Heritage Foundation president 'cautiously optimistic' on school choice measures
By Mary Lou Lang | Apr 19, 2023
Education savings accounts currently are under consideration in the Texas Legislature, and Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based think tank, told the Lone Star Standard he is "cautiously optimistic" some version of school choice will be passed this year.
Former U.S. senator advocates more opportunities for school choice
By Mary Lou Lang | Mar 20, 2023
Former U.S. Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Texas), an advocate for school choice, said in a phone interview with the Lone Star Standard that parents should have the right to select the school their children attend. He believes it will improve students' performance.
New regulations require Texas massage, salon businesses to update human trafficking warnings.
By Mary Lou Lang | Jan 7, 2022
Since the beginning of 2022, Texas is requiring salons and massage establishments to update signage inside their businesses in an effort to crack down on human trafficking.
Conservative voices supportive of criminal justice reforms in Texas
By Mary Lou Lang | Apr 14, 2021
Texas lawmakers are considering several bills related to criminal justice reforms, and many on both sides of the political aisle are embracing the proposed reforms that include limiting arrests for misdemeanors, police reforms and even prison closures.
U.S. Customs notes large increase of children, single adults in southwest border crossings
By Mary Lou Lang | Apr 1, 2021
Statistics of apprehensions by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agency show the that number of unaccompanied, undocumented children and single adults entering the United States is on pace to top the previous three years' numbers.
Alice Marie Johnson: 'Criminal justice reform is not a partisan issue, it is a human issue'
By Mary Lou Lang | Mar 19, 2021
Alice Marie Johnson has become an advocate for criminal justice and police reform in Texas and throughout the country, driven by personal experiences in the country's justice system.
Children's Aid Society director: Online devices increase dangers of human trafficking
By Mary Lou Lang | Mar 9, 2021
Human trafficking unfortunately affects all communities and continued efforts to raise awareness are ongoing, one expert said, noting the danger of online devices.
Institute for Justice attorney says reforms to qualified immunity 'transcends the political spectrum'
By Mary Lou Lang | Mar 4, 2021
The Institute for Justice is advocating for qualified immunity reforms in Texas to ensure that government officials are required to follow the U.S. Constitution and are held accountable if they violate someone's rights.
Americans begin to realize there's a high cost for toxic solar waste disposal
By Mary Lou Lang | Feb 1, 2021
Solar power's benefits have been touted as beneficial for the environment, but the toxic waste produced by the renewable energy source is now being questioned, along with the high cost of disposing of it.
Article questions efficiency of solar energy
By Mary Lou Lang | Jan 27, 2021
The cost for solar energy installation continues to drop and many believe the industry no longer should be subsidized, yet there are arguments that solar power is inefficient compared to fossil fuels.
Texas leads country in wind-powered electricity, reports say renewables may no longer need subsidies
By Mary Lou Lang | Jan 21, 2021
Wind and solar power were too expensive to build without government subsidies in the past, but with renewable energy much cheaper today, the time for government subsidies may be coming to an end.
Analyst: Renewable energy subsidies continue to affect Texas market
By Mary Lou Lang | Jan 13, 2021
A new renewable energy project in Texas is being subsidized by taxpayers and the subsidies are affecting the state's competitive market, one analyst believes.
Trump issues presidential proclamation on Human Trafficking Awareness Month for January
By Mary Lou Lang | Jan 7, 2021
President Trump has issued a proclamation designating January 2021 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Texas' $4.6 billion budget shortfall expected to challenge lawmakers in next legislative session
By Mary Lou Lang | Nov 25, 2020
Texas lawmakers must deal with a $4.6 billion budget shortfall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic lockdowns will be front and center in the next legislative session in January.
New ICE-DHS center will consolidate fight against human trafficking
By Mary Lou Lang | Oct 23, 2020
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency and Department of Homeland Security announced a new initiative on Oct. 20 dedicated to combat human trafficking.
TPPF analyst: 'A shift in public perception surrounding human trafficking is critical to helping identify victims and intervene'
By Mary Lou Lang | Oct 16, 2020
A recent panel discussion on human trafficking showed the most vulnerable in the United States are at risk. By addressing those vulnerabilities, including drug dependency, homelessness, and lack of strong family and social support, the human trafficking crisis could be solved, the panel concluded.
Mental health issues on the rise amid COVID-19 pandemic, hard-hit Texas economy
By Mary Lou Lang | Oct 9, 2020
The shutdowns across the country due to COVID-19 have caused tremendous hardship for businesses and those who have lose their jobs, leading to a rise in mental health issues across the nation during the pandemic.
Traffick911, partners fight to end human trafficking in Texas
By Mary Lou Lang | Oct 1, 2020
Traffick911 has joined numerous partnering agencies in Texas to combat human trafficking, and says its highest priority is serving youth who have been trafficked.
California's overburdened power grid can serve as a warning for Texas
By Mary Lou Lang | Aug 26, 2020
California’s electric grid has been sapped by scorching temperatures this summer, and emergency rolling blackouts have been ordered to help manage the situation.
Renewable-energy subsidies raising electricity rates in Texas, analyst says
By Mary Lou Lang | Aug 19, 2020
Wholesale and residential energy prices in Texas have been on the rise despite record-low oil and gas prices, and some believe subsidies for renewable energy sources are to blame.
