Paxton Sues Water Treatment Plant For Dumping Sewage into Cedar Creek
March 18, 2026 – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced this week that his office has secured a court order halting the illegal discharge of sewage and waste into waterways in East Texas.
The legal action targets Angelina County Water Control and Improvement District No. 4, which state investigators say had been releasing untreated or improperly treated sewage into Cedar Creek. The creek is part of the larger Neches River Basin, a critical water system for the region.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the lawsuit was filed in early March after an investigation revealed that the district’s wastewater operations were polluting Cedar Creek with contaminants, including ammonia and E. coli. Officials say the pollution stemmed from a leaking lift station that discharged sewage into a tributary feeding the creek.
State officials allege the activity violated both the Texas Water Code and the Texas Solid Waste Disposal Act, laws designed to protect public health and the environment.
A court has now granted a Temporary Restraining Order, requiring the district to immediately stop all unauthorized discharges and begin cleaning up affected areas. The order is intended to prevent further contamination while the case moves forward.
Paxton said the ruling sends a clear message that environmental violations will not be tolerated.
“Illegal sewage dumping that threatens the health of Texans and harms our beautiful Texas waterways will not be tolerated,” he said in a statement.
The Attorney General’s office says it will continue monitoring the situation to ensure compliance and protect nearby communities that rely on the water system.
Officials say the case highlights the importance of maintaining proper infrastructure and oversight when managing wastewater systems across Texas.
Islamic Schools Still Banned From Texas School Choice Program
March 18, 2026 – A federal judge in Houston is drawing attention amid ongoing legal challenges to Texas’ new school choice program, particularly over questions involving religious schools and eligibility rules.
U.S. District Court Judge Alfred Bennett of the Southern District of Texas reportedly described the lack of Islamic schools participating in the state’s Education Freedom Accounts program as “troubling” during recent proceedings.
The program, created to provide state-funded education savings accounts for families seeking alternatives to public schools, has drawn widespread interest. State officials report that more than 200,000 applications have been submitted, despite funding being available for only about half that number of students. The application period closed this week.
At the center of the legal dispute is a provision that bars private schools from participating in the program if they have ties to terrorist organizations or foreign adversaries. Supporters of the rule argue it is necessary to protect national security and ensure public funds are not directed to entities with questionable affiliations.
However, two federal lawsuits currently before Bennett’s court challenge that restriction. Plaintiffs argue the provision could unfairly limit participation by certain religious schools and may violate constitutional protections, including religious freedom and equal access.
The judge’s comments have added another layer to the debate, which sits at the intersection of education policy, national security concerns and religious rights.
The outcome of the cases could have significant implications for how Texas implements its school choice program moving forward, particularly in determining which private institutions are eligible to receive public funds.
For now, the program remains in place as applications are reviewed, but its long-term structure may ultimately depend on how the court rules in the pending lawsuits.
The 2026 Dairy Festival Begins!
March 18, 2026 – The 2026 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Parent and Contestant Information Reception was held Monday, March 16th, 2026, at the Southwest Dairy Museum in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this reception. Check it out and learn what the theme is for this year’s Hopkins County Dairy Festival!
How did your Plants and Flowering Trees Fare?
March 17, 2026 – A late-season cold snap brought freezing temperatures to Hopkins County overnight, damaging early spring vegetation.
Temperatures dipped into the mid-30s across the area, cold enough to produce patchy frost in low-lying and rural areas. Gardeners and landowners reported concerns about tender plants, blooming trees and early garden crops that may have been exposed to the chill.
Agriculture experts say even a light frost can damage or kill sensitive vegetation, particularly newly budding fruit trees and spring flowers. Leaves may appear wilted or darkened in the days following a freeze, while some plants could experience stunted growth.
The cold temperatures come during a transitional time of year, when warmer daytime highs—often reaching into the 70s and 80s—encourage early growth. However, sudden overnight drops remain a risk across Northeast Texas through early spring.
Climatologists note that the average last freeze date for Hopkins County typically falls between mid-March and late March, though colder temperatures can occasionally occur into early April. That means residents are still within the window where frost and freezes are possible.
Local gardeners are encouraged to take precautions during cold nights, such as covering plants, bringing potted vegetation indoors or using frost cloths to reduce exposure.
The good news is that warmer weather is expected to return quickly, with temperatures climbing back above seasonal averages in the coming days. Still, experts caution that until the region passes its average last freeze date, residents should remain prepared for occasional cold snaps.
For now, the overnight freeze serves as a reminder that winter conditions can linger, even as spring gets underway in Hopkins County.
Texas Stops Oklahoma Land Grab Attempt
March 17, 2026 – Texas officials say an effort by an Oklahoma landowner to claim property along the Red River has been stopped after a court sided with the state’s legal arguments.
“The full force of the law will come crashing down on anyone trying to seize Texas land. I will always defend our state’s sovereignty and will not allow erroneous theories to undermine Texas’s land ownership,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The Red River Rivalry may be famous on the football field, but I won’t allow that term to extend to Oklahoma property owners unlawfully seizing Texas land in the courtroom.”
Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the decision this week, calling it a victory for Texas sovereignty and established state boundaries. The dispute stemmed from a lawsuit filed in August 2025 in an Oklahoma court, where a property owner sought to redefine the border between Texas and Oklahoma.
Paxton’s office intervened in the case alongside the Texas Department of Transportation, arguing that the lawsuit relied on outdated legal precedent and improperly attempted to bring Texas into an out-of-state court without its consent. The judge ultimately agreed, removing the State of Texas from the case.
At the center of the dispute was the boundary along the Red River, which has historically been the dividing line between the two states. The landowner based the claim on a 1923 U.S. Supreme Court decision that defined the border as the river’s “lower bank.”
However, Texas officials argued that the earlier ruling had been superseded by the Red River Boundary Compact, an agreement approved in 1999 and later ratified by Congress in 2000. That compact more clearly established the boundary between Texas and Oklahoma, providing a modern legal framework for resolving disputes.
State officials said the court’s decision reinforces that the compact—not older case law—governs the border.
While Texas has been dismissed from the lawsuit, litigation involving other parties may still proceed in Oklahoma courts.
Paxton said the ruling ensures Texas land remains under Texas jurisdiction and prevents what he described as an improper attempt to shift state boundaries through legal action.
No Run-Off Election Needed for City of Starbase
March 16, 2026 – The newly incorporated City of Starbase will not hold its upcoming municipal election after no candidates filed to challenge the current officeholders.
Under Texas election law, local governments are allowed to cancel an election if every race on the ballot is uncontested. Because no challengers submitted paperwork before the filing deadline, Starbase officials confirmed that the scheduled election will not take place, and the current officeholders will remain in their positions.
The city is closely tied to the operations of SpaceX and its launch complex in South Texas. The community sits near Boca Chica Beach, where the aerospace company conducts rocket launches and testing activities.
Starbase officially became an incorporated city last year after officials in Cameron County approved a petition submitted by residents connected to the growing development around the SpaceX facility. The incorporation effort came as the area saw rapid growth tied to the company’s expansion and increasing workforce.
Supporters of the incorporation argued that forming a city would allow local leaders to better manage infrastructure, services and development connected to the spaceport and surrounding community.
Because the election will be canceled, Starbase’s existing leadership will continue serving their terms without a formal vote. Such cancellations are relatively common in small municipalities when no candidates step forward to contest local positions.
Although residents will not head to the polls this election cycle, city officials say the incorporation of Starbase represents a new chapter for the rapidly developing community.
The area continues to attract attention due to its role in commercial spaceflight and its association with Elon Musk, whose company has made the region a central hub for rocket development and testing.
For now, Starbase will move forward with its current leadership in place as the city continues to grow alongside SpaceX’s operations.
2026 Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program Removes 973 Derelict Traps from Texas’ Bays
March 13, 2026 – GULF COAST — During this year’s annual Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program (ACTRP), participants from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Coastal Fisheries Division, Texas Game Wardens, volunteers and partner organizations along the Texas Gulf Coast rallied together to search for and discard derelict traps from Texas’ Bays.
For the past 24 years, Texas coastal waters officially close to crabbing with mesh wire cages for 10 consecutive days each February to facilitate the volunteer crab trap cleanup. Any traps left in bays — including traps tied to docks — are assumed abandoned and considered “litter” under state law during the closure period. This allows volunteers to legally remove any crab traps they may find.
“The Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program continues to be essential for reducing the number of derelict crab traps that can be found along the coast,” said Holly Grand, TPWD’s ACTRP and Coastal Outreach Coordinator. “The support of our volunteers, partners, and staff is crucial for the success of this program. We look forward to removing more traps next year.”
This year, TPWD staff, volunteers and partners helped remove 973 traps from Texas Coastal waters. In addition, various marine life was successfully rescued from these now disposed crab traps:
- 320 blue crabs
- 201 stone crabs
- 21 sheepshead
- 13 catfish
- 3 flounder
- 2 Diamondback terrapins
The abandoned traps can damage shrimpers’ nets, snag anglers’ lines, and create unsightly views. In addition, lost or abandoned fishing gear, such as nets, traps and pots continue to catch and kill marine life (called “ghost fishing”). To date, volunteers and TPWD staff have hauled off over 46,000 of these derelict traps, saving an estimated 756,461 blue crabs.
The Coastal Conservation Association Texas, Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Galveston Bay Foundation, San Antonio Bay Partnership, Christmas Bay Foundation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provide continued support to the annual crab trap removal program. In addition, numerous organizations and companies provide volunteer services to make this program so successful. The Gulf of America Alliance also provides funds for innovative techniques to find traps and recently helped promote the benefit of crab trap cleanups.
Paris District Road Report for March 16, 2026
March 13, 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 March 16, 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.
Safety Message: Flash Floods
Flash flooding is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Texas. If you encounter a flooded road, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”
- Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving flood waters. The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damage to the road. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle, even a pickup truck or SUV.
- Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.
- Be especially careful driving at night when it can be harder to see flood dangers.
- If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
Here’s the law
- Never drive around barriers blocking low water crossings or flooded roadways. Penalties include a fine of up to $2,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail.
- Tampering with roadway warning signs or barriers is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to two years in jail, or both.
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. Lane closures will be in place during the conversion in order to complete pavement repairs and to overlay the roadway with a new surface. After the pavement work is complete, both lanes of the frontage roads will be opened to traffic.
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 southbound mainlanes from Exit 65 to Travis St. will be closed from March 15 to March 16, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am. This full closure is needed to switch traffic, and drivers should use the adjacent exits.
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 March 09 to March 31. 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 Taylor St. and Lamberth Dr. will be fully closed from March 25 to March 27 during the night from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am. This full closure is needed for paving activities.
Eastbound exit ramp to US 82 will have multi-night closure from 23 Mar – 25 Mar 8:00 pm – 5:00 am.
Eastbound/Westbound mainlane from Travis St to Loy Lake Rd : There will be long term Left Lane Closure from 1 2 Mar – 17 Apr 5:00 am – 5:00 pm.
US 75 Southbound Frontage Road between Lamberth Dr and Taylor St will be fully closed from 24 Mar – 25 Mar from 8:00 pm – 5:00 am. This full closure and flagging operation is needed for paving activities.
The north-south and south-north U-Turn at the frontage roads of US 75 and US 82 intersection will be fully closed during the day from March 01 to March 31 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
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 northbound frontage road from FM 691 to Spur 503 to be fully closed from January 05 to March 18. This full closure is needed to reconstruct the frontage 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 the 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 be performing bridge replacement work on the Prescott Road bridge located between Johnny Watson Road and Jelley Road in Grayson County. The bridge on Prescott Road was closed in both directions on December 01. The bridge will remain closed until March 2026. Road closure signs will be installed on the roads leading to the project to inform drivers. Drivers can use Johnny Watson Road, Jelley Road and Southmayd Road as an alternate route.
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 level up operations. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
US 75 and US 82. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews spray herbicide along US 75 and along US 72. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 11 north of FM 691. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews repair various issues and perform edge repair work. 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 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 will be 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 will be 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 34. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform level up work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
FM 1550. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform level up work on the roadway. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
SH 56. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform level up 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 placement work on 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: Loop 301 at Railroad Crossing. The railroad crossing will be getting replanked the week of March 23-27 and the road will be closed to through traffic during the operations.
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 sidewalks on the north and south sides of the roadway.
US 271, at the intersection of FM 2648 and at the intersection of FM 3298. Watch for temporary lane and shoulder closures as crews install roadway illumination within the right of way.
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.
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. Traffic on north end of project (SH 66 to I-30) is now switched to new phase. 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 performing prime coat on roadway from 1000 ft. west of Gardner Rd. to the intersection of FM 512 and FM 2655. One-way flagger operations are currently set up through the work zone. Expect minor delays. 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 in the south bound shoulder. Flagger operations in place while work is being performed near FM 751. 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 will be applied. Flagging operations will be in place 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. Expect one lane closures and rolling closures at night for pavement repairs. 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 and sign repair work, and mailboxes throughout Hunt and Rains County.
Hunt County maintenance crew will be performing overlay on FM 36 from FM 2194 to FM 1562. Lamar Street Overpass will be overlayed from FM 499 to end of maintenance. Flaggers will be present at both locations. 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 roadway prep work on FM 275 from Hopkins County Line to FM 514. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
###
SNAP Recipients Sue to Get Their Sugary Treats Back
March 13, 2026 – A group of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients has filed a lawsuit challenging efforts to ban the use of food assistance benefits for sugary foods and beverages.
The lawsuit targets recent proposals in several states that seek to restrict what items can be purchased through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP. The program provides monthly food benefits to millions of low-income Americans to help them buy groceries.
Supporters of the proposed restrictions argue the changes are intended to improve public health by preventing taxpayer-funded benefits from being used to purchase soda, candy and other foods high in sugar. Some policymakers say limiting those purchases could help reduce rates of obesity, diabetes and other diet-related illnesses.
However, the lawsuit filed by SNAP recipients argues the restrictions unfairly single out low-income families and limit their ability to make their own food choices. Plaintiffs say the proposed bans would treat SNAP recipients differently from other consumers and could create confusion at grocery stores where some items would be eligible for purchase while others would not.
Advocacy groups supporting the lawsuit also argue that the restrictions fail to address broader issues related to food access, including the higher cost of healthier foods and the limited availability of fresh produce in some communities.
Under current federal rules, SNAP benefits can generally be used to purchase most grocery items except alcohol, tobacco and hot prepared foods.
Legal experts say the outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for how states attempt to regulate SNAP purchases in the future.
The case is expected to move through federal courts in the coming months as both sides argue over the balance between public health goals and the rights of benefit recipients to choose the foods they purchase.
Formal Request to Remove Controversial Statue From Globe Life Field Already Filed
March 13, 2026 – A North Texas congressman is calling on Major League Baseball and the Texas Rangers to remove a controversial statue recently installed outside the team’s home stadium in Arlington.
U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey sent a letter this week to Texas Rangers co-chairmen Ray Davis and Bob Simpson, as well as MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, urging them to reconsider the placement of the statue titled One Riot, One Ranger at Globe Life Field.
The statue was unveiled at the ballpark on March 2 after previously standing for nearly six decades at Dallas Love Field airport. The sculpture depicts a Texas Ranger and references the historic phrase “One Riot, One Ranger,” which has long been associated with the legendary law enforcement group.
Veasey, who represents Texas’ 33rd Congressional District covering parts of Tarrant and Dallas counties, said the statue’s historical associations raise concerns. In his letter, the congressman argued that the monument may honor a figure connected to opposition to school integration, and said that honoring such a legacy conflicts with the inclusive values that Major League Baseball promotes today.
“Ballparks should be places where families gather, and fans of every background feel welcome,” Veasey said in his statement.
In the letter, Veasey also pointed to baseball’s history of racial integration, highlighting the contributions of trailblazers like Jackie Robinson and Larry Doby, who broke the sport’s color barrier and helped reshape professional baseball.
The Texas Rangers organization has not publicly responded to the request. The team, a member of Major League Baseball, installed the statue as part of a display recognizing Texas history and culture.
The debate surrounding the statue reflects broader national conversations about historical monuments and how figures from the past should be represented in modern public spaces.
For now, the statue remains on display at Globe Life Field as discussions continue.
