BREAKING NEWS
Sheila Jackson Leeās daughter files to finish out her motherās term
Read full article: Sheila Jackson Leeās daughter files to finish out her motherās termCarter will run against two Republicans for her motherās seat to hold for a few weeks before the winner of the general election takes over.
Houstonās former mayor is the Democratsā nominee to succeed the late US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Read full article: Houstonās former mayor is the Democratsā nominee to succeed the late US Rep. Sheila Jackson LeeHoustonās former mayor is the Democratsā pick to succeed the late Texas congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on the November ballot.
Here are the Democrats seeking to replace U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee
Read full article: Here are the Democrats seeking to replace U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson LeeBecause Jackson Lee died after winning the Democratic primary, Texas Democratic officials will get to decide who replaces her on the November ballot.
Gov. Greg Abbott sets special election to fill U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Leeās seat
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott sets special election to fill U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Leeās seatGov. Greg Abbott on Friday set a special election to fill former U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Leeās seat for the remainder of the term on Nov. 5, the same day as the general election.
Kamala Harris celebrates the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as a 'force of nature' and a mentor
Read full article: Kamala Harris celebrates the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee as a 'force of nature' and a mentorVice President Kamala Harris has eulogized U_S_ Rep_ Sheila Jackson Lee as a āforce of nature."
US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas fondly remembered as she lies in state at Houston City Hall
Read full article: US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas fondly remembered as she lies in state at Houston City HallHouston area residents are remembering longtime U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas as an advocate for human rights and for her community.
Biden and Harris to visit Houston this week to pay respects to Sheila Jackson Lee
Read full article: Biden and Harris to visit Houston this week to pay respects to Sheila Jackson LeeBiden will travel to Houston on Monday and Harris will attend a Celebration of Life Service on Thursday. The trip will mark Harrisā third visit to Texas in the past month.
Houston candidates pitching themselves to replace the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on November ballot
Read full article: Houston candidates pitching themselves to replace the late Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee on November ballotAt least three Democrats are considering bids for the Houston-area seat. But Texas Democratic officials ā not voters ā will decide who will be on the November ballot.
After U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Leeās death, Texas Democrats have to find a new candidate for November
Read full article: After U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Leeās death, Texas Democrats have to find a new candidate for NovemberSince 1995, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee had been synonymous with Texasā 18th Congressional District, where she won 15 U.S. House terms. But after the veteran congresswomanās death Friday at the age of 74, the district will have a new member representing them in Washington.
Houston-area US congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee dies at 74
Read full article: Houston-area US congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee dies at 74The family of Houston-area Democratic congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who has been an elected public servant for 35 years, announced her death Friday evening. She was 74.
After bruising loss in Houston mayoral race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee faces her toughest reelection yet
Read full article: After bruising loss in Houston mayoral race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee faces her toughest reelection yetJackson Lee faces off against Amanda Edwards, her most formidable congressional opponent in three decades.
Democrat John Whitmire elected Houston mayor, defeating congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
Read full article: Democrat John Whitmire elected Houston mayor, defeating congresswoman Sheila Jackson LeeA longtime Democratic Texas lawmaker who has represented Houston in the Legislature for more than 50 years will lead the nationās fourth-largest city after winning a mayoral runoff election.
Houston has a population that's young. Its next mayor, set to be elected in a runoff, won't be
Read full article: Houston has a population that's young. Its next mayor, set to be elected in a runoff, won't beVoters in Houston will elect the oldest big-city mayor in the U.S. this weekend when they choose between U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and state Sen. John Whitmire, two Democrats in their 70s.
In Houston mayoral race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and state Sen. John Whitmire head to a runoff
Read full article: In Houston mayoral race, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and state Sen. John Whitmire head to a runoffThe two well-known Democrats led a crowded field, but neither captured a majority of the vote. The runoff will be Dec. 9.
Houston mayor's race heads to runoff between US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and state Sen. John Whitmire
Read full article: Houston mayor's race heads to runoff between US Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and state Sen. John WhitmireTwo Democrats with decadeslong political careers are heading to a runoff election to be Houstonās next mayor.
In crowded field, Houston mayor's race centers on prominent Democrats Sheila Jackson Lee and John Whitmire
Read full article: In crowded field, Houston mayor's race centers on prominent Democrats Sheila Jackson Lee and John WhitmireJackson Lee has sought to rally her partyās base, vowing to stand up to āMAGA Republicans.ā Whitmire has relied on a more bipartisan coalition while also defending his Democratic credentials.
Sheila Jackson Lee expresses regret after audio leaks of her berating, demeaning staffers
Read full article: Sheila Jackson Lee expresses regret after audio leaks of her berating, demeaning staffersJackson Lee is running for Houston mayor, and the recording of her expletive-laden rant toward an employee was sent from an anonymous email account to multiple news organizations, three days before the start of early voting.
Houston's next mayor has big city problems to fix. Familiar faces want the job
Read full article: Houston's next mayor has big city problems to fix. Familiar faces want the jobHoustonās next mayor will tackle many challenges similar to ones faced by other large U.S. cities: crime, crumbling infrastructure, budget shortfalls and a lack of affordable housing.
Texas woman accused of threatening to kill judge overseeing Trump election case and a congresswoman
Read full article: Texas woman accused of threatening to kill judge overseeing Trump election case and a congresswomanA Texas woman has been charged with threatening to kill the federal judge overseeing the criminal case against former President Donald Trump in Washington and a congresswoman.
US Rep. Joaquin Castro, Democratic delegation voice concern over buoys, razor wire placed near Eagle Pass
Read full article: US Rep. Joaquin Castro, Democratic delegation voice concern over buoys, razor wire placed near Eagle PassCongressman Joaquin Castro and members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and Texas Democratic delegation will visit Eagle Pass on Tuesday.
Political dominoes could fall in Houston as 2 longtime Democrats campaign for mayor
Read full article: Political dominoes could fall in Houston as 2 longtime Democrats campaign for mayorState Sen. John Whitmire, first elected in 1982, and U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, in office since 1995, could be vacating seats that havenāt been open for decades. The election calendar, however, may bring a tough decision for one or both.
Black lawmakers press Justice and Education Departments to investigate Florida's race curriculum
Read full article: Black lawmakers press Justice and Education Departments to investigate Florida's race curriculumThe Congressional Black Caucus is pushing the White House, Justice Department and the Department of Education to look into whether Florida school districts are violating federal discrimination law following changes to the state's Black history curriculum.
Friends and family gather for the funeral of Houston rapper Big Pokey
Read full article: Friends and family gather for the funeral of Houston rapper Big PokeyFamily and friends gathered at the funeral over the weekend for Houston rapper Big Pokey, an original member of the pioneering group Screwed Up Click.
Months after being freed, Afghan soldier arrested at border is now on a path toward asylum and healing
Read full article: Months after being freed, Afghan soldier arrested at border is now on a path toward asylum and healingWasi and his brother pray for their familyās safety as the holy month of Ramadan ends and the Taliban continues to rule Afghanistan.
New caucus in Congress condemns poisoning of Iranian girls
Read full article: New caucus in Congress condemns poisoning of Iranian girlsA new bipartisan caucus in Congress is condemning the Iranian government over the recent poisoning of school girls in the country, amplifying the growing criticism in Washington against the Islamic Republic and its disregard for human rights.
Former elections chief Chris Hollins drops bid for Houston mayor
Read full article: Former elections chief Chris Hollins drops bid for Houston mayorFacing a crowded field, Hollins, who served briefly as Harris County clerk in 2020, announced Thursday he will instead run to be Houstonās chief financial officer.
U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee is running for Houston mayor
Read full article: U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee is running for Houston mayorJackson Lee enters a mayoral contest that is already well underway. The early frontrunner is state Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, and his competitors include Chris Hollins, the former Harris County clerk, and Amanda Edwards, a former City Council member.
Parents share their outrage during first public meeting over Houston ISD takeover
Read full article: Parents share their outrage during first public meeting over Houston ISD takeoverThe Texas Education Agency announced on March 15 that it would replace the current superintendent and its democratically elected school board with a new board of managers as soon as June 1.
Afghan soldier seeking US asylum hopes for 'American dream'
Read full article: Afghan soldier seeking US asylum hopes for 'American dream'After being held in detention in Texas for months during his legal fight to remain in the U.S., Afghan soldier Abdul Wasi Safi is now a free man as he works to secure asylum in America.
Afghan soldier says he will live the āAmerican dreamā after being released from immigration detention center
Read full article: Afghan soldier says he will live the āAmerican dreamā after being released from immigration detention centerU.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Leeās office mounted pressure on several federal agencies earlier this month leading up to Abdul Wasi Safiās release on Tuesday.
Afghan soldier jailed in Texas for crossing border should receive presidential pardon, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee says
Read full article: Afghan soldier jailed in Texas for crossing border should receive presidential pardon, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee saysThe Houston Democrat said she has sent a letter to the White House asking the Biden administration to ensure Abdul Wasi Safi starts his life in America without a criminal record.
Texas state senator blasts Uvalde police response in congressional hearing: āIt was cowardiceā
Read full article: Texas state senator blasts Uvalde police response in congressional hearing: āIt was cowardiceāRoland Gutierrez made the remarks during a hearing of the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security that was focused on bipartisan legislative solutions to gun violence.
Houstonians say the city fumbled sounding the alarm on boil water notice
Read full article: Houstonians say the city fumbled sounding the alarm on boil water noticeMany residents in the nationās fourth-most-populous city heard that they couldnāt drink tap water from friends or neighbors, not from City Hall.
U.S. House of Representatives hold hearing in Uvalde to discuss trauma of school shooting
Read full article: U.S. House of Representatives hold hearing in Uvalde to discuss trauma of school shootingThe U.S. House of Representatives Childrenās Caucus will hold a hearing in Uvalde on Monday afternoon so parents and teachers can talk about the ongoing impact of the Robb Elementary School shooting.
Only one Texas Republican in Congress voted to protect marriage equality
Read full article: Only one Texas Republican in Congress voted to protect marriage equalityU.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales was the only Texas Republican to vote for a bill seeking to codify the right to same-sex marriage. The measure passed the House, but its fate in the Senate is uncertain.
Black educator Mary McLeod Bethune honored in Statuary Hall
Read full article: Black educator Mary McLeod Bethune honored in Statuary HallCivil rights leader and trailblazing educator Mary McLeod Bethune has became the first Black person elevated by a state for recognition in the Capitolās Statuary Hall.
Partisan tensions flare among Texans in congressional gun hearing
Read full article: Partisan tensions flare among Texans in congressional gun hearingHouse Democrats are combining several gun policy bills into one large package known as the Protecting our Kids Act. Among the measures in the bill: raising the age to purchase semi-automatic weapons to 21; outlawing the sale, manufacture, transfer or possession of a large-capacity magazine; and creating tax breaks for purchasing proper gun storage equipment.
Crowd, cheers, history as Senate confirms Supreme Court pick
Read full article: Crowd, cheers, history as Senate confirms Supreme Court pickMoments before the Senate began Judge Ketanji Brown Jacksonās confirmation vote to become the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, the chamber filled with the swell of history.
California reparations plan advances movement, advocates say
Read full article: California reparations plan advances movement, advocates sayCalifornia took a big step this week toward becoming the first U.S. state to make some form of restitution a reality by tackling the divisive issue of which Black residents should be eligible to receive reparations for the atrocity and injustices of slavery and racism.
Ted Cruz and John Cornyn question Ketanji Brown Jackson about anti-racism books, Supreme Courtās gay marriage ruling
Read full article: Ted Cruz and John Cornyn question Ketanji Brown Jackson about anti-racism books, Supreme Courtās gay marriage rulingU.S. Sen. John Cornyn, the other Republican senator from Texas, asked the nominee about the court case legalizing gay marriage and questioned her defense of GuantĆ”namo Bay detainees who allegedly faced mistreatment.
House Dems demand prison rape audit at Calif. federal lockup
Read full article: House Dems demand prison rape audit at Calif. federal lockupEight House Democrats are demanding the Bureau of Prisons make public an audit of sexual assault reports at a federal women's prison in California where inmates say they were subjected to rampant abuse.
GOP McCarthy's 'angry' rant stalls, does not stop Biden bill
Read full article: GOP McCarthy's 'angry' rant stalls, does not stop Biden billRepublican leader Kevin McCarthy seized control of the House floor for more than eight hours overnight, preempting passage of President Joe Bidenās big domestic policy bill with a rambling speech full of vitriol.
Funeral held for Texas teen who died at Astroworld festival
Read full article: Funeral held for Texas teen who died at Astroworld festivalBrianna Rodriguez, who was killed as the crowd pushed toward the stage at Astroworld in Houston, was remembered by friends and family for her friendliness and love of dance.
Texas lawmakers pass new congressional maps bolstering GOP
Read full article: Texas lawmakers pass new congressional maps bolstering GOPTexas Republicans have approved redrawn U.S. House maps that favor incumbents and could decrease political representation for growing minority communities in the nationās largest red state.
Texas GOP advances new maps that would tighten slipping grip
Read full article: Texas GOP advances new maps that would tighten slipping gripTexas lawmakers are on the brink of finishing redrawn U.S. House maps that would shore up their eroding dominance as voters peel away from the GOP in the stateās booming suburbs.
Voting rights advocates rally for stronger elections laws
Read full article: Voting rights advocates rally for stronger elections lawsThousands of voting rights advocates are rallying across the country Saturday to call for sweeping protections against a further erosion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
U.S. voting rights events reflect multiracial reform agenda
Read full article: U.S. voting rights events reflect multiracial reform agendaIn the nationās capital on Saturday, multiracial coalitions of civil, human and labor rights leaders are convening rallies and marches to urge passage of federal voter protections that have been eroded since the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Texas Republican Chip Roy says he voted against making Juneteenth a federal holiday because name ādivides our nationā
Read full article: Texas Republican Chip Roy says he voted against making Juneteenth a federal holiday because name ādivides our nationāThe United States will soon have a new federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery.
Biden signs bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday
Read full article: Biden signs bill making Juneteenth a federal holidayPresident Joe Biden has signed legislation Thursday establishing a new federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery, saying he believes it will go down as one of the greatest honors he has as president.
House panel votes to advance bill on slavery reparations
Read full article: House panel votes to advance bill on slavery reparationsA House panel has advanced a decades-long effort to pay reparations to the descendants of slaves, approving legislation Wednesday night that would create a commission to study the issue.
House passes domestic violence bill, pushes issue to Senate
Read full article: House passes domestic violence bill, pushes issue to SenateThe reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act passed 244-172 with 29 Republicans joining Democrats in supporting the legislation. The White House announced its support earlier Wednesday for reauthorizing VAWA, which aims to reduce domestic and sexual violence and improve the response to it through a variety of grant programs. AdPresident Joe Biden introduced the original Violence Against Women Act in June 1990 when serving as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. A subsequent version was eventually included in a sweeping crime bill that President Bill Clinton would sign into law four years later. Congress has reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act three times since.
Movement for Black Lives opposes George Floyd Justice Act
Read full article: Movement for Black Lives opposes George Floyd Justice ActA coalition of 150 organizations nationwide is opposing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. The Movement for Black Lives argues the bill is entrenched in strategies that have historically failed to address police violence across the country and fails to meet the moment." The bill, designed by the Movement for Black Livesā Electoral Justice Project, would also redirect funding toward communities to address the nationās systemic racial injustices. āItās not just about after the fact accountability,ā said Gina Clayton-Johnson, the lead BREATHE Act architect and leadership team member of the Movement for Black Livesā Policy Table. AdBut the movement faces a significant uphill battle in securing needed political support from lawmakers who will be key in pushing forward the BREATHE Act or revamping the Justice in Policing Act.
Some electricity restored in Texas, but water woes grow
Read full article: Some electricity restored in Texas, but water woes growHouston and several surrounding cities are under a boil water notice as many residents are still without running water in their homes. But the crisis was far from over in parts of the South, where many people still lacked safe drinking water. The next phase of the stateās disaster response will be to test drinking water from systems knocked offline by the cold. Power was cut to a New Orleans facility that pumps drinking water from the Mississippi River and generators were used until electricity was restored. Drinking water was made available at fire stations throughout Jackson and officials also planned to set up bottled water pickup sites.
Biden backs studying reparations as Congress considers bill
Read full article: Biden backs studying reparations as Congress considers billPresident Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with labor leaders in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021, in Washington. Biden backs the idea of studying the issue, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Wednesday, though she stopped short of saying he would sign the bill if it clears Congress. Even with Democrats controlling both chambers of Congress and the White House, passing a reparations bill could prove difficult. Most Black Americans favored reparations, 74%, compared with 15% of white Americans. AdRep. Burgess Owens, a first-term Republican from Utah, argued against a reparations commission.
Texas congresswoman introduces Articles of Impeachment against President Trump
Read full article: Texas congresswoman introduces Articles of Impeachment against President TrumpHOUSTON ā Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), a senior member of the House committees on Judiciary, Homeland Security and the Budget, has introduced Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump just one day after pro-Trump extremists rioted in the U.S. Capitol. Jackson Lee states that the Constitution serves to protect against tyranny and against enemies who intend to harm the United States. āPublicly conveying his interest and willingness to accept the assistance of foreign powers in his attempt win reelection as President of the United States. āInstituting frivolous lawsuits to overturn the results of the 2020 Presidential election, falsely alleging wide-spread voting fraud but producing no evidence in support of his spurious allegations. See the documents in the tweet below:Articles of Impeachment for introduction, so proud of everyone co-leading this effort with us.
This year, Juneteenth takes on new meaning for black Texans, as push to make holiday with Texas roots goes national
Read full article: This year, Juneteenth takes on new meaning for black Texans, as push to make holiday with Texas roots goes nationalFor the past three months, the coronavirus has disproportionately sickened and killed black Texans, and for the last month protesters have filled the streets marching for racial justice. Juneteenth is a celebration that honors the day black Texans learned of their emancipation from Union soldiers in Galveston on June 19, 1865. Bob Daemmrich/The Image WorksCrystal Aitaegbebhunu and her studio partners run through their choreography for a Juneteenth black empowerment video at Emancipation Park on June 15, 2020. Last: Crystal Aitaegbebhunu and her studio partners run through their choreography for a Juneteenth black empowerment video at Emancipation Park on June 15, 2020. For her five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, shell do an oral retelling of moments in black history, their family lineage and the meaning of Juneteenth.
More U.S. workers getting Juneteenth off as awareness grows
Read full article: More U.S. workers getting Juneteenth off as awareness growsThe date - June 19th - is not a federal holiday, and many non-black Americans have only recently become of aware of the day. Several of her employees are spending the day volunteering for the Juneteenth Freedom Phonebank, an initiative encouraging Census participation. Declaring the date a federal holiday would add considerable momentum, and there is growing support for the idea. Sen. John Cornyn, a Texas Republican, introduced legislation Thursday to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. In contrast, 93% of employers close on Independence day, with similar rates for Labor Day, Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.
Live coverage: Celebrities, leaders join thousands in Houston for George Floyd memorial
Read full article: Live coverage: Celebrities, leaders join thousands in Houston for George Floyd memorialHOUSTON 7 a.m. -- Houston is preparing for hundreds of mourners with a six-hour viewing of George Floyds casket on Monday. The viewing, which is open to the public, will be held at The Fountain of Praise church in Houston, Floyds hometown. Al Sharpton, Attorney Benjamin Crump, Slim Thug, Leela James, Paul Wall, Floyd Mayweather, Congressman Al Green, Bishop James Dixon, and more. It is the final public memorial before Floyd will be buried Tuesday at the Houston Memorial Gardens cemetery. Floyd, 46, died after a white Minneapolis officer pressed a knee on his neck for several minutes exactly two weeks ago.
Texans in Congress divided over President Donald Trumps protest response
Read full article: Texans in Congress divided over President Donald Trumps protest responseNearly every member of Congress from Texas has publicly condemned the police actions captured in the video. Thanks to the pandemic, House members are not engaging with each other face-to-face, which is typically vital to moving legislation into law. Despite the turmoil in Washington, U.S. House members were mostly in their own districts on Tuesday. "We can be united for change in our society and we can be thankful that law enforcement is enabling our First Amendment rights. Like the president, Texas Republicans have almost uniformly called for law and order in the same press releases where they express despair over Floyd's death.