Restoring the public's trust in the Houston Police Department
Shortly after taking office, the new mayor was blindsided by the worst scandal to strike the Houston Police Department this century.
Shortly after taking office, the new mayor was blindsided by the worst scandal to strike the Houston Police Department this century.
Mayor Whitmire's plans for Metro
I think there's definitive evidence proving that in the past, Metro has been a financial sinkhole for Houston taxpayers. Can John Whitmire do what other mayors didn't?
I think there's definitive evidence proving that in the past, Metro has been a financial sinkhole for Houston taxpayers. Can John Whitmire do what other mayors didn't?
Mayor Whitmire's settlement with Houston Firefighters
While the public welcomed this long overdue deal, some on the council criticized the settlement saying it was too generous.
While the public welcomed this long overdue deal, some on the council criticized the settlement saying it was too generous.
Battle to be the next Speaker of the House
Exactly 30 days out from the Texas legislative session, and we have really no idea who will lead the lower chamber as Speaker. With Dade Phelan stepping aside, the incumbent, longtime lieutenant Dustin Burrows, claims to have locked up the support of the entire Democratic caucus and enough fellow Republicans to exceed the 76 votes needed. Not so fast, says Representative David Cook, who has the backing of a majority of House Republicans, along with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and the Texas GOP leadership. The heaviest possible pressure is being brought to bear on Republicans backing Burrows, all of whom are being threatened with retaliation if they don't get in line and back Cook.
Exactly 30 days out from the Texas legislative session, and we have really no idea who will lead the lower chamber as Speaker. With Dade Phelan stepping aside, the incumbent, longtime lieutenant Dustin Burrows, claims to have locked up the support of the entire Democratic caucus and enough fellow Republicans to exceed the 76 votes needed. Not so fast, says Representative David Cook, who has the backing of a majority of House Republicans, along with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and the Texas GOP leadership. The heaviest possible pressure is being brought to bear on Republicans backing Burrows, all of whom are being threatened with retaliation if they don't get in line and back Cook.
Mounting animosity aimed at HISD superintendent Mike Miles
A month and change after Houston ISD's monster $4.4 billion bond issue crashed and burned at the ballot box, angry parents, students and educators are still bashing state appointed superintendent Mike Miles for his controversial leadership style and openly calling into question the validity of the academic progress he and his administration are claiming.
A month and change after Houston ISD's monster $4.4 billion bond issue crashed and burned at the ballot box, angry parents, students and educators are still bashing state appointed superintendent Mike Miles for his controversial leadership style and openly calling into question the validity of the academic progress he and his administration are claiming.
Multi-million dollar upgrade to Levy Park passes nearly unanimously
At City Hall, millions greenlighted to upgrade an already top shelf municipal park. But with so many others crumbling and ragged. Is the investment truly justified?
At City Hall, millions greenlighted to upgrade an already top shelf municipal park. But with so many others crumbling and ragged. Is the investment truly justified?
Harris Co. owns half of county toll roads, but you're still paying to use them
Billions of taxpayer dollars paid to drive on roads. The public already owns half Harris County toll roads become a monster piggy bank for politicians and the patronage.
Billions of taxpayer dollars paid to drive on roads. The public already owns half Harris County toll roads become a monster piggy bank for politicians and the patronage.
Harris Co. D.A. OGG proposes plea deals in capital murder cases
In a move that stirred up significant controversy, outgoing Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has offered scores of capital murder suspects a plea deal - life without parole. That offer to suspects whose cases are more than a year old was labeled unprecedented by courthouse sources who spoke to the Houston Landing. Ogg successor and former employee Sean Teer strongly criticized the action, claiming families of victims may be traumatized when and if perpetrators ultimately plead guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence than life.
In a move that stirred up significant controversy, outgoing Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has offered scores of capital murder suspects a plea deal - life without parole. That offer to suspects whose cases are more than a year old was labeled unprecedented by courthouse sources who spoke to the Houston Landing. Ogg successor and former employee Sean Teer strongly criticized the action, claiming families of victims may be traumatized when and if perpetrators ultimately plead guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence than life.
Some showing support for CEO murder suspect Luigi Mangione
Fans of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, praising the privileged murder suspect captured on tape, committing the cold blooded assassination of United HealthCare chief executive Brian Thompson, a father of two. In addition to digital adulation across the internet, Mangione's actions have sparked other, more troubling responses, as in wanted posters bearing the images of other insurance executives and Seattle street art glorifying Mangione and vilifying his target panel.
Fans of 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, praising the privileged murder suspect captured on tape, committing the cold blooded assassination of United HealthCare chief executive Brian Thompson, a father of two. In addition to digital adulation across the internet, Mangione's actions have sparked other, more troubling responses, as in wanted posters bearing the images of other insurance executives and Seattle street art glorifying Mangione and vilifying his target panel.
Biden commutes about 1,500 sentences in biggest single-day act of clemency
Outgoing President Joe Biden continuing to exercise his executive power to pardon crimes and commute existing sentences.
Outgoing President Joe Biden continuing to exercise his executive power to pardon crimes and commute existing sentences.
Trump to use military deportations to fullest extent of the law
President elect Donald Trump confirming he will be preparing to declare a national emergency and plans to use military assets to reverse the Biden "invasion program."
President elect Donald Trump confirming he will be preparing to declare a national emergency and plans to use military assets to reverse the Biden "invasion program."
Gov. Abbott working to mitigate threats from China
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ratcheting up both our state's offense and defense against what he sees as an ongoing security threat from China.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott ratcheting up both our state's offense and defense against what he sees as an ongoing security threat from China.
Trump promising to reinstate military members discharged over COVID vaccine mandate
President elect Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka, posting on X this week that her father is still fully committed to keeping this pledge to the approximately 8,000 service members who chose discharge rather than submit to a mandated COVID vaccine.
President elect Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka, posting on X this week that her father is still fully committed to keeping this pledge to the approximately 8,000 service members who chose discharge rather than submit to a mandated COVID vaccine.
Hegseth & Patel facing uphill battle for confirmation
Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's embattled nominee to lead the Defense Department, pushing back on damaging allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement and a long history of heavy, abusive drinking. Also under heavy scrutiny and growing concern, President Elect Trump's pick to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, who has publicly stated in the past that he, as a member of a new MAGA administration, would go after people in the media. Patel has since softened that rhetoric, calling journalists invaluable.
Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's embattled nominee to lead the Defense Department, pushing back on damaging allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement and a long history of heavy, abusive drinking. Also under heavy scrutiny and growing concern, President Elect Trump's pick to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, who has publicly stated in the past that he, as a member of a new MAGA administration, would go after people in the media. Patel has since softened that rhetoric, calling journalists invaluable.
Biden pardons son despite previous pledges not to
President Joe Biden does what he pledged not to, pardoning his law breaking son Hunter for crimes stretching back more than a decade. I think it was absolutely shameful. It was an abuse of power. And it was the least surprising thing we have ever seen from Joe Biden.
President Joe Biden does what he pledged not to, pardoning his law breaking son Hunter for crimes stretching back more than a decade. I think it was absolutely shameful. It was an abuse of power. And it was the least surprising thing we have ever seen from Joe Biden.
Baker Institute takes Tirz before city council
We all really need to care about the tax increment reinvestment zone because many of these quasi-governmental entities first designed to reinvigorate blighted neighborhoods, have morphed into the exact opposite, sucking hundreds of millions of dollars into affluent sections of the city to the detriment of those truly in need.
We all really need to care about the tax increment reinvestment zone because many of these quasi-governmental entities first designed to reinvigorate blighted neighborhoods, have morphed into the exact opposite, sucking hundreds of millions of dollars into affluent sections of the city to the detriment of those truly in need.
Sticker shock over property taxes in Harris County
Debilitating property tax bills are hitting Harris County homeowners just in time for the holidays. How bad are they?
Debilitating property tax bills are hitting Harris County homeowners just in time for the holidays. How bad are they?
Dan Patrick looking to crack down on THC sales in Texas
Texas vendors of THC products now squarely in the gun sights of our state's lieutenant governor. Are the days of buying delta-8 and the like truly numbered in the Lone Star State?
Texas vendors of THC products now squarely in the gun sights of our state's lieutenant governor. Are the days of buying delta-8 and the like truly numbered in the Lone Star State?
Burrows, Cook announce victory in House Speaker race
Saturday, the 88 member GOP House caucus gathered in Austin to select Dade Phelan's successor. Contention and division followed as front runner David Cook initially fell short of the two thirds margin necessary to capture the majority's endorsement. Eleventh-hour candidate and longtime Phelan ally Dustin Burrows also failed to get the necessary caucus vote, but announced he'd secured sufficient support from Democrats in the minority to win the speakership. Conservative Republicans backing Cook and the state GOP party also declared victory, with some labeling Burrows and his supporters turncoats, who are openly violating the caucus rules.
Saturday, the 88 member GOP House caucus gathered in Austin to select Dade Phelan's successor. Contention and division followed as front runner David Cook initially fell short of the two thirds margin necessary to capture the majority's endorsement. Eleventh-hour candidate and longtime Phelan ally Dustin Burrows also failed to get the necessary caucus vote, but announced he'd secured sufficient support from Democrats in the minority to win the speakership. Conservative Republicans backing Cook and the state GOP party also declared victory, with some labeling Burrows and his supporters turncoats, who are openly violating the caucus rules.
Future of student loan forgiveness
FOX 26 Houston Political Reporter Greg Groogan talks the latest in local, statewide, and national politics.
FOX 26 Houston Political Reporter Greg Groogan talks the latest in local, statewide, and national politics.