News from October 2024
OPINION: Texas Supreme Court Opinion Signals Likely Change in State Gun Laws
By Michael Cargill | Oct 11, 2024
It’s high time the Texas Legislature “re-open the hood” and get to work fixing state statutes governing the carrying of handguns. And recent news suggests they will do just that.
Fort Capital CEO: ‘We live in arguably one of the best economies’
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 11, 2024
Chris Powers, CEO of Fort Capital and host of The Fort podcast, said the U.S. economy offers everything from strong infrastructure and border trade to a growing population, Fortune 500 relocations, advanced medical systems in Houston, space industry growth, and a booming oil and gas sector. Powers was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Texas' "One Pill Kills" campaign reaches over 1.5 billion impressions
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 11, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas' "One Pill Kills" multimedia awareness campaign has reached over 1.5 billion impressions since its launch in September 2023. This figure is nearly double the projected amount, achieved through various media channels including social media, podcasts, digital displays, and billboards. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) plans to continue the campaign until August 2025.
TCEQ to hold stakeholder meetings on rulemaking
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 10, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) will conduct a series of stakeholder meetings to gather informal comments on rulemaking and the state plan for existing crude oil and natural gas facilities.
DIR stresses importance of cybersecurity in digital age
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 10, 2024
The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) has reiterated its commitment to maintaining robust cybersecurity in an increasingly digital world.
The Other Ones Foundation ED: The Housing First philosophy is ‘not how it shakes out 'in practice'
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 10, 2024
Chris Baker, executive director at The Other Ones Foundation, said the Housing First philosophy is sound in theory, aiming to remove barriers to resolving housing crises, but it has shifted from a flexible approach to a one-size-fits-all solution that doesn’t align with actual practice. Baker was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
TDLR issues six-month emergency closure order against North Texas massage parlor
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 9, 2024
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has closed a North Texas massage parlor due to suspected human trafficking activities.
TxDOT announces historic funding for state's ship channels
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 9, 2024
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has announced a significant allocation of funds for the state's ship channels.
Fort Capital CEO: We buy spaces ’servicing the more small to medium sized businesses’
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 9, 2024
Chris Powers, Fort Capital CEO and The Fort podcast host, said Class B building are often located in older, now-central neighborhoods, serve dense trade areas, and are hard to replace, while Fort Capital focuses on smaller industrial spaces catering to small and medium-sized businesses. Powers was a guest on a recent episode of the Texas Talks Podcast.
Abbott: 'A strong and fair civil justice system is the bedrock of our great state'
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 9, 2024
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said maintaining a "strong and fair civil justice system" is a foundational aspect of Texas government. He made the statements in a proclamation recognizing Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week.
Texas DPS Fitness Wellness Unit wins national officer wellness award
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 9, 2024
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that its Fitness Wellness Unit (FWU) has received the 2024 Officer Wellness Award. This recognition is for the unit's significant efforts to enhance the physical and mental health of DPS personnel throughout Texas.
Federal appeals court to hear case on NLRB’s employer speech policy
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 9, 2024
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit is scheduled to hear oral arguments concerning the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) actions, which some claim infringe on employers' First Amendment rights. The case focuses on the NLRB's recent interpretation of "unfair labor practices," which allegedly restricts employers from discussing unionization with their employees.
Governor Abbott sends aid to Florida, Tennessee amid hurricanes
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 9, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to send emergency response and recovery resources to Florida and Tennessee. This decision follows requests from the Florida Division of Emergency Management in anticipation of Hurricane Milton and from the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency for recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene.
TCEQ schedules stakeholder meetings for feedback on environmental regulations
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 9, 2024
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has scheduled stakeholder meetings for November 6, 14, and 20, 2024. These meetings aim to gather informal comments on proposed rulemaking and insights regarding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposed model rule. The focus will be on potential impacts on individuals, communities, and regulated entities.
The Other Ones Foundation ED: I 'believe firmly in people having access to dignified resources’
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 8, 2024
Chris Baker, executive director of The Other Ones Foundation, said they formed the organization in 2017. Since then it has grown to offer non-congregate shelter, workforce training, and daily work opportunities for its residents at the Esperanza Community, what Baker calls "dignified resources." Esperanza is currently offering 100 cabins in southeast Austin, soon expanding to 200 cabins with further growth planned.
Beyond100K Summit focuses on 'belonging' in education transformation
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 5, 2024
Beyond100K will host its annual summit in Austin, Texas, from October 7-9, 2024. The event aims to address the STEM teacher shortage and promote a diverse and equitable education system. This year's theme, "Belonging is the Root," highlights the importance of belonging in transforming educational environments.
Texas Department highlights importance of cybersecurity in digital age
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 5, 2024
In the current digital era, cybersecurity has become a crucial concern for individuals, businesses, and government entities. The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) emphasizes the importance of safeguarding data and infrastructure as cyber threats continue to evolve.
Texas DPS honors fallen trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 5, 2024
Today, a large gathering took place at Community of Faith Church in Hockley to honor Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez. His family, including his parents and three siblings, were present alongside friends and colleagues to bid farewell to the trooper who joined DPS in 2023.
Texas unveils plan to address healthcare workforce shortages
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 5, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has announced the release of a comprehensive report by the Healthcare Workforce Task Force, aimed at addressing healthcare workforce shortages in Texas. The recommendations seek to meet the demands of the state's growing population.
Podcast explores texas whiskey trail featuring local distilleries
By Lone Star Standard | Oct 4, 2024
The podcast highlights grain-to-glass distilleries across Texas, now streaming on all platforms
