SHOOTING, TEXAS’ GUN LAWS REMAIN THE SAME

and concerns, race goes out the window. Many believed Pollard was going to run for City of Houston Mayor this year because of his hard-earned support that spans such different economic, age, and ethnicity areas, but when asked why he decided to run for re-election to represent District J, he said, "I feel a genuine privilege and am honored to represent the people that call District J home. We have achieved much together but have far more work to do."

Pollard has been a breath of fresh air with his partisan-free approach to governing, and he is a true public servant for his district and a true asset on City Council. He has proven that race does not matter when you provide great leadership. He has proven he has earned election to another term in the upcoming Tuesday, November 7 election.

To learn more about Council Member Pollard, visit www.pollardforhouston.com that would have increased the minimum age.

Berlinda Arreola, the step-grandmother of 10-year-old Uvalde victim Amerie Jo Garza, celebrated the vote.

"It was just overwhelming," she told reporters. "It was a huge, huge success for us."

But that celebration was shortlived.

Even though the House com- mittee passed the bill, the legislation missed a key deadline — so, barring any significant legislative maneuver, it's presumed dead.

Rep. Ryan Guillen, R-Rio Grande City, told reporters recently the measure faced the biggest challenge a measure can face.

"The support is not there in the Legislature, and that's what happens with bills that don't have the support in the Legislature," he said.

Guillen says he believes there are other solutions to gun violence.

"I'm for taking guns away from bad people, not from good ones," Guillen said. "We gotta find that balance to where we are taking them away from bad people and not from the good."

Other Republicans have said raising the age is the right thing. Still, not enough of them are on board, and without them, changing the state's laws around gun safety is impossible.

That hasn't deterred the Uvalde families from continuing their fight.

Brett Cross, the father of Uziyah Garcia, promised to keep pushing for changes.

"We are not tiring out," Cross told The Texas Newsroom recently. "We lost our damn children. We have fight!" And part of that fight, the families say, is to go to the ballot box.

Manuel Rizo, the uncle and godfather of 9-year-old Uvalde shooting victim Jackie Cazares, said the focus –once the Legislature adjourns later this month – should turn to the politicians who have not supported changes to the state's gun laws.

"We understand where they stand," Rizo told The Texas Newsroom. "We are going to do everything that we can to vote them out."

After more than 30 years of service, Dr. Rudy Rasmus and Pastor Juanita Rasmus announced their transition from Senior Pastors of St. John’s Downtown Church. Dr. Rudy will join Bread of Life, Inc. as Executive Director.

“This is not a retirement, but rather a ‘rewirement,’” said Dr. Rasmus. “While my chapter at St. John’s ends, I will not stop serving this community. I’m excited for how the Lord will use me in a new full-time role at Bread of Life to continue my calling to help those in our great city and beyond.”

Bread of Life, Inc. is a non-profit organization with a mission to tackle barriers together with compassion to restore hope for Houston. It was founded by Dr. Rasmus and wife and Co-Senior Pastor Juanita in 1992 with a simple mission to serve hot nutritious meals to homeless men and women in the downtown Houston area. Nearly 30 years later, Bread of Life, Inc. is still focused on supporting underserved communities and restoring hope in Houston through four program areas: homeless outreach,