News from May 2021


'Entitled to answers': Lee thanks mom of officer killed during Jan. 6 Capitol riots, demands answers

U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Houston) recently took to social media, thanking the late U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick's mother for her son's sacrifice.


Fort Bend County judge recognizes ‘one of the most important Buddhist festivals’

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’

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.


Restraining order sought against Hardeman-owned entity over allegations of refusal to accept payment

A group of Texas real estate lenders named as defendants earlier this month in a $35 million lawsuit over a foreclosure sale is facing similar lawsuits in Austin.


'Many more to come': Biles sticks Yurchenko Double Pike at 2021 GK U.S. Classic

Simone Biles is shattering glass ceilings after being the first woman to successfully stick a Yurchenko Double Pike in a gymnastics competition at the 2021 GK U.S. Classic competition in Indiana.


McCaul calls on public officials to 'condemn attacks against the Jewish community'

Israel and Hamas are at war again, and Jews in the U.S. are feeling the repercussions as officials confirm an uptick in hate crimes throughout the country as a direct result.


Fletcher's proposed CARS for Vets Act 'provides a critical fix to allow disabled veterans to replace the adapted vehicles they need'

Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (D-Houston) recently proposed the Care Access Resources for Vets Act (CARS) in an effort to make it easier for disabled veterans to get vehicles that have been adjusted to meet their specific needs, according to a press release.


Yellowstone Schools' first college grads lauded for 'one of the first steps toward building a more just society'

Yellowstone Schools celebrated its first students to receive college educations at its annual event April 8.


Abbott removes Texas from federal pandemic unemployment programs, claims the Texas 'economy is booming'

Although the unemployment benefit boost from the federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program will continue through September, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that he will end the program in June.


'Sanity and safety will return': Abbott says he'll sign bill punishing cities that defund police departments

As communities across the country take aim at police reform and budgeting, the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill earlier this month that punishes cities that cut police funding.


New Clear Creek ISD superintendent Williams: 'Next year it will look more like a pre-pandemic school year'

Dr. Eric Williams, new superintendent of the Clear Creek Independent School District (ISD) in League City, Texas, said during an interview that getting back to a post COVID-19 pandemic curriculum this year is a big first step in his tenure.


Brady: 'We are seeing the highest inflation rates in decades thanks to Biden's economic blunders'

This Memorial Day weekend, there are more than 30 million Americans are expected to travel, and that’s 60% more people traveling than during the Memorial Day weekend last year, during the economic shutdown.


Houston Botanic Garden hosts all new BotaniCamp to help Houston youth 'grow appreciation of the natural world'

Elementary school children are invited to participate in the recently launched Houston Botanic Garden's BotaniCamp.


'Holding people accountable': Houston City Council approves stiffer fines for illegal dumping

On May 26, the Houston City Council approved a measure that will increase fines for the illegal dumping of refuse.


Turner commits to building a transit 'system that provides travel choices' during State of Mobility address

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner delivered his sixth consecutive State of Mobility address speech on May 27.


Miles commemorates the 30th anniversary of 'Houston legend' Mickey Leland's Environmental Internship Program

Sen. Borris Miles (D-Houston) recently commemorated the Mickey Leland Environmental Internship Program's (MLEIP) 30th anniversary on May 26.


Legislators express 'collective dissatisfaction' with GLO decision to exclude Harris County, City of Houston from receiving flood funding

Harris County lawmakers have joined together to rebuke the Texas General Land Office (GLO) for not including Houston and Harris County for Hurricane Harvey federal funding.


Abbott advises Texas locals to prepare 'essentials your family will need' ahead of hurricane season

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott urges Texan residents to prepare for potential evacuation and shelter warnings amid this year’s hurricane season, which was welcomed with the declaration of Hurricane Ana by the National Hurricane Center.


'It changed my life': Plummer recalls agony of struggling with COVID-19, isolation

Houston City Councilwoman Letitia Plummer recalled the agonies of getting the COVID-19 virus last year, but added that the worst part was how the illness isolated her from other people.


Election law bill 'not designed to protect Americans’ vote,' say three U.S. representatives

Republican congressmen say HR 1 must be rejected to defend election integrity