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Houston Prepares for Severe Winter Weather: Safety Measures and Community Updates

Edward Saenz
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Houston Prepares for Severe Winter Weather: Safety Measures and Community Updates

As the city braces for an unprecedented winter storm, Mayor Whitmire and city officials addressed residents in a press conference, outlining safety precautions and preparations. With temperatures expected to plummet and icy conditions forecasted, residents are urged to take the necessary precautions to stay safe.

Parade and Community Events
 The Martin Luther King Jr. parade scheduled for Monday morning (1/20) is expected to be held under freezing temperatures. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly. Houston Police Department and first responders will be present to ensure safety.

Severe Weather Warning
 The National Weather Service predicts precipitation late Monday night, transitioning into icy conditions by Tuesday morning, with several inches of snow and rain expected. This storm could extend into Wednesday.

“We’ve been preparing since Thursday,” the mayor said. “However, we need Houstonians to assist us by limiting outdoor activities and staying off the roads.”

Credit: Edward Saenz/QOM

Warming Centers and Assistance
 Ten warming centers across the city will open at 6 PM tonight and remain operational 24/7 through Thursday. Collaborating with county and nonprofit partners, the centers are ready to welcome those in need, including individuals experiencing homelessness.

Seniors and vulnerable populations are a key focus, with food and heating assistance being provided. Residents are encouraged to check on their neighbors and ensure everyone has access to warmth and safety.

For an up-to-date list of all warming centers across the Houston area, click here.

City Operations and Closures
 To prioritize public safety:

  • Houston Independent School District (HISD) and other area schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • Courts will also be closed.
  • METRO services will run on a limited schedule, with operations ceasing by 9 PM Monday.

Both Bush Intercontinental and Hobby airports will close starting Monday at midnight, with updates expected midweek. Airlines are offering travel waivers for those needing to reschedule flights.

Road Safety and Public Works
Public Works crews have begun treating critical roads and overpasses with de-icing chemicals. Residents are urged to avoid driving as treated roads may still freeze in extreme conditions.

“Stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary,” officials warned. “Icy roads pose serious risks to drivers and first responders alike.”

Protecting Your Home
 Residents are advised to:

  • Wrap exposed pipes and open cabinet doors under sinks to allow heat circulation.
  • Avoid dripping water unless necessary to maintain water pressure for fire suppression.
  • Turn off sprinkler systems to prevent ice formation.

Safety Precautions for Heating
 The fire department emphasized caution with heating devices:

  • Do not use open flames, such as fire pits, indoors.
  • Place space heaters away from flammable materials.
  • Properly ventilate generators to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

Community Appeal
 “Public safety is our top priority, but we need your collaboration,” the mayor said. “Check on your neighbors, limit activities, and stay informed through official channels.”

Emergency hotlines include:

  • 311 for non-emergencies and assistance.
  • 211 for social services and warming center information.
  • 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

Houston’s Emergency Operations Center will remain active around the clock to monitor conditions and respond to unforeseen emergencies.

Conclusion
 With first responders, nonprofits, and city departments working tirelessly, Houston is as prepared as possible for the storm. Residents are encouraged to stay home, stay safe, and support their community during this challenging weather event.

TikTok Restores U.S. Service After Temporary Suspension

Indira Zaldivar
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TikTok Restores U.S. Service After Temporary Suspension

TikTok resumed its operations in the United States on Sunday, following a brief suspension the previous evening. The video-sharing platform announced its restoration of service in a statement, attributing the decision to assurances provided by President-elect Donald Trump to its service providers.

The company acknowledged the collaboration with its partners in restoring functionality, sharing an update on X.

“In agreement with our service providers, TikTok is in the process of restoring service. We thank President Trump for providing the necessary clarity and assurance to our service providers that they will face no penalties providing TikTok to over 170 million Americans and allowing over 7 million small businesses to thrive.” TikTok further emphasized its commitment to working with the administration on a sustainable solution to maintain its presence in the U.S.

A Political and Legal Tug-of-War

The suspension occurred against the backdrop of legal and political complexities surrounding TikTok’s operation in the U.S. Hours before the app became inaccessible, Trump had taken to Truth Social to advocate for the platform’s availability, citing plans to use it for broadcasting his inauguration on Monday.

“I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security,” Trump stated. He also assured that no liabilities would be imposed on companies aiding TikTok during this interim period.

Despite the announcement, TikTok users experienced restricted access on Sunday morning, with content only accessible via web browsers and the app remaining unavailable on Apple’s and Google’s app stores. The ban, initially set to take effect Sunday, allows the president to authorize a 90-day extension if specific conditions are met.

ByteDance’s Ownership Under Scrutiny

The future of TikTok in the U.S. remains uncertain due to legal requirements mandating its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest ownership to a non-Chinese buyer. This stipulation, part of a law signed by President Joe Biden in April, adds another layer of complexity to TikTok’s continued operations.

ByteDance has resisted the idea of selling its stakes, and the law’s restrictions on foreign ownership further complicate potential resolutions. While Trump has suggested a joint venture with U.S. ownership capped at 50%, the law’s 20% limit on ownership by entities classified as “foreign adversaries” poses a significant barrier.

Shifting Stances from Leadership

The saga highlights shifting positions within U.S. leadership. While Trump had initially championed a TikTok ban during his first term, he later voiced support for the platform’s survival. Similarly, the Biden administration’s recent statement indicated that enforcement of the ban would be deferred to the Trump administration, despite the Supreme Court’s decision on Friday to uphold the law.

What Lies Ahead

Even with Trump’s promised executive order to extend the timeline, TikTok’s long-term viability in the U.S. hinges on resolving ownership concerns. The company reiterated its willingness to collaborate with the administration, expressing hopes for a lasting solution. However, with legal and legislative hurdles still in play, the fate of TikTok in America remains far from settled.

The 2025 Presidential Inauguration: How Donald Trump’s Return to the White House will happen.

Edward Saenz
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The 2025 Presidential Inauguration: How Donald Trump’s Return to the White House will happen.

The inauguration of the President of the United States is a momentous ceremony held every four years on January 20, signifying the start of a new presidential term. In 2025, Donald Trump will take the oath of office, marking his return to the White House. Below is an overview of how this historic event typically unfolds:

Location

The inauguration ceremony traditionally takes place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., offering a picturesque view of the National Mall.

Trumps Inauguration in 2016.

Schedule of Events

The day is carefully organized with a blend of formalities and symbolic traditions:

Morning Worship Service (Optional)

Many presidents, including Donald Trump, opt to begin the day by attending a religious service, emphasizing a tone of reflection and purpose.

Procession to the Capitol

President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect J.D. Vance will journey to the Capitol, accompanied by their families. This procession, typically conducted by motorcade, is safeguarded by a robust security presence.

Swearing-In Ceremony

Commencing at noon, the ceremony includes several key elements:

  • Call to Order and Invocation: The proceedings are formally initiated by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.
  • Musical Performances: Iconic artists enhance the celebration with musical tributes. For 2025, country superstar Carrie Underwood will perform, joining the legacy of past performers such as Lady Gaga, Garth Brooks, and Beyoncé.
  • Vice Presidential Oath of Office: Administered first, typically with the use of a Bible or another significant text chosen by the Vice President-elect.
  • Presidential Oath of Office: Administered by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. President-elect Donald Trump will recite the constitutional oath:

    “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

Inaugural Address

Following the oath, President Trump will deliver his inaugural address, articulating his vision and goals for the nation over the next four years.

Departure of the Outgoing President

President Joe Biden, the outgoing leader, will depart the Capitol shortly after the ceremony, often via helicopter, in a symbolic gesture of a peaceful transfer of power.

Inaugural Parade

The iconic parade will proceed along Pennsylvania Avenue, featuring military units, marching bands, and ornate floats, culminating at the White House, where President Trump will formally begin his administration.

Seguridad en el uso de calefactores: prevención de incendios e intoxicación por monóxido de carbono en Houston

Indira Zaldivar
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Seguridad en el uso de calefactores: prevención de incendios e intoxicación por monóxido de carbono en Houston

Con la llegada del invierno, es fundamental tomar precauciones al utilizar sistemas de calefacción en el hogar para evitar riesgos como incendios e intoxicaciones por monóxido de carbono (CO). El Departamento de Bomberos de Houston reporta que más del 35% de los incendios residenciales durante la temporada invernal son causados por calefactores portátiles.

Además, es importante recordar las trágicas cifras del apagón de una semana en Houston en el 2021, durante el cual al menos 11 personas murieron por intoxicación con monóxido de carbono. Los niños representaron el 42% de los casos, lo que subraya la vulnerabilidad de los más pequeños ante este peligro silencioso.

Recomendaciones para el uso seguro de calefactores:

  • Ubicación adecuada: Coloque los calefactores en superficies planas y estables, alejados de cortinas, sábanas, muebles de madera y materiales inflamables. Evite su uso sobre alfombras.
  • Supervisión constante: Nunca deje los calefactores encendidos sin supervisión y apáguelos antes de dormir o al salir de casa.
  • Mantenimiento regular: Realice inspecciones anuales de todos los sistemas de calefacción antes de la temporada invernal y verifique el estado de conexiones eléctricas y tuberías de gas.
  • Ventilación adecuada: Asegure una ventilación apropiada en las áreas donde se utilizan calefactores para prevenir la acumulación de monóxido de carbono.

Prevención de intoxicación por monóxido de carbono:
Los Centros para el Control y Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) informan que cada año aproximadamente 420 personas en Estados Unidos fallecen por intoxicación accidental con monóxido de carbono, y más de 100,000 requieren atención de emergencia por la misma causa.

Para minimizar el riesgo de intoxicación por CO:

  • Instale detectores de monóxido de carbono: Coloque detectores en áreas cercanas a los dormitorios y verifique su funcionamiento periódicamente.
  • Evite el uso de generadores portátiles en interiores: No utilice estufas de gas, hornos o parrillas de carbón para calentar el hogar, ya que pueden producir monóxido de carbono.
  • No caliente vehículos en garajes cerrados: Incluso con la puerta del garaje abierta, es peligroso dejar el motor en marcha dentro del garaje.

Señales de intoxicación por monóxido de carbono:
Esté atento a síntomas como dolores de cabeza, mareos, náuseas, confusión y debilidad. Si experimenta estos síntomas, salga al aire libre de inmediato y busque atención médica.

La prevención y el uso responsable de los sistemas de calefacción son esenciales para proteger a su familia durante la temporada invernal. Siga estas recomendaciones y manténgase informado con QueOndaMagazine.com

TikTok Banned in the U.S.: Trump Promises Action to Address the Fallout

Indira Zaldivar
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TikTok Banned in the U.S.: Trump Promises Action to Address the Fallout

TikTok is no longer accessible in the United States following the enforcement of a nationwide ban on Saturday night. The controversial app, with over 170 million American users, has gone dark due to its connections with the China-based company ByteDance, which officials cited as a potential national security threat.

President-elect Donald Trump who previously supported strict measures against TikTok, has recently indicated a shift in his stance.

“A 90-day extension is something that will most likely happen because it’s the right thing to do,” Trump told NBC. “If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.” However, with the ban already in effect, millions of users are left in limbo, and the path forward remains uncertain.

This change suggests a willingness to explore solutions that could potentially reinstate the app or provide relief to its users.

Impact on Users and Businesses

The ban has left millions of creators and small businesses scrambling for alternatives. TikTok had become a hub for entertainment, entrepreneurship, and community building, with many users relying on the platform for income. Creators are now transitioning to other platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts to maintain their presence and reach their audiences.

Marketing firms, which heavily relied on TikTok for advertising campaigns, have been significantly affected. One executive described the sudden shutdown as a “hair-on-fire moment,” forcing businesses to quickly pivot their strategies.

Trump’s Shift and What It Could Mean

Trump’s recent comments about a possible extension mark a notable change in his approach to TikTok. In the past, his administration pushed for the divestment of TikTok’s U.S. operations from ByteDance, citing national security concerns. Now, the suggestion of a 90-day reprieve opens the door for negotiations that could lead to either a resolution with stricter security measures or a new ownership structure for the app.

Experts note that any potential action will need clear legal frameworks to protect companies like Apple and Google, which would host the app if reinstated. Without such measures, liability risks remain high.

The Road Ahead

While Trump’s shift provides some hope for TikTok’s return, the situation remains uncertain. The app’s sudden disappearance has left a significant gap in the digital landscape, affecting both casual users and businesses.

For now, all eyes are on Trump’s next move and whether a resolution can bring TikTok back to its millions of U.S. users. Stay tuned for updates as the story develops.

This is a developing story. Keep up with us on QueOndaMagazine.com for updates.

Houston mayor John Whitmire orders return to office for all city employees

Edward Saenz
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Houston mayor John Whitmire orders return to office for all city employees

Houston Mayor John Whitmire has announced that the city’s work-from-home policy will end, and all city employees will be required to work full-time from the office starting Monday, February 1, 2025.

In a memo to city department directors, Mayor Whitmire stated that the “Hybrid-Telework Program” will be terminated, and “all employees will return to their office workstations unless a formally approved exception or accommodation exists.” 

This policy change will affect approximately 1,600 of the city’s 22,000 workers who have been working under hybrid and work-from-home schedules implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor John Whitmire at a press conference in early November.

Mayor Whitmire emphasized the importance of in-person collaboration for public servants, stating, “The best way to serve the public is to work together in the office, enhancing collaboration and making the City of Houston more effective as we tackle significant challenges.”

“We are all public servants, and each employee plays a vital role in ensuring our municipal government operates efficiently and prioritizes the needs of our constituents,” Whitmire wrote in his memo. “The best way to serve the public is to work together in the office, enhancing collaboration and making the City of Houston more effective as we tackle significant challenges.”

The policy change will impact approximately 1,600 of the city’s 22,000 workers. Hybrid and work-from-home schedules were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“My administration looks forward to the return of all city employees to the office. In-person collaboration fosters teamwork, innovation, and accountability, allowing us to deliver on our promises,” said Whitmire. “We are committed to working together to eliminate waste, fraud, duplication, and corruption and to align with my vision and priorities to serve Houstonians.”

The City of Houston’s decision to end its hybrid work policy aligns with a growing national trend among both corporate and municipal offices. Companies like Amazon, Conocco Phillips, AT&T, JPMorgan, and Goldman Sachs have also mandated a return to the office. Additionally, the city of Portland, Oregon, will require full-time in-office work for city managers starting in April 2025.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the number of Americans working from home has decreased by 3.2 million since 2021.

WEATHER ALERT: Winter storm likely to impact Southeast Texas next week

ABC13 Houston
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WEATHER ALERT: Winter storm likely to impact Southeast Texas next week

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our ABC13 Weather team has now declared Weather Alert Days for Tuesday and Wednesday as it now appears likely a winter storm will impact Southeast Texas with snow, ice, and a hard freeze. We still have you on Weather Watch for Monday as it will be very cold, but the snow and ice is currently expected to hold off until the evening.

ABC13 weather has your Houston forecast details, with doppler radar for southeast Texas and live cameras for the weather…Show more

How will the arctic front impact our weekend?

Temperatures will fall into the low 50s behind the front Saturday morning, then warm back toward 60 with the afternoon sunshine. The front will initially push away most of the clouds to bring an abundance of sunshine this weekend. Much colder air will arrive Saturday night, and that’s when we expect the freeze line to first enter Southeast Texas. It now looks like the freeze line will even push into most of Houston by sunrise Sunday. Sunshine on Sunday will warm temperatures out of the 30s and into the 40s. The freeze line could move back into as early as 9 p.m. Sunday, and we expect the freeze line will make it past the coast by sunrise Monday. We advise everyone to complete their winter preparations before watching the Texans game at 3:30 p.m. on ABC13! You still have until Sunday night to finish wrapping those pipes, but it will be cold and windy Sunday.

What can runners and spectators expect for the Chevron Houston Marathon on Sunday?

It’s going to be a cold one! At this time we expect the start of the race to feature temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s along with a north wind up to 25 mph pushing the “feels like” temps into the lower 20s. We expect it to be dry with sunshine-warming temperatures into the low 40s during the race.

What’s the coldest it will get with this arctic front?

Unfortunately a hard, pipe-bursting freeze is on the table because this air is coming all the way from Siberia. At this time we are expect low temperatures to bottom out in the mid-to-upper 20s for Houston Monday and Tuesday mornings, and we now predict it will fall into the teens on Wednesday morning with the expectation of ice or snow on the ground. You also need to be aware that when temperatures drop below freezing on Monday, they may not get back above freezing until Wednesday afternoon, giving us nearly 48 straight hours of freezing temperatures.

When could we get ice or snow, and how much is possible?

We are starting to gain confidence in the timing of any wintry precipitation, and the window for that occur opens up during the afternoon on MLK Day and continues through Tuesday. It now looks to be dry Tuesday night and Wednesday. Computer models are becoming more aggressive with snow and ice chances over Southeast Texas, and we have increased our chance of precipitation for freezing rain, sleet, or snow showers to 70%. There are some extreme computer model solutions spitting out over half a foot of snow, but it’s too soon to get an accurate feel for accumulations and what type of wintry precipitation will fall. Those details will come into greater clarity this weekend.

How will this potential winter storm impact travel?

We are advising people to be prepared to stay put wherever you go to bed Monday night until Wednesday afternoon at the earliest. If some of the more aggressive snow/ice amounts verify, travel may be nearly impossible until sometime Thursday.

When will we be done with the freezing temperatures?

It’s possible we could have lows below freezing until the weekend. In fact, we are eying the possibility of a second wave of low pressure arriving next Thursday or Friday that could bring another round of frozen precipitation. Stay looped into the forecast this week as we continue to refine the details!

ERCOT issues Weather Watch from Jan. 20-23 for next week’s arctic cold front

ABC13 Houston
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ERCOT issues Weather Watch from Jan. 20-23 for next week’s arctic cold front

This story comes from our media partner ABC13. For me on this developing story, click here.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — ERCOT has now issued a Weather Watch for Monday, Jan. 20 through Thursday, Jan. 23, ahead of next week’s arctic front.

The power grid is very much on the minds of Texans after hundreds of people died when the power grid collapsed in February 2021.

ERCOT graphs on the company’s website show that there will be more than enough electricity on hand to meet the anticipated demand for power over the next six days.

ABC13 will keep checking back for any changes to those projections.

ERCOT also sent ABC13 the following improvements they made to the electric grid since 2021:

  • Weatherization and Inspections. The ERCOT Weatherization and Inspections Program is entering its 4th season of cold weather inspections. In December, we completed 149 inspections. In total we will conduct a minimum of 450 generation resources or transmission service provider facilities by the end of February for this winter. ERCOT completed three full seasons of winter weatherization inspections with enhanced requirements for generation and transmission facilities and conducted its second summer weatherization inspections this past summer in 2024.
  • Firm Fuel Supply Service (FFSS). An additional source of onsite fuel for generators benefits the grid by providing a redundant, or additional, fuel source should there be a natural gas scarcity. FFSS Phase 1 created the FFSS service. Phase 2 expanded resources that can qualify. If a resource’s fuel service is firm and isn’t under a lower curtailment priority if there’s a curtailment event, they can now qualify.
  • Scheduled Maintenance Period. ERCOT has worked with generators and transmission operators to schedule their maintenance in the shoulder months while allowing ERCOT to reliably operate the grid in the off-peak seasons.
  • Forecasting Improvements. ERCOT has been working on reducing weather forecast error by procuring additional weather forecasts and developing load forecast models that are tuned for extreme cold weather. ERCOT has also improved the forecasting software testing process related to holidays and other outlier scenarios.
  • ERCOT Contingency Reserve Service (ECRS). Added in June 2023, ECRS takes advantage of resources that can start within 10 minutes to address unexpected or rapid changes in supply or demand.
  • Fast Frequency Response Service. Added in 2022, this addition to our ancillary services takes advantage of the capability of faster-responding resources to respond to events.
  • Critical Supply Chain and Critical Infrastructure Map. This map was created in 2022 to share the locations and connectivity of all the critical parts of the Texas power infrastructure.
  • Improved Inter-Agency Communications. Agencies are seeing improved, ongoing communications through both the Texas Department of Emergency Management and Texas Energy Reliability Council.

Houston-area school and college closings and delays

ABC13 Houston
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Houston-area school and college closings and delays

This story comes from our media partner, ABC13. For updated information on this developing story, click here.

When there are active reported school closings or delays around Houston and the surrounding areas, they will appear in a list below.

Closings Last Updated at 11:42pm on 1/17/2025

BARBERS HILL ISD Closed Tuesday  
BAY CITY ISD Closed Tuesday  
CLEVELAND ISD Closed Tuesday  
DAYTON ISD Closed Tuesday  
EAST CHAMBERS ISD Closed Tuesday  
MATAGORDA ISD Closed Tuesday  
PALACIOS ISD Closed Tuesday  
TARKINGTON ISD Closed Tuesday  
TIDEHAVEN ISD Closed Tuesday  
VAN VLECK ISD Closed Tuesday  

Why Old School RuneScape Players Are Upset With Jagex

Edward Saenz
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Why Old School RuneScape Players Are Upset With Jagex

Old School RuneScape (OSRS), the beloved MMORPG known for its nostalgia and community-driven updates, has recently faced some significant backlash from its player base.

The discontent stems from a series of controversial decisions and updates by the games developer, Jagex, which many players feel are out of touch with the community’s preferences and expectations. Here’s a breakdown of the primary issues fueling the frustration:

Membership Price Increases

Jagex recently conducted a survey exploring the introduction of new membership tiers. Some proposed tiers included higher prices in exchange for perks such as enhanced customer support and the ability to manage multiple characters on a single account. While intended to offer additional value, many players perceived this as a move prioritizing profit over player satisfaction. The potential price hikes drew widespread criticism, with some accusing Jagex of monetizing features that should be standard, or outright free.

Pronouns and Body Type Update

In a recent update, Jagex introduced options for players to select pronouns and body types during character creation. While this change would be aimed to enhance customization and inclusivity, it sparked controversy within the community. Some players argued the update came out of know where and was unnecessary or “forced,” leading to heated debates. The polarizing response highlighted divisions within the player base over the direction of such changes in the game.

Loot Mechanics of Tormented Demons

The introduction of Tormented Demons, a new type of in-game enemy with specific loot mechanics, added to the discontent. Players expressed frustration over perceived imbalances in the loot tables, and the issue escalated when some individuals began targeting Jagex developers with personal attacks. The situation prompted Jagex to release a statement urging players to direct their feedback constructively rather than targeting individual team members.

Community Concerns

These issues have contributed to a growing sentiment among OSRS players that Jagex is becoming increasingly disconnected from its community. OSRS has long prided itself on being shaped by its players, with major updates typically requiring approval through community polls. However, the recent controversies suggest a widening gap between Jagex’s decisions and the preferences of its dedicated fan base.

Moving Forward

As the tension between Jagex and its players persists, the company faces a critical challenge: regaining the trust of a passionate community that has been instrumental in the game’s enduring success. Open communication and a renewed commitment to community-driven development may be the key to resolving these conflicts and preserving the unique appeal of Old School RuneScape.

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