Connor Cemetery to hold Memorial Day Homecoming May 24th
May 13, 2026 – Memorial Day Homecoming will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Connor Cemetery, 3621 County Road, Dike, Texas, off Farm Road 69 North. Meeting to begin at Noon. Come early to visit with friends and family. Hopkins County Stew will be served after the Annual Meeting. Bring your own bowls and a covered dish to share. Everyone is welcome.
Bibleway Lighthouse Church will Present a Special Message May 17th
May 13, 2026 – Donna Blades Albert will be preaching a special Service at Bibleway Lighthouse Church Sunday, May 17th, 2026, at 11:00am. Sunday School begins at 10:00am with Praise and Worship at 11:00am. The Church is located on CR 4591. Go North on Hwy. 19, turn Right on Mahoney Road, and go straight to FM 3236, and turn Left. Go until you see CR 4591 and turn Left. The Church is located on the Left. Watch for Church signs.
Possible Home Invasion Shooting Results in Death
May 13, 2026 – Hopkins County Sheriff Office deputies responded to a call on County Road 4779 of Suspicious Activity. Before deputies could reach the residence another call came in at the same address of a Shooting. Upon arrival deputies reviewed Ring Camera footage showing an individual yelling and striking the front door of the home. The video also showed the individual, identified as Buck Clary, breaking the glass on the door and reaching inside the door. The homeowner, who has not yet been identified, discharged a firearm through the door striking Clary. Hopkins County EMS transported Clary to the local emergency room where he died from the gunshot wound.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Beef Prices Defy Efforts to Lower Them
May 13, 2026 – The administration of Donald Trump is refining a set of executive actions aimed at easing high beef prices in the United States, according to a White House official on Tuesday. The measures, initially expected earlier in the week, have been delayed as policymakers “fine-tune” details intended to address ongoing supply shortages.
The U.S. is the world’s largest beef producer and consumer, yet it is also a top importer and exporter. As of 2026, the U.S. is increasing beef imports to manage domestic consumer prices, with 2025 imports reaching $13.75 billion, while 2026 exports have declined to $9.3 billion, driven by high demand for imported lean, grass-fed trim for ground beef.
At the center of the effort is a plan to expand beef imports and provide additional federal support to American ranchers working to rebuild the nation’s cattle herd. The U.S. herd has fallen to its lowest level since 1951, driven by years of drought, rising feed costs, and market incentives that encouraged ranchers to send cattle to slaughter rather than retain them for breeding.
Despite easing prices for some grocery staples like eggs and milk, beef remains stubbornly expensive. Retail beef prices have risen more than 16% since Trump returned to office in January 2025, making it a key symbol of persistent food inflation as the summer grilling season approaches.
Market signals reflect the strain. On the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, June live cattle futures edged higher Tuesday, while feeder cattle contracts slipped slightly, underscoring volatility in supply expectations.
Previous steps, including tariff reductions on imports from Brazil and Argentina, have done little to curb rising prices. Demand continues to outpace supply, fueled by population growth and steady consumer appetite for beef.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects the U.S. will import a record 5.8 billion pounds of beef in 2026, highlighting the scale of the shortfall. Officials say the administration’s forthcoming actions are intended to provide both immediate relief and longer-term stability in the domestic beef market.
Greenpond Baptist Church to Hold Memorial Service May 17th
May 12, 2026 – Memorial Service at Greenpond Baptist Church will be Sunday, May 17th, 2026, at 10:30am. Brother Terry Bolton will be the messenger. A covered dish luncheon will follow. Donations to Greenpond Cemetery Society we be appreciated. Send donations to …
Greenpond Cemetery
C/O Frankie Coker
786 FM RD 2948
Como, Texas, 75431
Henderson County Commissioners Court Listens To Citizen Concerns On Data Centers
May 12, 2026 – ATHENS, Texas — After weeks of growing public concern, officials in Henderson County took a formal step Tuesday to address the rapid expansion of data center development across rural Texas. Following an extended public comment period that drew more than 200 attendees, county commissioners approved a resolution calling for stronger safeguards and greater state involvement in how and where large-scale data centers are built.
Dozens of residents spoke during the meeting, many voicing concerns about how these projects could reshape the character and resources of communities like Athens. Their concerns reflect a broader trend across Northeast Texas, where rural counties are increasingly being targeted by developers seeking land for energy-intensive data centers tied to artificial intelligence and cloud computing growth.
County Attorney Kenneth Strawn read the resolution into the record, emphasizing a balance between economic opportunity and resource protection.
“The Henderson County Commissioners Court supports responsible economic development, including appropriately designed and sited data center facilities,” Strawn said. However, the resolution formally opposes the use of open-loop evaporative cooling systems and other technologies that require large volumes of potable water in regions already facing water constraints. It also calls for enforceable safeguards to protect infrastructure, natural resources, and local residents.
Pct. 1 Commissioner Wendy Spivey underscored that the vote was not tied to any specific proposal.
“This is not a vote approving or denying any specific project today,” Spivey said. “It’s just a statement that economic development and protecting our community should go hand in hand.”
The debate in Henderson County mirrors a growing statewide issue. As demand for data processing power surges, developers have increasingly turned to rural parts of Texas, where land is more affordable and zoning restrictions are often limited. According to industry estimates, large data centers can consume millions of gallons of water per day for cooling and require massive, continuous electricity loads—placing strain on local utilities and the state’s already stressed power grid.
In Northeast Texas, residents and local leaders say those pressures are particularly concerning. Many rural counties lack the infrastructure to support such high-demand facilities, and officials worry about long-term impacts on groundwater, agriculture, and residential energy costs. Critics also argue that rural communities are sometimes approached with limited transparency, leaving residents feeling sidelined in decisions that could permanently alter their environment.
At the same time, proponents of data center development point to potential economic benefits, including job creation, increased tax revenue, and infrastructure investment. But in many cases, residents argue the trade-offs are not clearly defined, especially when compared to the scale of resource consumption.
The resolution passed by Henderson County commissioners calls on state lawmakers to take a more active role in regulating the industry, particularly in setting standards for water use, energy demand, and environmental protections. It also reflects a growing push among rural communities to gain more local authority over industrial-scale development.
As Texas continues to position itself as a hub for technology infrastructure, the outcome of debates like the one in Athens may help shape how—and where—that growth unfolds.
Trump Wants To Pause Gas Tax – Is It Possible?
May 12, 2026 – AUSTIN — Sid Miller is applauding Donald Trump for signaling support for a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax, a move that supporters say could provide immediate financial relief to American families and the agricultural sector.
In a statement released Tuesday, Miller said the proposal aligns with his earlier calls for both federal and state leaders to ease the burden of rising fuel costs. He had previously urged Trump and Greg Abbott to suspend motor fuel taxes as gasoline prices climbed above typical levels.
Suspending the federal gas tax would require congressional approval, and it could cost the government billions of dollars in revenue.
“Several weeks ago, I called on both Governor Abbott and President Trump to temporarily suspend both the state and federal motor fuels tax,” Miller said. “I am very pleased that President Trump is seriously considering doing exactly that.”
The federal gas tax, currently set at 18.4 cents per gallon, is a key source of funding for infrastructure projects. However, proponents of a suspension argue that even a temporary pause would deliver direct savings at the pump during a period of economic strain.
Trump said he would move to suspend the 18.4-cents-per-gallon gas tax, which primarily funds federal highway and mass transit.
Miller emphasized that the impact of high fuel prices extends beyond commuters, hitting farmers and ranchers especially hard. Agriculture operations depend heavily on fuel for planting, harvesting, transportation, and distribution. Rising costs, combined with ongoing drought conditions and supply chain challenges, have placed additional pressure on producers across Texas.
“Fuel prices impact everything from planting and harvesting to hauling livestock and stocking grocery shelves,” Miller said. “Temporary fuel tax relief is common sense, pro-consumer, and pro-Texas.”
The proposal has gained traction as several states, including Indiana, Georgia, and Utah, have already enacted temporary fuel tax relief measures at the state level. Miller pointed to those actions as examples and renewed his call for Texas to follow suit.
Whether Congress will cooperate on a federal gas tax pause remains uncertain, as lawmakers from both parties weigh the political appeal of immediate consumer relief against concerns about long-term infrastructure funding. While allies of Donald Trump argue that suspending the tax would quickly lower costs for drivers and farmers, some members of Congress are hesitant to back a measure that could reduce revenue for highway and transportation projects. Support may ultimately hinge on whether a temporary fix can be paired with alternative funding solutions, but with partisan divisions still sharp, any agreement is likely to face a challenging path on Capitol Hill.
While critics caution that suspending fuel taxes could reduce funding for road maintenance and infrastructure, supporters argue that the economic benefits of short-term relief outweigh the drawbacks, particularly during periods of elevated prices.
Trump has not yet announced a final decision, but his consideration of the measure has drawn praise from allies who view it as a decisive step aimed at easing financial pressures on working Americans.
Attorney General Paxton Secures Privacy Agreement With LG
May 12, 2026 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured a significant legal agreement with LG Electronics U.S.A., Inc. aimed at strengthening consumer privacy protections for smart television users across the state. The settlement addresses concerns over the company’s use of Automated Content Recognition (ACR) technology, which has been used to track and collect viewing data without users’ clear knowledge or consent.
The agreement stems from a lawsuit filed by Paxton’s office alleging that LG engaged in unlawful data collection practices. ACR technology, commonly embedded in smart TVs, can monitor what users watch and transmit that information for advertising or analytics purposes. Under the new terms, LG is prohibited from collecting such data without first obtaining informed consent from consumers.
The state alleges Netflix built an extensive logging and analytics system capable of tracking billions of user “events” every day, including viewing habits, pauses, rewatches, searches, scrolling behavior, device information, and household-network data.
As part of the settlement, LG must implement software updates across its smart TV devices. These updates will include a prominently displayed pop-up disclosure that explains how viewing data may be collected and used. The same disclosure will also be made available on the company’s website, increasing transparency for both current and prospective users. Importantly, consumers will now have a clear and straightforward option to opt out of any data collection tied to ACR technology.
The agreement also includes provisions designed to limit where collected data can be sent. LG has committed to prohibiting any transfer of viewing data to entities associated with the Chinese Communist Party, addressing broader concerns about foreign access to American consumer data.
In a statement, Paxton emphasized the importance of protecting privacy within the home, noting that consumers should not be unknowingly monitored through everyday devices. He added that the settlement sends a strong message to the electronics industry about the need for transparency and accountability in data practices.
This case is part of a broader initiative by the Texas Attorney General’s Office targeting major television manufacturers. The LG settlement follows a similar agreement previously reached with Samsung. Meanwhile, ongoing legal actions continue against companies including Sony, Hisense, and TCL Technology.
State officials say these efforts are part of a wider push to ensure Texans are protected from unauthorized surveillance and that companies operating in the state adhere to strict privacy standards in an increasingly connected digital environment.
Data Centers Target North Dakota
May 11, 2026 – As artificial intelligence fuels a nationwide boom in data centers, rural communities in North Dakota are grappling with a question that has quickly become politically and economically charged: who should decide where these massive facilities are built?
Nearly 90% of the state’s land area is covered by farms and ranches.
A recent report from Agriculture.com highlights growing tensions between local governments, farmers, state regulators, and technology developers as proposals for AI-powered data centers spread across western North Dakota.
Unlike power plants or major energy infrastructure, data centers in North Dakota currently face little centralized oversight. Developers mainly need approval from local county commissions or township zoning boards before construction can begin. That limited regulatory framework has alarmed some residents who worry projects are moving faster than communities can evaluate their long-term effects.
The concerns are not theoretical. Data centers require enormous amounts of electricity and water to operate and cool thousands of servers. Industry analysts estimate that some large AI campuses can consume as much power as hundreds of thousands of homes. Rural counties with abundant land and access to transmission infrastructure have become prime targets for developers.
It is the 2nd highest oil-producing state in the U.S. behind Texas.
Farmers and ranchers say the rapid expansion threatens agricultural land, wildlife habitats, and local resources. Mercer County rancher Wes Klein expressed concern about impacts on hunting and wildlife and called for more environmental review and greater transparency surrounding tax incentives offered to developers.
At least four western North Dakota counties have temporarily paused or restricted new AI data center projects while officials assess how to manage future proposals. Some moratoriums have already been lifted, but the debate has intensified as communities weigh economic opportunity against potential disruption.
It is the 47th most populous state, considered one of the least densely populated.
Supporters of the projects argue that data centers could diversify North Dakota’s economy beyond agriculture and oil production. The facilities bring substantial tax revenue, infrastructure investment, and construction jobs to sparsely populated areas. North Dakota’s cool climate and relatively inexpensive electricity also make it attractive for hyperscale computing operations.
Still, even some state officials acknowledge the approval process may be too fragmented. Randy Christmann, chair of the North Dakota Public Service Commission, said the agency currently has almost no authority over where data centers are built because they are considered electricity consumers rather than energy-generating facilities. He suggested the commission could at least provide technical guidance about impacts on the electrical grid during the planning process.
Across the Midwest, lawmakers are increasingly debating whether stronger statewide oversight is necessary. South Dakota legislators recently advanced proposals aimed at regulating water usage, energy costs, and local control over data center development.
For now, North Dakota communities remain on the front lines of the AI infrastructure boom. The debate reflects a broader national struggle over balancing technological growth with protection of farmland, natural resources, and local decision-making authority.
Texas A&M Demands Islamic ‘University’ Cease Use of Similar Logos, Trademarks
May 11, 2026 – Texas A&M University System has formally demanded that a North Texas Islamic educational group stop using the name “TexAM University,” escalating a dispute that now involves both trademark concerns and state regulatory action.
In a cease-and-desist letter issued Friday, system officials said the Richardson-based entity’s use of names such as “TexAM,” “Texas AM University,” and similar branding infringes on Texas A&M trademarks and risks misleading the public. The university system argues that the naming could falsely imply an affiliation with the flagship institution, Texas A&M University, one of the largest and most recognizable public universities in the state.
The dispute comes on the heels of a separate enforcement action by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which last week ordered the organization to immediately cease operations. State officials allege the entity was offering higher education programs without proper authorization, a violation of Texas law governing postsecondary institutions.
According to the Coordinating Board, institutions operating in Texas must receive approval before granting degrees or marketing themselves as universities. Failure to comply can result in shutdown orders and potential legal penalties. The board’s action effectively halted the organization’s activities pending further review.
Texas A&M officials emphasized that protecting the university’s name and brand is critical, citing decades of reputation-building and legal protections tied to its trademarks. The system routinely monitors for unauthorized uses that could dilute its identity or confuse prospective students.
The Richardson group has not publicly detailed its next steps but now faces dual pressure—from state regulators and one of Texas’ most prominent university systems. The situation highlights increasing scrutiny of unapproved higher education providers, as well as the legal importance of branding in the competitive academic landscape.
It remains unclear whether the dispute will lead to litigation or a negotiated resolution, but both actions signal a firm stance by Texas authorities on compliance and institutional identity.
