The Houston Texans secured a dominant victory over the Cleveland Browns in their postseason opener, setting the stage for a more challenging matchup in the AFC divisional round against the Baltimore Ravens. The Texans, seeded fourth, were initially slated to face the Kansas City Chiefs had the Pittsburgh Steelers won on Monday. However, the Buffalo Bills’ triumph over the Steelers altered the Texans’ course, leading them to a showdown with the top-seeded Ravens.
The Ravens, boasting the NFL’s best regular-season record at 13-4 and a formidable scoring defense of 16.5 points per game, present a significant hurdle for the Texans. Houston aims to reach the conference championship round for the first time in franchise history.
Key information for fans ahead of the playoff clash:
NFL Playoff Bracket: AFC
4) Houston Texans at 1) Baltimore Ravens
Kansas City Chiefs at 2) Buffalo Bills
Kickoff Time and TV Info:
The Texans-Ravens game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
ABC and ESPN will broadcast the game, with live streaming available on ESPN+.
Previous Meeting: In Week 1, the Texans faced the Ravens, keeping it close in the first half but ultimately falling short with a 25-9 loss. Despite limiting MVP favorite Lamar Jackson to 207 total yards and securing an interception, the Texans struggled as Baltimore rushed for three touchdowns, while Houston’s offensive production was limited to three field goals.
By the Numbers:Houston Texans
Scoring offense: No. 13
Total offense: No. 12
Scoring defense: No. 11
Total defense: No. 14
Turnover differential: No. 5 (tied)
Baltimore Ravens
Scoring offense: No. 4
Total offense: No. 6
Scoring defense: No. 1
Total defense: No. 6
Turnover differential: No. 1 (tied)
The Texans face a formidable test against the Ravens, and fans eagerly anticipate an intense battle as Houston strives to make franchise history in the pursuit of the conference championship.
A man is accused of killing a 22-year-old Texas mother, and witness in a murder case, who went missing near her place of work in Houston, according to investigators.
Friends and family called Deundrea Ford reliable, police said in Harris County court documents filed Jan. 11. When she disappeared without a word, it quickly became clear that something was wrong — she would never be apart from her 4-year-old son for long, family told police.
Ford was a witness in a murder case in which a man riding in a vehicle with her was fatally shot in May, KHOU reported.
According to court documents in that case, a text message between two suspects implied Ford’s life was in danger, saying “She ain’t safe in Houston … at all,” KTRK reported.
Ford was working at Divas Bikini Sports Bar and Grill at about 1 a.m., Sept. 22, when she encountered the man police say would soon kill her, investigators said. Cameras captured her talking to Yoland Washington, a 51-year-old New Jersey man, before getting into a white van parked outside, police said, adding that it was the last time she was seen.
Her boyfriend was going to pick her up, but at 1:34 a.m. she texted him to say she had found a “date,” according to investigators. He texted her back but the message was left unread, and he went to the club at 2:23 a.m. to look for her.
One minute before the boyfriend arrives, police say Washington can be seen pulling out of the parking lot and driving away.
Investigators spoke with Washington several days later, according to police. He said the reason she was never seen getting out of his van is because he dropped her off at another location.
Ford’s body still hasn’t been found, but during a search of Washington’s van police used a chemical that reacts with blood, which “illuminated” spots all over the the interior, spanning from the back back doors to the driver seat. Using a DNA sample from Ford’s son, investigators say they found “DNA consistent with (Ford) … mixed with (Washington’s) DNA on 3 of the blood stains” on a shirt he wore the night of Ford’s disappearance.
Investigators say Washington has “an extensive history of violent offenses against women.”
Washington’s “account is also suspicious, and some of it is clearly a lie,” police said, adding that video surveillance and Google location data contradict parts of Washington’s story.
Washington is charged with murder.
Police did not say whether they believe Ford’s killing is related to her being a witness in a separate murder investigation.
The drowning deaths of a woman and two children from Mexico near the US-Mexico border have magnified the rift between Texas and federal officials over who has jurisdiction in that part of the Rio Grande area and how to tackle the migrant crisis.
The tragedy happened days after state authorities blocked the US Border Patrol from accessing 2.5 miles of the US-Mexico border near Eagle Pass, Texas – which was recently the epicenter of the migrant crisis. The area includes Shelby Park, a city park on the Rio Grande that Texas authorities blocked off with fencing, gates and razor wire – effectively denying access to federal border patrol agents.
But whether a lack of access may have played a role in the deaths is in dispute.
On Monday, authorities with Mexico’s National Institute of Migration identified the deceased as Victerma de la Sancha Cerros, 33; Yorlei Rubi, 10; and Jonathan Agustín Briones de la Sancha, 8.
Around 9 p.m. Friday, “Mexican officials advised Border Patrol of two migrants in distress on the U.S. side of the river in the area near the Shelby Park boat ramp,” a US Customs and Border Protection lead field coordinator wrote in the Supreme Court filing. “Mexican officials also informed Border Patrol that three migrants – one woman and two children – had drowned at approximately 8:00 p.m. in the same area.”
Prior to the filing, Democratic US Rep. Henry Cuellar said in a social media post that six migrants were reported to be in distress.
A Border Patrol agent went to an entrance gate at Shelby Park and informed Texas National Guard members there of the distress call, according to the filing.
“Speaking through the closed gate, the guardsmen refused to let the (Border Patrol agent) enter because they had been ordered not to allow Border Patrol access to the park,” the filing says.
The Border Patrol agent also spoke with the guardsmen’s supervisor over the phone but was again denied access, according to the filing. The supervisor conveyed that Border Patrol is not permitted to enter the area “even in emergency situations” and guardsmen would be sent to investigate, the filing says.
The next day, Mexican officials confirmed to Border Patrol that they had recovered three drowned bodies and rescued two distressed migrants and another two migrants who had attempted to cross in the night, according to the filing.
The US Department of Homeland Security confirmed the deaths and said Border Patrol agents were stopped from assisting at the border.
“In responding to a distress call from the Mexican government, Border Patrol agents were physically barred by Texas officials from entering the area,” a DHS spokesperson told CNN in a Saturday statement. “The Texas governor’s policies are cruel, dangerous, and inhumane, and Texas’s blatant disregard for federal authority over immigration poses grave risks.”
“Texas officials blocked US Border Patrol agents from doing their job and allowed two children to drown in the Rio Grande,” US Rep. Joaquin Castro, another Texas Democrat, said in a statement Saturday.
What Texas authorities say happened
But the Texas Military Department said by the time Border Patrol agents requested access to the site Friday night, “the drownings had occurred, Mexican authorities were recovering the bodies, and Border Patrol expressed these facts to the TMD personnel on site.”
The Texas Military Department Saturday said it was contacted by Border Patrol at 9 p.m. Friday about a “migrant distress situation” and searched the river with lights and night vision goggles, but “no migrants were observed.”
About 45 minutes later, Mexican authorities were seen responding to an incident on the Mexican side of the riverbank, said the Texas Military Department, which then “reported their observations back to Border Patrol, and they confirmed that the Mexican authorities required no additional assistance,” according to its statement.
“At no time did TMD security personnel along the river observe any distressed migrants, nor did TMD turn back any illegal immigrants from the US during this period,” the Texas Military Department said. “Also, at no point was TMD made aware of any bodies in the area of Shelby Park, nor was TMD made aware of any bodies being discovered on the US side of the border regarding this situation.”
National Guard soldiers stand guard Friday on the banks of the Rio Grande at Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, Texas.Brandon Bell/Getty Images
Mexico’s foreign ministry speaks out
Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed its condolences over the deaths of the migrants in a statement released Sunday by the Mexican Consulate in Eagle Pass.
Mexico’s Beta Groups – part of the National Institute of Migration of Mexico dedicated to protecting the human rights of migrants and specializing in rescues and first aid – and the Mexican National Guard recovered the bodies from Mexico, the statement said. Two other Mexicans were rescued.
Apprehensions increase near Eagle Pass
After a significant decrease in migrant encounters earlier this month, migrant apprehensions in the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector have increased since last week, according to a law enforcement source familiar with the operations. Eagle Pass is located in the Del Rio Border Patrol Sector.
Smugglers are pushing large groups of migrants to cross the Rio Grande through residential areas and places west of Eagle Pass – which are outside the river area taken over by Texas, the source said. This geographic shift in the flow of migrants creates a new challenge for federal border authorities because there is no infrastructure in these areas, especially as temperatures dip in the overnight hours, the source said.
About 1,000 migrant apprehensions took place Sunday in the Del Rio Sector, compared to between 500 and 600 earlier in the week, according to the source.
The number of migrant apprehensions on Friday and Saturday were 659 and 624, respectively, the source said.
The rift between Texas and the feds
Tensions have been high between the state and federal officials as the Biden Administration has challenged the policies of Texas’ Republican governor, including the use of razor wire along the border and a new law that makes entering Texas illegally a state crime.
On Friday, the Biden administration complained to the US Supreme Court about the state blocking Border Patrol from the Shelby Park area and asked the high court to quickly intervene. On Saturday, Texas told the high court it was “working promptly” to ensure Border Patrol has access to a boat ramp at Shelby Park.
In the deadly weekend incident, “Border Patrol specifically requested access to the park to secure two additional migrants that were presumed to have traveled with the deceased, though had crossed to the boat ramp,” the agency said Sunday night. “Two migrants were apprehended by (the Texas Military Department), with one turned over to (the state Department of Public Safety) and the other transferred to EMS in response to initial hypothermic conditions.”
But the Biden administration said in its Monday court filing that the two migrants were rescued by Mexican officials.
On Saturday, Texas began allowing Border Patrol limited access to the Shelby Park boat ramp area and another port of entry gate, according to the filing. A Border Patrol agent was also able to enter the restricted area Monday and drive onto an access road, the document notes.
A spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection said CBP was “saddened by tragic migrant drownings in Eagle Pass.”
“We remain gravely concerned by actions that prevent the US Border Patrol from performing their essential missions of arresting individuals who enter the United States unlawfully and providing humanitarian response to individuals in need,” the spokesperson said.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s office and the Texas Department of Public Safety both referred CNN to the Texas National Guard for further information. But Abbott has defended the state’s action to seize control of land at the US-Mexico border.
“Texas has the legal authority to control ingress and egress into any geographic location in the state of Texas. And that authority is being asserted with regard to that park in Eagle Pass, Texas, to maintain operational control of it,” Abbott said at a press briefing Friday, before the drownings took place.
On Sunday, the White House called the recent migrant deaths “tragic” and characterized Abbott’s directives on the border as “political stunts,” according to Angelo Fernández Hernández, White House assistant press secretary.
“While we continue to gather facts about the circumstances of these tragic deaths, one thing is clear,” Fernández Hernández told CNN in a statement. “Gov. Abbott’s political stunts are cruel, inhumane, and dangerous. US Border Patrol must have access to the border to enforce our laws.”
This story has been updated with additional information.
CNN’s Caroll Alvarado, Sara Weisfeldt, Ashley Killough, Karol Suarez and Jennifer Deaton contributed to this report.
The 80th Golden Globes Awards were presented Tuesday in Los Angeles.
ABC’s “Abbott Elementary” and HBO’s “The White Lotus” were some of the big TV winners of the night, and in film, “The Banshees of Inisherin” and “The Fabelmans” walked away with two of the most coveted awards of the night.
See below for a full list of nominees with the winners, indicated in bold.
TELEVISION
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Donald Glover, “Atlanta”
Bill Hader, “Barry”
Steve Martin, “Only Murders in the Building”
Martin Short, “Only Murders in the Building”
Jeremy Allen White, “The Bear” *WINNER
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy
Quinta Brunson, “Abbott Elementary” *WINNER
Kaley Cuoco, “The Flight Attendant”
Selena Gomez, “Only Murders in the Building”
Jenna Ortega, “Wednesday”
Jean Smart, “Hacks”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama
Jeff Bridges, “The Old Man”
Kevin Costner, “Yellowstone” *WINNER
Diego Luna, “Andor”
Bob Odenkirk, “Better Call Saul”
Adam Scott, “Severance”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama
Emma D’Arcy, “House of the Dragon”
Laura Linney, “Ozark”
Imelda Staunton, “The Crown”
Hilary Swank, “Alaska Daily”
Zendaya, “Euphoria” *WINNER
Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Taron Egerton, “Black Bird”
Colin Firth, “The Staircase”
Andrew Garfield, “Under the Banner of Heaven”
Evan Peters, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” *WINNER
Sebastian Stan, “Pam and Tommy”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Jessica Chastain, “George and Tammy”
Julia Garner, “Inventing Anna”
Lily James, “Pam and Tommy”
Julia Roberts, “Gaslit”
Amanda Seyfried, “The Dropout” *WINNER
Best Television Series Drama
“Better Call Saul”
“The Crown”
“House of the Dragon” *WINNER
“Ozark”
“Severance”
Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
“Black Bird”
“Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”
“Pam and Tommy”
“The Dropout”
“The White Lotus” *WINNER
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical-Comedy or Drama Television Series
Elizabeth Debicki, “The Crown”
Hannah Einbinder, “Hacks”
Julia Garner, “Ozark” *WINNER
Janelle James, “Abbott Elementary”
Sheryl Lee Ralph, “Abbott Elementary”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical-Comedy or Drama Television Series
John Lithgow, “The Old Man”
Jonathan Pryce, “The Crown”
John Turturro, “Severance”
Tyler James Williams, “Abbott Elementary” *WINNER
Henry Winkler, “Barry”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Jennifer Coolidge, “The White Lotus” *WINNER
Claire Danes, “Fleishman Is in Trouble”
Daisy Edgar-Jones, “Under the Banner of Heaven”
Niecy Nash-Betts, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”
Aubrey Plaza, “The White Lotus”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
F. Murray Abraham, “The White Lotus”
Domhnall Gleeson, “The Patient”
Paul Walter Hauser, “Black Bird” *WINNER
Richard Jenkins, “Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story”
Seth Rogen, “Pam and Tommy”
Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy
“Abbott Elementary” *WINNER
“The Bear”
“Hacks”
“Only Murders in the Building”
“Wednesday”
FILM
Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
“Babylon”
“The Banshees of Inisherin” *WINNER
“Everything Everywhere All at Once”
“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”
“Triangle of Sadness”
Best Motion Picture – Drama
“Avatar: The Way of Water”
“Elvis”
“The Fabelmans” *WINNER
“TAR”
“Top Gun: Maverick”
Best Motion Picture – Foreign Language
“RRR” (India)
“All Quiet on the Western Front” (Germany)
“Argentina, 1985” (Argentina) *WINNER
“Close” (Belgium)
“Decision to Leave” (South Korea)
Best Screenplay – Motion Picture
Todd Field, “Tár”
Tony Kushner & Steven Spielberg, “The Fabelmans”
Daniel Kwan, Daniel Scheinert, “Everything Everywhere All at Once”
Martin McDonagh, “The Banshees of Inisherin,” *WINNER
Sarah Polley, “Women Talking”
Best Original Song – Motion Picture
“Carolina,” Taylor Swift (“Where the Crawdads Sing”)
“Ciao Papa,” Guillermo del Toro & Roeban Katz (“Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio”)
“Hold My Hand,” Lady Gaga and Bloodpop (“Top Gun: Maverick”)
“Lift Me Up,” Tems, Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna and Ryan Coogler (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”)
“Naatu Naatu,” Kala Bhairava, M. M. Keeravani, Rahul Sipligunj (“RRR”) *WINNER
Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Brendan Gleeson, “The Banshees of Inisherin”
Barry Keoghan, “The Banshees of Inisherin”
Brad Pitt, “Babylon”
Ke Huy Quan, “Everything Everywhere All at Once” *WINNER
Eddie Redmayne, “The Good Nurse”
Best Actress in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis took the stage at Atlanta’s Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church on Sunday morning, delivering a heartfelt and passionate speech that seemed to acknowledge, for the first time, the affair allegations leveled against her last week. The event, held in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, provided Willis with a platform to address the controversy surrounding her, as well as to defend the special prosecutor she appointed for the election interference case against Donald Trump.
In her address, Willis humorously remarked, “I hope for y’all this week I don’t look like what I’ve been through.” The speech touched on the challenges she has faced as the Fulton County DA, addressing the recent affair allegations and the broader scrutiny she has encountered.
Former President Donald Trump’s co-defendant in the Georgia election interference case, Michael Roman, is seeking to dismiss the indictment against him and disqualify DA Willis. Roman alleges that Willis engaged in a romantic relationship with one of the top prosecutors she brought in for the case, potentially resulting in financial gain for both.
During her speech, Willis repeatedly referred to herself as “flawed” and “imperfect” while discussing the difficulties she has faced in her role. She emphasized feeling “isolation,” “loneliness,” and constant death threats that forced her out of her home. The emotional address included Willis reading a letter she wrote to God, expressing feelings of unworthiness for her position.
While not directly addressing the affair allegations, Willis defended the special prosecutor, Nathan Wade, without mentioning him by name. She highlighted his credentials and suggested that attacks on him were motivated by race. Willis questioned the criticism of bringing in multiple special prosecutors and emphasized that she paid them all the same hourly rate.
The court filing from Roman accuses Willis of potential fraudulent acts by failing to disclose the alleged relationship with Wade, asserting that she personally benefited from it. Trump’s attorney has indicated considering joining the complaint against Willis.
In response to Willis’s speech, Roman’s attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, pushed back against the suggestion that the allegations were racially motivated. She emphasized that the focus was on the alleged relationship and the financial arrangement with Wade.
The indictment against Roman, Trump, and others in the case involves charges related to their efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Willis’s investigation has faced criticism from Trump, who views it as politically motivated. The developments in the case continue to unfold as the legal proceedings progress.
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.”
