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Microsoft Unveils Xbox Nano Controller With a Smaller, Travel-Friendly Design

Michael Esparza
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Microsoft Unveils Xbox Nano Controller With a Smaller, Travel-Friendly Design

Microsoft officially announced the Xbox Nano Controller on Oct. 14. The compact gamepad targets younger players, smaller hands and gamers seeking a portable controller.

Preorders are now open in the United States for $49.99. Microsoft plans to begin selling the controller in November.

Xbox Nano Controller Keeps the Familiar Layout

The Xbox Nano Controller measures a little over five inches long and weighs 3.5 ounces. Microsoft calls it the smallest controller in the Xbox lineup.

Despite its reduced size, the controller includes all 18 standard gameplay inputs. That gives players a familiar Xbox layout without the bulk of a full-size gamepad.

The smaller frame could make local multiplayer more accessible for children and players with smaller hands. It may also appeal to travelers who want a controller that fits easily inside a backpack or purse.

Microsoft highlighted games such as Minecraft Dungeons II as examples of family-friendly multiplayer experiences. The game supports up to four players through local or online cooperative play.

Wireless Connections and a Rechargeable Battery

The Xbox Nano Controller supports both Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth. Those connection options allow it to work across a range of compatible gaming devices.

Microsoft did not provide a complete compatibility list in its announcement. However, Xbox Wireless typically supports Xbox consoles and certain Windows devices. Bluetooth can also connect controllers to compatible computers, phones and tablets.

The controller comes with a rechargeable battery. Microsoft has not announced an estimated battery life or charging time.

A programmable Action Button adds another layer of customization. Players can assign the button to shortcuts for taking screenshots, recording gameplay or accessing frequently used functions.

These features position the controller as more than a smaller version of the standard Xbox gamepad. Its wireless support and portable design also make it suitable for cloud gaming and mobile play.

Preorders Open Ahead of November Release

Microsoft opened Xbox Nano Controller preorders on the day of the announcement. The controller carries a suggested price of $49.99 in the United States.

The company expects to release it during November across more than 30 markets. Those markets include the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic.

Other launch regions include Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea and several European countries. Microsoft said additional markets will follow later. Local pricing and availability may vary.

The release arrives ahead of the holiday shopping season. Its lower price and smaller design could make it an option for families adding another controller for multiplayer gaming.

Microsoft Plans Samsung and Meta Offers

Microsoft is also preparing two promotional offers for new Game Pass Ultimate members in the United States.

A special Xbox Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate will accompany purchases of select Samsung televisions. That promotion is scheduled for the holiday season.

Compatible Samsung televisions include the Xbox app through Samsung Gaming Hub. This setup allows eligible players to access supported cloud games by connecting a controller.

Microsoft is planning a similar offer with Meta. Buyers of an eligible Meta Quest device will receive an Xbox Nano Controller and two months of Game Pass Ultimate. The subscription offer will also be limited to new members.

The official Xbox announcement presents the controller as an affordable entry point for portable and shared gaming. For families and players across Texas, the November launch adds another compact option before the holidays.

Astros Move On From Joe Espada, Shake Up Coaching Staff

Michael Esparza
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Astros Move On From Joe Espada, Shake Up Coaching Staff

The Houston Astros will not renew manager Joe Espada’s contract after three seasons leading the club. His contract expires at the end of October.

The Astros part ways with Joe Espada after a 2026 season that ended with an early playoff exit. Houston also announced that five members of Espada’s coaching staff will not return in 2027.

Astros Part Ways With Joe Espada After Three Seasons

Espada finished his managerial tenure with a 256-229 regular-season record. The Astros reached the American League Wild Card Series twice and won two AL West titles during his three seasons.

Houston promoted Espada from bench coach to manager after Dusty Baker retired following the 2023 season. Espada had served as the Astros’ bench coach from 2018 through 2023.

His nine years with the organization included seven division championships, three American League pennants and the 2022 World Series title.

“We are thankful for Joe’s hard work, his passion for the game, and for his commitment to the Houston Astros,” team owner Jim Crane said.

Crane added that Espada represented the organization and Houston positively.

Playoff Exit Ends Uneven 2026 Season

The Astros finished the 2026 regular season with an 81-81 record. Houston still captured the AL West championship on the final day of the season.

The division title returned Houston to the playoffs after the team narrowly missed the postseason in 2025. However, the Astros were swept by the Chicago White Sox in the Wild Card Series at Daikin Park.

The loss marked Houston’s second first-round playoff sweep in three seasons. The Astros also extended their home postseason losing streak to nine games.

Houston dealt with injuries to several important players during the season. Still, the club’s decline in regular-season wins and repeated short playoff runs created questions about its direction.

Five Astros Coaches Will Not Return

The Astros also confirmed that five coaches from the 2026 staff will not return next season.

Catching instructor Tim Cossins, game-planning coach Tommy Kawamura and third-base coach Tony Perezchica are leaving the organization’s major league staff.

Assistant hitting coach Anthony Iapoce and assistant pitching coach Ethan Katz will also not return.

Katz and Cossins had joined Espada’s staff before the 2026 season. Iapoce, Kawamura and Perezchica were also part of Houston’s efforts to reshape its coaching operation.

The departures create several vacancies for the next manager and the Astros’ front office to fill.

Astros Retain Several Staff Members

Houston will retain pitching coach Josh Miller, first-base coach Dave Clark and hitting coach Victor Rodriguez for 2027.

Major league field coordinator Jason Bell will also return. Longtime bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte remains with the organization.

Bench coach Omar López has been offered an opportunity to stay with the Astros in a different role. The team has not provided details about that proposed position.

The Astros’ official announcement did not identify candidates to replace Espada.

Houston Begins Search for New Leadership

The managerial change comes during a broader transition for the Astros. Houston parted ways with general manager Dana Brown in August, leaving two major leadership positions open.

The club has not announced a timetable for hiring either a manager or general manager. The order of those hires could influence how Houston rebuilds its coaching staff and approaches the offseason.

Espada could quickly receive interest from another organization. The Seattle Mariners reportedly received permission to interview him for their managerial opening before Houston announced its decision.

For the Astros, the changes signal a significant reset after another division championship produced a short postseason run. The next leadership team will inherit an experienced roster facing questions about injuries, depth and long-term competitiveness.

Cornell Suspends Fraternity Social Events as 2024 Assault Case Faces New Scrutiny

Que Onda Editorial
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Cornell Suspends Fraternity Social Events as 2024 Assault Case Faces New Scrutiny

Cornell University has suspended social events at its Interfraternity Council houses through the end of the 2026-27 academic year. The decision follows protests and renewed scrutiny of the university’s response to a 2024 sexual assault allegation.

The Cornell fraternity party suspension applies to more than 20 active IFC chapters. University officials said the pause will allow a broader review of fraternity life and campus safety.

Cornell Fraternity Party Suspension Includes Zero-Tolerance Policy

Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff announced the immediate suspension Tuesday. It covers parties and other social events inside IFC fraternity houses through spring 2027.

Any chapter that violates the restriction will face immediate emergency suspension under a new zero-tolerance policy. Cornell has not clarified whether the rules extend to unofficial events held off campus.

“These measures will provide time for a thorough review of fraternity life at Cornell,” Kotlikoff said. The review will examine whether and how the system can safely continue.

Cornell also plans to develop safer alternatives to fraternity-centered social events. University resources will support those options.

Lawsuit Alleges 2024 Assault at Chi Phi House

The controversy centers on a lawsuit filed in September by a former Cornell student identified as Jane Doe.

The lawsuit alleges that fraternity members pressured her to consume drugs and alcohol at the Chi Phi house in October 2024. She claims multiple men sexually assaulted her while she was unable to provide consent.

Seven men named in the lawsuit deny the allegations. Their responses state that any sexual activity was consensual or that they did not participate.

No criminal charges have been filed. Cornell closed the Chi Phi chapter and disciplined several students following an internal Title IX investigation.

The woman’s attorney has also criticized the original criminal inquiry. He claims Cornell police left his client with the impression that the investigation remained active after prosecutors declined to pursue charges.

State Officials Reexamine Investigation

New York Attorney General Letitia James is now leading the criminal investigation as a special prosecutor. Gov. Kathy Hochul removed Tompkins County District Attorney Matthew Van Houten from the case following public criticism.

The district attorney initially declined to prosecute after reviewing a police summary of the woman’s account. He later agreed to reopen the matter, but state officials transferred it to James.

James has not announced a timeline for completing the investigation. She has indicated that the process could take several months.

Cornell is also working with New York State Police to expand their role in future campus sexual assault investigations. State police investigators operate independently from the university.

The university will add a case manager to its Office of Civil Rights. That person will help students understand reporting, investigative and disciplinary procedures.

Independent Review Will Examine Cornell’s Response

Cornell’s Board of Trustees hired former Deputy U.S. Attorney General Sally Yates to lead an independent review. Her team will examine the university’s handling of sexual assault and harassment complaints.

The review will evaluate Cornell’s policies under Title IX, the Clery Act and New York law. It will also examine the university’s response to the Chi Phi allegations.

Cornell has promised access to relevant records, case files, policies and university personnel. The Board of Trustees plans to share the review’s findings and recommendations with the campus community.

Students have held protests and a dining hall sit-in over Cornell’s handling of sexual violence reports. Campus groups have called for stronger support systems, clearer investigations and greater accountability.

Cornell described the new measures as the beginning of broader institutional change. The university’s official sexual violence information page lists reporting options, confidential assistance and continuing policy updates.

Knowles-Rowland House Opens 31 Supportive Homes in Houston

Que Onda Editorial
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Knowles-Rowland House Opens 31 Supportive Homes in Houston

The Knowles-Rowland House has opened in Midtown Houston, creating 31 permanent homes for adults leaving chronic homelessness. Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Tina Knowles joined community leaders Tuesday for the facility’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The three-story development combines affordable apartments with counseling, case management and other services. Bread of Life, Inc. developed the project with support from Harris County and several community partners.

Knowles-Rowland House Begins New Chapter

The building previously housed the Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth. It opened in 1999 with financial support from the Knowles family and Kelly Rowland.

The original center carried the names of Beyoncé Knowles and Rowland, who rose to fame with Houston-based Destiny’s Child. Hurricane Harvey damaged the property in 2017, and a fire caused additional destruction in March 2021.

Bread of Life later transformed the former youth center and gymnasium into permanent supportive housing. The new building includes shared dining and lounge areas alongside its 31 apartments.

Sixteen units can accommodate residents with mobility or sensory impairments. All apartments will serve people earning no more than 30% of the area’s median income, according to Harris County.

Housing Paired With Support Services

Permanent supportive housing combines long-term rental assistance with services tailored to each resident. The model is designed for people who may face health, disability or financial barriers to remaining housed.

Residents at the Knowles-Rowland House will have access to case managers, peer specialists and resident service staff. Available resources include mental health counseling, substance-use treatment, life-skills training and nutrition assistance.

The program will also connect residents with public benefits, health care and income support.

“We will have mental health access resources, benefits enrollment, housing and hygiene resources, life skill training and so much more,” Bread of Life Vice President Camille Chappell told KPRC 2.

Temenos Community Development Corporation, a longtime provider of permanent supportive housing, will help deliver the services. Bread of Life and Temenos formed a partnership to develop and operate the property.

Rental costs will be fully subsidized through the federal Project-Based Voucher program. The Houston Housing Authority administers those vouchers, according to Bread of Life.

Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland Return for Opening

Beyoncé attended the ceremony with her daughters, Blue Ivy and Rumi Carter. She joined Kelly Rowland and Tina Knowles at St. John’s Downtown, a church with deep ties to the family.

Beyoncé recalled being baptized at the church and thanked its pastors, Rudy and Juanita Rasmus. The church and Bread of Life have worked together for decades to address hunger, housing instability and other community needs.

The ceremony marked the project’s completion more than three years after Beyoncé and Tina Knowles attended a redevelopment event at the property.

Harris County Invests in Permanent Housing

Harris County committed approximately $7.2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to the redevelopment. The investment covered the property’s acquisition and conversion into supportive apartments.

The project adds housing as the Houston region works to reduce homelessness and prevent people from returning to shelters or the streets. Regional officials counted 3,321 people experiencing homelessness on one night in February 2026.

The Knowles-Rowland House gives 31 residents a permanent address and access to continued support. For Houston’s homelessness response system, the opening represents a community partnership focused on stability rather than temporary shelter.

Fulshear city council unanimously votes to appoint new interim chief of police, officials say

ABC13 Houston
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Fulshear city council unanimously votes to appoint new interim chief of police, officials say

FULSHEAR, Texas (KTRK) — The Fulshear City Council voted unanimously to appoint an interim chief of police for the Fulshear Police Department, according to officials.

On Sept. 15, Fulshear City Council voted unanimously to remove longtime Police Chief Kenny Seymour from his position following an independent investigation that city officials said uncovered “overwhelming evidence of misconduct.” Seymour, who has led the department for 15 years, had been on paid administrative leave since late August.

SEE ALSO: Fulshear City Council removes longtime police chief over an ‘overwhelming evidence of misconduct’

On Tuesday, David A. Gott was appointed interim chief of police for Fulshear PD. Gott has 44 years of law enforcement experience, including more than 40 years in leadership, supervisory, and command positions, according to Fulshear police.

Gott began his law enforcement career with the Houston Police Department in 1980 and rose from patrol officer to captain, authorities said. Throughout his HPD career, he commanded departments including the homicide division, tactical operations division, internal affairs division, Clear Lake patrol division, and recruiting division.

On Tuesday, Fulshear PD sent a statement regarding Gott’s new position that read in part:

“We look forward to working with Chief Gott, our police officers, city leadership, and community members to strengthen our department, support our personnel, and continue providing the level of public safety our residents deserve. As we begin this next chapter, we look forward to the experience, perspective, and leadership Chief Gott will bring to the Fulshear Police Department.”


“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.“

Midtown residents protesting against a proposed new gas station

ABC13 Houston
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Midtown residents protesting against a proposed new gas station

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Some Midtown residents are banding together to oppose a proposed convenience store and gas station on McGowen Street between Milam Street and Travis Street.

City officials are scheduled to meet Thursday to decide whether to approve the development.

“The first thing I thought was, ‘Well, we’re just going to have more people hanging out at a gas station,’ and that discourages me from wanting to walk,” said Brenda Franco, who lives across the street.

Franco moved to the area because she can walk to and from work, and she often uses the light rail, which is just a block away.

“Thinking of the impatience of drivers here, more than likely cutting through this gas station parking lot,” she said. “That’s concerning. I’m definitely against it. I want to keep Midtown as it is, which is walkable.”

Midtown is one of three neighborhoods in our city that the city council has designated as a walkable place, which means special rules apply to development.

But the developer is asking city officials to make an exception.

The plan is to build not just a convenience store and gas station, but also a canopy, parking lot, and two new driveways.

“It wouldn’t look like a main street grocery store or corner store,” said Alexander Spike, vice president of the Midtown Super Neighborhood organization. “It would look more like a generic plop-and-build gas station.”

Spike’s group is urging residents to protest against the development, saying a new gas station would bring more car traffic without improving the neighborhood.

“We feel that this is not a really urgent community need. There are already five gas stations within a quarter mile,” Spike said. “We are a pro-growth and pro-business city, and I think we are, too. We want to see lots and lots of small businesses. Rent is high here; we want to see more apartments get built, more homes that people can live in.”

Those against the project plan on speaking at Thursday’s Planning Commission meeting.

The developer said these are all preliminary plans and it’s too early to say what will happen next.


“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.“

Kimberly Guilfoyle Resigns as U.S. Ambassador to Greece Amid Misconduct Allegations

Que Onda Editorial
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Kimberly Guilfoyle Resigns as U.S. Ambassador to Greece Amid Misconduct Allegations

Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned as U.S. ambassador to Greece on Tuesday after the White House publicly asked her to step down. Her departure follows reports alleging improper conduct before and during her diplomatic service.

The Kimberly Guilfoyle resignation ends a tenure that lasted less than one year. Guilfoyle denies wrongdoing and says she will defend her name and reputation.

Kimberly Guilfoyle Resignation Follows White House Request

White House press secretary Katie Zacharia announced the administration’s decision during a Tuesday briefing.

“We have asked Ambassador Guilfoyle to resign,” Zacharia said. She also described Guilfoyle as an asset to the administration and wished her well.

Guilfoyle announced her resignation on social media less than two hours later. She called her service in Greece “the honor of a lifetime” and thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Trump later confirmed Guilfoyle would leave the position. He told reporters that his administration did not like the reports it had seen about her alleged conduct.

The White House has not announced a replacement. No potential nominees were publicly under consideration Tuesday, according to CBS News.

Reports Allege Financial and Ethical Misconduct

The resignation follows several Wall Street Journal reports about Guilfoyle’s financial dealings and diplomatic activities.

One report alleged that Guilfoyle asked political donor Eric Deters for $100,000 in July 2025. The money would have gone toward an American Express bill before her Senate confirmation hearing.

Deters also wanted Guilfoyle’s help reaching Trump administration officials, according to published accounts. The reports alleged that Guilfoyle offered to use her political connections in exchange for financial assistance.

Deters did not make the payment.

Additional allegations involved private air travel, gifts and services from wealthy Greek businesspeople. Reports also accused Guilfoyle of promoting a Greek company’s interests during official activities.

Other claims included an alleged threat involving a Greek official. None of the allegations has resulted in a publicly announced criminal charge.

Democratic members of the Senate Foreign Relations and House Foreign Affairs committees have requested investigations. The State Department’s inspector general is also reviewing the claims.

However, it remains unclear whether the inspector general has opened a formal investigation. The State Department has declined to comment on that question.

Guilfoyle Denies Allegations

Guilfoyle rejected the allegations in her resignation statement.

“These allegations are false, and I intend to vigorously defend my name, my reputation, and my integrity,” she wrote.

Her attorneys also denied that she sought an improper financial favor. They said the requested money represented unpaid compensation for appearances and speeches completed before her nomination.

The lawyers also defended Guilfoyle’s travel aboard private aircraft. They said she requested State Department guidance and followed federal travel rules before each trip.

Guilfoyle’s attorney has also challenged the authenticity of messages cited in the reports. The U.S. Embassy in Athens previously said she followed government ethics and gift-reporting requirements.

Former Trump Adviser Served Less Than One Year

Trump nominated Guilfoyle for the diplomatic position in December 2024. The Senate confirmed her in September 2025, and she formally began her duties in Greece later that year.

Before entering diplomacy, Guilfoyle worked as a California prosecutor and television host. She later became a prominent Trump campaign adviser and fundraiser.

Guilfoyle was also previously engaged to Donald Trump Jr. Their relationship ended before she began her assignment in Athens.

Her resignation creates a leadership opening at an important U.S. diplomatic post. The United States and Greece maintain close relationships involving defense, energy, trade and regional security.

The White House has not provided a timeline for selecting a new ambassador. Questions also remain about whether congressional or State Department inquiries will continue after Guilfoyle leaves office.

Houston First Takes City’s Tourism Pitch to London and Mexico City

Que Onda Editorial
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Houston First Takes City’s Tourism Pitch to London and Mexico City

Houston First Corporation will lead tourism missions to London and Mexico City from Oct. 15-19. The initiatives will promote Houston’s food, culture, space legacy and business opportunities in two major international markets.

The Houston First tourism missions will connect local organizations with travel professionals, journalists and business leaders. Houston First expects those relationships to increase visitation and support the region’s visitor economy.

London Mission Builds on Growing Visitor Market

The four-day London mission begins Oct. 15. The United Kingdom is Houston’s second-largest long-haul visitor market. Nearly 104,000 travelers from the country visited Houston in 2025.

Houston First will lead the delegation with support from the Greater Houston Partnership. Representatives from Space Center Houston, The Post Oak Hotel and other hospitality organizations will also participate.

A luncheon will introduce luxury travel advisers and journalists to Houston’s leading attractions. The presentation will highlight the city’s restaurants, hotels, museums, performing arts and cultural diversity.

Delegates will also meet with the British Chambers of Commerce and London & Partners. Those discussions will explore trade, destination marketing and economic development opportunities.

The mission will coincide with the Houston Texans’ Oct. 18 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium. Houston First plans to use related hospitality events to meet clients and business leaders.

The game gives the delegation another platform for promoting Houston. It also connects the city’s tourism campaign with one of the United Kingdom’s largest sporting events this fall.

Houston First Tourism Missions Expand in Mexico

Houston First will continue its international outreach in Mexico City from Oct. 17-19. Mexico remains Houston’s largest international visitor market.

Roughly 2 million Mexican travelers visited the Houston region last year. They represented about two-thirds of its international visitors.

InStyle Day by Houston will take place Oct. 17 at MUNET. The event is expected to attract hundreds of influencers and public personalities with millions of combined followers.

Houston-themed activities will include an anti-gravity photo experience. A Space Center Houston exhibit will also display artifacts from NASA Johnson Space Center’s archives.

Organizers will stream the event live on TikTok for the first time. The broadcast will allow audiences outside Mexico City to participate in real time.

A second event on Oct. 19 will bring together journalists covering travel, food, aerospace and technology. Expected guests include representatives from the Mexico editions of Forbes, InStyle, Food & Wine, Robb Report and Travel + Leisure.

Food and Space Take Center Stage

Chef Emmanuel Chávez of Houston’s Michelin-starred Tatemó will help present the city’s culinary identity. The restaurant is known for its creative approach to Mexican cuisine and heirloom corn.

Space Center Houston President and CEO William Harris will also participate. Retired NASA astronaut Megan McArthur will join him for a conversation about exploration, innovation and human spaceflight.

The program connects two of Houston’s most recognizable strengths: its diverse food culture and role in space exploration. Both have become central parts of the city’s international tourism message.

“Growing international visitation starts with building relationships and giving people compelling reasons to choose Houston,” Houston First President and CEO Michael Heckman said.

Heckman said collaboration allows local partners to present a broader picture of the city. That includes its culture, accommodations, restaurants, attractions and innovation economy.

International Outreach Supports Houston Businesses

Houston First wants the missions to turn international awareness into future travel. Increased visitation can benefit hotels, restaurants, attractions, retailers and other businesses across the Houston region.

The organization also hopes to create lasting commercial and tourism partnerships. Those connections could help Houston compete with other major destinations for international travelers.

By focusing on established markets in Mexico and the United Kingdom, Houston First is building on existing visitor demand. The October programs will place Houston’s people, culture and attractions before audiences that influence travel decisions.

Greenspoint Mall Demolition Begins Ahead of $150 Million Redevelopment

Que Onda Editorial
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Greenspoint Mall Demolition Begins Ahead of $150 Million Redevelopment

The Greenspoint Mall demolition began Tuesday, marking a major step toward redeveloping the longtime North Houston landmark. The former shopping destination will make way for CityNorth Industrial Park, a $150 million project scheduled to open in phases beginning in 2028.

Crews will demolish the mall’s central structure at 12300 North Freeway. The property sits near the intersection of Interstate 45 and Beltway 8.

Greenspoint Mall Demolition Targets Central Structure

The demolition involves the core section between the mall’s former anchor stores. Those anchor properties have separate owners and are not included in the CityNorth project.

The wider former mall site covers about 120 acres. It contains 11 parcels controlled by six different entities, according to the North Houston District. That divided ownership complicated earlier redevelopment efforts.

Greenspoint Mall opened in August 1976. Sears, Foley’s and Palais Royal served as its original anchors. The mall operated for nearly 48 years before closing in July 2024.

Fitness Connection, which has operated at the site since 2005, will remain part of the property. Plans call for the gym to relocate into a new 45,500-square-foot facility.

CityNorth Industrial Park Planned for 2028

Lincoln Property Company and New York Life Investment Management acquired approximately 80 acres for the redevelopment. They announced the CityNorth Industrial Park project in September.

Plans include 1.2 million square feet of industrial buildings. The development will offer cross-dock and rear-load facilities for logistics, distribution and manufacturing companies. Retail and service uses are also planned.

The location provides direct access to Interstate 45, Beltway 8 and the Hardy Toll Road. Developers say those connections will help companies reach major employment centers and customers throughout the Houston region.

The first phase is scheduled for completion during the first quarter of 2028. Additional information about individual buildings and leasing opportunities will be released as construction progresses.

Project Expected to Bring New Jobs

Developers estimate the project will support approximately 300 construction jobs. CityNorth could accommodate about 1,200 full-time workers after the development is completed.

The City of Houston and the North Houston Development Corporation are contributing $15 million. The funding will support demolition and improvements within public rights of way.

Lincoln is working with city officials and the North Houston District on the project. Powers Brown Architecture is serving as the architect. Kimley-Horn is the civil engineer, while E.E. Reed Construction is the general contractor.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the redevelopment would create jobs, attract businesses and support improvements in Greenspoint. The project also follows other public investments in the area, including a planned Houston Police Department station.

A New Chapter for Greenspoint

For decades, Greenspoint Mall served as a central shopping and gathering place for families across North Houston. Its closure left a large property awaiting a new purpose.

The CityNorth plan shifts much of the site from traditional retail toward industrial and employment uses. Residents can expect demolition and construction activity to continue as the project moves toward its planned 2028 opening.

Apple HomeView Leads New Smart Home Lineup With Siri AI

Michael Esparza
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Apple HomeView Leads New Smart Home Lineup With Siri AI

Apple introduced Apple HomeView, a $299 smart display designed for entertainment, communication and connected-home controls. The company also announced a new Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini 2 and several smart home accessories on Oct. 13.

Apple HomeView Becomes a Central Home Hub

Apple HomeView features a 7-inch Liquid Retina touchscreen connected to a speaker base. Users can control lights, thermostats, cameras, locks and other compatible accessories through touch or voice commands.

The device uses Apple Intelligence and Siri AI to answer questions and complete tasks. When paired with a compatible iPhone or iPad, Siri can use personal context from apps such as Calendar and Messages.

HomeView can recognize as many as six household members by their faces. It then displays each person’s apps, widgets and personal information. Apple says private content only appears when the recognized user’s paired device is nearby and recently unlocked.

The display also supports FaceTime with Center Stage, Messages, Find My, Reminders and Intercom. Entertainment options include Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, Apple News and Apple TV. Compatible third-party audio and video apps will also work on the device.

For smart home monitoring, users can view as many as nine camera feeds at once. HomeView can also alert residents after detecting smoke or carbon monoxide alarms. Some camera features require a supported iCloud+ plan.

Apple will offer tabletop and wall-mounted HomeView models for $299. Preorders opened Oct. 13, with availability beginning Nov. 13. The tabletop model comes in silver, starlight, rose pink and space gray. Apple announced separate Schneider Home wall mounts starting at $59.95.

HomePod Mini 2 Adds Siri AI

The new HomePod mini 2 adds improved audio, expanded smart home controls and future support for Siri AI. Apple says the assistant will offer more natural conversations, personal context and broader knowledge.

HomePod mini 2 can operate alone, as a stereo pair or within a multiroom audio system. Four speakers can also connect with the new Apple TV 4K for surround sound.

The speaker costs $149 and comes in pink, green, blue, white and midnight. Preorders are open, while store availability begins Oct. 30. Siri AI will arrive through a future software update, according to Apple’s HomePod mini announcement.

New Apple TV 4K Expands Home Controls

Apple also unveiled the fourth-generation Apple TV 4K. The streaming device includes faster performance, built-in far-field microphones and hands-free Siri AI controls.

A new full-screen Siri interface helps viewers search for movies and television programs through conversational requests. Apple Intelligence can also summarize camera notifications and describe activity around the home.

The updated Siri Remote supports Find My and can play a sound when misplaced. Apple will sell the remote separately for customers with compatible older Apple TV models.

The new Apple TV 4K costs $299. Preorders opened Oct. 13, and availability begins Nov. 13, according to Apple.

Apple Home Collection Adds Cameras, Locks and Thermostats

The Apple Home Collection introduces accessories developed with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. Products include indoor and outdoor cameras, a video doorbell, a smart deadbolt lock and two thermostats.

LG’s four cameras record video at resolutions up to 2.5K. The collection also includes temperature and humidity sensors. Prices start at $39.95 for sensors and $199.95 for indoor cameras or thermostats.

The LG Video Doorbell starts at $249.95, while the Smart Deadbolt Lock starts at $349.95. The lock supports automatic unlocking with a compatible iPhone or Apple Watch.

Apple says the accessories use end-to-end encryption and require no separate manufacturer account. Most products will arrive in December, with additional accessories following in early 2027. Apple’s product announcement also confirmed optional professional installation through ADT for an added charge.

Apple did not announce a new standalone subscription service. However, advanced camera history and recognition features will use eligible iCloud+ plans. Together, the new products mark Apple’s largest coordinated expansion into connected-home technology.

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