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Good morning, 

This is the Texas Minute for Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

Abbott Issues Second Order Related to China in Two Days

• Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order on Tuesday aimed at strengthening Texas’ defenses against hostile powers. As Sydnie Henry reports, this is Abbott's second order in as many days to address threats from China.
     
• In addition to the Chinese Communist Party, Abbott's order also identifies threats from North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Russia, and Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
       
• This latest executive order directs state agencies, public institutions of higher education, and other key sectors to bolster security measures, safeguard critical infrastructure, protect intellectual property, and secure personal data against threats from these hostile powers.
       
• "The Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that the Chinese government has actively targeted local and state officials as part of their strategy to undermine the national security of the United States. Hardening our state government is critical to protect Texans from hostile foreign actors who may attempt to undermine the safety and security of Texas and the nation." – Greg Abbott

Public Utility Commission Releases Plan Outlining Future of Nuclear Power in Texas

• A final report has been issued by the Public Utility Commission highlighting how Texas can build an advanced nuclear power industry. Addie Hovland has the details.
      
• The PUC believes adding more nuclear capacity would provide enhanced energy security and improve grid reliability. Gov. Greg Abbott praised the report, asserting that Texas is "ready to be No. 1 in advanced nuclear power."
       
• Not everyone was impressed with the report. Bill Peacock of the Energy Alliance said the study "proposes more of the same centralized government control and market intervention that have increased the cost and reduced the reliability of the Texas electricity market."

Former Harris County Public Health Director Faces Felony Charge

• Outgoing Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced a felony charge against former Director of the Harris County Public Health Department Barbie Robinson. Charles Blain has the story.
      
• Robinson allegedly shared non-public information with a company seeking to do business with Harris county. She is accused of aiding IBM in their solicitation of a contract.

Houston Housing Authority President Resigns Amid Investigation

• The president of the Houston Housing Authority has resigned during an investigation into financial mismanagement. As Michael Wilson reports, the HHA  has an annual budget of more than $300 million, serving some 60,000 low-income Houstonians.
         
• David Northern became president in 2022. His resignation is effective immediately, and he will receive a severance package that includes six months’ salary and the continuation of his insurance benefits.
           
• KPRC TV first began raising questions about the financial management of the HHA. For example, 1,615 new air conditioning units were to be installed at one of the agency's properties. Originally estimated to cost $2.3 million, the final bill exceeded $5.4 million.

Middle School Principal Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography

• Valerie Muñoz reports that a middle school principal in East Texas has been arrested and charged with possession and promotion of child pornography.
       
• Chad Dwight Barrett, a principal at Hardin Junior High School in Liberty, was arrested on November 14 following a police investigation that found he sent a student an inappropriate video. The student attends a school in the district but is not a student at the middle school.
       
• Investigators inspected Barrett’s cell phone and reportedly found illicit images. 
       
• The school district is now in the process of terminating Barrett, and the Liberty County Sheriff's Department is asking to be contacted if any other children received text messages from Barrett. 

Kirk Watson Officially Certified as Winner of Austin Mayoral Race

• Kirk Watson has been re-elected to a full term as Austin’s mayor, according to final results that have now been officially certified. Adam Cahn reports this is Watson's third non-consecutive term in the city's top job.
     
• Watson defeated a slew of minor candidates, most of whom were running on more liberal platforms. He outran his closest competitor by close to thirty points and cleared a separate threshold, the 50 percent mark, to avoid a runoff by a handful of votes.
      
• He served one term as mayor in the late 1990s, and then was elected in 2022 to a two-year term. Due to changes in the city charter, Watson will now serve a four-year term.

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Quote-Unquote

"I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle."

– Winston Churchill​

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