Texas Ends Remote Work for State Employees

Governor Greg Abbott has instructed heads of state agencies to end remote work as an option for state employees, mirroring a similar order from President Trump for federal workers and following a trend among large corporations.

Many state employees received an email this week directing them to return to the office full time “as soon as practicable,” with some remote workers making the switch as early as Friday.

In some cases, down-sized office spaces may limit how many remote workers can return, leaving their continued employment in question.

A statement from Abbott’s office justified the decision, saying, “Texans expect their public servants to be present and engaged in the work on their behalf.”

Measles Outbreak Tops 200 Cases

The Texas measles outbreak has grown to 198 confirmed cases in the state, according to a new report released Friday.

With 30 cases reported in New Mexico, the outbreak has surpassed the 200 mark and resulted in 23 hospitalizations.

The outbreak has reenergized debates around vaccination as most of the cases have been reported in unvaccinated children.

One deceased person in New Mexico tested positive for the disease in a potential second death from the outbreak.

Texas A&M Selects New Chancellor

Texas A&M has named Glenn Hegar as the sole finalist for its chancellor position, overseeing 11 university campuses and eight state agencies.

Hegar is an A&M graduate and comes to his new role from the elected position of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

The announcement, which Hegar called “a tremendous honor,” initiates a 21-day “comment period” before the board can finalize the decision.

Hegar replaces John Sharp, A&M’s longest-serving chancellor, who announced his retirement last June.

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➤ Panhandle: Texas Panhandle cities saw several inches of snow last night as another cold front moves across the state. (See Details)

➤ Forest Hill: Police are looking for two men suspected of shooting and killing North Texas rapper G$ Lil Ronnie and his daughter. (See Details)

➤ Dallas: Goldman Sachs is asking managers to relocate to its Dallas and Salt Lake City offices in a cost-cutting initiative, or risk losing employment. (More)

➤ El Paso: Socorro Independent School District is offering a $2,500 payout for employees to resign amid plans to lay off 300 workers. (See Details)

➤ Austin: Rep. Ellen Troxclair filed a bill in the Texas Legislature aiming to prohibit tax rate elections from funding multibillion-dollar capital projects. (More)

➤ College Station: Student groups held protests and a lawsuit was filed against Texas A&M this week after the school banned drag shows on campus. (More)

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➤ The Houston Texans are releasing veteran offensive lineman Shaq Mason. He played two seasons with the team and started 32 games. (More)

➤ Former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban publicly stated his views on the Luka Dončić trade for the first time on Thursday. “If the Mavs are going to trade Luka, that’s one thing,” Cuban said. “Just get a better deal.” (More)

➤ Houston Rockets star Amen Thompson tallied 21 points with 11 rebounds to help lead the Rockets to a 109-97 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Rockets entered halftime trailing by three points but dominated the third quarter 33-15 to seize control of the game. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NBA | NHL | PGA | LPGA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAB | Soccer

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Rising Vet Costs Could Put a Leash on Your Budget

Veterinary care isn’t getting any cheaper. With clinics increasingly focused on revenue, some vets are encouraged to squeeze in more appointments, recommend extra tests, and upsell services. The result? Higher bills and more stress for pet owners. The good news is, pet insurance can help you take the sting out of those bills.

With some policies starting at $10 and reimbursing up to 90%, you can keep your pet healthy without sacrificing your savings.

Check out Money’s top pet insurance picks and find one that works for you.

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➤ Poppies Fest kicks off this weekend and continues every Saturday in March, with events including shows from musician Alejandra Guzman and comedian Teo Gonzalez. (More)

➤ IKEA is set to open its first small city store in Texas at a San Marcos location, coming in at 90% smaller than the IKEA store in Round Rock. (See Details)

➤ The North Prong Primitive Campground is considered one of the 60 most scenic camp sites in the U.S., offering a view of Caprock Canyons State Park’s red rock canyons. (See Photo) 

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