News from July 2024
DPS officers win national awards for public safety education
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 16, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that three of its Safety Education Service Sergeants received awards at a national competition held in Kansas City, Missouri last month. The five-day workshop and competition, which occurred from June 23-27, provided public safety education training to state police officers nationwide.
Dr. Libby Cohen named executive director of Raise Your Hand Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 16, 2024
Raise Your Hand Texas has appointed Dr. Libby Cohen as its new executive director, effective immediately. Dr. Cohen, who joined the organization in 2018, previously served as the senior director of advocacy, overseeing statewide efforts to support public education.
Governor suspends waiting period for unemployment claims after Hurricane Beryl
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 16, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has suspended the seven-day waiting period for certain state unemployment insurance claimants affected by Hurricane Beryl. This decision follows a disaster proclamation issued on July 5, 2024, which was amended in subsequent proclamations to address the imminent threat posed by the hurricane.
Governor tours resource staging area amid ongoing hurricane response
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 16, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott toured a resource staging area at NRG Park in Houston today, expressing gratitude to first responders who have been working continuously to aid Texans affected by Hurricane Beryl. Following the tour, Governor Abbott held a briefing and press conference with state and local officials at NRG Arena to update on the state’s ongoing response and recovery efforts.
Rep. Lopez: I acquired an ‘organizational perspective’ from ‘my eight years’ on council
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 16, 2024
Ray Lopez, a member of the Texas House of Representatives, said background in organizing funding and managing projects, such as senior center programs and transportation initiatives, informs his current legislative efforts. Lopez was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
From Enron to Uri: Robert Bryce discusses energy policy in Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 15, 2024
Highlights from our interview with Robert Bryce, author, journalist, film producer, and public speaker that focuses on energy issues.
Texas DPS highlights featured fugitive for July
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 15, 2024
AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrant Jorge Hernandez is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $4,000 for the month if the tip is received in July.
Governor demands better hurricane prep from CenterPoint Energy
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 15, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott today called on CenterPoint Energy to enhance its hurricane preparation and response efforts following repeated power failures in the Greater Houston area. During a press conference in Houston, Abbott also directed the Public Utility Commission (PUC) of Texas to investigate utility companies' inability to restore power after Hurricane Beryl's landfall.
State lawmakers Harrison, Schatzline urge Moody to hold interim hearings
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 13, 2024
Texas State Representatives Brian Harrison (R-Midlothian) and Nate Schatzline (R-Fort Worth) have expressed concerns over Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan's (R-Beaumont) refusal to issue interim charges on border security, potential child abuse, and fraud at Texas Children's Hospital. This has prompted the lawmakers to request Representative Joe Moody (D-El Paso) to hold interim hearings.
Texas Medical Association warns against carbon monoxide exposure as generators whir
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 13, 2024
In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, tens of thousands of residents in Southeast Texas are coping with lengthy power outages by operating generators at their homes. Physicians with the Texas Medical Association (TMA) have issued a warning about the misuse of these generators, saying they produce carbon monoxide that is deadly.
Rep. Lopez: In the City Council I focused on ‘the most important thing: education’
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 12, 2024
Ray Lopez, a member of the Texas House of Representatives, said he decided to run for City Council in San Antonio's District Six upon retiring in '09, aiming to implement institutional changes during his tenure, with a strong focus on education despite existing funding gaps. Lopez was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Texas hospitals offer guidance after Hurricane Beryl's impact
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 12, 2024
AUSTIN, Texas (July 9, 2024) – People in and around Houston affected by Hurricane Beryl who need electricity for medical needs, such as dialysis or oxygen, are advised to go to cooling centers in the area before seeking hospital emergency rooms. Patients or their loved ones needing to find an electricity source for dialysis, oxygen, or other medical needs can find a list of local cooling centers from the Houston Chronicle.
Governor Abbott meets Toyota executives during economic mission in Japan
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 12, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott today met with Toyota Motor Corporation executives and suppliers and toured the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology in Nagoya, Japan. This visit marks the fourth day of a three-nation economic development mission to Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.
SeAH announces new steel manufacturing facility creating 100 jobs in Temple
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 12, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott announced that SeAH Changwon Integrated Special Steel Corporation (SeAH CSS) will expand its steel manufacturing business in Temple, Texas. This expansion is expected to create 100 new jobs and generate $110 million in capital investment. The announcement was made during Governor Abbott's economic development mission to Asia.
AG Paxton: 'Our elections are NOT safe from mass interference'
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 11, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said U.S. election are "not safe from mass interference" after President Joe Biden promised to veto a recent bill passed by the U.S. House which would require all individuals to provide proof of citizenship in order to vote in federal elections.
Rep. Lopez: I gained an ‘organizational perspective’ on setting ‘goals and objectives’ through telecommunication
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 9, 2024
Ray Lopez, a member of the Texas House of Representatives, said he retired from AT&T after 34 years in telecommunications, where he gained valuable organizational skills and community involvement experience, including serving as president of a school board in northwest San Antonio. Lopez was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Energy experts question whether subsidies will improve Texas grid reliability
By Lone Star Standar reports | Jul 5, 2024
Several energy experts recently questioned whether Texas’ massive increase in subsidies for generators will be effective in addressing the rapidly growing reliability problems caused by renewable energy.
DPS emphasizes road safety during Fourth of July holiday
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 4, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is intensifying its enforcement efforts for the Fourth of July holiday to ensure road safety. This includes the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE), which runs from July 3 to July 7. Operation CARE is a specialized campaign where Texas Highway Patrol Troopers monitor drivers for speeding, intoxication, non-compliance with Texas’ Move Over, Slow Down law, and other violations.
Texas DPS captures dozen wanted illegal immigrants
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 4, 2024
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced the capture of a dozen wanted criminal illegal immigrants across the state. These individuals are part of a larger list used by DPS Special Agents in selecting fugitives for Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrants List.
TDHCA announces opening of affordable housing property in Dallas
By Lone Star Standard | Jul 4, 2024
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has announced the opening of Gateway Oak Cliff, a 230-unit mixed-income property in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas. Of these units, 184 are designated for families earning 60 percent or less of the Area Median Income.
