Cayla Harris

Austin

Texas Politics Reporter at The San Antonio Express-News

Texas Politics Reporter at Houston Chronicle

obits @baltimorebanner. previously @expressnews @houstonchron @timesunion (pic cred @SamOwensphoto)

Articles

Raymond Vargas, longtime Baltimore County firefighter, dies at 42

2 months ago | thebaltimorebanner.com | Cayla Harris |Cody Boteler

When working a side job some years back, Fire Lt. Raymond Vargas Jr. was witness to a car crash. He wasn’t the closest person to the scene, and he wasn’t on duty as a firefighter. But, while others around him froze, he jumped into action. He ran over to the car, which had flipped on its side, and pulled someone out. “He left grown men — tough grown men — in awe of how brave you can be in such a daring or in such an uncomfortable situation," said Eddie Mayorga, Vargas’ relative.
How to write to lawmakers, speak at committees

Feb 6, 2025 | houstonchronicle.com | Isaac Yu |Taylor Goldenstein |Cayla Harris

So you know how laws get made in Texas, but how can you be a part of the process? How can I contact my representative? First make sure you know who represents you. You can use this website to find the lawmakers who represent your district. Bureau advice: Send an email first, and then call their office to follow up. Here's the list of House members, and here's the list of senators.
Who represents me in the Texas Legislature?

Feb 6, 2025 | houstonchronicle.com | Taylor Goldenstein |Isaac Yu |Cayla Harris

The Legislature has two chambers - the 150-member House of Representatives and the 31-member Senate. Everyone in Texas is represented by a representative in the House and a state senator. Both chambers are currently controlled by elected Republicans, but let's break down the demographics a little further:It's always good to know who your representatives are. You never know when you'll need a local lawmaker's help to navigate a complicated government program.
How do lobbyists influence Texas laws?

Feb 6, 2025 | houstonchronicle.com | Isaac Yu |Taylor Goldenstein |Cayla Harris

Constituents - that is you, your neighbor and other everyday Texans - aren't the only ones trying to get lawmakers attention or have a say in what laws are passed. Welcome the lobbyists. Lobbying: Directly communicating with state lawmakers or the governor's office in an effort to influence legislation or executive action. Our thoughts: This is where it's at.
Nancy Hall, who helped Maryland nonprofits thrive, dies at 77 - The Baltimore Banner

Feb 5, 2025 | thebaltimorebanner.com | Cayla Harris

Nancy Hall, who co-founded the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations, died Dec. 21 of ovarian cancer. She was 77.
Ice skaters, company executives, hunters. These are the Marylanders we know died in the D.C. plane crash.

Feb 1, 2025 | thebaltimorebanner.com | Darreonna Davis |Cayla Harris |Jess Nocera |Meredith Cohn

The number of Marylanders confirmed dead in an aviation crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport that shook the nation this week continues to rise. American Airlines Flight No. 5342 was en route from Wichita, Kansas, to Washington on Wednesday night when it collided with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter midair, sending both aircraft into the Potomac River.
What to know about Maryland closures, snow plowing, schools and more

Jan 6, 2025 | magicbaltimore.com | Lee Sanderlin |Cayla Harris

Magic 95.9 Featured Video CLOSE Many Baltimore residents are hunkered down on Monday with a winter storm expected to bring 5-10 inches of snow, with up to 16 inches possible in some parts of the state. As the storm sweeps across Maryland, here’s what you need to know about closures, plowing, schools and more. … this story continues.
What to know about Maryland closures, snow plowing, schools and more

Jan 6, 2025 | wolbbaltimore.com | Lee Sanderlin |Cayla Harris

CLOSE Many Baltimore residents are hunkered down on Monday with a winter storm expected to bring 5-10 inches of snow, with up to 16 inches possible in some parts of the state. As the storm sweeps across Maryland, here’s what you need to know about closures, plowing, schools and more. … this story continues.
Historian Vince Leggett helped preserve Black history along the Chesapeake Bay

Nov 25, 2024 | thebaltimorebanner.com | Rona Kobell |Cayla Harris

Vince Leggett, a conservationist who worked to preserve Black history and culture in the Chesapeake Bay, died Saturday. He was 71. Leggett, who often referred to himself as “a country boy from East Baltimore,” became synonymous with the Black legacy of the Chesapeake Bay in the 1990s, after he created Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation.
Rachel Yaffe, social media influencer, dies at 27 - The Baltimore Banner

Oct 18, 2024 | thebaltimorebanner.com | Cayla Harris

Lutherville native Rachel Yaffe used TikTok to inspire others to live a positive, healthy lifestyle and chronicled living with a fatal disease. She died on Oct. 11 from a rare liver cancer at age 27.