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McCaul Legislation Empowers States to Secure Southern Border Amid Barrier Disputes
By Houston Daily | Mar 1, 2024
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...
Mayor Whitmire's Priorities and Achievements in Houston
By Houston Daily | Mar 1, 2024
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...
Mental Illness No Longer a Crime For More Than 10,000 People
By Houston Daily | Mar 1, 2024
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...
Texas Wins Governor’s Cup For Record-Breaking 12th Year In A Row
By Houston Daily | Mar 1, 2024
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...
Governor Abbott Provides Update On State Response To Historic Wildfires
By Houston Daily | Mar 1, 2024
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...
Rep. Troy E. Nehls’ Statement After Voting Against Short-Term CR
By Houston Daily | Feb 29, 2024
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...
Mayor Whitmire Appoints New City of Houston Housing Director
By Houston Daily | Feb 29, 2024
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...
Governor Abbott Stands Firm Against Injunction on SB 4
By Houston Daily | Feb 29, 2024
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...
Houston Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Death of Two-Year-Old Maliyah Bass
By Houston Daily | Feb 28, 2024
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...
Texas Extends Postpartum Coverage For Medicaid, CHIP Recipients
By Houston Daily | Feb 28, 2024
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...
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Introduces Legislation to Ensure Mexican Compliance with 1944 Water Treaty
By Houston Daily | Feb 28, 2024
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...
Houston Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Molesting, Impregnating 11-Year-Old Girl
By Houston Daily | Feb 28, 2024
A Houston man, Deon Williams, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for molesting an 11-year-old girl, resulting in her pregnancy. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg emphasized the need for parents to be vigilant about who they bring around their children, stating, “The victim and her family want to raise awareness that this abuse can happen to anyone and that parents need to stay ever vigilant about who they bring around their kids.”Williams, 28, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 and was sentenced to 40 years in prison without the...
Governor Abbott Declares Wildfire Disaster in Multiple Texas Counties
By Houston Daily | Feb 27, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation declaring a state of disaster in various counties in Texas due to the elevated and critical fire weather conditions and wildfires that have been affecting the region. The Governor's declaration comes in response to the imminent threat of widespread damage, injury, or loss of life and property in several counties.In the proclamation, Governor Abbott stated, "I do hereby declare a state of disaster in Archer, Armstrong, Bailey, Baylor, Briscoe, Carson, Castro, and several other counties based on the existence of such threat."...
Governor Abbott Invites Texas Communities To Film Friendly Texas Forum
By Houston Daily | Feb 27, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has extended an invitation to communities across Texas to participate in the upcoming Film Friendly Texas Forum, scheduled to take place on May 16 in New Braunfels. The event, hosted by the Texas Film Commission, aims to assist communities in pursuing strategies for local job creation and economic expansion through becoming Film Friendly Texas or Digital Media Friendly Texas Certified Communities."Texas is a mecca for media production, and we are seeing the positive economic impact in communities of all sizes across our great state," stated Governor...
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Urges Blinken, Vilsack to Act on Texas-Mexico Water Issue Following Announced Closure Texas’ Only Sugar Mill
By Houston Daily | Feb 26, 2024
South Texas Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz is calling on Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to address the water shortage affecting Texas farmers and ranchers. In a letter sent on February 23rd, De La Cruz highlighted Mexico's failure to meet water delivery obligations under the 1944 water treaty, stating, "As of now, Mexico has delivered less than 40 percent of what should have already been delivered."De La Cruz emphasized the long-standing struggle of South Texas farmers with Mexico's non-compliance with the treaty, expressing...
Louisiana Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Woman in Double Shooting
By Houston Daily | Feb 23, 2024
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!
By Houston Daily | Feb 23, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Feb 23, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Feb 23, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Feb 22, 2024
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...