Get ready for a cold and blustery Wednesday as arctic air charges through Southeast Texas. A widespread freeze is coming Wednesday night as the wind chills drop into the single digits and teens.
Get ready for a cold and blustery Wednesday as arctic air charges through Southeast Texas. A widespread freeze is coming Wednesday night as the wind chills drop into the single digits and teens.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Arctic air blasts in making for a cold and blustery Wednesday. A widespread freeze is coming Wednesday night with a hard freeze still possible north and west of Houston by Thursday morning.
The arctic front has brought in significantly colder and drier air, putting an end to any chances of rain. By sunrise, the freeze line will be in many communities north and west of Houston. High temperatures today will only warm in the low 40s, but with the wind it will feel like the low 30s.
How cold will it get with the Arctic front, and when does the freeze line reach Houston?
At this time, we are predicting a low in the mid to upper 20s for Houston on Thursday morning, which will be the coldest of this Arctic cold snap. The freeze line should reach Houston around 10 p.m. Wednesday and may not get above freezing until around 10 a.m. Thursday. This is technically a “light freeze” for Houston, but a hard freeze is still possible north and west of Houston, where temperatures dip to 24 and colder. People, pets, plants, and pipes will need to be protected from this incoming cold air. Temperatures Friday morning will also dip into light freeze territory for most, with a low of 31 predicted in Houston. Because of the cloudy sky, highs on Friday will likely peak only in the upper 30s.
Is any wintry precipitation possible with this arctic front?
Not in our part of the state. The roadways will be just fine here in Southeast Texas.
How long does this cold air stick around?
Temperatures will stay well below normal through Saturday, with a cold rain in the 40s for the first half of the weekend. By Sunday, the sunshine is back, and temperatures are warming into the 60s. On Monday next week, we’ll warm well into the 70s and might even hit 80 on one or two afternoons!
Niantic Inc., the developer behind the 2016 global sensation Pokémon Go, is in negotiations to sell its video game business to Saudi Arabia-owned Scopely Inc.
A deal, valued at an estimated $3.5 billion, could be announced in the coming weeks, one source said. The agreement, if finalized, would include Pokémon Go and other mobile games. However, there is no guarantee the deal will be completed.
Despite the global success of Pokémon Go, Niantic struggled to replicate its success. The company laid off employees and scrapped several projects in 2022 and 2023, most notably shutting down Harry Potter: Wizards Unite in 2022.
Scopely is owned by Savvy Games Group, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Originally spun off from Google in 2015, Niantic was founded by CEO John Hanke, who previously led Google’s Geo product division after working in satellite mapping. Pokémon Go encouraged players to explore real-world locations using an interactive map to find Nintendo Co.’s beloved characters. The company claims it is the most downloaded and profitable augmented reality app of all time.
Based in San Francisco, Niantic also develops technology for capturing and sharing 3D scans of real-world environments. In November, it announced that data from its apps has contributed to a large-scale geospatial model designed to understand and connect scenes worldwide using machine learning.
Scopely was acquired for $4.9 billion in 2023 by Savvy Games. In 2024, Savvy CEO Brian Ward told Bloomberg News that the company aimed to acquire a “genre-leading” mobile title through Scopely, positioning it as the focal point of its mobile gaming strategy.
In August, Niantic partnered with Savvy to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. The investment is part of the Saudi Public Investment Fund’s broader strategy to diversify the nation’s economy through the video game industry.
On Feb. 18, ahead of the upcoming freeze, Houston Mayor John Whitmireheld a press conference.
As temperatures are expected to drop tomorrow night, it’s important for all citizens to take steps to ensure their safety and well-being. While the cold snap may not be life-threatening, it is still vital to be prepared.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know and do in the coming days.
Protect Our Vulnerable Populations
One of the most important things we can do is look out for our seniors and those in residential facilities. Many of our community members are especially vulnerable to extreme weather, and we must ensure they have the support they need during this cold snap. Make sure elderly neighbors or family members are properly sheltered, have adequate heating, and are not at risk of exposure to the cold.
HFD Chief Thomas Munoz gave tips on space heater safety and encouraged everyone to have working smoke detectors.
Warming Centers and Service Availability
Warming centers will be available across Houston for anyone who needs refuge from the cold. Several service centers across the city will be open to assist residents, and special attention will be paid to mental and emotional well-being. The Health and Mental Health departments will be on-site to offer support, especially for those experiencing anxiety or stress due to the weather conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, help is available.
For families with children, the NE Houston Service Center will be a designated space for family units to stay together in a warm and safe environment. It’s essential that families have access to these services, so please share this information with those who may benefit.
Starting Wednesday night at 8 p.m., the city will be opening all 12 of its multiservice warming centers:
Acres Homes Multi-Service Center: 6719 W. Montgomery Road
Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center: 6402 Market Street
Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center: 4014 Market Street
Magnolia Multi-Service Center: 7037 Capitol Street
Metropolitan Multi-Service Center: 1475 W. Gray Street
Moody Community Center: 3725 Fulton Street
Northeast Multi-Service Center: 9720 Spaulding Street
Southwest Multi-Service Center: 6400 High Star Drive
Sunnyside Multi-Service Center: 4410 Reed Road
Third Ward Multi-Service Center: 3611 Ennis Street
Be Smart, Plan Ahead
While it’s not anticipated to be a life-threatening freeze, temperatures are expected to drop to around 31°F, with a wind chill potentially making it feel even colder. The National Weather Service has forecasted rain throughout tonight and into tomorrow, with temperatures continuing to fall through the night on Thursday. We advise all residents to be prepared for chilly conditions tomorrow morning, and stay tuned for further updates.
In the meantime, we urge you to check in with your apartment complex manager or residential facility operator, especially in areas like Spring Branch. Ensure that any vulnerable individuals—particularly young children—are properly taken care of in these conditions. If you have a vehicle, make sure it’s ready for potential travel.
Generator Safety
For those relying on generators to keep their homes warm, please be sure you understand how to use them safely. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a real risk, so never use a generator indoors or in an enclosed space. Make sure all exhausts are properly ventilated. It’s crucial that you follow safety protocols to avoid accidents.
If you have any questions about how to safely operate your generator, there are resources available. Local authorities, including the Houston Police Department (HPD) and the Fire Department, will also be offering guidance to ensure everyone remains safe.
Mayor Whitmire encouraged Houstonians to use common sense and said the current outlook for the freeze doesn’t look bad with no rain predicted.
Collaboration and Community Support
We must all work together to get through this weather event safely. If you know someone who may need assistance, whether it’s a ride to a warming center or help with securing necessities, don’t hesitate to offer support. Stay connected with your neighbors, family, and friends, and share any important updates about resources or changes to the weather forecast.
The City Council is working diligently with all relevant agencies to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need. Please remain vigilant, stay informed through official channels, and exercise common sense as we face this cold front together.
In Conclusion
While the freezing temperatures may not be extreme, they still pose risks that we can avoid with proper preparation. By keeping an eye on our seniors, utilizing available service centers, ensuring the safety of our homes and generators, and supporting each other, we can minimize the impact of this cold snap. Stay safe, stay informed, and let’s work together to keep our community warm and protected.
A man accused of sexually assaulting a University of Houston student was captured more than a week after the attack, thanks to a civilian who spotted him riding the METRORail, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
Today at approximately 3pm, Eric Brown, accused to sexually assaulting a UH student at knifepoint on 2/7/25, was arrested at the Texas and St. Emanuel St intersection.
Authorities say Brown was riding the METROrail when a civilian recognized him. Photo c/o officers on scene. pic.twitter.com/8noOD9BIhI
— Harris County District Attorney (@HarrisCountyDAO) February 18, 2025
Arrest and Background Eric Brown, 40, was taken into custody on Tuesday after being recognized by a member of the public while using public transportation. Brown faces charges of sexual assault and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon in connection to the February 7 attack on a 21-year-old student.
Authorities believe Brown was homeless and had been frequenting public spaces, including the METRORail and local libraries, since the crime occurred. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that law enforcement had received reports of his presence in these locations but did not disclose how they were able to verify those sightings.
Details of the Crime According to court documents, the attack took place on the second floor of the University of Houston’s Welcome Center Student Parking Garage at around 5:30 p.m. The victim was cleaning her vehicle in preparation for a sorority event when Brown approached, asking to borrow a pen. He then allegedly forced his way into her vehicle, held her at knifepoint, and assaulted her before stealing $30.
Later that evening, officers encountered Brown and found him in possession of cash and a knife. At the time, he became confrontational and was subdued with a Taser before being arrested by the University of Houston Police Department (UHPD). However, due to what officials are now calling communication failures, Brown was released shortly after.
Investigation Errors and Response University of Houston Police Chief Ceaser Moore acknowledged missteps in the handling of the case but did not provide specifics. He cited communication breakdowns, shift changes, and timing issues as contributing factors to Brown’s initial release, despite being apprehended just hours after the crime.
Prosecutors from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office revealed that when UHPD officers first arrested Brown, they focused on an assault charge related to his altercation with police rather than the sexual assault allegations. The latter was only briefly mentioned, which led to the suspect being released.
District Attorney Sean Teare admitted that his office also failed to flag the case appropriately, stating, “We should have had a more experienced prosecutor review this case. There were internal missteps that we need to address, but ultimately, he was released when he shouldn’t have been.”
Criminal History and Campus Safety Concerns Court records show that Brown has a criminal record dating back to 2002, including multiple offenses. His most recent charge was for misdemeanor assault on a family member in 2018.
The incident has heightened safety concerns among UH students, particularly following additional recent crimes near campus. In recent weeks, there have been reports of scooter thefts and an armed robbery involving a stolen cell phone. Authorities recently arrested 28-year-old Steven Simon in connection with the scooter thefts, though no suspects have been apprehended for the armed robbery.
In response to the assault and other safety concerns, the University of Houston has pledged to increase police presence on campus and improve coordination between law enforcement agencies to ensure suspects are held accountable.
Brown remains in custody as the investigation continues, with officials vowing to close gaps in their processes to prevent similar failures in the future.
If you owe money to the IRS and are struggling to pay, you may have options beyond a standard installment plan. One such option is an IRS Offer in Compromise —a program that allows eligible taxpayers to settle their debt for less than the total amount owed. However, qualifying for this relief can be challenging.
What Is an IRS Offer in Compromise?
An Offer in Compromise is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS to settle tax debt for a reduced amount. There are three main types of OICs:
Doubt as to Collectibility – The most common type, used when a taxpayer proves they cannot afford to pay the full amount owed.
Doubt as to Liability – Used when a taxpayer disputes the IRS’s assessment and believes they owe less than what is claimed.
Effective Tax Administration – Applied in cases where paying the full tax liability would cause significant hardship, even though the taxpayer technically can afford it.
The Doubt as to Collectibility option is the one most people consider when looking to reduce their tax burden.
State Tax Debt and Offers in Compromise
While OICs are typically associated with federal taxes, some states also offer similar programs. However, qualifying for a state-level OIC can be even more difficult since states often have stricter guidelines and longer collection windows.
Being current on past tax returns and estimated payments (if self-employed).
Demonstrating financial hardship or the inability to fully pay the debt.
Showing that assets and income are insufficient to cover the tax bill.
The IRS assesses an applicant’s financial situation, including income, expenses, and assets, before deciding whether to accept the offer.
How to Apply for an Offer in Compromise
Applying for an OIC involves detailed paperwork and financial disclosures. The IRS requires applicants to submit:
Form 433-A (OIC) for individuals or Form 433-B (OIC) for businesses.
Form 656, detailing the specific offer.
A $205 application fee (which may be waived for low-income applicants).
An initial payment, which varies based on the type of offer submitted.
Supporting documentation such as bank statements, pay stubs, and asset valuations must be included. Given the complexity, consulting a tax professional can improve the chances of approval.
What Happens After You Apply?
The IRS review process can take up to a year or more. If the offer is accepted, the taxpayer must adhere to one of the following payment structures:
Lump Sum Offer – Requires a 20% initial payment, with the remainder paid in five or fewer installments.
Periodic Payment Offer – Requires continued payments while the IRS reviews the application, followed by ongoing installment payments until the agreed amount is fully paid.
If the IRS rejects the offer, applicants still have other options, including setting up an installment agreement or seeking penalty reductions.
Is an Offer in Compromise Right for You?
While an OIC can provide significant tax relief, it’s not suitable for everyone. The application process is rigorous, and the IRS expects taxpayers to exhaust all available financial resources before granting approval. For those who qualify, however, an accepted OIC can provide a fresh financial start by resolving tax debt permanently.
If you’re considering an Offer in Compromise, consult a tax expert to assess your eligibility and navigate the application process effectively.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Get ready for frigid air to blast in behind an arctic cold front arriving Tuesday night. A widespread freeze still looks likely with a hard freeze still possible north and west of Houston by Thursday morning.
Temperatures Tuesday morning will hover in the 50s as clouds build back in ahead of the front. The increase in moisture will yield a few spotty showers for the morning that transition to scattered thunderstorms for the afternoon. High temperatures will range from the upper 50s north of Houston to the mid 70s in our coastal counties. Houston should warm into the mid 60s. In the warmer air near the coast, some of the thunderstorms that develop could turn severe with gusty winds and hail. While the risk of severe weather is low, your chance of rain is high, climbing from 40% in the morning to 90% in the evening.
The arctic cold front will arrive in the evening hours, putting an end to our rain chances as the cold air rushes in. By Wednesday morning, the freeze line could be in communities north and west of Houston from Huntsville to Navasota to Columbus. Lows in Houston will end up in the upper 30s. Wind chill factors north and west of Houston will dip into the teens, prompting a Cold Weather Advisory for Austin, Colorado, Grimes, Trinity, Walker, and Washington counties.
How cold will it get with the arctic front, and when does the freeze line reach Houston?
At this time we are predicting a low in the mid to upper 20s for Houston on Thursday morning, which will be our coldest of this arctic cold snap. The freeze line should reach Houston around midnight Thursday and may not get above freezing until around 11 a.m. Thursday. This is technically a “light freeze” for Houston, but a hard freeze is still possible north and west of Houston where temperatures dip to 24 and colder. People, pets, plants, and pipes will need to be protected from this incoming cold air,. Temperatures Friday morning will will also dip into light freeze territory for most with a low of 31 predicted in Houston.
Is any wintry precipitation possible with this arctic front?
Yes, but only in northern parts of Texas. By the time the freeze line moves through Southeast Texas Wednesday night, the sky should be clear.
How long does this cold air stick around?
Temperatures will stay well below normal through Saturday with a cold rain in the 40s for the first half of the weekend. By Sunday the sunshine is back and warming temps into the 60s, and on Monday next week we’ll warm well into the 70s.
In a significant diplomatic move, the United States and Russia met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
Notably, Ukraine was not part of the talks, a fact that has drawn criticism from Ukrainian officials. According to the U.S. State Department, the discussions aimed to find a path toward an “enduring peace” to the conflict that began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and followed years of aggression since 2014.
Progress Toward Normalization and Peace
The talks, which lasted around five hours, marked the first senior-level engagement between Washington and Moscow since President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Geneva before the war began. The U.S. delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. Representing Russia were Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, and Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called the meeting “an important step forward,” emphasizing that both sides agreed to establish a “consultation mechanism to address irritants” in their diplomatic relationship. Rubio confirmed to the Associated Press that this effort includes restoring embassy staffing.
Additionally, Bruce noted that high-level teams would begin working on a plan to “end the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible in a way that is enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides.” She also highlighted discussions on future cooperation in areas of “geopolitical interest and economic opportunities” that could emerge from a successful resolution to the war.
Ukraine’s Strong Opposition
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was in Turkey at the time, expressed frustration over being excluded from the negotiations. “Again, about Ukraine without Ukraine,” he said. “If Ukraine didn’t yield to ultimatums in the most difficult moment, where does the feeling come from that Ukraine will agree to this now?” Zelenskyy firmly reiterated that he has never and will never yield to Russia’s demands.
Zelenskyy also declared that Ukraine “cannot acknowledge any … agreements about us without us, and will not recognize such agreements.” His comments reflect Ukraine’s longstanding position that any negotiations about its future must include its representatives.
Putin, Trump, and Future Talks
Ahead of the U.S.-Russia meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump spoke, raising speculation about renewed diplomatic efforts. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov later stated that Putin is open to negotiations with Zelenskyy, though he once again questioned the Ukrainian president’s legitimacy due to Ukraine’s delayed elections under martial law.
According to Bruce, the Biden administration saw the Riyadh meeting as a “second step to determine if the Russians perhaps are serious, and if they’re on the same page” about ending the conflict.
European Leaders Respond
French President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting of European leaders in Paris on Monday, just before the U.S.-Russia talks. Macron also spoke with Trump for nearly 30 minutes, discussing Ukraine and the upcoming negotiations.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who attended the Paris meeting, suggested that the UK could contribute troops to a peacekeeping mission if a deal is reached. “If there is a peace deal, and everybody wants a peace deal, then it’s got to be a lasting peace deal, not just a pause for Putin to come again,” Starmer said.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts signal a potential shift in the approach to resolving the war, but without Ukraine’s direct involvement, the viability of any proposed agreement remains uncertain.
The newly discovered asteroid 2024 YR4 has drawn global attention as astronomers closely monitor its trajectory.
Recent calculations show a2.6% chance of impact in 2032, a slight increase from the 2.2% estimate the previous day. However, the probability remains low, and fluctuations in risk assessments are expected as new data becomes available.
NASA and ESA’s Monitoring Efforts
NASA and the European Space Agency are tracking the asteroid using telescopes worldwide. The Webb Space Telescope will observe the asteroid in March 2025 before it becomes temporarily unobservable until 2028.
Size and Potential Impact
Discovered in December 2024 by a telescope in Chile, 2024 YR4 is estimated to be between 130 and 300 feet wide. Its impact potential depends on its final size determination:
Smaller end of the estimate: Any impact would likely be localized, comparable to the Tunguska event in 1908, which flattened miles of forest in Siberia.
Larger end of the estimate: The consequences could be more severe, prompting further risk assessments.
What Happens Next?
Astronomers expect the impact probability to fluctuate as more data is gathered.
Experts, including NASA’s Paul Chodas, emphasize that there is no need for concern, as probabilities are likely to drop to zero.
If necessary, planetary defense measures, such as asteroid deflection, could be explored. In 2022, NASA successfully altered an asteroid’s orbit using its DART mission.
Final Verdict: No Immediate Threat
While the discovery of 2024 YR4 is a scientific curiosity, it is not a cause for panic. Astronomers remain confident that further observations will likely rule out any impact risk.
En este episodio de Tremendas y Divinas, nos acompaña nuestra invitada especial, la Dra. Iliana Solano, para hablarnos de la salud preventiva de los niños, vacunas y el aumento de casos de sarampión. También, coach Marlene Bruten con 45 años de experiencia en natación, nos informa de los beneficios de nadar a la salud.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Temperatures Monday afternoon will climb quickly with the help of the sun and winds shifting out of the Gulf. High temperatures will rise into the low 60s with all that sunshine, making for a nice President’s Day.
What’s the latest on this active weather pattern we’re expecting this week?
After a calm and cool start to the week Monday, things change quickly by Tuesday. A weak surface low will bring the chance for showers and thunderstorms. A few storms could intensity enough to bring gusty winds and even small hail. The hail threat is thanks to how cold temperatures will be behind the Arctic front that arrives late Tuesday night.
How cold will it get with the arctic front, and when does the freeze line arrive?
The arctic cold front is slated to arrive Tuesday night, but the freeze line may not blow in until about 24 hours later. Extreme Cold Watches were issued farther north across the state from the panhandle to Dallas/Fort Worth. No cold weather alerts for Houston or Southeast Texas yet. At this time we are predicting a low in the mid-upper 20s for Thursday morning. People, pets, plants, and pipes will need to be protected from this incoming cold air, so you might need to devote some time this weekend to making sure you are ready for the freeze. Temperatures Friday morning to will be near freezing as well.
Is any wintry precipitation possible with next week’s front?
Possible? Yes, but it’s not likely at this time. By the time the freeze line enters Southeast Texas, most of the moisture is expected to be gone, but it’s still early in the game. If enough moisture is left around late Wednesday when the freeze line arrives, then the primary mode of wintry precipitation in this case looks like it would be freezing rain. The mid-levels of the atmosphere look to be too far above freezing to support any snow in our part of Texas. Again, stay tuned!
