SUMMARY: Ahead of the Texas legislature’s January session, Governor Greg Abbott signed four executive orders to combat espionage threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Key measures include targeting CCP influence operations, preparing for critical infrastructure threats, divesting state investments from China, and safeguarding systems against foreign infiltration. The orders mandate stronger background checks for state employees, prohibit contracts with foreign adversaries, and require annual foreign gift disclosures from educational institutions. Abbott emphasized protecting Texans from threats posed by foreign entities targeting U.S. security and infrastructure.

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SUMMARY: Austin has 10 toll roads managed by two operators: the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority (CTRMA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). CTRMA oversees six toll roads, including 183A Toll and MoPac Express Lane, while TxDOT manages four, such as SH 45 North and SH 130. Some roads are operated by regional mobility authorities due to legislation from 2001. Toll payment options include TxTag, EZ TAG, and NTTA TollTag. Toll rates vary based on factors like vehicle type and traffic conditions, with CTRMA using variable pricing to manage traffic flow, and TxDOT’s rates depending on distance and vehicle type.

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The post Toll roads in Austin: A breakdown of who owns what appeared first on www.kxan.com

SUMMARY: Last night’s storms caused significant damage in southwest Houston, with multiple confirmed tornadoes reported. KPRC2 reporter TJ Parker shared live updates from the hardest-hit area near Kirkwood, where a garage was damaged, bricks scattered in driveways, and a front window blown out. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Surveillance footage captured a mail truck being tipped over by strong winds, although the driver was unharmed. Local residents expressed relief that the damage wasn’t worse, and today, the National Weather Service is set to assess the affected areas for further investigation and cleanup efforts.

The National Weather Service says they are looking into whether damage to two homes in the Alief area may have been caused …

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