Governor Abbott Activates State Emergency Resources Ahead of Tropical Weather Threat
Austin, TX — August 14, 2025 — Governor Greg Abbott has activated multiple state emergency response resources as a tropical weather system approaches the Texas Gulf Coast, expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flash flooding starting Friday.
“As Texas braces for incoming heavy rain and strong winds along the Gulf Coast and South Texas, I activated emergency response resources to help local officials protect their fellow Texans,” Abbott said. “This tropical system could lead to dangerous travel conditions and potential flash flooding. Texans are urged to take all necessary precautions.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting hazardous conditions that may impact travel and safety across coastal and southern Texas. Residents are encouraged to prepare an emergency plan, stock essential supplies, and closely follow guidance from local authorities.
At the Governor’s direction, a broad network of emergency resources is now in place, including swiftwater rescue boat squads, Blackhawk helicopters, high-profile vehicles, medical response teams, wildfire strike teams, and utility monitoring services. Agencies like the Texas National Guard, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and Texas DPS are actively coordinating readiness efforts.
Texans can access up-to-date safety information and preparedness tips by visiting TexasReady.gov or tdem.texas.gov/prepare. For beach and rip current safety, officials recommend resources at weather.gov and noaa.gov.
With the storm system’s arrival imminent, Texans are urged to remain alert, avoid flooded roadways, and prioritize safety in the days ahead.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Eli Lilly Over Alleged Kickback Scheme
August 12, 2025 – Austin, TX — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, accusing the company of bribing medical providers to prescribe its high-demand medications, including Mounjaro and Zepbound, which are widely used for diabetes management and weight loss.
According to the lawsuit, Eli Lilly illegally offered incentives such as “free nurses” and reimbursement support services to healthcare providers in Texas. These perks were allegedly designed to influence prescribing behavior in favor of the company’s most profitable drugs.
Many of the prescriptions were billed to Texas Medicaid, leading to what Paxton’s office calls millions of dollars in fraudulent claims. The suit cites violations of the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act, accusing Eli Lilly of undermining medical decision-making and misusing taxpayer dollars.
“Big Pharma compromised medical decision-making by engaging in an illegal kickback scheme,” Paxton said in a statement. “I will not stand by while corporations unlawfully manipulate our healthcare system to line their own pockets.”
This legal action is part of a broader effort by Paxton’s office to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for fraud, abuse, and unethical marketing practices, particularly when taxpayer-funded programs like Medicaid are involved.
Western Half of Texas Remains Parched as Burn Bans Widen
August 13, 2025 – The western half of Texas continues to endure extremely dry conditions, prompting a growing number of counties to enact burn bans amid rising wildfire risks.
Persistent heat, low humidity, and minimal rainfall have left vegetation brittle and highly flammable across much of the region. As of this week, more than 100 Texas counties—primarily west of I-35—have active burn bans in place, restricting outdoor burning, campfires, and certain welding operations.
Local officials say the bans are necessary to prevent human-caused wildfires, which can quickly spiral out of control under current conditions. “With no meaningful rain in the forecast and triple-digit temperatures expected to continue, any spark could turn into a major fire,” said a spokesperson for the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Ranchers and rural residents are particularly affected, with many forced to delay brush-clearing burns or adjust land management practices. Emergency responders are also on high alert, as wildfire activity across the state has already increased over the summer.
Officials urge Texans to follow all local fire restrictions and report any signs of smoke immediately. While fall often brings some relief, experts warn that worsening drought conditions may extend the fire danger well into the coming months.
Texas Opens Nominations For The 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards
August 11, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Nominations are now being accepted for the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Administered by the OneStar Foundation, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards are an opportunity for the State of Texas to honor exemplary individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving their communities through outstanding service and volunteering.
“Every day, Texans from all walks of life give their time and talents to lift up their neighbors and strengthen the fabric of our communities,” said First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “Greg and I are continually moved by the powerful stories of service we see across the state. Texans are encouraged to celebrate outstanding individuals and organizations whose compassion and leadership are a testament to the Texas spirit by nominating them for an Annual Governor’s Volunteer Award.”
“As we launch the 42nd Governor’s Volunteer Awards, we are proud to recognize the everyday heroes who remind us that service is not only an action but a legacy,” said OneStar President and CEO Chris Bugbee. “Through this partnership with the Governor and First Lady, we celebrate the perseverance, generosity, and impact of Texans who are building stronger, more connected communities across our state.”
Nominations are open in nine categories:
- Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award
- First Lady’s Rising Star Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
- Volunteer Family of the Year Award
- Community Champion Award
- Education Champion Award
- Corporate Champion Award
- Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact Award
- AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award
To submit a nomination and view award category descriptions, eligibility guidelines, and the submission deadline, visit onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards.
Awardees will be honored during National Volunteer Month in April 2026 at the Governor’s Mansion during an awards ceremony hosted by First Lady Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards.
Cocoa Prices Soar Amid Climate and Crop Crises in West Africa
August 12, 2025 – Global cocoa prices have surged to record highs in recent months, driven by severe climate disruptions and crop diseases devastating key growing regions in West Africa, where nearly 70% of the world’s cocoa is produced.
Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, the top two cocoa-producing countries, are facing unprecedented challenges. Erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and rising temperatures—linked to climate change—have severely impacted cocoa yields. Compounding the problem is the spread of swollen shoot virus, a highly contagious plant disease that kills cocoa trees and has wiped out large swaths of farmland.
As a result, global cocoa supply is falling far short of demand, sending futures prices to historic levels and sparking concern among chocolate manufacturers and consumers alike. Many producers are warning of higher retail prices and potential shortages in the coming months.
Industry analysts say the situation highlights the fragility of global food supply chains in the face of climate change and underscores the need for sustainable farming investments and crop disease management in vulnerable regions.
Without intervention, experts warn that future cocoa harvests—and the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers—could be at even greater risk.
Emily Glass with the Dial Study Club had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey
August 10, 2025 – Emily Glass, Treasurer with the Dial Study Club, dropped by the KSST studios to have a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey August 5th, 2025. John Mark and Emily chatted about the Dial Study Club, the upcoming Sulphur Springs Wildcats Homecoming Parade, and so much more. Be sure to check out this informative episode below!
This Year’s Back to School Fair was a Very Popular and Huge Success
August 10, 2025 – The CANHelp 2025 Hopkins County Back to School Fair was held at the ROC in Sulphur Springs August 7th, 2025. The annual event was well attended and gave a lot back to the community. There was a bounce house, snow cones, games, plenty of school supplies, and so much more! If you missed it, or just want to see it again, be sure to check out KSST’s coverage of this successful event below.
Most U.S. School Milk Now Lower in Added Sugar, Industry Group Says
August 10, 2025 – The vast majority of milk processors supplying U.S. schools have successfully reduced added sugars in flavored milk products ahead of the new academic year, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced Thursday.
According to the IDFA, 37 school milk processors, representing about 95% of the milk volume served in schools nationwide, have met the goals laid out in the Healthy School Milk Commitment—a voluntary pledge launched in 2023. As part of that commitment, processors agreed to offer school milk options containing no more than 10 grams of added sugar per 8-ounce serving by the 2025 school year.
IDFA reports that these processors have already achieved a nearly 60% reduction in added sugars in flavored milk options, while maintaining taste and nutritional value. The move comes as part of an industry-wide effort to align with evolving nutrition standards and concerns about added sugar consumption in children’s diets.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) followed suit in 2024, updating its school meal guidelines to limit added sugars in flavored milk. The new federal standards cap added sugars at 10 grams per 8 ounces for milk served as part of school meals, and 15 grams per 12 ounces for flavored milk sold à la carte in middle and high schools.
“This milestone demonstrates our industry’s commitment to child nutrition and to supporting school meal programs with better-for-you products,” said an IDFA spokesperson.
The Healthy School Milk Commitment reflects a growing collaboration between industry and public health policy, aiming to retain milk as a staple in school diets while addressing concerns about sugar intake. Flavored milk remains popular among students and is a key source of calcium, vitamin D, and potassium in school meals.
Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens Closes Indefinitely, Citing Safety Concerns
August 9, 2025 – Athens, TX — Just one month after reopening to the public following a two-year, $8 million renovation, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center has closed its doors indefinitely, citing unspecified safety concerns.
Emergency Closure: We are saddened to say that the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center will be closed until further notice starting August 8. Due to unforeseen circumstances and for safety, we will be temporarily closed to visitation. We look forward to welcoming you back soon and apologize for any inconvenience. We will share more information as we receive it.
The announcement came late last night in a brief statement from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). “Out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of the public, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is closed until further notice,” the statement read. No further explanation was given.
The sudden closure has raised questions, particularly given the facility’s long-awaited return after extensive upgrades aimed at improving infrastructure, exhibits, and educational programs. The center, which serves as a hub for conservation education, fish hatchery operations, and family-friendly outdoor experiences, had only recently welcomed back visitors for the first time since 2023.
TPWD has not indicated whether the closure is related to structural issues, environmental hazards, or other operational problems. Local officials and community members expressed surprise at the news, with many hoping for more transparency in the coming days.
No timeline has been provided for reopening. TPWD said updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
East Texas A&M University Partnered with The Sports Facilities Companies of Florida to Operate its new Sports Facility
August 8, 2025 – East Texas A&M University has partnered with The Sports Facilities Companies of Clearwater, Florida, to operate its new state-of-the-art sports facility, set to open in fall of 2026.
With over 90 managed venues and about 4,000 employees, SFC welcomes nearly 30 million guest visits and produces almost $1 billion in economic impact each year.
ET A&M President Dr. Mark Rudin says: “The Sports Facilities Companies’ expertise has been instrumental in turning our vision into a tangible reality, and we cannot wait to see the profound impact this state-of-the-art venue will have on our students, athletes, and supporters for years to come.”
Construction on the 65,000-square-foot facility is already underway on State Highway 24 west of Whitley Hall, the University’s high-rise residence hall. An ET A&M news release says the impact of the Events Center will reach far beyond athletics. While athletics remains at the heart of the project, the facility will serve as a community hub. The versatile event center will enable ET A&M to host special events, trade shows, and other functions for the university and the Northeast Texas region. This dual-purpose approach broadens the facility’s value, making it a vital gathering place.
Key features of the new facility include:
Approximately 2,500 arena seats
Two suites
An arcade and other family entertainment amenities
An adjacent hotel
State-of-the-art event space, capable of hosting community events, concerts, trade shows, and more
