Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:

The closed-door meeting with top Mexican officials and representatives of the Biden administration is said to have been productive: https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexico-leader-urges-us-invest-people-not-walls-ahead-blinken-meeting-2023-12-27/

...While the mayors of several Democratically-led U.S. cities plead with the federal government with help handling migrants dumped in their metros by Governor Abbott: https://www.westhawaiitoday.com/2023/12/28/nation-world-news/democratic-mayors-renew-pleas-for-federal-help-and-coordination-with-texas-over-migrant-crisis/

A look at the current battle lines in the abortion fight, which include much more public exposure for those leading the struggle than in years past: https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/12/26/1221587212/abortion-year-in-review-2023-jane-roe-kate-cox

Texas college kids on winter break will return to their campuses in a few days to find all diversity offices closed: https://www.ksat.com/news/texas/2023/12/28/diversity-offices-on-college-campuses-will-soon-be-illegal-in-texas-as-30-new-laws-go-into-effect/

Other states have new laws firing up in the new year too - including Michigan's new common-sense gun safety measures: https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/a-look-at-gun-laws-set-to-take-effect-in-2024/#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=17037575143283&csi=0&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&share=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbsnews.com%2Fdetroit%2Fnews%2Fa-look-at-gun-laws-set-to-take-effect-in-2024%2F

Also in the new year - which Democrat will face Ted Cruz? Colin Allred leads the fundraising race by a long shot: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/allred-gutierrez-ted-cruz-senate-race-18549975.php

Happy New Year and thanks for your support of Progress Texas in 2023! The Daily Dispatch returns on January 3, 2024. Please consider helping us continue our important work into '24 with a donation at https://progresstexas.org/.