The Standard’s news roundup gives you a quick hit of interesting, sometimes irreverent, and breaking news stories from all over the state.
Early voting ends on November 3
Today is the last day of early voting ahead of the November 7 election.
Along with local items, there are seven proposed changes to the state’s constitution on the ballot. One of the amendments would provide property tax exemptions for first responders and another would let financial institutions promote savings with prizes.
You can find a complete overview of all seven amendments here.
According to the Texas Secretary of State’s Office voter turnout has been low so far. As of November 2, only 2.12 percent of registered voters had cast a ballot in Harris County. In Dallas, Tarrant, Bexar, and El Paso counties, where the early voting period started on October 23, the turnout is less than 2 percent.
Houston rapper Paul Wall celebrates Astros victory with new song
Gov. Greg Abbott has declared November 3 “Houston Astros Day” in Texas to celebrate their World Series win. The Astros clinched the first championship title in franchise history in seven games against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Houston rapper Paul Wall, who told the Houston Chronicle that he’s been an Astros fan since he was a kid, released a song honoring the team.
The song is titled “World Series Grillz” and features Lil Keke and Z-Ro.
The name of the song is fitting since Wall promised to pay for sets of grills for any player who wants them. Lil Keke also raps about the significance of the win for Houstonians who are still recovering from Harvey. He says, “If you’re Houston, Texas born, it was a dream. Now it’s World Series grills for the team. From Hurricane Harvey to a party. Altuve on the plate, go kill ‘em shorty.”
A parade celebrating the Astros’ victory will be held Friday afternoon in Houston.
Houston Public Media reports that the entire Houston Independent School District is also closed so that students and staff can enjoy the festivities.
Selena gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Another celebrated Texan is getting her due today: the late Selena Quintanilla Perez. The “Queen of Tejano” is getting a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame 22 years after her death.
Selena’s sister, Suzette Quintanilla Arriaga, spoke with Los Angeles radio station K-DAY on Friday about the milestone. “I know that a lot of people are saying ‘finally, it’s coming,’” Quintanilla Arriaga said. “But to be honest with you, I kind of feel like that, but I think more importantly it’s the right time.”
She says Selena’s legacy has transcended the years and that even millennials are embracing her music.
“Giving it to [Selena] back in the day might not have felt as special as it does right now,” Quintanilla Arriaga said about the star.
The unveiling will be held Friday night in LA and one of the guest speakers is Corpus Christi native Eva Longoria.