Governor Abbott Announces Task Force To Crack Down On Repeat Offenders
October 2, 2025 | Houston, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the Texas Repeat Offender Program (TxROP), a joint task force between state and local law enforcement that will further crack down on violent crimes committed by repeat offenders throughout the Houston area.
“Today, we are putting violent repeat offenders on notice,” said Governor Abbott. “We are coming for you. We are going to target you, arrest you, and put you behind bars where you belong. This is a Texas-sized effort by both the Texas Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement at every level to crack down on dangerous repeat offenders in the Houston area. Our goal is simple: every Houstonian deserves to walk the streets, take their kids to school, open their businesses, and go shopping or dining without fear.”
In collaboration with the Houston Police Department and federal law enforcement partners, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will place a renewed focus on repeat offenders who are prone to violent criminal acts. Law enforcement will be empowered to identify offenders and prioritize field operations to ensure compliance with any court-ordered conditions and arrest those terrorizing Texas communities.
DPS will utilize assets from the Air Operations Division, Homeland Security Division, and Criminal Investigations Division to support troopers in conducting this operation. These assets will be used in coordination with local and federal partners to support intelligence-gathering, tactical, and covert operations.
In June, Governor Abbott signed the strongest bail reform package in Texas history to protect Texans by keeping violent, repeat offenders behind bars. That package included:
- Senate Bill 9 (Huffman/Smithee) gives prosecutors the ability to appeal bad bail decisions made in cases involving the most heinous crimes and repeat felons. This law also ensures only elected judges may reduce the amount or conditions of a bail set by an elected judge.
- Senate Bill 40 (Huffman/Smithee) prohibits the use of public funds to pay a nonprofit organization that will then post bail for criminals.
- House Bill 75 (Smithee/Huffman) ensures transparency in the initial stages of a criminal case, requiring magistrates provide a written explanation on why they determined an arrest was made without probable cause.
- Senate Joint Resolution 5 (Huffman/Smithee) is a constitutional amendment that will require a judge to deny bail to a defendant charged with the most heinous crimes — such as rape, murder, human trafficking — when the state proves the defendant is a threat to public safety or will not show up for trial.
FDA Approves Drug to Combat Flesh-Eating Screwworm Amid Outbreak
October 2, 2025 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted conditional approval for an injectable drug to help fight the reemergence of the New World Screwworm, a flesh-eating parasite that has resurfaced near Texas’ southern border.
The drug, called Dectomax-CA1 (doramectin injection), is designed for use in cattle to both treat and prevent infestations of the screwworm, which feeds on the living tissue of warm-blooded animals. The FDA said the drug has been proven safe and has a “reasonable expectation of effectiveness,” though full approval will require additional data.
Doramectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug used in veterinary medicine to treat and control internal and external parasites in livestock like cattle, swine, sheep, and deer. It is a macrocyclic lactone derived from the soil organism Streptomyces avermitilis and is available as an injectable solution or pour-on formulation.
The announcement follows months of warnings from ranchers and agricultural officials about the risks posed by the parasite. The screwworm, once eradicated from most of the Americas in the 1960s through eradication programs, has recently reappeared. Just last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed an infestation only 70 miles from the border city of Laredo, raising alarms across the livestock industry.
Doramectin is not approved for use in humans.
Texas cattle producers say the approval is critical for protecting herds and preventing the spread of the parasite northward. “Without effective treatment, screwworms can devastate livestock populations and cause massive economic losses,” one ranching association spokesperson said.
The FDA noted that Dectomax-CA1 can prevent reinfestation in cattle for up to 21 days. The agency emphasized that the approval is limited to specific uses in beef cattle, young dairy cattle, pregnant cows, newborn calves, and bulls.
Agricultural leaders welcomed the move but stressed that ongoing vigilance is necessary. “This is a vital tool, but it must be part of a broader strategy to keep the screwworm contained,” said a Texas agriculture official.
For now, the new drug offers ranchers and veterinarians their most promising line of defense against a parasite many had hoped was gone for good.
YouTube Faces Backlash Over Univision Drop: Paxton Weighs In
October 1, 2025 – YouTube is facing mounting pressure to reverse the removal of Univision from its base-level streaming package starting September 30, 2025. The Spanish-language network, one of the most-watched channels among Latino audiences in the U.S., could be shifted to a higher-priced tier or dropped altogether, according to industry reports.
Attorney General Ken Paxton is sending a letter to YouTube urging the company to reverse its reported plan to drop Univision from its base-level streaming package on September 30, 2025.
Community leaders, advocacy groups, and viewers are urging YouTube to reconsider, warning that the move would disproportionately affect Latino households that rely on Univision for news, sports, and cultural programming. “Univision is not just entertainment—it’s a vital source of information for millions of Spanish-speaking families,” one advocacy group said in a statement.
The dispute reportedly stems from contract negotiations between YouTube and TelevisaUnivision over carriage fees. If no agreement is reached, subscribers could lose access to popular Univision shows and coverage of major events, including soccer matches and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Latino organizations argue that eliminating Univision from the base package undermines diversity and representation in media. They are calling on YouTube to maintain the channel as part of its standard offering.
SNAP Recipients to See Benefit Increase Starting October 1
October 1, 2025 – Families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see larger monthly benefits beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1, as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual cost-of-living adjustment.
The maximum monthly benefit for a family of four will rise to $994, an increase of $19 from last year’s allotment of $975. Single-person households will now receive up to $298, while families of eight can qualify for as much as $1,789.
The USDA makes yearly adjustments to SNAP benefits based on the Thrifty Food Plan, which measures the cost of groceries and reflects inflation. Officials say the change is meant to help families better cover food expenses as prices remain high across much of the country.
But the modest increase comes alongside new federal work requirements for certain recipients. As of Sept. 1, 2025, Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs)—those ages 18 to 54 without children—must meet a 20-hour weekly threshold through work, education, training, or volunteering. Individuals who fail to meet the requirement may be limited to just three months of SNAP benefits within a three-year period.
And the rules will soon expand. Beginning Nov. 1, 2025, the work mandate will also apply to adults ages 55 to 64, parents whose youngest child is at least 14, veterans, and some former foster youth.
Advocates say the added benefits are welcome but worry that stricter eligibility rules could push vulnerable households off the program. “A $19 increase for families is important, but it won’t make up for the number of people who may lose access entirely under these new requirements,” one food policy expert said.
SNAP currently supports more than 3.6 million Texans, providing a vital safety net for families struggling with rising food costs.
Governor Abbott Directs DPS To Bolster Security Efforts Surrounding Religious Spaces
September 30, 2025 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott recently directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to bolster security efforts surrounding places of worship in the wake of the escalation of violent attacks against people and places of faith across the nation. In partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, this operation will increase safety and security at churches, synagogues, and faith-based organizations in Texas.
“Places of worship are sacred,” said Governor Abbott. “We will marshal all resources necessary to safeguard our places of faith. To accomplish that objective, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to bolster security efforts to protect places of worship.”
Working alongside local and federal law enforcement partners, DPS’ security mission will be made up of Texas Highway Patrol troopers, Criminal Investigations Division special agents, and Texas Rangers supported by DPS’ Homeland Security Division to identify threats and prevent life-threatening attacks before they happen.
Texans are also reminded to use the iWatchTexas Community Reporting System – a critical resource for the public to report any suspicious activities or behaviors in and around their schools, places of worship, and communities that may indicate criminal, terroristic, or school safety-related threats.
Anyone can report those behaviors via the mobile app, online at www.iwatchtx.org, or by calling 1-844-643-2251. A report usually takes less than five minutes, and once submitted, each report is reviewed by law enforcement analysts. All reports are confidential (providing contact information, which is optional, will allow for follow-up questions).
The iWatchTexas app is free and available for iPhone and Android. Texans are urged to download the app immediately.
Note: The iWatchTexas program is not designed to report emergencies. If a situation requires an emergency response, call 9-1-1.
Mums By Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson
October 1, 2025 – Cooler temperatures are finally here, and with them comes the best time for chrysanthemums! With dozens and dozens of varieties available, now is the time to plant them for spectacular fall color in your landscape! When buying mums, know that there are 2 types—garden mums, and florist mums.
Garden mums are perennial plants suitable for planting in the ground, giving showy flowers for several years. They can withstand frost if planted early enough to develop a strong root system. Plant outdoors 6 weeks before the average 1st frost date of November 15. Garden mums are those sold by nurseries and garden centers, and many varieties are available now.
Florist mums can be found at florist shops and grocery stores. Florist mums usually come with the container wrapped in foil. Although these mums are annuals, they can survive outdoors in containers until the first frost, but will need to be brought inside during winter and used as houseplants.
When buying mums, choose buds over blooms for longer lasting, more showy flowers. Avoid stressed plants that are spindly, have few buds, or yellow leaves.
CARE
Mums have a shallow root system, like well-drained soils, and need the top 1” of soil to be consistently moist, but not wet. Mums love the sun, and 6 hours of sunlight is recommended. Less sun will result in fewer blooms.
Regular deadheading all spent flowers will result in more flowers blooming throughout the fall.
Learn What The Senior Citizens Activity Center Has Planned for October on This Second Cup Of Coffee
September 30, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas, Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator, Dawna Pryor, dropped by KSST for A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey. Dawna and John Mark chatted about what activities are planned in October 2025 for the Senior Citizens Activity Center. Dawna Pryor shared details about the Soup and Stew Cook Off scheduled for October 3rd, 2025. Dawna and John Mark also talked about the next Lunch and Learn meetup taking place October 17th, 2025 at the Senior Center. The topic of this meeting is “Avoiding Fraud.” The two also gabbed about the Halloween Party planned for October 31st, 2025. Dawna mentioned there will be Trick or Treating, a fun game of Family Feud, and so much more! Be sure to check out this segment and get caught up with Senior Citizens Activity Center Coordinator Dawna Pryor!
St. James Catholic Church of Sulphur Springs to Hold Dinner and Auction Fiesta Gala October 4th
September 30, 2025 – St. James Catholic Church of Sulphur Springs, Texas, will hold a Dinner and Auction Fiesta Gala Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at the Hopkins County Civic Center. Dinner will be served at 5:30pm, and the Auction will begin at 7:00pm. Admission is $15.00 for adults, $10.00 for children under 12. There will be an option to get plates to go.
State Fair of Texas Honors Central Texas Camp Counselors with 2025 Pride of Texas Award
By State Fair of Texas | | The State Fair of Texas has awarded the 2025 Pride of Texas Award to youth camp counselors from Central Texas, recognizing their extraordinary courage during the devastating July Fourth floods along the Guadalupe River. The award was presented in front of the Hall of State at Fair Park during the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 State Fair of Texas.
Established in 2014, the Pride of Texas Award honors individuals or organizations that exemplify the qualities Texans hold dear: resilience, loyalty, generosity, and selflessness. This year’s recipients were chosen for their bravery in protecting campers as floodwaters swept through camps near Kerrville, Texas.
“As one of the counselors’ mothers said to our State Fair President, ‘There is light to share amidst all the darkness.’ Tonight, we hope to share some of that light,” said Karissa Condoianis, Senior Vice President of Public Relations for the State Fair of Texas, as she announced this year’s award recipient.
Selected by the State Fair to represent the youth camp counselors from Central Texas at the 2025 State Fair of Texas Opening Ceremony was 19-year-old Ainslie Bashara of Camp Mystic, who helped lead 16 young girls to safety with her co-counselors by breaking through a cabin window and guiding them through rising waters. Also in attendance were counselors from Camp La Junta – who, like Ainslie, risked their lives to protect children in their care.
The 2025 Pride of Texas Award was presented to Bashara on behalf of all the counselors who stood strong that night, reminding us that true strength is found in service to others. The State Fair of Texas is a place where people from all walks of life come together to share joy and create memories, just as so many were doing at summer camps and family get-togethers along the river on July Fourth when the floods shattered what should have been a time of celebration and community. In recognizing these counselors, we honor not only their courage and selflessness but also the very spirit of Texas – resilience, generosity, and care for others.
“I think it’s extremely important for me to recognize Heaven’s 27 and the impact that all of those precious angels will forever have on our lives,” said Bashara during her acceptance speech.
“While we honor these young leaders’ heroism with this award, we also remember the lives lost during the floods throughout Central Texas,” said State Fair of Texas President Mitchell Glieber. “At entrances throughout the fairgrounds, green ribbons have been tied to trees to honor those who did not make it home.”
This year’s Pride of Texas Award serves as a reminder that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, the strength of community and the spirit of selflessness shine brightest. As the State Fair of Texas welcomes millions of guests this fall, we stand together in honoring the bravery of these counselors, the memory of the lives lost, and the enduring values that make Texas proud.
Texas Halts CDL Issuance for DACA Recipients, Refugees, and Asylees
September 30, 2025 – The Texas Department of Public Safety has stopped issuing commercial driver licenses (CDLs) to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, refugees, and individuals granted asylum, a move that is already sparking legal and political debate.
The change, which went into effect this month, affects thousands of Texans who rely on CDLs to work in industries facing severe labor shortages, including trucking, delivery, and oilfield services. Previously, these groups were eligible for CDLs as long as they met federal work authorization requirements and passed state testing.
Immigrant advocates say the decision is a direct blow to workers who are legally authorized to live and work in the United States. “These are people who have already been vetted by the federal government and given permission to work. Denying them CDLs is punishing them unfairly and undercutting Texas’ economy,” said one immigration rights attorney.
State officials have not provided detailed justification for the policy shift but confirmed the halt applies to applicants who cannot show permanent legal residency or U.S. citizenship. Critics argue the move conflicts with federal regulations, which allow individuals with temporary lawful status to obtain CDLs.
The trucking industry, already struggling with a nationwide driver shortage, may also feel the impact. According to the American Trucking Associations, the U.S. faced a deficit of more than 80,000 truck drivers last year, a gap Texas’ new restrictions could worsen.
Civil rights groups are reviewing legal options, with potential lawsuits looming. “Texas is creating unnecessary barriers that hurt workers and consumers alike,” one advocate said.
For now, DACA recipients, refugees, and asylees in Texas remain in limbo—able to work legally, but blocked from accessing one of the state’s most vital professional licenses.
