HTX-CYF: Impact 10/24/2025

Carolyn Donovan began serving as the first associate vice chancellor of Alumni Relations and Engagement for Lone Star College System on Oct. 20.

Explaining the role: Per the release, in her new role, Donovan will be charged with the development of the Lone Star College Alumni Association. The initiative aims to:

• Celebrate the achievements of LSCS graduates
• Foster professional and personal connections
• Create opportunities for alumni to give back through mentorship, advocacy and community engagement

Harris County Public Health officials announced the launch of an online, public dashboard aimed at informing the community about human cases of mosquito-borne diseases.

Explained: As of Oct. 16, at least 192 positive mosquito samples across the county have been identified. Throughout the year, HCPH’s mosquito and vector control department officials track, test, and eliminate disease-carrying mosquitoes in the county, according to an Oct. 17 news release.

A closer look: In 2025, HCPH confirmed West Nile virus in the northern section of the county including parts of Tomball, Spring, Humble, Cypress, Katy and Kingwood. Jennifer Kiger, director of the county’s office of epidemiology, surveillance and emerging diseases department, said in a news release the new dashboard is for residents to stay informed about potential mosquito-borne diseases in Harris County.

Quote of note: “While our current case numbers are low, it’s still important for everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites—especially during the warmer months when mosquitoes are most active,” Kiger said.

Two constitutional amendments on the Nov. 4 ballot would impact the operation and oversight of Texas’ judicial system if approved by voters.

The details: State Proposition 3 seeks to require judges to deny bail for certain felony offenses, keeping more defendants in jail as they await trial. Proponents of the measure, which passed the Legislature with bipartisan support, said in June that it would improve public safety by keeping violent offenders behind bars.

Proposition 12 would rework the 13-member State Commission on Judicial Conduct, allowing the governor to appoint a majority of the commissioners and requiring most sanctions for judges accused of misconduct to be issued publicly. The bipartisan proposition faced pushback from some House Democrats who expressed concerns that allowing the governor to appoint a majority of commissioners would politicize the nonpartisan judicial conduct commission and give Abbott more power to remove from office judges whom he does not agree with.

Zooming out: The measures are among 17 state propositions being considered by Texas voters in the Nov. 4 election.