Brazos Valley On The Record: Mayor John Nichols

Media Release 10/28/2026: (WASHINGTON, D.C.) — Yesterday in Corpus Christi, Texas, President Donald J. Trump announced the arrival of the first million barrels of oil secured by the Trump Administration as part of the President’s historic Venezuela oil deal—with all oil coming into America at no cost to the United States or the American taxpayer. This first shipment of oil will be refined in the Lone Star State, supporting American jobs, and increasing domestic supply to lower Americans’ prices at the pump. From Alaska to Texas, President Trump is unleashing America’s energy dominance—making the Western Hemisphere the energy capital of the world—and Americans will benefit as gasoline and diesel prices come plummeting down! President Trump’s bold foreign policy is driving America First wins: this deal more than doubles our strategic reserves—delivering 65 billion barrels in total, dramatically bolsters our oil supply, and helps deliver lower gas prices for the American people—costing taxpayers nothing! No other President and no other Administration could deliver such historic results for the American people. President Trump continues to secure major deals to unleash energy dominance and reverse the Democrats’ failed anti-energy and Green New Scam policies to cut energy costs for all Americans. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Media release 10/28/2026: (AUSTIN, TX) — Governor Greg Abbott today directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding expected to impact portions of West and South-Central Texas beginning tomorrow. “The State of Texas is prepared to respond to the threat of heavy rainfall and flash flooding,” said Governor Abbott. “I directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources to support local officials and safeguard Texans. Texans should monitor local forecasts, heed guidance from state and local officials, and avoid flooded roadways.” According to the National Weather Service, multiple storm systems associated with the remnants of Tropical Cyclone Vance and gulf moisture are expected to bring widespread thunderstorms capable of producing heavy rainfall and flash flooding across portions of the state. The greatest concern for excessive rainfall is expected Thursday across portions of West and South-Central Texas, including the Permian Basin, Big Bend, South Plains, Big Country, Hill Country, and Texas Border regions over the next couple of days. At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state emergency response resources are available to support local severe weather and flood operations: Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads and high profile vehicles to assist with flood rescues Texas Division of Emergency Management: Regional personnel to support deployed emergency response resources across the state Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring roadway and transportation conditions Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with water rescues Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, helicopters with hoist capability, and the Tactical Marine Unit Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents and County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power-outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air, water, and wastewater monitoring Texans are encouraged to remain weather-aware, follow instructions from local officials, review family emergency plans, and prepare an emergency supply kit. Never attempt to drive or walk through floodwater. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Texans can check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, find severe weather safety tips at TexasReady.gov, access flood information at TexasFlood.org, and visit tdem.texas.gov/prepare for all-hazards preparedness information. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Media release 10/27/2026: (AUSTIN, TX) — Today, Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced that the Texas General Land Office (GLO) has identified nine islands along the Texas-Mexico border, totaling roughly 66 acres, as property belonging to the State of Texas. The determination of these islands by the GLO resolves any uncertainty pertaining to jurisdiction and ensures these strategically located lands can be appropriately accessed, monitored, and protected by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Military Department (TMD). Commissioner Buckingham is coordinating with state and federal law enforcement partners to ensure authorities have the necessary coordinates in order to conduct border security operations, address any illegal activity and protect the surrounding communities. “As Texas Land Commissioner, I have a responsibility to protect every acre of state land entrusted to the General Land Office. For years, the ownership of these islands has been uncertain, limiting the ability to ensure they are properly monitored and protected,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “Now that the GLO has confirmed these nine islands belong to the State of Texas, we are notifying our law enforcement partners so that they can gain access to these state-owned properties to patrol, inspect and clear them of any illegal activity they may encounter, consistent with the law. Texas land will never become a safe haven for cartels, human traffickers, smugglers, or other criminal organizations.” In her letter to DPS and TMD, Commissioner Buckingham noted: “This effort builds on the GLO’s work to establish ownership of Rio Grande islands and ensure law enforcement can access state-owned property. While we have not confirmed criminal activity on these additional islands, past experience has shown how border islands can be exploited by cartels and smugglers. In 2023, I declared Fronton Island, a 170-acre island in Starr County, state land. Following that declaration, DPS and TMD cleared vegetation through Operation Flat Top, helping disrupt criminal activity at the site.” The announcement also marks the culmination of the final pillar, “Protect It” of the GLO’s Texas Engine: Fueled, Fed, and Fortified Initiative. The GLO will always remain focused on safeguarding Texas land, supporting law enforcement, and protecting the resources and infrastructure essential to the state’s security. In 2023, Commissioner Buckingham declared Fronton Island, a 170-acre island in Starr County, state land. After her declaration, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Texas Military Department (TMD) cleared the land of vegetation through Operation Flat Top, and crime at this border hotspot was halted dramatically. In October 2024, Commissioner Buckingham announced that the GLO had acquired a 1,402-acre ranch along the Rio Grande at Starr County’s border with Mexico to build the border wall. Less than 24 hours later, Commissioner Buckingham signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Texas Facilities Commission (TFC), authorizing them to begin state border wall construction. In November 2024, she sent the Trump Administration a letter offering the newly acquired land for the construction of deportation facilities and staging areas to carry out the Trump Administration’s plans to deport violent criminal illegal immigrants. Paneling on 1.5 miles of border wall was completed on this property in Starr County in January 2025. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.