68 F
Houston
Friday, May 8, 2026

Home Blog Page 473

The City of Dickinson Grapples with Political Strife, Threats, and Legal Battles

0

In the midst of discord and controversy, the town of Dickinson finds itself entangled in a complex web of political strife, marked by tumultuous city council meetings, online threats, and serious allegations of police misconduct. As two prominent lawyers consider a potential lawsuit over an apartment complex, Dickinson grapples with a multifaceted crisis that has left residents perplexed and concerned about the town’s future.

Location and Background: Situated south of Houston along I-45, Dickinson is a community of approximately 20,000 people, established in 1850 and formally incorporated in 1977. Led by Mayor Sean Skipworth, who clinched his first term through a unique election tiebreaker, the town is undergoing transformation with newcomers arriving and nearby cities witnessing industrial expansion.

Current Issues: The town faces a myriad of challenges:

  • Allegations of police brutality resulting in a brain bleed for a homeless man, Michael Scurlock, have sparked a contentious debate. The mayor accuses the former police chief of a cover-up, while a private investigator asserts improper use of force.
  • A former TV reporter turned investigator has been releasing videos opposing City Hall administration, filing numerous public information requests.
  • Residents claim a “vindictive” culture at City Hall, leading to employee turnover, countered by the mayor as accountability.
  • The mayor receives online threats, adding to the tension, while a group works on recalling him.
  • City Hall’s closure of a low-income apartment complex prompts legal threats, involving renowned lawyers Tony Buzbee and Rusty Hardin.

Origins of the Conflict: The root cause remains elusive, with speculation ranging from changes initiated by the mayor’s administration to general discontent with city management.

What’s on the Horizon: The future remains uncertain, with a recall petition circulating and a potential lawsuit looming. The fate of Dickinson hangs in the balance as residents grapple with the consequences of internal discord, questioning whether the town can overcome its current challenges and move forward. The demand for justice in the case of Michael Scurlock further complicates an already convoluted narrative.

ReadyHarris insta a estar al tanto del clima esta semana

0

La Oficina de Seguridad Nacional y Manejo de Emergencias del Condado de Harris (HCOHSEM) está monitoreando una serie de frentes que traerán fuertes lluvias a nuestra área a partir del domingo por la noche y continuando hasta el miércoles

Se espera que las lluvias más intensas ocurran el lunes. Los residentes pueden esperar entre 2 y 3 pulgadas de lluvia, con algunas áreas recibiendo hasta 5 pulgadas. Nuestra mayor preocupación será la posibilidad de tasas de lluvia elevadas de 1 a 2 pulgadas por hora, lo que podría provocar inundaciones en las calles y aumentos en nuestra red de arroyos y ríos.

Se espera que las lluvias del martes estén en el rango de 1 a 3 pulgadas, con totales de 1 a 2 pulgadas el miércoles. No se esperan peligros como vientos fuertes, granizo o tornados.

La Ciudad de Houston ha anunciado que reducirá el nivel del agua en el lago Houston en un pie en preparación para este evento de lluvia.

Los residentes deben estar atentos al clima y tener varias formas de recibir pronósticos actualizados y advertencias del Servicio Nacional de Meteorología durante todo el período desde el lunes hasta el miércoles.

Los conductores deben esperar lluvias tanto en las horas de la mañana como en las de la tarde. No conduzca su vehículo por carreteras inundadas. Recuerde: ¡Dé la vuelta, no se ahogue! Consulte el mapa de tráfico en vivo de Houston TranStar para obtener información sobre las condiciones de la carretera.

Puede obtener información actualizada sobre las condiciones de los cuerpos de agua utilizando el Sistema de Advertencia de Inundaciones del Distrito de Control de Inundaciones del Condado de Harris.

HCOHSEM proporcionará actualizaciones a través de redes sociales, alertas Ready Harris y alertas accesibles Ready Harris.

Alec Baldwin Indicted on Involuntary Manslaughter Charge in 2021 Fatal Movie Set Shooting

0

In a significant development, a grand jury indicted A-list actor Alec Baldwin on Friday on an involuntary manslaughter charge related to the tragic 2021 fatal shooting during a rehearsal on the set of the Western movie “Rust” in New Mexico. The case, which had been dormant for some time, was revived as special prosecutors presented evidence before a grand jury in Santa Fe this week, following a new analysis of the firearm involved.

Baldwin, who served as the lead actor and co-producer on “Rust,” was involved in the incident where he pointed a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal outside Santa Fe in October 2021. The gun went off, resulting in Hutchins’ death and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin has maintained that he pulled back the hammer, not the trigger, and the gun discharged.

Earlier this year, judges had temporarily halted multiple civil lawsuits seeking compensation from Baldwin and the producers of “Rust” after prosecutors indicated their intention to present charges to a grand jury. Plaintiffs in these suits include members of the film crew.

Special prosecutors had initially dismissed an involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin in April, citing the possibility of a modified gun malfunctioning. However, they later reconsidered the case and began exploring the option of refiling charges after receiving a new analysis of the firearm.

The analysis, conducted by experts in ballistics and forensic testing, involved reassembling the gun using replacement parts after the FBI’s testing caused some components to break. The findings concluded that the trigger had to have been pulled or depressed based on the examination of the gun and markings on a spent cartridge.

While Baldwin continues to deny pulling the trigger, the analysis contradicts his claims. The actor is now facing criminal charges, with the indictment accusing him of involuntary manslaughter.

Notably, the weapons supervisor on the movie set, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and evidence tampering, and her trial is scheduled to commence in February. Additionally, “Rust” assistant director and safety coordinator David Halls pleaded no contest to unsafe handling of a firearm last March, cooperating in the investigation.

The aftermath of the 2021 shooting resulted in a series of civil lawsuits, including wrongful death claims. The Rust Movie Productions company paid a $100,000 fine to state workplace safety regulators for violations of industry protocols. Despite the legal challenges, the filming of “Rust” resumed in Montana last year, with an agreement involving the cinematographer’s widower, Matthew Hutchins, who became an executive producer on the project.

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Arrives Inside the Loop with Grand Opening Celebration

0

Houston’s beloved Aggieland favorite, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, is set to make a splash inside the loop with the grand opening of its third Houston-area location on Saturday, January 20. The new establishment, situated at 2359 S. Shepherd Dr., marks the fourth venture for franchisee Masroor Fatany, a Texas A&M graduate who also owns seven Halal Guys restaurants across the Houston area.

Fatany, who pursued bringing Layne’s to Houston for several years, reminisces about Layne’s being an integral part of the culture during his school days in the early 2000s. He emphasizes Layne’s unique Texan roots, opening its first location in 1994, predating even the popular Raising Cane’s.

The menu at Layne’s offers a focused selection of hand-cut, marinated, and breaded chicken tenders, chicken tender sandwiches, Texas toast, crinkle-cut fries, potato salad, and milkshakes. The “Soon to be Famous” chicken fingers come with a choice of six dipping sauces, including Layne’s Secret Sauce, buttermilk ranch, barbecue, jalapeno ranch, gravy, and honey mustard.

The recent addition of a spicy tender has further elevated Layne’s popularity. Fatany highlights the success of this development, stating, “Research shows more brands are adding spicy to their menu. Layne’s has done a great job of taking their tender and adding a little kick to it.”

Anticipating a large crowd for the grand opening, Fatany plans to offer a festive atmosphere with a DJ, swag, food samples, and the chance to win free Layne’s for a year. The River Oaks/Montrose location, unlike the drive-thru-only Ella spot, will have seating for 18 people, with plans for curbside and third-party delivery services in the future.

Fatany is optimistic about the location’s potential for success, emphasizing its visibility at the intersection of Shepherd and Westheimer, surrounded by the vibrant Fairview neighborhood. His development agreement with Layne’s spans a territory extending east to Beaumont, south to Galveston, and west to Sealy. While he acknowledges the potential for more restaurants, Fatany emphasizes a gradual, organic growth strategy.

“There’s no aggressive deadline I need to meet. We’ll grow organically,” he says. “There’s no better way to build a brand than starting with the inner loop. When a brand gets there, word spreads fast.” As Layne’s Chicken Fingers expands its presence in Houston, it looks poised to become a go-to spot for chicken enthusiasts across the city.

Houston Astros Secure Record-Breaking Deal with Reliever Josh Hader

0

Astros fans, the wait is over! On Friday, Houston made a significant free-agent move, sealing a five-year, $95 million deal with left-handed pitcher Josh Hader, the coveted top reliever in the market. The move is set to fortify the Astros’ pitching staff, which faced challenges due to a bullpen arm injury and ongoing negotiations to bring back another key player.

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Hader’s contract stands out with its immediate value, containing no deferrals. In fact, it marks the largest present-day value contract for a relief pitcher in the history of baseball.

Turning 30 in April, Hader’s journey to the Astros includes being a 19th-round pick by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft. He spent time in the Astros’ farm system from 2013 to 2015 before being traded to the Milwaukee Brewers system in a deal that brought Carlos Gomez and Mike Fiers to Houston.

Hader made his MLB debut with the Brewers in 2017, and his breakout season occurred in 2018 when he earned his first of five All-Star nods and finished in the top seven for the National League Cy Young Award vote. His performance with the Milwaukee Brewers continued until the 2022 season when he was traded midseason to the San Diego Padres. Despite a decline in performance, Hader played a crucial role in the Padres’ journey to the National League Championship Series, earning him a one-year, $14.1 million deal in his final arbitration-eligible year.

The Astros had been linked to Hader in recent weeks, coinciding with negotiations to retain free-agent setup reliever Hector Neris and addressing Kendall Graveman’s season-ending injury.

Hader, who has primarily served as a closer in recent years, might take on the eighth inning for the Astros, with the current closer Ryan Pressly becoming a free agent after the upcoming season. The newly inked deal for Hader includes full no-trade protection, no opt-outs, and no options. He is set to receive an annual salary of $19 million and can earn an additional $1 million for winning the Reliever of the Year Award, a feat he achieved in 2018, 2019, and 2021. Astros fans can now anticipate an even stronger bullpen with the addition of this top-tier reliever.

Cold Weekend Forecast Followed by Potential Heavy Rainfall Threat Next Week

0

Many residents awoke to sub-freezing temperatures this morning, and the chilly weather is expected to persist throughout the weekend. Today’s high will only reach the mid-to-upper 40s, a pattern likely to continue into tomorrow.

Addressing concerns about more extreme cold in the extended forecast, experts assure that while lows on Saturday morning may dip into the upper 20s/low 30s for most areas, temperatures will rise to the 40s by the afternoon. There’s a possibility of a light freeze again on Sunday morning, with Houston forecasted to drop to 34 degrees.

Looking ahead to the remainder of the weekend, the weather forecast indicates a chilly winter experience, with highs staying in the 40s on both Saturday and Sunday. Cloud cover is expected to increase on Sunday in anticipation of a significant Pacific storm that could bring substantial rainfall to Southeast Texas early in the upcoming work week.

Concerning rainfall predictions for next week, the latest forecast estimates a range of 3-6 inches of rain from Monday to Wednesday. Certain areas may see closer to 8 inches, raising the potential for street flooding. Authorities advise monitoring creeks, bayous, and rivers as the region braces for the impact of the approaching weather system. Stay tuned for updates as the situation evolves.

American Express Green Business Card: What You Need to Know Before You Apply

0

By: Michael Esparza

The American Express green business card is a charge card that offers travel benefits and rewards for business owners. It is one of the oldest and most popular cards in the American Express portfolio, and it has recently undergone some changes to make it more competitive and attractive.

The main features of the American Express green business card are:

  • A welcome bonus of 25,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in the first three
    months of card membership.
  • An annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $95.
  • 2X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com, and 1X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • No preset spending limit, which means the card adapts to your spending habits and credit history.
  • The Pay Over Time option, which allows you to carry a balance with interest on eligible purchases up to a certain limit.
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors Silver status, which gives you a 20% bonus on base points, the fifth night free on award stays, and other perks at Hilton properties.
  • 3% Uber Cash on eligible Uber rides and Uber Eats orders, which you can use for personal Uber services in the U.S.
  • Baggage insurance plan, which covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage in case of loss, damage, or theft when traveling on a common carrier vehicle.
  • Access to the American Express Global Assist Hotline, which provides 24/7 emergency assistance when traveling more than 100 miles from home.

The American Express green business card is a good option for business owners who travel frequently
and want to earn rewards on their spending. The card has a generous welcome bonus, a low annual fee
for the first year, and a flexible spending limit. The card also offers valuable travel benefits, such as Hilton Honors Silver status, Uber Cash, and baggage insurance. The card is accepted at 99% of places in the U.S. that accept credit cards, so you can use it for most of your business expenses.

However, the American Express green business card also has some drawbacks that you should consider before applying. The card has a relatively low earning rate of 1X points on most purchases, except for flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. The card also charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, which makes it less suitable for international travel. The card does not offer any airport lounge access, travel credits, or other premium perks that some other business cards do. The card also requires you to pay your balance in full each month, unless you enroll in the Pay Over Time option, which charges interest and has a limit.

The American Express green business card is a solid choice for business owners who value simplicity, flexibility, and travel rewards. The card has a long history and a loyal customer base, and it has improved its features and benefits over time. The card is best suited for those who book their travel through amextravel.com, stay at Hilton hotels, and use Uber services. The card is not ideal for those who want a higher earning rate, no foreign transaction fees, or more luxury travel benefits. The card is also not recommended for those who need to carry a balance or have a fixed spending limit. The card is a charge card, not a credit card, so it has different terms and conditions that you should understand before applying.

The American Express green business card is a classic card that has evolved to meet the needs of modern business travelers. It is a reliable and rewarding card that offers travel benefits and rewards for business owners. It is one of the many cards in the American Express corporate program, which provides expense management tools, reporting solutions, and customer service for businesses of all sizes. If you are interested in the American Express green business card for your business, you can visit https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/MICHAEVK8q?xl=cp33 to learn more.

Houston ISD Announces Opening of Cullen Military Academy to Support Aspiring Service Members

0

In a recent news release on January 11, Houston Independent School District (HISD) has revealed plans to inaugurate the Cullen Military Academy at Cullen Middle School, catering to students with aspirations of serving in the U.S. military post-graduation. The academy is set to commence operations in the 2024-25 school year.

For the upcoming academic year, the Cullen Military Academy will welcome 100-120 sixth and seventh-grade students from across the district, with plans to expand its enrollment to include eighth graders in the subsequent year.

Highlighting HISD’s commitment to diverse educational options, Superintendent Mike Miles stated, “HISD is known for having a range of educational options, including specialty schools designed to set students on a path to college and careers in fields that interest them.” He added that the new academy would provide additional choices for young individuals eager to pursue a career of service.

The Cullen Military Academy aims to foster leadership qualities through character mentoring, rigorous academics, and community service. Superintendent Miles outlined the academy’s curriculum, which will include specialized courses in leadership and character development, Chinese language studies, as well as career and college exploration. All elective courses will incorporate physical activity, leadership training, and collaboration.

Applicants seeking admission to the academy will be required to commit to a two-year term and adhere to the school’s mission, vision, and the HISD Code of Student Conduct. Superintendent Miles emphasized the academy’s commitment to flexibility in physical fitness standards, ensuring inclusivity to accommodate varying abilities and provide a fair opportunity for success.

Prospective students can submit their applications through the districtwide school choice application process, set to open on January 18. The Cullen Military Academy joins HISD’s array of educational offerings, further expanding opportunities for students to pursue a path of service and avail themselves of the diverse prospects within that field.

Texas Extends Postpartum Medicaid Coverage to One Year for Low-Income Mothers

0

In a significant move aimed at supporting maternal health, low-income mothers in Texas will now have access to Medicaid coverage for one year after childbirth. The federal government approved Texas’ extension request on January 17, marking a positive step towards addressing maternal health concerns in the state.

While Medicaid covered nearly half of Texas births in 2022, the previous postpartum coverage for low-income women was limited to two months. Starting March 1, both new and existing enrollees will be eligible for the extended coverage, providing crucial support to mothers during the first year after giving birth.

Governor Greg Abbott’s office outlined the details of the extension, highlighting that women whose Medicaid coverage expired before March 1 would be automatically re-enrolled. This ensures coverage for 12 months after the conclusion of their pregnancy. The extension is expected to benefit over 137,000 new parents, as reported by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

In addition to prenatal care, Medicaid covers checkups and various services for both mothers and their children. Diana Forester, the director of health policy at Texans Care for Children, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This is a fantastic step forward to support healthy moms and babies.”

Texas becomes the 43rd state to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months. The decision follows a top recommendation from the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Review Committee, which identified rising rates of maternal deaths and severe complications in its 2022 report.

Maternal health advocates have long championed this extension, facing obstacles and debates over coverage for women who had abortions. The legislative journey involved a bipartisan effort led by Rep. Toni Rose, D-Dallas, during the 2023 legislative session. House Bill 12, the result of this effort, emphasizes eligibility for the extension for “mothers whose pregnancies end in the delivery of the child or end in the natural loss of the child.”

However, it’s crucial to note that this section does not hold legal weight, highlighting the complexities surrounding the legislative process.

Rep. Toni Rose emphasized the importance of the extension, stating, “The simple fact of the matter is that only providing new mothers with postpartum care for two months is unacceptable.” Texas Democrats have pledged to continue fighting for further expansions of Medicaid coverage to benefit more Texans.

Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of elected officials and healthcare organizations, Diana Forester expressed gratitude, saying, “Disagreements between elected officials get a lot of attention, but this is an example of how our state legislators really can come together to improve access to health care for Texas families.”

Texans eligible for Medicaid coverage can access their plans and update information at www.yourtexasbenefits.com.

Ravens Face Tough Injury Challenge Against Texans in AFC Divisional Round

0

Despite Being Favored, Baltimore Dealing with Key Injuries Heading into Saturday’s Showdown

In Saturday’s AFC divisional round clash, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves as the favorites by more than a touchdown against the Houston Texans. However, the matchup might not be as one-sided as it appears on paper, considering the Texans’ impressive rebound from an 0-2 start and their recent strong performance.

Houston, led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, secured the AFC South championship after winning 10 of its last 15 regular-season games. Stroud, a former MVP candidate, showcased his potential in the first career playoff game, delivering a stellar performance with 16 of 21 completions for 274 yards, three touchdowns, and zero turnovers. The Texans’ defense added to the dominance with pick-sixes and rendered the Cleveland Browns’ rushing attack ineffective in a convincing 45-14 victory.

The injury report for Saturday’s game adds another layer of intrigue. While both teams are dealing with health concerns, the Ravens seem to be facing more significant challenges. Star tight end Mark Andrews, the team’s leading receiver in three of the past five seasons, returned from a November ankle injury but remains uncertain for the upcoming game. Coach John Harbaugh stated that Andrews’ status is “up in the air,” emphasizing the need for activation off injured reserve by Friday. Andrews was listed as questionable in the latest injury report.

The Ravens’ secondary is grappling with a major setback as Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey has been ruled out for Saturday’s playoff matchup against the Texans. Humphrey, a three-time Pro Bowler, and 2019 first-team All-Pro, sustained a calf injury on December 31 and has not participated in practice since. In his absence, Brandon Stephens and Ronald Darby are expected to step up as the starting cornerbacks.

On the Texans’ side, the health outlook appears more optimistic, with only three players receiving injury designations in Thursday’s report. Defensive end Jerry Hughes is ruled out with an ankle injury, while fullback Andrew Beck and offensive tackle George Fant are listed as questionable.

As the Ravens and Texans gear up for a crucial playoff showdown at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, the uncertainties surrounding key players’ health add an extra layer of anticipation to an already highly anticipated matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT.