News from January 2024
James B. Crow to Receive 2023 Golden Deeds for Education Award
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 11, 2024
James B. Crow, the retired executive director of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Golden Deeds for Education Award in 2023. This award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the educational system in Texas. Crow will be honored at the 2024 TASA Midwinter Conference in Austin.Throughout his career, Crow dedicated himself to serving Texas public schools. His tenure as the executive director of TASB for 26 years made him the organization's longest-serving executive director. His work...
2024 TASA Executive Committee Elections Underway
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 11, 2024
The election process for the 2024 TASA (Texas Association of School Administrators) Executive Committee positions representing even-numbered regions is currently underway. According to the latest announcement, nine members have expressed their intention to seek re-election, while one member is ineligible to run again as they will complete their second two-year term on May 31, 2024.The members who have notified the TASA office of their intent to seek re-election are as follows:- Sharon McKinney, Port Aransas ISD, representing Region 2.- Walter Jackson, La Porte ISD,...
Mike Norvell named Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year 2023
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 11, 2024
Mike Norvell, the head coach of Florida State University, has been named the College Football Coach of the Year at the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards presented by the American Heart Association. Norvell led the Seminoles to an impressive 13-1 record and an undefeated 8-0 conference record in the ACC. This recognition comes after Norvell was previously honored as the ACC Coach of the Year and received the Dodd Trophy in 2023.Expressing his gratitude, Norvell said, "I want to start by expressing how grateful I am for this opportunity. Coach Bryant set a standard of excellence,...
Giving Power Over Immigration Back to the States
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 11, 2024
The Huffines Liberty Foundation has recently released a white paper titled "Giving Power Over Immigration Back to the States," which explores the issue of immigration policy and the role of the federal government. The paper highlights the historical shift in authority over immigration from states to the federal government and argues for a return to a more balanced system of federalism.According to the white paper, in the late 1800s, the U.S. Supreme Court expanded federal power through its interpretation of Congress's enumerated power "to establish a uniform Rule of...
Mike Norvell named 2023 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 11, 2024
Mike Norvell, head coach at Florida State University, has been named the college football Coach of the Year at the American Heart Association’s Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards. The awards program, now in its 38th year, recognizes the top college football coach for their contributions both on and off the field. The event, presented by Marathon Oil, benefits the American Heart Association and its mission of promoting longer and healthier lives.Norvell led the Seminoles to an impressive 13-1 overall record and an undefeated 8-0 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in his...
Petition Calls on FDA to Remove Cancer-Causing Chemicals from Food
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 11, 2024
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is facing pressure to remove four known carcinogens from food, as a coalition of environmental and health organizations has filed petitions calling for the rescission of FDA approvals for these harmful chemicals. The organizations behind the petitions include the Environmental Defense Fund, Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, Center for Environmental Health, Environmental Working Group (EWG), and Lisa Lefferts, an environmental health consultant.The FDA's current approval of these carcinogens in food additives has drawn criticism...
Snow Shoveling and Cold Temperatures Pose Heart Health Risks, says American Heart Association
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 11, 2024
DALLAS, Jan. 11, 2024 — Snow may seem harmless, but the American Heart Association warns that shoveling snow can pose a significant risk to heart health. The exertion involved in snow removal can increase the chances of a heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest, especially for those who are not accustomed to regular exercise.According to the American Heart Association's 2020 scientific statement, snow shoveling is among the physical activities that put extra stress on the heart. Barry Franklin, Ph.D., FAHA, director of preventive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at...
EPA Should Grant California Waiver for "Critical Health and Climate Protections" from Transportation Pollution - EDF Testimony
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 11, 2024
An expert from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) testified in support of an EPA waiver for California's Advanced Clean Cars II rule. The rule aims to ensure that all new cars and passenger trucks sold in the state will be zero-emitting by 2035. The EDF Transportation Attorney, Eric Wriston, emphasized the importance of granting the waiver to afford full effect to the life-saving standards provided by the ACC II rule. Wriston stated, "These ACC II standards will save lives, reduce harmful air and climate pollution, save Californians money, and deliver jobs."...
State Rep. John Bryant: National Democrats 'don’t invest a lot' in Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 10, 2024
State Rep. John Bryant D-Dallas, said that the Democratic National Committee has abandoned Texas as an investment, but not as a source of income. He states Texas Democrats do not appreciate this, as they see Texas as a state swinging to the Democrats.
TCEQ Approves Fines Totaling $504,148
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 10, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has recently imposed fines amounting to $504,148 against several entities for violating state environmental regulations. The penalties were approved during a meeting held on January 10, 2024.According to the TCEQ, a total of 15 regulated entities were found to be in violation of environmental regulations and were consequently penalized. The violations were categorized into various areas, including air quality, Edwards Aquifer, municipal wastewater discharges, petroleum storage tank, and water quality. Agreed orders were...
U.S. Heart Disease Deaths Linked with Substance Use Rose 4% per Year Between 1999-2019
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 10, 2024
New research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association reveals that cardiovascular disease deaths involving substance use in the United States increased by an average of 4% per year from 1999 to 2019. This is despite an overall drop in cardiovascular disease deaths during the same period.The study, conducted by researchers at Loma Linda University Health in California, analyzed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database. The database collects death certificate data from...
State Budget Must Ensure California Meets Climate, Clean Energy Goals
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 10, 2024
Jan 10 2024California is facing a dual crisis - a budget deficit and the urgent need to address climate change. The impacts of these crises are not evenly distributed, and it is crucial that the state takes bold action to protect its communities.Scientists have warned that this decade is our best opportunity to mitigate the most dangerous effects of climate change. However, the state is not yet acting on the scale required for success. Katelyn Roedner Sutter, California State Director of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), emphasizes the importance of committed...
Three Researchers Awarded $1 Million Each to Study New Heart Disease Treatments, Causes
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 9, 2024
Three distinguished researchers have been awarded $1 million each by the American Heart Association to conduct groundbreaking research on heart disease treatments and causes. The recipients of the American Heart Association Merit Award are Joseph Loscalzo, M.D., Ph.D., Daniel J. Rader, M.D., and Philip S. Tsao, Ph.D.Dr. Loscalzo, a physician-scientist from Massachusetts, will investigate whether chemicals naturally occurring in foods can be used to treat heart disease. His research will focus on how these food chemicals interact with proteins in cells and how they can be...
New York Announces Commitment to Build Statewide Climate Resilience
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 9, 2024
As part of New York's recent 2024 State of the State address, Governor Hochul has announced the state's commitment to establishing a comprehensive plan and implementing expanded programs and policies to build resilience in the face of extreme weather and worsening climate impacts. The plan includes measures to protect homes, support vulnerable communities, improve data availability and accessibility, overhaul building codes, strengthen infrastructure, and enhance disaster preparedness across the state.Governor Hochul emphasized the urgency of this commitment, stating,...
State Rep. John Bryant: ‘The things you remember that you feel good about are the things you took a risk to do’
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 8, 2024
State Rep. John Bryant (D-Dallas), said that keeping a low-profile is one of the least efficient things you can do as a politician. This self-preservation tactic, in the end, turns out to be self-defeating.
TPPF initiative submits comments to PUC regarding the proposed interconnection allowance
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 8, 2024
Life: Powered, an initiative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF), has submitted comments to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) concerning its proposed interconnection allowances rules. These new rules are a consequence of the enactment of House Bill 1500 by the 88th Legislature.
DSHS’s Annual Oral Rabies Vaccine Bait Airdrop Marks 30 Years
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 8, 2024
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its Oral Rabies Vaccination Program (ORVP) in South Texas. The program, which aims to control and prevent rabies infections among wildlife, livestock, and people, has been successful in its mission.Kathy Parker, the ORVP project director, explained the program's goal: "Our goal is to vaccinate coyotes and gray foxes along the border to maintain herd immunity against rabies and keep new or previously eliminated rabies variants from becoming established in Texas." This year, the...
Tragic Border Crossing Incident Spurs Urgent Plea for Port of Entry Reform by Texas Border Coalition
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 8, 2024
The recent death of an American citizen at a U.S.-Mexico land port of entry near Eagle Pass, Texas, has sparked a plea for urgent reform by the Texas Border Coalition (TBC). The 51-year-old man suffered an apparent heart attack after waiting for over 8 hours at Port of Entry No. 2, which was experiencing a temporary halt in operations over the Christmas holidays. Despite prompt medical assistance from emergency responders, the man tragically passed away.Expressing deep concern, El Paso County Commissioner and TBC Chairman David Stout stated, "This was a tragic incident...
100 years of lifesaving work and counting: Happy Birthday to the American Heart Association
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 8, 2024
DALLAS, Jan. 8, 2024 — The American Heart Association (AHA) is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, marking a century of progress in the fight against heart disease and stroke. Since its establishment in 1924 by six cardiologists in Chicago, the AHA has grown to become the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health.In the early days, heart disease was considered a death sentence, with little known about its causes or how to care for those affected. However, through relentless research, innovation, and...
DNA Helps Convict Attacker Nearly Two Decades Later
By Lone Star Standard | Jan 8, 2024
A nearly two-decades old cold case has been solved thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Texas Rangers and local law enforcement. Jessie Rodriquez, 41, was convicted of attempted aggravated sexual assault, a second-degree felony, in the 35th Judicial District Court of Mills County. Rodriquez received the maximum 20-year prison sentence.The charges and conviction stem from a 2005 cold case in Mills County. In the early morning hours of August 13, 2005, Rodriquez broke into a home and attempted to sexually assault a 21-year-old woman at knife-point. However, during...
