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Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announces pancreatic cancer diagnosis
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat who represents Texas’ 18th Congressional District, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she announced in a statement Sunday night.
“My doctors have confirmed my diagnosis of pancreatic cancer,” Jackson Lee said. “I am currently undergoing treatment to battle this disease that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year.”
The 74-year-old said that the treatment would mean she would likely be “occasionally absent from Congress” but said she will work with Congressional leadership “to serve this nation and be present for votes on legislation that is critical for the prosperity and security of the American people.”
Jackson Lee’s district includes parts of Houston and she has served as its representative for almost 30 years. She unsuccessfully ran for mayor of the city last year, but lost to then-State Senator John Whitmire, also a Democrat. She faced a primary challenge for her congressional seat this year, but won that contest easily.
Jackson Lee did not provide details on the severity of the cancer or what her treatment will be. Pancreatic cancer is not often found in the early stages and tends not to present symptoms until it has advanced, according to Mayo Clinic.
Four people were fatally shot and three people were injured in a mass shooting in Kentucky on Saturday, the Florence Police Department said in a statement.
Officers arrived at a private residence at 2:51 a.m. to see seven people shot – and found out the suspect had fled the scene in his car. Police said they located the fleeing suspect and tried to nab him during a traffic stop, but he continued to drive.
A chase ensued, police said, and only ended when the suspect’s car drove into a ditch off the roadway. The suspect was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said.
Three of the victims were taken to UC Health Hospital. They are currently listed in critical but stable condition, officials said.
Everyone was attending a birthday pool party, Florence Church of God, a local church, posted on its social media. One of their congregation’s sisters asked for prayers for her friend whose daughter was killed in the shooting.
“A man came in uninvited on a birthday pool party and killed four people,” the church’s Pastor Campbell wrote.
One of them was a friend’s daughter, the pastor wrote, and “her granddaughter is in the hospital with gunshot wounds.”
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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