News from October 2024
Texas Historical Commission announces free archeology fair in Austin
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 17, 2024
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) is set to host the 2024 Texas Archeology Fair on Saturday, October 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the French Legation State Historic Site in Austin. This event is open to the public at no cost.
Texas Historical Commission honors leaders in historic preservation
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 17, 2024
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has recognized several individuals and organizations for their contributions to historic preservation in Texas during 2023. The awards celebrate achievements in various categories, highlighting efforts in archeology, education, museum excellence, community heritage development, and more.
ACLU of Texas reacts to federal court's ruling on key provision in state's SB 1
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 17, 2024
A federal district court has ruled against a key provision of Texas' Senate Bill 1, marking what the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Texas describes as a victory for voting rights. The decision, issued on October 11, was announced by the ACLU in a press release dated October 15.
![Texas 2036 executive: Texans need the ‘bolder concept that it's [prosperity] not just a miracle’](https://s3.amazonaws.com/jnswire/jns-media/a0/85/19047387/webp_vmtyfvq3_400x400LL.webp)
Texas 2036 executive: Texans need the ‘bolder concept that it's [prosperity] not just a miracle’
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 16, 2024
John Hryhorchuk, the senior vice president of policy and advocacy at Texas 2036, said the organization uses data to address Texas' challenges and develop solutions aimed at ensuring the state's prosperity through its bicentennial and beyond, and that there is a need for a bold vision of sustained growth. Hryhorchuk was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
TEA Classroom Materials In Development to Address Teacher Concerns That Lead to Burnout
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 16, 2024
Evidence is mounting to show that the nation’s K-12 teachers are facing increasing workloads and other issues that are leading to their unhappiness and decisions to leave the profession. A September poll by the Wall Street Journal indicates school teachers across the country are generally unhappy as a result of student behavior, low pay, high work expectations, and issues caused by A.I. and cellphones in classrooms. A recent poll of Texas teachers by the Charles Butt Foundation indicates Texas teachers face similar challenges.
Texas Water Development Board approves funding for Hawkins lead line replacement
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 16, 2024
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) has approved financial assistance amounting to $2,510,204 for the City of Hawkins in Wood County. This funding is allocated for a lead service line inventory and replacement project under the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Lead Service Line Replacement Program.
Preparing for Texas 200th Year And Beyond: A Conversation With John Hryhorchuk
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 15, 2024
Highlights from our interview with John Hryhorchuk, Senior Vice President of Policy and Advocacy for Texas 2036.
Rep. Spiller: SB 4 is 'the strongest border security bill in state' and nation
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 15, 2024
Texas State Rep. David Spiller said he carried and passed HB 4 and SB 4, the strongest border security bills in state and national history, and remains committed to addressing border security and foreign land ownership issues due to his experience as a practicing attorney. Spiller was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks podcast.
Fort Capital CEO: ‘The one thing that makes markets better is the cost of living’
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 14, 2024
Chris Powers, Fort Capital CEO and The Fort podcast host, said that lowering the cost of living is key to improving markets, urging politicians to ease housing development regulations to make homes more affordable and address the long-term issues caused by unaffordable housing. Powers was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
The Other Ones Foundation ED: Right now ‘our restricted funding comes from contracts or government agencies’
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 14, 2024
Chris Baker, executive director at The Other Ones Foundation, said their program relies on various funding sources, but as they enter the next fiscal year, the city of Austin has withdrawn funding, leaving them to rely on contracts and government agencies while nearing the end of American Rescue Plan support. Baker was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Texas intensifies border security operations under Operation Lone Star
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 13, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are collaborating to enhance border security, focusing on stopping drug, weapon, and human smuggling into Texas. This effort aims to prevent transnational criminal activities between ports of entry.
Texas DPS releases report on compassionate use program to lawmakers
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 12, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has made public a report concerning the sustainability and accessibility of the state's Compassionate Use Program (CUP). This report has been shared with members of the Texas Public Safety Commission as well as state lawmakers.
Texas allocates funds to aid homeless veterans in four major cities
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 12, 2024
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) has announced funding for the Veterans Transitional Housing Pilot Program. This initiative allocates $400,000 to address transitional and housing needs for veterans in four Texas regions. The program was established by the 88th Texas Legislature, which designated $400,000 annually from the Homeless Housing and Services Program (HHSP) funds to assist veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
New book explores U.S.-Mexico relations amid modern border crisis
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 12, 2024
Today, the Texas Public Policy Foundation announced the release of a new book that examines U.S.-Mexico relations in the context of the current border crisis. "The Hard Country: The Mexican Crisis and America’s Answers" offers policy solutions based on the premise that Mexico is no longer a reliable partner.
Texas Hospital Association announces new leadership ahead of legislative session
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 12, 2024
The Texas Hospital Association (THA) has announced new leadership appointments in preparation for the upcoming 89th Texas Legislative session. Carrie Kroll has been appointed as the senior vice president of advocacy and public policy, succeeding Jennifer Banda, who will become the executive director for the Center for Women in Law at the University of Texas School of Law. Kroll brings 12 years of experience with THA, having managed legislative sessions and led responses to COVID-19.
Texas DPS honors officers' bravery at PSC meeting
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 12, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Public Safety Commission (PSC) held a meeting in Austin to honor several individuals for their exemplary service. The awards were presented by DPS Director Steven McCraw, who praised the honorees for their dedication to public safety.
Governor Abbott sends Texas resources for South Carolina's post-hurricane cleanup
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 12, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has dispatched personnel from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to South Carolina to aid in recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. This action comes after a request from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
Navasota earns designation as a Music Friendly Texas community
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 12, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the City of Navasota has been designated as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office (TMO). This designation follows the completion of a multi-step certification process aimed at promoting economic development and job creation related to music in Texas cities.
TCEQ approves fines totaling $464,209 for environmental regulation breaches
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 12, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has approved penalties amounting to $389,767 against 19 entities for breaching state environmental regulations. The penalties were issued in various enforcement categories, including air quality, municipal solid waste, and water quality.
DPS names new training center after retiring director Steven C. McCraw
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 12, 2024
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven C. McCraw was recognized for his leadership and service at his final Public Safety Commission (PSC) meeting before retiring later this year. The meeting, held at DPS headquarters in Austin, saw PSC Chairman Steven P. Mach and commissioners Nelda Luce Blair, Dan Hord III, Larry Long, and Steve Stodghill adopt a resolution to name the new training facility in Williamson County as the Steven C. McCraw Law Enforcement Academy and Training Center.
