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New $250 Million Margaritaville Resort Coming to Galveston Island’s Far East End

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New $250 Million Margaritaville Resort Coming to Galveston Island’s Far East End

Galveston Island is set to welcome a new $250 million Margaritaville resort on its far eastern end, as announced in a deal between Dallas-based RREAF Holdings and Innisfree Hotels on Wednesday. The collaboration marks a significant development for the island’s thriving tourism industry, which is on track to match or surpass last year’s record of 8 million visitors, signifying a 25 percent increase from 2021.

RREAF CEO Kip Sowden expressed enthusiasm about the growth opportunities on the island, stating, “With best-in-class management and highly amenitized options for our customers, we are offering a premier experience in a well-positioned hospitality asset for a fruitful future.”

The new Margaritaville, occupying approximately 300,000 square feet, will operate independently from its Crystal Beach counterpart in the Bolivar Peninsula. The 334-room resort boasts four on-site restaurants, a ballroom, direct beach access, and a 2.5-acre water park overlooking the beach. Scheduled to break ground in May or June, all necessary permits for the project have been secured.

Ted Ent, president and CEO of Innisfree, highlighted the collaboration as the fifth joint venture and ninth beachfront hotel with RREAF. He emphasized the success of adding premier developments to growing local hospitality markets like Galveston.

Situated at 317 E. Beach Dr., the new resort will neighbor the Islander East Resort and Palisade Palms condominium complexes in a relatively undeveloped part of the island. Conservationists have shown interest in the area due to its concentration of “ghost wolves,” canines with genetic mutations resembling the nearly extinct red wolf. A town-hall meeting addressed concerns about wildlife conservation, featuring organizations like Artist Boat and the Gulf Coast Canine Project.

RREAF’s previous housing project proposal for the new resort faced opposition in October, leading to its withdrawal after residents protested the development. The Galveston County Daily News reported on the community’s efforts to preserve the area’s unique features amid the island’s tourism expansion.

Apple Rolls Out iPhone Security Upgrade with “Stolen Device Protection” Feature

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Apple Rolls Out iPhone Security Upgrade with “Stolen Device Protection” Feature

In a move aimed at bolstering the security of its users’ personal data, Apple has released a significant iPhone security update, introducing the “Stolen Device Protection” feature. The tech giant announced the update on Monday, highlighting its focus on preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on iPhones.

The “Stolen Device Protection” is part of the iOS 17.3 update, now available for users to download. This new feature adds an additional layer of security, requiring users to go through extra steps to access their information. To activate this feature, users need to follow a simple process:

  1. Update their iPhone to iOS 17.3.
  2. Navigate to Face ID & Passcode in the settings.
  3. Enter the passcode when prompted.
  4. Scroll down to Stolen Device Protection and toggle it on.

It’s important to note that to use Stolen Device Protection, users must have two-factor authentication and “Find My” enabled for their Apple ID account.

Prior to this update, iPhone users could access highly sensitive information and make significant changes to their device settings with just a passcode. With Stolen Device Protection, users are now required to input biometric data through Face ID (face scan) or Touch ID (fingerprint) to access data or make changes.

For actions deemed more sensitive, such as changing an Apple ID password, altering biometric scanning settings, disabling Find My, or turning off the stolen device protection itself, users will need to provide biometric data and endure an hour-long security delay before finalizing the changes.

Apple emphasized its commitment to enhancing user data protection in the face of evolving threats. A spokesperson for Apple stated, “As threats to user devices continue to evolve, we work tirelessly to develop powerful new protections for our users and their data. In the rare cases where a thief can observe the user entering the passcode and then steal the device, Stolen Device Protection adds a sophisticated new layer of protection.”

Importantly, these enhanced security measures are activated when users are away from familiar locations, such as work or home, with the device automatically learning and storing these locations. This strategic implementation ensures that extra security is applied precisely when and where needed.

2024 Oscar Nominations Revealed: Top Contenders and Surprises

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2024 Oscar Nominations Revealed: Top Contenders and Surprises

The highly anticipated 2024 Oscar nominations were unveiled on Tuesday morning by actress Zazie Beetz and actor Jack Quaid at the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California. The 96th Academy Awards, set to be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will air live on ABC on Sunday, March 10, from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

This year’s Oscars ceremony comes with an earlier timeslot, starting at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), preceded by a pre-show at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT).

The nominations spanned all 23 categories, with notable contenders including “Oppenheimer” leading with 13 nominations, followed by “Poor Things” with 11 and “Killers of the Flower Moon” with 10.

Some of the key nominations in major categories include:

Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role:

  • Bradley Cooper in “Maestro”
  • Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer”
  • Jeffrey Wright in “American Fiction”

Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role:

  • Emily Blunt in “Oppenheimer”
  • America Ferrera in “Barbie”
  • Jodie Foster in “Nyad”

Best Animated Feature Film of the Year:

  • “The Boy and the Heron”
  • “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”

Achievement in Cinematography:

  • “Killers of the Flower Moon” (Rodrigo Prieto)
  • “Oppenheimer” (Hoyte van Hoytema)

Best Original Song:

  • “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”
  • “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”

Best Motion Picture of the Year:

  • “American Fiction”
  • “Killers of the Flower Moon”
  • “Maestro”
  • “Poor Things”
  • “The Zone of Interest”

The full list of nominations is extensive, covering diverse categories such as documentary feature film, international feature film, makeup and hairstyling, and more.

It’s worth noting that last May, TurboTax faced checks being issued to approximately 4.4 million people following a settlement with parent company Intuit for allegedly steering low-income Americans away from free tax-filing services. The recent ruling from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against TurboTax serves as a reminder of legal scrutiny in various industries.

As the countdown to Oscar Sunday begins, stay tuned for updates and continuing coverage on “On The Red Carpet,” providing comprehensive news and information on the 2024 Oscars. Follow @OnTheRedCarpet for the latest updates, and watch the show wherever you stream.

TurboTax Faces Legal Blow as FTC Rules Against Deceptive ‘Free’ Tax Service Ads

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TurboTax Faces Legal Blow as FTC Rules Against Deceptive ‘Free’ Tax Service Ads

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final ruling on Monday, determining that TurboTax, the widely-used tax filing software, engaged in deceptive advertising practices. The commission banned the company, owned by Intuit, from advertising its services as free unless it is genuinely free for all customers.

The FTC found that TurboTax violated the FTC Act by running ads for “free” tax services that were not accessible to many customers, including those receiving a 1099 form for gig economy work or farm income earners. This deceptive advertising misled consumers, leading to the FTC’s initial lawsuit against Intuit in 2022.

Administrative Law Judge D. Michael Chappell had announced the initial decision in September, which the commission upheld on Monday. Intuit had appealed to the FTC as part of the process.

In response to the ruling, Intuit issued a statement on Monday, expressing its intention to appeal “this deeply flawed decision” to a federal circuit court outside of the FTC. The company criticized the FTC’s process, alleging bias and a broken system where the commission serves multiple roles in the same case.

Under the FTC’s order, Intuit is prohibited from advertising or marketing any goods or services as free unless they are genuinely free for all customers. The company is also required to clearly disclose the percentage of customers that qualify for the free service, near the “free” claim in its advertisements. If the service is not free for the majority of consumers, TurboTax must explicitly state that fact.

Additionally, Intuit must disclose all terms, conditions, and obligations necessary to obtain the “free” service in a clear and conspicuous manner. The order also prevents Intuit from misrepresenting material facts about its products or services, including pricing, refund policies, and consumers’ ability to claim tax credits or deductions without using TurboTax’s paid service.

This ruling follows a 50-state settlement in May, where approximately 4.4 million people were slated to receive checks from TurboTax. The settlement addressed allegations that Intuit steered low-income Americans away from free tax-filing services, as highlighted in a 2019 ProPublica report. The investigation revealed that eligible clients were directed toward the paid version of TurboTax’s filing services, and the settlement aimed to compensate affected individuals.

TurboTax’s deceptive marketing practices have faced criticism, with New York Attorney General Letitia James stating in a May 4, 2023, press release that the company’s actions cheated millions of low-income Americans trying to fulfill their legal tax obligations. The FTC’s recent order aims to rectify these deceptive practices and ensure transparency in TurboTax’s advertising.

Dwayne Johnson Secures Legal Ownership of Iconic “The Rock” Name in WWE Deal

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Dwayne Johnson Secures Legal Ownership of Iconic “The Rock” Name in WWE Deal

Dwayne Johnson, widely known as “The Rock” in the professional wrestling world, is set to legally own the iconic moniker under a new agreement with WWE. In addition to this landmark development, Johnson will join the board of TKO Group, the sports and entertainment company housing both WWE and UFC.

“The Rock” name holds sentimental value for Johnson, originating from his father, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson, who made history as the first Black champion in WWE alongside Tony Atlas. In an interview with CNBC, Johnson refrained from disclosing the financial details of the WWE deal but emphasized the personal significance of the name.

“I owe that name everything,” Johnson expressed. “Without that name, there’d be no wrestling career. There’d be no Hollywood career.”

The multi-talented movie and wrestling star, with an extensive business portfolio, including Seven Bucks Productions, Teremana Tequila, ZOA Energy, Project Rock apparel, and the United Football League, adds this significant legal ownership to his achievements.

This marks Johnson’s first time serving on the board of a publicly traded company, and he expressed his motivation to contribute to the global expansion of TKO, WWE, and UFC businesses. In a prepared statement, Johnson highlighted his commitment to representing athletes and performers who work tirelessly to fulfill their dreams and entertain audiences.

TKO Group Holdings Inc. sees Johnson’s appointment to the board as a strategic move to deliver long-term value and strong performance for shareholders across both UFC and WWE. The appointment is effective Tuesday, signifying Johnson’s entry into a new realm of corporate leadership.

Starting his wrestling journey with WWE in 1996, Johnson became a third-generation wrestling sensation, engaging in memorable rivalries with the likes of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin and Triple H. His finishing maneuver, The Rock Bottom, and eight WWE championships solidified his status as a wrestling legend. Beyond the wrestling ring, Johnson has achieved success in movies such as “Fast X,” “Black Adam,” “Jungle Cruise,” and “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.”

Recently making appearances on WWE’s “Smackdown” and “Raw” television programs, rumors swirl about Johnson potentially competing at this year’s WrestleMania, adding excitement to his enduring connection with the wrestling world.

Supreme Court Allows Removal of Razor Wire at US-Mexico Border Amid Legal Battle

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Supreme Court Allows Removal of Razor Wire at US-Mexico Border Amid Legal Battle

In a pivotal decision, the Supreme Court has granted permission for US Border Patrol agents to dismantle razor wire deployed as part of Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott’s border security initiative. The 5-4 vote represents a significant victory for President Joe Biden in the ongoing dispute with Abbott over border policies.

The justices’ order comes amidst a heightened border policy disagreement, intensified after three migrants drowned in a section of the Rio Grande where state officials had restricted agents’ access. The Biden administration had urgently sought the high court’s intervention, leading to the Supreme Court’s decision to lift a federal appeals court order that had halted the removal of razor wire along a small stretch of the Rio Grande.

Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch, and Brett Kavanaugh dissented, expressing their disagreement with the federal request. The delay in issuing the order has raised questions about the principles of constitutional federalism, according to legal analysts.

While the Biden administration welcomes the decision, some concerns linger about the potential implications for states’ ability to interfere with federal law enforcement. White House spokesman Angelo Fernández Hernández expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s action, emphasizing the importance of addressing urgent humanitarian situations and enforcing laws.

Texas Governor Abbott’s spokesperson, Andrew Mahaleris, argued that the absence of razor wire might encourage unsafe and illegal border crossings. Abbott intends to continue defending Texas’ authority to secure the border.

The Department of Homeland Security welcomed the court’s order, highlighting that immigration law enforcement is a federal responsibility. The agency criticized Texas for impeding federal personnel’s ability to enforce laws and administer consequences in a safe and orderly manner.

Legal arguments presented to the Supreme Court emphasized the constitutional Supremacy Clause, with Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar asserting that Texas’s position could allow states nationwide to impede federal authority. Prelogar also highlighted Texas’s recent escalation of efforts, including the installation of new barriers, to hinder border patrol duties.

The ongoing legal battle over the removal of concertina wire is set for oral arguments in the 5th Circuit on February 7. The court will weigh the federal government’s authority to remove wire installed by Texas along the Rio Grande banks.

The Biden administration has repeatedly called on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform to address challenges at the US-Mexico border. The White House remains committed to finding bipartisan agreements with Congress for additional resources and meaningful policy reforms.

Geomagnetic Storm Alert: Possible Disruptions to Power Grids and Satellites as Solar Outburst Approaches Earth

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Geomagnetic Storm Alert: Possible Disruptions to Power Grids and Satellites as Solar Outburst Approaches Earth

In a dramatic turn of events, a powerful coronal mass ejection (CME) has been observed erupting from the Sun, and its impact is set to reach Earth today. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch, warning of potential disruptions to power grids, satellites, and GPS systems. Additionally, sky gazers might witness auroras further south than usual.

The CME, a colossal release of solar plasma, lifted off from the Sun on Sunday, prompting the SWPC to predict a moderate solar storm on Earth spanning Monday and Tuesday. Geomagnetic storms are categorized on a scale from G1 (minor) to G5 (extreme), and the current event has been classified as a G2 or G3. While the SWPC reassures the general public that there’s no need for major concern, there is a possibility of disturbances to power grids, radio transmissions, and satellite orbits.

A G3 storm, such as the one anticipated, could also bring about the stunning spectacle of the aurora borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights. States in the northern and upper Midwest regions, from New York to Idaho, may witness this colorful phenomenon. Interestingly, during G5 storms, the Northern Lights have even been observed as far south as Florida and southern Texas.

Geomagnetic storms, according to the SWPC, result from significant disturbances in Earth’s atmosphere caused by the exchange of energy from solar wind. The most intense storms are associated with CMEs, where billions of tons of solar plasma reach Earth. These storms can take as little as 18 hours or several days to impact our planet.

This solar eruption comes at a time when the sun is nearing its solar maximum, the peak of its 11-year cycle marked by explosive activity. In November 2023, the SWPC predicted that this solar maximum would be more intense, lasting longer and resulting in more sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs. As a positive consequence, the Northern Lights are expected to grace the skies more frequently, providing sky watchers with an increased opportunity to witness this celestial spectacle.

What You Need to Know About Tomorrow’s New Hampshire Primary Election

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What You Need to Know About Tomorrow’s New Hampshire Primary Election

For over a century, New Hampshire has proudly hosted the first primary election in the United States, solidifying its status as a pivotal state in the presidential race. However, the 2024 primary calendar brings a significant departure from tradition, raising questions and reshaping the political landscape.

Delegates at Stake: Republican and Democratic Dynamics

With 22 delegates at stake for Republicans and 32 for Democrats, New Hampshire’s position is crucial in the nominating process. Yet, due to the state running its primary ahead of the Democratic National Committee’s schedule, it’s anticipated that no Democratic delegates will be awarded after Tuesday’s vote.

Republican Showdown: Trump vs. Haley

The Republican race took an unexpected turn as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis withdrew from the competition, leaving a showdown between former President Donald Trump and former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley.

Controversy and Commitment: New Hampshire’s “First-in-the-Nation” Status

Amidst controversy over New Hampshire’s commitment to maintaining its “first-in-the-nation” primary status, the state finds itself at a critical juncture in this unique primary season on January 23.

Trump’s Target: Recapturing Victory in New Hampshire

After a historic win in the Iowa caucuses, Trump looks to New Hampshire, the state that played a pivotal role in his 2016 GOP nomination. A CBS poll conducted in December 2023 showed Trump with a double-digit lead over Haley among likely GOP primary voters. However, this was before the exits of DeSantis, Chris Christie, and Vivek Ramaswamy.

Open Primaries: Undeclared Voters Hold the Key

New Hampshire’s primary system is “open,” allowing undeclared voters, a significant bloc constituting over 39% of registered voters, to participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary. This flexibility is crucial for Haley, aiming to sway both conservative and undeclared voters away from Trump, while registered Democrats and Republicans each make up about 30% of the voting demographic.

Record Turnout Anticipation: Secretary of State’s Projections

Anticipating record turnout, New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan predicts approximately 322,000 Republicans and 88,000 Democrats participating in their respective primaries. The deadline to switch party registration expired in early October, restricting registered voters to one party’s primary.

DNC’s Scheduling Shift: Biden Absent on the Ballot

Despite being embraced as the first primary state by Republicans, the Democratic National Committee’s early primary schedule, supported by President Biden, disrupted the traditional Iowa-to-New Hampshire slate. New Hampshire Republicans resisted the DNC’s changes, leading to Biden not appearing on the state’s primary ballot, a rare move for a sitting president.

Democratic Challengers: Absence of Biden Spurs Primary Competition

With the absence of President Biden on the ballot, Democratic primary challengers have emerged. Representative Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson are among the 21 Democrats on the ballot, challenging the status quo.

Voter Sentiments: Frustrations and Diverse Perspectives

As New Hampshirites express frustration with the political climate, registered Republicans exhibit a range of views. While some support Trump’s policies, others, like Ralph Lewis, view Nikki Haley as the candidate to unify America. However, concerns about Trump’s legal issues and divisiveness are voiced by some Republicans like Brenda Bell and Bruce Gurley.

Critical Chapter Unfolds: 2024 Primary Season Dynamics

The 2024 primary season in New Hampshire unfolds against a backdrop of evolving political dynamics and shifting voter sentiments, setting the stage for a critical chapter in the nation’s presidential race.

La Porte Mourns Loss of Police Chief Doug Ditrich in Tragic Accident

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La Porte Mourns Loss of Police Chief Doug Ditrich in Tragic Accident

The City of La Porte is grappling with the untimely death of its Police Chief, Doug Ditrich, who tragically lost his life in an accident on Sunday in Milam, Texas. City officials have refrained from disclosing details surrounding his death but emphasized that no foul play was involved.

Chief Doug Ditrich had been an integral part of the La Porte Police Department since 1997 and, recognizing his dedication and service, was promoted to the position of chief in May of the previous year.

The La Porte Police Department issued a statement on Monday expressing deep sorrow over the loss:

“The City of La Porte, Texas, is extremely saddened to share the passing of its police chief, Doug Ditrich, following a fatal accident in Milam County on Sunday, January 21. Chief Ditrich’s family was notified, and the City respects their need for privacy at this time. The incident was unrelated to any investigation or law enforcement duties, and no foul play was involved. The City is providing counseling assistance for the Police Department and City staff. As available, memorial service information will be shared. LPPD Assistant Chiefs Bennie Boles and Scott Pullig will oversee Department operations until further notice.”

The statement affirms that the incident leading to Chief Ditrich’s passing was not related to any ongoing investigation or law enforcement duties. In the wake of this tragic loss, the City is extending counseling assistance to both the Police Department and City staff.

As the community mourns the loss of Chief Doug Ditrich, Assistant Chiefs Bennie Boles and Scott Pullig will assume responsibility for overseeing Department operations until further notice. Details regarding memorial services will be shared as they become available, allowing the community to come together in honoring the memory of a dedicated public servant.

Houston Residents Seek Answers Amid USPS Delivery Delays in Missouri City

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Houston Residents Seek Answers Amid USPS Delivery Delays in Missouri City

Houston-area residents are expressing frustration over significant delivery delays at a United States Postal Service (USPS) facility in Missouri City. Congressman Al Green, representing the city’s 9th district, revealed that around 30 residents, including one woman awaiting her wedding dress, have reported missing packages.

The ongoing issues are attributed to the USPS’s “Delivering for America” plan, aimed at modernizing the postal system. As part of this plan, the Missouri City center has transitioned into a local processing center, while the North Houston Processing and Distribution Center now serves as a regional hub.

According to USPS statements provided to the Houston Chronicle, “As with any transition, some unintended and temporary disruptions may occur. We are taking steps to ensure packages are processed as quickly and efficiently as possible and apologize to any customers who may be experiencing issues with delivery of their items.”

Congressman Al Green addressed the concerns at a press conference on Monday, providing updates on the actions being taken to resolve the situation. Green emphasized the need for greater transparency from the Postal Service, urging them to meet with the press and make on-site customer service representatives available to assist the public.

To actively address the delivery delays, Green announced plans to draft a letter to send to the committee overseeing the Postal Service. He also intends to tour two USPS facilities to better understand the challenges contributing to the delays.

In the interim, Green encourages affected individuals to reach out to him for assistance while also advising them to contact USPS directly to report and address their delivery concerns. As the community seeks answers, the Congressman remains committed to resolving the issues and ensuring a smoother mail delivery process in the Houston area.

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