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Governor Abbott Names Ladner Chair, Appoints Houston To Risk Management Board
By Houston Daily | Feb 22, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Feb 22, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Feb 22, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Feb 16, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Feb 16, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Feb 16, 2024
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
By Houston Daily | Feb 16, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard are working together in Operation Lone Star to secure the border and combat transnational criminal activity. According to Governor Abbott, this multi-agency effort has resulted in significant achievements, including over 500,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 39,500 criminal arrests, with over 35,600 felony charges. In the battle against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 467 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this mission.In response...
Luttrell, Deluzio Introduce Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking
By Houston Daily | Feb 16, 2024
Congressman Morgan Luttrell and Congressman Chris Deluzio have introduced the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act in an effort to combat human trafficking. Luttrell emphasized the importance of the legislation, stating, “Human trafficking affects communities across our country, and Houston, Texas is currently the top city in America for these horrific crimes. Tragically, the problem is only getting worse as cartels exploit our open border.” Deluzio echoed this sentiment, expressing his commitment to making communities safer through the...
Governor Abbott Appoints Four Members to Texas Food System Security and Resiliency Planning Council
By Houston Daily | Feb 16, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Kevin Koch, David Volleman, John Votava, and Coleman Locke to the Texas Food System Security and Resiliency Planning Council for terms set to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. Additionally, the Governor named Kevin Koch as chair of the Council. The Council is tasked with developing a State Food System Security Plan that provides for the orderly development and management of food system security throughout the state and ensures that food is available at a reasonable cost, accounts for times of severe drought and natural disasters, and...
McCaul Joins Legislation to Combat Human Trafficking
By Houston Daily | Feb 16, 2024
WASHINGTON – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) is showing his support for the fight against human trafficking by cosponsoring the Empowering Law Enforcement to Fight Sex Trafficking Demand Act. The legislation is led by Congressmen Morgan Luttrell (R-Texas) and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) and aims to provide more resources to combat the modern-day form of slavery.McCaul expressed his commitment to the cause, stating, “Human trafficking is a disgusting violation of human rights and an abhorrent criminal industry that continues growing, even here in the United States. I’m...
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Co-Sponsors Bill to Expand Virtual Healthcare to Rural Texans
By Houston Daily | Feb 15, 2024
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has joined a bipartisan group of representatives in introducing H.R. 7149, the Equal Access to Specialty Care Everywhere Act (EASE), which aims to expand virtual healthcare options to rural Texans. This legislation utilizes funds from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to establish a virtual specialty network that would provide various virtual healthcare services, including clinical decision support, eConsults, and telehealth, in underserved and rural areas.The EASE Act addresses the ongoing shortage of specialists by...
Congressman Wesley Hunt Votes to Impeach Alejandro Mayorkas
By Houston Daily | Feb 14, 2024
In a significant move, Congressman Wesley Hunt has voted for the impeachment of Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, for the second time in a week. The impeachment comes as a result of Mayorkas' failure to effectively secure the American homeland.Following the impeachment, Congressman Hunt released a statement expressing his concerns and justifying his decision. He emphasized the pressing issue of illegal immigration at the southern border, stating, "The number one issue facing Americans is the illegal invasion at our southern border." Highlighting the...
Rep. Troy E. Nehls Demands Release of Bodycam Footage of J6 Detainee Sprayed with Chemicals
By Houston Daily | Feb 14, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) is calling for the release of body-worn camera video footage that captures an incident involving one of the January 6 detainees. Ronald “Colton” McAbee was reportedly sprayed with chemicals by Lieutenant Crystal Lancaster at the Washington D.C. Department of Corrections (DOC) after removing his COVID-19 mask to take medication.According to reports received by Congressman Nehls, the incident occurred on September 5, 2022, when Mr. McAbee was in the process of receiving his medication. Lieutenant Lancaster aggressively...
66-Year-Old Repeat Offender Sentenced to 25 Years for Child Sexual Abuse
By Houston Daily | Feb 14, 2024
A 66-year-old Houston man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison without parole for sexually abusing children. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced the sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crimes committed. Ogg stated, "This man repeatedly abused and victimized children without a second thought to the pain and damage he was inflicting. It seems clear that justice demands that he spend the rest of his life in prison."The offender, Sherman Lee Johnson, pleaded guilty to continuous sexual abuse of a child for assaulting a young girl starting in 2009 until...
Rep. Troy E. Nehls Votes ‘YES’ to Impeach DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
By Houston Daily | Feb 14, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) has voted in favor of impeaching U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In a statement, Congressman Nehls emphasized the importance of accountability for government officers and highlighted the specific actions that led to the decision.Quoting Congressman Nehls, "The Framers of our Constitution restricted impeachment to treason, bribery, and other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. This standard applied to behavior found damaging to the state, including significant abuses of a government...
South Texas Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Votes to Impeach Sec. Mayorkas
By Houston Daily | Feb 13, 2024
South Texas Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) has cast her vote to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas for what she perceives as his failure to fulfill his duty of securing the border. As a staunch advocate for border security, Congresswoman De La Cruz believes that Mayorkas' actions have not only empowered dangerous drug cartels but also perpetuated the abhorrent trafficking of women and children. In a statement, Congresswoman De La Cruz expressed her concerns, stating, "Secretary Mayorkas’ blatant disregard for the security of our southern...