Texas Named Top Business Climate In America For 3rd Year In A Row
November 4, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott recently today celebrated Texas being named America’s Top Business Climate for the third year in a row by Site Selection magazine.
“Texas once again emerges as the national champion for the top business climate in America,” said Governor Abbott. “As the eighth-largest economy in the world, Texas offers the freedom and opportunity for companies of all sizes and all industries to thrive. Coupled with the pro-growth, pro-business laws I signed this year, Texas improved the process of doing business to help them succeed in our great state. We will continue to make strategic investments and partner with job-creating businesses to ensure that Texas remains the top state in the nation to do business.”
Driving Texas’ top ranking is a powerful combination of factors: the number of job-creating corporate relocation and expansion projects, a pro-growth mindset and environment where enterprise can flourish, investments in workforce development and infrastructure, access to technology and tech talent, and a predictable regulatory landscape.
Another key measure contributing to Site Selection magazine’s Top Business Climate ranking is a survey of corporate real estate executives and site selectors—for which Texas earned top marks, beating out all other states.
Earlier this year, Governor Abbott accepted Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup for a record-shattering 13th consecutive win for Texas as the nation’s top-performing state for job-creating business relocations and expansions. Texas also won the 2025 Prosperity Cup from Site Selection magazine, which recognizes the top state in the U.S. for attracting new business investments.
Learn more about Site Selection’s 2025 Top Business Climate rankings.
See more “Top Texas Touts” here.
All 17 Amendments Passed
November 5, 2025 – Texas voters overwhelmingly approved all 17 proposed constitutional amendments in Tuesday’s General Election, marking another round of significant changes to the state’s 1876 Constitution. The measures passed by varying margins, signaling broad public support for issues ranging from property tax relief to infrastructure funding and retirement benefits.
Among the most notable approvals was Proposition 4, which increases the standard homestead exemption for school property taxes from $100,000 to $140,000. State leaders said the change will help reduce the tax burden on homeowners amid rising property valuations across Texas.
Other approved propositions include measures to bolster the state’s water supply and energy grid, create endowments for higher education, and provide cost-of-living adjustments for retired teachers.
Political analysts note that the passage of all 17 measures underscores the continued willingness of Texas voters to amend the state’s lengthy constitution—already one of the most frequently revised in the nation. With these latest additions, the total number of amendments ratified since 1876 now stands at 547.
Supporters of the amendments celebrated the outcome as a win for taxpayers and public workers alike, while critics cautioned that piecemeal constitutional changes may further complicate state governance in the years ahead.
Emily Glass Dropped by For A Second Cup Of Coffee October 28th
November 4, 2025 – The popular and busy, Emily Glass, dropped by KSST to appear on A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey October 28th, 2025. Emily and John Mark chatted about the organization, “PACE,” the Sulphur Springs Symphony League and it’s upcoming auction, and so much more. Be sure to check out this informative episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey and learn what’s going on around Sulphur Springs, Texas!
Response to Those in Need
November 4, 2025 – With SNAP benefits impacted, First United Methodist Church is joining and supporting Meals from Mom, a local, grassroots effort to collect food, package breakfast, lunch and dinner options for those in need; and then disperse to those in our community who will not have benefits arriving for an unknown period of time.
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Meals%20from%20mom
11/06 – volunteers are meeting at First UMC to assembly meals
11/10 – First UMC, Portico front door area, will be open for food pick-up, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Tumbleweed Smith Induction into Radio Hall of Fame
November 4, 2025 – Tumbleweed Smith of Big Spring is one of 20 radio broadcasters to be inducted into the Texas Radio Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony was held at the Broadcast Museum in Kilgore on Saturday November 1. The 20 inductees were among 230 nominees for the honor. Smith is the only small-town broadcaster to receive the award. The criteria for judging is based on a broadcaster’s accomplishments both in and outside of broadcasting. Tumbleweed is producer of the daily syndicated radio program; THE SOUND OF TEXAS that has been on numerous Texas radio stations since 1969. During that time he has produced more than 14,000 programs. KSST is honored to include The Sound of Texas in our daily programming.
Renewables Are Doing Some Heavy Lifting When It Comes to the Texas Grid
November 4, 2025 – Texas is relying more heavily on renewable energy to meet its record-breaking electricity demand, as new data shows wind and solar power now provide nearly 40 percent of the state’s total generation. The growth comes as Texas’ booming economy and expanding data center industry drive electricity consumption to historic highs.
Solar power has seen the fastest gains, producing roughly 50 percent more energy in 2025 compared to last year and nearly four times as much as in 2021. This surge is helping to offset the state’s reliance on natural gas, which still supplies about 43 percent of overall demand. Wind power remains a vital contributor, particularly during evening and overnight hours when solar production fades.
Analysts say the shift is both economic and practical. With Texas continuing to attract energy-intensive industries—such as hyperscale data centers, electric vehicle manufacturing, and semiconductor production—developers are turning to renewable sources that can be deployed quickly and at competitive prices.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, which manages the state’s grid, reports that hundreds of large-scale renewable and storage projects are seeking interconnection. Yet experts warn that continued demand growth could soon outpace new generation capacity.
While Texas remains a leader in renewable energy, the rapid expansion of power-hungry industries will test whether the state can maintain both affordability and reliability as it transitions toward a cleaner, more diversified grid.
Governor Abbott Announces $10,000 Reward In Shooting Of Jacksonville Police Officer
November 3, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Bobby Michael Dennis, who is wanted for his involvement in the shooting of a Jacksonville police officer and K-9 who were wounded. Yesterday, warrants were issued by the Jacksonville Police Department for Dennis’ arrest for Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant and Interference with a Police Service Animal. The Texas Department of Public Safety has added Dennis to their 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List.
“Attacks on our men and women in uniform must stop,” said Governor Abbott. “Our law enforcement officers who selflessly risk their lives every day to serve and protect must know they will always have the full support of the State of Texas. Anyone with information relating to this heinous crime is strongly urged to call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline or submit an anonymous tip online. Texas is a law-and-order state, and the dangerous criminal who attacked a Jacksonville Police Officer and their K-9 will experience the full weight of justice brought against him.”
The suspect, Bobby Michael Dennis, 64, is described as a Black male, approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs 152 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair. The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
To be eligible for the cash rewards, tipsters must provide information using one of the following methods:
- Call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
- Submit a web tip through the Texas 10 Most Wanted website
- Submit a tip online
All tips are guaranteed anonymous by law regardless of how they are submitted, and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name. Fugitives should be considered armed and dangerous. Texans should never try to apprehend a fugitive.
Fun Reflections on the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation’s Gala
November 3, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, TX – The 20th Gala offered by the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation is slated for January 24, 2026. The night will feature all the excitement of auctions, contests, and dancing, all for the purpose of raising money to invest in Hopkins County healthcare.
Since 2006 the Gala has been an incredibly fun event to which the public is invited to participate. One person who is an expert on fun and serves as a Board member for the Foundation is Don Sapaugh – a man of many talents. He is a banker by day; auctioneer when needed; and arbiter of fun.
Sapaugh shared a bit about some of his favorite fun Gala moments through the years. The first one deals with his good friend, John Sellers. John and Craig Roberts always lead the heads and tails game, with John tossing the coin to determine if heads or tails won. Often, John’s coin soars above the decorations floating over the dance floors. Sometimes the coin is even known to get caught in a fabric swag, which happened in 2022. The crowd and John’s reactions to these unexpected moments can be amusing.
Other enjoyable Gala moments experienced by Sapaugh include listening to Johnny Lee perform live at the 2014 Gala, dancing to some of the latest songs such as the Whip and Nae Nae, and participating in the chaos of the live auction each year.
Sapaugh shared more thoughts on the Gala, “The Gala has been a lot of fun over the past 19 years, and it will continue to be a wonderful experience. What is the most fun is the fact that the Gala raises money for local healthcare. That money has funded some of the most important medical equipment in our county….equipment that saves and improves lives. That is what really brings me joy from the Gala.”
The 2026 Gala is chaired by a committee of the Foundation Board of Directors, on which Sapaugh volunteered. He has been an active participant in the Gala since its inception.
Don’t miss the fun at A Celebration of Twenty Years Gala. Get your tickets now at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
The Foundation is an IRS 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization led by a board of fifteen Hopkins County residents.
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Mystery solved! The year 2016 was the height of the Whip and Nae Nae dance craze. Don is showing how it is done.
In all seriousness, please join the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation on January 24, 2026, for the 20th annual Gala raising money for new medical equipment for the surgical wing expansion at CHRISTUS Mother Frances – Sulphur Springs. Sponsorships and tickets are available at Gala2026.GiveSmart.com.
To get your tickets or sponsor the 2026 Gala, visit Gala2026.GiveSmart.com or call the Foundation at 903-438-4799.
Attempts by Citizen Group to Add Items to City Council Agenda Rebuffed
November 3, 2025 – A group of Sulphur Springs residents is calling for greater transparency after city officials refused to place a citizen-led discussion item about the proposed MSB/Thermo Matrix Reserve hyperscale data center project on the City Council’s agenda.
According to correspondence shared with KSST, the city secretary and city attorney denied the formal request, stating that “no action will be taken” — effectively blocking the matter from being heard as an official agenda item. Concerned citizens say this decision silences public discussion about one of the largest economic developments in the city’s history.
“This denial isn’t about one person — it’s about every citizen’s right to ask questions and expect transparency,” said one resident leading the effort. “When the city admits it doesn’t even know what cooling method will be used and says that’s ‘up to the end user,’ it raises real concerns about oversight.”
Residents say they’ve been relegated to the council’s Visitors and Public Forum period, where comments are heard but not answered. They argue that this limits public participation and accountability.
Questions remain about the project’s water use, environmental impact, tax abatements, and decision-making in executive sessions. The citizen group plans to pursue the issue through Texas Open Records Act requests and possible complaints to the Texas Ethics Commission.
“We simply want open discussion and transparency,” the group stated. “If the city can refuse to place inconvenient topics on the agenda, what else might it choose to hide?”
Sulphur Springs is a home-rule city, meaning it governs by a locally adopted charter rather than just general laws. The City Charter grants the city broad authority to pass ordinances and manage its affairs “as necessary, requisite or proper for the management of its local affairs.”
Because Sulphur Springs City charter doesn’t appear to mandate a citizen’s right to agenda inclusion, and because city procedure places agenda control with officials, the council’s refusal is likely legal under Texas law—so long as it adheres to Open Meetings Act and properly posts notices for items they do choose to consider.
ETAMU Honoring Our Nation’s Heroes at 35th Annual Veterans Vigil
November 3, 2025 – Students, faculty and community members unite to honor veterans during this 35-year tradition of gratitude.
COMMERCE, TX, November 3, 2025—One of East Texas A&M University’s longest-running traditions returns this fall with the 35th installment of the Veterans Vigil. Scheduled for Wednesday, November 12 in the Rayburn Student Center at East Texas A&M, this free event is open to the public.
Schedule of events
The program will begin with a reception at 10 a.m. and an opening ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on the second floor of Rayburn Student Center. The ceremony will include musical performances by the East Texas A&M Chorale and Band members, poem readings by alumni Dona Cassel and Don Dollins, and color guard duties by the Princeton High School Navy JROTC.
Additionally, Army Specialist Training Program Unit 4813 will present a memorial scholarship to Bianca Santiago, a U.S. Army veteran and current student at East Texas A&M University.
The opening ceremony will conclude with the lighting of the vigil flame in the crossroads outside the student center. East Texas A&M employee and U.S. Air Force veteran Howard Pierson will light the Vigil Flame.
The public is invited to return at 4:30 p.m. for closing ceremonies and the extinguishing of the flame. The Hunt County Veterans Honor Guard will also perform a 21-gun salute.
This year’s guest speaker
The opening ceremony will feature special guest speaker Dr. Fred Fuentes, East Texas A&M alum and executive director of DFW outreach, and U.S. Army Veteran.
A native Texan, Fuentes served proudly in four military police operations in Latin America in the early 1990s, including Operation Safe Haven. Fuentes also worked as a USAID/Global Health Fellows Program Fellow with Mercy Corps International in Guatemala and Honduras, where he provided HIV/AIDS education and empowerment of post-conflict, rural indigenous youth.
Employed by East Texas A&M since 2008, he has held multiple roles on campus, including counselor in the university’s Counseling Center and assistant dean and director roles. Among his four college degrees is a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from East Texas A&M.
Additional Veterans Activities
Veterans are encouraged to take advantage of special offers on campus in the days leading up to the Veterans Vigil. From November 8 to 11, veterans receive a 10% discount at the campus bookstore located inside the Rayburn Student Center. Veterans are also invited to enjoy a free lunch at the university’s Lions Mane Cafeteria on November 11. Guests must present their Military ID, DD214, veteran’s card, or VFW or American Legion card to confirm their veteran status.
For more information about this year’s Veterans Vigil, contact the Office of Veteran and Military Services.
