Paxton Attempts to Block 23andMe From Selling Customer’s Personal Information
June 14, 2025 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit in the ongoing 23andMe bankruptcy case, aiming to protect Texans’ genetic privacy and assert their rights over their personal genetic data. Paxton’s office is seeking a judgment that confirms Texans’ ownership of their genetic information and requires 23andMe to fully comply with Texas’s strict data privacy laws.
“Texas’s strong data privacy laws grant consumers property rights to their genetic information and require companies to obtain user consent before sharing any of this highly confidential data,” Paxton said in a statement. “Genetic testing companies have access to massive amounts of critically sensitive personal information, and I will fight to ensure that businesses follow the law and secure Texans’ personal data.”
The lawsuit comes as 23andMe, known for its popular direct-to-consumer genetic testing kits, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Eastern District of Missouri. During the bankruptcy proceedings, the company proposed selling customer data — including genetic profiles, health histories, and other personally identifiable information — as part of its asset portfolio to potential buyers.
Paxton argues that such a sale would violate Texas’s Genetic Information Privacy laws, which require separate, express consent from individuals before their genetic data can be sold, transferred, or disclosed to third parties. The lawsuit emphasizes that genetic data is not just another asset to be sold in bankruptcy but is a uniquely personal form of property that remains under the control of the individual.
This case could set a major precedent for consumer genetic privacy rights, particularly as more Americans use services like 23andMe to explore their ancestry and health risks. Paxton’s action positions Texas at the forefront of the growing national debate over who truly owns and controls personal genetic data.
Meaningful Tax Relief for Small Business Enacted
June 13, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott recently signed legislation that significantly expands support for small businesses in Texas by slashing bureaucratic hurdles and offering major tax relief. These new laws build on the work of his Small Business Freedom Council, which he established last year to evaluate government efficiency and recommend ways to reduce unnecessary regulations that burden Texas businesses.
“The Texas economy is better than ever before,” said Governor Abbott. “This session, we took strategic steps to boost small businesses in Texas. Even the smallest of barriers can increase the cost of doing business. We want to make it easier and less costly for businesses in Texas, especially our small business owners.”
One of the most impactful measures is House Joint Resolution 1 / House Bill 9, authored by Representative Morgan Meyer and Senator Paul Bettencourt. The legislation raises the business personal property tax exemption from $2,500 to $125,000 — a staggering increase of nearly 5,000%. This substantial change is designed to relieve small and mid-sized businesses from paying taxes on essential equipment, machinery, and other tangible assets up to that new threshold.
Governor Abbott and legislative leaders say this reform is part of Texas’s ongoing effort to ensure the state remains one of the most attractive places in the country to start and grow a business. Supporters of the legislation argue it will allow business owners to reinvest more money into their companies, fueling growth and job creation.
The Governor emphasized that these tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks will help Texas entrepreneurs keep more of their hard-earned money while reducing the state’s administrative overhead. The changes reflect a broader strategy to bolster small business freedom, cut red tape, and maintain Texas’s competitive edge in the national economy.
Coryn Young Visited With KSST One Last Time as the 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Fest Queen
June 12, 2025 – The Historic 2024 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Queen, Coryn Young, sat down with KSST’s John Mark Dempsey for one last time. Coryn shared with John Mark her experience as Dairy Festival Queen over the last year, her plans after she hands over the crown to the next lucky Dairy Fest Queen, and her big dreams and goals for the future. She also shares some wise advise for the future winner of that crown! Be sure to check out the special interview below.
Wildcats Baseball Player Kaden Mitchell Selected as a Texas High School Baseball Coahes Association All-Star at Third Base
June 12, 2025 – Sulphur Springs Wildcats baseball player Kaden Mitchell has been selected as a Texas High School Baseball Coahes Association All-Star at third base and will play in the small school (1A-4A) All-Star game at 12 noon Saturday at Dell Diamond in Round Rock north of Austin.
He has also been selected as part of the 4A All State Elite Team at third base. He also pitched for the Wildcats.
Kaden has signed a letter of intent to play college baseball for Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma, a member of NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference.
He was also an all-district quarterback in football for the Wildcats.
Texas Education Agency Released the 2025 End-of-Course STAAR Results
June 12, 2025 – The Texas Education Agency released the 2025 End-of-Course STAAR results Tuesday.
It tests high school students on five core subjects: Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, and U.S. History.
The TEA says this year’s statewide results reflect modest year-over-year changes, with scores rising in Algebra I and Biology, but declining in English I, English II, and U.S. History.
In the Sulphur Spings ISD, here are the percentages of students meeting or above the STAAR standard in the various sujects tested:
Algebra I, 48%.
Biology, 68%.
English I, 53%.
English II, 55%.
U.S. History, 62%.
The scores for the Sulphur Springs ISD are above the state average in Algebra I, Biology and English I, and below the state average in English II and U.S. History.
The widest differences were Biology, six points above the state average, and History, six points below the state average.
Statewide results:
In Algebra I: 47% of students met grade level expectations, an increase from 45% last year.
In Biology: 62% of students met grade level expectations, an increase from 57% last year.
In English I: 51% of students met grade level expectations, a decrease from 54% last year.
In English II: 56% of students met grade level expectations, a decrease from 60% last year.
U.S. History: 68% of students met grade level expectations, a decrease from 69% last year.
The TEA said Biology scores improved across all groups including economically disadvantaged students, students receiving special education services, and emergent bilingual students.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said: “Texas students and educators continue to work hard to demonstrate academic excellence, At the same time, we also recognize that too many students are still not where they need to be academically. Using a reliable system of assessments, we can continue making progress on the strategies that are most effective in improving student learning and long-term success.”
Abbott Signs Ibogaine Research Bill; Cites Veterans as Potential Patients
June 12, 2025 – Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill amassing $50 million to fund clinical trials of ibogaine, a psychedelic compound derived from the African iboga plant, under the federal BEACH Act–style framework. Though still a Schedule I controlled substance in the U.S., international studies have indicated its potential to reduce opioid withdrawal, treat PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injuries—especially among veterans .
“Texas is home to more veterans than any other state,” said Governor Abbott. “Many of those veterans suffer from injuries both seen and unseen.
However, ibogaine carries serious health risks, most notably cardiac arrhythmias, with over 30 related fatalities reported. Supporters emphasize that careful patient screening and monitoring will be key as Texas steps into structured research.
Ibogaine is a psychoactive compound, a type of indole alkaloid, derived from the Tabernanthe iboga plant, primarily found in Central Africa. It’s known for its potential to induce hallucinogenic and oneirogenic experiences, which have led to its traditional use by certain African communities. Additionally, ibogaine has been researched, albeit controversially, for its potential in treating substance use disorders.
Bill SB 2308 (and its House counterpart HB 3717) establishes a public–private partnership: state funds will be matched by private investment, emphasizing Texas’s commercial rights over resulting intellectual property The initiative prioritizes veterans and first responders, supported by figures like former Governor Rick Perry and Rep. Morgan Luttrell—both veterans advocating psychedelic therapies.
Currently, ibogaine remains illegal in Texas and nationwide, so Texans seeking treatment typically travel to clinics in Mexico or Canada. Advocates, including the Texas Emerging Therapies Association, are pushing the legislature to legalize controlled trials and build infrastructure for safe domestic access.
Dinner Bell for June 18, 2025
DINNER BELL, First United Methodist Church
SPONSOR: Alliance Bank & Payne Electric Co.
We plan to continue inside dining every Wednesday with the exception of the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
Alliance Bank was chartered as Sulphur Springs State Bank on June 13, 1927, by the two largest shareholders of First State Bank that had failed. First located on Main at Gilmer, a fire in 1934 facilitated the move to the Northside of the Sulphur Springs Square where the bank has maintained a permanent presence.
The Carnation Milk Plant located in Sulphur Springs in 1930’s provided an economic outlet for milk and dairy products. Attrac tive loans by the Bank allowed cotton farmers to become dairymen and the dairy industry became THE AGRICULTURAL business for Hopkins County.
In the 1990’s the bank acquired locations East, West and into the Metroplex thus necessitating the name change to Alliance Bank. Galyean Insurance Agency and the opening of a brokerage company—Alliance Financial Services—allowed the Bank to meet the business and personal needs of it’s customers at home or with their businesses. Payne Electric Company was established in 1967 by Floyd Payne as a family-owned, full-service, electric contracting firm. He died unexpectedly in 1971 and his son Rickey, and wife Kathy, assumed leadership of the business. The firm specializes in con ducting heavy industrial and commercial electrical system installations and service in food plant facilities across Northeast Texas. They also perform residential and commercial electric work throughout the area. From upgrading panels to wiring the complete home, Payne Electric has you covered. No job is too big and no job is too small for this family-owned and operated business with over fifty years of quality service.
MENU:
- Taco Salad
- (with multi-toppings including seasoned meat, picco de gallo, beans, rice, onions,
- olives, chiles, sour cream and more!)
- Chips
- Sopapilla Cheescake
The Dinner Bell Ministry
First United Methodist Church
Take care of YOURSELF by following safe health practices as flu and COVID are lurking in our midst! Wear masks where required! Wash your hands often! Get inoculated and boosted
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH !!!
Metal License Plates Replace Paper July 1
June 11, 2025 – Starting July 1, Texas car dealerships will begin issuing metal license plates directly to buyers at the time of sale, marking a significant change in the vehicle registration process. This new procedure replaces the previous system where dealerships provided paper temporary tags while buyers waited for their permanent plates to arrive by mail.
The change is part of a legislative effort to combat the widespread problem of fraudulent paper tags, which have been used in criminal activity across the state. By providing metal plates immediately, Texas aims to tighten security, reduce fraud, and make it easier for law enforcement to track vehicles accurately.
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) clarified that this new rule applies only to vehicle sales completed through licensed dealerships. Private party sales will continue under the existing process. In those cases, sellers should still remove their license plates and registration stickers from the vehicle before handing it over to the buyer.
The switch to issuing metal plates at the point of sale is expected to make the vehicle purchasing process more efficient and secure for both buyers and dealers. State officials believe this will significantly reduce the illegal trade and misuse of paper tags, which have posed public safety concerns in recent years.
The Competition was Strong at the 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Fest Milking Contest
June 11, 2025 – The competition was hot and strong at the 2025 Hopkins County Dairy Festival Milking Contest for Candidates, Parents, and Balloon Pilots Saturday, June 7th, 2025. First the Dairy Festival Queen Contestants gave it their all competing to see who could squeeze the most milk out of each of their cows. Then their parents took a crack at it to see if they could show the contestants how it’s really done. Then, the Hot Air Balloon Pilots took a shot at it. The whole competition was very entertaining! The winners were announced at the end of the exciting event. Below is KSST’s coverage of this thrilling milking competition. Be sure to check it out and find out who won!
Senior Center COOR Dawna Pryor had a Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey to Discuss Upcoming Activities
On this informative episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, John Mark had a visit from Dawna Pryor, Coordinator of the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Activity Center. The two had a chat about such topics as the upcoming Father’s Day celebration, “Putt Putt and Pie with Pops” taking place June 13th, 2025, the John Wayne movie they picked out for the next Movie Day at the Center next month, the new craft activity, “Giggles and Glue” being introduced in July, and so much more. Don’t miss catching this interesting segment and learn what your Senior Citizens Activity Center has instore for you!
