattoos on face or chest.
It’s important for all of us to be aware, stay vigilant and report signs of human trafficking. If you see any of these red flags, you can report the situation through several ways:
- Call 911 for emergencies.
- Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or text 233733.
- Call iWatchTexas at 844-643-2251 or submit a report through their website or through the iWatch app on your mobile device.
By being alert and “trusting your gut” when something feels wrong, you can help play a role in preventing the tragedy of human trafficking, and make sure Texas roadways are safe for all of us.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or call (903) 737-9213.
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Gala Photo Release: Cody Drug
January 15, 2026 – The event has raised more than 3.3 million dollars and completed 35 local healthcare projects over the past 20 years. This year, proceeds will help fund the surgical services expansion at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. The expansion will double the number of operating rooms and expand the types of surgeries that will be offered locally.
For underwriting, sponsorships, and tickets to this party for a purpose, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
Gala Photo Releases
January 15, 2026 – The Gala is officially sold out! To be added to the waiting list, call (903) 438-4799.
The event has raised more than 3.3 million dollars and completed 35 local healthcare projects over the past 20 years. This year, proceeds will help fund the surgical services expansion at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. The expansion will double the number of operating rooms and expand the types of surgeries that will be offered locally.
For underwriting and sponsorships for this party for a purpose, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Over Two Million Free Eggs for Texans as Part of Historic Settlement with Cal-Maine Foods for Price Gouging
January 15, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton has finalized a major settlement with Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (“Cal-Maine”), which includes Cal-Maine donating around 2,160,000 eggs to food banks across Texas. Attorney General Paxton previously sued Cal-Maine, one of the largest egg suppliers in the state, in April 2020 for price gouging and illegally raising the cost of eggs by around 300 percent.
“My office will crack down on any corporation illegally raising prices on Texans,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Cal-Maine tried to take advantage of the people of Texas during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this settlement is an important step towards securing justice for the company’s unethical actions. Our efforts to hold Cal-Maine accountable have secured reforms that will help prevent any further illegal price gouging and over two million free eggs that will be distributed by food banks across the state.”
As part of the settlement, Cal-Maine will donate a total of 180,000 dozen large brown and/or white eggs to Texas food banks within the next 120 days. Details on the egg distribution are as follows:
- At least 30,000 dozen Eggs to each of the following food banks: North Texas Food Bank and Houston Food Bank;
- At least 20,000 dozen Eggs to each of the following food banks: Tarrant Area Food Bank; Central Texas Food Bank; and San Antonio Food Bank;
- At least 10,000 dozen Eggs to each of the following food banks: Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley; East Texas Food Bank; and El Pasoans Fighting Hunger Food Bank;
- At least 5,000 dozen Eggs to each of the following food banks: Coastal Bend Food Bank; South Texas Food Bank; Southeast Texas Food Bank; and South Plains Food Bank; and
- At least 2,000 dozen Eggs to each of the following food banks: High Plains Food Bank; West Texas Food Bank; Food Bank of West Central Texas; Food Bank of the Golden Crescent; and Wichita Falls Area Food Bank.
Additionally, Cal-Maine is barred from demanding a price or selling eggs during a designated disaster period at a price that would violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, preventing any further price gouging similar to what the company did in 2020. The settlement can be found here.
Do You Qualify For a $20 Credit From Verizon?
January 15, 2026 – Verizon Outage Hits Texas Customers, Company Offers $20 Credit
Verizon customers across Texas experienced service disruptions this week as widespread network outages left many without reliable phone, text and data service. The outage affected both urban and rural areas, with reports coming in from major cities including Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin, as well as smaller communities.
Customers began reporting problems early Tuesday morning, with many unable to make calls, send texts or connect to mobile data. For some residents, the loss of service lasted several hours, prompting frustration for people trying to stay in touch with work, family and emergency contacts.
Verizon confirmed the outage later in the day, attributing the disruption to a technical issue in its network infrastructure. Technicians worked through the day to restore service, and by late evening most customers saw their connections return to normal. The company says the problems have now been resolved, though some users are still experiencing intermittent connectivity.
In response to the outage, Verizon has announced it will issue a $20 credit to affected customers’ accounts. The credit will be applied automatically, relieving customers from having to call or visit a store to request compensation. Verizon representatives said the move is intended to acknowledge the inconvenience caused by the service interruption.
Customers who experienced outages say the disruption highlighted their reliance on mobile service for daily tasks, including work communications, school, navigation and safety. Some small businesses reported challenges when point-of-sale systems and customer service lines were impacted.
Verizon officials said they regret the outage and are conducting an internal review to prevent similar issues in the future. They encourage customers to report any lingering problems through the company’s support channels.
The $20 credit offer is expected to apply to all customers whose service was interrupted during the outage, and credits should appear on next month’s billing statements. Verizon says it remains committed to improving network reliability across Texas and the nation.
Paxton Investigates Chlorine Based Sanitizer Sprayed on Organic Foods
January 14, 2026 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a statewide investigation into major grocery chains over allegations that organic fruits and vegetables are being sprayed with pesticides in-store without proper disclosure to consumers.
The investigation centers on the use of Produce Maxx, an EPA-registered antimicrobial pesticide that contains concentrated hypochlorous acid, a chlorine-based compound. The product is commonly applied through misting systems in grocery stores to reduce bacteria and extend the shelf life of fresh produce. While legal for certain uses, the concern raised by the Attorney General’s Office is whether consumers purchasing organic produce are being adequately informed that a pesticide is being applied after the products arrive at the store.
Produce Maxx is a commercial antimicrobial pesticide, primarily made of hypochlorous acid, used by grocery stores to spray on fresh fruits and vegetables via misting systems to kill bacteria, control spoilage, and extend shelf life, though its use on organic produce is facing scrutiny and investigations. While it’s marketed as a wash to remove dirt and wax, it’s essentially a chlorine-based sanitizer applied in-store, not typically a consumer product for home washing.
Paxton’s office is examining whether the undisclosed use of Produce Maxx violates Texas consumer protection laws, particularly if shoppers are led to believe organic produce is free from post-harvest chemical treatments. The investigation focuses on transparency, labeling, and whether grocery chains are misleading customers who pay premium prices for organic products based on expectations of minimal chemical exposure.
Produce Maxx is classified as a pesticide under federal law because it is designed to kill or suppress microorganisms such as bacteria. Though it is not an insecticide or herbicide, its classification and method of application have raised questions about whether in-store use on organic produce should be clearly disclosed at the point of sale.
Paxton has made consumer transparency a recurring focus of his enforcement efforts, particularly when it comes to food labeling and marketing practices. His office has previously taken action against companies accused of misleading Texans about pricing, ingredients, or product safety.
The outcome of the investigation could lead to enforcement actions, new disclosure requirements, or changes in how grocery stores treat and label organic produce. State officials say the goal is to ensure Texans can make informed decisions about the food they buy and trust that product labels accurately reflect what they are purchasing.
Abbott Meets With US Ambassador Delegation
January 14, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott met Tuesday at the Governor’s Mansion with several U.S. ambassadors to discuss transatlantic security cooperation, Texas’ growing defense and manufacturing sectors, and opportunities to promote American industry abroad.
The meeting included U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands Joseph Popolo, U.S. Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose, and U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Nicholas Merrick. The discussions focused on strengthening partnerships between Texas, the United States, and key European allies amid evolving global security challenges.
Abbott highlighted Texas’ major investments in advanced manufacturing and innovation, pointing to the state’s leadership in artificial intelligence, defense technology, semiconductor production, and the aerospace and aviation industries. State officials say those investments have positioned Texas as a critical contributor to national defense readiness and global supply chains.
The ambassadors emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to counter hostile actors and reinforce collective security. Whitaker thanked Abbott for Texas’ role in supporting U.S. allies and ensuring the nation remains prepared to meet emerging threats.
Energy security was also a central topic of the meeting. Abbott outlined Texas’ all-of-the-above energy strategy, noting that the state’s diverse energy portfolio supports manufacturing and innovation in defense, cybersecurity, and technology sectors. He also discussed Texas’ push to lead a nuclear energy resurgence through the Texas Advanced Nuclear Energy Office and the Texas Advanced Nuclear Development Fund, which aim to attract investment and accelerate development of next-generation nuclear power.
The ambassadors echoed the importance of reliable energy generation to sustain critical industries. The meeting took place during a two-day tour of Texas, during which the ambassadors visited major manufacturing facilities across multiple cities.
The Topic on This Second Cup Of Coffee is the Hello, Dolly! Production Being Held January 16th – 18th
January 14, 2026 – Shining Star Productions cast members Brad Cummings, Jacob Harris, and Larissa Hyde dropped by for A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to chat about the production of Hello, Dolly!, which is being presented at the Sulphur Springs High School Auditorium January 16th, 17th, and 18th, 2026. John Mark and the actors discussed what you can expect from this fabulous musical, what all went into putting this production together, other important individuals heavily involved with this play, and so much more! Be sure to check out this interesting segment of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, below!
Hopkins County Issues 90-Day Burn Ban
January 13, 2025 – During the regular meeting of the Hopkins County Commissioner’s Court on Tuesday, a unanimous vote upheld the temporary burn ban. The 90 day extension prohibits all outdoor burning until April 13, 2026 unless the burn ban is lifted by the court before expiration. Hopkins County is already designated as being in the Moderate Drought category as are Delta, Franklin, Lamar and Titus counties. Red River County is experiencing more sever drought conditions already being designated as Severe Drought by the Texas Drought Monitor.
Local Volunteer Fire Departements have now been put on notice of the Burn Ban as the Hopkins County Fire Department calls on the volunteers to help in monitoring and enforcing the ban.
Some activites are exempt during the burn ban. Find specifics on those below:
All outdoor burning remains prohibited during this period unless specifically exempted under the order. Approved exemptions include limited activities authorized by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, such as firefighter training, certain agricultural operations, prescribed burns conducted by certified burn managers, public utility or pipeline operations, and commercial welding or hot work.
Please note the following operational requirements:
- Any activity claiming an exemption must have a written Plan of Action on file with the Hopkins County Fire Department.
- Plans of Action must be submitted daily for review and approval prior to conducting any exempt activity.
- Adequate fire suppression equipment must be on-site, and combustible materials must be cleared in accordance with the order.
- Violations of the burn ban order are enforceable as a Class C misdemeanor.
As stated in the order, violating the burn ban carries a Class C misdeameanor charge.
Abbott Volunteers Texas For New HUD Antifraud Program
January 13, 2026 – Governor Greg Abbott has formally requested that Texas take part in a new federal pilot program aimed at preventing fraud in affordable housing assistance, signaling an expanded push by the state to strengthen oversight of taxpayer-funded programs.
In a letter sent January 12 to U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Scott Turner, Abbott volunteered Texas to participate in the HUD initiative focused on identifying and eliminating fraud within federal housing programs, particularly those tied to rental-based assistance. The pilot program is designed to improve accountability, prevent misuse of funds, and ensure aid reaches eligible families.
Abbott emphasized that public officials have a responsibility to manage government programs efficiently and protect taxpayer dollars from abuse. He expressed Texas’ willingness to collaborate with HUD on developing and implementing fraud-prevention strategies that improve the integrity of federal housing assistance while maintaining access for those who legitimately qualify.
The request comes amid a broader crackdown on fraud across multiple state-administered programs. Just last week, Abbott directed Texas agencies to investigate potential misuse of child care funding, reinforcing a pattern of heightened scrutiny over public benefit systems.
State officials say participation in the HUD pilot could provide Texas with additional tools to detect improper payments, prevent identity fraud, and close loopholes that allow bad actors to exploit housing assistance programs. Supporters argue that stronger oversight helps preserve funding and public trust while ensuring limited resources are available for families who truly need them.
The initiative also aligns with ongoing efforts to address housing affordability, a growing concern in Texas communities facing rising rents and population growth. By improving program integrity, state leaders say housing assistance dollars can be better targeted and more effective.
HUD has not yet announced which states will be selected for the pilot program or when implementation will begin. If approved, Texas would work closely with federal officials to design and test enhanced fraud-detection measures that could later be expanded nationwide.
