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Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Announces Reelection Bid Despite Mayoral Defeat

In the wake of a substantial defeat in the Houston mayoral runoff, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has officially filed for reelection in Texas’s 18th Congressional District, according to reports citing the Harris County Democrats. Despite losing to State Senator John Whitmire by a significant 31-point margin, Jackson Lee is gearing up for a primary challenge from former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards.

The announcement precedes the Monday deadline for candidates to enter the 2024 congressional race, indicating Jackson Lee’s determination to continue her 29-year tenure. Facing financial challenges, Jackson Lee confronts a well-funded opponent in Edwards, who raised over $1 million in the initial campaign phase.

While the mayoral election centered on crime concerns, Jackson Lee’s campaign faced setbacks, including alleged endorsements and a leaked audio incident. Despite these challenges, Jackson Lee, a longstanding figure in Houston politics, remains committed to public service as she braces for a primary battle on March 5.

Tragedy Strikes as Teen Girl Fatally Stabbed in Galleria Area Robbery

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In a shocking incident on Saturday, 17-year-old Kayla Stevenson was robbed and fatally stabbed while walking to work in the Galleria area. The assailant, described as a woman aged 25 to 35 wearing a brown jacket and leggings, managed to escape the scene. Witnesses reported the attacker fleeing on a blue bicycle found abandoned nearby.

A sergeant on an extra job in the area discovered Stevenson lying on the sidewalk after being flagged down by someone witnessing a dispute over a bag. Despite prompt paramedic response, Stevenson succumbed to her injuries.

Houston Police Department Assistant Chief Wyatt Martin urged anyone with information to contact the HPD Homicide Division or Crime Stoppers anonymously. As authorities intensify efforts to locate the suspect, shoppers are advised to remain vigilant, with police recommending precautions such as avoiding flashy accessories and using crossbody bags for safety. The community remains on high alert as investigators work to apprehend the perpetrator.

Los usuarios de TikTok se sorprendieron al ver el cheque de pago del conductor de UPS. Esto es lo que pronto ganarán los conductores.

Un conductor de UPS se volvió viral en TikTok después de publicar un video desglosando su cheque de pago semanal en nombre de la transparencia salarial.

Skyler Stutzman, un conductor de reparto de UPS con sede en Oregón y con más de $244,000 seguidores en TikTok, publicó un vídeo en octubre en el que mostraba un recibo de sueldo reciente con sus ganancias antes de impuestos de $2,004 dólares por una semana de trabajo.

Después de impuestos y deducciones, y con una tasa salarial de 44.26 dólares por hora, el salario neto de Stutzman era de unos $1,300 dólares por 42 horas de trabajo.

El video original ha obtenido casi 12 millones de visitas y más de $11,000 comentarios desde que Stutzman lo publicó, y ha seguido con muchas otras publicaciones respondiendo a los comentarios de los usuarios. Muchos de los comentarios expresan celos, mientras que otros se sorprendieron al saber cuánto dinero puede ganar un conductor de UPS.

“40 dólares la hora. Mientras tanto, yo lucho por mi vida ganando 15 la hora”, escribió un comentarista.

“Es un buen dinero por sólo 42 horas trabajadas”, escribió otro.

Salario del conductor de UPS: los conductores de UPS a tiempo completo ganarán $170,000 al año, en promedio, con un nuevo contrato, dice el CEO.

El salario medio de los conductores de UPS alcanzará los $170,000 dólares
El sindicato Teamsters llegó a un acuerdo con UPS a principios de este año por el que los conductores de UPS ganarán un promedio de $170,000 dólares en salario y beneficios anuales al final de un contrato de cinco años.
“Cuando se analiza la compensación total, al final del nuevo contrato, el conductor promedio de tiempo completo de UPS ganará alrededor de $170,000 dólares anuales en salario y beneficios”, dijo en ese momento la directora ejecutiva de UPS, Carol Tomé. “Y todos los empleados sindicales a tiempo parcial que ya trabajan en UPS, al final de este contrato, ganarán al menos 25.75 dólares por hora y recibirán atención médica completa y beneficios de pensión”.
El acuerdo se produjo después de meses de intensas negociaciones y de que Teamsters amenazara con implementar lo que habría sido la huelga patronal más grande en la historia de Estados Unidos.
Como parte del acuerdo, UPS acordó agregar aire acondicionado a todos los vehículos de reparto más grandes, furgonetas velocistas y vagones de paquetes comprados después del 1 de enero de 2024. Todos los vagones tendrán dos ventiladores y salidas de inducción de aire.
Contribuyendo: Olivia Evans y Doc Louallen, USA TODAY Network

Dire Humanitarian Crisis Unfolding in Gaza as Israeli Offensive Persists

As the Israeli military’s ground invasion and aerial bombardment continue in Gaza, a catastrophic humanitarian crisis is unfolding, with an estimated 1.9 million Palestinians displaced into shrinking “humanitarian zones.” Among the many facing the brunt of this crisis is twelve-year-old Do’a Atef, who spends her days begging for food and gathering firewood in a refugee camp outside Rafah, southern Gaza.

Do’a, along with her parents and seven siblings, was displaced from her home in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza. Sleeping in tents, the family faces a severe shortage of essential supplies, including clean water, diapers for the baby, and milk. The dire living conditions have forced them to drink dirty water, and the scarcity of resources has left the children in distress.

This plight reflects the broader reality for many in Gaza, where lines for clean water can last for hours, supermarkets are empty, and people resort to collecting rainwater in a semi-arid environment. The price of essential items, such as a 25-kilogram sack of flour, has skyrocketed, making access to basic necessities increasingly difficult.

The ongoing Israeli offensive has led to a scarcity of aid, exacerbating struggles over water and raising the risk of infection and death. Aid agencies report children and families roaming the streets, unable to find food, while some resort to rationing water, consuming as little as a cup a day. The intensity of hostilities has hindered aid distribution, with only a fraction of the required humanitarian assistance entering Gaza.

International humanitarian groups, including Oxfam and Save the Children, are sounding alarm bells, describing the situation as “apocalyptic” and “not survivable.” The lack of water and hygiene has led to the aggravation of diseases, including diarrhea, vomiting, and skin allergies, putting lives at immediate risk.

Despite calls for action and urgent intervention, the delivery of aid remains constrained by the ongoing conflict. The UN Secretary-General has warned of a high risk of a collapse in the humanitarian support system, anticipating a complete breakdown of public order. As desperation grows, locals have resorted to rushing aid trucks, further complicating relief efforts.

With limited aid entering the strip and increasing obstacles to distribution, the crisis in Gaza is reaching unprecedented levels, prompting humanitarian agencies to categorize the actions, including the use of starvation as a war weapon, as potential war crimes. The international community faces a race against time to address the immediate needs of the population and mitigate the looming catastrophe.

Fort Bend ISD Superintendent Christie Whitbeck Announces Retirement, Board Approves Transition Plan

In a decisive move during the board working session on December 4, trustees of the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) voted to accept the retirement request of Superintendent Christie Whitbeck. The board concurrently voted to appoint Deputy Superintendent Beth Martinez as the interim superintendent of schools.

Whitbeck’s retirement, effective December 12, was initially disclosed in a statement on December 1, with the superintendent expressing her intention to step down two years before the expiration of her contract. In a subsequent decision, the board approved Whitbeck to hold the honorary position of superintendent emeritus until the conclusion of the academic year in May 2024.

The board is expected to finalize the transition during their regular meeting on December 11, where candidates for the role of acting superintendent will be considered, as outlined by district officials.

Christie Whitbeck assumed the role of superintendent for FBISD in October 2021, following her tenure as superintendent in Bryan ISD and deputy superintendent of Fort Bend ISD. Her extensive career in education includes roles such as elementary, middle school, and high school principal, as well as experience as an assistant superintendent, assistant principal, language arts specialist, and classroom teacher.

In a personal statement, Whitbeck acknowledged the unexpected nature of her retirement and expressed pride in the significant achievements made during her 2 ½ year tenure as superintendent. Notable accomplishments highlighted by Whitbeck included eliminating a $47 million budget deficit and successfully navigating the May 2023 bond election and the November 2023 voter-approval tax rate election.

Whitbeck, recognizing the collective efforts of the FBISD staff, stated, “With the help of many talented staff members, I feel I am leaving FBISD better than I found it, and that makes me very proud.” As the district prepares for a leadership transition, Deputy Superintendent Beth Martinez assumes the interim role, poised to guide FBISD through the upcoming academic year.

Houston and Harris County Experience Continued Population Growth, Though at a Slower Pace

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Recent data released by the U.S. Census Bureau on December 7 reveals that the populations of both Houston and Harris County continue to expand, although the rate of growth has decelerated compared to the previous year.

Harris County exhibits a higher growth rate than Houston, registering a 4.4% increase in population between 2017 and 2022, in contrast to Houston’s approximately 1.3% growth during the same period. Comparatively, data from 2021 showed a five-year growth rate of 5.9% for Harris County and 2.4% for Houston.

Over the past five years, the median age in both Houston and Harris County has seen a slight uptick, with residents’ median age increasing by approximately one year. In terms of age distribution, Harris County and Houston share similar population patterns, with Harris County boasting slightly more residents in the 0-19 age range.

Racial demographics in Harris County and Houston exhibit similarities, albeit with slight variations. Harris County has a marginally higher percentage of white and Asian residents, while Houston has a greater percentage of Hispanic and Black residents. Notably, both locales have witnessed increases in the numbers of Asian and Hispanic residents since 2017.

Education attainment levels have seen positive trends in both Houston and Harris County from 2017 to 2022. The percentage of Houston residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher surpassed 35% in 2022, reflecting an upward trajectory from 31% in 2017. This trend aligns with the city’s ongoing focus on educational advancement.

Despite a general slowdown in population growth, the demographic shifts and educational progress in both Houston and Harris County underscore the dynamic nature of these communities. As they continue to evolve, the region’s resilience and adaptability come to the forefront, shaping the future trajectory of Houston and its surrounding areas.

Houston-Area Teams Eye Historic Achievements in Texas High School Football State Championships

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As the much-anticipated Texas high school football state championships kick off this week, two local teams from the Houston area are poised to achieve a rare feat, echoing a historic accomplishment from 2015.

Since the inception of Class 6A by the University Interscholastic League (UIL) in 2014, the Houston region has only managed to sweep the state titles in the top classification’s two divisions once. This notable occurrence took place in 2015 when North Shore and Katy claimed victories in the 6A Division I and II championships, respectively. Now, North Shore and Summer Creek have the chance to replicate this achievement as they gear up for the championship games in Arlington this weekend.

North Shore, a perennial powerhouse seeking its fifth championship in nine years, will face Duncanville in a highly anticipated rematch at AT&T Stadium on Saturday at 3 p.m. This clash revisits last year’s 6A Division I title game, where Duncanville emerged victorious, snapping North Shore’s string of consecutive victories.

The rivalry between North Shore and Duncanville has been a focal point in Texas sports history, with the Mustangs securing championships in 2018, 2019, and 2021, while Duncanville claimed the title in 2022. The game will feature new faces in key roles, including North Shore’s junior quarterback Kaleb Bailey, who played a crucial role in the 2021 title run.

In the 6A Division II championship game, DeSoto and Summer Creek will compete in the final showdown of the season. Head coach Kenny Harrison has rapidly transformed Summer Creek into a formidable contender, marking the first time a Humble ISD school has reached the state championship game. Summer Creek, with a record of 13-1 in 2023, is set to face reigning state champions DeSoto, creating an enticing matchup between a rising program and a defending titleholder.

The state championships schedule, hosted at AT&T Stadium, features an array of matchups across various divisions. The culmination of this thrilling football spectacle will unfold on Saturday, culminating with the 6A Division II clash between DeSoto and Humble Summer Creek at 7 p.m. Football enthusiasts across Texas eagerly await the outcome of these high-stakes battles as the quest for state glory reaches its pinnacle.

Houston Texans Quarterback C.J. Stroud Placed in Concussion Protocol After Forceful Hit

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The Houston Texans faced a series of blows during their 30-6 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, losing rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and leading receiver Nico Collins to injuries.

Stroud, the NFL’s leading quarterback in passing yards, found himself in the concussion protocol after a forceful hit from Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. The impact caused the back of Stroud’s helmet to collide with the turf with 6:43 remaining in the game. The rookie quarterback, who had thrown for 3,540 yards prior to the match, was visibly in pain on the ground before being escorted to the locker room for further evaluation. Despite initial attempts to return, Stroud did not rejoin the game.

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans attributed the incident to the need for better protection, emphasizing the offensive line’s responsibility in shielding the quarterback. Williams, the Jets defender responsible for the hit, expressed his concern for Stroud’s well-being on social media after the game.

According to Next Gen Stats, Stroud faced pressure on 44% of his dropbacks, enduring four sacks and six additional hits during the game. The impact on his performance was evident, as he finished with a season-low output of 91 yards, completing 10 of 23 passes with no touchdowns or interceptions.

With Stroud sidelined, backup quarterback Davis Mills stepped in but struggled against the relentless pressure from the Jets’ defense. Mills, pressured on 50% of his dropbacks, managed only 1 completion for 4 yards in his first appearance of the season.

Ryans acknowledged the challenges faced by the offensive line, stating, “[The offensive line] wasn’t good enough as a whole. Different things go into that. Ultimately, our job is to protect the quarterback, and we didn’t do that well enough today.”

If Stroud is forced to miss subsequent games, Mills is poised to start in his absence. Mills, with 26 career starts and a 5-20-1 record, has thrown for 5,802 yards with 33 touchdowns and 25 interceptions over his three-year career.

In addition to the quarterback setback, the Texans also lost leading receiver Nico Collins to a calf injury during the first offensive drive of the game. Although Collins surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the season, totaling 1,004 yards, his departure significantly impacted the team’s offensive capabilities.

Texans linebacker Blake Cashman and cornerback Tavierre Thomas added to the injury list with hamstring injuries during the game, further compounding the challenges faced by the beleaguered team. Despite the setbacks, Coach Ryans credited the Jets for making crucial plays, stating, “This game just strictly came down — credit to the Jets — their players. They made plays, and we didn’t. You don’t deserve to win the football game when you don’t make plays.”

Whitmire Aims to Establish a City Hall That Prioritizes User-Friendliness During His Tenure as Houston Mayor

In a resounding victory on Saturday night, 74-year-old John Whitmire secured the position of Houston’s 63rd mayor, defeating Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee by a considerable margin. Following his win, Whitmire addressed the public on Sunday morning in an exclusive interview with ABC13, expressing his eagerness to tackle the challenges facing the city.

Houston’s newly elected mayor acknowledged the city’s uncertain financial future, citing an unfamiliarity with the extent of the fiscal challenges ahead. The fiscal year 2023 budget stood at $5.7 billion, with the current budget escalating to $6.2 billion, indicating a substantial increase. Whitmire, emphasizing transparency, remarked, “I know for a fact we don’t have a $400 million surplus,” highlighting concerns about outstanding bills and reliance on one-time COVID funding to pay firefighters.

Speaking candidly about his commitment to transparency, Whitmire outlined plans to keep the public informed about the city’s financial situation. He emphasized the need to build credibility for his administration, seeking public cooperation for future endeavors such as additional resources, bond issues, and eliminating duplications.

Addressing potential challenges within his own party, Whitmire acknowledged endorsements for his opponent from key figures like City Controller Chris Hollins, County Judge Lina Hidalgo, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and outgoing Mayor Sylvester Turner. Despite these endorsements, Whitmire expressed a determination to work collaboratively, stating, “I have no choice but to work with them. We all represent the same people.”

With an eye on campaign promises, Whitmire stressed the importance of cooperation and support from both the city council and the public to achieve objectives such as better streets, improved infrastructure, and reduced crime rates. While he expressed confidence in improving public safety, specific plans for increasing law enforcement resources and partnerships remained undisclosed.

Whitmire confirmed his commitment to retaining Chief Troy Finner of the Houston Police Department, with expectations for a more aggressive approach to tackling crime. The mayor-elect also hinted at potential changes, proposing nighttime council meetings to increase public participation and accessibility.

Looking ahead to his inauguration on January 2, 2024, Whitmire expressed a desire for an open dialogue with the public, signaling a more accessible city hall. As he takes the reins, Houston residents eagerly await the implementation of his plans and the impact of his administration on the nation’s fourth-largest city.

Houston Election Results: Mayor, Controller, and Council Seats Decided

The latest election results for key positions in Houston and surrounding areas have been released, providing clarity on the outcomes of the recent voting. Here is a breakdown of the winners and percentages of votes for various offices:

Houston Mayor:

  • John Whitmire (Party: N/A) – 64% (Total Votes: 129,495)
  • Sheila Jackson Lee (Party: N/A) – 36% (Total Votes: 71,523)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 6:20 AM

Houston Controller:

  • Chris Hollins (Party: N/A) – 59% (Total Votes: 109,778)
  • Orlando Sanchez (Party: N/A) – 41% (Total Votes: 75,867)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 6:20 AM

Houston Council At-Large 1:

  • Julian Ramirez (Party: N/A) – 50% (Total Votes: 88,858)
  • Melanie Miles (Party: N/A) – 50% (Total Votes: 88,520)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 6:20 AM

Houston Council At-Large 2:

  • Willie Davis (Party: N/A) – 55% (Total Votes: 95,246)
  • Nick Hellyar (Party: N/A) – 45% (Total Votes: 77,646)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 6:20 AM

Houston Council At-Large 3:

  • Twila Carter (Party: N/A) – 51% (Total Votes: 88,377)
  • Richard Cantu (Party: N/A) – 49% (Total Votes: 84,781)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 7:48 AM

Houston Council At-Large 4:

  • Letitia Plummer (Party: N/A) – 53% (Total Votes: 92,774)
  • Roy Morales (Party: N/A) – 47% (Total Votes: 83,145)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 6:20 AM

Houston Council District D:

  • Carolyn Evans-Shabazz (Party: N/A) – 65% (Total Votes: 11,801)
  • Travis McGee (Party: N/A) – 35% (Total Votes: 6,256)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 6:20 AM

Houston Council District G:

  • Mary Nan Huffman (Party: N/A) – 57% (Total Votes: 18,372)
  • Tony Buzbee (Party: N/A) – 43% (Total Votes: 14,120)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 6:20 AM

Houston Council District H:

  • Mario Castillo (Party: N/A) – 64% (Total Votes: 8,398)
  • Cynthia Reyes Revilla (Party: N/A) – 36% (Total Votes: 4,752)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 6:20 AM

City Council District 4 (Baytown):

  • James Franco (Party: Other) – 54% (Total Votes: 270)
  • Kim Kosteck (Party: Other) – 46% (Total Votes: 232)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 6:20 AM

Bellaire Mayor:

  • Gus Pappas (Party: N/A) – 57% (Total Votes: 1,880)
  • Aaron Perry (Party: N/A) – 43% (Total Votes: 1,419)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 6:20 AM

Pearland Council Position 3:

  • Mona Chavarria (Party: N/A) – 100% (Total Votes: 1,927)

Last Updated: Saturday, December 9, 2023, 9:28 PM

Pearland Council Position 6:

  • Chad Thumann (Party: N/A) – 63% (Total Votes: 1,353)
  • Veronica Longoria (Party: N/A) – 26% (Total Votes: 571)
  • Diana Antezana (Party: N/A) – 11% (Total Votes: 234)

Last Updated: Sunday, December 10, 2023, 6:20 AM

These results provide a comprehensive overview of the political landscape in Houston and neighboring areas following the recent elections.