Infomaniacs: October 28, 2011 (7:15am)

(AUSTIN, TX) ‒ Governor Greg Abbott today touted the strength of the Texas economy as Texas employers added 154,300 nonfarm jobs over the last 12 months for an annual growth rate of 1.1 percent, outpacing the national rate by 0.8 percentage points. “Texas is where opportunity knows no bounds,” said Governor Abbott. “With the best business climate and strongest workforce in America, Texas grows jobs faster than the nation as a whole and wages have risen to an all-time high. Texas truly is the best place to live, work, build a business, and raise a family.” September labor market data from the Texas Workforce Commission shows: Nonfarm jobs in Texas totaled 14,461,300 in September with a gain of 154,300 jobs over the last 12 months. Texans working, including self-employed Texans, totaled 15,246,400. The Texas labor force totaled 15,948,400 with a gain of 15,800 people over the month. The manufacturing sector experienced the largest over-the-month increase in September after adding 4,700 jobs; government services saw the largest decline. The private sector added 160,400 jobs in total over the last 12 months. Under Governor Abbott’s leadership, Texas has gained more than 2.6 million jobs. Average weekly wages in Texas rose to an all-time high in the first quarter of 2026, according to the most recent available labor market information. On Monday, Governor Abbott announced over $20 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) career training grants have been awarded to schools across Texas. 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.

Officials in Brazos County have announced a safer way to get your mail-in ballots to the election office. Mail placed in drop boxes are routed through Houston before coming back to the county. Brazos County Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock says if voters take their ballots to the counter at the Bryan Post Office at 2121 E. William Joel Bryan Parkway, it will be delivered directly to the Elections office. This will prevent the ballots from leaving the county. To qualify, ballots MUST be handed to a clerk. If dropped in a drop box in the parking lot or lobby, then they will still travel through Houston. No other post offices in the area is offering this service. Election Day is November 3rd. You can visit https://elections.brazoscountytx.gov/ for more 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.

The League of Women Voters of the Brazos Valley is hosting Speed Dating With the Candidates Forum on Sunday. The non-partisan event takes place from 2:00-4:00pm at the Larry J. Ringer in College Station. Attendees will be seated and candidates will rotate through the tables to answer questions in an intimate setting. Candidates from State Representative Districts 12 and 14 are expected to attend, as well as the candidates for County Commissioner Precinct 4, plus the mayoral and city council races. Additionally, the candidates for Bryan ISD School Board will also be in attendance. It’s a fast and fun opportunity to sit down across from local candidates, ask them questions, and hear their views on the issues that matter to you. Election day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026 and early voting starts on Monday. Listen to our interview with President Kimberly McAdams as she discusses the event and other ways that the LWV encourages citizens to have their voices heard: Listen to “Kimberly McAdams With League of Women Voters Talks Speed Dating With The Candidates Forum” on Spreaker. 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.