News from March 2024
12-year-old tech entrepreneur: I ‘founded a nonprofit organization called TLEEM’ to advance education efforts
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 25, 2024
Arjun Sharda, a 12-year-old tech entrepreneur, said he has various roles in technology and entrepreneurship, including programming, authorship, and public speaking, highlighting his nonprofit's mission to advance education in diverse fields such as technology, leadership, entrepreneurship, engineering, and mathematics. Sharda was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Governor Abbott Commends Texas National Guard's Border Security Efforts
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 24, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott praised the Texas National Guard for their dedication and service to the state during the 65th annual National Guard Association of Texas (NGAT) Conference held March 21-24 in Round Rock.
Texas Leads Nation With Jobs Surge In February
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 23, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott expressed his pride as he celebrated Texas as the nation's leading state in job creation. Following the release of February employment numbers, which showed a surge in job opportunities, Abbott highlighted Texas's remarkable performance in the job market."Texas continues to dominate the nation in job creation because we've built a framework that allows free enterprise to flourish and hardworking Texans to succeed," Governor Abbott stated proudly.According to the February employment data released by the Texas Workforce Commission and the U.S. Bureau...
THECB Awarded $250,000 Grant for Direct Admissions Pathway
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 23, 2024
Austin, Texas – The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) has been awarded a $250,000 grant as one of the winners of The Great Admissions Redesign competition, sponsored by Lumina Foundation. The grant is aimed at supporting the design and development of the Direct Admissions Pathway.The Pathway, which will be integrated into My Texas Future, a comprehensive advising tool for Texans looking to pursue higher education, will notify students when they receive direct admission to participating institutions. Students can input their class rank and...
Over 100 Texas sheriffs back Operation Lone Star
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 23, 2024
On Friday, Governor Greg Abbott met with over 100 Texas sheriffs at the state capitol to support Operation Lone Star, a state initiative to address illegal immigration across the Texas border.
Governor Abbott Directs State Emergency Response Resources Ahead Of Severe Weather Across Texas
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 22, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of Texans as the state braces for severe weather. In a statement today, Governor Abbott emphasized the readiness of Texas to deploy emergency resources to assist local officials in responding to the impending storm system. "With the potential for dangerous conditions, including flash flooding and tornadoes, Texans in at-risk communities are urged to remain weather-aware and monitor all roadways to keep themselves and their loved ones safe," Governor Abbott stated.The National Weather Service has issued...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Three To Texas Medical Board District Three Review Committee
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 22, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Ogechika “Oge” Alozie, M.D., Taylor Gillig, and Gabrielle Rich, D.O. to the Texas Medical Board District Three for terms set to expire on January 15, 2030.Ogechika “Oge” Alozie, M.D., CEO of Sunset West Health in El Paso, expressed his commitment to serving on the board, showcasing his extensive experience in infectious disease care and membership in various medical associations. Alozie's background includes a Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from...
Governor Abbott Appoints Buckley, Creighton To Education Commission Of The States
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 22, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Representative Brad Buckley, D.V.M., and Senator Brandon Creighton to the Education Commission of the States (ECS) for terms to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. The ECS gathers and analyzes data concerning education needs and resources as well as encourages research in all aspects of education. The Commission was established over 50 years ago as an interstate compact on education policy.Representative Brad Buckley, D.V.M., of Salado is currently serving his third term in the Texas House of Representatives and represents House...
Today Senate Bill 4 Becomes Effective in the Lone Star State
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 21, 2024
On March 19, 2024, Senate Bill 4 has officially become effective in the Lone Star State. The bill introduces new state offenses related to illegal entry and re-entry from foreign countries, as well as non-compliance with orders for illegal aliens to return to their home countries.TPPF’s Chief of Intelligence, Joshua Trevino, emphasized the significance of Senate Bill 4, stating, “The bill achieves three major ends: it defends Texas communities, it asserts Texas’ legitimate Constitutional powers, and it signals that the old era—in which the federal government acts...
TPPF Launches National Center for Energy Analytics
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 21, 2024
The Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) has inaugurated the National Center for Energy Analytics (NCEA), a national energy think tank spearheaded by TPPF fellow Mark P. Mills.
TASA Partners with N2 Learning to Offer Leadership Series for New Principals
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 21, 2024
TASA is pleased to announce a new collaboration with N2 Learning to launch the New 2 Principalship Collaborative Coaching Series. This initiative aims to support the development of new school leaders and equip them with the necessary skills to create student-centered schools and foster future-ready students.According to TASA, the series will provide new principals with a platform to engage in discussions about leadership strategies, innovative solutions to current challenges, and networking opportunities with peers from different districts. Participants will...
St. Joseph’s intercession sought in upcoming Supreme Court decision
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 21, 2024
The upcoming Supreme Court decision regarding chemical abortion has sparked a call for prayer and intercession from the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities. The case focuses on the FDA's promotion of chemical abortion, which has led to concerns about risks to women and violations of federal law.In response to the case, the USCCB is urging Catholics to join in prayer starting on March 25, the eve of the oral arguments, seeking the intercession of St. Joseph, Defender of Life. The prayer invokes St. Joseph's role in protecting the Holy Family and asks for guidance in...
CPS Energy announces closure of a natural gas-fired power plant
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 20, 2024
CPS Energy, a public utility provider of electric and natural gas services in San Antonio and portions of seven adjoining counties, has announced the closure of its V.H. Braunig electric generation facility. In a filing to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the company stated it will "indefinitely suspend operations" of three units of the facility totaling 859-megawatts as of March 31, 2025.
TPPF Announces Border Security and Immigration Priorities for the 89th Legislative Session
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 20, 2024
The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Secure and Sovereign Texas campaign revealed its border security and immigration policy focuses for the upcoming 2025 89th Texas Legislative Session. Selene Rodriguez, the SST Campaign Director, emphasized the urgency of the situation by stating, "Texas is ground zero for the immigration and border security crisis caused by President Biden’s refusal to enforce the law."Rodriguez further asserted, "Texas has every right to protect its people and property, and it will be aggressive in asserting its constitutional authority to combat the...
Texas public utilities are promoting DEI policies
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 20, 2024
Several major electric utilities in Texas, including CenterPoint Energy, are advocating for internal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) as crucial to their long-term success. This initiative coincides with the implementation of a new law, penned by Texas state Sen. Brandon Creighton, that prohibits state public colleges and universities from establishing DEI offices.
Rep. Troxclair says she will continue work to 'ensure that all Texas taxpayers are protected from reckless financing schemes'
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 20, 2024
During the 88th regular session, former Austin City Council Member and, now, State Representative (HD-19), Ellen Troxclair filed HB3899 to address Austin’s proposed financing mechanism for its light rail project.
Making a Difference: An Interview with Representative Salman Bhojani
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 20, 2024
Highlights from our interview with Representative Salman Bhojani, House District 92.
Charter school entrepreneur: Charter schools are supposed to be guaranteed ‘the ability to innovate and be creative’
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 20, 2024
Starlee Coleman, CEO of the Texas Public Charter Schools Association, underscored the pivotal role of charter schools within the Texan educational landscape, emphasizing their distinctiveness in possessing autonomy and flexibility, enabling them to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of students and parents within the public school system. Coleman was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
The Center for the American Experiment announces study examining the realities and limitations of renewable energy
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 19, 2024
The Center for the American Experiment has released a study exploring the practicalities and constraints of a power grid with significant levels of renewable energy generation. The study identifies three key issues that proponents of renewable energy have yet to address.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas said solar generation will decline during April eclipse
By Lone Star Standard | Mar 19, 2024
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has announced that solar farm generation will significantly decline during the total solar eclipse on April 8. This will mark the first total eclipse since Texas began heavily relying on solar generation to power its grid.
