Latest news with #Menefee
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
Human remains found in trash bag identified through dental records; 2 men now facing charges
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Two men are now facing charges in connection with human remains that were found in a trash bag in Summit County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] News Center 7 previously reported that officers found a trash bag with human remains in it while investigating a fight between two men on May 2. While officers were speaking to the men, one of them mentioned the human remains. TRENDING STORIES: The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner identified the remains as 22-year-old Xavier Menefee of Canton, CBS affiliate WOIO-19 reported. The medical examiner said Menefee was identified through dental records. His remains were found in the area of a homeless encampment in the 300 block of Silver Street. Now, 54-year-old Anthony Fields and 34-year-old Kurth Conaway are both charged with abuse of a corpse, WOIO-19 reported. They are both being held in the Summit County Jail. The investigation is ongoing. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
National progressives back Houston attorney who fought GOP in court in Texas special election
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee on Thursday won the endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) in the special House election for Texas's 18th Congressional District. Menefee, the youngest county attorney in Houston history, will face off against a crowded slate of largely young, progressive Democrats vying to represent one of the state's most populous districts following the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner (D) in March. 'Christian is the proven fighter Texas's 18th district needs. We are proud to back his campaign,' Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC members Reps. Greg Casar (D-Texas), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said in a Thursday statement. They pointed to Menefee's history of 'multi-million dollar settlements holding corporations accountable' and his legal fights against Texas Republicans. Menefee, they wrote, 'has a demonstrated record of standing up to Republican overreach and delivering results for working families.' Menefee told The Hill that Texas progressives occupy a critical role in a national party seeking to claw its way out of the wilderness. He added that decades under far-right rule have given Texas Democrats something the national party needs: the ability to 'be scrappy' and fight against tough odds. The state's Democrats have been 'cast aside' by party members nationally 'who don't believe that Texas has the ability to flip,' Menefee said. But faced with Republican control of all three branches of state government, he argued, Harris County Democrats — and the county attorney specifically — have repeatedly fought the state GOP to a standstill. 'We're resourceful. We know what it looks like to be in a situation where you feel like your back is up against the wall, where the only thing protecting communities you love and the people you serve is your ability to fight,' he said. 'We can show national Democrats how to leave no stone unturned when it comes to trying to advocate for the people we care about,' he added. With a lead in endorsements and funding, Menefee opened the race with a position as front-runner, University of Houston political analyst Brandon Rottinghaus told The Houston Chronicle last month. The endorsement from the CPC, an alliance of 100-plus Democrats focused on issues like securing more pay and less pollution for workers, adds weight to Menefee's pitch that he is part of the party's vigorous new face. Menefee, who grew up in the district, and credits his current success to social democratic programs like free school lunches, Pell Grants, the G.I. bill — a kind of programming he now sees being threatened by the Trump administration. 'I've seen how effective the government can be when it works the right way,' he told The Hill. 'And I know that if our government works for regular working class people, instead of the wealthy and the well connected, that if there are programs in place that ensure that nobody's left behind, every single person can have a fair shot at the American dream.' Under Menefee, the Harris County Attorney's office has repeatedly pushed back against state attempts to constrict the powers of Harris County, from defending a pilot program that would guarantee basic income to select county residents to fighting against deregulation that his office has argued would increase deadly pollution in the county. For example, Menefee sued the state environmental regulator over a concrete crushing plant in the middle of a neighborhood. He has also dueled with far-right Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) — who has announced his own run for Sen. John Cornyn's (R) Senate seat — in state and federal court, challenging Paxton last year, for instance, on an attempt to loosen federal standards for pollution from, among others, Harris County's vast fleet of more than 200,000 petrochemical plants. Menefee's 300-person team also won an $18 million settlement against Volkswagen after suing the company for allegedly manipulating emissions monitoring in its vehicles and $20 million from e-cigarette maker Juul over accusations that it targeted marketing toward minors — wins that put the county budget in the black. Menefee's pushback against the state government also played a role in making the upcoming special election happen. Turner, a former Houston mayor, previously won the seat in November, but died in office just two months into his term. Following his death, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) took weeks to authorize a special election to replace him — until Menefee threatened to sue him. But Menefee also last year announced his willingness to work across the aisle with Paxton in investigations of CenterPoint Energy, the Houston-area utility that saw millions of customers lose power during last year's Hurricane Beryl. Beyond the Texas GOP, Menefee has scored victories against the Trump administration as well: for example, a lawsuit from his office resulted in the administration unfreezing $10 million in funding for refugee healthcare last month. Texans 'can have political differences from a policy perspective, but what you're seeing out of like modern MAGA Republicans in elected office is much different,' Menefee told The Hill. For his courtroom opponents, he said, 'it's not about making the best policy, it's about proving a point.' He told The Hill that he believes that both MAGA Republicans and many national-party Democrats have left a lane open for their future opponents. 'The base is crying out for a fight from their elected leaders. They're tired of seeing Donald Trump and Elon Musk run roughshod over their rights,' he said. And at the same time that 'elected Democrats have thrown their hands up and saying, there's nothing we can do here,' he said, 'in Harris County, we have done a case study on how to fight back against Republicans — zealously, courageously — in the face of what would appear to be insurmountable opposition.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
24-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
National progressives back Houston attorney who fought GOP in court in Texas special election
Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee on Thursday won the endorsement of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) in the special House election for Texas's 18th District. Menefee, the youngest County Attorney in Houston history, will face off against a crowded slate of largely young, progressive Democrats vying to represent one of the state's most populous districts following the death of Rep. Sylvester Turner (D) in March. 'Christian is the proven fighter Texas's 18th district needs. We are proud to back his campaign,' Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC members Reps. Greg Casar (D-Texas), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Maxwell Frost (D-Fla.) said in a statement on Thursday. They pointed to Menefee's history of 'multi-million dollar settlements holding corporations accountable' and his legal fights against Texas Republicans. Menefee, they wrote, 'has a demonstrated record of standing up to Republican overreach and delivering results for working families. ' Menefee told The Hill that Texas progressives occupy a critical role in a national party seeking to claw its way out of the wilderness. He added that decades under far-right rule have given Texas Democrats something the national party needs: the ability to 'be scrappy' and fight against tough odds. The state's Democrats have been 'cast aside' by party members nationally 'who don't believe that Texas has the ability to flip,' Menefee said. But faced with Republican control of all three branches of state government, he argued, Harris County Democrats — and the County Attorney specifically — have repeatedly fought the state GOP to a standstill. 'We're resourceful. We know what it looks like to be in a situation where you feel like your back is up against the wall, where the only thing protecting communities you love and the people you serve is your ability to fight,' he said. 'We can show national Democrats how to leave no stone unturned when it comes to trying to advocate for the people we care about,' he added. With a lead in endorsements and funding, Menefee opened the race with a position as 'frontrunner,' University of Houston political analyst Brandon Rottinghaus told The Houston Chronicle last month. The endorsement from the CPC, an alliance of 100-plus Democrats focused on issues like securing more pay and less pollution for workers, adds weight to Menefee's pitch that he is part of the party's vigorous new face. Menefee, who grew up in the district, and credits his current success to social democratic programs like free school lunches, Pell Grants, the G.I. bill — a kind of programming he now sees being threatened by the Trump administration. 'I've seen how effective the government can be when it works the right way,' he told The Hill. 'And I know that if our government works for regular working class people, instead of the wealthy and the well connected, that if there are programs in place that ensure that nobody's left behind, every single person can have a fair shot at the American dream.' Under Menefee, the Harris County Attorney's office has repeatedly pushed back against state attempts to constrict the powers of Harris County, from defending a pilot program that would guarantee basic income to select county residents to fighting against deregulation that his office has argued would increase deadly pollution in the county. For example, Menefee sued the state environmental regulator over a concrete crushing plant in the middle of a neighborhood. He has also dueled with far-right Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) — who has announced his own run for Sen. John Cornyn's (R) Senate seat — in state and federal court, challenging Paxton last year, for instance, on an attempt to loosen federal standards for pollution from, among others, Harris County's vast fleet of more than 200,000 petrochemical plants. Menefee's 300-person team also won an $18 million settlement against Volkswagen after suing the company for allegedly manipulating emissions monitoring in its vehicles and $20 million from e-cigarette maker Juul over accusations that it targeted marketing toward minors — wins that put the county budget in the black. Menefee's pushback against the state government also played a role in making the upcoming special election happen. Turner, a former Houston mayor, previously won the seat in November, but died in office just two months into his term. Following his death, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) took weeks to authorize a special election to replace him — until Menefee threatened to sue him. But Menefee also last year announced his willingness to work across the aisle with Paxton in investigations of CenterPoint Energy, the Houston-area utility that saw millions of customers lose power during last year's Hurricane Beryl. Beyond the Texas GOP, Menefee has scored victories against the Trump administration as well: for example, a lawsuit from his office resulted in the administration unfreezing $10 million in funding for refugee healthcare last month. Texans 'can have political differences from a policy perspective, but what you're seeing out of like modern MAGA Republicans in elected office is much different,' Menefee told The Hill. For his courtroom opponents, he said, 'it's not about making the best policy, it's about proving a point.' He told The Hill that he believes that both MAGA Republicans and many national-party Democrats have left a lane open for their future opponents. 'The base is crying out for a fight from their elected leaders. They're tired of seeing Donald Trump and Elon Musk run roughshod over their rights,' he said. And at the same time that 'elected Democrats have thrown their hands up and saying, there's nothing we can do here,' he said, 'in Harris County, we have done a case study on how to fight back against Republicans — zealously, courageously — in the face of what would appear to be insurmountable opposition.'
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Gov. Jim Pillen announces resignation of Nebraska's public health director
The Nebraska State Capitol. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner) LINCOLN — The director who handles public health matters for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Charity Menefee, has resigned. Gov. Jim Pillen announced the departure, effective May 9, in a statement Tuesday that said Menefee made the decision to devote more time to her family. Menefee has served in the position since 2021. She oversees preventative and community health programs including epidemiology, vital statistics, regulation and the licensure of health-related professions and healthcare facilities and services. 'Leading and serving alongside the dedicated people at the Division of Public Health has been the greatest honor of my career,' Menefee said in a statement. The Governor's Office offered no information on interim leadership, saying details would come later. Pillen said he appreciated Menefee's public service, including in the military. Menefee recently retired as a lieutenant colonel in the Tennessee Air National Guard after 25 years. Prior to joining Nebraska's DHHS, she served at the Knox County Health Department in Knoxville, Tennessee. 'Charity leaves public service with an impeccable record of dedication to the health and well-being of Nebraskans,' Pillen said. 'Under her leadership, the division reduced processing times from 100 days to 25 for certain licenses and improved disease tracking capabilities throughout the state.' Steve Corsi, CEO of DHHS, called Menefee a 'shining example of a person who puts others first,' citing late-night meetings coordinating with stakeholders and weekends spent on operations tracking and containing infectious diseases. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Associated Press
07-04-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Texas governor calls November election for vacant US House seat as Democrats criticize timing
HOUSTON (AP) — Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday that a special election to fill the late Democratic U.S. Rep. Sylvester Turner's seat won't be held until November and defended the timing by renewing criticism of past Houston-area elections. Abbott's announcement that the special election will be on Nov. 4 came as Democrats have accused the governor of delaying the election after Turner's March 5 death to help Republicans maintain their razor-thin margin in the U.S. House. Abbott has the sole authority to call for a special election. The governor said the wait 'will give Harris County sufficient time to prepare for such an important election.' Harris County, where Houston is located, has faced scrutiny in recent years because of problems that have included long lines, poll worker and ballot shortages and ballots that were not counted the day of the election. 'Safe and secure elections are critical to the foundation of our state,' Abbott said in a news release. 'Forcing Harris County to rush this special election on weeks' notice would harm the interests of voters.' With 5 million residents, most of whom are Latino or Black, the county is the most populous in Texas and the third-most populous in the U.S. Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, one of the candidates vying for Turner's old seat, criticized the wait. Menefee had called for an election in June. 'It is unconscionable to leave nearly 800,000 people in this district without representation in Congress for most of the year,' Menefee said in a statement. 'We'll go through hurricane season, budget battles, and attacks on Social Security and Medicaid with no one at the table fighting for us.' Menefee, along with Democratic U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, had threatened to sue Abbott over the delay. Last week, Teneshia Hudspeth, the chief elections officer in Harris County, said the county was 'fully prepared' to hold the election. In 2023, Abbott signed a bill that removed Harris County's elections administrator and transferred the responsibility to other local officials, including Hudspeth. Hudspeth noted that since then, 'my office has successfully conducted eight elections.'
