Latest news with #LesleyBriones
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Local leaders share concern for SB 17 during press conference ; Local Republicans react
The Brief Local leaders react to SB 17 and share concerns if passed through the House and signed into law. Local republicans share why they support SB 17 HOUSTON - A bill moving through the Texas Legislature has ignited controversy-- with opponents calling it racist and discriminatory. Senate Bill 17 would ban some people from some foreign countries — like China and Russia — from owning land in the state. On Thursday, the Texas House Committee of Homeland Security advanced Senate Bill 17 to HB 17, and it is now headed to the House floor for a vote. What they're saying Commissioner Lesley Briones joined Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy, Asian Texans for Justice, civil rights leaders, and community advocates to speak out against Senate Bill (SB) 17. A press conference was held on Monday at 9:30. "SB 17 undermines the American dream it undermines the moral fabric if what we stand or as Americans. Harris County is one of the largest economic hubs, not only in Texas but in the United States, so to have a law that would take our neighbors' rights away or to have a law where the attorney general could unilaterally take the property is unconstitutional. It undermines due process,"said Commissioner Leslie Briones. The other side In a statement on X – State Representative Cole Hefner from District 5 - who introduced the bill shared excitement for the bill moving forward to the house. In Galveston, State Senator Mayes Middleton from District 11 sent over a statement showing support for SB 17. Statement Regarding SB 17 "Hostile foreign nations, like China, should not be buying Texas out from underneath us," said Senator Mayes Middleton. "This bill puts America and Texas first." "This bill," Middleton continued, "prohibits countries designated by the United States Director of National Intelligence, that pose a risk to national security from buying real property including commercial, industrial, mining, and agricultural land in Texas, and safeguards our security from adversarial foreign interests." Why you should care This bill will soon be voted on in the House and, if passed, will take effect in the Fall of 2025.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Houston weather: How do you know if you're in a flood risk area?
The Brief Waves of heavy storms will move across the Houston area with 4-6" totals possible and a few strong to severe storms, too. Local officials are preparing for the storms. Multiple platforms can be used to track flood conditions in real time. HOUSTON - As rain moves into the Houston area on Thursday and Friday, preps are underway. What we know Commissioner Lesley Briones said Precinct 4 Road & Bridge crews were out Wednesday clearing drainage systems, cleaning ditches, and ensuring water flows where it should to reduce the risk of street flooding in unincorporated Harris County. "Looking for any kind of blockage we might have in a curb inlet, debris in a ditch, anyone who left a trashcan," said Walter Hambrick, the precinct's Director of Road and Bridge. He says those who live in areas with road-side drainage systems should be aware. "If you park your vehicle on the curb in a neighborhood, be aware of what the water is doing overnight. And also be cautious that you're not blocking an inlet that would slow down the water from draining into your neighborhood," he said. State action On a broader scale, Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of the threats of severe weather. "Texas is prepared to deploy all resources needed to support local communities in South and Southeast Texas as they prepare to respond to severe weather and flash flooding," said Governor Abbott in a press release. For Houstonians, the rainfall is supposed to be between two to four inches between Thursday and Friday, not causing a huge flood threat. But neighbors further south in Brazoria, Matagorda, Wharton, Jackson and Calhoun counties could see several inches more. What you can do Knowing the flood risk in your area is extremely important. The National Water Prediction Service has an interactive map that highlights observed flooding areas. It updates with forecasts and rainfall so you can keep up-to-date with conditions in a specific area. The Harris County Flood Control District also has an interactive map that shows active floodways and the surrounding areas, so you can determine how close you are to a floodway at any given time. The Govorner's press release also lists resources including flood conditions at road conditions at flood safety information at and general preparedness tips at The Source Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Commissioner Lesley Briones' Precinct 4, FOX 26 Weather Models
