Latest news with #Whitmire
Axios
22-07-2025
- Business
- Axios
Houston could ban scooters in downtown
Houston could soon ban the use of e-scooters in and around downtown. Why it matters: Transportation advocates argue the move furthers what critics say are Mayor John Whitmire's "cars over people" policies, while proponents say a ban would alleviate public safety concerns. Driving the news: A City Council committee will meet Thursday to discuss creating a "scooter-free zone" that includes downtown, Midtown and East Downtown. The proposal was drafted by Houston police and the city. The big picture: If the measure passes, Houston would likely become the first major U.S. city with an active e-scooter ban in its downtown. It would join international cities like Madrid, Toronto, Paris and Melbourne, Australia. Flashback: In 2021, the city banned scooters on sidewalks and prohibited vendors from using public right-of-way to rent them out. Since then, e-scooter rental companies have proliferated downtown. Zoom in: Whitmire says he is concerned with scooter riders operating dangerously around the city center. Twenty-three Houston crashes involved scooters in 2024, up from 20 in 2023, 10 in 2022 and three in 2021, according to the city. Riders died in three of those crashes, and at least one person died on an e-scooter in 2025. The other side: Michael Moritz, a Houston transportation advocate, says such a ban would limit downtown activity and hinder those who commute to work on e-scooters. "Mayor Whitmire has proven with his policies that he does not believe Houstonians should have the freedom to choose how they move," Moritz tells Axios. Some scooter rental vendors say a ban would be the "worst-case scenario" for business. What they're saying:"The vast majority of individuals using scooters in the area are not Houstonians but instead come here for joyriding, rather than using them for school or work," Whitmire said in a statement to Axios. "Many scooter users disregard traffic laws, putting themselves and others at risk," Whitmire said. "(Thursday's meeting is) part of the process, and I welcome public feedback."
Axios
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Houston readies for protests as Abbott deploys National Guard
City leaders say they're equipped to handle planned protests this weekend in Houston, while Gov. Greg Abbott says he will deploy the Texas National Guard "to ensure peace & order." Why it matters: Abbott's decision comes amid a national debate about the militarization of law enforcement and the rights of protestors as thousands are expected to protest during "No Kings Day" on Saturday. Driving the news: The National Guard will be deployed across the state, Abbott posted on X late Tuesday night, saying he's instructed them to "use every tool & strategy to help law enforcement maintain order." "Peaceful protest is legal. Harming a person or property is illegal & will lead to arrest." Abbott didn't specify where troops will be deployed. Catch up quick: Protesters will march on Houston City Hall at 10am Saturday, part of the nationwide demonstration to counter President Trump's multimillion-dollar military parade in Washington, D.C. Texas state troopers are monitoring planned events and " stand ready," the Department of Public Safety said Tuesday. The White House has already deployed the National Guard and Marines in response to protests in Los Angeles against Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. Zoom in: Mayor John Whitmire and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo say law enforcement is ready to respond to potential unrest. "I've monitored this very carefully. It's my highest responsibility," Whitmire told Houston City Council members Wednesday. "We will not tolerate civil disobedience." The intrigue: U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt (R-Houston) sent a letter to Whitmire and county leadership this week offering federal assistance in quelling what he called "riots" on the horizon. "Public servants, like us, must promote law and order and protect our city … from descending into violence and chaos like Los Angeles," Hunt wrote. Yes, but: Whitmire declined to respond to Hunt's letter, telling council members Wednesday that Hunt's letter was "speaking about something that does not exist in Houston."
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Suspect in Clemson chase may be connected to missing man, sheriff says
PICKENS COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) — The Pickens County Sheriff's Office has shared more information about a suspect involved in an active police chase that occurred Thursday to Sheriff Tommy Blankenship, officials believe the suspect, identified as 32-year-old Jeremy Basquette, is connected to 68-year-old Steven Whitmire. Whitmire went missing between late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning from his home on Whitmire Hill Road. Officials said he is around 5'7″ tall and weighs around 150 pounds, with gray hair and a gray goatee. The chase involving Basquette began around 8:30 a.m. on Thursday. South Carolina Highway Patrol said the Central Police Department was in pursuit of a 2005 Honda Accord traveling west on Highway 93. The car then attempted to exit on Highway 76 when the vehicle went off the left side of the road, down an embankment and overturned. Basquette had a gunshot wound to the head, which officials said was self-inflicted. An autopsy for Basquette occurred today, but no new details are available at this time. Anyone with information regarding Whitmire's whereabouts is asked to call the Pickens County Sheriff's Office at (864) 898-5500. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Happy Greg Groogan Day! Houston Mayor declares May 4 in honor of FOX 26 political reporter
The Brief The 500th episode of FOX 26's "What's Your Point" aired on Sunday, May 4. Mayor Whitmire was featured in the episode for a one-on-one interview with host Greg Groogan. Greg Groogan Day was declared in honor of this milestone episode and the show's host. HOUSTON - Happy Greg Groogan Day! FOX 26 political reporter and "What's Your Point" host Greg Groogan has been honored with his own special day in Houston. The declaration was announced for the 500th episode of "What's Your Point?," FOX 26's weekly program, where Greg brings in a panel to discuss political topics on the local, state, and national levels. Sunday's episode included a one-on-one interview with Houston Mayor John Whitmire. He spoke to Greg about a proposed pay increase for Houston police and other topics about the city. At the end of the interview, Mayor Whitmire presented Greg with a declaration for his special day. The mayor says he watches the show every Sunday morning. "I enjoy the discourse, you pointing out. And your panel, your diverse panel, bring ideas to the city each time I watch your show," said Mayor Whitmire. "I want to recognize your experience. You know, I think experience matters, relationships matter." Congratulations to Greg Groogan and the "What's Your Point?" team on 500 episodes! The Source FOX 26's weekly political program, "What's Your Point?"
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
City of Houston settles 'rain tax' lawsuit, lowering budget deficit by $70 million
The Brief Previously, Houston voters mandated that some of their property taxes go to street and drainage maintenance. Two engineers filed a lawsuit after learning that the money was being used for other purposes. The settlement allows the City to gain long-term funding for street repair and drainage. HOUSTON - Mayor John Whitmire announced a settlement Wednesday of the "Rebuild Houston" litigation which will allow a $70 million reduction in the City's projected budget deficit. "This will take a giant step forward in addressing our shortfall and, in future years, putting hundreds of millions of dollars into repairing our infrastructure," said Whitmire. Mayor John Whitmire delivered a colossally constructive announcement - "settlement" of a potentially budget-busting legal verdict over the systematic shortchanging of the dedicated, voter-mandated street and drainage fee known as "Rebuild Houston". Whitmire concedes that previous administrations had misused voter-approved street and drainage fees since their inception. "The money has never been placed in accounts to rebuild Houston. It was used for general operations of all of our departments," said Whitmire. The backstory Back in 2010 and again in 2018, voters mandated that a major chunk of their City property taxes be dedicated exclusively to street and drainage maintenance. When Houston engineers Bob Jones and Alan Watson detected that the infrastructure money was being siphoned off for other purposes, they sued and the Texas Supreme Court eventually agreed, ordering the City to fully invest in streets and drainage as voters demanded. "We now have on the table an agreement that essentially fixes the whole dedicated drainage and street renewal fund financing going forward and that's a huge win," said Jones. "With this agreement, the Mayor pledges more money, more manpower and more projects to rebuild what has been lost here in Houston," said Watson. The settlement allows Mayor Whitmire and the City to gradually ratchet-up funding for street repair and drainage over the next 3 years until the investment in "Rebuild Houston" reaches a half billion dollars per year. What they're saying The deficit-easing deal was celebrated by nearly every member of the Council. "We cannot balance the budget on the back of infrastructure. We have to fully fund this. It is one of the top issues when I am going out in my District," said Council Member Amy Peck. "I am so happy all of the money that is supposed to go in this fund, will be in this fund," said Council Member Sally Alcorn. The Source FOX 26 reporter Greg Groogan listened in the City Houston council meeting.
