USDA makes American children healthier, agriculture stronger with more farm to school investments
View as a webpage / Share Office of Communications | press@usda.gov Department awards second cohort of grants, completes year of record-breaking funding (Washington, D.C., July 7, 2026) – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced the second cohort of fiscal year (FY) 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grants, completing the largest ever single-year financial investment in the history of…
Read MoreJefferson County Adopts Community Wildfire Protection Plan
BEAUMONT, Texas — Jefferson County officials, local fire service representatives, community partners and Texas A&M Forest Service formally signed and adopted the Jefferson County Community Wildfire Protection Plan during a ceremony today held at the Jefferson County Commissioners Court in Beaumont, Texas. A Community Wildfire Protection Plan is a framework for helping communities prepare for…
Read MoreCHRISTUS Health names new president for Mount Pleasant hospital
(MOUNT PLEASANT, Texas) – CHRISTUS Health announced today that Kurt DeVaney has been named president of CHRISTUS Health Mount Pleasant, bringing a proven track record of operational excellence, strategic growth and community engagement to the ministry. “Kurt is an exceptional leader who understands that outstanding healthcare begins with strong relationships with Associates, physicians and the communities we are blessed to serve,” said…
Read MoreKen Paxton vowed to crack down on “illegal voting.” He may have violated Texas election law.
By Zach Despart, The Texas Tribune July 7, 2026 Two weeks before this year’s primary elections, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the creation of a tip line for the public to report people or groups suspected of voter fraud. “Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of a thriving republic, and with the authority…
Read MoreSenate Leader John Thune and other national Republicans rallying for Paxton at fundraiser this month
By Renzo Downey, The Texas Tribune July 7, 2026 This article was adapted from our premium politics newsletter, The Blast, which delivers exclusive reporting, nonpartisan analysis and the first word on political moves across the state. Subscribe today. U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune will be a special guest at an upcoming fundraiser for Attorney…
Read MoreGina Hinojosa proposes sending every Texas household $1,500 in her bid to oust Greg Abbott
By Kayla Guo, The Texas Tribune July 7, 2026 State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, the Democratic nominee for governor, is promising to send each Texas household a $1,500 check drawn from the state’s rainy day fund if she defeats Gov. Greg Abbott this November. “Texans are just struggling to take care of basics right now,” Hinojosa…
Read MoreVideo: Gilmer hosts 20th annual East Texas Passing Academy
TDLR Statement Regarding Pending Litigation Against the Texas Lottery Commission
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING & REGULATION July 7, 2026 AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) today issued the following statement regarding litigation related to the former Texas Lottery Commission: “The litigation concerns matters that predate the transfer of the Texas Lottery to TDLR. Because the Texas Lottery Commission was abolished and…
Read MoreOp-Ed: God’s mercy endures forever, but He cannot compromise
LIVING ON PURPOSE By Dr. Billy Holland For the last two weeks, we have been discussing the afterlife and who will receive it. Most religions are dogmatic about their salvation ideas, and Christianity may be the most narrow theological view of them all. The exclusive view that following Jesus Christ is the only way to…
Read MoreBlue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 6A All-State Softball Team
From: Jack Stallard jack.stallard@news-journal.com LONGVIEW – Listed is the Blue Bell/Texas Sportswriters Association Class 6A All-State Softball Team for the 2026 season. Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and sportswriters around the state. COACH OF THE YEAR: Michele Hyden, Pearland PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Michaela Landers, Waxahachie FIRST TEAM Pitcher: Madalyn Guzman,…
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