introducing mayor john whitmire

John Whitmire lays out priorities as he's sworn in as Houston's new mayor

Whitmire was sworn in on 12:01 January 1, 2024.

Image courtesy of ABC13

Editor's note: Watch the mayor's official inauguration live on our news partner ABC13's livestream.

Houston's new mayor is now on the job.

CultureMap news partner ABC13 was there as John Whitmire was sworn in right at 12:01 am on Monday, January 1, 2024. Whitmire's official inauguration is at 9:30 am at the Wortham Theater on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 , followed by his first city council meeting at 11 am.

Whitmire promised to get right to work. After he was sworn in, he spoke about his commitment to making Houston more safe. He also said he wants to make improvements to infrastructure and city services as Houston's 63rd mayor.

John Whitmire City Hall Whitmire at his official swearing-in ceremony at the Wortham Theater.Image courtesy of ABC13

He also said public safety is his top priority. According to the ABC13 Neighborhood Safety Tracker, homicides are down more than 20 percent in Houston compared to last year. Data shows assaults, robberies, thefts, and burglaries are down compared to last year.Whitmire promised to run a tough and smart administration when it comes to crime and said he plans to collaborate better with other police departments.

"We've got some serious issues with public safety. We need additional officers. We need to collaborate. I'll go ahead and announce tonight that the chief has already done an outstanding job of following one of my commitments to a collaborative effort. We are going to meet Thursday morning at 10:00 with area chiefs," Whitmire said.

Right after Whitmire was sworn in, he went on a ride-along with Houston Police Chief Troy Finner.

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Continue reading this story on our news partner ABC13.

All roads lead to Rome

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta nominated as ambassador to Italy

Tilman Fertitta Shut Up and Listen book laughing

Photo by J. Thomas Ford

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Houston billionaire and Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has been nominated to serve as the United States ambassador to Italy, according to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

On Saturday, Trump sent the following statement via Truth Social Post:

I am pleased to announce that Tilman J. Fertitta has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador to Italy. Tilman is an accomplished businessman, who has founded and built one of our Country's premier entertainment and real estate companies, employing approximately 50,000 Americans. Tilman has a long history of giving back to the community through numerous philanthropic initiatives, which include children's charities, Law Enforcement, and the medical community. Additionally, Tilman is the longest serving Chairman of the Board of Regents for the University of Houston. He also owns the Houston Rockets Basketball Team. Congratulations to Tilman, and his remarkable family!

Fertitta, 67, also is the chairman, CEO, and president of Landry's Inc. and the chairman of the University of Houston's board of regents.

"It is an honor to be nominated to serve my country as ambassador to Italy and I look forward to the process ahead. Italy is such an extraordinary country with its wonderful people, culture, and history and its strategic importance to The United States of America," Fertitta said.

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Read the full story on CultureMap's news partner, ABC13.com.

tilman fertitta politics