John Kelly News
Texas lawmakers, energy analysts say 'more is needed' to improve grid
By John Kelly | Feb 8, 2023
Following the severe winter storm Uri in 2021, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission to "take immediate action" in order to improve grid reliability across the Lone Star State.
'There are many types of privilege': UT Arlington hiring and admissions criteria changed to emphasize diversity
By John Kelly | Oct 4, 2022
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at UT Arlington has eight main initiatives to promote DEI.
Amid criticism, Texas State adds DEI&A to hiring process: 'Equity and inclusion are foundational principles'
By John Kelly | Oct 4, 2022
Texas State University has added DEI&A (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) into their qualifications for hiring staff and faculty.
Texas engaged in 'critical fight' against businesses that boycott oil
By John Kelly | Aug 16, 2022
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Glenn Hegar noted Texas' work against companies boycotting oil and gas in a recent tweet.
'We need to return as much of that as possible': Abbott endorses tax breaks
By John Kelly | Jul 22, 2022
With the news that Texas is expecting one of the biggest budget surpluses in its history, state leaders are calling for the use of the surplus to give financial breaks to taxpayers, such as a reduction in property taxes.
'It's time to be honest': Gitt criticizes merits of solar
By John Kelly | Jun 22, 2022
Energy expert Brian Gitt said energy is a matter of national security in a recent article.
CBP Chief: 'As temperatures start to rise in the summer, human smugglers will continue to exploit vulnerable populations'
By John Kelly | Jun 22, 2022
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Chief Chris Magnus is warning people about the dangers of human trafficking and smuggling for migrants attempting to enter the U.S. illegally across the Southern border.
Energy Expert Brian Gitt: 'Wall Street banks benefit most from wind & solar power'
By John Kelly | Jun 14, 2022
Energy Expert Brian Gitt voiced alarm on Twitter about renewable subsidies mainly helping major banks.
Daniel Cameron, Attorney General of Kentucky: 'There is an increasing trend among some investment management firms to use money...to push their own political agendas'
By John Kelly | Jun 3, 2022
Daniel Cameron, the Attorney General of Kentucky, recently issued a legal brief addressing the usage of money by investment management firms.
Hall criticizes TMB for treatment of doctors, calls Board 'unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats'
By John Kelly | May 23, 2022
Texas state Sen. Bob Hall recently spoke to the Austin Journal regarding the Texas Medical Board and the COVID-19 pandemic.
'People falsely assume batteries will save us': Expert attacks energy mix in California relative to Texas
By John Kelly | Apr 27, 2022
Energy experts argue that batteries are not a perfect renewable energy solution. In light of this, Texan generation of renewable energy has gone up considerably in the past several years and Texas' anticipated solar generation capacity increases through 2023 are going to outpace California's additions.
IRENA: 'The global shift to renewables is underway'
By John Kelly | Apr 22, 2022
The International Renewable Energy Agency released data earlier this week that demonstrated a large surge in the amount of renewable energy put in place around the world in 2021.
Texas taxpayers group: 'Property tax bills would not be going up unless local jurisdictions wanted to spend more money'
By John Kelly | Apr 21, 2022
Texas property taxes have recently become a subject of debate as home value appraisals have rapidly increased, resulting in rising property tax assessments.
Abbott: 'Texas is going to charter busses to take illegal immigrants to Washington, D.C.'
By John Kelly | Apr 19, 2022
The Biden administration recently confirmed that they would be ending Title 42 ejections from the southern border. At the same time, record sums of illegal migrants have tried to cross the United States border.
Energy executive: Volatility increasing, MISO has 'inability to deal with it'
By John Kelly | Apr 12, 2022
Energy volatility has emerged as an issue since the winter storm last February took out power for a large percentage of Texans and caused hundreds of deaths and billions in damage.
Texas Public Policy Foundation: "The laws and systems surrounding Texas' property tax are notoriously complicated"
By John Kelly | Mar 22, 2022
Property Taxes are controversial issue in the state of Texas, and draw bipartisan support for decreasing the tax burden on citizens in Texas. A report published by the Texas Public Policy Foundation in February of 2022 reveals property tax increases for Texas' most populous counties compared to the tax's preferred growth rate, which is a combination of inflation plus population growth.
'Error from our operating staff': Austin Water three-day boil blamed on employee error
By John Kelly | Feb 18, 2022
Former Austin Water executive director Greg Meszaros blamed the recent three-day boil water notice on a staff error at the state capital.
'I've been prepared for this opportunity': Defensive coordinator Salazar to take over as Westlake head coach
By John Kelly | Jan 17, 2022
The Westlake Chippewas football team has promoted defensive coordinator Tony Salazar into the head coaching role following the retirement of former head coach Todd Dodge. The team has performed well as of late with three straight state championships and hopes to continue that success with Salazar.
'Faith, family, football': Hyde Park hires Phil Dawson as new coach
By John Kelly | Jan 17, 2022
Former NFL kicker Phil Dawson is looking to turn around Hyde Park's football program as the team's head coach and assistant athletic director, both new roles for him.
'It's a no-brainer': U-Haul ranks Texas as fastest-growing state
By John Kelly | Jan 7, 2022
Texas has the most rapid growth of any state in the country, according to a report from U-Haul's Growth Index, with individual Texas cities performing well, according to their index as well.