HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A city council meeting left some members stunned at what they heard from the teachers’ union and parents just days after school started.
A week after a Marshall Middle School student died, Houston city council members held a hearing on HISD. During the meeting, the student’s death took center stage.
“This was something that never should have happened,” Houston Federation of Teachers chief of staff Corina Ortiz said.
A week ago, HISD said the student suffered a medical emergency. On Thursday, Houston Federation of Teachers leaders told the council the nurse tried to use an AED, but it wouldn’t work.
“If that life safety equipment is not being checked, is out of service, that’s unacceptable, and children’s safety always comes first,” Houston City Councilmember Abbie Kamin said.
That wasn’t the only issue discussed during Thursday’s labor committee hearing. For nearly an hour, the teachers’ union presented their concerns using a PowerPoint that showed students using cones as hall passes, webcams in classrooms making teachers feel like they’re constantly monitored, and statistics of new teacher hires.
“Almost half of your teaching workforce has never been a teacher,” Ortiz explained. “They don’t know anything about teaching. That’s going to be a problem.”
“Honestly, shocked and concerned,” Kamin said. “We know a lot that we read from the news, but it’s different to hear the firsthand account.”
Parents shared concerns about the air conditioning in classrooms and frustration over the cones as hall passes.
“I feel like it makes kids embarrassed to go to the bathroom,” parent Teisha Mayes explained.
Council members say the meeting’s purpose was to hear those concerns and gather resources to pass along to parents. The council doesn’t oversee HISD.
Recently, volunteers cleaned up Marshall Middle School. Instead, the union suggested the city could crack down on the district if it does not maintain upkeep.
“I know that in the grand scheme of things, tall grass isn’t the most serious of things, but it’s indicative of the lack of operations, the lack of planning, and the lack of staffing, and just incompetence,” Houston Federation of Teachers digital organizer Jessi Heiner said.
Earlier this summer, HISD Superintendent Mike Miles met with the city council. Lawmakers said Thursday’s hearing was an opportunity to hear the other side.
Eyewitness News reached out to HISD about concerns Thursday afternoon after the hearing ended. We’ll let you know when we receive a response.
Battleship Texas had been drydocked since August 2022. During that time, crews replaced over 700 tons of steel, painted the hull, and performe…Show more
The move is for the next step in its restoration process.
Since 2022, nearly 300,000 man-hours have been spent replacing 700 tons of steel, painting the hull, and restoring and replacing anti-aircraft guns, among other repairs.
The Battleship Texas returned to the water just six months ago. Officials said spectator boats and pedestrians will not be allowed at the site or in the water.
The iconic ship served in both WWI and WWII and was called the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site home for over 70 years.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Traffic is slow for drivers on the I-69 Eastex Freeway on Friday morning after a deadly crash involving a heavy truck left the freeway shut down for hours near Bush Intercontinental Airport.
Houston Transtar first reported the crash just after 5 a.m. in the northbound lanes before FM-525/Aldine Bender Road.
All northbound lanes have been closed since, causing major delays for drivers on their morning commute.
SkyEye flew over the scene, where a white sedan appeared to be T-boned by a large truck. Authorities confirmed that at least one person died in the crash.
Drivers can take Homestead or the Hardy Toll Road as an alternate route.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris walks on stage to speak during the Democratic National Convention Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
CHICAGO — Vice President Kamala Harris called on Americans to join her in “charting a new way forward” as she accepted the Democratic nomination on Thursday. She argued that her personal story and prosecutorial background make her uniquely qualified to protect their interests and defeat Republican Donald Trump.
Taking the stage to a thunderous standing ovation at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Harris sought to introduce herself to the American public and outline her vision for leading the nation over the next four years.
“Our nation, with this election, has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past,” Harris said. “A chance to chart a new way forward—not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans.”
READ ALSO | DNC attendees tell ABC News what they hope to hear from Kamala Harris’ speech.
Harris acknowledged the magnitude of the last month and the incredible turn of events that put her on the United Center stage tonight.
“America, the path that led me here in recent weeks was no doubt unexpected. But I’m no stranger to unlikely journeys,” she said.
She made the case for unity and addressed climate change in the nation’s politics.
“With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past. A chance to chart a new way forward. Not as members of any one party or faction, but as Americans,” Harris reiterated.
LIVE UPDATES | DNC 2024 Day 4: Kamala Harris accepts her party’s nomination on the final night of the convention.
The daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, Harris became the first Black woman and person of South Asian descent to accept a major party’s presidential nomination. If elected, she would become the first female U.S. president.
Harris spoke about being raised primarily by her mother after her parents divorced, in a small apartment in San Francisco’s East Bay. She was also raised by friends and caregivers who were “family by love.” She detailed a key part of her political origin story when Wanda, her best friend from high school, confided in her that she was being abused by her stepfather and came to live with Harris’ family.
As she took the stage, she saw a sea of female delegates and Democratic supporters wearing white—the color of women’s suffrage, a movement that culminated in American women securing the right to vote in 1920.
Harris made a direct appeal to anti-Trump Republicans to put aside party labels and support her over Trump, who denied his loss to Biden in the 2020 election, which inspired the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
The prosecutor in Harris surfaced during the speech when, in referring to Donald Trump, she mentioned “his explicit intent” to free those who assaulted law enforcement officers at the Capitol, jail political opponents, and use the military against American citizens.
“Consider what he intends to do if we give him power again,” she added.
In her speech, Harris emphasized her role as a unifier.
“I will be a President who unites us around our highest aspirations. A president who leads and listens. Who is realistic, practical, and has common sense. And always fights for the American people. From the courthouse to the White House, that has been my life’s work,” Harris said.
She promised that rebuilding the middle class would be the defining goal of her presidency, offering a message of hope.
“I see an America where we hold fast to the fearless belief that built our nation. That inspired the world. That here, in this country, anything is possible. Nothing is out of reach,” she said.
What time does Kamala Harris speak tonight and the rest of the DNC Night 4 speaker schedule? The DNC has run late every night so far, but if previous night programming is a guide, the hope will be for Harris to take the stage in the latter half of the 9 p.m. hour, CT.
This is the full DNC night four speaker schedule (all times Central):
5:30 PM
Call to Order: Minyon Moore, chair of the 2024 Democratic National Convention Committee
Gavel In: Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar
Invocation: Everett Kelly, National President of the American Federation of Government Employees, and Imam Muhammad Abdul-Aleem, Masjidullah Mosque, West Oak Lane, PA
Presentation of Colors: Illinois State Police Honor Guard
Pledge of Allegiance: Luna Maring, 6th Grader from Oakland, California
Welcome Remarks: Texas Rep. Veronica Escobar
Joint Remarks: Becky Pringle, President of the National Education Association, and Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers
Remarks: California Senator Alex Padilla
6:00 PM
Remarks: Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia L. Fudge
Remarks: California Rep. Ted W. Lieu
Remarks: Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin
Remarks: U.S. House Democratic Whip Rep. Katherine Clark
Remarks: Assistant Democratic House Leader Rep. Joe Neguse
Remarks: Durham, N.C. Mayor Leonardo Williams
Remarks: Illinois Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi
Remarks: Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey
Remarks: Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren
Remarks: “Project 2025-Chapter Four: Making America Weaker and Less Secure” by Colorado Rep. Jason Crow
Remarks: Michigan Rep. Elissa Slotkin
Remarks: New York Rep. Pat Ryan
Remarks: Reverend Al Sharpton
Joint Remarks from representatives of “the Central Park Five”: New York City Councilman Dr. Yusef Salaam, activist Korey Wise, activist Raymond Santana, activist Kevin Richardson
7:00 PM
Joint Remarks: Amy Resner, Former prosecutor and friend of Vice President Harris, Karrie Delaney, Director of Federal Affairs at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, National Urban League President Marc H. Morial, former Corinthian College student Nathan Hornes, and former New York State Assistant Attorney General Tristan Snell
Remarks: Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey
Remarks: Courtney Baldwin, youth organizer and human trafficking survivor
Remarks: U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland
Remarks: John Russell, content creator
Remarks: Florida Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost
Remarks: Texas Rep. Colin Allred
Joint Remarks on “A New American Chapter”: Anya Cook, Florida, Craig Sicknick, New Jersey, Gail DeVore, Colorado, Juanny Romero, Nevada, and Eric, Christian, and Carter Fitts, North Carolina
8:00 PM
National Anthem: The Chicks
Host Introduction: Kerry Washington
Joint Remarks: Meena Harris, Ella Emhoff, Helena Hudlin
Remarks: D.L. Hughley
Remarks: Genesee County, Mich. Sheriff Chris Swanson
A Conversation on Gun Violence: Georgia Rep. Lucy McBath, joined by Abbey Clements of Newton, Connecticut, Kim Rubio of Uvalde, Texas, Melody McFadden of Charleston, South Carolina, and Edgar Vilchez of Chicago, Illinois
Remarks: Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords
Performance: P!NK
Remarks: Arizona Senator Mark Kelly
Remarks: Former Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta
Remarks: Arizona Rep. Ruben Gallego
Remarks: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
9:00 PM
Remarks: Eva Longoria, American actress and film producer
Remarks: Former Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger
Remarks: Maya Harris
Remarks: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper
Remarks: Vice President Kamala Harris
Singer Pink rehearsed with her daughter Willow Thursday afternoon at the United Center for her performance tonight. ABC7 Chicago’s r… Show more And a number of performance mic checks and Oprah Winfrey’s surprise appearance Wednesday night have fueled speculation about whether there may be another surprise guest tonight.
In the end, there was not.
Buzz after Gov. Tim Walz’s speech carries into the 2nd day.
Wednesday night, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Harris’s choice for running mate, thanked the packed Chicago arena for “bringing the joy” to the election.
“We’re all here tonight for one beautiful, simple reason: We love this country,” Walz said, as thousands of delegates hoisted vertical placards reading “Coach Walz” in red, white, and blue.
“He’s relatable, and he’s down to earth, so I think he’s going to win over a number of people because he really cares. He’s the right person for this position at this time,” said Illinois State Senator Adriane Johnson.
Senator Dick Durbin was struck by Walz’s personal story of his family’s struggle with having children, and the reaction that followed.
“They flashed to his kids. You might have taken a look at it, and there was one moment—it couldn’t have lasted more than two seconds—when his son, Gus, stood up and pointed at him and said, ‘That’s my dad’,” Durbin said.
Party leaders are excited about the Harris-Walz ticket, but they know that with the election predicted to be close, the expected DNC bump can only be the kickoff to November.
“We need to turn out here at home, and we need to work with our neighbors in Michigan and Wisconsin to deliver those swing states, because winning takes more than voting,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
“I mean, we need to keep this energy up. We need to make sure we’re keeping it up all the way through November. You can tell there’s been a new jolt in the party. You can see it. There’s a sense of
Adults suffering from long COVID often face persistent fatigue, post-exertional crashes, brain fog, shortness of breath, coughing, and loss of smell or taste. However, new research shows that long COVID symptoms can vary significantly in children, and even among different age groups.
According to a study published on Aug. 21 in JAMA, children experience different symptoms than adults, with variations occurring across different age brackets. “Most of what we know about long COVID comes from studies of adults,” said Dr. Rachel Gross, associate professor of pediatrics at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and co-lead author of the study. The research is part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s RECOVER initiative. “This is one of the largest and first studies to try to characterize prolonged symptoms in children and understand how they differ across age groups.”
To gather data, the researchers surveyed caregivers of over 5,000 U.S. children, both those who had previously contracted COVID-19 and those who had not. The team identified which symptoms were most strongly linked to previous infections, indicating long COVID.
Among children aged 6 to 11, the study found 10 key symptoms associated with long COVID, including memory and focus problems, back or neck pain, stomach pain, headaches, phobias, refusal to go to school, itchy skin or rashes, sleep difficulties, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness.
In adolescents aged 12 to 17, eight symptoms were identified, including loss of smell or taste, muscle or joint pain, daytime sleepiness, fatigue after walking, back or neck pain, memory problems, headaches, and dizziness.
While these findings are not yet enough to definitively diagnose long COVID in children, they provide a starting point for estimating its prevalence. The researchers estimated that around 20% of previously infected younger children and 14% of adolescents may meet the threshold for long COVID, with those infected before the Omicron variant being more susceptible. These estimates are higher than previous studies, including a 2022 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which estimated long COVID in just 1% of children.
Dr. Gross emphasized the importance of recognizing the different ways long COVID can manifest in children. “There’s a misperception that long COVID in children will look like it does in adults,” she said. The study suggests that while some symptoms, such as fatigue and cognitive issues, are shared across age groups, others—like phobias and rashes—are more common in children and may be overlooked by clinicians focusing on adult symptoms.
Currently, there are no approved tests or treatments specifically for long COVID, even when correctly diagnosed in children. Nevertheless, the findings highlight the need for parents and doctors to reconsider the risks COVID-19 poses to children. Though children are less likely to experience severe illness or death from COVID-19, long-term complications remain possible, regardless of age.
HOUSTON, Texas — Transgender Texans can no longer change the sex on their driver’s license to align with their gender identity, even if they present a certified court order or an amended birth certificate verifying the change, according to an internal agency email.
Sheri Gipson, chief of the state’s driver’s license division, confirmed the policy change to KUT on Wednesday. A day earlier, Gipson sent an internal email detailing the change, which she said would go into effect immediately. A photo of the email was obtained by The Texas Tribune.
A Department of Public Safety (DPS) employee who issues driver’s licenses confirmed they received the email but declined to comment further.
Under previous DPS rules, people were able to change the sex on their driver’s license if there was a clerical error or if they presented an amended birth certificate or an original certified court record.
On Tuesday, DPS stopped accepting court orders as a basis to change a person’s sex on their driver’s license. The agency announced this in a statement on Wednesday evening, saying the change was prompted by concerns from the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton about “the validity” of court orders.
“Neither DPS nor other government agencies are parties to the proceedings that result in the issuance of these court orders,” the statement read. “The lack of legislative authority and evidentiary standards for the Courts to issue these orders has resulted in the need for a comprehensive legal review by DPS and the OAG.”
Transgender Texans are now effectively barred from obtaining accurate foundational government documents, making them more vulnerable to discrimination and harassment, said Ian Pittman, an Austin attorney who works with transgender Texans. The change has also raised privacy concerns among advocates who worry personal information could be used with malicious intent.
The internal email directs driver’s license employees to send the names and identification numbers of people seeking to change the sex on their license to a designated email address with the subject line “Sex Change Court Order.” Employees are also instructed to “scan into the record” court orders or other documentation related to the sex change request.
It is unclear how this information will be used. Two years ago, Paxton directed DPS employees to compile a list of individuals whose gender had changed on their Texas driver’s licenses and other department records.
At that time, state lawmakers, Gov. Greg Abbott, and the attorney general had been working to limit the rights of transgender people. More than a dozen anti-LGBTQ measures were filed ahead of the 2023 legislative session, and Abbott ordered the state to investigate the provision of gender-affirming care as child abuse.
Advocates fear that the data Paxton sought could be used to further restrict transgender people’s ability to transition. The latest rule change has raised similar concerns, including from Brad Pritchett, interim CEO of Equality Texas, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group.
“Texans will now be subject to involuntary surveillance for simply trying to update a government document,” Pritchett said in a statement. “There is no clear reason why this information would be useful to the DPS, nor is there a legitimate reason to deny gender marker updates on driver’s licenses.”
For decades, state agencies have accepted certified court orders as a basis to amend a person’s sex on government-issued documents. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, a court order is an acceptable document for requesting changes to birth certificates.
In 2023, the Texas Senate advanced legislation that would prohibit the sex listed on someone’s birth certificate from being amended unless the change was to correct a clerical error. The bill failed to get a hearing in the House Public Health Committee and ultimately died.
Pittman, the attorney who represents transgender people, is advising his clients to hold off on submitting court orders to the state because of concerns they could be targeted.
“It will put people on a list that could interfere with their health care,” Pittman said. The state has already passed a gender-affirming care ban for minors, and Pittman fears this could be expanded to adults in Texas.
The attorney general did not immediately respond to the Tribune’s request for comment on DPS’ actions this week.
Other states, including Florida and Kansas, have also blocked transgender residents from changing their gender on their driver’s licenses.
Former Texas Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy has officially announced his retirement from football. In a video posted on YouTube, McCoy revealed he is stepping away from the sport after a 12-year career in the NFL, during which he played for the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants.
“Football’s been what I’ve done for 37 years. I gave it all I had,” McCoy said in the video.
McCoy, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist, enjoyed a standout college career at Texas, where he set numerous passing records and led the Longhorns to the 2009 National Championship game. However, his title game appearance was marred by a shoulder injury sustained in the first quarter of the game, which Texas lost to Alabama 37-21.
Over his college career, McCoy played in 53 games, accumulating 13,253 passing yards and 112 touchdowns, while also rushing for 20 more touchdowns.
In the NFL, McCoy appeared in 56 games, starting 36 from 2010 to 2022. He did not play in the 2023 season due to a lingering elbow injury, which he noted made it difficult for him to return to the field despite having opportunities.
McCoy’s post-football plans include joining NBC Sports as a game analyst for Big Ten football. He will make his debut on September 7, covering the game between Nebraska and Colorado.
In addition to his broadcasting career, McCoy has continued his community work, frequently returning to Austin to host a summer football camp for kids. His 2024 camp supported Dell Children’s Medical Center, raising significant funds for the hospital.
Reflecting on his retirement, McCoy expressed gratitude for his career and the impact he has had through his charitable efforts.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The high temperature reached 102 degrees again on Wednesday, tying with Tuesday for the hottest day of 2024 in Houston. Thankfully, high temperatures will slowly trend down over the next several days, but a Heat Advisory continues through 10 p.m. Thursday. The heat index is expected to peak between 108 to 112 degrees.
Temperatures Thursday morning will start off in the low 80s over Houston, and with that warm start, it won’t take much sunshine to push the temperature back into the mid-90s by noon. Highs will peak around 100. There is also a 20% chance for a late afternoon or early evening downpour as the sea breeze front blows in from the Gulf of Mexico.
We will also be watching air quality sensors for the possibility of unhealthy levels of ozone.
How long will this heat wave last?
We predict temperatures will drop back down to “normal” by early next week with highs in the middle 90s. However, this week and this weekend will continue to be dangerously hot.
What about any rain for Houston?
It is slim to none through the weekend, but after the weekend, we’re eyeing a low-pressure disturbance coming in from the Gulf of Mexico. This low has non-tropical origins, but it could still spin up some healthy downpours. Right now, we have a chance of rain climbing to 30% on Monday and 40% next Tuesday through Thursday. There is a remote chance this disturbance could eventually develop into a tropical depression or storm, but either way, it should send some rain into the Texas coastline.
What are you tracking in the tropics?
Aside from the disturbance in the Gulf early next week, we are also monitoring tropical waves about to emerge from Africa that could spin up ahead of Labor Day weekend somewhere over the Atlantic or Caribbean. Head to our daily Tropical Update page for the latest on what’s happening in the tropics.
Surprisingly the Boston Red Sox beat the Houston Astros in their divisional series off a win today 4-1 here at the Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. 110 miles per hour was the recorded speed for the first pitch thrown by Justin Verlander in his first game back off of a stiff neck injury against the Boston Red Sox. Verlander pitched 5 innings in his first start since June 9th. Verlander unfortunately allowed 4 hits and 2 runs in his 5 inning tenure, however he struck out 6 batters effortlessly.
“I felt like the stuff was pretty good and as the game went along the location started to hone in and the mechanics felt good.” Verlander describes his performance, “I felt good. So I was happy about it.”
Alex Bregman hits his first career leadoff homerun at the top of the first inning off of right handed pitcher Cooper Criswell. He sent the ball flying straight into the middle of the Crawford Boxes, right above the Higginbotham sponsorship sign.
Ceddanne Rafaela, rookie for the Red Sox, hit a RBI double off Verlander in the second inning, putting the Red Sox ahead, 2-1.
“In the beginning moments he’s able to slow it down. He’s doing a lot of good things,” says Alex Cora, Boston Red Sox manager states about Rafaela.
Justin Verlander dropped to a 3-3 in 11 starts, with a 3.92 ERA and the Astros were 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.
Red Sox RHP Cooper Criswell allowed 4 hits and 1 run in the 4 innings he pitched in. Josh Winckowski came in to replace him in the 6th inning, pitching a scoreless inning, and he was then replaced by Greg Weissert in the 7th, stopping Jake Meyers and Mauricio Dubon from scoring 2 more runs. Chris Martin finished the game off for the Red Sox.
RHP Seth Martinez took over in the 9th inning to finish the game off, however got a dinger off him by Hamilton, putting the Red Sox ahead to win the game 4-1.
After receiving the blessing of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, the focus on the second to last day of the DNC shifts to Kamala Harris’ vice presidential running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. The former school teacher and football coach is expected to accept the Democratic nomination as the party makes the case that Americans’ fundamental freedoms are at risk if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Former President Bill Clinton, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg are also expected to address the convention.
Here’s what to watch on the third day:
Walz’s big moment
After a tumultuous few weeks, where Harris’ running mate went from little-known Midwest governor to top of the Democratic ticket, Walz is expected to get his own moment in the spotlight Wednesday when Democrats officially nominate the 60-year-old as their vice presidential candidate.
Walz wasn’t widely known outside of Minnesota before Harris chose him to join her on the Democratic presidential ticket. But they clicked when the vice president interviewed him, and she was impressed by his record as a governor and congressman – and the splash he made on TV.
He will get a chance to show the American public that in primetime on Wednesday.
‘A fight for our freedoms’
According to convention organizers, the theme for Wednesday’s events is “A fight for our freedoms,” a message that has become the centerpiece of Harris’ campaign as the Democrat has sought to paint a second Trump presidency as a threat to Americans’ ability to make choices about their own lives.
The focus, according to organizers, will be highlighting Walz as a “champion for America’s working families and a staunch defender of those same fundamental freedoms.” And on the other side, Democrats said they will focus on Trump’s efforts to “strip our rights away” when he was president and what he could do if he gets another four years.
Reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ issues and racial equity are expected to be some of the policy areas that Democrats are trying to distinguish themselves on with Republicans.
