Texas on Alert After New World Screwworm Detected 120 Miles from Border
December 4, 2025 – AUSTIN — Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is urging vigilance after federal officials confirmed a new case of the New World screwworm (NWS) in northern Mexico, marking the closest detection to Texas in years.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) verified the parasite in a 22-month-old bovine transported from Veracruz to a feedlot in Montemorelos, Nuevo León — roughly 120 miles south of the Texas border. It is the second detection at the same facility since October; both appear linked to livestock movements from southern Mexico rather than local transmission.
Miller called the screwworm “one of the most devastating livestock pests ever encountered in North America,” noting the parasite’s ability to infest wounds and kill animals if not quickly treated. While stressing that Texas remains free of the pest, he warned ranchers and state agencies not to let their guard down.
“Texas ranchers feed the nation, and our herds are too important to risk,” Miller said. “We’ll continue working hand-in-hand with USDA and Mexican animal-health officials to defend the border and keep this threat out of Texas.”
State officials are asking producers — especially near the border — to monitor livestock, pets, and wildlife for unusual wounds or maggot activity and report any suspicions immediately. Early detection and rapid response remain key to preventing an outbreak.
Ocean Spray Addresses Viral Videos Showing “Empty” Cranberry Sauce Cans
A wave of social media posts has sparked concern after shoppers opened cans of Ocean Spray cranberry sauce this Thanksgiving and found what appeared to be only water — not the expected jellied cranberry. One widely viewed video, posted to TikTok, has already racked up more than 10 million views.
In response, Ocean Spray said it is investigating the reports. A company spokesperson told media outlets they are aware of “a few reports about cans containing water instead of cranberry sauce,” and promised to “reach out to the folks who shared these videos to learn more and make it right.”
The situation has disappointed many families. One woman, who opened several suspect cans on camera, posted “They sold us cans of water” — a comment echoed by others online.
Another user claimed they bought eight cans only to find all of them filled with clear liquid, and asked Ocean Spray directly for answers on social media.
Cranberry sauce is a Thanksgiving staple for many households — and for those expecting the classic jellied cylinder, the “water can” footage was a shock. Ocean Spray emphasized that despite the reports, “millions of families enjoyed their cranberry sauce this holiday season,” but that “even one can of sauce not meeting expectations matters to us.”
As investigations continue, customers are encouraged to check their cans and contact Ocean Spray if they encounter an empty — or watery — can of cranberry sauce. The company said it will attempt to make things right for affected consumers.
Abbott Urges Treasury to Suspend CAIR’s Tax-Exempt Status, Citing National Security Concerns
December 3, 2025 – Texas Governor Greg Abbott is calling on the U.S. Treasury Department to launch a formal investigation into the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and suspend the organization’s federal tax-exempt status. In a letter sent Tuesday to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Abbott said federal officials must scrutinize CAIR’s activities and alleged connections before allowing it to continue operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
“Federal investigators and court filings identify CAIR as a direct subsidiary of the Muslim Brotherhood and as a ‘front group’ for Hamas in the United States,” Abbott wrote. “Charity must not become a backdoor to sponsor terrorism, endanger Americans, or subvert our democracy.”
CAIR has not yet responded to the governor’s claims, which mirror positions Abbott has taken in recent years. The organization has repeatedly denied any connection to Hamas or the Muslim Brotherhood, calling such allegations politically motivated.
Abbott’s request marks the latest step in what he describes as a broader effort to confront extremist threats in Texas. His administration has previously designated the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations, urged investigations into alleged “Sharia courts,” and directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to probe both groups.
It remains unclear how the Treasury Department will respond. Revoking a nonprofit’s 501(c)(3) status typically requires evidence that the organization violated federal tax law—such as engaging in political activity or supporting unlawful acts. Abbott argues that the allegations warrant immediate review and potential suspension while the investigation proceeds.
The move is expected to draw strong reactions from civil rights groups and legal experts, who warn that targeting a religious advocacy organization could raise constitutional concerns.
USDA Set to Announce New “Bridge Payments” for Farmers Facing Export Losses
December 3, 2025 – Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said Tuesday that the administration will unveil new “bridge payments” next week to support farmers hit by export losses amid ongoing trade disruptions. Rollins made the announcement during a public cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, signaling that long-promised relief for producers affected by tariff retaliation is imminent.
“We do have a bridge payment we’ll be announcing with you next week,” Rollins told the president, noting that the USDA has already shifted more than $10 billion from a fund previously used for tariff assistance into the secretary’s office to help finance the effort.
Rollins emphasized that while emergency aid is necessary in the short term, the administration’s long-term goal is to make U.S. agriculture profitable without government support. “Many of them have been farming for government checks instead of moving their product around the world,” she said, arguing recent trade agreements will expand markets for American crops. “We’re talking about selling more soybeans, selling more corn, getting more of our products out.”
Rollins also pointed to new developments in global commodity markets, celebrating reports that China temporarily halted soybean imports from five Brazilian exporters after detecting pesticide-treated wheat in shipments. “That means a continued signal that this country and our farmers produce the best, highest-quality soybean, sorghum, etcetera, in the world,” she said.
President Trump praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, noting that their meeting in South Korea last month was followed by “one of the largest purchases of soybeans ever seen.” China has bought 2.3 million tons of U.S. soybeans since that meeting—though purchases remain below the nearly 7 million tons bought during the same period in 2024.
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman said an announcement on tariff relief will likely come within two weeks, though questions remain about the size of the package. USDA officials warn that rising crop prices and new trade deals could reduce the need for large payments, but Boozman urged caution. “You have to look at the big picture,” he said. “A lot of producers have already sold the crop.”
The Sulphur Springs City Council Meeting Held December 2nd was Well Attended
December 3, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs, Texas, City Council held a regular session meeting Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, at City Hall. The meeting began at 7:00pm. A Public Forum was held at the end of the meeting. It drew a large crowd due to the controversy over the MSB-Global A-1 Project at the former Thermo property in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Some members of the community expressed positive views on the issues while other members of the community expressed negative views. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this meeting of the Sulphur Springs City Council.
Two Announcements for St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
December 2, 2025 – In local announcements, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will hold their “Parent’s Night Out” event December 9th, 2025, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Enjoy an evening out while your kids have fun at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church’s free Parents’ Night Out event! Children will enjoy a movie night, snacks, and activities while parents Christmas shop or just enjoy a night out.
If you plan to attend, please RSVP at [email protected] and let them know the number and ages of your children. (Recommended age range: ages 3–12)
Also worth note, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church will host a Christmas Eve Service with a candle sing-a-long beginning at 7:15pm, December 24th, 2025. A service will follow at 8:00pm.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
The Church is located at 1206 College Street, Sulphur Springs, Texas.
Texas Farm Bureau 92nd Annual Meeting December 5-7 in Arlington, Texas
December 2, 2025 – Approximately 1,000 farmers and ranchers from across the Lone Star State will gather in Arlington for the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) 92nd annual meeting Dec. 5-7.
TFB is the state’s largest general farm and ranch organization, and its delegates will meet to determine TFB official policy, and members and county Farm Bureaus will be recognized for several awards.
Delegates will debate policy resolutions that originated at the county Farm Bureau level. This year’s topics include invasive pests, artificial intelligence and international water treaties among other issues facing farmers, ranchers and rural communities.
A tentative annual meeting agenda is available and can be found on the Texas Farm Bureau website www.texasfarmbureau.org.
WHERE: Loews Arlington Hotel & Convention Center
What Texans Need to Know About the Upcoming World Cup in Arlington
December 2, 2025 – As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the Dallas–Fort Worth region is preparing to welcome the world — and its spotlight lands squarely on AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The venue, temporarily renamed “Dallas Stadium” for the tournament, will host nine World Cup matches — more than any other stadium in North America.
🎯 Key Match Dates & What’s at Stake
Matches kick off on June 14, 2026, with group-stage games stretching through late June. Arlington will also host knockout-stage action, including a semifinal match on July 14. This places North Texas at the heart of a six-week global spectacle — and a potential major boost for local economy, tourism, and civic pride.
🛂 Tickets, Travel & Volunteer Info
- Fans who want tickets must register for a FIFA ID now; the initial ticket draw opened September 10, 2025.
- To help manage hundreds of thousands of visitors per match, event planners are ramping up public transportation, shuttle services, and transit infrastructure — including charter buses and rail-to-bus connections.
- The city is also seeking roughly 65,000 volunteers to support operations from ticketing to logistics — a major opportunity for locals to participate in the global event.
🛏️ What It Means for Locals & Visitors
- Hotels, rentals, and short-term lodging are likely to sell out early — residents planning to rent their homes out should prepare well in advance.
- Businesses near the stadium expect a surge in demand. Restaurants, shops, and service industries are already gearing up for high volume, which could translate into job opportunities and income for many locals.
- Some disruption is inevitable: traffic, crowded public transit, and tight parking — especially near the stadium — are likely during match days.
✅ What You Should Do Now
- Register for a FIFA ID ASAP if you want a shot at tickets.
- If you plan to attend matches, book lodging and travel early — demand will be high.
- Consider volunteering — it’s a way to be part of the action and enjoy perks like official gear and possible game access.
- Expect heavily congested traffic around AT&T Stadium; using public transit or shuttles may be the best option.
With nine matches — including high-stakes knockout games — coming to Arlington, 2026’s World Cup promises to be a massive, potentially life-changing moment for North Texas. The region is already shifting into high gear: controlling crowds, managing logistics, and readying hospitality. For fans and locals alike, it could be one for the history books.
The Engine Behind the Gala: Volunteers
December 1, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The 20th annual Gala is slated for Saturday, January 24, 2026. This event is no small feat. Planning an elegant evening for 500 or more attendees including signature drinks, open bar, catered meal, live band, dancing, live and silent auctions, and games. These activities add up to many moving parts, lots of coordination, and even more planning.
The main source of work for the Gala for the past nineteen years has been the volunteers. It is no different for the coming year. There is no way the Foundation staff could carry out all that must be accomplished in anticipation of the Gala.
“We realize that many of our volunteers treat Gala preparations like a full-time job,” says Pam Black, chair of the Foundation Board of Directors. “And we are so thankful that they do!”
From selecting the menu and folding the napkins to providing the night’s program and cleaning up at the end of the night, it all happens due to the efforts of the volunteers.
The Foundation Office focuses on contracts, payments, mailouts, ticketing, budgeting, and coordination. The volunteers do much of the donor solicitations, room set up, check-in, etc.
Black, who is also a volunteer, shared, “They say many hands make light work, and the Gala is an example of that. We are blessed with a dedicated group who help us so very much.”
“The volunteers do so much to help us. They are even the greeters for the Gala!” continued Black.
The 2026 Gala will be a special night for the Foundation. As part of the Gala celebration, several moments of reflection through videos, displays, photographs, and a parade are planned for the night.
Black emphasized, “This Gala is all about saying thank you to this wonderful community that has been so generous to the Foundation and allowed us to make sure the local hospital and EMS have the items and programs they require to serve our healthcare needs.”
To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets or sponsorships or to donate, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization founded in 1997 by Hopkins County residents to raise funds for local people and the local hospital. With the support of the community, the Foundation has been doing just that for twenty-eight years.
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To get your tickets or sponsor the 2026 Gala, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com or call the Foundation at 903-438-4799.
Don’t miss out on the 20th anniversary Gala celebration! Get your tickets at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
Let’s Talk Compost By Master Gardener David Wall
November 28, 2025 – So, what is compost? There are many definitions, but one of the best and simplest says that compost is decomposed once-living material. The decomposed material contains many nutrients your growing and producing vegetable plants need.
Compost can be “grown” in a turnable container, open container, just in a pile, or purchased at a store (expensive!). All three require you to ensure the pile is periodically turned. Turnable containers work very well, but the actual amount you get is pitifully small, particularly for a large vegetable garden.
Open containers can be much larger. I once had a compost pile that was three pallets wide on all sides. It made a great deal of compost over a year’s time. Open piles work great, but are a pain to maintain, and piles should be turned at least once a month. Adding corn meal and/or molasses will help the pile to heat up faster, and molasses will keep out fire ants!
Since I need 3 cubic yards of compost every year in my three raised bed gardens and cattle feed-sized pots, I chose a different method of purchasing; namely buying compost by the cubic yard. This works great, but make sure you know the compost’s pH before buying. Compost above a level 7 pH may do more harm than good in growing veggies.
Literature suggests no bones, animal wastes or meat products in your pile, but if you buy store-bought compost in bags, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll have these items in it. If you have the time and patience (perhaps years!!!), you can compost these items in your home pile. Shorter times usually require piles 10-12’ tall and wide, being turned by machines. These piles generate sufficient heat to handle bones and meat. In fact, spontaneous combustion is a real concern in such piles.
