Paxton Wins Another Battle for Ten Commandments in School
April 20, 2026 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a legal victory this week as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld Senate Bill 10, clearing the way for the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms across the state.
In a statement following the ruling, Paxton called the decision “a major victory for Texas and our moral values,” emphasizing his office’s role in defending the law. “My office was proud to defend SB 10 and successfully ensure that the Ten Commandments will be displayed in classrooms across Texas,” he said. “The Ten Commandments have had a profound impact on our nation, and it’s important that students learn from them every single day.”
SB 10, passed by Texas lawmakers, requires public school classrooms to display the Ten Commandments, a directive that quickly drew legal challenges from opponents who argued the measure violates constitutional protections regarding the separation of church and state. The case advanced rapidly through the courts, culminating in a rare full-court, or en banc, hearing before the Fifth Circuit.
Paxton’s office had previously secured that en banc review, allowing all active judges on the court to consider the case rather than a smaller panel. In its decision, the court determined that the law can take effect, effectively allowing schools statewide to begin implementing the requirement.
Supporters of the measure argue that the Ten Commandments are a foundational historical text that has influenced American legal and cultural traditions. They contend that displaying them in classrooms is consistent with educational goals and reflects longstanding values embedded in the nation’s history.
Critics, however, maintain that the law crosses constitutional boundaries by promoting a specific religious doctrine in public education settings. Legal analysts note that disputes over religious displays in schools have been a recurring issue in U.S. courts, often hinging on interpretations of the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.
The Fifth Circuit’s ruling is likely to have broader implications beyond Texas, as similar proposals have surfaced in other states. While the decision allows SB 10 to move forward, opponents may still seek further review, potentially setting the stage for consideration by the Supreme Court of the United States.
For now, Texas school districts are expected to begin preparing for compliance with the law, marking a significant development in the ongoing national debate over religion’s role in public education.
U.S. Government Prepares to Meddle in the Fertilizer Market
April 22, 2026 – The United States government is preparing to tap billions of dollars generated from tariffs and renegotiated trade deals to address persistently high fertilizer prices, a move aimed at easing financial pressure on farmers and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Speaking before a House Appropriations subcommittee, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the administration is shifting from general concern to targeted action. “We’ve got to invest in more infrastructure,” Rollins told lawmakers. “We’ve got to reshore fertilizer back to America.” Her comments signal a broader push by the administration of Donald Trump to reduce reliance on foreign inputs and rebuild domestic production capacity.
Rollins confirmed she recently convened a 90-minute meeting with executives from four major fertilizer companies, alongside senior officials including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett. The group discussed strategies to expand U.S.-based fertilizer production, with a formal plan expected in the coming days.
The urgency is underscored by rising costs that have left many farmers struggling to maintain crop yields. Surveys cited in the discussion indicate roughly 70 percent of U.S. farmers cannot afford all the fertilizer they need, raising concerns about future food production and farm profitability.
Rollins acknowledged that new domestic infrastructure will take time to deliver results, estimating that projects could take 12 to 18 months to come online. In the short term, the administration is pursuing stopgap measures, including regulatory flexibility and expanded imports. Officials have temporarily waived enforcement of the Jones Act, allowing more efficient domestic transport, and permitted additional fertilizer imports from Venezuela to increase supply.
Still, administration officials argue the root problem lies in market concentration. “A handful of companies have basically taken over the market in all of the inputs,” Rollins said, emphasizing that limited competition has contributed to price volatility and supply constraints.
While officials express confidence that fertilizer prices could ease over time—particularly if global conflicts affecting supply chains subside—they caution that relief will not be immediate. “These prices will not come down anytime in the next couple of days or weeks,” Rollins said, noting it could take months before farmers see meaningful reductions.
Lawmakers from both parties are now weighing how best to support producers in the interim, as high input costs continue to strain the agricultural sector and raise broader concerns about food affordability and supply stability.
Local Author Sharon Feldt was the Guest on This Episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
April 21, 2026 – Local small business owner and author Sharon Feldt was the guest on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. Sharon and John Mark chatted about the Bright Star Literary Society, the book Spectacular Things, what the Book Nook on Main has in store for “Independent Bookstore Day” Saturday, April 25th, 2026, and so much more. Be sure to check out this interesting segment down below.
U.S. Department of Justice Investigates Meat Packing Companies
April 21, 2026 – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller on Tuesday welcomed a newly launched criminal antitrust investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into the nation’s largest meatpacking companies, calling the move a long-overdue step toward restoring fairness in the beef industry.
In a statement issued April 21 from Austin, Miller praised the administration of Donald Trump for taking action against what he described as excessive consolidation and potential anti-competitive practices among dominant meat processors.
“I am glad to see the Trump administration take a hard look at the meatpacking industry and make sure America’s ranchers, and the families who depend on them, are finally getting a fair deal,” Miller said. “With the Department of Justice launching a criminal antitrust investigation into the major meatpackers, we are finally seeing real movement toward accountability.”
The probe comes amid growing concern over market concentration in the U.S. beef supply chain. According to industry estimates, four companies control roughly 85 percent of the nation’s beef processing capacity. Critics argue that such consolidation gives outsized pricing power to packers, potentially squeezing ranchers while consumers face higher prices at the grocery store.
Miller emphasized that imbalance, noting that ranchers have struggled to secure fair returns despite historically high retail beef prices. “That level of consolidation demands scrutiny,” he said, pointing to the disconnect between what producers are paid and what consumers ultimately spend.
The investigation also arrives at a time of broader strain across the cattle industry. Years of drought in key ranching regions, shrinking herd sizes, and rising feed and transportation costs have tightened supply and driven beef prices upward. While those factors explain part of the price surge, Miller argued they do not rule out the possibility of unlawful market behavior.
Background concerns over meatpacker dominance are not new. Calls for antitrust scrutiny intensified during earlier disruptions, including pandemic-era plant shutdowns that exposed vulnerabilities in the centralized processing system. Rancher groups and agricultural policymakers have since pushed for stronger enforcement of competition laws and increased investment in smaller, regional processors.
Miller reiterated his long-standing position that the U.S. beef supply chain should prioritize domestic ownership and competition. “When foreign-owned or highly consolidated packers hold this much control, it does not just distort prices,” he said. “It puts our food security and rural economies at risk.”
The DOJ has not yet released detailed findings, and the scope of the criminal investigation remains unclear. However, antitrust experts say such probes can lead to significant penalties or structural changes if wrongdoing is uncovered.
For ranchers in Texas and across the country, the announcement signals potential change in an industry where profit margins have tightened and market access remains a persistent challenge. Miller framed the investigation as part of a broader push to rebuild resilience in American agriculture.
“We need an America First beef industry,” he said. “When we invest in our own capacity and restore real competition, we stabilize prices, strengthen our supply chains, and ensure the next generation of ranchers is not squeezed out.”
Timmerman Power Plant Is Fully Operational
April 21, 2026 – AUSTIN, Texas — Texas officials on Tuesday marked a milestone in the state’s ongoing push to expand electricity generation, announcing that a second unit at the Timmerman Peaker Power Plant is now fully operational—one month ahead of schedule.
Governor Greg Abbott joined leaders from the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to highlight the completion of the 380-megawatt natural gas-fired facility near Maxwell. The plant is designed to deliver fast-start, “dispatchable” power—electricity that can be brought online within minutes during periods of peak demand, such as extreme heat waves or winter freezes.
State leaders framed the project as part of a broader effort to strengthen grid reliability following years of population growth, economic expansion, and mounting energy demands. “Texas is rapidly adding power to the state grid,” Abbott said, emphasizing that investments through the Texas Energy Fund are intended to ensure reliability for both residents and businesses.
The Timmerman plant can generate enough electricity to power more than 100,000 homes during peak usage. Its first phase began operating in August 2025, and the newly completed Unit 2 effectively doubles its output. The project also represents the first fully operational facility backed by the Texas Energy Fund, a state initiative created to incentivize new power generation after concerns about grid resilience intensified in recent years.
LCRA officials underscored the importance of flexible power sources in a grid increasingly reliant on renewable energy. While wind and solar generation have expanded rapidly across Texas, they depend on weather conditions. Natural gas plants like Timmerman are intended to fill gaps when renewable output drops or demand spikes unexpectedly.
But the urgency to expand capacity is not only about population growth. A major emerging factor is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Large-scale AI data centers—operated by major technology companies—are beginning to cluster in Texas due to its business-friendly environment and historically lower energy costs. These facilities require enormous and continuous power supplies to run high-performance computing systems.
Energy analysts say a single advanced AI data center can consume as much electricity as a small city. As companies race to build more computing capacity, Texas is seeing a surge in proposals for new data centers, particularly in central and northern regions of the state. This trend is expected to significantly increase baseline electricity demand, not just peak usage.
That shift has implications for projects like Timmerman. While peaker plants are traditionally used during short bursts of high demand, the steady load from AI operations could strain the grid in new ways, requiring both constant and flexible power sources. Officials have acknowledged that ensuring reliability in this evolving landscape will require a mix of generation types, transmission upgrades, and careful planning.
LCRA leaders said the early completion of Unit 2 helps position Texas to meet these challenges. “Our state is setting new demands for power regularly,” said acting General Manager Jim Travis. “We’re pleased to help answer the call.”
As Texas continues to attract industry—from manufacturing to advanced computing—the Timmerman plant stands as a symbol of the state’s strategy: build fast, scale aggressively, and prepare for an energy future increasingly shaped by both human and artificial intelligence demand.
Do You Have a Tariff Refund Coming?
April 20, 2026 – The United States on Monday launched the first phase of a sweeping tariff refund system, marking a significant shift in the aftermath of a Supreme Court decision that invalidated a key piece of the Trump administration’s trade policy.
The ruling, issued in February, determined that former President Donald Trump did not have the legal authority to impose a broad set of tariffs that had been collected over the past year. As a result, the federal government is now responsible for reimbursing billions of dollars to American importers who bore the financial burden of those measures. The repayments are also expected to include interest, potentially increasing the total payout substantially.
To begin the process, the administration unveiled an online refund portal, allowing eligible businesses to submit claims for the duties they previously paid. Officials described the launch as the “initial step” in what could become one of the largest reimbursement efforts tied to trade policy in U.S. history.
The refunds are aimed specifically at importers—companies that paid the tariffs directly—rather than individual consumers. While some economists suggest that portions of the tariff costs were passed on to customers through higher prices, there is currently no mechanism in place for direct payments to citizens.
For many businesses, particularly small and mid-sized firms, the announcement offers long-awaited relief. Industry groups have argued that the tariffs disrupted supply chains, squeezed profit margins, and created uncertainty across multiple sectors.
Still, questions remain about how quickly refunds will be processed and whether the system can handle the anticipated volume of claims. Administration officials acknowledged the challenges but said they are working to ensure a “fair and efficient” rollout.
The portal’s debut signals a turning point for U.S. trade policy, as the government begins to unwind a controversial chapter with significant financial consequences.
Early Voting Open for Hopkins County Hospital Board Election
April 20, 2026 – Seven candidates have signed up for the three upcoming openings on the local Hospital District Board. Early voting continues weekdays (Except March 21) through March 28th. Anyone can early vote in person at The Roc located at 115 Putman St., in Sulphur Springs. Election day is Saturday, May 2, 2026 and on election day, the normal polling places will be up and running at the 11 various polling places across Hopkins County.
Candidates for Consideration for a place on the Hopkins County Hospital District Board are:
Tanner Ragan
Jaime Mitchell
Jennifer McCoy
Sharla Tanton Campbell
Robin Boshears
Rosario Mejia (incumbent)
Chris Brown (incumbent)
Early Voting Schedule at The ROC, 115 Putman St., Sulphur Springs
Monday – April 20: 8:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday – April 22: CLOSED for Holiday (San Jacinto Day)
Wednesday – April 22: 8:00am-5:00pm
Thursday – April 23: 8:00am-5:00pm
Friday – April 24: 8:00am-5:00pm
Saturday – April 25: CLOSED
Sunday – April 26: CLOSED
Monday – April 27: 8:00am-5:00pm
Tuesday – April 28: 8:00am-5:00pm (Final Day of Early Voting)
Polling Locations for Election Day Only: May 2, 2026
PCT. 1
LUTHERAN CHURCH
1000 TEXAS STREET
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX
(FRONT FOYER)
PCT. 3
HOPKINS COUNTY COURTHOUSE
118 CHURCH STREET
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX
(1ST FLOOR COURTROOM)
PCT. 3A
PARIS JUNIOR COLLEGE
SULPHUR SPRINGS CAMPUS
1137 TX-301 LOOP
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX
(ROOM 101A)
PCT. 4
HOPKINS COUNTY CIVIC CENTER
1200 HOUSTON STREET
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX
(WEST HALL)
PCT. 4A
LEAGUE STREET CHURCH OF
CHRIST
1100 SOUTH LEAGUE ST
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX
(FRONT FOYER)
PCT. 5
SALTILLO ISD
150 CR 3534
SALTILLO, TX 75478
(AG LAB)
PCT. 11
CUMBY MUNICIPAL BUILDING
100 E. MAIN STREET
CUMBY, TX 75433
(CITY MEETING ROOM)
PCT. 12
SULPHUR BLUFF ISD
1027 CR 3550
SULPHUR BLUFF, TX 75481
(FOYER OUTSIDE GYM)
PCT. 13
COMO-PICKTON CISD
13017 TX HWY 11 E
COMO, TX 75431
(NEW GYM)
PCT. 16
MILLER GROVE ISD
7819 FM 275 SOUTH
CUMBY, TX 75433
(FOYER OUTSIDE GYM)
PCT. 17
NORTH HOPKINS ISD
1994 FM 71 W
SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX
(ADMIN. BUILDING)
Texas Attorney General Files Landmark Lawsuit Against ActBlue Over Alleged Donation Violations
AUSTIN, Texas — Ken Paxton has filed a high-profile lawsuit against ActBlue, accusing the political fundraising platform of misleading the public about its donation safeguards and enabling fraudulent and potentially foreign contributions in U.S. elections.
The lawsuit, announced Monday, alleges that ActBlue violated Texas consumer protection laws by falsely representing the strength and consistency of its donor verification processes. According to Paxton’s office, these alleged failures created vulnerabilities that could allow unlawful donations to flow through the platform, potentially undermining election integrity.
“The radical left has relied on ActBlue as a way to funnel foreign donations and dark money into their political campaigns,” Paxton said in a statement. “ActBlue lied to Congress and to the American people, and I will ensure justice is served.”
Background of the Case
ActBlue, founded in 2004, has become a central fundraising tool for Democratic and progressive campaigns, processing more than $16 billion in contributions over two decades. Its widespread use and streamlined online donation system have made it a dominant force in modern political fundraising.
Concerns about the platform’s practices first emerged in 2023, when Paxton launched an investigation into whether ActBlue’s systems allowed donor fraud in violation of state law. In 2024, his office escalated the issue by submitting a petition to the Federal Election Commission, outlining claims that suspicious actors were using the platform to make repeated “straw donations.”
Key Allegations
The lawsuit builds on those earlier concerns, citing recent findings and reporting, including coverage by The New York Times. According to the complaint, ActBlue’s own legal counsel acknowledged inconsistencies between the organization’s public statements and its internal practices.
Investigators allege that safeguards meant to prevent illegal donations were not consistently enforced. One example highlighted in the filing is the continued acceptance of donations via gift cards and prepaid debit cards—methods critics say can obscure donor identity and increase the risk of fraud.
The Office of the Attorney General argues that these practices could allow both domestic and foreign actors to bypass campaign finance laws, raising broader concerns about transparency and accountability in political funding.
What Comes Next
The lawsuit seeks penalties under Texas law and aims to force changes in ActBlue’s operations. ActBlue has not yet issued a detailed response to the filing.
Legal experts note that the case could have national implications, potentially influencing how online political fundraising platforms are regulated and scrutinized moving forward.
Texas Economy Hits Record $2.9 Trillion
April 20, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Texas has reached a new financial milestone, with its economy expanding to a record $2.9 trillion in 2025, according to preliminary estimates released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. The announcement, highlighted in a press release from Governor Greg Abbott, underscores the state’s continued economic momentum and its growing influence on both the national and global stage.
Adjusted for inflation, Texas’ economy grew by 2.5% in 2025, outpacing the overall growth rate of the United States. This marks another year in which the state has exceeded national economic performance, reinforcing its reputation as a hub for business expansion, job creation, and population growth.
Governor Abbott attributed the state’s success to its workforce and business-friendly environment. He emphasized that Texas continues to attract entrepreneurs, corporations, and investors due to its regulatory climate, lower taxes, and infrastructure investments. Over the past decade, the state has actively positioned itself as a destination for companies relocating or expanding operations, particularly in sectors such as technology, energy, manufacturing, and logistics.
The scale of Texas’ economy is now comparable to some of the largest national economies in the world. Based on international comparisons, Texas ranks as the eighth-largest economy globally, surpassing many developed countries. Additionally, its 2025 growth rate exceeded that of eight of the world’s ten largest economies, signaling not just size but sustained acceleration.
This growth represents a dramatic rise from 2015, when the state’s economy stood at $1.59 trillion at the beginning of Abbott’s tenure. Over the 11-year period, Texas’ GDP has expanded by approximately 46% when adjusted for inflation. This long-term trajectory reflects consistent population increases, strong job creation, and continued inward migration of both businesses and workers.
However, economists note that rapid growth also brings challenges. Infrastructure demands, housing affordability, and workforce development remain key issues that could shape the state’s future trajectory. As more companies and residents move to Texas, pressure on transportation systems, utilities, and urban planning is expected to intensify.
Even so, the latest figures confirm that Texas remains one of the most dynamic economic engines in the United States. With its combination of scale, growth, and global competitiveness, the state is likely to play an increasingly central role in shaping the broader economic landscape in the years ahead.
Texas Food Stamp Limits May Hit Convenience Stores Where It Hurts
April 18, 2026 – Texas’ new restrictions on what food stamp recipients can buy are beginning to ripple beyond grocery aisles—raising concerns about unintended consequences for small retailers, especially convenience stores that rely heavily on snack sales.
Beginning April 1, more than 3.5 million Texans who use the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can no longer purchase candy or sweetened beverages with their benefits under a state-approved waiver aimed at promoting healthier diets.
While state leaders have framed the policy as a public health measure, early reactions from retailers and analysts suggest the economic impact could be uneven—particularly for convenience stores, where impulse purchases like soda, candy, and snack foods often drive a significant share of revenue.
In many low-income neighborhoods, SNAP dollars make up a sizable portion of sales. Store operators say that when customers can no longer use benefits on high-margin items like sweets and drinks, overall spending may drop—not just on those products, but across the board.
“It’s going to affect businesses greatly,” one grocery worker told local media, noting that snacks and drinks were commonly purchased with benefits.
Convenience stores are especially vulnerable because they typically have smaller footprints and depend on quick, high-frequency purchases rather than large grocery trips. If customers shift spending to larger supermarkets—or cut back altogether—some smaller stores could struggle to stay afloat.
There are already signs of broader stress in the convenience retail sector. Chains like 7-Eleven have announced plans to close hundreds of underperforming locations across North America amid declining foot traffic and changing consumer habits. While those closures are not directly tied to SNAP policy, they underscore the fragile economics facing the industry.
Critics of the SNAP restrictions argue the policy may unintentionally accelerate those pressures. By limiting what can be purchased with benefits, they say, the state risks reducing revenue streams that help sustain neighborhood stores—particularly in rural or underserved urban areas where convenience stores may be the primary food retailers.
Supporters counter that the program was never intended to subsidize junk food and that the long-term health benefits could outweigh short-term economic disruptions. They argue the shift could encourage retailers to stock more nutritious options, aligning with the program’s original mission.
Still, some policy experts warn that transition may not be smooth. Convenience stores often lack the supply chains, refrigeration, or customer demand needed to pivot quickly to fresh or perishable foods.
The result is a policy with competing outcomes: a push toward better nutrition on one hand, and the potential erosion of small retail businesses on the other.
As Texas becomes one of the first states to implement such sweeping SNAP restrictions, regulators and lawmakers will be watching closely to see whether the effort reshapes consumer behavior—or reshapes the retail landscape itself.
