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Texas has deployed state resources to Florida to assist in response and recovery efforts in the aftermath of the devastation caused last week by Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms to hit the United States in the past decade. “Texans understand the urgency of hurricane disaster response and recovery efforts, and our state is swiftly sending more support and resources to Florida as they continue responding to Hurricane Ian,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. The Texas Division of Emergency Personnel has sent more than 80 people to Florida, including nearly two dozen firefighters.

Last week, Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX), Jackie Speier (D-CA), G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) and Mike Kelly (R-PA) hosted the 13th Annual Childhood Cancer Summit where they gathered with advocates, doctors and survivors to raise awareness for the pediatric cancer community. “It was an inspiring and emotional week on Capitol Hill as we gathered with advocates, survivors, and health care professionals to raise awareness for childhood cancer,” said Rep. Michael McCaul, founder and co-chair of the Childhood Cancer Caucus. “Each year, it is an honor to host the passionate childhood cancer community for the summit and show how Congress is working to help them in their fight. When this caucus first began, there were only two treatments for pediatric cancer. Now, there are over 20, and funding for research for children with cancer has steadily increased during that time. I am proud to be a voice for children battling this disease, and I won’t stop until we’ve beaten cancer.” Additionally, the incoming co-chairs for the Childhood Cancer Caucus, Representatives Kathy Castor (D-FL) and Ami Bera (D-CA) attended the summit.

The Blinn College District Board of Trustees received a preliminary enrollment report last week indicating that fall 2022 registration has increased over last year’s figures. Dr. Becky McBride, Vice Chancellor for Student Services, shared that as of Monday, Sept. 12, Blinn’s unofficial fall enrollment was 17,255 students, a 2.52% increase from the same time period last year. This included a 3.08% increase in contact hours, which is included in the formula to determine state funding.

According to Columbus attorney Michael Trefny, Austin County landowners are “leaving money on the table if they sign the offer” for the Matterhorn Express Pipeline project. That was the message Trefny and his associates expressed to residents at a town hall meeting Thursday evening in Industry.