News from October 2024
Texas leads the nation with highest wholesale electricity prices
By Lone Star Standard reports | Oct 31, 2024
Texas had the highest wholesale electricity prices in the U.S. over the last three years, according to a new report released by the Energy Alliance.
Texas seeks feedback on new well plugging initiative
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 31, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is set to launch the Texas Voluntary Marginal Conventional Well Plugging Program (TxMCW) and is seeking public input on its Well Prioritization Plan.
iWatchTexas sees record rise in school safety reports for September
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 31, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety's iWatchTexas program recorded a significant increase in school safety reports for September 2024, more than doubling the numbers from previous years.
Governor Abbott appoints Rodriguez to State Pension Review Board
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 31, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. to the State Pension Review Board for a term that will end on January 31, 2029.
Crime Stoppers tip leads to arrest of murder suspect Adiah Roberson
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 31, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced the arrest of Adiah Roberson, a fugitive listed among Texas' 10 Most Wanted.
Sen. Creighton: ‘Rural Texas is conservative and has old-time Texas values’ while ‘metropolitan areas’ may or may not
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 31, 2024
Texas Sen. Brandon Creighton said rural Texas holds traditional values like hard work, integrity, and faith, while larger metropolitan areas often embrace leftist policies similar to those implemented by leaders like Gavin Newsom, including support for gender reassignment surgeries for minors. Creighton was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
OPINION: Social Security Must Be Protected and Election Season is the Perfect Time to Commit To It
By Harvey Hilderbran | Oct 31, 2024
During an election year – especially a presidential one – people here in Texas and across the nation are paying closer attention to politics than usual.
The Path to Better Leadership for Public Schools in Texas: A Conversation with Aaron Silva
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 30, 2024
Highlights from our interview with Aaron Silva, parent of two and founder of Texas Education Project 103.
Texas honors top educators with annual teacher awards
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 27, 2024
The Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) has announced the winners of the 2025 Texas Teacher of the Year awards.
TCEQ approves $254K in fines for environmental violations
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 27, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has approved penalties amounting to $174,534 against 15 entities for violations of state environmental regulations.
Federal government releases October research digest with 16 new publications
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 27, 2024
The October 2024 edition of the CTR Library's Research Digest is now available for download.
Texas governor renews drought disaster declaration for numerous counties
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 27, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has amended and renewed a drought disaster proclamation in Texas.
Senator Creighton on DEI in Texas colleges: 'It was very clear what was happening at the university level'
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 26, 2024
Texas Sen. Brandon Creighton said that when he took over the Senate Education chairmanship, combining K-12 and higher education revealed a trend at Texas public universities where hiring faculty seemed to require adherence to a leftist, Marxist political stance. Creighton was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Texas 2036 official publishes report on state’s relationship between water infrastructure and economic growth, development
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 25, 2024
Jeremy B. Mazur, the Director of Natural Resources & Infrastructure Policy for Texas 2036, has authored and published a report titled "Foundation for Economic Growth: Assessing Texas’ Water Infrastructure Needs."
South Dallas welcomes new affordable housing development
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 24, 2024
Highpoint at Wynnewood, a new housing development in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, has officially opened. The property consists of 220 units aimed at working-class families. Among these units, 35 are designated for families earning 30 percent or less of the Area Median Income (AMI), while the remaining 185 units are reserved for households earning up to 60 percent of AMI.
Texas home prices stable overall; metro areas show mixed trends
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 24, 2024
Median home sales prices in Texas showed varied trends across different metro areas during the third quarter of 2024, as reported by Texas REALTORS®. The statewide median price remained steady at $340,000 compared to the same period last year. However, there were notable changes in specific regions. Increases were observed in 17 metro areas, while nine saw declines.
Texas acts against Red Flour Beetle outbreak in El Paso County
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 24, 2024
Today, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller provided an update on the efforts to eradicate the Red Flour Beetle infestation in El Paso County. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), alongside local and state partners, has initiated a strong response through its Biosecurity Enforcement Division to control the situation. This initiative aims to provide immediate relief and prevent further spread of the pest.
Report urges U.S. action to maintain leadership in global LNG market
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 24, 2024
The National Center for Energy Analytics (NCEA) has released a report authored by Senior Fellow Tristan Abbey, which examines the current state of U.S. liquid natural gas (LNG) exports and suggests strategies to maintain and expand the nation's leadership in the global LNG market. The report highlights the historical rise of U.S. LNG exports and stresses the importance of reforms to seize what Abbey describes as a "once-in-a-generation" opportunity.
Governor Abbott announces upcoming summit in Sweetwater for small business support
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 24, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the next Governor’s Small Business Summit will take place in Sweetwater on October 31, 2024. These summits are organized throughout the year across Texas to assist small business owners and entrepreneurs by providing them with necessary resources and information for starting, strengthening, and growing their businesses.
Texas 2036 provides primer on state budget
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 24, 2024
Texas 2036, a nonprofit and nonpartisan public policy research and advocacy organization, has released a primer on the state's budget.
