FDA Recalls Great Value Cottage Cheese Sold at Walmart
March 2, 2026 – Several varieties and sizes of Great Value branded Cottage Cheese products have been recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The affected products were sold under the Great Value label and were distributed to Walmart stores and distribution centers in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Washington and Wyoming between February 17 and February 20, 2026, and include:
| Product Name | Packaging Type & Size | UPC | Expiration Dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Value Fat Free Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 0% Milkfat | 24 oz. container | 078742373393 | BEST IF USED BY APR-01-26 BEST IF USED BY APR-03-26 |
| Great Value Lowfat Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 2% Milkfat | 24 oz. container | 078742116730 | BEST IF USED BY APR-01-26 BEST IF USED BY APR-02-26 BEST IF USED BY APR-03-26 |
| Great Value Small Curd Cottage Cheese – 4% milkfat minimum | 16 oz. container | 078742372358 | BEST IF USED BY APR-02-26 |
| 24 oz. container | 078742372365 | BEST IF USED BY APR-02-26 BEST IF USED BY APR-03-26 | |
| 3 lb. container | 078742147970 | BEST IF USED BY APR-01-26 BEST IF USED BY APR-02-26 |
All products were sold in white plastic tubs with white lids. The “Best By’ dates are located on the side of the lids. Please see attached photos for ease of identification.
The impacted pasteurizer was returned to normal function and was verified and sealed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. No other products produced in the facility were affected.
Customers who purchased the affected products should not consume them and either dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
Governor Abbott Statement On Austin Attack
March 2, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today released the following statement on the tragic attack in Austin that occurred early Sunday morning:
“Texas mourns with the families and loved ones of those who were horrifically killed in last night’s attack in Austin,” said Governor Abbott. “Cecilia and I pray for them, and we pray for the swift recovery of those who were injured. I have been in contact with Mayor Watson and DPS Director Martin and have offered the full support of the State of Texas to ensure all assistance and resources are deployed.
“This act of violence will not define us, nor will it shake the resolve of Texans. To anyone who thinks about using the current conflict in the Middle East to threaten Texans or our critical infrastructure, understand this clearly: Texas will respond with decisive and overwhelming force to protect our state.
“Yesterday I directed the Texas Military Department to activate service members under Operation Fury Shield to work alongside state and federal partners to safeguard our communities and critical infrastructure. Patrols have been increased at vital energy facilities, ports, and along our border. We have bolstered cybersecurity personnel and deployed unmanned aerial surveillance to monitor and protect critical infrastructure sites.
“I also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas National Guard to intensify patrols and surveillance. Texas is relentlessly working with our federal partners to ensure every necessary resource is deployed to defend our communities.
“And today, I directed the DPS to increase patrols and add law enforcement personnel in the 6th Street District in downtown Austin during weekends. We must ensure enough boots on the ground to discourage criminal activity.
“Texans are strong. We will not be intimidated, and we will not be terrorized. We will defend our state without hesitation.”
Federal Appeals Court Clears Way for Texas to Enforce Ban on Explicit Performances for Minors
March 2, 2026 – A federal appeals court has ruled that Texas may enforce its 2023 law restricting sexually explicit performances in the presence of minors, reversing a lower court decision that had blocked the measure.
A two-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit lifted a prior injunction, allowing the state to move forward with enforcement while legal challenges continue. The ruling overturns an earlier decision that had temporarily halted the law on constitutional grounds.
The legislation, passed by Texas lawmakers in 2023, regulates sexually oriented performances on public property or in venues where children are present. It specifically bars explicit conduct — including certain erotic drag performances — from taking place in front of minors.
In their opinion, the appellate judges questioned whether the types of performances described in court filings qualify for constitutional protection under the First Amendment. The panel referenced acts such as performers using “pulsing prosthetic breasts” or being “spanked by audience members,” expressing skepticism that such conduct constitutes protected expressive speech when minors are present.
Supporters of the law argue it is designed to shield children from sexually explicit material and does not prohibit adult performances in appropriate settings. Opponents contend the measure unfairly targets drag performers and infringes on free speech rights.
With the injunction lifted, Texas officials can now begin enforcing the restrictions unless further appeals are filed.
CANHelp ED. Brian Crump had A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
March 1, 2026 – CANHelp Executive Director, Brian Crump, paid a visit on KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey recently. Brian and John Mark chatted about the Annual CANHelp Impact Report, the upcoming Back to School Fair, and much more. Learn about CANHelp and how it is helping your community on this interesting episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey below.
Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration to Take Place at Celebration Square on March 28th
March 1, 2026 – Bob Kerr, the voice of KSST’s Veterans Voices, reached out with the following message…
“Dear Comrades and Friends, We are excited to announce that the Vietnam Veterans Day celebration is scheduled to take place at Celebration Square on Saturday, March 28th at 11:00 a.m. (Please note that the official designated day is Sunday, the 29th). We appreciate your support and involvement. Kindly help us by spreading the word to your friends, family, and social media contacts. We are confident that it will be a memorable and enjoyable event. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Bob Kerr
Be sure to catch Bob Kerr’s “Veterans Voices” each Monday morning at 8:10am on KSST, 1230AM.
Paris District Road Report for March 2, 2026
February 27, 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 2, 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. 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 northbound exit ramp to Lamberth Rd. (Exit 63) will be closed from August 20 to March 31, 2026. 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 Northbound Frontage Road from Loy Lake Rd (Sherman) to Fallon. There will be alternating Lane Closures from 02 Feb – 02 Mar from 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.
US 75 Southbound Frontage Road from FM 691 to Fallon Dr. Right lane will be closed from 03 Feb – 24 Mar from 9:00 am – 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.
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.
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 04, 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.
SH 56 in Bells east of US 69. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews clean out the drainage structures. Motorists should expect delays as flaggers and pilot cars direct traffic through the work zone.
Various locations in Grayson County. Watch for daytime lane closure as maintenance crews perform pothole repair work 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 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.
FM 2029. 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.
Various locations in Fannin County. Watch for daytime lane closures as maintenance crews perform pothole repair and sign 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 performing surfacing operations. Watch for lane shifts within the work area. Expect slower moving traffic.
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 9-13 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 sidewalk 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. The contractor is preparing to pour the median on north end of project. 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. 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. Contractor is performing patch repairs. RK Hall will begin paving on Monday. Flagging operations will be in place while work is being performed. This work is expected to be completed by March 7th. Contractor is waiting for warmer weather before applying first layer seal coat. 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 this week. 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. Contractor is working on temp and permanent walls at both CR 2511 and FM 36. Contractor will be repairing damage to pavement caused by recent winter weather. 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 SH 24 from FM 2736 to Loop 178, and on FM 2358 from SH 34 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. Crews will also be on FM 36 from SH 66 to US 380 finishing prep work for seal coat on the construction project.
Rains County maintenance section will be performing roadway prep work on FM 514 from FM 2496 to SH 19. Road repairs will also be made on FM 2081 from FM 514 to Hopkins County Line. Please be aware of workers and watch for work zones when traveling in this area.
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Sailor With Family Ties to Lavon Named Warfighter of the Week
February 26, 2026 – Lavon sailor named warfighter of the week
Gwenivere Zambo, from Lavon, Texas, was named the warfighter of the week aboard the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, USS John C. Stennis in Newport News, Virginia, Feb. 26.
According the award citation, Zambo expertly trained and was instrumental in the qualification of 320 security and weapons department personnel on the use and employment of the new 9mm Sig Sauer M18 pistol.
Beyond the firing line, she demonstrated exceptional initiative and commitment by
single-handedly completing four vital preservation projects within her division. This
tireless effort, undertaken in addition to her primary duties, not only improved the
material condition of her work spaces, but also embodied the very spirit of teamwork
and dedication that has propelled the gunnery division ahead of its demanding
maintenance schedule.
Her personal commitment serves as an inspiration and a testament to the profound impact one individual can have on the mission.
U.S. Navy photos by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Tener
Hood County Commissioners Reject Data Center Pause, Seek State Action Instead
February 26, 2026 – GRANBURY — The Hood County Commissioners Court voted 3-2 this week to reject a proposed moratorium on new data center developments, opting instead to unanimously pass a resolution urging Greg Abbott to call a special legislative session to address the issue statewide.
Commissioners have faced mounting pressure from residents concerned about water usage, noise and long-term environmental effects tied to artificial intelligence-related data centers and power generation projects proposed in the area.
The debate comes as Hood County, located southwest of Fort Worth, has received five data center applications in recent months, signaling growing interest from developers seeking land and power access outside major metro areas. In January, commissioners granted conditional approval to one project proposed by Florida-based Sailfish, clearing an early hurdle for what could become a large-scale digital infrastructure facility.
Earlier this month, the all-Republican court also voted 3-2 against a six-month moratorium that would have temporarily halted additional approvals while officials studied the long-term impacts of data centers on water usage, electric demand, and local infrastructure.
Opponents of the moratorium argue counties lack clear statutory authority to impose such pauses on private development. One commissioner said state law limits the regulatory tools available to counties, leaving them unable to enact temporary bans without risking legal challenges.
However, Shelby Slawson (R-Stephenville), whose district includes Hood County, has publicly disputed that interpretation, suggesting counties may have broader authority than some local officials believe.
Data centers — large facilities that house servers supporting cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital storage — have expanded rapidly across Texas due to the state’s business-friendly climate and relatively low energy costs. Supporters say the projects bring tax revenue and infrastructure investment, while critics raise concerns about strain on the electric grid and local water supplies.
By calling for state-level guidance, Hood County leaders signaled they want clearer rules before additional projects move forward.
Texas School Choice Program Surges Past 130,000 Applications in Historic Rollout
February 26, 2026 – AUSTIN — Texas’ new Education Freedom Account program has drawn more than 130,000 student applications at the halfway point of its initial enrollment window, marking what state officials describe as the largest launch of a school choice initiative in U.S. history.
The program, approved by lawmakers earlier this year and administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, will provide eligible families with state-funded accounts beginning in the 2026–27 school year. Those funds can be used to cover private school tuition and fees, homeschooling expenses, tutoring, therapy services for students with disabilities, and other approved educational costs.
According to state data, roughly 2,000 private and accredited schools have registered to participate so far, creating a broad network of options across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Most applicants intend to use the funds for private school enrollment, while a smaller percentage plan to pursue homeschooling or customized learning arrangements.
Although interest has exceeded expectations, participation in the first year will be capped at about 100,000 students due to legislative funding limits. State officials say applications will not be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, awards will be determined using a weighted system that considers educational need and socioeconomic factors, meaning families are not penalized for applying later in the window.
Supporters argue the program empowers parents with greater flexibility and competition in education, potentially improving outcomes statewide. Critics, including some public school advocates, contend the accounts could redirect funding away from traditional public schools already facing budget pressures.
With weeks remaining before the application deadline, education analysts expect total interest to climb even higher. The strong early response underscores the intensity of the school choice debate in Texas — and signals that demand for alternative education pathways is significant as the state prepares for the 2026–27 academic year.
“Go Early and Go Often” — Fair Number of Gobblers, Jakes on the Landscape for the 2026 Spring Wild Turkey Season
Feb. 24, 2026 – AUSTIN —Hunters can expect to see an abundance of two and three-year-old gobblers for the 2026 spring turkey season. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recorded good production through summer turkey surveys in 2023, 2024 and 2025.
After another year of good production and recruitment, hunters can expect a temporary spillover of birds into landscapes where they are not always found. Gobblers are expected to spread out in search of hens, hens in search of nesting cover and young birds moving across the landscape looking for new areas to occupy.
“For spring turkey hunters, two-year-old gobblers are probably the most fun birds to hunt,” said Jason Hardin, TPWD Wild Turkey Program Leader. “They gobble readily and are not jaded by past turkey hunter efforts and near misses from previous seasons. The middle and later portions of the season usually have fewer hunters in the woods, and you never know when you will strike a tom in the mood to strut and gobble. Go early and go often.”
TPWD reminds hunters to review the Outdoor Annual before opening day to ensure they are hunting during the legal season and pursuing legal birds. Hunters can check the TPWD website for exact season dates for the county where they plan to hunt. Hunters must possess an Upland Game Bird Stamp Endorsement to hunt wild turkeys in Texas.
The spring season dates are as follows:
Youth Only
Rio Grande Turkey
- North Zone: March 21-22; May 16-17
- South Zone: March 7-8; May 2-3
Spring Regular Season
- North Zone: March 28-May 10
- South Zone: March 14-April 26
- Special One Turkey Bag Limit Counties: April 1-30
- East Zone: April 22–May 14
Drier conditions across much of the Rio Grande wild turkey range mean a slower start to the nesting season and more competition from real hens distracting gobblers. When rains do return to promote green grasses and wildflowers, breeding activity will begin soon after. However, some gobblers will still be ready to start the breeding season even if hens are not in top breeding condition.
All or part of nineteen counties offer a spring season from April 1–30. These counties include Bastrop, Brewster, Caldwell, Colorado, Comal – east of I35, Fayette, Guadalupe – north of I10, Hays – east of I35, Hill – east of I35, Jackson, Jeff Davis, Lavaca, Lee, Matagorda, McLennan – east of I35, Pecos, Terrell, Travis – east of I35, and Wharton.
At the edges of the Rio Grande wild turkey ranges in Texas, the landscape historically has lower numbers of wild turkeys, resulting in a spring-only seasons. Hunters are allowed a one-gobbler bag limit per county. As with all Texas counties with an open season, wild turkey harvest reporting is mandatory. Any and all harvested wild turkeys must be reported within 24 hours through the Texas Hunt and Fish mobile app or online.
All or parts of twelve counties in east Texas make up the East Turkey Zone including Bowie – north of HWY 82, Cass, Fannin – north of HWY 82, Grayson, Jasper, Lamar – north of HWY 82, Marion, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Red River – north of HWY 82 and Sabine. There is a one-gobbler bag limit for the entire East Turkey Zone and again mandatory harvest reporting is required within 24 hours of harvest.
Hunters who purchased a digital licenses have a digital tagging option. All hunters who chose to use the digital tagging option must report their wild turkey at the time of harvest and harvest data must be attached to the harvested turkey. Rules and guidance associated with the new digital tagging option can be found on the TPWD website.
“Thank you to all hunters who harvested a wild turkey and reported the bird through TPWD’s Texas Hunt & Fish App over the last few hunting seasons,” said Hardin. “TPWD keep tabs on the state’s wild turkey population, and those populations are changing over time. With most of Texas being privately owned, TPWD relies on our turkey hunter citizen scientists to provide the data we need to track and manage wild turkeys.”
Additional information about harvest reporting, bag limits and more can be found in the Outdoor Annual or via the Outdoor Annual app. Apps are available for free download from Google Play or the App Store.
