Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins Signals Nationwide SNAP Reapplication; Millions Could Be Affected
November 16, 2025 – Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said this week that she intends to require all SNAP recipients to reapply for their benefits, a sweeping step that could affect 42 million low-income Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The announcement comes just days after the federal government reopened, ending a record shutdown that had already strained food assistance programs nationwide.
Rollins shared the plan during an interview with Newsmax, saying the reapplication effort is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to reduce fraud and tighten eligibility oversight. But with few details released so far, states and advocacy groups are uncertain how the process will unfold—or how quickly.
“We’re going to have everyone reapply,” Rollins said, adding that reforms are aimed at ensuring accuracy within the system. The administration has not clarified whether current beneficiaries would lose benefits during the review process, or what additional documentation might be required.
Politico reporter Grace Yarrow, speaking with LiveNow from FOX, said the move aligns with a larger Republican initiative to reshape federal food assistance. “This is part of a bigger push to crack down on fraud,” Yarrow explained, noting that the proposal could create significant administrative burdens for both states and families.
If implemented quickly, the reapplication requirement could overwhelm state benefits offices still recovering from the shutdown, when delayed paychecks and instability caused a spike in emergency food requests. Advocacy groups warn that millions could experience gaps in assistance if states are unable to process the massive wave of applications in time.
Texas alone serves nearly four million SNAP recipients, many of whom are still navigating backlogs from the shutdown period. Local officials say they’re waiting for guidance from the USDA before preparing for what could be one of the largest administrative overhauls in the program’s history.
For now, stability for millions of families remains uncertain as they await clearer instructions from Washington.
Google Unveils $40 Billion Texas Expansion, Marking Its Largest Investment in Any State
November 15, 2025 – MIDLOTHIAN, Texas — In a sweeping affirmation of Texas’ growing role in the nation’s tech and energy landscape, Governor Greg Abbott joined Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai on Thursday to announce a $40 billion investment that will bring new data centers, energy infrastructure programs, and workforce development initiatives to the state. The move marks Google’s largest financial commitment to any U.S. state.
Governor Abbott praised the announcement as a transformative step for Texas. “This is a Texas-sized investment in the future of our great state,” Abbott said. “Texas is the epicenter of AI development, where companies can pair innovation with expanding energy. We must ensure America remains at the forefront of the AI revolution, and Texas is the place where that can happen.”
The multibillion-dollar plan includes three new data center campuses designed to support Google’s rapidly expanding cloud and artificial intelligence operations. These facilities—energy-intensive by nature—will be paired with programs aimed at strengthening Texas’ grid capacity and energy affordability, a growing concern as data centers consume increasing shares of statewide electricity.
Pichai said the investment underscores Texas’ strategic importance. “The $40 billion investment we announced today will power the new era of AI innovation,” he said. “It will create thousands of jobs, provide skills training to college students and electrical apprentices, and accelerate energy affordability initiatives throughout Texas.”
As part of Google’s broader “Investing in America” initiative, the Texas expansion is expected to fuel economic growth across North Texas, West Texas, and the Panhandle through new construction, high-skill careers, and long-term operational support.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly and other state and Google leaders attended the announcement, emphasizing cooperation between the tech sector and the state’s energy industry as AI drives unprecedented demand for data and power.
Consider Pine Needle Mulch By Master Gardener David Wall
November 14, 2025 – Though an evergreen, pine trees can shed needles all year long, but usually shed the most in summer and fall. Only a few species shed in the spring.
In the “old” day, it was rake and burn in the fall, along with deciduous leaves. Many studiously avoid using pine needles for mulch as their acidity can, in quantity, negatively affect the soil pH. While still green, this is true, but once they turn brown, the acidity is lost, leaving them with a neutral pH. As a result, they make an excellent mulch and are more difficult to be blown away in winter winds.
If you have too many for your garden, do to them as you would with hardwood leaves. Mow them into the grass so their nutrients can be used as a mild grass fertilizer.
Having said this, there are good and not-so-good uses for pine needles. First, your garden pathways. Feel free to put down a thick layer of pine needles. A thick layer, even up to 6-8” compacts and provides effective weed control, helps hold down the mud in wet weather, and removes the need to weeds the area next year! It can also protect fallen fruit from sitting in wet soil and helps keep it safe from insects that live in or on the soil.
Mulching pine needles directly around the vegetable or other type plants loses some of the above benefits. While they are effective in preventing weeds, pine needles do not provide effective insulation around plants left in the garden during winter. Further they don’t prevent moisture loss in the soil, but they do let water easily pass through rather than trapping in them.
Putting pine needles in a compost pile is not recommended as their waxy coating takes too long to break down.
SSISD Superintendent Dr. Steeber Dropped by KSST for a Second Cup Of Coffee November 11th
November 15, 2025 – Sulphur Springs Texas ISD Superintendent Dr. Deana Steeber stopped by the KSST studios November 11th to be a guest on KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. John Mark and Dr. Steeber talked about the Sulphur Springs ISD band, the Career and Technical Education program, and so much more. Check out the episode below and see what the Sulphur Springs ISD is up to these days.
The Season Opener of Lady Cats Basketball was November 11th
November 14, 2025 – The season opener of Sulphur Springs Texas High School Basketball was November 11th, 2025 with a game against Van. The game was played in Wildcat Gym in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, called Play by Play, and Tony Flipping provided Color Commentary. Be sure to check out this game and see how your Lady Cats started the season. Go Lady Cats!
Next Hopkins County Genealogical Society Monthly Meeting to be Held November 20th
November 14, 2025 – Members: this meeting includes our annual election of officers. Your attendance in-person or via zoom is important to ensure we have a quorum for the vote.
The Hopkins County Genealogical Society is pleased to welcome Pat Chase, local author and long-time HCGS member, as guest speaker for our November meeting. Pat will share the story behind his book Jonathan Knight – Pathfinder of American Roads.
Pat has lived in Sulphur Springs for more than forty years and has served on the HCGS Board of Directors. Originally from Knightstown, Indiana, Pat’s curiosity about his hometown’s namesake led him to undertake an extensive research journey. When he discovered that no biography existed about Jonathan Knight—the man for whom the town was named—he decided to write one himself. Although the book is not about Hopkins County, it reflects Pat’s passion for history and research—values we share at HCGS.
Please join us for this program in person on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 7:00 P.M, 611 N. Davis, Sulphur Springs Texas. If you cannot attend in person, we invite you to join us via Zoom at 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada).
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/3hJNgncGQhC9enmyiIc4Rg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. We hope to see you there!
Sulphur Springs Wildcats Started the Playoffs with a Resounding 62-9 Bi-District Win
November 14, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs Wildcats started the playoffs with a resounding 62-9 bi-disgtrict win over Dallas Kimball Thursday night at Mesquite Memorial Stadium in a game heard on KSST.
The Wildcats scored on nine of their ten possessions in the game.
Jaxson Haire rushed for two touchdowns and made a sensational catch for another score. Mason Cooper threw three touchdown passes, one to Haire and two to Jaxson Virgil. Dobson Martin rushe fpr two touchdowns, and Ky’Shawn John also scored on the ground for Sulphur Springs.
In an odd twist, Grayson Hardy scored a touchdown when he recovered a snap that sailed over the Kimball punter’s head into the end zone. Grayson scored a touchdown in exactly the same way in the first game of the season against Mesquite Poteet, also at Mesquite Memorial Stadium. The touchdown Thursday night was in the north end zone, and the touchdown on August 30 was in the south end zone, so he scored on both ends of the field.
Next, the Wildcats, now 10-1, will play the Alvarado Indians at Children’s Health Stadium in Prosper at 7:30 Friday night, Nov. 21. Alvardo demolished Fort Worth Carter-Riverside 77-0 Thursday night.
In other games involving teams in Sulphur Springs’ district, Celina blasted Dallas Pinkston 77-0 and Panther Creek bombed Dallas Carter 49-7. Paris will play DallasLincoln at Princeton Friday night.
Also Thursday night, Como-Pickton was blanked by Elysian Fields, 47-0.
CHRISTUS Health Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Flight for Life in East Texas
November 14, 2025 – Ceremony held at Mother Frances Hospital to recognize the achievement
(EAST TEXAS) – CHRISTUS Health is proud to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Flight for Life, its trusted air medical transport service dedicated to saving lives across the region.
Established in 1985, CHRISTUS Flight for Life is a cornerstone of the region’s emergency response system. Covering more than 120,000 square miles, CHRISTUS Flight for Life operates from four strategically located bases in Longview, Mount Pleasant, Palestine and Wills Point, each serving a 150-mile radius.
The team’s helicopters respond to more than 1,500 calls annually, delivering advanced, critical care.
“Every minute counts and can be the deciding factor in whether someone survives a critical illness or traumatic injury,” said Shawn Salter, chief administrator for CHRISTUS Flight for Life. “We believe that access to critical care should not depend on geography and we are committed to bringing that care wherever it is needed.”
Each Flight for Life helicopter is staffed by a highly trained pilot, flight nurse and flight paramedic, available around the clock. The aircraft are equipped with advanced medical technology capable of handling a wide range of emergencies, from neurological and cardiovascular crises to severe burns, pediatric illnesses, major trauma, and even mass casualty incidents.
The ability to bring critical care to patients quickly can mean the difference between life and death. For people in remote communities or in situations where ground transportation would take too long, air medical transport bridges the gap between an accident scene and specialized hospital care.
“At the heart of this program are the absolute best medical professionals you will find. People who have answered to call to provide services where needed most,” Salter said. “Every crew member who have come before and serve today, this milestone is not possible without their commitment to service.”
Over the years, hundreds of nurses, paramedics and pilots have served on the Flight for Life team, building a culture of professionalism, courage and compassion.
Chad Soloman, a flight nurse with CHRISTUS Flight for life for 11 years, said those experiences will stay with him forever.
“I have so many stories from the years. It is almost so hard to recall just one,” Soloman said. “But every story always had one thing in common: that we were there in a time of need and we were able to save someone’s life who may not have survived if we had not been there as quickly as we were. “
In the 40 years since its founding, CHRISTUS Flight for Life has not only expanded its reach but also its capabilities. Advances in helicopter technology, communications and onboard medical equipment have transformed the way emergency medicine is delivered in flight. Today, the team works closely with regional hospitals, first responders and emergency management agencies to ensure seamless coordination of care.
Salter says the anniversary is a time to celebrate, but also to look forward.
“We’re proud of our history, but our focus remains on what’s next as we continue to invest in technology, training and partnerships that will allow us to serve our communities even better.”
As Flight for Life enters its fifth decade, the program’s mission remains the same as it was back in 1985: To provide rapid, expert, compassionate care when every second counts.
“Whether it’s in the middle of the night or in the middle of nowhere, our team is ready,” said Salter. “Forty years later, that commitment to saving lives is as strong as ever.”
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Commissioner Sid Miller: Federal Government Must Act Immediately for Farmers and Ranchers
November 14, 2025 – AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today reacted to the end the federal government shutdown and called on all agencies to resume federal programs and services without further delay.
“The end of this shutdown is a welcome relief for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities who’ve been carrying the load without the federal support they rely on,” said Miller. “Now that Washington is getting back to work, I expect every agency to move quickly to reopen offices, process critical programs, and clear the backlog that’s been building on the backs of hard-working Americans. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get this country moving.”
Commissioner Miller commended President Donald Trump and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins for supporting efforts to prioritize essential services and for underscoring the importance of American agriculture in the reopening plan. “President Trump has shown time and again that he’s willing to stand up for the men and women who put food on the table, and Secretary Rollins did everything possible to maintain essential services for agriculture producers who were disrupted by the Schumer shutdown.” Miller said.
Eleven Sulphur Springs Ladycats Volleyball Players Have won All-District Honors
November 13, 2025 – Eleven Sulphur Springs Ladycats volleyball players have won all-district honors.
Senior Raine Johnson was named the district Most valuable player.
Sophomore Peyton Taylor is the MVP libero, or defensive specialist.
Freshman Maggie Thopson was named Newcomer of the Year.
Named to the all-district first team are sophomore Preslee Hardy, junior Harper Hodge and senior Madison Jeter.
On the second team are sophomore Alani Pruitt, sophomore Sophie Shaack and freshman Kylee Harrison.
Named honorable mention players are junior Claire Thompson and sophomore Presley Smith.
Members of the all-state academic team are Rainey Johnson and Madison Jeter.
On the all-district academic team are Peyton Taylor, Preslee Hardy,Harper Hodge, Alani Pruitt, Kylee Harrsison, Maggie Thompson, Presley Smith and Sophie Schaak.
The Ladycats, under Head Bailey Dorner, won the district championship, compiled a 31-10 record and won a bi-district playoff match.
