News from the South - Texas News Feed
Watch Greg Abbott, Ted Cruz and more Texas Business Conference
Watch top Texas business and political leaders discuss the state’s future under Donald Trump
“Watch top Texas business and political leaders discuss the state’s future under Donald Trump” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

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Two days before President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Texas State Society convened a group of the state’s political and business leaders to discuss what to expect in Trump’s second go-round as president. The event included incoming members of the Trump administration like Brooke Rollins, nominee for agriculture secretary, and John Ratcliffe, the pick to lead the CIA. Gov. Greg Abbott made an appearance; you can watch his speech above. And multiple Republican members of the Texas congressional delegation, including Sen. Ted Cruz and Reps. August Pfluger, John Cornyn, Nathaniel Moran, Beth Van Duyne and Ronny Jackson also spoke.
The Texas Tribune was a partner in the event, and is making the videos available free to the public. You can watch them below. Sonal Shah, CEO of the Texas Tribune, served as emcee for the conference, and Tribune Editor-in-Chief Matthew Watkins moderated an afternoon panel on geopolitical impacts on global supply chains.
Opening panel: “Global Energy Outlook”
- Moderated by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, R-San Angelo
- Panelist: Orlando Alvarez, chair and president of bp America
- Panelist: Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental Petroleum Corporation
- Panelist: Bruce Niemeyer, president Americas exploration and production, Chevron
- Panelist: Mike Sommers, president and CEO of the American Petroleum Institute
Pfluger interviews leaders of the oil and gas industry about the impact Trump’s energy policies will have on production and the future of one of the state’s biggest industries.

Having trouble viewing? Watch this video on texastribune.org.
Panel: “National Security Perspectives”
- Moderated by John Sullivan, former ambassador to Russia
- Panelist: U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas
- Panelist: U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Austin
Sullivan, who served as ambassador under Trump and Joe Biden, speaks with Sen. Cornyn and Rep. McCaul about border security, terrorism, cybersecurity and other issues.

Having trouble viewing? Watch this video on texastribune.org.
Panel: “What’s Ahead for Tax Reform”
- Moderated by Warren Payne, former policy director of the House Ways & Means Committee
- Panelist: Retired U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands
- Panelist: U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Tyler
- Panelist: U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Irving
Lawmakers discuss the looming tax debate in Congress and how Texas companies can plan for changes to come.

Having trouble viewing? Watch this video on texastribune.org.
Remarks: Brooke Rollins, secretary-designate of the U.S. Department of Agriculture
Rollins, who is awaiting Senate confirmation to become agriculture secretary, discusses her path from growing up in rural Texas to being selected for Trump’s cabinet.

Having trouble viewing? Watch this video on texastribune.org.
Remarks: U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas
Cruz talks about Trump’s victory in 2024 and the mandate he believes that gives Republicans for the next congressional term.

Having trouble viewing? Watch this video on texastribune.org.
Remarks: John Ratcliffe, CIA director nominee and former U.S. Representative, R-Heath
President Trump’s nominee for CIA director briefly reflects on the opportunity to provide the Commander in Chief with intelligence to keep America safe.

Having trouble viewing? Watch this video on texastribune.org.
Panel: “Energy Innovations and Security in an Ever Expanding World”
- Moderated by U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, R-San Angelo
- Panelist: Jeff Clifton, CEO of EMI Technology
- Panelist: U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson, R-Amarillo
- Panelist: Jim Wright, Texas Railroad commissioner
Panelists discuss protecting water and energy supply from safe from physical and cyber threats.

Having trouble viewing? Watch this video on texastribune.org.
Panel: “Geopolitical Impacts on Global Supply Chains”
- Moderated by Matthew Watkins, editor-in-chief, The Texas Tribune
- Panelist: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo
- Panelist: Susan Schwab, former US Trade Representative under President George W. Bush
- Panelist: Remington Tonar, co-founder, Cart.com
Three panelists with deep connections to international trade policy discuss the potential impact of tarrifs on the Texas economy.

Having trouble viewing? Watch this video on texastribune.org.
This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/23/texas-business-conference/.
The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
News from the South - Texas News Feed
A developer bought up 70 properties on a historically Black street. The community doesn't know what's next
SUMMARY: Myrtle Holmes Wilson, 79, is deeply moved by her late mother’s image adorning their family business, Victory Grill, a historic Black-owned restaurant in East Austin. Founded by her father, Johnny Holmes, the establishment is one of the last of its kind on East 11th Street, once a vibrant Black entertainment area. Wilson faces constant developer buyout offers but refuses to sell, wanting to honor her family’s legacy amid ongoing neighborhood changes. With significant properties purchased by Eureka Holdings, community members, including Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, express concerns over the lack of protective measures for East Austin’s historical sites and culture.
The post A developer bought up 70 properties on a historically Black street. The community doesn't know what's next appeared first on www.kxan.com
News from the South - Texas News Feed
Local softball team continues practice after shooting crime scene at Woodlawn Lake Park
SUMMARY: A Park police officer shot and injured a man at Woodlawn Lake Park after he approached her with a knife. The incident began when a 30-year-old man crashed his car into the lake. When the officer approached him, he got out wielding a knife in an aggressive manner. After multiple commands to drop the weapon, the officer shot him in the torso. He was transported to the hospital in critical condition but was conscious. Nearby park-goers, who expressed shock about the incident, were thankful no one else was harmed. The park reopened a few hours later.

A local softball team continued their practice at Woodlawn Lake Park, even as a nearby crime scene unfolded.
News from the South - Texas News Feed
Family remembers Houston man killed in wrong-way crash on I-45
SUMMARY: A Houston family is grieving the loss of 58-year-old Steve Nartey, who died in a wrong-way crash on I-45 early on February 6th. Authorities believe Monica Valdez, 32, was intoxicated when she crashed into his Jeep. Nartey, an engineer who moved from Ghana to provide a better life for his family, was described as selfless, dependable, and deeply passionate about his loved ones and faith. His family urges the community to think twice before driving under the influence, stressing the importance of safety for everyone on the road. Valdez has been charged with intoxication manslaughter.

Loved ones said Steve Nartey was on his way home from work when he tragically lost his life. Houston police believe the driver …
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