Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are intensifying efforts to enhance border security in El Paso. The collaborative work aims to curb illegal activities like drug and human smuggling across the Texas border.Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the DPS reported over 506,500 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 41,200 criminal arrests, with over 36,700 felony charges. In a significant move against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement seized over 471 million lethal doses of fentanyl during...
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added Braylon Lee Smart and Christopher Michael Anderson to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders list. Texas Crime Stoppers is now offering a cash reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to each of their arrests. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.Braylon Lee Smart, 27, of Houston, has been wanted out of Harris County since February 2023 for evading arrest/detention with a previous conviction. Additionally, in October 2023, multiple warrants were issued out of Harris and Fort Bend counties for Smart’s arrest...
EL PASO – Earlier this week, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) arrested six suspects in connection with a Lone Star Card fraud investigation in the El Paso area. Administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Lone Star Cards are Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards used to access Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash help payments. From 2016 to the current date, 30 individuals have been arrested for Lone Star Card fraud.The multi-agency...
There were 34 companies in cities associated with Williamson County that received 34 FDA inspections in 2023, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Association.
Governor Greg Abbott today met with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson at the Governor's Mansion in Austin to discuss the disastrous impact President Joe Biden’s border crisis has had on the state of Texas and Congress’ lack of action to pass crucial border security legislation. During the meeting, Governor Abbott expressed his concerns, stating, "The border crisis is both unacceptable and avoidable." He further urged Speaker Johnson to take action by saying, "Pass border security legislation that will help stop illegal crossings between ports of entry along the southern...
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Ronald “Ronnie” Keister and reappointed Susan Fletcher and Mary Louise Nicholson to the Texas County and District Retirement System Board of Trustees for terms set to expire on December 31, 2029. The Board exists to provide Texas County and district employees with retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.Ronald “Ronnie” Keister, the Lubbock County tax assessor/collector, has been serving in this role since 2009. Keister, a member and former president of the Tax Assessor Collector Association of Texas, is also actively involved in...
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Charles “Chuck” Wright and reappointed Laura Koerner to the Texas Veterans Commission for terms set to expire on December 31, 2029. The Commission serves as the state-appointed advocate for Texas veterans as they attempt to secure the benefits rightfully earned in exchange for their service in our nation's armed forces.Charles “Chuck” Wright of Frisco is a financial planner and founder of Lone Star Wealth Strategies. According to the announcement, Wright is a board member of United Service Organizations of Dallas/Fort Worth and the One...
Governor Abbott has renewed the wildfire disaster declaration in Texas, as confirmed in a proclamation dated March 28, 2024. The Governor reiterated the ongoing threat posed by wildfires in various counties and authorized necessary actions to address the situation.In the proclamation, Governor Abbott stated, "WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on February 27, 2024..." He further emphasized that the Texas Division of Emergency Management has verified the continuation of wildfire conditions in the affected counties.The...
There were 37 companies in cities associated with Travis County that received 37 FDA inspections in 2023, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Association.
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Bobbie Lynn Weir to the State Board for Educator Certification for a term set to expire on February 1, 2027. Weir, a career and technical education teacher for Richardson High School in Dallas, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role on the board.Weir's innovative approach to education is highlighted by the recent establishment of the "Hotel Lobby Area Learning Center" at Richardson High School, providing valuable Workforce Development opportunities for students. Her dedication to education is further demonstrated by...
Governor Greg Abbott has issued an Executive Order aimed at combating the rise in acts of antisemitism at colleges and universities in Texas. The order is intended to ensure a safe learning environment for Jewish students and all Texans. Governor Abbott emphasized, "Antisemitism is never acceptable in Texas, and we will do everything we can to fight it." He also stated, "The State of Texas stands with Israel and the Jewish community, and we must escalate our efforts to protect against antisemitism at Texas colleges and universities and across our state."The Executive...
Governor Greg Abbott has revealed that a Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant exceeding $315,500 has been granted to Rockport Fulton Independent School District (ISD) by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). This grant, in partnership with Del Mar College, will aid in career and technical education (CTE) training programs by facilitating the purchase and installation of equipment to initially train over 125 students for high-demand occupations such as welders."We are proud to invest in the next generation of hardworking Texans to further expand the Texas economy,"...
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Leo Vasquez and appointed Cindy Conroy to the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) for terms set to expire on January 31, 2029 and January 31, 2027, respectively.Leo Vasquez, a corporate finance and c-level business management consultant, has an extensive background in public service and governance. Vasquez expressed his gratitude for the reappointment, stating, "I am honored to continue serving on the board of the TDHCA and look forward to contributing to the promotion and preservation of homeownership and...
There were 27 companies in cities associated with Hays County that received 27 FDA inspections in 2023, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Association.
Washington, D.C. - In a recent development, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), and Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) along with 35 Senate Republican colleagues have voiced their concerns over Senate Democrats' handling of oil and gas mergers.The letter addressed to FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan highlights the Republican senators' call for a fair and unbiased review of the oil and gas industry mergers. They criticized Senate Democrats for pushing the FTC to...
Governor Greg Abbott posthumously presented the Texas Legislative Medal of Honor to U.S. Army Sergeant Major Jerry Lynn Bell and U.S. Army Master Sergeant Mike Peña during a ceremony at the Texas Capitol. The Texas Legislative Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration conferred to a service member of the Texas military forces.“Today, we honor two men who raised their hand and answered the call for our country,” said Governor Abbott. “Each of these men continued a tradition of heroism that extends back to the very dawn of this great nation. These brave service...