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MRT (free): EV Opens in Municipal Elections // Shooter of Harris County Deputy ID’d // Cruz 2028? // Whitmire to Appear at Crenshaw FR Tonight // USAA Reports Huge 2024
Here's What You Need to Know in Texas Today.
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MustReadTexas.com – @MustReadTexas
BY: @MattMackowiak
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TUESDAY || 4/22/2025
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AUSTIN NEWSLETTER LAUNCHED
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TOP NEWS
"Man accused of shooting Deputy Sheila Jones in downtown Houston courthouse shootout is identified” Houston Chronicle's John Wayne Ferguson -- "The man accused of shooting a Harris County deputy constable in downtown Houston Monday afternoon was identified Tuesday morning in charging documents accusing him of aggravated assault of a public servant and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
Parnell Bland, 34, of Houston, is accused of shooting Precinct 1 deputy constable Sheila Jones, according to court records. Jones survived the shooting after a bullet was stopped by her ballistic vest, officials said Monday.
Five deputies approached Bland Monday afternoon after receiving a call about a weapons disturbance near the Harris County Family Law Center. Bland, who authorities said was carrying two handguns, allegedly fled from the deputies before turning and firing a shot at Jones. The deputies returned fire, striking Bland multiple times.
Bullets from the shootout also shattered a window at the county's jury assembly building and broke a pane in a county office building. Only Bland and Jones were hit. Both were expected to survive, officials said.
Bland could ultimately face more assault charges for firing on the each of the deputies who responded to the call, as well as other possible gun charges, Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare said Monday.
Bland's criminal history in Harris County includes six felony convictions, three of which were for possession of cocaine. His most recent conviction was for theft in 2018. Bland pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 18 months in state jail. Felons aren't allowed to own or carry weapons in public in Texas.
Bland also has a record of misdemeanor and felony arrests in Liberty County dating back to 2016, including convictions for drug possession, DWI and trespassing. His most recent arrest in Liberty County was in October, when he was sentenced to 45 days in jail on a trespassing charge, according to court records.
On April 15, Bland was also charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass. He was scheduled to appear in Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 3 on Tuesday morning on that charge.
Officials on Monday didn't speculate why Bland brought the guns downtown or where he might have been going before police were called. Precinct 1 Constable Allen Rosen said Bland may have mental health issues, but didn't elaborate.
Court records show that in 2018, Bland was ordered to receive mental health treatment and be restored to competency before facing his felony theft charge. He was deemed fit to stand trial after around 7 months of treatment.
Bland was being treated for his wounds as of Monday, and on Tuesday was not yet listed as being in custody at the Harris County Jail. He was scheduled to make a preliminary appearance in front of a Harris County district judge on Wednesday. Prosecutors have already asked for a hearing to be scheduled so they may argue for Bland's bail to be denied." Houston Chronicle ($)
TOP NEWS
"About 70 Dallas Fire-Rescue firefighters respond to overnight apartment fire” DMN ($)
"Plan for San Antonio-to-Austin trail is picking up steam, organizers say” SAEN ($)
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
“Houstonians cautious of country’s future but satisfied with Whitmire and Hidalgo, Hobby poll says” Houston Chronicle ($)
“Exclusive: Democratic leaders rebuke John Whitmire's plans to appear at Dan Crenshaw fundraiser” Houston Chronicle ($)
STATE GOVERNMENT
“Gov. Greg Abbott expands Texas border wall in new deal with Laredo, even as crossings plummet” SAEN ($)
2025
“Early voting starts today in San Antonio’s 2025 mayoral election. Here’s what to know” SA Report
“What are the top issues in the upcoming Dallas City Council races?” DMN ($)
2028
“Is Ted Cruz running again? Texas carves out unique lane in Trump’s GOP” The Hill
BUSINESS NEWS
“USAA reports blockbuster 2024, adds members, posts near-record profit” SAEN ($)
NEWS FROM AROUND THE STATE
> AAS: "Texas Senate resurrects 'bathroom bill' barring trans people from using certain facilities" AAS
> AAS: "Texas tort reform proposal could curb pricey verdicts in personal injury cases. Here's why" AAS
> THE TEXAN: "Patrick Recommends Senate Concur with House School Choice Bill Amendments" THE TEXAN
> THE TEXAN: "Senate Bill Would Prohibit Student Visa Holders from Supporting 'Terrorist Activity' at Texas Universities" THE TEXAN
> COMMUNITY IMPACT: "Here is what Flower Mound, Highland Village and Argyle voters need to know for early voting" COMMUNITY IMPACT
> AAS: "Texas anti-squatter bills could mean faster evictions. Here's what renters should know" AAS
> THE TEXAN: "Carroll ISD Opposes Bill Allowing Student Transfers Between School Districts" THE TEXAN
> KXAN: "Catholic Diocese of Austin bishop appointment delayed after Pope Francis’ death" KXAN
> FWST: "18-year-old run over at gas station dies, TX cops say. Driver accused of murder" FWST
> FWST: "Huge fossil from one of the largest dinosaurs found in Texas national park" FWST
> DMN: "Texas purchases a 1,100-acre swath of land, with intent to create a new state park" DMN
> HOU CHRON: "In this Texas county, credit card skimmers get life in prison. Is that too much?" HOU CHRON
> HOU CHRON: "Outage knocks out power at the Texas Medical Center. Here's what to know." HOU CHRON
> FWST: "3-year-old torn from dad’s arms during assault, MO cops say. He’s still missing" FWST
> FWST: "‘It was an exorcism’: Fort Worth man beat his mother to death, police say" FWST
> COMMUNITY IMPACT: "$2.4M contract to improve West University's aging water distribution system" COMMUNITY IMPACT
> HOU CHRON: "Shootout at downtown Houston courthouse wounds deputy and suspected shooter" HOU CHRON
> COMMUNITY IMPACT: "The Woodlands tackles tree loss due to invasive species and climate patterns" COMMUNITY IMPACT
> FWST: "North Texas storm update: Tornadoes confirmed in Parker, Jack and Erath counties" FWST
> HOU CHRON: "4 accused of using USPS keys to steal mail, identities of dozens of people" HOU CHRON
EXTRA POINTS
Last night's Texas sports scores:
> MLB: Houston 7, Toronto 0
> NHL: at Dallas 4, Colorado 3
Tonight's Texas sports schedule:
> 7:10pm: MLB: Toronto at Houston
> 9:30pm: MLB: Texas at Oakland
Tomorrow's Texas sports schedule:
> 6:40pm: MLB: Toronto at Houston
> 8:30pm: NBA: Golden State at Houston (TNT)
> 8:30pm: NHL: Colorado at Dallas (ESPN)
> 9:05pm: MLB: Texas at Oakland
HOUSTON ROCKETS: "Houston Rockets will need more from star Jalen Green in series vs. Warriors. 'I got to be better'" Houston Chronicle ($)
DALLAS MAVERICKS: "Mavericks’ Nico Harrison takes some accountability, but the damage is far from repaired" DMN ($)
DALLAS COWBOYS: "Calvin Watkins’ seven-round Cowboys mock draft 2.0: Help at DB; finding a new star at RB" DMN ($)
DALLAS COWBOYS: "Cowboys expected to pick up Tyler Smith's 5th-year option" DMN
DALLAS STARS: "Five thoughts from Stars-Avs Game 2: With backs against wall, Dallas rallies for OT win" DMN ($)
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