Texas election bill will 'solidify trust and confidence' in elections
By Christina Heath | Sep 23, 2021
The Texas legislature has completed an agreement on an election bill that intends to protect transparent, secure and fair elections in the state after more than a month of obstacles and fierce opposition.
Texas Senate Bill 1113 passes to help prevent 'lack of integrity within the election process'
By Christina Heath | Jul 2, 2021
As a part of multiple election integrity bills brought forth to the Senate by state Sen. Paul Bettencourt (R-Houston), Senate Bill 1113 withholds certain funds from administrators in certain scenarios.
McConnell leads GOP opposition to HR 4, which could change Texas' election laws
By Christina Heath | Jun 30, 2021
Debate over House Resolution 4 (HR 4), a Democratic-backed bill, is causing many Republicans to believe the bill is simply another ploy by the Democrats to take voting rights away from individual states like Texas.
Mathis police, Texas state trafficking unit made 'several noteworthy arrests' in late April
By Christina Heath | Jun 9, 2021
Investigations by the Mathis Police Department, with assistance from Human Trafficking Unit, ultimately led to five notable arrests by the Texas Fugitive Apprehension Unit (FAU) at the end of May.
Heritage Foundation analyst: John Lewis voting measure is 'federal power grab'
By Christina Heath | Jun 5, 2021
An analyst for a think tank has expressed concern and disdain for the recent House Resolution 4 (HR 4), that would allow the Department of Justice veto power over voters' rights in every state.
Dallas woman faces life sentence after child sex trafficking conviction
By Christina Heath | Jun 5, 2021
Demecia Shontres Washington, a 42-year-old Dallas woman, was convicted May 10 in Nevada on multiple federal charges of child sex trafficking and could face up to life in prison, Channel 8 News Now reported.
New bill targets ATM machines 'inextricably linked' to human trafficking
By Christina Heath | Jun 3, 2021
U.S. Rep. Senfronia Calpernia Thompson (D-Houston) has proposed House Bill 2629 (HB 2629) that would require privately owned and unregulated "white-label ATMs" to be registered with the state in an attempt to help combat the human trafficking industry.
Texas border agent indicted for 'transporting undocumented individuals for private gain'
By Christina Heath | Jun 2, 2021
A Texas agent from the Laredo Sector Border Patrol was arrested on Friday, May 21 for human trafficking after more than 180 migrants were found in three separate "stash houses" earlier in May.
Study: Green energy companies add $8 million for PAC spending 'to influence Texas state politics'
By Christina Heath | May 25, 2021
Green energy companies are adding $8 million to political action committees' spending in an effort to sway Texas lawmakers for favorable legislation, according to a a recent Transparency USA study.
Texas' reliance on renewable energy 'could very well' weaken grid
By Christina Heath | May 25, 2021
Renewable energy in the Texas power grid, and power outages caused by its unreliability, could be catastrophic and deadly for many who depend on electricity to run life-saving medical equipment, according to some experts.
Keller arrests for minor, fine-only offenses lead to national coverage
By Christina Heath | Mar 19, 2021
National attention is centering on the practice of Texas law enforcement officials arresting individuals for minor, fine-only offenses after a 22-year-old man was arrested last summer on a traffic violation, as reported previously by Lone Star Standard on Feb. 15.
