91°
77º | 98°
77° | 93°
Latest News
Houston First Board welcomes new members: A step towards diversity and expertise
By Houston Daily | May 8, 2024
Mayor John Whitmire and Houston City Council members have nominated and approved several new appointees for the Houston First Board of Directors. Since its inception in 2011, Houston First has played a pivotal role in developing the city's destination brand strategy, promoting Houston globally, boosting tourism and convention business, operating various facilities, producing community events, and collaborating with commercial and industry partners. The newly appointed board members are expected to contribute their unique perspectives and experiences to further these initiatives.
Chairman Nehls Statement from Hearing on PHMSA’s Reauthorization Needs
By Houston Daily | May 7, 2024
Washington, D.C. – Opening remarks, as prepared, of Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee Chairman Troy Nehls (R-TX) from today’s hearing, entitled “Ensuring Safety and Reliability: Examining the Reauthorization Needs of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration”:
Governor Abbott Appoints Angelica Rosales to Governor’s Commission For Women
By Houston Daily | May 6, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Angelica Rosales to the Governor's Commission for Women for a term set to expire on December 31, 2025. According to Governor Abbott, "Governor Abbott has charged the Commission with developing a strategy and implementation plan to help make Texas the number one state for women-owned businesses and address human trafficking."In addition, the Commission, "together with First Lady Cecilia Abbott, proudly supports the foster and adoption outreach programs of the Heart Gallery."Angelica Rosales, the appointee, hails from El Paso and works...
Texas’ Stiff Resistance Shifts Illegal Crossings To Other Border States
By Houston Daily | May 6, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are making significant strides in securing the border and cracking down on illegal activities. Since the inception of Operation Lone Star, over 509,000 illegal immigrants have been apprehended, with more than 42,300 criminal arrests and 37,500 felony charges. In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized a staggering amount of the deadly drug.Governor Abbott recently pointed out the shift of illegal border crossings from Texas to other states like California. He highlighted...
McCaul, Turner Bill Combats Border Crisis to Strengthen National Security
By Houston Daily | May 6, 2024
House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) and House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Mike Turner (R-Ohio) have introduced the Border Security and Enforcement Block Grant Act of 2024. The legislation aims to combat the border crisis and strengthen national security by providing federal grant funding for states to establish physical barriers along the southern border.
Mayor Whitmire Assesses Weather Conditions and Community Concerns in Kingwood
By Houston Daily | May 4, 2024
On May 4, 2024, Mayor John Whitmire of Houston, accompanied by Police Chief Troy Finner, conducted an aerial tour of Kingwood to assess the impact of rising water on specific neighborhoods in the area. The tour, provided by the Houston Police Department Air Support Unit, aimed to provide the mayor with a comprehensive view of the damage and the needs of the residents."Houston residents benefit when all levels of government work together," emphasized Mayor Whitmire during the assessment. "Together, we will get through these challenges. Let’s go to work!"The mayor...
Governor Abbott Announces SBA Assistance For East Texas Storms, Flooding
By Houston Daily | May 2, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott disclosed today that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has given the green light to his appeal for a disaster declaration in Texas regions hit by severe weather and flooding in early April. The designated Texas counties encompass Angelina, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Orange, Sabine, San Augustine, and Tyler counties."For Texans who have been impacted by storms and flooding last month, this SBA disaster declaration will help them access the crucial financial assistance they need to recover and rebuild," expressed Governor Abbott. He stressed...
Governor Abbott Increases Readiness Level Of State Operations Center Ahead Of Severe Weather, River Flooding Threats
By Houston Daily | May 2, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has taken proactive measures to address the impending severe weather and river flooding threats in Texas. In response to the forecasted challenges, Governor Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to elevate the readiness level of the Texas State Emergency Operations Center to Level II (Escalated Response).Abbott emphasized the state's preparedness, stating, "Texas stands ready to quickly deploy all available resources necessary to help communities across Texas as severe weather and flooding impacts our state." He also issued a...
Governor Abbott Issues Severe Weather Disaster Declaration For East Texas In April 2024
By Houston Daily | May 1, 2024
Governor Abbott has issued a severe weather disaster declaration for East Texas in April 2024, encompassing various counties affected by severe storms and flooding. The proclamation, dated April 30, 2024, highlights the widespread and severe property damage, injury, or loss of life in multiple Texas counties.The declaration states, "TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME," signaling the official recognition of the disaster. Governor Abbott, in accordance with the Texas Government Code, declares a state of disaster in the affected counties, including Baylor, Chambers,...
Governor Abbott Issues Disaster Declaration For East Texas Flooding
By Houston Daily | May 1, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 29 Texas counties affected by severe storms and flooding. In a statement, Governor Abbott expressed his commitment to providing support to impacted communities, saying, "The State of Texas continues to provide support and assist communities who have been impacted by recent severe weather and flooding."The Governor highlighted the importance of the declaration in swiftly providing resources for Texans to recover from the storms and floods. He also urged residents in at-risk areas to remain vigilant and take...
Reps. Troy E. Nehls and Jimmy Panetta Lead FY25 CJS Appropriations Letter
By Houston Daily | May 1, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Troy E. Nehls (R-TX-22) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) are leading a bipartisan effort urging robust funding for the Protecting Our Lives by Initiating COPS Expansion (POLICE) Act of 2016 within the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 CJS Appropriations bill.The POLICE Act provides essential active shooter response training for local law enforcement, first responders, emergency medical service (EMS), and firefighters. Congressman Nehls emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “With the increase in crime and over 9.2 million illegal...
Congressman Wesley Hunt's Bill - The Recruit and Retain Act reported favorably out of the House Judiciary Committee
By Houston Daily | May 1, 2024
On May 1, 2024, Congressman Wesley Hunt's legislation H.R. 3325 was reported favorably out of the House Judiciary Committee. The bill, known as The Recruit and Retain Act, aims to address challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in hiring and retaining officers across the nation.The bill focuses on leveraging the COPS Hiring Program (CHP) to ensure its responsiveness to the latest hiring challenges. It seeks to reduce onboarding costs for new officers, alleviate administrative burdens, create opportunities to build trust with local youth, and conduct research to...
Crenshaw Takes on Biden Administration Efforts to Target Texas Medicaid and Texas Hospitals
By Houston Daily | May 1, 2024
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX02) has criticized the Biden administration's efforts to target Texas Medicaid and Texas hospitals through the Centers for Medicaid Services (CMS). During a House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing, Rep. Crenshaw questioned CMS Deputy Administrator Daniel Tsai about the agency's actions, which could have significant financial implications for Texas and its residents.Rep. Crenshaw highlighted the disparity in treatment between states that do not participate in the Medicaid expansion program, particularly focusing...
Rep. Troy E. Nehls Joins Rep. Greg Murphy in Reintroducing Bill to Permanently Expand Access to Telehealth Services for Medically Underserved Communities
By Houston Daily | Apr 30, 2024
Washington, D.C.— Congressman Troy E. Nehls expressed his commitment to extending telehealth services for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) by reintroducing legislation alongside Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D., Congressman Michael Burgess, and Congressman Derrick Van Orden. Nehls emphasized the importance of telehealth in meeting the healthcare needs of Americans, particularly those in rural and medically underserved communities. He stated, “Telehealth has revolutionized our nation’s healthcare system to meet the American people’s...
Rep. Troy E. Nehls and Sen. Joni Ernst Call on President Biden to Suspend His Use of TikTok
By Houston Daily | Apr 29, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Republican Congressman Troy E. Nehls of Texas and Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa have jointly urged President Joe Biden to halt his use of TikTok as long as it remains under Chinese ownership. The lawmakers expressed their concerns regarding the national security risks associated with the popular social media platform.In a statement, Congressman Nehls criticized President Biden's campaign for continuing to use TikTok despite the acknowledged dangers it poses. Nehls emphasized, "By continuing to use TikTok, Joe Biden is putting politics over the safety of...
McCaul Accepting Applications for Class of 2029 Service Academy Nominations
By Houston Daily | Apr 29, 2024
U.S. Congressman Michael McCaul (R-Texas) has opened the application process for students in Texas’ 10th district who are interested in receiving a congressional nomination to a United States Service Academy. Congressman McCaul can nominate up to 10 candidates from his district annually for consideration at the United States Air Force, Merchant Marine, Military, and Naval Academies."I am honored to nominate distinguished young men and women in Texas' 10th Congressional District to the United States service academies," said Rep. McCaul. "I applaud their dedication to our...
Jim Wells and Brooks Counties Added to Disaster Declaration, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz Announces
By Houston Daily | Apr 26, 2024
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz announced today that Jim Wells County and Brooks County have been designated as contiguous disaster areas. This designation was made following the U.S. Department of Agriculture's declaration of several Texas counties as primary natural disaster areas due to significant agricultural losses in the 2023 Crop Year.The disaster designation for Jim Wells County and Brooks County was confirmed by USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack after a thorough review of loss assessment reports by the Texas State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency (FSA)....
Governor Abbott Announces Job Training Grant to Texas State Technical College
By Houston Daily | Apr 25, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has announced a Skills Development Fund (SDF) grant award totaling $179,538 to Texas State Technical College (TSTC) by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grant will provide customized training in healthcare, healthcare compliance, medical billing, and other high-demand occupations to 100 new and incumbent employees of Hendrick Health System.Governor Abbott emphasized the importance of investing in the workforce, stating, “As our state and economy continue to grow, it is critical that we invest in our workforce to ensure key industries have the...
Texas Named Best State For Business For Record-Breaking 20th Year
By Houston Daily | Apr 25, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott today celebrated Texas again being named the Best State for Business—for a record-breaking 20 years in a row. The annual survey conducted by Chief Executive magazine of the nation's leading CEOs continues to recognize Texas as the top state for business."Texas truly is the Best State for Business and stands as a model for the nation," said Governor Abbott. "Freedom is a magnet, and Texas offers entrepreneurs and hardworking Texans the freedom to succeed."The ranking is determined by CEOs' assessments of each state's business climate, workforce, and...
Governor Abbott Appoints Three To Texas Municipal Retirement System Board Of Trustees
By Houston Daily | Apr 25, 2024
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed individuals to serve on the Texas Municipal Retirement System Board of Trustees. Tommy Gonzalez of Midland, Tricia Mirabelle of Cedar Park, and Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. of McAllen have been selected for these roles.Tommy Gonzalez, currently serving as the city manager for Midland, brings with him a wealth of experience. Gonzalez has a background in public sector excellence and holds leadership roles on several boards. He has received accolades such as the Baldrige Foundation E. David Spong Lifetime Leadership Award and has a military...