News from March 2024
Babin Introduces the Remain in Canada Act
By Houston Daily | Mar 21, 2024
U.S. Congressman Brian Babin has introduced the Remain in Canada Act (H.R. 7739), a bill that seeks to apply President Trump’s “Remain in Mexico” policy to the U.S.-Canada border. Babin expressed his concerns about the current state of America's borders, stating, “Due to the current administration’s actions – complete negligence at best or, more likely, an intentional mass-replacement effort – America’s borders are being overrun by millions of unvetted immigrants from around the world.”Babin highlighted the increasing number of illegal crossings at both the southern and...
Luttrell Introduces STOP Enemies Act
By Houston Daily | Mar 21, 2024
WASHINGTON – Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and a bipartisan group of Representatives have introduced the Safeguarding Tactics and Operational Procedures (STOP) from Enemies Act of 2024 in the House of Representatives. The legislation aims to protect U.S. military training tactics from foreign adversaries by expanding the definition of aiding the enemy.In a statement, Congressman Luttrell emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, “Protecting U.S. military training tactics from foreign adversaries is paramount to safeguarding our national security interests and...
Rep. Troy E. Nehls and Rep. Dan Crenshaw Call for Accountability in Wake of United Airlines Safety Incidents
By Houston Daily | Mar 21, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Troy E. Nehls and Congressman Dan Crenshaw have raised concerns over recent major safety incidents at United Airlines, prompting them to send a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. In the letter, the congressmen emphasized the need for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to implement accountability measures to safeguard the public's safety and ensure such incidents do not recur.Regarding the safety incidents at United Airlines, Congressman Nehls and Congressman Crenshaw highlighted the importance of...
HISD hosting bus driver hiring event March 27
By Houston Daily | Mar 21, 2024
The Houston Independent School District (HISD) is actively seeking bus drivers and micro bus drivers for the upcoming 2023-2024 school year. The Transportation Services Department, in partnership with Human Resources, will be organizing a Transportation Job Fair on Wednesday, March 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Northwest Motor Pool complex located at 6351 Pinemont Drive, 77092."HISD bus drivers earn a starting hourly wage of $18 (with a guaranteed minimum of six hours per day) and can earn $500 extra per month for perfect attendance through May," shared the HISD...
Venezuela's Refusal to Take Back Criminals Sparks Concerns in the U.S.
By Houston Daily | Mar 21, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an op-ed for The Hill, Congressman Troy E. Nehls and Greg Sindelar shed light on the tragic case of Laken Hope Riley, a young nursing student whose life was cut short by a Venezuelan national who entered the U.S. unlawfully. The authors criticize the Biden administration's handling of illegal immigration, emphasizing the dangers posed by allowing criminals to remain in the country.The article highlights the challenges posed by Venezuela's refusal to repatriate its citizens who have committed crimes in the United States. Nehls and Sindelar express...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Missy Medary as Presiding Judge of Fifth Administrative Judicial Region
By Houston Daily | Mar 20, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Missy Medary as the presiding judge of the Fifth Administrative Judicial Region, as reported on March 19, 2024. Medary, who hails from Corpus Christi, has held this position since 2015, as stated by Governor Abbott, "Governor Abbott has reappointed Missy Medary as the presiding judge of the Fifth Administrative Judicial Region for a term set to expire four years from the date of qualification."In addition to her role as the presiding judge, Medary also serves as the judge of the 347th District Court. She brings a wealth of experience...
Governor Abbott Announces Appointments To Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium Executive Committee
By Houston Daily | Mar 20, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has revealed the initial members of the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium Executive Committee (TSIC EC) during an event held at the University of Texas Dallas (UT Dallas). The committee's primary goal is to oversee the operations of the Consortium and collaborate with industry stakeholders to solidify Texas' standing as a national frontrunner in advanced semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing.In his address, Governor Abbott emphasized Texas' historical significance in the semiconductor realm, stating, "Texas is the birthplace of the...
Governor Abbott Reappoints Estevez As Presiding Judge Of Ninth Administrative Judicial Region
By Houston Daily | Mar 20, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Ana Estevez as the presiding judge of the Ninth Administrative Judicial Region for a term set to expire four years from the date of qualification.Estevez, who hails from Amarillo, is currently the judge of the 251st Judicial District Court of Potter and Randall counties. She has been serving as the presiding judge of the Ninth Administrative Judicial Region since 2020.Estevez's dedication to the legal field is evident through her involvement in various committees and associations. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas, Texas...
McCaul Slams Biden Admin’s Crackdown on Gas Cars
By Houston Daily | Mar 20, 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) criticized President Biden's new regulations aimed at gas-powered vehicles, calling it a move that is out of touch with American families. In a statement, Rep. McCaul expressed his concerns, stating, "Just when it seems like President Biden can’t get any more out of touch with the needs of American families, he takes his administration’s radical climate agenda one step further."McCaul further emphasized the potential negative impact of the crackdown on gas cars, suggesting that it could lead to higher prices and make...
Houston Man Sentenced to 90 Years for 2017 Crime Spree That Left Two Dead
By Houston Daily | Mar 20, 2024
A 60-year-old Houston man, Russell Cormier, was sentenced to 90 years in prison for a 2017 crime spree that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg expressed relief that justice was served after a lengthy trial process. Ogg stated, “Our prosecutors work hard to bring cases like this to trial to get justice for victims’ families who should not have to wait this long.”Cormier's violent actions included the fatal shooting of his ex-wife and a former co-worker during a two-day rampage in northeast Houston. The incident was fueled by...
Houston City Council Passes Tax Exemption for Child-Care Facilities
By Houston Daily | Mar 20, 2024
Houston City Council has recently passed an amendment to provide a tax exemption for qualifying child-care facilities effective from the 2024 tax year. This decision comes after the successful passing of Proposition 2 in November 2023, which granted cities and counties the authority to offer property tax exemptions for child-care facilities. The new amendment, known as Section 44-30, enables eligible child-care facilities to claim either a partial or complete exemption from their property taxes.Child-care providers seeking to benefit from this tax exemption must meet...
Governor Abbott Renews Drought Disaster Declaration In March 2024
By Houston Daily | Mar 19, 2024
Austin, Texas - In response to ongoing exceptional drought conditions, Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the drought disaster declaration for multiple counties in Texas. The proclamation, issued on March 17, 2024, underscores the severity of the situation and the need for immediate action.Governor Abbott's proclamation highlighted the continuation of drought conditions in several counties, excluding a few specific ones. The declaration extends to counties including Bandera, Bell, Bexar, Blanco, Burnet, and many others. The Governor emphasized the importance of utilizing...
Greg Abbott Renews Border Security Disaster Declaration in March 2024
By Houston Daily | Mar 19, 2024
Governor Abbott Renews Border Security Disaster Declaration In March 2024Texas Governor Greg Abbott has renewed the border security disaster declaration in the state, citing the ongoing and imminent threat posed by individuals unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border. The proclamation, originally issued on May 31, 2021, has been renewed to address the surge of individuals crossing the border, affecting numerous Texas counties and state agencies.Governor Abbott stated, "WHEREAS, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on May 31, 2021..."...
Governor Abbott Appoints Six To Onestar National Service Commission
By Houston Daily | Mar 19, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed and reappointed six individuals to the OneStar National Service Commission, as announced on March 18, 2024. The commission plays a crucial role in promoting volunteerism in Texas and overseeing the administration of AmeriCorps programs within the state.Jie Li, a partner at Reflexion Capitol, has been appointed to the commission. Li's impressive background includes being a member of various associations such as the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels Association and the Cornell Free Speech Alliance. She holds a bachelor's degree from...
Governor Abbott Appoints McCleskey As Independent Ombudsman For Texas Juvenile Justice Department
By Houston Daily | Mar 19, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Robert “Sean” McCleskey as the Independent Ombudsman for the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) for a term set to expire on February 1, 2025. The Office of the Independent Ombudsman is a state agency established for the purpose of investigating, evaluating, and securing the rights of the children committed to TJJD.According to a press release by the Office of the Texas Governor, McCleskey, a resident of San Antonio, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He is the former chief criminal investigator for the Bexar County...
Crenshaw, Spanberger, Dean, Hunt Lead Bipartisan Effort to Target Online Sales of Illicit Drugs Laced with Fentanyl
By Houston Daily | Mar 19, 2024
U.S. Representatives Dan Crenshaw, Abigail Spanberger, Madeleine Dean, and Wesley Hunt have joined forces to introduce bipartisan legislation aimed at combating the online sale of counterfeit pills and illicit drugs laced with fentanyl. The bill, known as the Targeting Online Sales of Fentanyl Act, seeks to address the growing concern of fentanyl-related deaths and the proliferation of these dangerous substances on the internet.Crenshaw emphasized the importance of understanding the current landscape of online fentanyl sales, stating, “We can’t offer solutions to combat...
Houston Man Sentenced to Prison for Committing Bigamy a Second Time
By Houston Daily | Mar 19, 2024
A Houston man, Orlando Coleman, has been sentenced to three years in prison for committing bigamy just two months after being put on probation for the same offense. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced the sentencing, stating, "At the heart of this repeat offender’s schemes was a plan to defraud women and take advantage of them for financial gain."Coleman, who portrayed himself as a bishop traveling to churches across the country, was found to have married at least 10 women in different states. Assistant District Attorney Vanessa Goussen, who prosecuted...
Partners Collaborate to Support Healthier Community in Third Ward
By Houston Daily | Mar 19, 2024
The University of Houston has joined forces with various community partners in the Third Ward Community Health Collaborative (TWCHC) to address health challenges faced by Houstonians within the historic neighborhood. Linda Civallero, director of community outreach for the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine, emphasized the importance of equal participation among partners, stating, "It’s important that everyone has an equal voice in this effort."The collaborative recently received grants totaling $310,000 from the Episcopal Health Foundation to enhance...
UH’s Energy Transition Institute Leader Appointed to Department of Energy Committee
By Houston Daily | Mar 18, 2024
Joe Powell, the founding executive director of the Energy Transition Institute at the University of Houston, has been appointed to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Technology Innovation Advisory Committee (ITIAC) by U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.The committee, consisting of 18 members, will focus on accelerating the development of innovative technologies and processes to help decarbonize the American industrial sector and reduce emissions. Powell stated, "The collaborative work of the ITIAC aligns seamlessly with the mission of the Energy Transition...
UH Basketball: It’s All About “The Little Things.”
By Houston Daily | Mar 18, 2024
UH basketball players LJ Cryer and Jamal Shead showcased their teamwork and skill in a recent game against Iowa State, leading the University of Houston Cougars to victory. Cryer's transfer to UH from Baylor has proven successful, with him crediting Coach Kelvin Sampson for his improvement in defense. Cryer emphasizes the importance of the coach's honest and dedicated approach to player development.In a similar vein, Shead speaks highly of Coach Sampson's consistency and commitment, highlighting the coach's unwavering support for the team. Despite individual accolades and...