Governor Abbott Touts Texas Jobs Council During Gulf Coast Visit
April 17, 2026 – Greg Abbott highlighted the state’s workforce development efforts during a visit to Crosby on April 16, promoting the newly launched Texas Jobs Council as a key driver of future economic growth.
During the visit, Abbott toured the International Training & Education Center, the flagship facility of the International Union of Operating Engineers, where workers receive hands-on training for high-demand careers in construction and industrial operations. The governor praised the center as an example of how industry partnerships can prepare Texans for well-paying jobs.
“The training and skills learned by workers like those behind me are helping ensure Texas has the best workforce in the nation,” Abbott said, emphasizing the importance of career-focused education pathways.
The Texas Jobs Council, launched last month, aims to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline by aligning education and training programs with employer needs. The initiative will focus on reducing regulatory barriers, expanding apprenticeships, and developing policy recommendations ahead of the next legislative session.
Abbott noted that Texas has invested more than $7 billion in career training over the past two years, including expanded career and technical education programs through recent legislation. The state has consistently ranked among the top in business relocations and economic expansion, bolstered by its reputation for a favorable business climate.
Workforce leaders and lawmakers joined the visit, underscoring collaboration between government, industry, and labor groups. The council is expected to deliver a final report in November outlining strategies to further strengthen Texas’ workforce development system and support long-term economic growth.
Give ‘em a Brake: Drive Smart in Work Zones
April 16, 2026 – 203 people were killed in traffic crashes in Texas work zones last year
PARIS – Highway work is dangerous work, often just inches away from speeding traffic. Help keep our workers and everyone on the road safe by slowing down in work zones and driving like a Texan: kind, courteous and safe.
A growing state means more Texans on our roads, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is meeting that increased demand with roadway improvements underway in more than 1,800 active work zones across the state. This month, TxDOT is highlighting safety tips in work zones to help protect workers and drivers.
The data
In 2025, there were more than 28,000 traffic crashes in Texas work zones, resulting in 203 people killed, including seven roadside workers.
- In the Paris District in 2025, there were 647 traffic crashes in work zones, resulting in 7 fatalities and 20 serious injuries.
And while workers are at risk doing their jobs to keep us safe, most of the people who died in work zone crashes were drivers and their passengers. Driving with caution through work zones is as much for your protection as it is for the people working.
Work Zone Awareness Week
In recognition of National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 20–24, TxDOT is raising awareness about how to be safe and drive smart in work zones to avoid crashes and fatalities.
“Maintaining a safe highway system requires year-round effort from brave and dedicated work crews,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Unfortunately, work zone crashes happen far too often. It’s crucial that drivers slow down, pay attention and give workers space. It’s the Texan thing to do.”
Stay safe in work zones with these Be Safe. Drive Smart. tips
- Slow down. Follow the speed limit and adjust your speed to road conditions. Remember that traffic fines double in work zones when workers are present.
- Stay alert. Focus on driving, avoid distractions and put your phone away.
- Watch out for road crews. Roadside workers deserve to get home safely, too. Always follow their instructions and work zone signage.
- Never tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash.
- Allow extra time. Road construction can slow down traffic. Plan ahead so you aren’t tempted to speed.
Motorists are also reminded to follow the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law. The law requires drivers to move over a lane or reduce their speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights activated. That’s not just law enforcement cars, but emergency vehicles, TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks or utility vehicles.Be Safe. Drive Smart. is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
SSISD Supt. Dr. Steeber was John Mark’s Guest on This Second Cup Of Coffee From April 14th
April 16, 2026 – Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent, Dr. Deana Steeber, was the guest on this episode of KSST’s A Second Cup Of Coffee With John Mark Dempsey, from April 14th, 2026. Dr. Steeber and John Mark chatted about the students that competed in the UIL Competition, and how well they did. They also talked about the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Sulphur Springs High School Class of 2026… And they talked about so much more. Be sure to check out this informative episode of Second Cup Of Coffee and learn how well your community’s students are doing.
Camp Mystic Owners Ordered to Leave Flood Site Undisturbed After Deadly Disaster
April 16, 2026 – Authorities have ordered the owners of Camp Mystic to leave the site of a recent deadly flood untouched as investigators work to determine what led to the tragedy. The decision comes amid growing scrutiny over safety conditions and emergency preparedness at the camp, where multiple children lost their lives after sudden floodwaters swept through the area.
Local officials say the order is necessary to preserve critical evidence. Investigators from state and regional agencies are expected to conduct a detailed examination of the grounds, including drainage systems, building placement, and any warning measures that may—or may not—have been in place before the water surged. Disturbing the site prematurely, they say, could compromise the ability to reconstruct exactly what happened.
The flood struck with little warning, according to early reports, rapidly inundating cabins and low-lying areas of the property. Survivors described chaotic scenes as staff and campers scrambled to reach higher ground. Emergency responders faced difficult conditions as they carried out rescue operations, with debris and strong currents complicating access.
Camp Mystic’s owners have expressed condolences to the victims’ families and said they are cooperating fully with authorities. In a brief statement, they acknowledged the order and emphasized their commitment to supporting the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, questions are mounting about whether proper risk assessments were conducted, particularly given the camp’s proximity to waterways prone to sudden flooding. Officials have not yet indicated whether charges or penalties could follow, noting that the investigation is still in its early stages.
For now, the focus remains on understanding the sequence of events and preventing similar tragedies in the future. Authorities say a full report will be released once investigators complete their work, though that process could take weeks or longer.
UPRA Rodeo Tickets Up For Grabs
April 16, 2026 – SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX — Excitement is building in Hopkins County as the community prepares to host the 46th annual Nottingham’s SS Dodge UPRA Rodeo later this month. The long-running event, organized by the Hopkins County Rodeo Committee, will take place at the Hopkins County Regional Civic Center Arena over two nights.
The rodeo kicks off on Friday, April 17, 2026, followed by a second performance on Saturday, April 18, both starting at 7:30 p.m. The event is open to attendees ages 13 and older, offering a traditional rodeo experience that continues to draw crowds from across the region.
Tickets are priced at $12 for adults, with a discounted pre-sale option available for $10. Organizers encourage attendees to purchase tickets early, as the annual event is known to attract strong turnout.
The rodeo will feature a range of classic competitions under the United Professional Rodeo Association (UPRA), showcasing skilled riders and livestock in events that highlight the sport’s heritage and athleticism.
Now in its 46th year, the Nottingham’s SS Dodge Rodeo remains a staple of local culture, blending entertainment, tradition, and community spirit. Event organizers say they look forward to welcoming both longtime attendees and first-time visitors for another memorable weekend of rodeo action.
To enter to win: send an email to [email protected]. In the subject line type: Rodeo Tickets.
The Spicy Story of Betrayal at the Heart of Siracha
April 15, 2026 – The story of Sriracha has taken an increasingly dramatic turn, with allegations of drone surveillance adding a layer of intrigue to a seriously bitter business split that reshaped the hot sauce industry.
The term “sriracha” is not trademarked and is considered a generic term for a type of chili sauce by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, allowing many companies to use it. However, Huy Fong Foods owns trademarks for its specific green-capped bottle, rooster logo, and trade dress.
At the center of the dispute are Huy Fong Foods and Underwood Ranches, once close partners whose relationship spanned nearly three decades. Underwood supplied the red jalapeño peppers that gave Sriracha its distinctive taste, color, and consistency—making the farm a critical part of the sauce’s success.
That partnership collapsed in 2017 amid a contract dispute that escalated into a high-stakes legal battle. A California jury ultimately sided with Underwood Ranches, awarding more than $20 million in damages for breach of contract. But beyond the courtroom, the fight exposed deeper tensions over control of the supply chain and proprietary growing methods.
Among the more unusual claims to emerge were allegations that drones had been flown over farmland in an attempt to gather trade secrets. According to filings and reports tied to the broader dispute, the flyovers were intended to monitor crop conditions, harvesting practices, and other cultivation techniques that had been refined over years of collaboration.
While those claims were not the central focus of the case—and remain disputed—they underscored the high stakes surrounding agricultural knowledge. In this case, the “secret sauce” wasn’t just in the factory; it began in the fields, where precise timing, irrigation, and pepper selection played a crucial role in achieving Sriracha’s signature profile.
The fallout has had lasting consequences. Without its longtime supplier, Huy Fong Foods has faced ongoing challenges sourcing comparable peppers, contributing to product shortages and complaints from fans about changes in flavor. Meanwhile, Underwood Ranches has moved to capitalize on its expertise, launching its own line of sauces made from the same pepper lineage once used for the original product.
The dispute also unfolded against a backdrop of broader pressures, including drought conditions in key growing regions that further strained supply. At the same time, competitors have flooded the market with “Sriracha-style” alternatives, eroding the dominance Huy Fong once enjoyed.
What began as a partnership built on trust has evolved into a cautionary tale about dependence, intellectual property, and the fragility of supply chains. The drone allegations—whether ultimately proven or not—highlight how far companies may go to protect or reclaim a competitive edge.
In today’s food economy, the Sriracha saga shows, trade secrets are no longer confined to recipes. They can be embedded in seeds, soil, and farming techniques—and, increasingly, worth watching from above.
Texas Opens Office in London
April 15, 2026 – Texas is expanding its international business outreach with plans to open a new economic development office in London, aiming to attract investment and companies from the United Kingdom.
According to reporting from the Austin Business Journal and The Guardian, the office will be led by James Taylor, an Austin-based strategist and founder of Vianovo. The move marks the latest effort by Texas leaders to strengthen economic ties overseas and position the state as a top destination for global business.
State officials have long promoted Texas for its low-tax environment, including no personal income tax, and its relatively business-friendly regulatory structure. The new London office is expected to focus heavily on financial institutions, targeting banks and investment firms in one of the world’s leading financial centers.
The initiative builds on Texas’ growing reputation as a financial hub, particularly in North Texas, where the “Y’all Street” movement has drawn major firms to the Dallas area. Leaders hope the overseas presence will further accelerate that trend by encouraging international companies to establish or expand U.S. operations in Texas.
The expansion reflects a broader strategy to compete globally for jobs and capital, as states increasingly look beyond U.S. borders to drive economic growth.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Secures Major Win Alongside the FTC to Stop Advertising Agencies
April 15, 2026 – Ken Paxton announced a significant legal victory in coordination with the Federal Trade Commission, securing a settlement and advancing a multistate antitrust lawsuit targeting major advertising agencies accused of coordinating to suppress certain online viewpoints.
The lawsuit alleges that large ad firms engaged in anticompetitive practices by steering advertising dollars away from platforms and publishers hosting disfavored political or social commentary. As digital media has become central to public discourse, Paxton and other state attorneys general argue that such actions unfairly limited the reach and revenue of targeted voices.
The case highlights claims that conservative commentators and outlets—including figures like Charlie Kirk and Glenn Beck, as well as organizations such as Fox News and the platform X—were affected by coordinated advertiser boycotts.
As part of the agreement, three major firms—Dentsu US, GroupM Worldwide, and Publicis—have agreed to halt practices that restrict advertising placements based on political or ideological content. The companies will also avoid using exclusion lists tied to such viewpoints and will be subject to independent monitoring to ensure compliance.
Paxton called the outcome a defense of free speech and market competition, arguing that “coordinated censorship” by powerful corporations undermines constitutional protections and distorts public debate.
The settlements, which are pending court approval, could have wide-ranging implications for the advertising industry and digital media landscape, potentially reshaping how brands decide where to place ads in an increasingly polarized online environment.
Governor Abbott Encourages Water Development Grant Applications
April 14, 2026 | Austin, Texas | Governor Greg Abbott today encouraged Texas water entities to apply for over $1 billion in grants through the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant opportunity (WSIG) to further improve Texas’ water supply and update Texas’ water infrastructure.
“Water is a precious resource that must be safeguarded,” said Governor Abbott. “This year, Texas made monumental investments to further provide Texans with reliable water sources. I encourage eligible political subdivisions and water entities across the state to apply for funding through the Texas Water Development Board Water Supply and Infrastructure Grants to help secure Texas’ water future for generations to come.”
Last year, Governor Abbott declared a water infrastructure investment an emergency item to help address the needs of Texans and communities in every corner of the state. By signing Senate Bill 7 and House Joint Resolution 7 into law, the state delivered the largest generational investment in Texas water infrastructure in history, providing a $20 billion for both new water supply and repairing of existing infrastructure.
Additionally, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 500 into law to allow TWDB to provide 100% grant funding for eligible water supply and water infrastructure projects. Eligible project types include water supply and water infrastructure improvements or system replacements, as well as reuse efforts, such as addressing real or apparent water loss, or resolving Texas Commission on Environmental Quality violations.
Full applications are due by Thursday, July 30, 2026. Find full application details and instructions on the WSIG webpage to ensure all required application materials are included.
Those interested may attend an upcoming webinar to learn more about the WSIG implementation from the TWDB. Sign up here:
Thursday, April 23
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Register now for the April webinar
Wednesday, May 13
10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
The 22nd Annual Sulphur Springs 90+ Bridges Banquet was Held April 11th
April 14, 2026 – The 2026 22nd Annual Sulphur Springs 90+ Bridges Banquet was held Saturday, April 11th, 2026. Below is KSST/Cable Channel 18’s coverage of this banquet. The event was held at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizen Center, 301 Oak Ave., Sulphur Springs, Texas. The event was a success, honoring senior members of the Sulphur Springs community. Be sure to check out this joyful celebration full of fun, laughter, a few surprises, and so much more!
