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.
Hopkins County Weather Outlook: Warm This Week, Rain Chances Next Week
February 24, 2026 – Hopkins County is set to see an unseasonably warm stretch of weather for late February, with highs reaching into the upper 70s and low 80s — well above the average high of about 60°F this time of year. These temperatures are a notable departure from typical February conditions and feel more like early spring than mid-winter.
The warming trend continues through the weekend, with Tuesday through Saturday likely staying warm and sunny, making it feel much like spring rather than winter.
Heading into next week, the pattern begins to shift. Forecasters are signaling an increased chance of rain and showers starting Sunday and extending into the early part of next week as more moisture moves into the region. While showers won’t be constant, rain chances are notably higher compared to this week’s dry, warm conditions.
This change marks a transition from unseasonable warmth to more typical late-winter weather, with temperatures still mild but accompanied by cloudy skies and precipitation chances. Residents and outdoor planners should keep an umbrella handy late weekend into the start of next week as rain becomes more likely.
Overall, Hopkins County will enjoy spring-like warmth this week followed by a wetter outlook next week — a mix that’s unusual but not unprecedented for the late winter season.
Timely Rain is Key to the 2026 White Bass Run
Feb. 23, 2026 – AUSTIN – Angler success during the 2026 white bass run could boil down to spring rains across portions of the state, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists predict. Some areas are seeing good water levels and flows, but timely rainfall will boost chances for anglers to reel in these prized fish.
Each spring, white bass run upstream from reservoirs into rivers and creeks to spawn, creating prime fishing opportunities for new and seasoned anglers. White bass can be targeted from the bank, motorized boat or paddle craft in multiple publicly accessible locations throughout the state.
In East Texas, TPWD biologists predict that the tributaries of Lake Palestine will be the prime spots for anglers during this year’s white bass run. The Neches River and Kickapoo Creek both have plenty of water and will support a quality run at some point. Some reservoirs are currently too low to have quality white bass runs, but one good rain event could be enough to change that. Without a significant rain event, the spawning run could be prolonged over the course of one to two months.
For Central Texas anglers, the Colorado River above Lake Buchanan is one of the strongest white bass runs in the area. TPWD biologists indicate the July 2025 rain event significantly raised Lake Buchanan’s water level and reconnected the reservoir with the riverine section upstream. This connectivity should allow white bass to move up the river to Colorado Bend State Park and beyond. As a result, they expect a run on the Colorado River above Lake Buchanan this spring, something that has not happened in recent years due to prolonged low water levels and drought conditions.
Survey reports in North Central Texas suggest that the white bass populations within the reservoirs are above average this year with the potential for good sized fish to be caught if they are triggered into the creek. This area of the state has also been affected by the lack of rainfall, so a good rain event could help boost chances for anglers in the coming weeks.
Popular locations in North Central Texas include the East Fork of the Trinity River below Lake Lavon and upstream of Lake Ray Hubbard off State Highway 78. White bass anglers can also hook into the occasional hybrid striped bass coming up from Ray Hubbard. Another hot spot is on the Stewart Creek arm of Lake Lewisville that includes some trails along the creek in Frisco that give access to that creek. The Elm Fork of the Trinity, upstream of Ray Roberts, is usually good but requires a five- or six-mile long boat trip upriver from the lake to find the fish. The conditions here favor smaller aluminum boats.
Popular runs in the Waco area include the Brazos River flowing through Granbury, the Brazos and Nolan Rivers flowing into Lake Whitney, the North, Middle and South Bosque Rivers flowing into Lake Waco, the Navasota River flowing through Mexia, Fort Parker State Park Lake and Limestone Reservoirs. Other spots that may hold promise include the Cowhouse Creek and Leon River flowing into Lake Belton, and the Lampasas River flowing into Stillhouse Hollow Lake. TPWD biologists pinpointed the Brazos River, any of the Bosque River tributaries, the Nolan River or any of Navasota River sections as potential prime locations due to good water levels.
White bass, also known as sand bass, are a popular freshwater species preferred by Texas anglers both for sport fishing and for the dinner table. While most riverside property is privately owned, public access to high-quality white bass runs can be found at many Texas State Parks, Texas Paddling Trails, leased River Access and Conservation Area (RACA) sites and highway and bridge crossings.
Below are some accessible locations for the white bass run:
Brazos River: Fuller’s Folly River Ranch and Sandy Bottoms River Company are recent site additions to the RACA program upstream of Lake Granbury. Reports indicate water flow remains below normal overall, but TPWD staff are hopeful that recent rain events, with the potential for more in early spring, will support a good run from Lake Granbury into the upstream section of the river.
Neches River: Above Lake Palestine, anglers can find public access at Chandler River Park featured in this TPWD YouTube Video. This RACA site offers nearly 6,000 feet of river frontage for bank fishing and includes a boat ramp and kayak launch.
Llano River: The Kingsland Slab RV Camp provides access to the river, with 750 feet of river frontage along the Llano River. This RACA site offers free public fishing access and is located at 7300 River Oaks Dr. in Kingsland.
Sabine River: Above Toledo Bend Reservoir in Panola County, anglers can find public access for white bass fishing at the Grand Bluff Boat Ramp, which offers 275 feet of river frontage and a single trailer boat ramp. This RACA site offers free public access to the Black Shoals fishing hole located about three miles upstream.
Colorado River: Above Lake Buchanan, bank anglers can fish for white bass at Colorado Bend State Park. The park offers a boat ramp (currently closed to motorboats) and bank access.
TPWD recommends that anglers check the water levels and river flows before heading to their favorite location.
A variety of artificial lures and flies will work for anglers targeting white bass, including small jigs, crank baits and streamers. Night fishing using lights or around lighted docks can also be effective. White bass are excellent table fare for anglers looking for a versatile and healthy source of protein. The daily bag limit for white bass is 25 with a 10-inch minimum length. More information on fishing regulations can be found in the TPWD Outdoor Annual.
As always, don’t forget to purchase your fishing license unless exempt. Funds from the sale of fishing licenses are used to make fishing better by supporting TWPD hatcheries and fish stockings, fish habitat enhancement, fisheries management, outreach activities and more. Purchase online or at a retailer near you. In addition, anglers are asked to “leave no trace” by bringing out what they brought in.
For more information about white bass identification, fishing patterns, life history, biology and access to public sites visit the White Bass Fishing in Central Texas website.
Governor Abbott Orders Expanded DPS Operations Amid Rising Cartel Violence
AUSTIN, Texas (Feb. 23, 2026) — Greg Abbott on Monday directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to intensify public safety and homeland security operations statewide in response to escalating cartel violence in Mexico that officials warn could threaten American civilians.
In a press release, Abbott said Mexican drug cartels pose a growing risk to both public safety and national security, pledging that Texas would “utilize every tool and strategy” to prevent criminal spillover into the state.
Under the governor’s directive, DPS will surge personnel from the Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, Criminal Investigations Division, and Special Operations Group to the border region. The additional resources are aimed at detecting, interdicting, and apprehending criminal actors, while preventing transnational threats from crossing into Texas communities.
The agency will also expand operations conducted by its Tactical Marine Unit and Aircraft Operations Division along the border to enhance aerial and maritime surveillance. Officials said these efforts are designed to strengthen rapid response capabilities and improve coordination across state and federal partners.
Abbott further ordered the activation of additional personnel from the Homeland Security Division and the Texas Fusion Center to monitor social media and suspicious activity reports around the clock.
The move comes a day after Abbott urged Texans currently in Mexico — and those with loved ones traveling there — to follow guidance issued by the U.S. Department of State amid ongoing security operations, road blockages, and criminal activity in parts of the country.
Texans in need of immediate assistance can contact the State Department or the Texas Fusion Center through their respective emergency hotlines, officials said.
The Next Meeting of the Master Gardeners will be Held February 26th
February 24, 2026 – The Hopkins County Master Gardeners plan to meet at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office on Houston Street, in front of the Hopkins County Civic Center, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, on Thursday, February 26th, 2026. The meeting will begin at 10:00am. At this meeting, Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson will present a program on the insect pests of plants. Anyone and everyone interested in gardening, learning more about the Master Gardeners, or who are interested in becoming a Master Gardener is welcome to join this meeting.
Hopkins County Health Care Foundation Brings Back a New/Old Gala Game
February 23, 2026 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is gearing up for a second time to celebrate the postponed 20th anniversary Gala! The ice storm prevented the event from being held on its original January 24 date, but fair weather is anticipated for the rescheduled May 9 event.
Part of the fun of the Gala is the games. One game has been a crowd favorite since its introduction in 2014…Heads or Tails, or, as we call it locally, Heads and Tails. For $20, a Gala participant may enter the contest. Game Leader Craig Roberts asks those playing to choose heads or tails, indicated by placing their hands on their head or hips. John Sellers then tosses a coin in the air to determine if heads or tails wins the round. Those who win can stay in. Those who lose must pay $20 to buy back in. The game concludes when there is a single winner. That lucky person receives bragging rights and a cash prize sponsored this year by Peggy and Bob Weaver.
Also new in 2014 was a Mystery Boxes game. A certain number of wrapped gift boxes were available for sale. Some boxes had prizes while others did not. This game is similar to a balloon pop at a carnival. This concept was also repeated at the 2015 Gala as a Wine Pull. Every wine bag had a bottle of wine, with some being below the entry and others above.
Another fun game of chance is 100 for $100, which started in 2014. Only 100 tickets are sold for $100 each. Each person who purchases a 100 for $100 ticket gets to select which Live Auction item they would want to win. If their ticket is drawn, they take their live auction selection before the bidding begins.
For the 2026 Gala, of course, Heads or Tails and 100 for $100 will be back, but we are also bringing back the mystery selection game. This year, 50 envelopes will be sold for $50 each. After all are sold, players will turn in the slip inside the envelope to find out if they won a beautiful necklace, a cash prize, or a whammy (nothing). Signet Jewelers donated the necklace, and Penney and Scott Hemby donated the cash prizes.
Whatever game is your pleasure, there is something for everyone. And with the extra time before the 20th anniversary Gala actually plays out, who knows what be added. The one guarantee is a fun night that will benefit Hopkins County healthcare.
A few tickets are available for the May 9, 2026, Gala! Tickets and other forms of support are detailed on the website, Gala2026.Givesmart.com.
The Hopkins County Health Care Foundation, an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, provides free clinics, educational programs, and a room full of free breast cancer supplies for the community. In addition, the Foundation sponsors the Hopkins County Breast Cancer Support Group.
-###-
That year also included the raffle of a beautiful red Corvette!
Underwriting opportunities for the 2026 Gala are available at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com or call the Foundation at 903-438-4799.
Don’t miss the 20th anniversary Gala celebration! Help the Foundation raise money for medical equipment for the surgical wing expansion at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs. Find out about options to support and participate at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
National Invasive Species Awareness Week is Feb. 23-27; TPWD Urges Texans to Help Prevent Harmful, Non-Native Plants and Wildlife
Feb. 20, 2026 – AUSTIN – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) urges Texans to take steps to help prevent the introduction and spread of harmful non-native, invasive species that negatively impact the state’s natural resources and economy. National Invasive Species Awareness Week, slated for Feb. 23 – 27, is an initiative to raise awareness of the threats of invasive species and provide solutions on how to prevent their spread.
“During National Invasive Species Awareness Week, TPWD encourages all Texans to learn more about invasive species,” said Monica McGarrity, TPWD Senior Scientist for Aquatic Invasive Species. “Taking time throughout the year to prevent new introductions and curb the spread of these harmful species will help protect our natural resources for the enjoyment of future generations and prevent economic impacts.”
Invasive species are non-native to an ecosystem and can cause environmental or economic damage and negatively affect human health and quality of life and agriculture. In addition, invasive species are expensive to control, can be impossible to eradicate once established, and can inflict costly damage to agriculture, fisheries, forests and more. According to recent estimates, these costs total approximately $219 billion across the United States every year. Many invasive species are spread by humans (unintentionally or intentionally), who play an important role in preventing their spread to new areas.
A variety of non-native plants, animals, insects and even diseases can become invasive when they enter a new environment, growing or reproducing rapidly and potentially outcompeting native species, preying on them or degrading their habitat. This allows them to become established, dominant and problematic across large areas, ultimately causing harm. They can be introduced by humans in a variety of ways, including intentional introduction through aquarium dumping, live bait releases or outdoor plantings, or accidentally as “hitchhikers” carried through recreational or other activities.
These risky recreational activities can include hauling firewood long distances for a campfire or moving a boat from one water body to another without properly cleaning, draining and drying it first. Once introduced, invasive species can harm native species and ecosystems, impact recreational activities, damage infrastructure and require costly, long-term management in cases where control is possible.
Clean, Drain and Dry Your Boat and Gear
Boaters are key to keeping zebra mussels, giant salvinia and other aquatic invasive species from being moved and harming more lakes. We ask all boaters to take a few minutes to properly clean, drain and dry their boats and equipment before they leave lakes every time they go boating. Remove plants, mud and debris from the boat and trailer and drain all the water from the boat and gear. Once you get home, open up compartments and allow everything to dry completely.
For more information on how to properly clean, drain and dry boats and equipment, visit the TPWD YouTube channel for a short instructional video. If you have stored your boat on the water at a lake with zebra mussels, it is likely infested and at high risk for spreading this invasive species. Before moving it to another lake, call TPWD at (512) 389-4848 for guidance on required decontamination.
Use Your Bait Where You Catch It / Never Dump Your Bait
Many people don’t realize the potential impact that releasing live bait can have on aquatic life. Bait bucket introductions — anglers dumping live bait into a water body other than the one where it was caught — are an easy way we can unintentionally spread aquatic invasives. These can include both non-native bait fish and microscopic organisms such as zebra mussel larvae in the water. Even fish native to one part of Texas, like sheepshead minnows and Gulf killifish native to coastal areas, can become invasive in other parts of the state such as upstream rivers and lakes.
Just remember this: Don’t dump leftover bait in the water at the end of a fishing trip and don’t take live-caught bait (or any bait that’s touched lake water) to another lake to use. Instead, take your bait home to use on a future fishing trip at that same lake, offer it to another angler to use or place it in the trash. If fishing on the coast, only native Gulf shrimp—specifically brown, white, or pink shrimp—are permitted for use as bait.
For more information, check out this TPWD magazine article.
Learn more about aquatic invasive species on the Stop Invasives page of the TPWD website.
Don’t Carry Hitchhikers
You could be carrying invasive species with you when you’re enjoying the outdoors and not even know it. Insects and plants, including plant seeds, can hitch a ride on your clothes, shoes, gear or even your firewood. You can help stop the spread by removing plants, animals and mud from clothes, boots, gear, pets and vehicles (including ATVs), cleaning your gear before entering and leaving recreation sites, using only local firewood and simply staying on designated roads and trails. Learn more on the Play, Clean, Go website.
Be Alert!
TPWD also encourages the public to use the Texas Invaders app or website to report sightings of invasive species, whether in your backyard or in wild spaces. Texans can learn how to identify invasive species on the Texas Invasives website.
Governor Abbott Urges Texans To Heed Federal Travel Warnings Amid Escalating Violence In Parts Of Mexico
February 22, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Texas Department Of Public Safety Is Coordinating With U.S. Department Of State And FBI
Texas Governor Greg Abbott today urged Texans currently in Mexico, as well as those with family members or friends traveling there, to closely follow warnings from the U.S. Department of State amid ongoing security operations, related road blockages, and criminal activity across Mexico. The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens in the following Mexican states to shelter in place until further notice: Baja California, Jalisco, Quintana Roo, and areas of Guanajuato, Guerrero, Michoacan, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas. Texans in need of immediate assistance or guidance can call the U.S. Department of State (from outside U.S: 1-202-501-4444; from U.S.: 1-888-407-4747) or the Texas Fusion Center (1-844-927-0521).
“Texans’ safety is my top priority, whether they are here at home or traveling abroad,” said Governor Abbott. “I urge all Texans in Mexico to follow the guidance of U.S. officials, stay alert, and ensure they are in contact with the U.S. Embassy or nearest U.S. Consulate. Situations on the ground can change quickly, and staying informed can save lives.”
Governor Abbott has been briefed on the latest developments regarding ongoing violence and security concerns in Mexico. In response, the State of Texas is taking proactive steps to coordinate with federal partners to safeguard Texans abroad.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is actively coordinating with the U.S. Department of State and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to monitor the evolving security situation and share information to support the safety of American citizens.
Governor Abbott and Texas officials recommend the following steps to ensure personal safety:
- Heed Federal Warnings: Monitor travel advisories and security alerts issued by the U.S. Department of State and local U.S. Embassy offices.
- Call U.S. Department of State or Texas Fusion Center: Texans in need of immediate assistance or guidance should call:
- U.S. Department of State from outside U.S.: 1-202-501-4444
- U.S. Department of State from inside U.S. and Canada: 1-888-407-4747
- Texas Fusion Center: 1-844-927-0521
- Register with the U.S. Embassy: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive real-time alerts and make it easier for the U.S. government to assist in an emergency.
- Maintain Contact with Family: Keep friends and family informed of your location and travel plans. Establish regular check-ins.
- Avoid High-Risk Areas: Do not travel to regions under active security alerts or where violence and unrest are occurring. Conditions can shift rapidly, even in popular destinations.
- Follow Local and Federal Instructions: If shelter-in-place or travel restriction guidance is issued by authorities, follow those instructions immediately. Seek shelter and minimize unnecessary movements. Remain in your residences or hotels. Avoid areas around law enforcement activity. Monitor local media for updates. Avoid crowds.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Keep copies of important documents, emergency contact numbers for the U.S. Embassy or nearest Consulate, and ensure you have a reliable means of communication.
The Governor’s Office and DPS will continue to monitor developments and coordinate with federal partners to ensure Texans receive timely information as the situation evolves.
Mexico is on high alert as of February 22-23, 2026, due to intense violent clashes, roadblocks, and widespread security operations following the reported killing of a major cartel leader (“El Mencho”) in Jalisco. Major airlines have suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara due to safety concerns, with U.S. citizens advised to shelter in place.
