Houston Daily

A Louisiana man, Kentrell Obrien Brumfield, has been sentenced to life in prison for a heinous crime that resulted in the death of a young woman during a double shooting incident. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg expressed the severity of the situation by stating, “Our office takes all allegations of domestic violence so seriously because we see, far too often, that it escalates to murder. And, sometimes, like in this horribly unfair and tragic case, a completely innocent bystander loses their life.”The tragic event occurred when Brumfield broke into his...

This Is Not Mayor Whitmire's First Rodeo!

Mayor John Whitmire, as he often says, "This is not my first rodeo," is actively tackling the challenges inherited at City Hall and remains committed to promoting government transparency, improving public safety, and solving problems. Six weeks into his role, the mayor is building a team of experienced public servants who share his vision of a stronger Houston. He is also working closely with Council Members to ensure constituent's needs are being met.Regarding the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Vice Mayor Pro Tem presented a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Whitmire,...

Crenshaw Highlights Completion of Flood Mitigation Project, Protecting Kingwood High School

Congressman Dan Crenshaw, in a recent event in Kingwood, Texas, highlighted the completion of a flood mitigation project that aims to protect Kingwood High School from future storms. The project, which was 90% federally funded, involved collaboration between FEMA, Humble Independent School District, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management.Crenshaw emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "No one ever wants to see flooding like we saw during Hurricane Harvey, especially in our children’s schools. Prevention and preparation is key, and that’s what this...

Governor Abbott Appoints Four To Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed four individuals to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Advisory Council in Texas. The Council's purpose is to study and monitor artificial intelligence systems developed, employed, or procured by state agencies.John Bash, an accomplished legal professional, has been appointed to the council. Bash, a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, is well-versed in appellate practice and has a strong background in law. He brings a wealth of experience from his time serving in various legal capacities.Mark Stone, Ph.D., currently...

Governor Abbott Launches Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, And Innovation Program

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the launch of the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program, a new economic incentive initiative aimed at attracting new jobs and investments to the state. Applications for the program are now open, offering a competitive tool to drive economic growth in Texas.In a statement, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of the JETI program in fostering economic development and job creation in the state. He highlighted Texas as a leading hub for business, infrastructure, and workforce, but acknowledged the need to remain...

Governor Abbott Names Ladner Chair, Appoints Houston To Risk Management Board

Governor Greg Abbott recently announced the appointment of Jeffrey Houston to the Risk Management Board, with Gerald Ladner, Sr. being named as the chair of the Board. The Board's primary responsibility is to coordinate, monitor, and direct information resources management within the state government.Jeffrey Houston, a resident of Dripping Springs, is currently serving as the senior vice president at Mondee Holdings, Inc. in Austin. A highly accomplished individual, Houston is a member of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society of Austin and has previously been...

Governor Abbott Reappoints Halbrooks As Presiding Officer Of North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority

Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Gary Halbrooks as the presiding officer of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority for a term set to expire on February 1, 2026. Halbrooks, who has been serving in this capacity since October 2021, is the CEO and president of Venue Properties, Inc. He has been a member of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority Board since 2012.In a statement released by the Governor's office, it was highlighted that the Regional Mobility Authority plays a crucial role in financing, acquiring, designing, constructing, and maintaining...

Congresswoman De La Cruz (TX-15) Calls Out Mexico for Sugar Growers Closure

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) expressed her outrage at the closure of Rio Grande Valley Sugar Growers, Inc., attributing it directly to Mexico's failure to abide by the 1944 water treaty with the United States. De La Cruz emphasized the impact of the closure on workers and the economy, stating, "It’s devastating for the 500 full-time and seasonal workers who are out of work and equally devastating for the region’s economy."De La Cruz called on U.S. officials to take action, saying, "U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack...

Pasadena Mother Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Role in Death of Toddler, Beating of Newborn

By Houston Daily | Feb 21, 2024

A Pasadena mother has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for her involvement in the abuse of her two children, a toddler, and a newborn. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg stated, “Texas laws give the same range of punishment for an abuser and for cases like this where a parent consciously and repeatedly puts a child in harm's way by leaving them with an abuser. This was not a one-time mistake or some awful accident, this was a pattern of intentional abuse. The children in our community deserve better.”Emily Aust, 30, and her boyfriend, Austin Reid, 25, were...

Governor Abbott Launches New Digital Media Friendly Texas Program

By Houston Daily | Feb 21, 2024

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the launch of the Digital Media Friendly Texas Certified Community program, aimed at attracting digital media production and fostering job growth in animation, visual effects, video games, and extended reality (XR) industries across the state. In a press release, Governor Abbott expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “Texas is a magnet for innovative industry leaders and creative talent, and this new program will help take our state to new heights in the innovative world of digital media.” The initiative, spearheaded by the...

Governor Abbott Appoints Tracy Gray to 489th District Court

By Houston Daily | Feb 21, 2024

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Tracy Gray to the 489th Judicial District Court in Kaufman County for a term set to expire on December 31, 2024, or until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified.Tracy Gray of Forney is Judge of the Kaufman County Court at Law, a position she was elected to in November 2018. Previously, she was a partner at Guest & Gray Law Firm and she served as an assistant district attorney for five years with the Kaufman County District Attorney’s Office. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and is the former president of the Kaufman...

Wharton Man Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole for Shooting That Killed Three People at Midtown Club

By Houston Daily | Feb 19, 2024

A Wharton man has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for his involvement in a tragic club shooting that resulted in the deaths of three individuals. The Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg expressed her sentiments on the matter, stating, “This is yet another example of how gun violence can tear families apart.”Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg emphasized the impact of gun violence on families, stating, “Three young men, one of whom was a completely innocent bystander, were killed when this defendant flouted our laws and avoided every security...

Mayor Whitmire Appoints New Houston Housing Authority Commissioners

Mayor John Whitmire has appointed new Commissioners of the Houston Housing Authority in response to concerns about financial mismanagement and a lack of leadership within the organization. In a recent letter to the mayor, HHA President & CEO David Northern, Sr. highlighted the agency's financial challenges, leading to the suspension of issuing vouchers for affordable housing options."Our analysis has revealed a critical situation: we are currently over 100% of the use of budget authority and our HUD-held reserves," Northern wrote in the letter.Mayor Whitmire expressed...

Governor Abbott Expands Border Security Operations In Eagle Pass

Governor Greg Abbott has announced the expansion of border security operations in Eagle Pass, Texas, with the construction of a new Forward Operating Base to house Texas National Guard soldiers responding to the border crisis initiated by President Joe Biden.During a press conference in Eagle Pass, Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of enhancing border security capabilities, stating, "Texas is expanding our border security capabilities by building a new Texas Military Department base camp to increase and improve border security operations in this area."Joining...

Governor Abbott Appoints Marialyn Barnard to 73rd District Court

Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Marialyn Barnard to the 73rd Judicial District Court in Bexar County for a term set to expire on December 31, 2024, or until her successor shall be duly elected and qualified.Marialyn Barnard of San Antonio is a consulting attorney for small businesses and probate and is the former Bexar County Commissioner for Precinct 3. Previously, she served on the Fourth Court of Appeals for 10 years.According to the press release from the Office of the Texas Governor, Barnard is a member of various legal associations, including the State Bar of...

Operation Lone Star Boosts Support For Deployed Texas National Guard Soldiers