Trump Executive Order Takes Aim at Ticket Scalpers
On March 31, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at combating ticket scalping and enhancing price transparency in the live entertainment industry. The order directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to enforce existing laws against the use of automated bots by scalpers, which are employed to purchase large quantities of tickets for resale at inflated prices.
Additionally, the order instructs the Treasury Secretary and the Attorney General to ensure that ticket scalpers comply with Internal Revenue Service regulations. The FTC is also tasked with promoting price transparency throughout the ticket-purchasing process and taking enforcement action against unfair or deceptive practices in the secondary ticket market.
The signing ceremony featured musician Kid Rock, a longtime supporter of President Trump, who emphasized the need for fair ticket pricing and criticized the use of bots that acquire tickets in bulk for resale at exorbitant prices.
This executive order builds upon the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act of 2016, which prohibits the circumvention of online ticket purchase controls and the resale of tickets obtained through such means.
The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to address issues in the ticketing industry, highlighted by incidents like the controversy surrounding ticket sales for Taylor Swift’s 2023 Eras Tour, which drew attention to monopolistic practices and consumer dissatisfaction.
Topping Your Pepper Plants From Master Gardener Dave Wall
April 1, 2025 – Topping or pruning for plants such as peppers and cucumbers has been around for many years, but some aspects are seldom followed. Basically, it’s a good practice for getting more and bigger peppers.
Topping is cutting off the topmost portion of the plant not long after transplanting. This stops the plant from putting most of its energy into upward growth, and directs that energy into putting out lateral growth. The result is a bushier plant with more foliage to shade and protect fruit in high temperatures and bright sunlight.
There’s also increased protection from high winds and heavy rains. Finally, the increased shade helps prevent weeds and aids in retaining soil moisture! The ultimate result from a bushier plant is increased fruit.
Something that goes hand in hand with topping is removing the first plant flowers, the ones that show up soon after transplanting. Removing these early flowers will force the plant into producing more flowers, necessary for increasing fruit quantity.
When should pepper plants be topped? The literature suggests shortly after transplanting, but this worries me. Strictly my opinion, but I wait until the plant is 12” tall. Sharp, clean scissors are recommended, but topping can be done by pinching off the top with your fingers. The top portion itself is usually just above or may include a small cluster of newly developing leaves.
Some of you are wondering whether this practice really increases fruit production. My jalapeno jedi hybrid plants, left on their own reach 6’ in height, with some branches being 3’+ long with a handful of fruit on them. Toping them considerably increases fruit production.
Still have doubts? When you transplant your pepper plants, choose two of the same variety. Top one and leave the other alone. Now, keep track of fruit production for both plants.
Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson Presented a Program on Fire Ants, Watering, and Fertilizer March 27th
March 31, 2025 – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office Hopkins County Master Gardener Ronnie Wilson presented a program on Fire Ants, Watering, and Fertilizer on March 27th, 2025, to a group at Heritage Park in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Below is KSST’s coverage of this fascinating presentation. Be sure to check it out!
DOGE to Close Two Texas Social Security Administration Offices
March 31, 2025 – The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced plans to close 47 Social Security Administration (SSA) offices nationwide in 2025. Among these, two Texas locations are slated for closure.
- Nacogdoches Office: Located at 1122 N. University Drive, this office is scheduled to close on May 7, 2025. The closure is classified as a “True Termination – Agency Closed Office,” indicating a complete shutdown of operations at this site.
- Victoria Office: Situated at 8208 NE Zac Lentz Parkway, this office is expected to close on May 25, 2025. The closure falls under “Agency approved lease termination,” suggesting that the lease will not be renewed, leading to the office’s closure.
These closures are part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to reduce federal spending and increase efficiency within the SSA. The plan includes restructuring the agency’s workforce by approximately 7,000 jobs, aiming for a staffing target of 50,000 employees, down from the current level of approximately 57,000.
Critics argue that these reductions could lead to longer wait times and decreased access to services for beneficiaries. Former SSA Commissioner Martin O’Malley highlighted in March 2024 that budget tightening had brought the agency to its lowest staffing level in 25 years, warning that “combined with office closures, these shortages could worsen delays and limit critical services for beneficiaries.”
Residents in affected areas, including those in Nacogdoches and Victoria, are advised to plan accordingly and seek alternative SSA offices or online services to manage their Social Security needs.
The closest SSA Office to Sulphur Springs is located in Greenville.
2717 TERRELL ROAD, GREENVILLE, TX 75402. 1-888-306-3534
Cockfighting Arrests in Hunt County
March 31, 2025 – Hunt County officials raided a cockfighting ring over the weekend, arresting 21 people. Acting on a tip, deputies arrived at a home on CR 1006, where around 100 people had gathered. Many fled as authorities arrived, leaving behind evidence of an active cockfighting operation, including dead and live roosters. Investigators discovered fighting pits, sharp gaffs, and other paraphernalia. The SPCA of Texas assisted in rescuing 65 live roosters. The arrested individuals were booked into Hunt County Jail, though their identities were not disclosed. The case remains under investigation as officials crack down on illegal animal cruelty.
Stryker Combat Team Assigned to Texas Border
March 31, 2025 – The Trump administration initiated the deployment of approximately 3,000 additional active-duty troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, including Big Bend National Park in West Texas. This operation features soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Carson, Colorado, equipped with Stryker armored combat vehicles.
The deployment commenced on March 13, with an initial 200 troops already positioned in the area; this number is expected to rise to about 500 in the coming weeks. The troops’ primary role is to support federal agents by providing detection and monitoring assistance, rather than engaging directly in law enforcement activities.
Big Bend National Park, encompassing over 800,000 acres, is Texas’s most visited national park, attracting 561,458 visitors last year. Despite its popularity, the region has historically experienced lower rates of illegal border crossings compared to other sectors. In February, the Big Bend sector reported about 165 migrant encounters, significantly fewer than the 1,679 in Laredo and 2,623 in El Paso during the same period.
This military presence in Big Bend is notable, as the park has not seen such activity in decades. The decision has drawn criticism from environmental organizations like the Sierra Club, which views the move as a misuse of taxpayer funds and a political maneuver. They argue that, given the park’s high visitation rates and the relatively low number of border apprehensions, the deployment is unnecessary and could negatively impact the park’s environment and visitor experience.
This action is part of a broader strategy to enhance border security, with the Pentagon announcing the deployment of additional troops to reinforce existing operations aimed at securing the southern border and maintaining U.S. territorial integrity.
CEA Mario Villarino was the Guest on the Latest Episode of A Second Cup Of Coffee
On this segment of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, County Extension Agent Mario Villarino dropped by to have a chat with John Mark. The two talked about hay and ryegrass, the ups and downs of the cattle market, the threat of fires, NETLA, and so much more. Don’t miss out, be sure to check out this interesting episode.
West Texas Hospital Now Treating Vitamin A Overdoses
March 30, 2025 – Medical disinformation linked to the West Texas measles outbreak has led to a new health crisis, with children now being treated for toxic levels of vitamin A. Following Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s promotion of the supplement as a measles treatment, some parents administered excessive doses, resulting in dangerous side effects.
There is no evidence that taking vitamin A will prevent measles.
Covenant Children’s Hospital in Lubbock confirms that fewer than 10 pediatric patients hospitalized for severe measles complications are also experiencing vitamin A toxicity. Excess vitamin A can lead to nausea, dizziness, liver damage, and, in extreme cases, increased intracranial pressure. The hospital reports that affected children are showing signs of abnormal liver function due to excessive supplementation.
There are reports from the West Texas area that cod liver oil is in high demand and a big seller at area pharmacies.
While vitamin A plays a role in immune function and is sometimes used in controlled doses to support measles recovery, excessive intake can be harmful. Health professionals stress that supplementation should only be done under medical supervision. The situation highlights the dangers of misinformation and unverified medical advice, particularly during outbreaks of preventable diseases like measles. Experts urge parents to rely on evidence-based treatments and consult healthcare professionals before administering supplements, ensuring that efforts to protect children do not inadvertently cause additional harm.
Lots of time Left to Shop at Downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus Store
March 30, 2025 – Saks Global announced on Friday that the Downtown Dallas Neiman Marcus store will remain open through the 2025 holiday season, extending its operations beyond the previously expected closure date of March 31. This decision comes as a relief to loyal customers and the Dallas business community, as the flagship store has been a landmark in the city’s luxury retail scene for decades.
The luxury retailer’s owners stated that they are collaborating with the city of Dallas to “reimagine” the space beyond 2025, though details about the long-term plans remain unclear. This move suggests that while the store will continue serving customers for now, potential redevelopment or repurposing of the historic location may be on the horizon.
The extension allows more time to assess the future of the downtown retail hub and maintain Neiman Marcus’ presence in Dallas while exploring innovative possibilities for the space. Given the shifting landscape of brick-and-mortar retail, Saks Global’s decision reflects a strategic approach to adapt to changing consumer trends while preserving a key part of Dallas’ retail heritage. For now, shoppers can continue to enjoy the luxury experience that Neiman Marcus has provided for generations.
CANHelp’s ED Brian Crump Dropped by for A Second Cup Of Coffee
On this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark sat down with the Executive Director of CANHelp, Brian Crump. John Mark and Brian chatted about CANHelp, the 2024 Impact Report, back to school fair with the back pack give away, and so much more. Don’t miss this segment. Find out what CANHelp does for your community!
