This Week in Texas: Wednesday, December 14th, 2016

Posted December 14, 2016 in The Mignon Memo

Rick Perry nominated for U.S. Secretary of Energy.perryPresident-elect Trump has nominated Former Texas Governor Rick Perry for U.S. Secretary of Energy. Perry served as Governor of Texas from 2000-2015, was a presidential candidate in 2012, and ran briefly in the Republican presidential primaries last year. He brings to the secretary role years of experience leading a state rich in energy resources, though he hasn’t yet discussed his vision for the agency. To read more…

More Zika cases in Texas. zikaThe Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed four more locally-transmitted cases of Zika in Cameron County this week. The patients reportedly contracted the virus in late November, before the mosquito-control efforts had been intensified. Texas has been awarded a $5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to combat the Zika virus.  To read more…

From Texas Racing Commission Chair to Texas Secretary of State.rolandopablosGovernor Abbott has nominated Texas Racing Commission Chairman Rolando Pablos to replace Carlos Cascos, who is resigning, as Texas Secretary of State. If confirmed by the Texas Senate, Pablos will become the state’s chief elections officer and top adviser to the governor on border-related issues. Pablos has served on the Public Utility Commission, as CEO of The Borderplex Alliance, and founded the renewable energy company Uriel Americas. To read more….

Only in Austin…van-zandtHotel Van Zandt, which opened in the Rainey Street District last year, is starting a new Austin holiday tradition with its 12 Days of Christmas celebration. Stop by between December 12 and the 23rd for free community events including holiday trivia, Santa photos, an ugly sweater contest, and several movie nights.  To read more…