ALEX PADILLA

California is a Democratic fortress, but Tuesday’s primary election may have revealed some cracks.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom will face a little-known Republican state senator in the November general election.

Sen. Alex Padilla advances to the general election, twice. Rep. Mike Garcia and Christy Smith will face off a third time in northern L.A. County.

If Democrats lose ground in California, it's extremely unlikely to be in the races for governor and U.S. Senate.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has cruised to an easy primary victory.

Primary elections in seven states Tuesday will set the stage for U.S. House and Senate battles this fall that will play into control of Congress.

U.S. Senate passes legislation to turn a formerly segregated, “Mexican” school in west Texas into a historic site.

The court said the law, which forced boards to have up to three women directors, was discriminatory.

In the three years it has been on the books, the law has been credited with improving the standing of women in corporate boardrooms.

A Los Angeles judge has ruled that California’s landmark law requiring women on corporate boards is unconstitutional. Superior Court Judge Maureen Duffy-Lewis said the law that would have required boards have up to three female directors by this year violated the right to equal treatment. The conservative legal group Judicial Watch had challenged the law, claiming it was illegal to use taxpayer funds to enforce a law that violates the equal protection clause of the California Constitution by mandating a gender-based quota.

While Democrats proudly took turns reflecting on the historic example Jackson sets, some Republicans suggested she was soft on crime and questioned whether critical race theory influenced her thinking as a judge.

After more than 30 hours of hearings, the Senate is on track to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court.

Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey drew tears from Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson at her confirmation hearing with the words, “You are worthy,” and others like them.

California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom is in an enviable position as he heads into a reelection campaign.

To attend tonight's speech, guests — even those who are fully vaccinated — are required to produce a negative test. Attendees will not be required to wear masks tonight.

Some of the lawmakers gathered for President Joe Biden’s first State of the Union address wore blue and yellow outfits and lapel ribbons in support of Ukraine.

U.S. lawmakers decried the attack on Ukraine and generally urged the Biden administration to impose tougher sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion.

The leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee are demanding Attorney General Merrick Garland take immediate action to reform the beleaguered federal Bureau of Prisons.

There's a shifting narrative on COVID-19 restrictions across the country among Democratic officials and candidates.

A once-segregated Mexican American school in Texas may become a historic site.

Congress dives into legislation to address the practices of the Big Tech companies, dividing Democrats and testing the industry's lobbying power.

Vice President Kamala Harris returned to her home state during challenging times for the White House to highlight funding for federal wildfire programs.

Democrats know they may lose control of Congress in November's midterm elections.

Congress has taken a new step toward reining in the market dominance of Big Tech. Bipartisan legislation advanced by a Senate panel would bar the dominant online platforms from favoring their own goods and services over those of rivals on the platforms.

Hassan Haskins ran for two second-half touchdowns and broke a school record as No. 2 Michigan captured its first Big Ten title in 17 years and a probable playoff berth with a 42-3 rout over No. 15 Iowa.

A California official says the state’s landmark law mandating women be placed on corporate boards is toothless and there are no plans to fine companies for not complying.

A proposed oil pipeline in California that could allow ExxonMobil to resume production at three offshore platforms is expected to enter a critical phase of its government review next year.

Spencer Petras will be the starting quarterback when No. 15 Iowa plays second-ranked Michigan in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday night.

Spencer Petras plunged 2 yards for a touchdown with 2:58 left to give 17th-ranked Iowa its first lead, and the Hawkeyes came back from a 15-point deficit in the third quarter to beat Nebraska 28-21.

Iowa quarterback Alex Padilla is described by coach Kirk Ferentz as “even-keeled.” Padilla threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, and No. 19 Iowa withstood three fourth-quarter comeback attempts to beat Minnesota 27-22 and keep the bronze pig trophy for the seventh year in a row.

Alex Padilla got his first opportunity to play meaningful snaps for Iowa and did enough to impress coach Kirk Ferentz.

Alex Padilla could feel the jitters when he got the call to go into the game. Padilla took over for the banged-up Spencer Petras and led three scoring drives, Tyler Goodson ran for 141 yards and a touchdown and No. 19 Iowa beat Northwestern 17-12 on Saturday night to stop a two-game losing streak. “Definitely some nerves,” Padilla said.

Tens of billions of dollars for U.S. environmental justice initiatives originally proposed by Democratic leaders in a $3.5 trillion domestic spending package now hang in the balance as they decide how to trim the bill to $2 trillion.

A major Hollywood strike could be on the horizon for some 60,000 behind-the-scenes workers in the entertainment industry.

Rep. Adam B. Schiff and Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Bernie Sanders wade into Hollywood's biggest labor fight, telling AMPTP to negotiate with IATSE crews.

The recall election against California Gov. Gavin Newsom stems from two key events on a single day last November.

Democrats are renewing their push to enact their marquee elections bill.

Top congressional Democrats will huddle with President Joe Biden, looking to salvage their push to enact voting rights legislation.

Photos GettyOne day in late June, President Joe Biden and a group of 10 senators from both parties emerged from the Oval Office and declared they’d reached an agreement on a bipartisan, multi-billion dollar infrastructure deal—the foundation of a signature win for a president obsessed with bipartisanship.Despite that group of senators working furiously to finalize a deal, four weeks later, no deal has materialized. There’s no bill, or even concrete details, for colleagues to consider. And those

Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have forged an unlikely yet understandable partnership.

Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders have forged an unlikely yet understandable partnership.

GettyAttorney General Merrick Garland has been busy lately—and we don’t mean manning the grill at summer barbecues. On Wednesday, he announced the Biden Department of Justice is getting to the bottom of the leak investigations within the Trump administration that led to multiple subpoenas of lawmakers’ and journalists’ personal information, or as Molly Jong-Fast said on this episode of The New Abnormal, “Watergate on crack.”She and producer Jesse Cannon had FBI agent Peter Strzok on to explain w

The loans, which started going out this week, range from $5,000 to $100,000, depending on business need.

Top Democrats are urging California activists to stay united behind Gov. Gavin Newsom as he faces a recall election.

We bring you a list of the best upcoming food and drink events in Houston.

Democratic lawmakers have unveiled legislation that would invest $25 billion to convert the nation’s fleet of gasoline- and diesel-powered school buses to electric vehicles.

President Joe Biden wants Congress to know he’s sincere about cutting a deal on infrastructure.

President Joe Biden has begun publicly courting Republicans to back his sweeping infrastructure plan, but his reach across the aisle is intended just as much to keep Democrats in line as it is a first step in an uphill climb to any bipartisan deal.

President Joe Biden wants Congress to know he’s sincere about cutting a deal on infrastructure.

Gavin Newsom says he'll appoint a Black woman to the U.S. Senate if Feinstein retires before her term ends in 2024. Gavin Newsom said Tuesday he expects and hopes Sen. Dianne Feinstein will serve her full term after suggesting the day before he's been thinking about her replacement. Newsom followed up Tuesday with extended and effusive praise for Feinstein, calling her a friend and mentor and praising her work in Washington. Feinstein and Newsom hail from San Francisco, a political power center where each served as mayor, though decades apart. Warschaw said she did not speak to Newsom but expects he heard from upset Feinstein supporters.

Newsom and his Democratic allies launched a campaign committee Monday, March 15 to stop a proposed recall election that could oust him from office. Gavin Newsom said Monday he'd appoint a Black woman to replace U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein if she retires before her term is up in 2024. “We have multiple names in mind and the answer is yes," he said during a interview on MSNBC's “The ReidOut" when asked if he would name a Black woman to the seat if given the chance. Newsom recently held that power after then-California Sen. Kamala Harris was elected vice president. He faced competing pressure to name a Latino and a Black woman and eventually chose Alex Padilla, making him California's first Latino U.S. senator.

Dr. Peter Hotez takes part in Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys ‘H-Town Originals’ initiative, crafting his own sandwich to help raise funds to support vaccine development at Texas Children’s Hospital. In collaboration with Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys, Houston’s Dr. Peter Hotez has created the next ‘H-Town Originals’ sandwich to raise funds to support vaccine development at Texas Children’s Hospital. Antone’s ‘H-Town Originals’ initiative invites local celebrities and chefs to create their own sandwiches to be sold at the restaurant, which will raise proceeds for particular causes and organizations. AdAntone’s will be donating 50% of the proceeds earned from its ‘H-Town Originals’ sandwich with Hotez to support the Center for Vaccine Development at Texas Children’s Hospital. His work has been and will continue to be life-changing for millions,” CEO of Antone’s Famous Po’ Boys, Craig Lieberman said.

Former U.S. Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund appears before a Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs & Senate Rules and Administration joint hearing on Capitol Hill, Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021, to examine the January 6th attack on the Capitol. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)WASHINGTON – Security officials testifying at Congress' first hearing on the deadly siege of the Capitol cast blame and pointed fingers on Tuesday but also acknowledged they were woefully unprepared for the violence. The security officials lost their jobs, and Trump was impeached by the House on a charge of inciting the insurrection, the deadliest attack on Congress in 200 years. But then-Capitol Police Chief Steven Sund testified that he only learned about it the day before Tuesday's hearing. But in closing, Klobuchar restated the testimony: “There was clear agreement this was a planned insurrection.”ONE OFFICER'S PERSONAL STORYThe hearing opened with Capitol Police Capt.

Scott Applewhite, File)SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The public and private jockeying to be California's next attorney general is intensifying as Gov. It's a powerful nod of support for Schiff, who does not have much of a personal relationship with Newsom. AdThe job of attorney general is among the highest profile in California, second only to governor in terms of public recognition and overall power. Steinberg, the Sacramento mayor and former leader of the state Senate, is making private appeals to Newsom and his inner circle. Steinberg has a long and close relationship with Newsom, which could be an asset as Newsom faces a potential recall.

Democrats plan to move quickly on one of the first bills of the new Congress, which would set federal election standards. Advocates say the bill is the most consequential piece of voting legislation since the Voting Rights Act of 1965. House Democrats vowed two years ago to make the bill a priority, and they reintroduced it this month as H.R. That bill would restore a key provision of the Voting Rights Act that had triggered federal scrutiny of election changes in certain states and counties. In general, state election officials have been wary of federal voting requirements.

In a first vote, the Senate confirmed Biden's nominee for director of national intelligence, Avril Haines. The new Senate majority leader, Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., urged colleagues to turn the spirit of the new president’s call for unity into action. The three Democrats complete a Senate narrowly split 50-50 between the parties, but giving Democrats the majority with Harris able to cast the tie-breaking vote. Speaker Nancy Pelosi is expected to soon transmit to the Senate the House-passed article of impeachment against Trump, charged with incitement of insurrection, a step that will launch the Senate impeachment trial. Progressive and liberal Democrats are eager to do away with the filibuster to more quickly advance Biden’s priorities, but not all rank-and-file Senate Democrats are on board.

In a first vote, the Senate confirmed Biden's nominee for director of national intelligence, Avril Haines late Wednesday, overcoming Republican opposition to approve his first Cabinet member. They are a diverse group bringing several firsts to the Senate, along with Schumer's rise as the first Jewish majority leader of the Senate. They join a Senate narrowly split 50-50 between the parties, but giving Democrats the majority with Harris able to cast the tie-breaking vote. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is expected to soon transmit to the Senate the House-passed article of impeachment against Trump, charged with incitement of insurrection, a step that will launch the Senate impeachment trial. Progressive and liberal Democrats are eager to do away with the filibuster to more quickly advance Biden’s priorities, but not all rank-and-file Senate Democrats are on board.

With Ossoff, Padilla and Warnock seated, Democrats hold the narrowest possible majority in the Senate. New Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in remarks on the Senate floor on Wednesday that lawmakers would get to work on implementing the "lengthy agenda" set by President Biden, such as addressing the coronavirus pandemic. Schumer said that the Senate would work differently under a Democratic majority, implicitly drawing a contrast with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who as majority leader blocked several bills passed in the House from moving forward in the Senate. However, in his first speech as minority leader, McConnell indicated that he did not believe Democrats had a mandate, given their narrow majority in the Senate. Democrats will have such a narrow majority in the Senate that it could be difficult for Congress to pass some of Mr. Biden's legislative priorities.

Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Alex Padilla of California took office, bringing the Senate party split to 50-50. Democrats took control of the Senate on Wednesday when three new members of the party were sworn in, giving a boost to President Joe Biden 's ambitions in the White House. Though Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats will decide what the Senate pursues, they face a challenge in finding Republican support to pass most legislation. This will be an exceptionally busy and consequential period for the United States Senate," Schumer said in his first speech as majority leader. Some Democrats have called to get rid of the tool to allow bills to pass with a simple majority vote.

In this Jan. 6, 2021, photo, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., walks from the Senate floor to his office on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)WASHINGTON – Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday explicitly blamed President Donald Trump for the deadly riot at the Capitol, saying the mob was “fed lies” and the president and others “provoked” those intent on overturning Democrat Joe Biden’s election. Ahead of Trump's historic second impeachment trial, McConnell's remarks were his most severe and public rebuke of the outgoing president. The GOP leader is setting a tone as Republicans weigh whether to convict Trump on the impeachment charge that will soon be sent over from the House: “incitement of insurrection.”“The mob was fed lies," McConnell said. Some Republicans want to halt the impeachment trial.

Choice of Alex Padilla for Kamala Harris' Senate seat shakes up California politics As Vice President-elect Kamala Harris resigns from the Senate, California Governor Gavin Newsom has named the state's attorney general, Alex Padilla, to fill the seat. Sophia Bollag, a politics reporter covering the Newsom administration at the Sacramento Bee, joins CBSN to discuss the impact as well as GOP efforts to recall the governor.

Iconic artists Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen are among the stars who will highlight a primetime virtual celebration televised Wednesday night following President-elect Joe Bidens inauguration. Biden’s inaugural committee announced the lineup Sunday for “Celebrating America,” a multinetwork broadcast that the committee bills as a mix of stars and everyday citizens. Musicians John Legend, Demi Lovato and Justin Timberlake, among others, will join Springsteen and Bon Jovi. The safeguards will remain in place leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday. Fencing, boarded-up windows and lines of police and National Guard troops have transformed statehouse grounds ahead of expected demonstrations leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020 file photo, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris speaks as she and President-elect Joe Biden introduce their nominees and appointees to key national security and foreign policy posts at The Queen theater, in Wilmington, Del. – Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will resign her Senate seat on Monday, two days before she and President-elect Joe Biden are inaugurated. Harris is the first woman ever elected vice president — and the first Black woman and first woman of South Asian descent to serve in that office. The wins by Ossoff and Warnock in Georgia ensured a 50-50 Senate, positioning Harris as the tie-breaking vote for Democratic control. Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, have enjoyed conversations and debates over how Emhoff should be addressed when Harris takes office.

Republicans in key states that voted for President-elect Joe Biden already are pushing for new restrictions, especially to absentee voting. President Donald Trump has been unrelenting in his attacks on mail voting as he continues to challenge the legitimacy of an election he lost. They are vowing to crack down on mail ballots and threatening to roll back other steps that have made it easier for people to vote. An estimated 108 million people voted before Election Day, either through early in-person voting or by mailing or dropping off absentee ballots. Previous elections have shown that voters appreciate mail voting, no matter their party affiliation.

She will be the first Black woman to hold the post and comes to the job with a special understanding about the right to vote. Weber, a state legislator and retired California State University, San Diego professor, was formally introduced by Gov. Gavin Newsom Wednesday, a day after he announced she would be nominated to fill the post now held by Secretary of State Alex Padilla. ... My dad never voted until he came to California in the (19)50s.”Weber said those experiences shaped her father's priorities for his children. The secretary of state — soon to be Newsom's appointee, Weber — oversees the process for the recall to qualify for the ballot.

Washington — California Governor Gavin Newsom will name Secretary of State Alex Padilla to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the Senate, Newsom announced on Tuesday. Padilla will be the first Latino senator to represent California, the nation's most populous state, which also has the largest Latino population in the country. I can think of no one better to represent the state of California as our next United States Senator," Newsom wrote on Twitter, tagging Padilla. I can think of no one better to represent the state of California as our next United States Senator. Alex and I have long served the people of California together, and I know he will continue fighting for our state as California's first Latino senator," Harris said.

FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2019, file photo, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla talks during a news conference at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif. California Gov. Newsom also rejected pleas from a host of prominent Black leaders to replace Harris, the Senate’s only Black woman, with another African American woman, such as U.S. Reps. Karen Bass or Barbara Lee. If confirmed, she would become the first Black woman to hold the office, giving Newsom two history-making picks in one day. Given the timing, however, it appeared the choice was intended at least partly to quell criticism for not choosing a Black woman to replace Harris. With Padilla, Newsom gets a political soul mate and a loyalist.

Alex Padilla to replace Kamala Harris in Senate, becoming California's first Latino senator Governor Gavin Newsom tapped California Secretary of State Alex Padilla to fill the U.S. Senate seat that's soon to be vacated by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Padilla will become the first Latino to represent California in the Senate. Sacramento Bee political reporter Sophia Bollag joins CBSN's "Red & Blue" with more on the pressure Newsom faced in making his decision.

Washington — California Governor Gavin Newsom will name Secretary of State Alex Padilla to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the Senate, Newsom announced on Tuesday. Padilla will be the first Latino senator to represent California, the nation's most populous state, which also has the largest Latino population in the country. I can think of no one better to represent the state of California as our next United States Senator," Newsom wrote on Twitter, tagging Padilla. I can think of no one better to represent the state of California as our next United States Senator. Alex and I have long served the people of California together, and I know he will continue fighting for our state as California's first Latino senator," Harris said.

Alex Padilla to replace Kamala Harris in Senate, making history as California's first Latino senator California Governor Gavin Newsom will name Secretary of State Alex Padilla to replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the U.S. Senate. Padilla will be the first Latino senator to represent California, the nation's most populous state, which also has the largest Latino population in the country. CBS Los Angeles has more.

In this Nov. 2, 2018, file photo, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla speaks in San Francisco. Gavin Newsom appointed Secretary of State Alex Padilla on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, as the state's next U.S. senator to fill the seat being vacated by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. California Secretary of State Alex Padilla will replace Vice President-elect Kamala Harris in the U.S. Senate, Gov. Previously, he was in the California state Senate and on the Los Angeles City Council. Padilla will finish Harris' term through 2022, when he will be up for reelection if he chooses to run.

FILE - In this Nov. 2, 2018, file photo, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla speaks in San Francisco. Gavin Newsom appointed Secretary of State Alex Padilla on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, as the state's next U.S. senator to fill the seat being vacated by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris. Gavin Newsom selected Secretary of State Alex Padilla on Tuesday to be a U.S. senator, a pick that sends a Latino to the Senate for the first time in the state’s history. Weber, of San Diego, heads the California Legislative Black Caucus and would be the first Black person to hold the office. He represented a Los Angeles-area district in the California state Senate from 2006 to 2014 and chaired the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communication.

Gavin Newsom speaks at a COVID-19 testing facility in Valencia, Calif. As California Gov. Gavin Newsom's shoulders as he considers his pick to serve out the rest of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris' Senate term through 2022. The South saw its highest number of Black Senate candidates ever this year, but none won races outright. Labor icon Dolores Huerta and California Latinas for Reproductive Justice want Newsom to appoint a Black woman. De Leon won the endorsement of the California Democratic Party and prominent labor unions, in part because of his support for immigrant rights and aggressive policies to curb climate change.

(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)ATLANTA – Even after he exits the White House, President Donald Trump's efforts to challenge the legitimacy of the election and seeking to overturn the will of voters could have staying power. Supporters include congressional candidates, state lawmakers, party chairs, conservative legal groups and appointees to previously little-known state vote-certification boards. Even so, Trump has found friendly lawmakers and party officials willing to bolster his claims and adopt his tactics. The effort then shifted to Michigan, where Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani appeared at a four-hour legislative hearing to argue that fraud had occurred. As Trump hints at running for president again, he will need his supporters to stay energized and on his side.

California certified its presidential election Friday and appointed 55 electors pledged to vote for Democrat Joe Biden, officially handing him the Electoral College majority needed to win the White House. There have been no suggestions that any of Biden's pledged electors would contemplate not voting for him. Results of the Electoral College vote are due to be received, and typically approved, by Congress on Jan. 6. Trump has fruitlessly tried to stop those states from certifying Biden as the winner and appointing electors for the former vice president. If they don't, the electors appointed by the states' governors — all pledged to Biden in these cases — must be used.

Antone’s will donate 50 percent of proceeds from December’s “H-Town Originals” sandwich to Houston Ballet’s Education and Community Engagement program. EXPAND Reserve a seat for Turner's all-new holiday lunch service. Photo by Jenn DuncanNow through Thursday, December 24, Turner’s, 1800 Post, is offering an all-new holiday lunch service, available every Tuesday - Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are required and can be booked on OpenTable or at 713-804-1212. LocalCommunityJournalismI Support Support the independent voice of Houston and help keep the future of Houston Press free. Support UsB&B Butchers & Restaurant, 1814 Washington, is also offering a holiday lunch service every Tuesday - Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. through December 24.

While abrupt, the dismissal Tuesday of Christopher Krebs, the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, was not a surprise. Hours before being dismissed, Krebs tweeted out a report citing 59 election security experts saying there is no credible evidence of computer fraud in the 2020 election outcome. Biden campaign spokesman Michael Gwin noted that bipartisan election officials have dismissed Trump’s claims of widespread fraud. Some state election officials and Republicans, suspicious of federal intrusion on their turf, were opposed to the designation. But the Trump administration supported the designation, and, eventually, skeptical state officials welcomed the assistance.

Saint Arnold Brewing Company has reworked its popular neighborhood pub crawl, running a Support Houston Pub Crawl (Part Two) from now through Sunday, October 4. When the card gets six stamps, Saint Arnold will hook you up with an Art Car IPA-style Pub Crawl or Saint Arnold HOU pint glass (cards can be redeemed at the brewery through Sunday, October 11). EXPAND Treat yourself to the Premium Chirashi and Sake Tasting at Kata Robata. Kata Robata will also be offering Dassai "23" Junmai Daiginjo 300-milliliter bottles at a discounted price of $65 (normally $80) October 1-7 both dine-in and to-go. State Fare Kitchen & Bar, 947 Gessner, 15930 City Walk, is collaborating with Karbach Brewery on a week-long craft beer dinner starting Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 11.

She is one of Californias two elected members of the Republican National Committee, and shes a co-chair of Women for Trump that is part of the presidents reelection campaign. She chaired the city's Republican Party before winning election as vice chair of the state GOP in 2013. The governor's policies and the policies of counties are falling more heavily on Democrats than Republicans because there are more Democrats than Republicans in the state, Dhillon said. Dhillon represented the California Republican Party in a successful challenge last year to a law aimed at requiring Trump to release his tax returns to be on the California ballot. In fact its reinforcing the bad image of the Republican Party," he said of Dhillon's recent lawsuits.

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Friday signed an executive order to ensure every registered voter in the state is automatically mailed a ballot for the November presidential election. The executive order does not replace in-person voting, Newsom said during a press conference. Newsom said if those plans are not in by May 30, a second executive order might be needed to resolve issues. Another 28 states and Washington D.C. offer "no-excuse" absentee or mail voting, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. This executive order, Padilla said, will make it so that voters automatically get a ballot without have to put in an official request.

Seasonal specialsWestheimer Crawfish Crawl with Underbelly HospitalityUnderbelly Hospitality is celebrating Houstons favorite season with a season-long Crawfish Crawl. The person with the most punches will receive the Grand Champion prize, a trophy and Tour of Houston for two at UB Preserv. Call 713-827-8008EXPAND This year, Snoozes annual National Pancake Day celebration is going down for a full week. Photo by Cassie Wayant PhotographyWednesday, February 19 through Tuesday, February 25National Pancake Day at SnoozeSnoozes annual National Pancake Day celebration has been going on for ten years, raising over $120,000 for local community gardens to date. Wear a Ramen Tatsu-Ya T-shirt that day to get 15-percent off your food bill, or participate in the social media Lucky Cat naming contest through Saturday, February 22.

The person with the most punches will receive the Grand Champion prize, a trophy and Tour of Houston for two at UB Preserv. Wednesday, February 12Monthly Wine Tasting at Rainbow LodgeRainbow Lodge, 2011 Ella, is hosting its next monthly wine tasting, featuring the wines of Mexico in a sip and stroll style tasting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Check out our Houston Valentines Day Dining Guide and make your reservations now. Guests can kick off the first weekend of "Fat Tuesday" celebrations with dueling pianos, face painting, New Orleans-inspired brunch dishes (i.e. Houston Oaks Wine & Food Classic at The Clubs at Houston OaksThe Clubs at Houston Oaks, 22602 Hegar, will host a day of wine tasting, seminars and food from noon to 5 p.m. (11 a.m. VIP) at the inaugural Houston Oaks Wine & Food Classic.

For February, Riel chef/owner Ryan Lachaine has teamed up with Legacy Restaurants chef Alex Padilla to create the Pizza Sub, with proceeds benefiting No Kid Hungry. The Pizza Sub ($8.95) features salami, provolone, pepperoni, mozzarella, house-made marinara and Italian herbs on toasted white bread from Bread Man Baking Co., and is available all month long. The evening will feature a presentation and conversation with Lorenzo Marotti Campi, the owner of Italys Marotti Campi winery, while guests sample wines from the vineyard. Special guest Andrew Adams, former owner of The Corkscrew, will lead a Wine 101 Class, presenting five Italian wines alongside Italian appetizers and bites. Guests can learn the differences in side-by-side tastings of featured spirits, including cocktails, alongside complimentary nibbles from executive chef Joe Cervantez.

Available at Antones for the entire month of December, proceeds from every sandwich sold will benefit the Houston Food Bank. 13th Anniversary Events at 13 Celsius13 Celsius, 3000 Caroline, continues its series of 13 events celebrating its 13th anniversary this December, with the next fun events including a Thirteen Appellations Flight Night on Wednesday, December 18 and Sunday Supper on Sunday, December 22. Wednesday, December 18Holiday Lunch at Backstreet CafeChef Hugo Ortegas Backstreet Cafe,1103 South Shepherd, will offer a special three-course holiday lunch perfect for office parties and get-togethers. The holiday lunch will also run on Wednesday, December 18. Thursday, December 19Fall Wine Dinner at Darios Steakhouse & SeafoodDarios Steakhouse & Seafood,14315 Cypress Rosehill, will be closing out the season with a four-course fall wine dinner at 7 p.m., pairing labels like Belle Glos and G.H.

The best Mexican food in Texas since Texas was in Mexico is the trademarked slogan of Ninfas restaurant, one of the six-cluster of restaurants on Navigation, and a reminder of Texas Mexican history. Identity and its connection to food is something he cares about, its in our genes, he says about the flavors of Mexican food. In a way, he is expressing the global dimensions of contemporary Texas and our Mexican food. Its a world class Texas Mexican invention. Since taking the culinary lead at Ninfas, Chef Padilla is moving the Mexican food of Texas into delicious global territory.

This month, get a taste of "The Hangover" sandwich, created by Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus and Legacy Restaurants chef Alex Padilla. Proceeds from every sandwich sold will benefit the WithMerci Foundation, which provides support to families of children with disabilities and special needs. Happy hour will be available Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the 3rd Bar side and outdoor patio. Happy Hour will be offered Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5 to 6 p.m. One hundred percent of the event proceeds will benefit after-school programming in six northeast Houston elementary schools.

HOUSTON - Houston Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus is helping to roll out a new sandwich at Antone's Famous Po' Boys -- and it's not for the faint of heart. The Hangover Sandwich (photo courtesy Antone's Famous Po' Boys/Emily Jaschke). Chef Alex Padilla and Whitney Mercilus (photo courtesy Antone's Famous Po' Boys/Emily Jaschke). Each local celebrity who gets involved will have a sandwich on the menu at Antone's fast-casual sandwich shops for one month, with 50% of the sales from that sandwich benefiting his or her charity of choice. The Hangover Sandwich (photo courtesy Antone's Famous Po' Boys/Emily Jaschke).

HOUSTON - It's back-to-school time, and if you're looking for a quick and easy meal to pack on your kids' lunches, how about some tortas? The popular Mexican-style sandwich is affordable and comes in different varieties, so kids will never get sick of them. "If you're at home, and you want to cook this, the good thing is, with $30 you can feed your whole family," said Padilla, who recommends using locally-baked bread from El Bolillo bakery for your tortas. To watch Padilla's complete interview, watch the video above. Copyright 2019 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

President Trump and his campaign have filed a lawsuit against top California officials over a law that would require him to release his tax returns or not be listed on the state's presidential primary ballot in 2020. Gavin Newsom last month, requires all candidates for president to disclose the previous five years of tax returns in order to appear on the primary ballot. Mr. Trump, who said he'd release his tax returns on the campaign trail, has declined to do so since taking office, claiming his returns are still under audit. Jay Sekulow, the president's private counsel, said the president's legal team believes that the American people have already weighed in on the matter of the president's tax returns, and the California law will fail in court. "The effort to deny California voters the opportunity to cast a ballot for President Trump in 2020 will clearly fail.