Suspected drunk driver arrested after crashing into deputy (Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4) (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.)
ATASCOCITA, Texas – A suspected drunk driver has been arrested after he reportedly crashed into a Precinct 4 constable deputy Sunday night.
According to Harris County Constable Precinct 4′s office Facebook, around 11 p.m., Deputy Leon with Constable Mark Herman’s Office was assisting the Atascocita Fire Department with traffic control near Atascocita Road and Eagle Springs Parkway.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A suspect has been arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at two firefighters during a medical call in southwest Houston, according to the Houston Police Department.
Jaime Marquez, 23, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant, authorities said.
The incident happened in the 6000 block of Bissonnet around 11 p.m. on Saturday.
According to police, the firefighters responded to the Ashford Buena Vista Apartments to check on a 23-year-old patient who told officials he was having seizures. The man reportedly began responding confused.
Police said the man asked if he could retrieve a shirt from his room but returned with a weapon described as a loaded firearm and pointed it at the firefighters.
The firefighters, fearing for their lives, ran from the apartment and jumped from a second-floor balcony. One injured his right arm, and the other hurt his face.
Officials said they are expected to be OK after being taken to a local hospital.
Mayor John Whitmire and Houston Firefighters Union president Marty Lancton held a news conference Sunday after talking to the injured firefighters.
“I’ve been in contact with the firefighters, and they’re going to recover,” Whitmire said. “Certainly, they’re shaken and realize what a close call they had. It just demonstrates again that we have a public safety issue in the city of Houston.”
“The biggest thing that they told me was that they were scared,” Lancton said. “Firefighters have emotion and feelings too and they’ve got families and this is a situation you don’t expect, but the credit goes to them.
Marquez is behind bars. He’s scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez posted on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to give well wishes to the first responders.
Residents of southeast Texas are experiencing a delightful change in weather as the region transitions from a cool and cloudy start to a sunny afternoon, pushing temperatures into the low 60s. The favorable conditions are expected to persist for the next few days, providing an ideal backdrop for outdoor activities.
Meteorologists anticipate continued sunshine on Monday, offering pleasant weather for the region. While high clouds are predicted to gradually increase on Tuesday and Wednesday, sunshine is expected to break through the cirrus clouds, maintaining temperatures in the seasonal 60s.
As for freezing weather, the current Houston forecast remains freeze-free. However, long-range signals suggest a potential return of freezing temperatures around the middle of February, prompting residents to stay vigilant and keep an eye on weather updates.
Looking ahead to rain prospects, Thursday emerges as the earliest day for any precipitation to make an appearance on the 13 Alert Radar network. The chances of showers are pegged at 20% on both Thursday and Friday. However, a more significant shift is anticipated on Saturday, with thunderstorms forecasted to return, bringing rain chances up to 60%.
Despite the increased rain chances, the likelihood of flooding seems low at this point. Meteorologists assure that this weather system will not stall out, in contrast to the one experienced last week. Consequently, residents can expect one day with a higher rain chance, followed by clearing conditions. While there is no imminent threat of flooding, precautions should be taken, as the potential for severe weather accompanies the upcoming system. Stay tuned for further updates as the weather situation evolves.
A recent study conducted by GOBankingRates has positioned Houston as one of the leading cities in the United States for individuals earning $100,000, highlighting the city’s favorable cost of living. The comprehensive study analyzed various data points, incorporating insights from the U.S. Census American Community Survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey, to assess the financial landscape for those with a $100,000 income.
According to the findings, a person earning $100,000 in Houston would have a net income after taxes amounting to $78,089. The study calculated the average total expenses for a Houston resident with this income to be $43,105.46, leaving a surplus of $34,983.54 in income after covering essential expenses.
This places Houston at the seventh position among the top 50 cities in the country for income after expenses. The categories contributing to the total expenses calculation include annual rent, groceries, healthcare, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous costs.
Surpassing Houston in the rankings are two other Texas cities, with El Paso securing the second spot and San Antonio in third. An El Paso resident earning $100,000 would anticipate a total income after expenses of $37,685, while a San Antonio resident could expect $37,081. Memphis claimed the top spot on the list, projecting its residents to take home $39,397 after expenses.
Conversely, the study identified New York as the most expensive city in the nation for individuals with a $100,000 income. Residents in New York face a negative income after expenses of -$6,209. San Francisco also joined the list of cities with negative income after expenses, with residents ending up with -$1,342.
The study sheds light on the significant financial advantages Houston offers to individuals with a $100,000 income, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a high quality of life while effectively managing their expenses.
Local education nonprofit Children At Risk unveiled its eagerly awaited annual ranking of the top schools for the upcoming 2022-2023 academic year on Monday. The comprehensive report assessed 1,311 public schools across the Greater Houston area, including 786 elementary schools, 326 middle schools, and 199 high schools. Using a rigorous methodology, the nonprofit assigned A through F grades to school campuses based on key factors such as student achievement, campus performance, and student growth.
In their evaluation process, student achievement was gauged by students’ performance on state standardized tests (STAAR), campus performance involved comparing a school’s test scores to those of institutions with similar poverty levels, and student growth measured how students improved on STAAR tests over the course of a school year. High schools underwent an additional assessment of college readiness, specifically focusing on the on-time graduation rates of students.
Notably, the recently released rankings revealed a decrease in scores at over 75 percent of Houston ISD schools compared to the previous year, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. Overall, Houston-area school districts experienced a 55 percent drop in scores from the 2022 rankings.
Here are the top-ranked campuses in the Greater Houston area according to Children At Risk:
Elementary School Rankings:
Commonwealth Elementary in Fort Bend ISD
Bess Campbell Elementary in Lamar CISD
Stafford Stem Magnet Academy in Stafford MSD
Griffin Elementary School in Katy ISD
T.H. Rogers in Houston ISD
Middle School Rankings:
T.H. Rogers School in Houston ISD
Mandarin Immersion Magnet School in Houston ISD
Cornerstone Academy in Spring Branch ISD
Briarmeadow Charter in Houston ISD
Beckendorff Junior High in Katy ISD
High School Rankings:
Carnegie Vanguard HS in Houston ISD
Young Women’s College Prep in Houston ISD
Alief Early College Prep HS in Alief ISD
Eastwood Academy in Houston ISD
Challenge Early College HS in Houston ISD
Children at Risk utilizes a methodology closely resembling that of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which has yet to release its accountability ratings due to legal challenges from several districts. In October, District Court Judge Catherine Mauzy ruled that TEA’s new rating system was unlawful and could cause irreparable harm to Texas schools, following a lawsuit that contested the system’s potential drastic drop in school ratings. For a detailed breakdown of Children At Risk’s elementary, middle, and high school rankings, visit their website here.
In a spirited endorsement event, incumbent U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee secured the backing of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus for the upcoming primary election, as she faces a tough challenge from former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards. The announcement of the endorsement was met with cheers and enthusiastic gestures from the audience.
Having recently faced defeat in the Houston mayoral race despite a prior caucus endorsement, Jackson Lee expressed gratitude for the LGBTQ+ community’s support and emphasized her commitment to fighting for their rights. She recalled her past advocacy against the denial of the right to marry and urged the audience to send her back to the United States government as a fearless advocate.
However, the event was not without controversy, with some caucus members engaging in a 30-minute discussion that delved into allegations surrounding an unverified voice recording of Jackson Lee using profanity towards a staffer during the campaign. Despite the heated exchanges, Jackson Lee received strong support from her backers.
A critical moment unfolded when an attendee recited quotes from the unverified audio recording, leading to impassioned reactions from the crowd. The speaker urged members to vote against Jackson Lee, emphasizing the importance of believing people when they reveal their true character.
Edwards, Jackson Lee’s challenger, highlighted her aspiration to bring innovative ideas to Congress, presenting a fresh perspective compared to Jackson Lee’s more than three decades in office.
The endorsement event took an unexpected turn during the process of endorsing Lizzie Fletcher in District 7, as protesters for Gaza disrupted the proceedings, expressing discontent with the nomination. The group, preferring to remain anonymous, criticized the caucus for endorsing candidates amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and was subsequently forced out of the building.
Caucus Board of Trustees President Austin Davis Ruiz addressed the audience about a fake list of endorsement recommendations circulating, underscoring the need to maintain order during the event. The caucus ultimately endorsed several candidates, including former Harris County prosecutor Sear Teare, who will run against County District Attorney Kim Ogg for her third term.
The competition for Houston Mayor Whitmire’s former state senate seat was fierce, and after careful consideration, the caucus endorsed Molly Cook, an emergency room nurse who identifies as bisexual. Cook, who lost in the 2022 race to the incumbent Whitmire, was praised for her grassroots organizing efforts, including advocacy against the Interstate 45 expansion project.
The Houston mayoral seat, vacant for the first time since 1983, attracted seven Democratic candidates for the March primary. The special election to fill the vacancy is scheduled for May 4, with Molly Cook emerging as the caucus-endorsed candidate in this highly contested race.
In a tragic incident on Sunday, three American troops lost their lives, and 25 others sustained injuries in a drone strike in northeast Jordan, close to the Syrian border, according to the U.S. military. President Joe Biden attributed the attack to Iran-backed militias, marking the first U.S. fatalities in the wake of months of strikes by these groups against American forces in the Middle East during the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The situation has heightened the risk of military escalation in the region, prompting U.S. officials to actively identify the specific group responsible for the assault. While the investigation is ongoing, assessments indicate that one of several Iranian-backed groups is likely behind the attack.
President Biden asserted that the United States is committed to holding all those responsible accountable for their actions. He stated, “We will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner (of) our choosing.” The incident adds to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and the U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.
Premiering on Thursday, Netflix’s highly anticipated limited series “Griselda” promises a gripping narrative that delves into the notorious life of Griselda Blanco, portrayed by Emmy-nominated actor Sofía Vergara. The six-part drama, created by the producers of “Narcos” and “Narcos: Mexico,” offers a unique perspective on the rise and fall of Blanco, known as “The Godmother” and “Black Widow,” in the tumultuous drug trade between Colombia and Miami during the 1970s and ’80s.
Blanco’s legacy has resurfaced not only for her criminal exploits but also due to recent legal action taken by her surviving son, Michael Corleone Blanco, and his wife, Marie. The couple filed a lawsuit in Miami-Dade County against Vergara, Netflix, and others involved in the project, alleging the unauthorized use of family members’ “image, likeness, and/or identity.” The lawsuit also claims that recorded conversations with Blanco were used without compensation. Seeking damages “in excess of $50,000,” the plaintiffs aim to block the series’ release through an emergency temporary injunction.
Amidst the legal challenges, the creators of “Griselda” shared insights into the making of the series with NBC News. Doug Miro, co-creator of “Narcos,” expressed admiration for Vergara’s passion and understanding of Blanco’s complex journey. The narrative explores two powerful women on opposing sides of the law, namely Blanco and June Hawkins, a retired Miami police detective integral to Blanco’s conviction.
Vergara’s transformation into the notorious drug lord required meticulous efforts from the creative team. Departing from her usual comedic roles, Vergara spent hours in the makeup chair each day, undergoing extensive changes to embody Blanco authentically. The series aims to humanize rather than glamorize Blanco, showcasing her as a deeply flawed protagonist with a complex narrative.
While facing criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, the creators argue that “Griselda” serves as a cautionary tale. They emphasize the tragic consequences of Blanco’s choices and highlight the value of storytelling that explores the flaws and mistakes of its characters. Despite the controversy, Vergara hopes the audience takes away a profound understanding of how power can corrupt individuals, transcending factors like gender, politics, and societal norms.
As “Griselda” prepares to make its debut, it promises a riveting exploration of a criminal mastermind’s life, challenging viewers to confront the complexities of power, crime, and human nature.
In a bold protest for a sustainable food system, two climate activists disrupted the serene atmosphere of the Louvre Museum on Sunday by hurling soup at the protective glass surrounding the iconic “Mona Lisa.” The activists, adorned in T-shirts emblazoned with the words “FOOD RIPOSTE,” passionately advocated for a shift towards a healthier and more sustainable approach to food production.
A video of the incident circulated on social media, capturing the moment the two women breached security barriers, approached Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, and flung soup at the protective enclosure. Amidst their act, the activists vociferously questioned onlookers, asking, “What’s the most important thing? Art, or the right to a healthy and sustainable food?”
The protestors continued their verbal assault on the current agricultural system, declaring, “Our farming system is sick. Our farmers are dying at work.” Their disruptive actions prompted Louvre employees to swiftly respond by placing black panels in front of the Mona Lisa and urging visitors to evacuate the room.
Paris police confirmed the subsequent arrest of two individuals involved in the incident.
The Food Riposte group, responsible for the protest, expressed their grievances on their website, accusing the French government of neglecting climate commitments. The group called for the establishment of a comprehensive system similar to the country’s state-sponsored healthcare, aimed at ensuring widespread access to healthy food and providing farmers with a fair income.
The protest comes in the midst of heightened tensions within the French agricultural sector. Angry farmers, utilizing their tractors, have been staging road blockades and slowing traffic across the country for days. Their demands include better remuneration for their produce, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and protection against the adverse effects of cheap imports. In a symbolic gesture, they also deposited foul-smelling agricultural waste at the entrances of government offices to draw attention to their plight.
In an ongoing struggle to manage a surge of migrants at the US-Mexico border, developments reveal a complex web of political tensions and border security challenges. Key updates include:
Eagle Pass, Texas Migrant Encounters Drop but Tensions Rise:
The once-migrant hotspot, Eagle Pass, Texas, has witnessed a significant reduction in daily apprehensions, down from thousands to around 500 per day.
However, political tensions between state and federal officials, particularly in Texas, remain high.
Texas Blocks US Border Patrol and Initiates Aggressive Measures:
The Texas Military Department has taken an unprecedented step by blocking access to miles of the US-Mexico border, obstructing both federal law enforcement agencies and organizations aiding migrants.
Texas Governor Abbott, known for his tough stance on immigration, asserts the state’s legal authority to control border access.
Biden Administration Appeals to Supreme Court:
President Biden’s administration has urged the US Supreme Court to intervene, citing new barriers erected by Texas that reinforce the need for federal intervention.
The legal battle intensifies as the administration seeks a resolution to the ongoing border security crisis.
Factors Contributing to Decrease in Migrant Encounters:
The Department of Homeland Security attributes the recent decline in migrant encounters to enhanced enforcement actions by Mexico, including checks on trains and buses.
Mexico’s efforts also involve relocating migrants from the northern to the southern border and reinstating deportations of Venezuelans.
Human Smugglers and Unpredictable Migration Patterns:
Despite the decrease in migrant encounters, concerns linger over human smugglers exploiting misinformation and encouraging large groups to cross illegally.
Unexplained fluctuations in migration patterns highlight the complexity of addressing border challenges.
Abbott’s Unilateral Actions Draw Criticism:
Governor Abbott’s decision to block Border Patrol access and implement additional barriers has drawn criticism from federal officials.
The move caught Homeland Security officials off guard, highlighting a lack of coordination between state and federal entities.
Biden Administration Condemns Abbott’s Actions:
The White House condemns Governor Abbott’s actions, accusing him of politicizing the border and making it more challenging for Border Patrol to perform their duties.
Legal battles over new barriers, including razor wire and fencing, underscore the deepening divide between state and federal authorities.
Texas Asserts Control Without Resorting to Lethal Force:
Governor Abbott clarifies that Texas is utilizing all legal means to address the migrant situation, stopping short of using lethal force.
The state’s aggressive measures aim to assert control over the border while avoiding extreme tactics.
Texas Democrats and ACLU Criticize Abbott’s Approach:
Texas Democrats and civil rights groups criticize Governor Abbott’s approach, labeling it as lacking morality and humanity.
Concerns are raised about the potential dangers at the border resulting from Abbott’s rhetoric and actions.
Emergency Declaration Enables Texas Park Takeover:
Texas utilizes a disaster declaration from May 2021 to take over Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, staging resources for Operation Lone Star.
Eagle Pass officials express surprise at the timing of the park takeover, emphasizing the city’s reluctance to deny access.
The dynamic situation at the US-Mexico border continues to unfold, with political, legal, and humanitarian dimensions influencing the path forward.
