Latest news with #FortWorth
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nate Schatzline exits race for Texas Senate after new candidate announces her run
Texas Rep. Nate Schatzline is withdrawing his days-old candidacy for a state Senate seat after a conservative activist with ties to Patriot Mobile announced Friday that she intends to run. Schatzline, a Fort Worth Republican, announced on June 27 that he is no longer running for Senate District 9. His exit comes as Republican Leigh Wambsganss enters the race. The Senate seat is open after Kelly Hancock of North Richland Hills resigned to become the Texas comptroller starting July 1. On Friday, Gov. Greg Abbott announced Nov. 4 will be the date for a special election in Senate District 9. The filing period ends Sept. 3. Wambsganss is a political activist in North Texas who has served on the Tarrant County GOP executive committee for more than a decade, according to her campaign announcement. She is the chief communications officer for Patriot Mobile, according to her LinkedIn. The Christian conservative cell phone company's political action arm has worked to elect conservative candidates in North Texas school board races. 'I am announcing my campaign for Texas Senate, District 9, because this district deserves a proven conservative fighter,' Wambsganss said in a statement. 'I have spent decades on the front lines of the conservative movement—leading one of the most impactful campaigns against Critical Race Theory in the country, working alongside Republican leaders during the Republican Revolution of the 1990s, and consistently standing firm for pro-life and pro-2nd Amendment values. I am not a career politician—I'm a battle-tested conservative who gets results.' Wambsganss has the endorsement of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Schatzline announced his bid for the North Texas Senate seat on June 24. Instead, he will run for reelection in 2026 in House District 93. In a statement, Schatzline said the pivot came after 'prayerful consideration, conversations with my family, and an assessment of where I can be most effective.' He threw his support behind Wambsganss in a social media post. 'I am officially announcing my re-election campaign for Texas House District 93!' Schatzline said. 'My #1 goal was for SD9 to be represented by a true conservative, & with Leigh Wambsganss, that's exactly what you'll get. She has my full support. Can't wait to fight for Faith, Family, & Freedom alongside you in Austin!' Schatzline's Friday reelection announcement included an endorsement from Gov. Greg Abbott. House District 93 in Tarrant County covers Blue Mound and Haslet, and includes parts of Fort Worth and Saginaw. Senate District 9 spans part of Tarrant County, including Hurst, Keller, North Richland Hills, White Settlement, Haltom City, Saginaw, Watuga, most of Southlake, and portions of portions of Fort Worth, Azle, Bedford, Benbrook and Arlington. Taylor Rehmet, a Democrat from Fort Worth who works at Lockheed Martin, is also running for the open North Texas Senate seat.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Walter Scott Jr. of The Whispers Dead at 81 After Battle With Cancer
Walter C. Scott Jr., whose buttery vocals alongside his identical twin Wallace were the hallmarks behind hitmaking R&B group The Whispers, died on Thursday (June 26) after a six-month battle with cancer. At the time of his death in Northridge, Calif., the 81-year-old was surrounded by his family. The Los Angeles-based quintet is best known for its spate of R&B hits in the '80s such as its first No. 1 with dance anthem 'And the Beat Goes On,' followed by the sensual ballad 'Lady,' the up-tempo groove 'It's a Love Thing' and the group's second No. 1 with another dance track 'Rock Steady,' which also reached No. 7 on the Hot 100. All told, The Whispers charted 15 top 10 R&B hits, beginning in 1970 with the group's No. 6 breakthrough ballad 'Seems Like I Gotta Do Wrong.' The quintet also counts eight top 10 R&B albums in its catalog including two No. 1s: The Whispers and Love Is Where You Find It. More from Billboard Gone But Not Forgotten: Musicians We Lost in 2025 Benson Boone Scores First ARIA Albums Chart No. 1 With 'American Heart' KATESEYE Release New EP 'BEAUTIFUL CHAOS': Stream It Now Walter Scott Jr. was born in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1944, with the family later moving to Los Angeles. That's where he and his brother Wallace teamed up as The Whispers with Nicholas Caldwell, Marcus Hutson and Gordy Harmon in 1963. The group relocated briefly to San Francisco in 1966, playing gigs and honing their live act. Drafted to serve in the Vietnam War, Walter rejoined the group when he returned in 1969. Recording for various labels including Soul Clock, Janus and Soul Train, The Whispers began to hit its stride in 1978 after signing with Dick Griffey's Solar Records, scoring No. 10 on the R&B chart with '(Let's Go) All the Way' followed by the top 15 '(Olivia) Lost and Turned Out.' A year later came 'And the Beat Goes On.' In addition to their elegant vocals and scintillating harmonies, the group was heralded as well for its smooth dance routines onstage, making The Whispers a concert draw well into the 2000s. Following an injury to his larynx, Harmon — who died in 2023 — was replaced by Leaveil Degree in 1973. Fellow founding members Hutson and Caldwell died in 2000 and 2016, respectively. The Whispers were inducted into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. Walter is survived by his wife, Jan, two sons, three grandchildren and brother Wallace. Information about funeral services will be announced at a later date. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Gov. Abbott announces special election for Texas Senate
The Brief Gov. Greg Abbott announced a special election for Texas Senate District 9 set for Nov. 4, 2025. The seat was vacated earlier this month when Kelly Hancock took a position in the Texas Comptroller's Office. On Friday, political activist Leigh Wambganss announced she would seek election. AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott on Friday announced a special election to fill the Texas Senate seat left open by outgoing Sen. Kelly Hancock. A special election for Senate District 9 will be held on Nov. 4, 2025. The district covers around half of Tarrant County, including North Richland Hills and more than half of Fort Worth. The North Richland Hills Republican resigned from the Senate earlier this month to become chief clerk of the Texas Comptroller's Office. He will assume temporary leadership of the office Tuesday. Hancock announced his campaign for comptroller, who serves as the state's chief financial officer, on June 19. On Friday, political activist Leigh Wambsganss announced her candidacy for the open seat. "I have spent my entire adult life as a volunteer public servant, not for a title, but out of conviction," she said in a statement. "From leading grassroots campaigns to serving on the front lines of the Second Amendment and pro-life movements, my mission has always been clear: to defend conservative Christian family values, safeguard our freedoms, and ensure Texas remains a stronghold for faith, family, and freedom." In the wake of Hancock's announcement, Rep. Nate Schatzline said he would be looking to take the vacant seat, but pulled his candidacy on Friday announcing he would instead seek re-election in the House. Schatzline put his support behind Wambsganss. "My #1 goal was for SD9 to be represented by a true conservative, & with Leigh Wambsganss, that's exactly what you'll get. She has my full support," he said on X. Wambsganss also won the support of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. "She has been a leader of the conservative movement in Tarrant County and all of Texas," Patrick said. "She will be a great addition to our conservative Texas Senate." The Source Information on the November special election comes from Gov. Greg Abbott's office. Comments from Leigh Wambsganss, Nate Schatzline and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick come from their respective X accounts.
CBS News
10 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
Fire prompts evacuation at Hulen Mall in Fort Worth
Fort Worth fire and police crews responded to a fire at Hulen Mall on Friday night, prompting evacuations, according to authorities. Craig Trojacek, a spokesperson for the Fort Worth Fire Department, confirmed that a third fire alarm had been triggered and that heavy smoke was pouring from the mall's second floor. Shoppers and employees were evacuated as a precaution. CBS News Texas will provide updates as more information becomes available.
CBS News
11 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
Cooper Apartments fire leaves Fort Worth tenants displaced and frustrated
Cooper Apartment tenants displaced by a massive six-alarm fire Monday received clothing and toiletries at a giveaway Friday organized by the Fort Worth Apartment Association. But some fire victims told CBS News Texas that it's more help than they're getting from management. Rent confusion and lack of communication Cooper Apartments CBS News Texas "They don't answer emails. They don't answer texts," said Evelyn Martinez. "They posted the rent, but they said to turn off autopay. I know a lot of people who paid for July's rent, and they can't get their money back." Ashlyn, another tenant, said she hasn't been able to return to her unit. "I have no word on when we'll be able to get in," she said. "I'm supposed to move somewhere else. I have nothing to move with. Sadly, I have no savings. I'm a single woman. I take care of myself." Concerns over damage and mold Jocelyn Sanchez shared a photo of a hole in the ceiling of her second-story apartment and said she's worried about water damage. "All that water is going to be in the vents," she said. "One of the residents said she's already seeing mold formation around the AC where the air comes out." Sanchez escaped the fire with her cat, Coco, but said she's unsure what comes next. "A lot of us don't know if we're going to be able to get out of our lease," she said. "They kind of made it seem like if your unit is livable, they still want us to pay rent." Management responds at event A manager at the giveaway event declined to go on camera but told CBS News Texas that all residents can get out of their leases and should email the management company. He added that they are still determining how to handle July rent. "Maybe even give us a prorated rate for June," Sanchez said. "Obviously, we haven't been staying there, especially for Building One. If they could get their deposits back and all of that. It's just a very sad situation." Fire ruled accidental The Fort Worth Fire Department released its investigative report Friday, ruling the fire accidental. Investigators determined that an electrical failure in the crawl space above the top story ignited the blaze. The report also noted that a maintenance contractor was working on an HVAC issue when the fire broke out.
