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Armed Robber Who Killed Clerk Sentenced To Life In Prison

An armed robber who killed a convenience store clerk in 2019 has been sentenced to life in prison for murder in Harris County. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg stated, “This defendant had no regard for anyone else when he used a gun to rob and steal, and now the victim’s family will never again see this hardworking and beloved woman.” Ogg added, “This agreement ensures that the defendant will spend decades in prison with no appeals.”Marcus Kenneth Cox-Davis, 24, faced life in prison without parole if convicted of capital murder for shooting 32-year-old Donna Peña,...


Government

Governor Abbott Orders Flags Lowered To Half-Staff In Honor Of Fire Chief Smith In Fritch

Governor Greg Abbott today ordered flags in the City of Fritch to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Fritch Fire Chief Zeb Smith who lost his life in the line of duty protecting his fellow Texans in the Panhandle."The First Lady and I extend prayers of comfort for the Smith family during their time of grief," said Governor Abbott. "We urge all Texans to remember and honor Chief Smith’s service as a brave and dedicated firefighter."Flags should return to full-staff within ten days.


Government

Babin Reacts to President Biden’s State of the Union

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) reacted strongly to President Biden's State of the Union address, accusing the president of deception and failure. Babin criticized Biden's economic policies, energy strategies, and national security approach, stating that the president has been detrimental to the country over the past three years.According to Babin, Bidenomics is causing financial distress for Americans, with rising prices and mounting debt burdening families. The congressman also condemned Biden's climate change policies for harming the U.S. oil and...


Government

City of Houston and METRO Collaborate to Repair Hazardous Road Conditions Along Westheimer

Houston, March 6, 2024 - Mayor John Whitmire and METRO have announced a joint effort to address hazardous road conditions along Westheimer Road, demonstrating a commitment to public safety and infrastructure improvements.Mayor Whitmire emphasized the importance of prioritizing the community's needs, stating, "Any decision we make to grow or change infrastructure will be initiated with a customer-first mindset and a responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer resources." This sentiment underscores the city's dedication to enhancing mobility options and transit services...


Government

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz of Texas Will Deliver the Spanish Language Republican Address to the Nation

Speaker Mike Johnson announced today Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) will deliver the Spanish language Republican Address to the Nation following the State of the Union address on Thursday, March 7.“As the first Latina and first Republican to represent her district, Congresswoman De La Cruz’s journey to Congress is nothing short of inspirational and encapsulates the very essence of what it means to live the American dream. Sadly, that dream is slipping away after three years of an open border, runaway inflation, and a nation inviting aggression and projecting...


Government

Mayor Whitmire to Appoint Independent Panel to Review HPD Suspended Cases

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has announced the appointment of an independent panel to review the Houston Police Department's handling of suspended cases. The decision aims to ensure transparency and maintain public trust in the wake of recent developments within the department."I trust and believe Police Chief Troy Finner is doing the best he can to manage the internal investigation, get to the bottom of it, and hold people accountable," Mayor Whitmire stated, expressing his confidence in the ongoing efforts within the department.Regarding the independent panel, Mayor...


Government

Luttrell’s Improving Travel for Families Act Passes House

Washington – Congressman Morgan Luttrell (R-TX) and Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-MD) successfully introduced the Improving Travel for Families Act, a legislative initiative aimed to ease the burden of international travel for families. The bill, which proposes allowing children under ten to use Global Entry lanes with their enrolled parent or legal guardian, has gained bipartisan support and was recently passed in the House of Representatives."I’m proud to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle come together to support my legislation to ease the burden of international...


Government

Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes ‘NO’ on Appropriations Package

Rep. Troy E. Nehls of Texas voted against the first appropriations package, citing concerns about the nation's debt, border security, and government spending. In a statement released after the vote, Congressman Nehls expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.“Our nation is nearly $35 trillion in debt, our borders are wide-open due to the failed policies of the Biden Administration, and the American people are suffering because of it,” Nehls remarked. “Unfortunately, this appropriations package continues the reckless spending problem in the Swamp. Our...


Government

Crosby Child Molester Sentenced to Life in Prison Without Parole

A Crosby man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for repeatedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old child. District Attorney Kim Ogg announced the verdict, stating, "Crimes like this that happen under the cover of darkness need to be brought to the light so that we can get justice for the victim and their family." Ogg emphasized that Texas law allows for such strict sentences for predators like the perpetrator, Roger Allan Smith.Smith, 55, was convicted of continuous sexual assault of a child for his repeated abuse of a family member while...


Government

McCaul Legislation Empowers States to Secure Southern Border Amid Barrier Disputes

WASHINGTON – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) has introduced the Creating Obstructions Necessary to Address Illegal and Nefarious Entry Rapidly (CONTAINER) Act, alongside Congressmen David Rouzer (R-N.C.) and August Pfluger (R-Texas). The legislation aims to empower border states to protect their communities and the nation against illegal immigration and drug trafficking by allowing them to place temporary barriers on federal land.Rep. McCaul expressed his concerns about the current administration's approach, stating, “The Biden administration has chosen not only to...


Government

Mayor Whitmire's Priorities and Achievements in Houston

Mayor John Whitmire of Houston has reiterated his focus on public safety and infrastructure as top priorities for the city. Expressing concern over the backlog of suspended cases in the Houston Police Department, Mayor Whitmire has directed Police Chief Troy Finner to address the issue with accountability in mind.In a statement, Mayor Whitmire highlighted his commitment to resolving disputes within the city, such as the recent tentative agreement reached with the Houston Professional Firefighters Association to end an eight-year contract deadlock. He emphasized his...


Government

Mental Illness No Longer a Crime For More Than 10,000 People

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg and former Harris County Judge Ed Emmett made a significant announcement today regarding the successful diversion of individuals struggling with mental illness away from the criminal justice system. Ogg's mental health diversion program has achieved a milestone by diverting over 10,000 individuals as of Jan. 31, 2024.The program, initiated in September 2018, aimed to shift the approach towards individuals with mental illness by providing them with medical treatment and support, rather than incarceration. This innovative program has...


Government

Texas Wins Governor’s Cup For Record-Breaking 12th Year In A Row

Governor Greg Abbott expressed pride as Texas clinched Site Selection magazine's Governor's Cup for a remarkable 12th consecutive year and 20th win overall. At a press conference held at the Governor's Mansion in Austin, Governor Abbott emphasized Texas's commitment to business growth and prosperity, stating, "Texas moves at the speed of business." The state's success in attracting new and expanded business facility projects was highlighted, with Texas securing the top spot by a significant margin.Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of economic development teams at...


Government

Governor Abbott Provides Update On State Response To Historic Wildfires

Governor Greg Abbott recently addressed the ongoing response to wildfires impacting Texans and communities across Texas during a press conference in Borger. The Governor expressed his commitment to supporting affected individuals, stating, "The countless Texans who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires are going through challenges that require our ongoing support and assistance as we work together to help the entire Panhandle region rebuild and return to normalcy."Abbott commended the leaders and emergency management personnel for their tireless efforts in...


Government

Rep. Troy E. Nehls’ Statement After Voting Against Short-Term CR

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) released a statement expressing his opposition to the short-term continuing resolution (CR) in Congress. The CR aimed to extend Biden-Pelosi spending levels for several appropriations bills until specific dates in March 2024."We cannot continue to kick the can down the road," said Congressman Nehls, highlighting his concerns about the ongoing situation. He added, "The American people continue to suffer due to the policies of Joe Biden and his administration."Nehls pointed out specific issues, stating, "Since...


Government

Mayor Whitmire Appoints New City of Houston Housing Director

Mayor John Whitmire has appointed Michael C. Nichols as the City of Houston's next director of the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD), pending approval from Houston City Council. Nichols, who previously served as the president and chief executive officer of the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County, is set to succeed Keith Bynam, who recently retired after 32 years with the HCD, the last three as director."Mike Nichols is the right person to lead the City's housing department at the right time," Mayor Whitmire said. "I look forward to working...


Government

Governor Abbott Stands Firm Against Injunction on SB 4

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has voiced his determination to appeal a federal judge's decision granting a preliminary injunction against Senate Bill 4. The bill, signed into law by the Governor in December 2023, has faced opposition from the Biden Administration.In a statement, Governor Abbott emphasized Texas' commitment to defending itself and the nation from what he described as "President Biden's border crisis." He asserted, "Texas will immediately appeal this decision, and we will not back down in our fight to protect our state." The Governor further highlighted the...


Government

Houston Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Death of Two-Year-Old Maliyah Bass

The sentencing of the boyfriend of two-year-old Maliyah Bass's mother has been finalized, with Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announcing the outcome. Ogg expressed the community's sorrow, stating, "The disappearance of this little girl shocked and alarmed our community and we all mourn her." She emphasized the pursuit of justice, saying, "No one ever wants tragedies like this to happen, but when they do, our prosecutors work to make sure that we get justice for the family."Trevion Thompson, 25, who pleaded guilty to three felonies, including injury to a child...


Government

Texas Extends Postpartum Coverage For Medicaid, CHIP Recipients

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has made a significant announcement, revealing that the state will be extending postpartum coverage to 12 months for eligible Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) recipients through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), effective March 1, 2024.Governor Abbott expressed his satisfaction with this development, stating, "By extending postpartum Medicaid and CHIP coverage, we will help ensure new mothers and the most vulnerable young Texans receive critical healthcare resources they need to care for their...


Government

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Introduces Legislation to Ensure Mexican Compliance with 1944 Water Treaty

Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at addressing Mexico's compliance with the 1944 Water Treaty. The bill, introduced with co-lead Rep. Henry Cuellar, seeks to enforce Mexico's adherence to the treaty through diplomatic means. The legislation mandates the Secretary of State to utilize various diplomatic tools to ensure compliance, with Senator Ted Cruz introducing the Senate counterpart to emphasize bipartisan support.Agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley is heavily impacted by Mexico's inconsistent water deliveries owed to the...