News from October 2024
Texas Realtors report shows stability in median home prices while most areas see increases
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 24, 2024
Texas Realtors has released its 2024 Q3 Texas Quarterly Housing Report, indicating that while median home prices in the state have remained stable, most metropolitan areas have experienced increases.
A discussion about education & election integrity in Texas with Senator Brandon Creighton
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 24, 2024
Highlights from our interview with Senator Brandon Creighton.
TEA Reports Student Performance Gains in Bluebonnet Learning Pilot
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 22, 2024
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) shared results this week from pilot projects in Texas school districts to test its new Bluebonnet Learning materials. The test of the materials in a limited number of schools ran from 2020 to 2023.
TXOGA President Staples praises September increase in upstream oil and natural gas employment as welcome news
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 22, 2024
Last month, upstream oil and natural gas employment in Texas increased by 800 jobs, surpassing the figures recorded in August. This information comes from new data provided by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) and received by the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA).
Texas 2036 executive: ‘Native Texans’ need to ‘have the skills and credentials necessary’ to fill future jobs’
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 22, 2024
John Hryhorchuk, the senior vice president of policy and advocacy at Texas 2036, said Texas needs to ensure its native workforce has the skills to fill future jobs while addressing key infrastructure challenges like energy and water to sustain long-term economic growth and affordability. Hryhorchuk was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Texas Water Development Board approves $16.87M for Honey Grove wastewater improvements
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 21, 2024
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has approved financial assistance totaling $16,870,000 for the City of Honey Grove in Fannin County. This funding includes $6,870,000 in financing and $10,000,000 in principal forgiveness from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funds will be used for planning, acquisition, design, and construction related to improvements in the city's wastewater system.
Rep. Spiller: ‘There's nothing targeted’ in property restrictions
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 21, 2024
Texas State Rep. David Spiller said property restrictions are not limited to agricultural land or dual citizens but can include minerals, leases, and other interests, with complexities in determining entity ownership through public records. Spiller was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks podcast.
Cybersecurity tips shared by DIR for safe remote working
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 20, 2024
One of the key defenses against online threats for remote workers is keeping devices updated. This includes installing the latest security patches and updating web browsers, security software, and operating systems. Employees should check with their IT departments to ensure alignment with organizational patch management policies.
Alabama-Coushatta Tribe honored with Texas Rain Catcher Award
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 19, 2024
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has announced the recipients of its annual Texas Rain Catcher Award, recognizing excellence in rainwater harvesting systems. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe, located in Livingston, Texas, was honored in the governmental category.
Governor Abbott appoints Mark Edwards to advisory council
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 19, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Dr. Mark Edwards to the Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome Advisory Council. His term will last until August 31, 2025. The council's role is to provide advice to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Legislature on matters related to research, diagnosis, treatment, and education concerning pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome.
Texas bishops commend courts' decision halting Robert Roberson's execution
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 19, 2024
The Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops has expressed gratitude for the decision by the Texas Supreme Court and the Travis County 200th District Court to halt the execution of Robert Roberson. The court's action acknowledges a subpoena from the Texas House for Roberson to appear before the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee, thereby postponing his execution.
Texas 2036 executive: ‘We've been involved in a lot of bills that have become law’
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 18, 2024
John Hryhorchuk, senior vice president of policy at Texas 2036, said they've supported over 100 bills, including reforms to the school fund, pension system, and infrastructure, saving taxpayers billions. Hryhorchuk was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas executive director Wilkison announces retirement
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 18, 2024
Charley Wilkison, Executive Director of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT), has announced his retirement effective December 31, 2024. This decision marks the conclusion of Wilkison's three-decade-long association with CLEAT, which began in August 1994. He took on the role of executive director in July 2013.
Sid Miller orders use of Rio Grande overflow for irrigation amid Mexican rains
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 18, 2024
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has issued an executive order allowing farmers and ranchers in Texas to use water from the Rio Grande for irrigation. This decision comes after heavy rainfall in Mexico led to significant runoff from the Marte Gomez reservoir, resulting in excess water flowing into the Gulf of Mexico.
Abbott announces updates to Texas Small Business Credit Initiative Program
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 17, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the latest list of approved financial institutions participating in the Texas Small Business Credit Initiative (TSBCI) Program is now accessible online. Alongside this, a new, simplified application process for financial institutions has been introduced. The TSBCI Program aims to foster small business growth and job creation by enhancing access to funding.
Texas bishops urge halt to Robert Roberson's execution
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 17, 2024
The Texas bishops have called for a stay of execution for Robert Roberson, urging the public to engage in 24 hours of prayer as his execution date approaches. The bishops expressed their belief that "the justice system has failed in this case," yet they hold hope that "Robert’s life can be saved."
Texas State Library opens applications for 2025 research fellowship
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 17, 2024
The Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) is currently accepting applications for its 2025 Research Fellowship in Texas History. This fellowship offers a $2,000 stipend and is awarded to the best research proposal that makes use of the collections at the State Archives in Austin or the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center in Liberty, Texas.
Rep. Spiller: ‘There are so many terrorists pouring into our country’
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 17, 2024
Texas State Rep. David Spiller said the country faces a significant threat from open borders, with human trafficking and terrorists entering at record levels, warning that another 9/11-scale attack could happen due to the unchecked influx. Spiller was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks podcast.
Texas Education Agency Unveils Bluebonnet Learning Materials to Boost Academic Achievement
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 17, 2024
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released its updated Bluebonnet Learning instructional materials this week, developed as part of the Texas Open Education Resources (OER) initiative that was launched in May. The new resources, designed in response to House Bill 1605 that passed the state legislature in 2023, is intended to improve academic outcomes across the state while providing teachers with classroom support.
Joseph Bell appointed executive director of Texas Historical Commission
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 17, 2024
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has appointed Joseph Bell as its new executive director. Bell, who has served as the deputy executive director of the agency's historic sites division since 2015, will now lead the organization and its 350 employees.
