As the Iowa caucuses unfold on Monday night, they mark the inaugural votes cast in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, setting the stage for a crucial political season.
In the prelude to the event, former President Donald Trump has established a commanding lead in polls, creating a significant presence in the race. The caucuses, slated to commence at 8 p.m. EST, will serve as the first litmus test for Republican contenders.
Challenging Trump’s dominance, the race for second place is notably contested between former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The dynamic field also includes biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who opted to suspend his campaign last Wednesday. (For an in-depth understanding of how caucuses function, refer to The Associated Press.)
The anticipation surrounding the caucuses is not only political but also meteorological, as frigid temperatures threaten to influence voter turnout. The National Weather Service has issued a wind chill warning, highlighting the possibility of temperatures feeling “in the 20s or 30s below zero, even during the day.”
Leading up to the caucuses, the region experienced extreme cold, high winds, and heavy snowfall. Trump, responding to the adverse weather conditions, canceled nearly all in-person events over the weekend but urged supporters to participate in the caucuses, stating, “even if you vote and then pass away.” Severe weather also prompted Haley and DeSantis to cancel or adjust their campaign events.
As Iowans gather to cast their votes, the outcome of the caucuses is eagerly awaited, setting the tone for the unfolding narrative in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Stay tuned for updates as the political landscape takes shape amidst both political and meteorological challenges.
Following the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, several Houston-area school districts have announced additional closures for Tuesday due to the extreme cold caused by the Arctic blast.
Meteorologists are predicting a hard freeze on Tuesday, with temperatures plummeting into the 20s and teens. Southeast Texas is bracing for wind chill or “feels like temperatures” dipping into the teens or below. A Hard Freeze Warning is in effect from midnight Tuesday through 9 a.m. Wednesday for all of Southeast Texas, accompanied by a Wind Chill Advisory from 6 p.m. Monday through noon Tuesday.
Here is the latest list of school closings and delays for Tuesday, January 16, with updates expected throughout the day and night:
School Closings and Delays:
Aldine ISD: Closed on Tuesday, January 16, due to winter weather. District leaders will provide updates as needed.
Angleton ISD: All schools and facilities closed on Tuesday, January 16, due to potential icy weather and unsafe travel conditions. Athletic events scheduled for Tuesday are under review, and the school board meeting has been postponed to January 23.
Boling ISD: Closed on Tuesday.
Brazosport College: Closed on Tuesday due to winter weather and hazardous road conditions.
Brazosport ISD: All schools and facilities closed on Tuesday; after-school activities canceled. Decisions for Wednesday will be made on Tuesday afternoon.
Cleveland ISD: Campuses and facilities closed on Tuesday; warming centers extended hours until 5 p.m. for enrolled students and their families.
Conroe ISD: Closed on Tuesday.
Corrigan-Camden ISD: Delayed school start times to 10 a.m. in Polk County.
Cy Fair ISD: All classes and activities canceled on Tuesday.
Dayton ISD: No school or activities on Tuesday.
Goodrich ISD: Closed on Tuesday.
Katy ISD: All campuses and facilities closed on Tuesday; all activities canceled. Anticipates school to resume on Wednesday, January 17.
Klein ISD: All schools and facilities closed on Tuesday; sponsored activities postponed or canceled for January 15 and 16.
Livingston ISD: Remain closed through Tuesday, January 16.
Lone Star College: All classes and activities canceled on Tuesday, January 16.
Montgomery ISD: Closed on Tuesday.
New Caney ISD: Closed on Tuesday.
Onalaska ISD: Closed on Tuesday.
Sealy ISD: Closed on Tuesday.
Spring ISD: All schools and offices closed on Tuesday, January 16; no classes or after-school activities.
Tarkington ISD: Closed on Tuesday.
Van Vleck ISD: School canceled on Tuesday.
Waller ISD: Closed on Tuesday.
Wharton County Junior College: Closed on Tuesday.
Willis ISD: All schools and offices closed on Tuesday due to icy roadways; updates for Wednesday will be provided by early afternoon/evening.
Parents, students, and staff are advised to stay tuned for further updates and changes in the forecast through official communication channels of their respective school districts. Stay safe and warm during these challenging weather conditions.
As the Greater Houston area anticipates freezing temperatures from January 15 to 17, warming shelters are gearing up to provide refuge for local residents in need. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has issued a news release, warning of the potential for higher electrical demand and lower reserves during this period.
To assist residents in preparing for the cold spell, here is a list of warming shelters across the Greater Houston area:
Brazoria County Library System Warming Shelters (Open from 8 a.m. on Jan. 16):
Alvin Branch Library, 105 S. Gordon St., Alvin
Angleton Branch Library, 401 E. Cedar St., Angleton
Brazoria Branch Library, 620 S. Brooks St., Brazoria
Salvation Army of Galveston County facility, 610 51st St., Galveston (regular operating hours Jan. 16-17)
Wright Cuney Recreation Center, 718 41st St., Galveston (beginning at 7 a.m. on Jan. 15 through Jan. 17)
City of Houston Warming Shelters (Open from 8 p.m. on Jan. 15):
Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery Road, Houston
Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center, 6402 Market St., Houston
Downtown Recovery Center, 150 Chenevert St., Houston
Fonde Community Center, 110 Sabine St., Houston
Metropolitan Multi-Service Center at W. Gray, 1745 W. Gray St., Houston
Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center, 4410 Reed Road, Houston
Lakewood Church, 3700 Southwest Freeway, Houston
Alief Family YMCA, 7850 Howell Sugar Land Road, Houston
All YMCA of Greater Houston locations (during normal business hours)
All Harris County Public Library branches, community centers, and multiservice centers (during normal business hours)
Residents in need of assistance can arrange free rides to the warming centers through the city of Houston’s Office of Emergency Management website. Additionally, the city’s shelters are pet-friendly, providing kennels for pets upon arrival.
For more information on city of Houston warming centers, residents can call 311 or visit www.houstontx.gov/311. Stay warm and safe during the cold spell!
With the approaching freezing temperatures, it’s essential to remember that our furry companions need just as much protection from the cold as we do.
While some pets, like huskies and malamutes, are well-adapted to cold weather, most require extra care to stay safe and comfortable during freezing temperatures.
Here are some tips recommended by Harris County Director of Veterinary Public Health Corey Steele in an exclusive interview with Que Onda Magazine, for protecting your pets and stray animals from the harsh effects of winter.
Bring your pet inside, if you can, and limit outdoor time. Even if your pet loves spending time outdoors, it’s crucial to limit their exposure to freezing temperatures. Short walks and potty breaks are sufficient, and playtime is best enjoyed indoors. Remember, a pet’s tolerance for cold weather is much shorter than ours.
“If you’re cold, your pets are cold too,” Steele said. “Even if they have fur, they still feel the temperature just like us. We encourage all pet owners to be able to keep their pets inside if they can.”
Ensure your pet has access to a warm, draft-free shelter. For outdoor pets, a well-insulated doghouse with dry bedding like straw is essential. Contrary to popular belief, towels and blankets outdoors are not ideal as they can trap moisture and worsen conditions for dogs.
Bring your pets in at night, and provide them with cozy beds or blankets in comfortable spots.
A little known fact is that, like humans, pets burn more calories in cold weather to stay warm. Increase their food intake slightly during winter, offering them high-quality food to provide the energy they need.
For outdoor dogs, Texans are required by law to follow certain precautions to protect dogs per the Safe Outdoor Dog Act.
SODA “ protects dogs not just from cold weather, but in general from being tethered outdoors in inhumane conditions,” Steele said.
“When it is cold outside, that is an inhumane condition.”
SODA mandates Texans to provide suitable shelter, described as a construction enabling the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Adverse weather conditions are specifically outlined as encompassing rain, hail, sleet, snow, high winds, and extreme temperatures.
The tether’s length must be a minimum of 10 feet or five times the dog’s size, and the collar or harness must be appropriately fitted to avoid harm.SODA also forbids the utilization of substantial chain restraints and mandates provisions for drinking water and safeguards against extreme temperatures
If your pets are going to spend any time outside, watch for signs of hypothermia. These can include shivering, whining, lethargy, pale gums, and weakness. If you notice any of these signs, bring your pet inside immediately and seek veterinary attention.
Lastly, ensure your pet has access to fresh, unfrozen water throughout the day. Use heated water bowls or replace water frequently to prevent freezing.
Steele also recommends that people check under their vehicles or honk the horn before starting up the engine as stray animals may be hiding inside for warmth.
“During these times [animals] are trying to find that shelter. Especially cats, cats like to get up inside the engines and try to find that warm space, and out of the elements.”
“Always assume that there is an animal in there. Honk the horn a couple of times, maybe tap the top of the hood a few times, just to try to ensure that there’s nothing hiding out in there.”
“And dogs too. Dogs like to get underneath. It might be right behind the wheels, and just kind of take a peek and and make sure.”
Taskforce partners at Harris County Constable Precinct 5, Houston Police Department, Houston BARC, Houston Humane Society, and Harris County Pets will be on call and available to check on any pets left outside in dangerous conditions throughout this winter weather situation.
“We have officers going out continually monitoring,” Steele said. “Citations can be issued, but also if the circumstances are very extreme, we can remove the animal as well.”
If you see a pet restrained outside without shelter for an extended period in extreme weather, please report it immediately at 832-927-PAWS or www.927PAWS.org.
By following these tips, you can help furry friends stay safe and comfortable during the winter months. Remember, with a little extra care and attention, you can ensure your pets enjoy a happy and healthy winter season.
With public safety as the new Houston Mayor John Whitmire’s “highest” priority, Whitmire discussed the strategies and areas to improve in his public safety action plan during a meeting in the Crime Stoppers Building with Houston Police Department and the Sheriff’s Harris County Office on Jan. 4
“Nothing is more important in my administration than public safety,” Whitmire said.
Collaboration amongst the different law enforcement departments in the city and county, is an area needing improvement, according to the city’s 63rd mayor.
“We have a lot of law enforcement in Harris County,” he said. “We just have to get them to collaborate, talk with each other, and share resources.”
Whitmire also mentioned tapping into relationships with legislators in the Texas State Capitol to obtain more funding to get more police officers on the streets, ease the admission process, improve the morale of police officers, and increase support for the Air Support Unit to combat patrol crashes during high-speed pursuits.
Reducing the backlog in the court systems is another of his promises that he said will be eased with the three new felony courts that Harris County opened in Court systems in late 2023. He also said that he wants to speed up the court process specifically in the forensics department.
“Our forensics are taking way too long to do examinations and listing tests to get people ready for court,” Whitmire said.
In the top priority of court cases, Whitmire listed repeat violent offenders and people charged with murder and capital murder.
“There’s no higher priority than to get repeat violent offenders off the streets of Houston and hold them accountable in court.”
If you are looking for a credit card that rewards you for dining, travel, and everyday purchases, the American Express Gold card might be the perfect choice for you. The American Express Gold card is a premium card that offers a generous welcome bonus, flexible redemption options, and valuable benefits that can enhance your lifestyle. Here are some of the perks and benefits of the American Express Gold card:
Welcome Bonus The American Express Gold card offers a sizable welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first 6 months of card membership. This bonus is worth up to $600 when redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or on Amazon.com, or even more when transferred to one of AmEx’s many travel partners.
Rewards Points The American Express Gold card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar when you dine at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S., 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar), 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express travel, and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases. These are some of the highest earning rates among credit cards, especially for food-related purchases.
Dining Credit The American Express Gold card also offers a $120 annual dining credit, which gives you up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you enroll and pay with your card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Milk Bar, Wine.com, and participating Shake Shack locations. This credit can help you save money on food delivery, restaurant meals, gourmet treats, and wine.
Uber Cash Another benefit of the American Express Gold card is the $120 annual Uber Cash, which gives you $10 in Uber Cash per month when you add your card to your Uber account. You can use Uber Cash for U.S. Uber Eats orders or Uber rides. This benefit can help you enjoy convenient transportation and food delivery services.
Travel Benefits The American Express Gold card also comes with several travel benefits that can make your trips more comfortable and rewarding. Some of these benefits are:
No foreign transaction fees: You won’t have to pay any extra fees when you use your card abroad.
$100 airline fee credit: You can get up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, charged by one selected qualifying airline¹.
Hotel Collection: When you book two or more consecutive nights at a participating hotel through American Express travel, you can get a $100 hotel credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities, and a room upgrade at check-in, when available.
Travel insurance: You can get coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, trip delay, baggage loss and damage, car rental loss and damage, and travel accident¹.
Global Assist Hotline: You can get access to 24/7 emergency assistance, such as medical, legal, and financial referrals when you travel more than 100 miles from home.
Other Benefits The American Express Gold card also offers other benefits that can protect your purchases and enhance your membership experience. Some of these benefits are:
Purchase protection: You can get coverage for up to 90 days from the date of purchase if your eligible purchases are accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost.
Extended warranty: You can get an additional year of warranty on eligible purchases that have an original manufacturer’s warranty of 5 years or less.
Amex Offers: You can get access to exclusive discounts and bonus points at participating merchants when you add offers to your card.
Membership Rewards: You can enjoy the flexibility and variety of the Membership Rewards program, which allows you to redeem your points for statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel, and more. You can also transfer your points to one of AmEx’s many travel partners, such as airlines and hotels, to get more value and options for your points.
American Express App: You can manage your account, track your spending, pay your bills, and access digital tools, such as chat, fraud alerts, and Amex Offers, from your smartphone.
Is the American Express Gold Card Worth It? The American Express Gold card is a great card for anyone who loves dining, travel, and everyday rewards. The card can easily pay for itself if you use the credits and benefits and redeem your points for travel. The card offers a generous welcome bonus, high earning rates, flexible redemption options, and valuable benefits that can easily offset the $250 annual fee. With certain restaurants and Uber giving you a total of $240 in credit, you’re essentially paying $10 for the card. If you can take full advantage of everything this card offers, you will experience the gold standard of credit card membership.
A dynamic mix of elite athletes, everyday heroes, and inspirational runners gathered to showcase their resilience and determination at the 2024 Chevron Houston Marathon and the Aramco Houston Half Marathon. The bustling streets came alive at 7 a.m. on Sunday, January 14, with participants enduring cold temperatures to embark on an unforgettable racing experience.
The elite men’s category in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon witnessed a thrilling finish, with five athletes crossing the line within a seven-second window. Jemal Yimer emerged as the official winner, completing the race with an impressive time of 1:00:42.
Jemal Yimer, adorned with smiles, received an official belt buckle in recognition of his victory in the Aramco Houston Half Marathon.
The momentum continued with Sutume Kebede securing a record-setting time of 1:04:37 in the women’s half marathon, showcasing exceptional pacing skills amid the downtown Houston backdrop.
Weini Kelati, making her debut in Houston and her first-ever half marathon, clinched the fourth position among women while setting a remarkable USA record of 1:06:25.
Zouhair Talbi maintained the excitement by setting a record in the Chevron Houston Marathon, securing victory with a remarkable time of 2:06.
The women’s category of the Chevron Houston Marathon saw Rahma Tusa Chota emerging victorious with a time of 2:19:33, marking her first marathon triumph since 2018.
For those who missed the live coverage on ABC13 from 6:55 a.m. to 10 a.m., a replay is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Viewers can catch up on any highlights or even spot themselves during the run by streaming ABC13.
The 2024 Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon proved to be a celebration of athletic prowess, determination, and record-breaking achievements, leaving a lasting imprint on the running community.
The beloved gum brand Fruit Stripe, known for its vibrant fruit-inspired flavors and distinctive zebra-print packaging, is bidding farewell to store shelves. Ferrara, the owner of Fruit Stripe, announced the discontinuation of this iconic treat, marking the end of a flavorful era.
A spokesperson for Ferrara conveyed the weight behind the decision, stating, “The decision to sunset this product was not taken lightly.” The company considered various factors, including consumer preferences, purchasing patterns, and overall brand trends for Fruit Stripe Gum, before arriving at this significant conclusion.
Fruit Stripe Gum has been a staple since the 1960s, offering enthusiasts a burst of flavor with options like Wet n’ Wild Melon, Cherry, Lemon, Orange, and Peach. Each pack of this nostalgic gum included a bonus feature – a temporary tattoo featuring the brand’s mascot, Yipes the Zebra.
Ferrara, recognized for its diverse candy portfolio that includes popular brands such as Trolli, Fun Dip, Pixy Stix, and Nerds, expressed that discontinuing Fruit Stripe was a “difficult decision.” The move comes as part of a strategic assessment of the brand’s trajectory and evolving consumer preferences.
For those still yearning to savor the taste of Fruit Stripe Gum, Ferrara mentioned that remaining stock might be available in select retailers nationwide for a limited time. This provides a last chance for loyal fans to grab a piece of this cherished gum before it disappears from the market.
As the iconic zebra-striped packaging takes its final bow, fans are left with fond memories and the opportunity to secure a piece of nostalgia one last time from retailers who may still carry this classic treat.
Television enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The grandeur of the Emmy Awards is set to illuminate screens on January 15, 2024, celebrating the outstanding contributions of writers, directors, actors, and craftspeople who captivated audiences worldwide throughout the past year.
This year’s biggest night in television falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, adding significance to the 75th-anniversary edition of the prestigious awards. Anthony Anderson will take center stage as the host for the live ceremony, promising an evening filled with entertainment and accolades.
Originally scheduled for September 2023, the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards faced a postponement due to the Hollywood strikes. The Television Academy and FOX jointly announced the rescheduled January 2024 date in August 2023, with nominations unveiled in July of the same year.
Among the standout contenders, “Succession” leads the pack with an impressive 27 nominations. Other notable mentions include “The Last of Us,” “The White Lotus,” and “Ted Lasso,” each garnering multiple nods.
The live broadcast from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, January 15. As viewers prepare for the star-studded event, they can catch the ceremony live on the Fox network. Additionally, Hulu will offer a streaming option for those eager to relive the highlights on January 16, 2024.
For enthusiasts eager to witness the glitz and glamour of the red carpet, there are multiple avenues to indulge in the star arrivals. “PEOPLE & Entertainment Weekly Red Carpet Live: 75th Emmy Awards,” hosted by Jeremy Parsons and Janine Rubenstein, will commence streaming on January 15 at 6:00 p.m. ET on People.com, EW.com, PEOPLE and EW’s YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter pages.
E! is set to amplify the pre-awards excitement with two specials, “Live From E!: Countdown to the Emmys” and “EMMYS Live from E!,” hosted by Laverne Cox. The former begins at 5:00 p.m. ET on January 15, while the latter, focused on style and fashion coverage, starts at 6:00 p.m. ET on the network.
So, whether you’re tuning in for the awards ceremony, streaming the event, or catching the red carpet moments, the 75th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards promise an unforgettable night of celebration and recognition.
New updates from the National Weather Service (NWS) have issued a chilling forecast for Houston and its surrounding areas, warning of sub-freezing temperatures as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit expected from late Monday night through Wednesday morning. An alert released at 9:07 a.m. on Sunday highlights that parts of south Central and Southeast Texas are now under a hard freeze watch, prompting residents to take precautionary measures to safeguard crops and property from potential freeze damage.
The NWS advises residents to act promptly in protecting tender plants from the impending cold. To mitigate the risk of freezing and potential bursting of outdoor water pipes, precautionary steps such as wrapping, draining, or allowing a slow drip are recommended. However, Houston Public Works is urging residents not to employ faucet dripping if their water source is from a pumping station, a condition applicable to nearly everyone in the city.
In addition to the freezing temperatures, a winter weather advisory issued at 3:30 a.m. warns that Houston and neighboring cities may experience mixed precipitation and ice accumulation from 6 p.m. on Sunday to 6 p.m. on Monday. NWS officials caution residents in the affected areas to prepare for possible power outages and challenging driving conditions. A Wind Chill Advisory is also in effect, as noted in a tweet from NWS Houston, accompanied by a forecast map.
The Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) has taken to social media to remind Texans of its own weather watch, effective from Sunday through Wednesday. Described as the lowest level of grid condition notices within the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS), a weather watch indicates that “the grid is operating normally, with supply and demand balanced, but reserves are dropping,” according to ERCOT. Citizens can stay informed about real-time grid conditions at ercot.com and sign up for TXANS updates to receive timely information as the situation unfolds.
