Target and Walmart Push Back on New Retail Theft Laws, Citing Self-Checkout Losses
October 14, 2025 – Large retailers including Target and Walmart are pushing back against a newly proposed law aimed at curbing retail theft by increasing oversight and regulation of self-checkout lanes. The proposed legislation would require stricter rules for self-checkout systems, including more staff monitoring, item caps, and possibly removing access to some kiosks altogether. Retailers argue that while theft is a growing...
Data Center Water Use in Texas Remains Unclear Amid Limited Reporting
October 14, 2025 – State officials say Texas still does not have a clear picture of how much water its rapidly growing data center industry is consuming, raising concerns about resource management in one of the nation’s most drought-prone states. A spokesperson for the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) confirmed that the state lacks a comprehensive list of data centers, though estimates place the total between 350 and 400...
Governor Abbott Honors Fentanyl Victims At 3rd Annual Fentanyl Awareness Walk In San Antonio
October 14, 2025 | San Antonio, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott yesterday honored the hard work of Texas families and community members raising awareness of the nationwide fentanyl crisis at the 3rd Annual “Soles 4 Souls” Fentanyl Awareness Walk. “We will continue to grow this movement until we purge fentanyl forever in the United States of America,” said Governor Abbott. “There’s an unfortunate fact...
The Co-Chairs of the 2025-2026 Hopkins County United Way Dropped by for a Chat on This Second Cup Of Coffee
October 13, 2025 – The Co-Chairs of the 2025 Hopkins County United Way, Ashley Crump and Kaitlyn Hankins, sat down with John Mark Dempsey to chat about the United Way campaign on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. Learn how your local United Way is helping your community, see what’s new with them this year, and find out how you can help them out on this interesting episode of A...
Sulphur Springs Wildcats Traveled to Celina, Texas, October 10th for Football Action
October 12, 2025 – The Sulphur Springs, Texas, High School Wildcats traveled to Celina, Texas, to play football with the Celina Bobcats on Friday, October 10th, 2025. Below is KSST’s coverage of this intense game. KSST’s Sports Director, John Mark Dempsey, called Play by Play, and Tony Flipping provided Color Commentary. Before the game started, four experts parachuted onto the football field. This was Celina’s...
Hopkins County United Way Held Their Second Weekly Meeting October 7th
October 12, 2025 – The Hopkins County United Way members held their second meeting of the 2025-2026 Campaign October 7, 2025, at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Executive Secretary Susan Berning reached out to KSST with a report on the meeting. Susan reported, “On behalf of Ashley Crump and Kaitlyn Hankins, I am very pleased to report Campaign pledges to date total $23,708.78!! If...
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day October 25
October 10, 2025 – Texans are encouraged to safely dispose of unused or expired medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 25. The nationwide initiative, led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), provides secure drop-off locations at law enforcement agencies, pharmacies, and community centers across Texas. The event aims to prevent prescription drug misuse, accidental...
Governor Abbott Orders TxDOT to Enforce Roadway Safety and Compliance Standards
AUSTIN, Texas (October 8, 2025) — Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to intensify enforcement of federal and state roadway safety standards, warning that cities and counties failing to comply could face funding cuts and suspended agreements. In a statement Wednesday, Abbott emphasized that taxpayer resources must be used solely to maintain safe and efficient roadways, not to promote...
Governor Abbott Orders DPS to Crack Down on Illegal Hemp and Vape Sales
October 8, 2025 – AUSTIN, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to step up enforcement against vape and smoke shops that violate state hemp and product regulations, in what he described as an effort to protect children from harmful substances. “Texas will protect children from dangerous hemp products,” Abbott said in a statement released Monday. “Today, I directed the Texas...
Learn About the Texoma Gospel Music Association Fall Gathering on This Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
October 7, 2025 – Ina Gore, with the Texoma Gospel Music Association, dropped by for A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to discuss the “Fall Gathering” Gospel Festival scheduled for October 10th through 11th, 2025, at the ROC in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Ina and John Mark chat about the Texoma Gospel Music Association, Gospel Music today, Buddy Gore, and so much more. Be sure to check out this informative...
