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Benjamin Kibbey News
'We have an obligation to protect our Afghan partners': House passes legislation to speed up visas for Afghan allies
By Benjamin Kibbey | Jul 31, 2021
As the U.S. finalizes its departure from Afghanistan, the U.S. House of Representatives recently passed legislation intended to protect Afghans who worked with coalition forces.
'Couldn't be more excited': City of Houston hosts first official Día de los Muertos celebration Nov. 6
By Benjamin Kibbey | Jul 30, 2021
Houston's first official Día de los Muertos – Day of the Dead – celebration is scheduled to take place this November.
'Honored': Trae tha Truth opens Houston franchise of ice cream shop that employs special needs individuals
By Benjamin Kibbey | Jul 30, 2021
Trae tha Truth, a local Houston rapper, recently opened an ice cream shop that employs individuals with special needs as part of larger celebrations for Trae Day.
Houston, Harris County to receive ‘$750 million for mitigation efforts’ following backlash
By Benjamin Kibbey | Jun 1, 2021
Following a backlash over the Texas General Land Office’s failure to provide funding to the City of Houston and Harris County following Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Land Commissioner George P. Bush said he will seek $750 million in federal aid for the county.
Fort Bend County judge recognizes ‘one of the most important Buddhist festivals’
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 31, 2021
Fort Bend County Judge K.P. George recently gave a shout out to Buddha, marking Vesak Day with an admonition to “pray for peace and harmony for all the humankind.”
Miles recognizes Bearkats on state Senate floor: ‘Thank you for making Texas proud’
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 31, 2021
After the Sam Houston University football team’s first National Championship win, beating South Dakota State 23-21 in the final minutes, Sen. Borris Miles (D-Houston) hosted members of the team for an official recognition.
Hernandez sponsors bill to provide ‘readily-accessible lifeline’ to teens in crisis
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 27, 2021
The Texas House of Representatives recently passed a piece of legislation aimed at helping to prevent youth suicide by adding information to student identification cards encouraging those who need it to seek help.
Gallegos urges Houstonians to ‘file complaints each and every time’ trains block roadways
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 27, 2021
Houston City Council member Robert Gallegos is urging local residents to take action and report incidents of stopped and idling trains blocking roadways around the city, which he said are not just an inconvenience, but a safety concern.
‘I am doing much better’: Thierry updates constituents on her health following emergency room visit
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 26, 2021
A recent hospital stay for state Rep. Shawn Thierry (D-Houston) came in light of health concerns for the representative, but tests came back negative for anything serious, and may have been related to muscle cramps.
'Faith is essential in many Texans' lives': Texas lawmakers push effort to exempt religious organizations from future shutdowns
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 26, 2021
In response to concerns raised during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic regarding restrictions that extended to churches, a piece of legislation currently being considered by the Texas House of Representatives would deem all houses of worship as “essential.”
Bonnen supports end to federal unemployment additions: ‘Texas is fully open’
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 26, 2021
After June 26, Texans will no longer be able to participate in either the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation Program or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, which supplemented normal unemployment benefits during the pandemic.
Morales calls Vanessa Guillén Memorial Highway an ‘important step to take’ in preserving her memory
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 26, 2021
A piece of legislation that would rename a portion of Highway 3 in Harris County to the Vanessa Guillén Memorial Highway, after U.S. Army Spc. Vanessa Guillén, recently passed both chambers of the Texas Legislature.
Jetton on National EMS Week: 'We are grateful to these first responders for serving our community'
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 25, 2021
State Rep. Jacey Jetton (R-Sugar) recently offered his gratitude and recognition for the work done by first responders in the local community as part of National EMS Week, which is in its 46th year.
Hernandez’s bill to ‘fund critical assistance programs’ for human trafficking victims passes Texas Legislature
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 25, 2021
Both chambers of the Texas Legislature recently approved a piece of legislation that is intended to help combat the impact of human trafficking by funding assistance to its victims.
Texas Senate bill would limit HOA’s ability to ban religious displays and ‘ensure Texans own their front yard again’
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 25, 2021
Texas Senate Bill 581, entitled “The Homeowners Religious Freedom Act,” takes aim at homeowners associations (HOA) by making it illegal for such organizations to prohibit homeowners from displaying religious symbols and imagery in their yards.
'And so it begins': Tropical Storm Ana offers early warning of coming hurricane season
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 24, 2021
The Atlantic hurricane season is getting ready for an early start, with the National Hurricane Center naming the first tropical storm of the year, Tropical Storm Ana.
Kolkhorst authors Senate Bill 1776: 'Let's pass on the amazing American story to our children, grandchildren'
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 24, 2021
A bill recently passed unanimously in the Texas Senate that would require public schools to offer an elective course in the nation’s founding principles, and may have inspired a similar bill in the state House of Representatives related to Texas itself.
Abbott signs fetal heartbeat law, Dems vow to ‘see the Texas GOP in federal court’
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 24, 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott has signed into law a state Senate bill that makes it illegal to get an abortion if there is a fetal heart beat present, and opponents have warned that the law could face legal challenges in federal court.
Schuster seeks to inspire passion for history and government in students, 'really get them involved'
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 24, 2021
William Schuster – a history teacher, volleyball coach and baseball coach at Ball High School in Galveston – also serves as a member of the Galveston City Council, and is one of the youngest council members to recently serve.
Abbott bans mask mandates: ‘Texans, not government, should decide their best health practices’
By Benjamin Kibbey | May 23, 2021
With approximately a third of the state’s population currently vaccinated, Gov. Greg Abbott has issued an executive order that prohibits all state and local government entities from requiring individuals to wear masks, though the order does not affect some facilities.