Former President Donald Trump says he has agreed to an offer from ABC News to debate Vice President Kamala Harris on Sept. 10.
Trump said so during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago Club on Thursday.
“I look forward to the debates because I think we have to set the record straight,” he said.
Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Aug. 8, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Harris also confirmed her participation in the debate and told reporters Thursday evening that she’s looking forward to the matchup.
“Well, I’m glad that he finally agreed to a debate on Sept. 10. I’m looking forward to it and I hope he shows up,” she told reporters on a tarmac in Detroit.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris talks to the media before boarding Air Force Two at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, on Aug. 8, 2024, in Romulus, Mich.Julia Nikhinson/AP
Trump previously said he had been willing to go toe-to-toe with President Joe Biden and agreed to ABC’s first invitation issued in May.
However, after Biden dropped out of the race last month and Harris became the presumptive Democratic nominee, Trump had implied he would not debate Harris on ABC.
Harris has accused Trump of “running scared” and trying to back out of the debate.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The largest school bond in state history was approved Thursday night.
For the first time since the TEA took over, voters will have a say about how HISD operates. During Thursday night’s meeting, despite people opposing the bond, stating, “No Trust, No Bond,” managers unanimously approved the $4.4 billion package on the ballot.
Under this, roughly $2 billion will be allocated toward renovating and upgrading schools.
A total of $1.35 billion would be spent improving the cooling, heating, and ventilation systems on campus. It would also cover lead abatement, fencing along campuses, and other security measures.
The bond also allocates $1 billion to expand early childhood opportunities.
Houston ISD is asking for voter support on a whopping $4.4 billion bond proposal.
Another $400,000 would be used for technology upgrades.
Some community members expressed concern, saying they don’t trust how the district will spend the money. But others, including an elected HISD trustee, say this is long overdue.
HISD has 273 campuses. In the bond, the district says that around 32% of school campuses are over 50 years old.
According to HISD’s website, more than 40 schools have been classified as needing “urgent facility needs.” Eighteen need to be rebuilt where they are already located, and 12 need to be relocated.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Texas hospitals will soon have to start tracking how many of its patients are in the country illegally.
An executive order signed by Gov. Greg Abbott Thursday afternoon requires hospitals to start tracking that information by Nov. 1. Hospitals will also have to track how much money they spend on care for undocumented immigrants.
The order requires hospitals to report its findings to the state’s Health and Human Services Commission four times a year starting March 1.
“I very much believe this is a political move that vilifies our immigrant communities,” Imelda Mejia, with the immigrant advocacy group Texas Rising, said.
Mejia worries the new law will make people think twice about seeking treatment.
“It’s going to throw patients for a loop, I think, and we know that immigrant families already have a hard time navigating our health care system,” she said.
As noted in the executive order, patients won’t be turned away because of their immigration status. Abbott argues that since the state is paying for treatment through Medicaid funding, it has a right to try to recoup the cost from the federal government.
“It is important to the taxpayers to know how their money is being spent, how much it’s costing them, and where that money is going,” Ira Mehlman with the Federation for American Immigration Reform said.
Florida enacted a similar law in 2023. The state reports it’s spending $148 million a year on health care for undocumented immigrants.
While hospitals can ask about immigration status, legal experts say you’re not required to answer.
“Even if people don’t say if they’re in the country illegally, you can make a reasonable deduction here. If people don’t have a valid ID,” Mehlman said.
The executive order doesn’t spell out if that will be an acceptable way for hospitals to gather data.
Harris Health, which operates Ben Taub and LBJ, said it would comply with the law but didn’t provide specifics as to how.
Join Eyewitness News and Citgo as we help teachers prepare our next generation of leaders at the first ABC13 Share Your School Supplies Drive.
TODAY UNTIL 6 P.M. WATCH ABC13’s LIVE SPECIAL: 9-10 A.M.
We know too many of our teachers reach into their own pockets for classroom supplies.
Last year, educators in Texas spent more than $300 million of their own money for pencils, folders, notebook paper and other tools their students need to succeed.
ABC13 is partnering with Houston Food Bank’s Teachers Aid program to collect school supplies for teachers in more than 30 southeast Texas school districts.
Help our teachers start the school year off right by dropping off new school supplies at a drop-off location below.
Houston Houston Food Bank – Teachers Aid 8353 East Fwy, Houston, Texas 77029 Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Galveston Galveston ISD Support Center 3904 Avenue T, Galveston, Texas 77550 Hours: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Richmond/Rosenberg VFW Hall – Post 3903 1903 1st St., Rosenberg, Texas 77471 Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Spring Ismaili Jamatkhana 24525 Community Center Dr., Spring, Texas 77389 Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sugar Land Ismaili Jamatkhana and Center 1700 First Colony Boulevard, Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
MOST-NEEDED SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Crayons
Highlighters
Markers
Pencils
Folders
Pens
Composition Books
Spiral Notebooks
Post-It Notes
Filler Paper
Pencil Cases
Lysol Wipes
Scissors
Glue Bottles
Hand Sanitizer
Glue Sticks
Kleenex
Paper Towels
Hand Sanitizer
Antibacterial Wipes
BENEFITTING SCHOOLS AND DISTRICTS
AAMA Sanchez Charter School Aldine ISD Alief ISD Alvin ISD Angleton ISD Brazosport ISD Channelview ISD Cleveland ISD Cypress Fairbanks ISD Dayton ISD Dickinson ISD East Chambers ISD Fort Bend ISD Galena Park ISD Galveston ISD Goose Creek ISD Harris County Department of Education Hitchcock ISD Houston ISD Houston Gateway Academy Charter School Humble ISD International Leadership of Texas KIPP Houston Public Schools Katy ISD Klein ISD Lamar Consolidated ISD Pasadena ISD Pearland ISD Responsive Education Royal ISD San Francisco Nativity Academy SER- Ninos Sealy ISD Sheldon ISD Small Steps Charter School Southwest Schools Spring Branch ISD Spring ISD Texas City ISD The Rhodes School Trinity ISD Varnett ISD Yes Prep Yellowstone Academy
Colin Farrell is speaking out about his son James’ diagnosis with Angelman syndrome and his dedication to supporting those with intellectual disabilities.
“I want the world to be kind to James,” Farrell told People regarding his eldest child, who is nonverbal. “I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”
Understanding Angelman Syndrome
According to the National Institutes of Health, Angelman syndrome is a genetic disorder that primarily affects the nervous system. It results in delayed development, intellectual disability, severe speech impairment, and problems with movement and balance. Seizures are also common.
The NIH estimates that 1 in 12,000 to 20,000 people are affected by Angelman syndrome, with life expectancy being “nearly normal.”
Challenges as James Turns 21
With James’ 21st birthday approaching next month, Farrell noted that many support systems for families with children with disabilities expire at this milestone.
“Once your child turns 21, they’re kind of on their own,” Farrell explained. “All the safeguards that are put in place—special ed classes, for example—disappear. You’re left with a young adult who should be an integrated part of our modern society but is often left behind.”
Taking Action: The Colin Farrell Foundation
To address this gap, Farrell is launching the Colin Farrell Foundation, which, according to the organization’s website, “is committed to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disabilities through education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative programs.”
The Banshees of Inisherin actor shared that he has wanted to do something like this for years. It was a “no-brainer” to honor James and help others like him achieve autonomy and a sense of community.
Farrell expressed his admiration for his son, saying, “James has worked so hard all his life. I’m proud of him every day because I just think he’s magic.”
Bomb-making materials were found in the home of one of two people suspected of planning a terror attack on upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, authorities said Thursday. Both suspects appeared to be inspired by the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda.
The main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian citizen, fully confessed to the attack plans during an interrogation, according to Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, head of Austria’s Directorate of State Security and Intelligence.
The suspect was “clearly radicalized in the direction of the Islamic State” and allegedly intended to kill himself and “as many people as possible” outside the concert venue using knives and homemade explosives, Haijawi-Pirchner said at a news conference Thursday.
The 19-year-old, who was from the Austrian town of Ternitz and had North Macedonian roots, had been preparing for the attack since late July and drastically changed his appearance, according to Franz Ruf, the public security director at Austria’s Ministry of Interior. The 19-year-old researched bomb-making techniques and uploaded an oath of allegiance to the current leader of the Islamic State, Haijawi-Pirchner said.
A second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian citizen, was arrested in Vienna on Wednesday afternoon. A 15-year-old Turkish citizen was also detained and questioned, according to Haijawi-Pirchner. No further suspects are being sought, Ruf said.
Each of the two suspects was known to police, and both were said to have been involved in the direct preparation of the foiled attack, according to Haijawi-Pirchner. Most of the plans and preparations were made at the 19-year-old’s home, Ruf said.
The 15-year-old, who was interrogated, had been asked by the main suspect about ignition mechanisms, Haijawi-Pirchner said.
The 17-year-old suspect, who has Turkish-Croatian roots, was employed a few days ago at a facility company providing services at the concert venue and would have been working there, according to Haijawi-Pirchner. It was discovered during the investigation that he was on the grounds of Vienna’s Ernst Happel Stadium, where Swift’s concerts were to be held.
Swift had concerts scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in Vienna.
When Ruf announced the arrests on Wednesday, he said security at the shows would be increased. Hours later, the concerts were canceled.
“We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety,” a message from Barracuda Music said. “All tickets will be automatically refunded.”
The Vienna shows were expected to draw 65,000 concertgoers per day, with an additional 10,000 to 15,000 fans outside of the area, police said.
One of those fans planning to attend a Vienna show, Joelle Ferri, told ABC News that, despite the cancellation, Swifties have gathered to sing songs and make friends.
“There are so many Swifties everywhere trading bracelets, wearing merch, and the outfits they were going to wear for the concert,” Ferri said. “This is genuinely the most beautiful thing I have experienced, seeing everyone come together after such a horrible thing happened, and everyone kept their head high and made it a good experience for everyone.”
Another would-be concertgoer, Colleen Boltz, told ABC News she was at the airport in Minneapolis, en route to Vienna, when she learned the show was canceled.
“We still plan on going to Vienna and participating in the Swiftie gatherings. I’m meeting up with Swifties that I met online, and it will still be a blast,” she said.
Boltz also has a ticket to one of Swift’s upcoming London shows. The pop star is set to return to London’s Wembley Stadium from Aug. 15 to Aug. 20.
“We really hope that she does not need to cancel London,” Boltz said.
MAGNOLIA, Texas (KTRK) — A southwest Montgomery County family is thankful to be alive after a woman set their house and three of their vehicles on fire, sparking a 12-hour standoff with police.
It happened in the 26000 block of Rhode Island Street in the Victoria Village Mobile Home Community just after 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Surveillance video shows a woman, who the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office identified as Christine Riley, dropping a burning object on the family’s front porch and then walking away as the porch goes up in flames.
Still images provided by the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office show the woman pouring liquid from a gas canister onto the family’s doorstep.
Setcheel Sanchez, a construction worker whose boss lives at the home, said he showed up for work to find the woman pouring gasoline on his boss’ vehicles.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Sanchez said. “I just started honking for like five minutes until everybody was awake ’cause everybody was asleep. I just started honking, honking, honking until everybody came out.”
Mitzi Garza said she walked outside to find the woman standing on her porch.
“The lady’s standing right here, she’s burning up a paper,” Garza said.
Garza and Sanchez said the paper she was burning turned out to be a page ripped from a Bible.
“I ask her, ‘What are you doing?’ She goes, ‘What do you think I’m doing?'” Garza recalled.
The woman’s intent soon becomes apparent as surveillance video shows her dropping the flaming object she’s holding, setting Garza’s porch ablaze.
Garza said she ran inside to get her husband and three children, ages 17, 14, and 2.
With their path out the front door blocked by flames, Garza said she and her family were forced to flee out the back door.
“I was really scared. I was like, ‘What is she doing? I don’t know her. Why would she do this?’ Like, I have my kids in here,” Garza said.
Records show Riley lives across the street from Garza. While a motive hasn’t been determined, neighbors say she suffers from mental issues.
Sanchez said he and his boss put out the flames while Riley retreated to her house.
The fire marshal’s office said she remained there for the next 12 hours as a SWAT team and crisis negotiators attempted to get her to surrender.
Sanchez said they eventually made their way into the home by breaking a window. Video obtained by Eyewitness News shows Riley being brought out on a gurney.
She was taken to the hospital for observation before being booked into the Montgomery County Jail on a first-degree felony arson charge.
Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams told ABC13 that no one was injured during the fire or arrest. He said his office is working with prosecutors to determine the motive.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Authorities say more than a dozen construction workers were hospitalized Wednesday morning following an improper mix of pool chemicals at the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park in Webster.
The Webster Police Department confirmed the chemical incident along Great Wolf Way on the indoor water park’s grand opening day.
Webster Fire Chief Dean Spencer said crews responded to a call about breathing problems caused by a chemical reaction in the pool house, which is separate from the hotel and water park.
The chief said first responders learned a contractor had mixed two “unlike” chemicals – sodium hypochlorite and sulfuric acid – resulting in the chemical reaction.
SkyEye flew over the active scene, where multiple ambulances could be seen assisting. The fire chief said 16 employees and contractors working in the immediate area were transported to the hospital, some out of precaution. The City of Webster officials added that five individuals had evacuated the building.
“At this time, there is no issue with the chemicals. They have all been resolved,” Spencer said. “At no time was the hotel or waterpark affected by this event.”
After Great Wolf Resort’s initial response of having to wait until their opening ceremony celebration to release any information, they sent the following statement:
“The health and safety of our guests and pack members is always our priority, and we greatly appreciate the quick actions of first responders from the city of Webster in response to an incident at an external building outside of the main indoor water park and resort caused by an external vendor. We’ve received the all-clear to open the resort and all water park attractions as planned this afternoon from the Webster Fire Department.”
The resort features 532 guest suites, a 92,000-square-foot indoor water park, a 61,000-square-foot adventure park, and nearly 15 dining and retail outlets.
Spencer said construction workers were finishing work on the property, where Hawkins was the contractor.
According to the fire chief, two facilities run the pool. The incident reportedly happened at an outside pool house that runs the outside pool.
Spencer said it was unclear why the chemicals were improperly mixed and added that an investigation would be conducted to determine why it occurred.
“The situation was quickly contained and will not affect the Lodge’s operations (Wednesday). An environmental company is working with Great Wolf Lodge and the contractor to clean the tanks safely,” Webster city officials said in a release.
Team USA is raking in the medals at the 2024 Olympics, with a total of 79 medals earned as of Tuesday, August 6.
It’s the highest medal count at the 2024 Paris Olympics so far, with China in second at 55. China has the most gold medals — at 22 — with the U.S. close behind, at 21.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Brandie Dowda is a veteran teacher who has spent eight years in the classroom. She has a master’s degree and is a library expert who suddenly found herself without a library to work in.
“Because my campus became (a New Education System school), they don’t have staffed libraries, and the libraries were converted into team centers,” Dowda said.
With no job progression in sight, she made the hard decision to leave the district and work elsewhere.
“It was a rough year. I’m really happy in my new position in my new district, but when (Superintendent Mike) Miles leaves, and he will at some point, when we have our autonomy back, I would be happy to come back to HISD to rebuild the library program,” Dowda said.
Dowda wasn’t the only one to make this choice. According to Houston ISD, 2,634 teachers resigned from the district in the 2022-23 school year, a huge jump from the school year before the TEA took over, when there were 1,023 resignations.
Principals are also resigning at an alarming rate; 54 resigned in the 2022-23 school year compared to 30 the year before.
Dowda said these numbers don’t surprise her.
“I’m teaching at a large campus that is fully staffed for the first time in years. A lot of us come from HISD,” Dowda said.
She didn’t name her new district for privacy reasons. Dowda said she hopes to return to HISD one day but said there need to be some major changes before she does.
