Originally posted October 23, 2026 at 2:56 p.m. CDT. Election deadlines, the FEMA appeal period and other developing information refer to that date.
SNAP 17-year low • FEMA appeal clock • Mail-ballot deadline
TEXAS’ DAILY FRONT PAGE — THE STORIES MOVING THE LONE STAR STATE
TODAY’S TOP 5
- SNAP rolls hit 17-year low
- FEMA appeal clock ticking
- Suspect fired 800+ rounds
- Mail-ballot deadline is today
- TCEQ suspends 17 permits
SNAP ROLLS HIT 17-YEAR LOW
About 2.8 million Texans were enrolled in SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, in September, The Texas Tribune reported.
That's the lowest number since August 2009, according to the latest Texas Health and Human Services Commission data.
Enrollment dropped 20.8% compared with September 2025, the steepest year-over-year decline in two decades, according to the Tribune.
In September, Texas processed 64% of SNAP applications on time. The federal required rate is 95%, the Tribune reported, as the state works through a growing backlog of unreviewed applications.
FEMA APPEAL CLOCK TICKING
Texas has 30 days to appeal FEMA's denial of household flood aid, counted from the agency's Sept. 28 letter, Spectrum News reported.
FEMA denied the state's request for individual assistance after the July floods. The agency's letter said the impact on households was not severe enough, according to news reports.
That program can help eligible households pay for home repairs and temporary housing.
Gov. Greg Abbott's office says it and the Texas Division of Emergency Management are reviewing the decision and the appeals process.
Kerrville flood survivors planned to lead reporters on a bus tour Friday afternoon, according to Spectrum News.
SUSPECT FIRED 800+ ROUNDS, SHERIFF SAYS
The suspect in Tuesday's shootout near Canton fired more than 800 rounds with a semi-automatic rifle, Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger said at a news conference Friday, CBS News Texas reported.
Deputy Adam Al-Sherifi was killed and Canton police officer Chris Watson was wounded. Watson is recovering from his injuries, the sheriff said.
The suspect, identified as 42-year-old Mi Van Nguyen, was found dead inside his Canton home.
Officials have not confirmed whether the wound was self-inflicted or came from the exchange of gunfire with officers, according to CBS News Texas.
MAIL-BALLOT DEADLINE IS TODAY
Friday, Oct. 23, is the deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot in Texas. Applications must be received by the early voting clerk today, not simply postmarked, Spectrum News reported.
Some early-vote totals on the state's election website have lagged county reports, the Houston Chronicle reported.
Fort Bend County officials reported more than 75,000 in-person ballots as of Friday morning, while the state site showed just over 41,000.
A Secretary of State spokeswoman said counties are supposed to enter data by 10 a.m. the next day.
In-person early voting continues through Friday, Oct. 30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
TCEQ SUSPENDS 17 DATA-CENTER PERMITS
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has suspended 17 data-center-related permits, according to the watchdog group Public Citizen, KTRK-TV in Houston reported.
Public Citizen and FracTracker Alliance said TCEQ approved 35 permits in the past month, after Gov. Greg Abbott's Sept. 21 letter directing the agency to halt permits sought by data centers.
TCEQ disputed that characterization, saying the approvals were stormwater construction notices and automated authorizations, not operational permits, according to KTRK.
HOOD COUNTY WEATHER WATCH
Observed 1:55 p.m., Granbury airport (KGDJ): clear, about 82°F, south wind near 8 mph
Forecast (NWS Fort Worth): mostly sunny this afternoon, high near 85, southeast wind around 10 mph, gusts to 20
Tonight: mostly clear, low around 57
Saturday: mostly sunny, high near 84, gusts up to 25 mph
Saturday night: partly cloudy, low around 61
COMMUNITY PULSE
SNAP enrollment just hit a 17-year low. Has your family's grocery budget changed this year?
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