News from November 2024


Texas reports first local dengue case in 2024 amidst global surge

Texas reports first local dengue case in 2024 amidst global surge

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has reported the first locally acquired case of dengue virus in 2024 in a resident of Cameron County.


Transportation Research Board releases new publications on diverse topics

Transportation Research Board releases new publications on diverse topics

The latest edition of the Research Digest for November 2024 is now accessible on the CTR Library's website.


Governor Abbott appoints four members to business advisory council

Governor Abbott appoints four members to business advisory council

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the appointment of four individuals to the Business Advisory Council for the Texas Division of Emergency Management.


Texas Department of Public Safety director retires after notable tenure

Texas Department of Public Safety director retires after notable tenure

After 15 years leading the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Colonel Steven C. McCraw has retired.


Bettencourt introduces 'Integrity-7' bills focusing on Texas election transparency

Bettencourt introduces 'Integrity-7' bills focusing on Texas election transparency

Senator Paul Bettencourt of Houston has pre-filed a series of bills known as the "Integrity 7" in anticipation of the upcoming 89th Legislative Session, which is set to commence on January 14, 2025.


Hull pre-files eight priority bills ahead of 2025 legislative session

Hull pre-files eight priority bills ahead of 2025 legislative session

Texas State Representative Lacey Hull (R-Houston) has pre-filed eight priority bills ahead of the 2025, or 89th, Texas legislative session.


Virtual currency mining facilities required to register with PUCT under new rule

Virtual currency mining facilities required to register with PUCT under new rule

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) voted on November 21 to approve a new rule mandating that virtual currency mining facilities within the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region register with the entity.


Higher education in Texas prisons could reduce recidivism rates

Higher education in Texas prisons could reduce recidivism rates

A report from Texas 2036 indicates that higher education in Texas prisons could play a significant role in reducing recidivism.


Texas honors top emergency medical services professionals at annual conference

Texas honors top emergency medical services professionals at annual conference

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) recognized outstanding contributions in emergency medical services at an awards ceremony held during the annual Texas EMS Conference in Fort Worth.


Texas achieves record highs in oil and natural gas production

Texas achieves record highs in oil and natural gas production

Texas has reached new record highs in oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs) production, according to the Texas Oil & Gas Association's (TXOGA) latest energy economic analysis.


Texas Public Policy Foundation supports Brooke Rollins' nomination as agriculture secretary

Texas Public Policy Foundation supports Brooke Rollins' nomination as agriculture secretary

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) has expressed its support for Brooke Rollins following her nomination as Secretary of Agriculture by President-elect Donald Trump.


Texas State Library reappoints Mann and Tocker as commissioners

Texas State Library reappoints Mann and Tocker as commissioners

The Office of the Governor has confirmed the reappointment of Arthur T. Mann and Darryl Tocker to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC).


Texas infrastructure projects cut traffic delays despite more drivers

Texas infrastructure projects cut traffic delays despite more drivers

Despite an increase in the number of drivers on Texas roads, traffic delays have decreased due to numerous projects by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).


Texas DPS increases road patrols for Thanksgiving weekend

Texas DPS increases road patrols for Thanksgiving weekend

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is enhancing its traffic enforcement efforts for the Thanksgiving holiday to ensure the safety of Texans.


Texas Public Policy Foundation releases roadmap for state AI regulation

Texas Public Policy Foundation releases roadmap for state AI regulation

The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) has released a detailed research paper on artificial intelligence, focusing on its responsible use in Texas.


Texas DPS enhances safety with new K-9 teams specializing in detection and tracking

Texas DPS enhances safety with new K-9 teams specializing in detection and tracking

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced the graduation of eight new K-9 teams and three certified K-9 Tech Trainers.


Governor Abbott directs divestment from Chinese investments

Governor Abbott directs divestment from Chinese investments

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed Texas state agencies to divest from investments originating in China.


Texas DPS launches first Border Mounted Patrol Unit

Texas DPS launches first Border Mounted Patrol Unit

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has launched its inaugural Border Mounted Patrol Unit, a team of Texas Highway Patrol Troopers paired with horses to patrol the state's challenging border terrain.


Gov. Abbott: 'Ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of Texans is a top priority'

Gov. Abbott: 'Ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of Texans is a top priority'

Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, announced the issuance of an Executive Order aimed at protecting Texans from harassment and coercion by "foreign adversaries," specifically naming the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).


Texas environmental agency fines over $1 million for regulation violations

Texas environmental agency fines over $1 million for regulation violations

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has approved penalties amounting to $966,504 against 30 entities for breaches of state environmental regulations.