Latest news with #Capriglione
New York Post
a day ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Pro-life Texas pol accused of affair with stripper and paying for abortions — as she shares torrid Chuck E. Cheese claim
A pro-life Texas state lawmaker accused of having a years-long affair with a former stripper — and paying for multiple abortions. The woman, Alex Grace, who came forward in a video posted on the Current Revolt Substack. She alleged that Republican state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione paid for 'meetups' with her along with 'several abortions for his own personal gain' starting when she was just 18. 'I know that Giovannie Capriglione has been having affairs since 2005 because it's me. I'm her. I'm not proud of it, in fact I'm ashamed of it. Hopefully, you can keep in mind that we all have a past and I wish I could say for him that that was the worst of it, but it's not,' Grace alleged in a TikTok. Advertisement She alleged that the relationship turned sour after he began playing out his 'foul' fantasies — while he worked to 'erode away at women's rights.' In one instance, he made her pick up cash near a dumpster behind a Chuck-E-Cheese, she says. 3 Texas Rep. Giovanni Capriglione has touted himself as a pro-lifer. Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Advertisement Capriglione, 52, dropped his reelection bid for his seat in the suburbs north of Fort Wort just three days before Grace's video surfaced — then came clean about the affair. However, the pol — who hails from tony Southlake — denied paying for any abortions and vowed to pursue 'legal remedies' over her claims. 'Years ago, I selfishly had an affair. I'm not proud of this. Thank God my wife and family forgave me, and we moved past it and have the strong marriage we do today,' he said in a statement. 3 Alex Grace made the serious accusations in a video published just three days after he dropped his reelection bid. TikTok / @alaskaunicornco Advertisement 'I have never, nor would I ever, pay for an abortion,' he added. On his campaign website, Giovanni touts himself as 'a pro-life leader with a 100% pro-life voting record,' who 'voted to defund Planned Parenthood and authored and passed numerous pro-life bills, including the Pro-Life Abortion Trigger Ban bill.' The 'trigger ban' made performing abortions punishable by up to life in prison. Advertisement 3 Capriglione poses with his wife in a candy store. Facebook / Giovanni Capriglione Grace said she was working as an 18-year-old exotic dancer when she first met Capriglione, who came into her club in 2004 and appeared to be 'a very straight-laced businessman,' according to the Texas Tribune. Their relationship blossomed as Capriglione returned every few weeks, she said. 'We became close friends,' she said. 'He was magnetizing. He was outwardly genuine and kind. … He was the one who reminded me to keep my head up. He was the one that encouraged me. He pushed me to succeed more in life.' They would first meet up at his office, before moving to hotels and later his home while his family was away, Grace alleged. She claimed that Capriglione's wife even 'encouraged' the tryst. 'Stop feeling bad for his wife, she encouraged it. Quit assuming that every pregnancy that was terminated were mine, quit assuming I was the only one,' she said. She said that she eventually had to break off their relationship, claiming, 'It was when his fantasies were so foul and seeing the political moves that he was making were continuing to erode away at women's rights… that was the catalyst for me taking the step back.' Advertisement Capriglione gave Grace 'gifts' and cash over the course of their relationship, she said. Grace described one instance when Capriglione allegedly arranged to meet up at an address that turned out to be a Chuck E. Cheese, according to the Texas Tribune. 'He told me to go to the back of the building and next to the dumpster there would be a rubber mat. Look under it,' she recalls him telling her. 'And under this rubber mat was an envelope with money.' Grace said the relationship started to fizzle out in 2012, when he was elected to the state legislature, according to the Texas news outlet. Advertisement Sometime between 2019 and 2020 the two had a phone call, where Grace shared her outrage with the lawmaker's views, she said. She claimed that Capriglione hung up and the two never spoke again.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IonQ Stock Surges as Texas Legislature Passes Quantum Initiative It Backed
An IonQ-backed bill aimed at making Texas a quantum technology hub passed the state legislature. The legislation will have Texas set up a strategic plan to encourage quantum innovation. The news lifted shares of IonQ into positive territory for of quantum computer maker IonQ (IONQ) jumped 9% Monday after the Texas legislature passed a bill backed by the firm that would set up the state to be a major hub for quantum technology. Called the Texas Quantum Initiative, the legislation calls for the state to "develop a comprehensive strategic plan to advance quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies in Texas." Representative Giovanni Capriglione, Chair of the Texas Innovation & Technology Caucus, said that quantum technology "is no longer a distant idea; it is quickly becoming a reality, influencing national security, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, climate science, and critical infrastructure.' Capriglione added the initiative "helps Texas lead in this field by encouraging quantum innovation and fast-tracking the integration of quantum tech into the state's economy." IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi explained that the company "is excited to collaborate with Texas leaders, universities, and industry to help catalyze a new era of quantum-powered solutions." IonQ shares have spent most of the year in negative territory, but following the news they've moved slightly into the green for 2025. Shares of rivals Rigetti Computing (RGTI) and Quantum Computing (QUBT) also gained. Read the original article on Investopedia Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Texas Legislature Passes IonQ-Supported Quantum Initiative, Advancing Quantum Ecosystem Across the State
COLLEGE PARK, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, today announced its commitment to helping build a thriving quantum ecosystem in Texas, following the passage of the Texas Quantum Initiative (HB 4751) in the 89th Texas Legislature. This legislation positions Texas to become a major hub for quantum innovation. IonQ's engagement with Texas policymakers and research institutions reflects its broader vision to expand regional quantum economies across the United States. Earlier this year, IonQ CEO Niccolo de Masi testified before the Texas Senate Business and Commerce Committee in support of HB 4751, emphasizing the critical role of quantum computing in addressing future cybersecurity and economic challenges. 'The Texas Quantum Initiative is more than just policy. It's a platform for transformative innovation, secure infrastructure, and inclusive workforce development,' said Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ. 'We commend Governor Abbott, Chairman Capriglione, Senator Parker, Chairman Schwertner and the Texas legislature, for taking bold steps to secure Texas's place in the global quantum economy. IonQ is excited to collaborate with Texas leaders, universities, and industry to help catalyze a new era of quantum-powered solutions.' The Texas Quantum Initiative establishes a strategic framework to leverage the state's academic strength, technology sector, and entrepreneurial drive. It will provide guidance, investment incentives, and research opportunities that advance quantum computing, networking, and sensing technologies. 'Quantum technology is no longer a distant idea; it is quickly becoming a reality, influencing national security, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, climate science, and critical infrastructure,' said Chairman Capriglione. 'The U.S. and other nations are competing to develop and implement these capabilities. The Texas Quantum Initiative helps Texas lead in this field by encouraging quantum innovation and fast-tracking the integration of quantum tech into the state's economy.' IonQ's participation in SXSW 2025 quantum events – alongside Texas lawmakers and industry peers – further underscored the company's readiness to contribute to Texas's quantum momentum. In addition to its ongoing collaboration with academic and industry partners nationwide, IonQ will look to support education and training programs in Texas. 'Quantum technologies offer unparalleled potential to protect digital infrastructure, optimize systems, and uncover solutions that were once beyond reach,' de Masi added. 'We believe Texas is poised to play a defining role in the future of this technology.' About IonQ IonQ, Inc. is a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, delivering high-performance systems aimed at solving the world's largest and most complex commercial and research use cases. IonQ's current generation quantum computers, IonQ Forte and IonQ Forte Enterprise, are the latest in a line of cutting-edge systems and represent the forefront of the company's technological roadmap as it advances toward its goal of building quantum computers with 2 million physical qubits by 2030. The company's innovative technology and rapid growth were recognized in Newsweek's 2025 Excellence Index 1000, Forbes' 2025 Most Successful Mid-Cap Companies list, and Built In's 2025 100 Best Midsize Places to Work in Washington DC and Seattle, respectively. Available through all major cloud providers, IonQ is making quantum computing more accessible and impactful than ever before. Learn more at IonQ Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Some of the forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words. Statements that are not historical in nature, including the words 'advances,' 'aimed,' 'available,' 'believe,' 'build,' 'catalyze,' 'collaborate,' 'commitment,' 'contribute,' 'cutting-edge,' 'delivering,' 'forefront,' 'goal,' 'impactful,' 'ongoing,' 'potential,' 'will,' and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements include those related to the IonQ's quantum computing capabilities and plans; IonQ's technology driving commercial quantum advantage; the future impacts of IonQ's offerings available today; and the scalability, fidelity, efficiency, viability, accessibility, effectiveness, importance, reliability, performance, speed, impact, practicality, feasibility, and commercial-readiness of IonQ's offerings. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: IonQ's ability to implement its technical roadmap; changes in the competitive industries in which IonQ operates, including development of competing technologies; IonQ's ability to deliver, and customers' ability to generate, value from IonQ's offerings; IonQ's ability to sell effectively to government organizations and large enterprises; IonQ's ability to implement its business plans, forecasts, roadmaps and other expectations, to identify and realize partnerships and opportunities, and to engage new and existing customers; IonQ's ability to effectively enter new markets; IonQ's ability to deliver services and products within currently anticipated timelines; IonQ's customers deciding or declining to extend contracts into new phases; changes in U.S. government spending or policy that may affect IonQ's customers; and risks associated with U.S. government sales, including availability of funding and provisions that may allow the government to unilaterally terminate or modify contracts for convenience. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's filings, including but not limited to those described in the 'Risk Factors' section of IonQ's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and reports on Form 10-Q. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and IonQ assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. IonQ does not give any assurance that it will achieve its expectations. IonQ may or may not choose to practice or otherwise use the inventions described in the issued patents in the future.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Texas lawmaker abruptly spiked his bill to punish cities that don't deal with homeless encampments
A proposal in the Republican-controlled Texas Legislature to enhance a statewide ban on homeless encampments met a spectacular demise late Monday when the bill's sponsor effectively ended debate on the bill. After several attempts by Democrats to weaken the bill and challenge its legitimacy through other procedural tactics, state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, asked for debate on the bill to end and resume on June 3, one day after the session ends. Senate Bill 241, which had already passed the state Senate, would have forced Texas cities and counties to beef up their enforcement of a statewide ban on homeless encampments. Critics had argued the legislation won't help reduce homelessness. Capriglione, who carried the proposal in the House, told The Texas Tribune he withdrew the bill to avoid a protracted procedural process that would have ultimately killed it. Capriglione, who authored the state's ban on homeless encampments, said he plans to work on similar legislation when the Texas Legislature convenes again in two years. State lawmakers have shown exasperation with visible homelessness four years after Abbott signed the state's ban on homeless encampments into law. 'Whether it's in my area, in Fort Worth, or in Dallas, or here we're in Austin, everybody knows that these camping restrictions on homeless camping restrictions have not been enforced,' Capriglione said. The number of unhoused Texans has grown in recent years as the state's housing costs have ballooned. Almost 28,000 Texans experienced homelessness last year, federal estimates show — about 8% more than before the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 12,000 people experienced unsheltered homelessness, meaning they slept outdoors, in their cars or in other places where people aren't supposed to live. The bill from state Sen. Pete Flores, a Pleasanton Republican, would require cities and counties to allow residents to make formal complaints if they suspect a violation of the camping ban. The Texas attorney general could declare that city or county a 'violating local entity' if local officials don't resolve that complaint within 90 days. The state could then step in to clear encampments and recoup the costs from that city or county's sales taxes. House lawmakers made some tweaks to the bill Monday, requiring the attorney general's office to give cities and counties a 45-day heads-up that they're at risk of becoming a 'violating local entity.' They shot down other amendments, like a Democratic proposal to make it clear that cities and counties could resolve complaints about homeless encampments by finding ways to rehouse people camping there. Texas lawmakers enacted the statewide camping ban after Austin officials in 2019 relaxed restrictions on public encampments. The number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness grew in following years, and Austin voters restored the city's camping ban through a public referendum. Shortly after, state lawmakers enacted the statewide camping ban — making sleeping outside or camping on public property a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. Austin has issued more than 1,300 citations since 2021 for violations of the camping ban and related violations, according to city data. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld bans on homeless encampments last year. Homeless service providers and advocates have long argued that ticketing people experiencing homelessness only makes it harder for them to get back on their feet. Compelling local governments to do so, some have worried, might sap resources from strategies that focus on finding new housing for people experiencing street homelessness. They say those initiatives have helped Houston and Dallas reduce unsheltered homelessness by more than 25% since before the pandemic. Texas lawmakers also advanced legislation requiring cities to give neighbors a heads-up if it wants to convert a property to house homeless people. First round of TribFest speakers announced! Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Maureen Dowd; U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales, R-San Antonio; Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker; U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-California; and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas are taking the stage Nov. 13–15 in Austin. Get your tickets today!
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
KXAN testifies on crime victim data during House open government hearing
Austin (KXAN) — On Wednesday, KXAN Senior Investigative Producer David Barer spoke to members of the Texas House Committee on Delivery of Government Efficiency about obtaining data while investigating the state's crime victim compensation delays. 'An important issue we found is victims were telling us they were waiting up to eight months or more to get a first payment on a claim,' Barer said of KXAN's three years of reporting on the Texas Attorney General's CVC division, noting the use of budget-related data obtained from the state agency. KXAN's analysis of that data revealed recent victim claims were being averaged with sexual assault exam reimbursements, the latter of which are actually handled directly with medical providers in just days. So the attorney general's combining of the two types of claims presented a skewed narrative that payments were happening faster than reality. 'The AG's office has now acknowledged that, and they're addressing it now through the appropriations process,' Barer explained. 'But that is one example of many that I could give you of reporting that relied on searchable-sortable records that we obtained through the Public Information Act, and I know from experience that not all government bodies provide this even when they're able to and explicitly asked to do so.' Barer shared his account with lawmakers at the encouragement of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas, which advocates for greater access to public information. It was among testimony surrounding House Bill 4218, which aims to codify the ability to obtain searchable-sortable records if such a format is available. 'If government information is maintained in a searchable-sortable format, it needs to be provided in that format in a public information request,' said Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, who authored the bill. Capriglione told committee members some agencies deliberately turn searchable-sortable data — like an Excel spreadsheet — into a PDF, which 'is not as useful to a requestor who is trying to sort and analyze a large amount of information.' 'In that case what you're seeing is a government entity going above and beyond to make it difficult for the public to be able to access that information,' he said. HELD UP: KXAN uncovers backlog, turnover with Texas' Crime Victims' Compensation Division The measure falls under the topics tackled by the newly-created DOGE committee, which Capriglione also chairs. Its directive includes tackling inefficiencies in government services. Capriglione said reducing 'data in its native format also reduces the workload on government employees,' because it eliminates the need to create additional documents in separate formats. 'Clarifying this issue will save time and taxpayer money,' he added. HB 4218 was left pending in committee. Its Senate companion, SB 50 filed by Sen. Judith Zafirini, D-Laredo, awaits a hearing in that chamber's 'Business & Commerce' committee. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
