Category: Polk County News

Manhunt Underway After Suspected Police Impersonator Targets Minnesota Lawmakers

At approximately 2:00 a.m. on June 14, a man dressed in tactical gear claiming to be law enforcement entered the Champlin home of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. Both were shot and seriously wounded. Authorities say the suspect impersonated a police officer, using a fake badge, a rubber mask, and a vehicle equipped with flashing lights.

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Is There More to the Story? Questions Swirl Around Liberty County’s Handling of Sidney Blake Murphrey

Residents in the areas of Goodrich, Scenic Loop, Romayor, and Rye should be extra cautious when interacting with Sidney Blake Murphrey or anyone closely associated with him. There is growing speculation that Murphrey may be acting as a confidential informant, potentially sharing information with law enforcement in exchange for leniency. Even if unconfirmed, this possibility means that conversations and dealings with him could end up in the hands of authorities. Stay vigilant, avoid discussing sensitive matters, and be mindful of your interactions until the full truth comes to light.

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Texas Governor Deploys National Guard Statewide Ahead of Saturday’s Protests: What to Know for Houston and Polk County area

Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the Texas National Guard to deploy statewide for planned anti-ICE and anti-Trump protests on Saturday, June 14. Here’s what this means for Houston, Polk County, and the rest of Texas.

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Local to Global: Polk County Joins Thousands in Anti-ICE and Anti-Authoritarian Rallies

As tensions escalate over immigration raids and authoritarian rhetoric, Polk County Texas residents are joining a sweeping nationwide protest movement set for June 14. From rural Texas to major cities across the U.S., thousands are preparing to rally under the banner of “No Kings Day,” demanding accountability, an end to ICE overreach, and a return to democratic norms.

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June Market in Livingston

Livingston Summer Market Event: Crystals, Crafts & Curiosities June 2025

Bring your lawn chairs, pack a picnic, and come ready to hang out! Play a friendly game of volleyball or horseshoes, explore the booths of local artisans, and discover everything from sparkling crystals and handmade crafts to spooky Halloween curios and specialty foods.

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Polk County’s Faith Divide: Christianity, Paganism, and the Rise of the Unaffiliated

As of the 2020 U.S. Religion Census, approximately 34.1% of Polk County’s population of 50,123 were affiliated with a religious congregation. The religious composition is predominantly Christian, with the following breakdown:

Evangelical Protestant: 9,475 adherents across 49 congregations

Mainline Protestant: 2,469 adherents in 13 congregations

Catholic: 1,808 adherents in 2 congregations

Black Protestant: 406 adherents in 3 congregations

Other: 753 adherents in 5 congregations

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The Problem with Causewashing: When Events Exploit Goodwill for Profit in Polk County Texas

From colorful crawfish boils to country music lineups, small-town events can feel like the heart of the community—bringing people together and raising money for causes that matter.

But what happens when that cause is more decoration than donation?

Take a recent event ad for the “Small-Town Throw-Down” in Livingston, TX. It prominently displays the phrase “Raising a Hand for Rett Syndrome”, suggesting some sort of benefit or fundraiser. Yet nowhere in the promotion does it state that money is being raised, where it’s going, or how much (if any) will reach families impacted by Rett Syndrome.

What it does make very clear is that there’s a Crawfish Boil and Picnic “for everyone.” Sounds generous, right? Until you find out that the crawfish is being sold, not served. So the heartwarming message quickly becomes a marketing ploy: evoke empathy, earn trust, and profit from the goodwill.

This isn’t a rare practice. It’s called causewashing—when brands or events slap a cause on their promotions to look charitable while doing little or nothing meaningful for the issue.

Here’s the bottom line: If you’re using a medical condition to sell tickets, food, or brand awareness, the public deserves transparency. Where are the donations going? How much of the profits are being donated? Are families impacted by the cause involved in any way?

Until those questions are answered, don’t call it “support.” Call it what it is: opportunism.

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