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
One of East Texas A&M University’s Most Iconic Buildings is Coming full Circle – Binnion Hall
August 8, 2025 – After decades of academic use, one of East Texas A&M University’s most iconic buildings is coming full circle. Binnion Hall … on the east side of campus adjacent to Monroe Street … is set to undergo a transformative renovation that will return it to its original purpose: student housing.
Scheduled to begin next year, the project will breathe new life into the three-story building, quoting a university news release, blending historic charm with modern comfort.
Once complete, Binnion will house up to 200 students in a reimagined space designed specifically for sophomore, junior and senior-level students. The University says the renovation marks a bold step in preserving the past while investing in the future.
The estimated cost of the project is around $24.8 million. $4.3 million in cash reserves have been allocated to cover design and pre-construction costs. For the remainder, the university plans to utilize a $20.5 million revenue bond. The Texas A&M University System, acting on behalf of East Texas A&M, will issue this bond.
Contracts will be awarded in Fall 2025, Construction is expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027, with a projected completion date in 2028.
When complete, student housing at Binnion Hall will offer suites, with bathroom and shower facilities included within the suites addressing a top student preference, moving away from traditional communal bathrooms, and Community-Focused Spaces, including a lounge, a business center, a gaming center and laundry facilities. Additionally, a dining room will connect to a commercial kitchen. On the upper level, study areas and student lounges will provide convenient spaces for individual or group study.
Fans of Colleen Hoover’s Novels can Look Forward to More Movies Based on her Books
August 8, 2025 – Fans of Colleen Hoover’s novels can look forward to three more movies based on her books.
On her Facebook page, Hoover, the best-selling author from Sulphur Springs and Saltillo, has announced that filming has been completed on movies based on her books, “Regretting You,” “Reminders of Him,” and “Verity.”
“Regretting You” will has a release date of Oct. 24 this year. “Reminders of Him” will be released on Feb. 6, 2026, while “Verity” will come out on Oct. 2, 2026.
“Regretting You” stars Mckenna Grace, Mason Thames, Allison Williams, Dave Franco, Scott Eastwood and Willa Fitzgerald. A trailer of “Regretting You” can be seen on Colleen’s Facebook page.
“Reminders of Him” stars Maika Monroe, Tyriq Withers, Rudy Pankow, Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford as well as country music singer Lainey Wilson, who’s acting in her first film.
“Verity” will star Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway, Josh Hartnett and Dakota Johnson.
Last summer, a movie production of Hoover’s 2016 novel “It Ends With Us” starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in the lead roles, became a huge hit. Variety said that the film brought in $349 million globally.
Texas Supreme Court Lawsuits and Looming Special Sessions
August 8, 2025 – A legal and political showdown is intensifying in Texas as Attorney General Ken Paxton files a lawsuit with the Texas Supreme Court asking the court to declare the seats of 13 Democratic House members vacant. These lawmakers fled the state to block a GOP‑led redistricting vote, effectively shattering quorum during the current special session. Paxton argues their public refusal to return constitutes abandonment of their duties. If the court agrees, Governor Greg Abbott would be empowered to call special elections to fill those seats.
The Texas Constitution requires 100 of the 150 members, or two-thirds, to be present in order to conduct business. On Friday, only 95 were in attendance.
This lawsuit comes on the heels of an earlier, nearly identical legal action by Governor Greg Abbott, targeting Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu. Abbott also urged the Supreme Court to expel him, claiming quorum-breaking equates to abandoning his office. Legal experts, however, note that historically, only the legislature itself can discipline members—via a two-thirds vote—making such judicial removal unprecedented and constitutionally dubious.
It appears that the record for the most special sessions was set in 1919. Set by Gov William P. Hobby at an astounding 11.
While Republicans continue to ramp up pressure—with civil arrest warrants, daily fines, and calls for enforcement across state lines—Democrats remain defiant. They argue their walkout is a legitimate, constitutionally protected form of legislative dissent and accuse Republican leaders of weaponizing the courts to force political outcomes.
Meanwhile, Governor Abbott has signaled readiness to call additional special legislative sessions, pushing to pass redistricting with or without returning Democrats. Analysts deem another special session “probable” should the standoff continue unresolved by the court.
Weekend Weather Outlook: Hopkins County, Texas — August 9–10, 2025
August 8, 2025 – Hopkins County, TX — Residents of Hopkins County can expect a classic Texas summer weekend, with hot temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.
Saturday, August 9:
The day will start off mostly sunny with temperatures quickly rising into the low 90s by mid-morning. Afternoon highs are expected to peak around 96°F, with heat index values nearing 105°F. Winds will be light and variable. There’s a 5% chance of isolated thunderstorms in the late afternoon to early evening, typical of summer convection in the region. Locals are advised to stay hydrated and limit strenuous outdoor activities during peak heat hours (1–5 p.m.).
Sunday, August 10:
Conditions remain similar on Sunday, with mostly sunny skies and a high around 97°F. Humidity levels will remain elevated, keeping the “feels like” temperature above 100°F for most of the day. The chance of rain slightly increases to 30%, especially in the early evening hours. Overnight lows will remain warm, dropping only to the upper 70s.
Safety Reminder:
With elevated heat indices expected, the National Weather Service may issue heat advisories. Residents are urged to check on vulnerable neighbors, stay in air-conditioned environments when possible, and never leave pets or children in parked vehicles.
