110,000 New Cancer Cases Recorded in Texas in 2012

Rates Falling in U.S., but Challenges Remain

By John Michaelson

Texas News Service

AUSTIN, Texas - There is good news in the battle against cancer in the United States, although the latest data show serious challenges remain on several fronts.

Greg Cameron, director of communications and market strategies for the High Plains Division of the American Cancer Society in Texas, says overall death rates continue to decline for all of the most common cancers, including lung, colon, prostate and breast.

DPS Program Saving Lives, Protecting Children

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today highlighted the success of the unparalleled Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program, which helps officers identify and recover missing or exploited children. In 2009, DPS launched the IPC program to teach troopers and officers how to identify, recognize, intervene and remove endangered children without obvious signs of abuse being present.

Most Of Texas Still In Drought, But Storms Could Bring Hope, Says Texas A&M Prof

COLLEGE STATION– Most of Texas is still in a moderate-to-severe drought, but a storm forming 2,000 miles northwest of Hawaii may be the key to drought relief for the state, says a Texas A&M University professor who also serves as the state climatologist.

John Nielsen-Gammon, professor of atmospheric sciences, says that precipitation everywhere in the state has been running below normal since Oct. 1.

EPA Proposes Approval of Public Participation Rules in Texas’ Clean-Air Plan

(DALLAS – November 30, 2012)  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed to approve the Texas clean-air plan that covers public notification requirements for facilities applying for air permits.  The proposed approval applies to existing facilities that plan to make major changes as well as new projects.

Texas Immigrants to Rally on Int'l Human Rights Day

By Peter Malof

Texas News Service

EL PASO, Texas -- Immigrant advocates in Texas are marking INternational Human Rights Day today (Dec. 10) by decrying what they call "systematic violations" of international law and the U.S. Constitution. At a 1 p.m. rally at the border fence in El Paso, protestors will demand sweepign reforms of the immigration system.

State Aid Levels a Mystery as Texans Apply for College

By Peter Malof

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - As they put the finishing touches on their college application essays, many young Texans are unable to estimate how much aid they may be eligible to receive during their quests for diplomas.