Study: Zuckerberg-funded nonprofit donated $36 million to Texas elections; Democratic-leaning counties benefited
By Benjamin Kibbey | Apr 9, 2021
The Center for Tech and Civil Life (CTCL), a nonprofit funded by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, granted Texas counties approximately $36.4 million to fund voting expansions such as mail-in ballots during the 2020 election, but most of the money went to Democratic-leaning counties, critics say.
Texas health care practitioners train to recognize victims of human trafficking
By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 15, 2021
In the fight against human trafficking, healthcare practitioners stand on the frontlines, ever more so during the COVID-19 pandemic when there are fewer opportunities for signs of human trafficking to be noticed by the general public.
Former Enron exec critical of government's influence on Texas' wind-energy industry
By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 26, 2020
As wind energy continues to be a growing part of the Texas energy industry, some criticize the government's involvement and allege that the growth is artificially inflated by government intervention.
Texas recognized as best state for business for 8th time in a row
By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 23, 2020
A national survey of corporate executives by the Development Counsellors International once again ranked Texas the best state in the U.S. for business.
Current Texas reopening similar to North Dakota's in May
By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 6, 2020
Gov. Greg Abbott has given Texans some economic hope with his recent easing of COVID-19 restrictions, but North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum had his state at the same reopening levels months ago, even though the two states still ended up with similar coronavirus statistics.
South Dakota, Texas apply different approaches to COVID-19 policies
By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 6, 2020
Although South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem never closed down the state, taking an approach that includes recommendations and public health notices, the Mount Rushmore State has fared better in COVID-19 statistics than places such as Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott is still gradually lifting restrictions.
Texas, Missouri take different paths toward reopening after COVID-19 deaths peaked in August
By Benjamin Kibbey | Oct 3, 2020
While Gov. Greg Abbott has taken the cautious path in reopening Texas, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has blazed a trail toward a more rapid reopening as both states had COVID-19 deaths peak in August.
Rep. Anchia's ties to immigrant investor program, China and Biden run deep
By Benjamin Kibbey | Sep 1, 2020
Texas state Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas), who was recently revealed on social media as dating Rebecca Acuna, the Texas director of Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, is the co-founder and managing director with Civitas Capital Group, a company that provides U.S. green cards through the EB-5 immigrant investor program and has ties to the Chinese government.
Legislators raise opposition to Texas high-speed rail as Texas Central announces layoffs
By Benjamin Kibbey | Apr 27, 2020
After the Texas Central Railroad announced financial hardship in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, and with opposition in the Texas House of Representatives, the plan for a 240-mile, high-speed train from Dallas to Houston could be in jeopardy.
Abbott announces $38 million in federal aid for local government COVID-19 response
By Benjamin Kibbey | Apr 22, 2020
Gov. Greg Abbott recently announced $38 million in federal aid to local governments to assist them in funding their response to the COVID-19 crisis.
TVF unveils new Frisco facility for survivors of human trafficking
By Benjamin Kibbey | Mar 25, 2020
FRISCO – The Treasured Vessels Foundation recently commemorated in Frisco the completion of its first residential community for survivors of domestic violence.
Texans got bigger boost than average from federal tax cuts
By Benjamin Kibbey | Mar 12, 2020
Texans have benefited more than most other states from federal tax cuts, according to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, with only Florida residents seeing a greater benefit on average.
Local, state governments raise concern over cyber attacks after Gov. Abbot's statement
By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 29, 2020
After Gov. Greg Abbot recently stated that firewalls protecting Texas state government computers had received up to 10,000 attacks per minute in two days, many other state governments are looking at ways to shore up security.
Occidental Petroleum tops list of companies seeking injection permits in Texas
By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 24, 2020
The Houston Chronicle recently ranked the top ten companies that sought permits to inject water and gases underground in 2019, either for disposal or in order to boost oil and natural gas production.
Texas population growth may be tied to rising rural land value, loss of agricultural land
By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 23, 2020
The average value of rural Texas land is rising, according to a report from Texas A&M, and it may be tied to significant population growth.
Environmental group claims Texas' oil boom could lead to greater emissions
By Benjamin Kibbey | Feb 19, 2020
The oil boom in Texas might possibly contribute to a secondary boom in emissions as well, the advocacy group Environmental Integrity Project is warning.
