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Reps. Al Green (TX-09), Judy Chu (CA-27), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), and William Lacy Clay (MO-01) Introduce Limited English Proficiency Data Acquisition in Mortgage Lending Act of 2019

On Tuesday, October 22, 2019, Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, and Congressman William Lacy Clay introduced H.R. 4783 and released the following statement:

Advocacy Organizations Urge Texas Counties to Implement Secure Voting Machines

The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas, Protect Democracy, the ACLU Voting Rights Project, and Public Citizen today sent letters to 29 Texas counties urging the adoption of secure, paper-based voting machines ahead of the 2020 elections. The identified counties currently use paperless machines, which the groups argue present significant risk to election security.

Texas Comptroller Visits University of Houston for Good for Texas Tour: Cybersecurity Edition

In the southeast Texas stop of his Good for Texas Tour: Cybersecurity Edition, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar today visited the University of Houston (UH), an emerging leader in cybersecurity education and research.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Looks Forward to Celebrating the Houston Astros’ 2019 World Series Title with Washington’s own Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget, issued this statement ahead of Game 1 of the World Series between the Houston Astros and the Washington Nationals:

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Applauds House Passage of the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act

Jackson Lee—“Doping fraud is a crime in which big money, state assets, and transnational criminals are involved and honest athletes and companies are defrauded. This practice, some of it state-sanctioned, has the ability to undermine international relations, and is often connected to more nefarious actions by state actors. “This is why I introduced RADA. When enacted into law, the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act will establish criminal penalties for participating in a scheme in commerce to influence a major international sport competition through prohibited substances or methods; provide restitution to victims of such conspiracies; protect whistleblowers from retaliation; and establish coordination and sharing of information with the United States Anti-Doping Agency.”

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Fall Classic

Houston Astros take on the Washington Nationals in Game 1 of the 2019 World Series

Just in case you have been living under a rock here in Houston, let me bring you up to speed. The 115th renewal of the World Series begins today between the American League Champions, Houston Astros and the National League Champions, Washington Nationals.

Several METRO Routes Detoured During World Series Games

Beginning this afternoon, several METRO bus stops are closed due to detours and street closures because of the World Series games. The stops are impacted on every game day from 3 p.m. until 1 a.m. METRO staff will be on hand to help customers navigate the changes.

Man diagnosed with schizophrenia releases autobiography

Victor Roberts opens up about his experiences as a paranoid schizophrenic

A man diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia opens up about his struggles, pain and loss in his recently-published autobiography, “Living with Paranoid Schizophrenia” (published by Xlibris).

Animal Defenders International urges public to avoid elephant rides at Texas Renaissance Festival

Elephants supplied for rides at this year’s Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission have been filmed by Animal Defenders International (ADI) being beaten by their handler, Mike Swain of Trunks & Humps, during training. ADI is asking the public not to pay for the elephant rides at the festival, which continues every weekend through December 1, as well as on Black Friday (November 29).

A young boy enjoys his experience at the zoo together with his imaginary friend

John Osback announces the release of ‘Joey the Blue Monkey’

When John Osback was 4 years old, his father, mother and grandfather took him to the zoo. When they got to the monkeys, he told them he had a blue monkey on his shoulder. His grandfather laughed and said he had pink elephants. At 4 years old, he did not get the joke.

Houston Astros Statement About Recent Comments

The Houston Astros released the following statements from Assistant General Manager Brandon Taubman and Owner and Chaiman Jim Crane:

Artist Residency Program Ucross Announces Inaugural Founder's Dinner to Honor Legacy of Raymond Plank

Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will receive The Raymond Plank Award for Visionary Leadership at the event

Ucross, a prestigious artist residency program and creative laboratory for the arts, today announced their inaugural Founder’s Dinner & Benefit, to be held on November 2, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The event will honor the legacy of Raymond Plank – WWII bomber pilot, business leader, philanthropist, and founder of Ucross – one year after his passing. Plank lived and worked in Houston after moving Apache Corporation to Texas in the mid-1990s.

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Governor Abbott Delivers Remarks At Texas Oil & Gas Association Lone Star Energy Forum In Austin

Governor Greg Abbott today delivered remarks at the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) Lone Star Energy Forum in Austin. The Governor thanked oil and gas industry leaders for their contributions to Texas' economic success and congratulated TXOGA on its 100th anniversary.

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This Holiday Shopping Card Offers 20 Percent Discount at Over 550 Participating Greater Houston Retailers

Shop, save money and save lives through the purchase of The Holiday Shopping Card, which takes place, October 24 – November 3, 2019. With the purchase of The Card for $75, shoppers receive a 20 percent discount at more than 550 participating retailers throughout the Greater Houston Area or free eats at participating restaurants. One hundred percent of The Card purchase benefits the American Cancer Society, providing much needed services such as transportation to and from treatment and cutting-edge research. Shoppers can purchase The Holiday Shopping Card online now at www.holidayshoppingcard.com or at participating area merchants in October.

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Nicholas the Dolphin Predicts World Series Champs

Rescued dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium chooses the Washington Nationals to win the pennant

Will the powerhouse Houston Astros beat the surprising Washington Nationals in the 2019 World Series? With the first game of the series matchup happening tonight at 8:08 p.m. EST, Nicholas the rescued dolphin at Clearwater Marine Aquarium has selected the National League champion Washington Nationals to take the pennant. When the Astros were in the 2017 playoffs, Nick surprised Vegas when he chose them to win the World Series. Now in 2019, he has another surprising selection! Sorry, Astros fans.

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Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed himself proud today to receive endorsements from Fort Bend County elected officials

At a news conference in Chasewood, part of Fort Bend County in the City of Houston, elected officials lined up to praise the Mayor for his work in their community. Endorsers included County Judge K.P. George, Commissioner Ken DeMerchant, Precinct 4, District Attorney Brian Middleton, Constable Daryl L. Smith Sr., Precinct 2, State Representative Ron Reynolds and Fort Bend County Democratic Party Chair Cynthia Ginyard. Commissioner Grady Prestage, Precinct 2, District Clerk Beverly Walker and Senator Borris Miles are also endorsing Mayor Turner but were unable to attend the news conference.

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Play It Smart: METRO Offers Safety Tips Ahead of World Series

METRO wants Astros fans to play it safe as they head to World Series games and watch parties.

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Judge Maria T. Jackson kicks off campaign for Harris County Commissioner Precinct 1

Standing on the steps of the Harris County Courthouse and surrounded by more than 60 friends, family and supporters, Judge Maria T. Jackson today kicked off her campaign to be the next commissioner for Harris County Precinct 1.

Beto Describes How His Work on Veterans Affairs and Arms Services Committees Shaped His Foreign Policy View, on 1A

Today, Beto was interviewed on NPR’s “1A.” Beto discussed a variety of topics over the nearly 30 minute interview, including the President’s recent actions in Syria. Beto detailed how his time on the House Veterans Affairs and House Arms Services Committees shaped his foreign policy view:

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Olympian Steve Lewis to be Special Guest at Let’s Play!™ Pop-Up in South L.A., Slated Oct. 25

Three-time gold medalist Steve Lewis will be a special guest at the Let’s Play!™ pop-up ultimate game night event being hosted in Leimert Park in conjunction with the UCLA Black Alumni Association (UBAA). A UCLA alum, Steve represented the U.S. in the 1988 Seoul Olympics as a 19-year-old freshman winning the 400-meter dash and setting the world junior record with a time of 43.87. He won a silver medal in the 400-meter dash and a gold medal in the 4x400-meter relay with his team in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.