News from December 2023
Luminant asks Texas Supreme Court to affirm illegality of PUC's increase of electricity prices during Winter Storm Uri
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 19, 2023
Luminant, a Texas power generating company, field a brief this week asking the Texas Supreme court to uphold a lower court decision that the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) increase of electricity princes during winter storm Uri broke Texas law. The PUCT arbitrarily raised prices to $9,000 per megawatt hour hoping to bring an end to the massive blackouts all across Texas, but all the action raised the price that Texans paid for electricity.
Texas Restaurant Association announces 2024 board of directors
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 19, 2023
The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) and the Texas Restaurant Foundation (TRF) have unveiled their 2024 board officers and directors. The incoming board comprises 10 new TRA Board Directors and 5 new TRF Board Trustees.
Sid Miller expresses concerns about foreign beef: 'We must protect our nation's consumers and livestock'
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 17, 2023
Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Sid Miller, has publicly announced his opposition to the importation of beef from Paraguay. He expressed his concerns about the wellbeing of America and claimed that Paraguayan beef does not meet the country's needs.
Texas DPS Director: 'We are grateful for the men and women who put others’ wellbeing before their own'
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 17, 2023
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the organization responsible for the welfare and oversight of drivers in Texas, recently recognized its troopers and agents for their heroic efforts at a Public Safety Commission (PSC) meeting. Many were acknowledged by DPS Director Steven McCraw.
Episcopal Health Foundation selects Blakeney and Walsh as vice presidents
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 14, 2023
The Episcopal Health Foundation (EPH) has announced the appointment of Zahyrah Blakeney and Michael T. Walsh, two prominent health equity leaders, as Vice Presidents within the organization. EPH is a faith-based entity committed to promoting equity through health improvement initiatives in Texas.
Texas Classroom Teachers Association announces importance of upcoming primaries in ongoing school choice and school funding debates.
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 14, 2023
The Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA) has expressed its belief that the issue of education savings accounts, despite being defeated in the 4th Special Session, will persist. The association also advocates for significant increases in public school funding in Texas.
The ACLU of Texas is very concerned about SB-4
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 12, 2023
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas, a prominent civil rights organization, has partnered with other groups in the state to express apprehension about the potential consequences of Senate Bill 4 (SB-4). This legislation authorizes state law enforcement to arrest individuals suspected of illegal entry into the country. Prior to Governor Greg Abbott's signing of the bill last week, the ACLU voiced legal and ethical concerns regarding the proposed law.
Texans For Lawsuit Reform names new president, Lee Parsley.
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 12, 2023
Texans For Lawsuit Reform (TLR), a notable entity in Texas politics, has appointed Lee Parsley as the new president of the organization. Parsley currently holds the position of general counsel within the organization. TLR founders Dick Weekley, Dick Trabulsi, and Hugh Rice Kelly will continue to be involved in the daily operations of TLR and its associated organizations.
OPINION: Reliability, Affordability, and Accountability of the Texas Grid Up in the Air
By Bill Peacock | Dec 11, 2023
Concerns over the future reliability and affordability of Texas’ electric grid were brought to the forefront with the recent resignation of the person hired by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) to monitor the performance of the Texas electricity market.
The Texas Restaurant Association recognizes Texas restaurant leaders for the holidays
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 11, 2023
In recognition of the holiday season, the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) is honoring leaders in the restaurant and foodservice industry. The TRA holds these leaders in high regard as they believe they embody the best qualities of the foodservice industry, including a service mindset, creativity, and resilience.
Texas grid monitor to resign as reliability concerns and costs rise
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 11, 2023
Carrie Bivins, who serves as the independent market monitor for Texas’ electric grid, is expected to resign soon. The resignation comes after Bivens’ report that the actions of state officials had raised the cost of electricity by $8 billion.
Texas Parks and Wildlife announces local oyster harvesting areas opened, and one closed
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 10, 2023
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the organization responsible for providing and overseeing safe recreational activities, has announced changes to oyster harvesting areas. Two areas have been opened, while one in the bay has been closed. These adjustments were made based on whether the oysters met standard size criteria.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation names Brian Francis as its temporary Executive Director
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 10, 2023
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the organization responsible for licensing businesses and regulating facilities and corporations across Texas, has appointed Brian Francis as its short-term Executive Director. His term is set to commence on January 6th and will last up to six months.
Texas Department of Transportation acknowledge careers of former interns
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 10, 2023
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), the body responsible for planning and ensuring reliable transportation across Texas, has expressed admiration for the career trajectories of its former interns. These individuals, who began their journeys as high school students, have now become leaders in their respective fields.
The Texas Water Development Board approved $34.8 million in financial assistance for water and wastewater projects
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 7, 2023
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB), the state agency responsible for ensuring a secure water future for Texas, has granted over $34 million in financial assistance to three cities in the state. This funding is aimed at facilitating water and wastewater projects and improvements.
Texas Department of Public Safety names El Paso man as December's Featured Fugitive
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 7, 2023
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced its Featured Fugitive for December. The DPS is offering a substantial reward of $6,000 for information leading to the arrest of this individual.
Texas Lottery reports Anonymous Texan wins $3 Million in recent scratch off lottery ticket
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 6, 2023
The Texas Lottery, the entity in charge of organizing and funding the state's lottery, recently reported that an anonymous Texan won $3 million from a scratch-off ticket.
The TPWD announces a discontinuation of acquisition of Fairfield Lake State Park
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 6, 2023
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), the organization tasked with providing and maintaining safe recreational activities, has announced the discontinuation of its plan to purchase Fairfield Lake State Park. Their reasoning is mainly due to fiscal reasons.
Texas Farm Bureau members establish policy goals for 2024 at the 90th annual meeting.
By Lone Star Standard | Dec 6, 2023
At the 90th annual meeting of the Texas Farm Bureau, over 800 farmers and ranchers from across the state convened to establish policy objectives for the organization for 2024.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues U.S. State Department for Conspiring to Censor American Media Companies
By Press Release | Dec 6, 2023
The State of Texas and media companies The Daily Wire and The Federalist have sued the U.S. Department of State, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and other government officials for engaging in a conspiracy to censor, deplatform, and demonetize American media outlets disfavored by the federal government.
