DPS’ Interdiction for the Protection of Children Program Marks 15th Anniversary

Austin, TX - The Texas Historical Records Advisory Board (THRAB) has announced the opening of nominations for their 2024 archival awards. The awards aim to honor archival institutions, programs, and individuals in Texas for their contributions to the profession. Nominations are being accepted until June 20, with the recipients set to be revealed in October during Texas Archives Month.According to THRAB, the awards are divided into three categories: excellence, advocacy, and distinguished service. The Archival Award of Excellence recognizes those who have made significant...

The number of Texas homes sold in the first quarter of 2024 remained consistent with the previous year, as reported in the Texas Quarterly Housing Report by Texas REALTORS®. According to Jef Conn, chairman of Texas REALTORS®, "market conditions vary by location, and about forty percent of Texas metro areas actually saw an increase in sales compared to the first quarter last year."

Governor Greg Abbott announced the appointment of Jason Boatright to the Texas Racing Commission for a term set to expire February 1, 2025. According to Abbott, Boatright brings a wealth of experience to the Commission as he currently serves as special counsel at Duane Morris LLP. Boatright is from Dallas.

The Riverside Apartments in Waco have undergone a significant transformation, thanks to the support of various organizations and partners. Through the efforts of TDHCA's 4% Housing Tax Credit Program, $1.1 million in tax credits were awarded to help renovate the 152-unit property, with an estimated total value of $11 million over a 10-year term."This is a revival of pride for a community," expressed Waco Councilwoman, Andrea Barefield. "It’s the voice of residents that matter and helped restore dignity to this property and their homes."The collaborative efforts of City...

The Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC) recently held a meeting at DPS Headquarters in Austin where several heroic actions were recognized by DPS Director Steven McCraw and the commissioners.Director McCraw commended the awardees, stating, “The men and women recognized here today embody the Texas Department of Public Safety motto: courtesy, service, protection. I am honored to recognize the courage and commitment of these awardees who have stepped up in service of their fellow Texans. Texas is safer—and brighter—because of them.”Among the awardees was Trooper Lyndon...

LAREDO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today recovered 23 illegal immigrants concealed inside a flatbed trailer during an Operation Lone Star traffic stop in La Salle County.On April 12, 2024, just after 9:00 A.M., the driver of a white-truck tractor towing a flatbed trailer on Interstate Highway 35 failed to stop for a DPS commercial vehicle safety inspection. After a short pursuit, the driver stopped one mile north of the La Salle County Rest Area and fled the vehicle on foot. DPS Troopers and law enforcement agency partners then discovered 23 illegal...

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is actively addressing the nursing shortage in Texas through a variety of programs as part of the state's strategic plan for higher education, Building a Talent Strong Texas.According to a statement from THECB, the demand for registered and licensed vocational nurses in Texas is surpassing the current supply, with projections indicating a widening gap over the next decade.Among the programs aimed at addressing this issue is the Emergency and Trauma Care Education Partnership Program (ETEP), which supports training...

Liberty, TX - The Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty (SHC) is set to host its 2024 quarterly book club meeting on Tuesday, May 28, featuring "The Giver of Stars" by Jojo Moyes. The novel tells the story of the Packhorse Librarians of Kentucky, who delivered library books by packhorse during the Great Depression.The Sam Houston Center book club, which focuses on fictional works related to museums, archives, and libraries, welcomes all participants to join the discussion from 6 - 7 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of May, August, and November 2024 at the...

AUSTIN – Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller and the Texas Department of Agriculture’s State Office of Rural Health (SORH) announced a substantial investment of $23,885,000 in funding for broadband infrastructure improvement grants through the Broadband Development Office at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. This initiative is specifically tailored to fortify connectivity in rural Texas hospitals, enhance healthcare accessibility, and elevate the quality of life within rural communities across the state. Rural communities often face challenges in...

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging Texans and visitors to follow safety guidelines ahead of the historic total solar eclipse expected to impact dozens of communities. The eclipse, which is predicted to impact communities in 83 counties, is expected to be visible from roughly 1:30 PM to 1:50 PM on Monday, April 8.

Today, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) spearheaded the celebrations of the first-ever Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day, with staff members joining Lake Travis Independent School District (ISD) students for a special lunch event. The day aimed to recognize and honor the importance of incorporating fruits and vegetables into daily meals while emphasizing the nutritional benefits of locally grown produce.Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller expressed his pride in the event, stating, "Texas Fruit and Vegetable Day is an opportunity to showcase the remarkable...

The Texas Railroad Commission (TRC) has disclosed statewide and county crude oil and natural gas production for January 2024, drawing from data compiled from 161,408 oil wells and 84,725 gas wells. The agency clarified that the crude oil production it reports pertains solely to oil produced from oil leases and does not include condensate, which is reported separately by the TRC.

On April 2, the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC) released its drilling and completion statistics for March 2024. A press release from the agency stated that a total of 709 original drilling permits were issued in March.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has confirmed the arrests of 214 illegal immigrants on state rioting charges in connection with the March 21, 2024, incident near Gate 36 in El Paso. According to DPS, "The illegal immigrants attempted to breach the concertina wire and make illegal entry into the United States."The group, consisting of adult males and females from Venezuela, Guatemala, Ecuador, Colombia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador, had previously been in federal custody for improper entry. They have now been rebooked on state rioting...

The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed the first human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in Texas, with the individual having direct exposure to dairy cattle presumed to be infected with the virus. The patient, whose only symptom was inflammation of their eyes, underwent testing late last week. The tests were conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over the weekend.