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Houston ISD Superintendent Reverses Decision on Principal Evaluation System Following Public Backlash

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Houston ISD Superintendent Reverses Decision on Principal Evaluation System Following Public Backlash

Houston Independent School District (HISD) Superintendent Mike Miles has made a U-turn on the implementation of a contentious aspect of the district’s principal evaluation system, following an intense three-hour public outcry during the board of manager’s meeting on March 21.

Before the meeting convened, 117 district principals received notifications indicating they were at risk of termination based on mid-year screenings conducted through the principal evaluation system. The focal point of contention was a ranking system that would have automatically led to the dismissal of approximately 10% of principals categorized in the lowest tier.

Although the board managers had no plans to vote on the issue during the meeting, approximately 150 community members attended to voice their apprehensions regarding the outcomes of the mid-year screening.

Miles released a statement around 2 a.m. on March 22 after the board’s return from executive session, declaring, “The proficiency screener rating will not be used in the evaluation of principals or other campus administrators in any adverse employment decisions for 2023-24.” He further added, “The superintendent will continue to use instructional data and student achievement data in the exercise of the discretion outlined in board policy.”

Taking a deeper dive into the evaluation system, board managers had sanctioned it in October to determine principal salaries for the 2024-25 academic year. The system categorized principals into six groups, ranging from “Exemplary II” to “Progressing I.” According to the system’s guidelines, principals scoring “Proficient I” or above would retain their positions, while those falling under “Progressing I” would face removal.

While the ranking system won’t influence employment decisions this year, Miles asserted that student achievement data, predominantly derived from test scores, along with instructional data from classroom observations and evaluations, would still play a role in assessing principals’ employment statuses.

At a news conference on March 22, Miles expressed uncertainty regarding whether the district would proceed with terminating 10% of underperforming principals.

In response to the superintendent’s decision, stakeholders weighed in with their perspectives. Elliot Delgado, an 11th-grade student at Carnegie Vanguard High School, expressed concern over his school’s principal not being rated as proficient, citing Carnegie’s outstanding performance. Community member Eileen Harrell criticized the administration, stating her belief that the implementation of the evaluation system was rushed.

Reflecting on the public’s feedback, Miles emphasized its significance in the decision-making process. “There’s no question that the amount of feedback we received from the community at the board meeting is one part and a big part of why the board and I took a lot of time last night to really think through what we were hearing,” he remarked during the news conference. “I think it was good to hear some of the concerns and respond to them in a positive way.”

Texas Showdown: Houston Beats Texas A&M in NCAA Tournament Thriller

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Texas Showdown: Houston Beats Texas A&M in NCAA Tournament Thriller

In a showdown between Lone Star State rivals, the first weekend of the NCAA tournament culminated in a gripping encounter as two Texas teams clashed, delivering a basketball spectacle that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Houston, carrying the mantle of the South Region’s No. 1 seed, showcased their mettle by edging past the resilient No. 9 seed, Texas A&M, in a heart-stopping 100-95 overtime victory on Sunday night. The game, marked by its pulsating intensity, saw the Cougars secure their fifth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance, further solidifying their credentials as formidable contenders.

The contest unfolded as a tale of two halves, with Houston initially asserting dominance, only for Texas A&M to mount a remarkable comeback. Trailing by 12 points with a mere two minutes left in regulation, the Aggies orchestrated a stirring rally, culminating in a buzzer-beating shot that forced the game into overtime. However, Houston, undeterred by the late-game heroics of their opponents, regrouped and ultimately prevailed with a 14-9 scoring run in the extra period.

Looking ahead, Houston’s journey in the tournament continues as they gear up to face off against the No. 4 seed, Duke, in a highly anticipated showdown scheduled for Friday in Dallas.

The game witnessed several key moments that epitomized the competitive spirit of both teams. Backup guard Ryan Elvin’s clutch free throws in the waning seconds of overtime solidified Houston’s victory, while Texas A&M’s valiant efforts to narrow the gap fell just short, despite their spirited performance.

Throughout the game, pivotal plays and momentum swings kept spectators on edge. From Jamal Shead’s electrifying slam dunk to Texas A&M’s relentless late-game surge, each possession carried immense weight, reflecting the high stakes of March Madness basketball.

As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, Houston emerges triumphant, reaffirming their status as a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA tournament. Yet, the resilience displayed by Texas A&M serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of college basketball, where underdogs can defy the odds and rewrite the script at any moment.

With the Sweet 16 on the horizon, basketball enthusiasts await with bated breath as the drama of March Madness unfolds, promising more exhilarating matchups and unforgettable moments on the road to college basketball glory.

12-Year-Old Boy Charged with Aggravated Assault in Stabbing Incident in Harris County

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12-Year-Old Boy Charged with Aggravated Assault in Stabbing Incident in Harris County

A troubling incident unfolded in northwest Harris County on Saturday afternoon, as a 12-year-old boy stands accused of aggravated assault following a stabbing incident involving a woman. According to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, another child, a 7-year-old boy, is not legally responsible for the assault.

The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on April Valley Court near Queenston Boulevard. As of Sunday afternoon, the woman remains in critical condition, although the sheriff’s office could not confirm her current status when contacted.

The sheriff’s office disclosed that the two children had returned to the woman’s residence after a potential earlier confrontation, which ultimately escalated into the stabbing. Surveillance footage shared by a neighbor captured a significant portion of the altercation. In the video, the victim can be seen engaged in an argument with two boys on bicycles in her driveway. A neighbor intervenes, urging the boys to leave the woman alone.

According to witnesses, similar confrontations have occurred in the neighborhood previously.

“We try to keep our patience,” remarked Maddy Monsalve, a longtime neighbor. “We are understanding even though it’s very frustrating, and we all have to call the cops, not just me, other neighbors have too, we try to have patience.”

The children involved in the incident were unharmed. Video evidence depicts the boys returning to the scene wearing surgical gloves before approaching the victim in the driveway. A boy in a red hoodie appears to approach the victim before both children flee.

Subsequently, the victim’s family arrived at the scene, with her brother discovering her condition and promptly contacting emergency services.

“Her brother came [by] just to check up on her, he checks on her daily, at that point he came at the right time. He opened the door and saw she was stabbed,” explained HCSO investigator Sergio Torres.

Deputies indicated that the 59-year-old victim has a history of mental health issues. She was initially transported to the hospital in serious condition and later airlifted to another medical facility.

The incident has left residents concerned for their safety.

“If [the kids] have the ability to go and do that to an older woman who clearly has mental issues, and even our neighbor tells them like, hey leave her alone, she has something, now it’s a concern,” expressed Monsalve.

Texas Longhorns Fall Short Against Tennessee Volunteers, Exit NCAA Tournament

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Texas Longhorns Fall Short Against Tennessee Volunteers, Exit NCAA Tournament

In a hard-fought battle at Spectrum Center on Saturday night, the seventh-seeded Texas Longhorns men’s basketball team saw their NCAA Tournament journey come to an end as they were defeated by the second-seeded Tennessee Volunteers.

Despite a valiant effort, the Longhorns were unable to overcome a double-digit deficit late in the second half, ultimately succumbing to a 62-58 defeat against the Volunteers, who now advance to the Sweet Sixteen.

Throughout the game, Texas struggled to find their rhythm, trailing by nine points at halftime. The team faced shooting woes, with a field goal percentage of just 31% at halftime, coupled with 10 turnovers. In contrast, Tennessee managed to maintain a slim lead despite shooting 29% from the field and a mere 8% from beyond the arc in the first half.

Leading the charge for Texas was guard Tyrese Hunter, who notched a crucial three-point jump shot with just 4.2 seconds remaining in the game, finishing with a team-high 13 points. Forward Dylan Disu contributed 12 points and four rebounds, while guard Chendall Weaver provided a spark off the bench with 13 points.

Adding to the intensity of the matchup was the presence of Tennessee’s head coach, Rick Barnes, who previously helmed the Longhorns from 1998 to 2015, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the contest.

The Longhorns entered the game fresh off a convincing 56-44 victory over No. 10 Colorado State in the tournament’s opening round. However, despite their previous success, Texas struggled to maintain momentum against Tennessee, particularly plagued by turnovers, totaling 16 for the game.

While the loss marks the end of Texas’ tournament run, the team showcased resilience and determination throughout the game, demonstrating their competitive spirit against a formidable opponent in Tennessee.

Potential Severe Storms Looming for Southeast Texas: Here’s What to Expect

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Potential Severe Storms Looming for Southeast Texas: Here’s What to Expect

Following last Thursday’s drenching rainfall in Southeast Texas, which inundated Houston with over 1.5 inches of rain, a new weather system is brewing in the western United States, heralding the likelihood of another round of storms and potentially severe weather by Monday. Here’s a breakdown of what residents can anticipate in the coming days.

Sunday’s Outlook:

Ahead of the anticipated storm activity, Sunday is forecasted to remain dry across southeast Texas. However, changes are on the horizon as moisture levels increase. Despite starting with mostly sunny conditions, clouds are expected to blanket the region throughout the day. Additionally, wind speeds will elevate, reaching up to 20 mph in Houston during the afternoon, with gusts potentially exceeding 30 mph.

Temperatures will hover around 60 degrees early in the morning, gradually climbing to the low 70s by the afternoon, slightly below the seasonal average for late March.

While precipitation is not anticipated in Houston on Sunday, Central Texas may experience late-night storm development, which will progress eastward, impacting East and Southeast Texas by Monday.

Severe Weather Threat:

On Monday morning, scattered thunderstorms are likely to emerge in Houston, particularly after 8 a.m. By late morning to early afternoon, a line of storms is expected to traverse the area. Although a widespread severe weather outbreak isn’t foreseen, isolated storms could yield damaging hail and gusty winds.

The Storm Prediction Center indicates that the Houston metro area faces a level 1 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms on Monday, suggesting the potential for isolated severe impacts. The system is anticipated to be fast-moving, thus limiting overall rainfall accumulation. However, the strongest storms could bring higher rainfall totals, with areas in far East Texas, including Port Arthur and Beaumont, under a level 2 risk.

By late afternoon and evening, the storm activity is projected to shift eastward, impacting Louisiana and Arkansas.

What’s on the Horizon:

Following Monday’s storm activity, a relatively tranquil weather pattern is expected for much of the upcoming week. Tuesday is slated for sunny skies and rising temperatures into the mid-70s. Wednesday may see a slight dip in temperatures and a marginal chance of rain due to a weak low-pressure system, albeit without significant impacts.

Thursday and Friday are forecasted to remain calm as high pressure settles in, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the mid to upper 70s, aligning with typical late March conditions.

Former President Trump Faces Deadline to Secure Bond for Civil Fraud Judgment

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Former President Trump Faces Deadline to Secure Bond for Civil Fraud Judgment

Former President Donald Trump is under increasing pressure as the deadline approaches for him to secure a bond to cover the substantial civil fraud judgment against him. Trump and his legal team are in a race against time to meet the Monday deadline imposed by Judge Arthur Engoron in a multimillion-dollar case brought by the New York Attorney General’s office.

The judgment, amounting to over $454 million personally owed by Trump, with additional sums owed by his sons and the Trump Organization, has raised the stakes in a legal battle that has gripped the nation’s attention. With interest, the total amount owed balloons to $463.9 million.

Legal experts have suggested that failure to secure the required bond could lead to the initiation of asset seizure proceedings by the Attorney General’s office. This would involve targeting Trump’s various assets, including properties, vehicles, and financial holdings.

In response to the looming deadline, Trump has petitioned a state appeals court to either reduce the bond amount or eliminate it entirely, citing potential irreparable harm if forced to sell properties prematurely.

If Trump fails to secure the bond, state prosecutors could move swiftly to seize his bank accounts, which experts believe would be the most immediate and effective course of action. Seizing other assets, such as properties and businesses, would involve a more protracted legal process.

Assets held out of state, notably Trump’s properties in Florida, present additional challenges for state prosecutors. However, legal maneuvers are already underway to facilitate asset seizure proceedings in New York.

The potential impact on iconic Trump properties, such as Mar-a-Lago, remains uncertain, with legal experts suggesting that a contentious legal battle over residency rights could ensue.

Bankruptcy has been posited as a last-resort option for Trump, although it carries significant implications for debt collection efforts.

As the deadline looms, questions have arisen regarding Trump’s financial liquidity, particularly following claims made on the Truth Social platform regarding his available cash reserves. However, discrepancies between Trump’s assertions and his legal team’s statements have added to the uncertainty surrounding his financial standing.

With the clock ticking, the pressure is mounting on Trump and his legal team to navigate the complexities of the legal system and secure the necessary bond to stave off potential asset seizure. As the legal battle intensifies, the outcome remains uncertain, with significant implications for Trump’s financial future and the broader political landscape.

Ricky Martin Returns to Acting in Star-Studded Series “Palm Royale”

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Ricky Martin Returns to Acting in Star-Studded Series “Palm Royale”

Renowned as the “king of Latin pop,” Ricky Martin is making a triumphant return to the world of acting, trading melodies for the spotlight in the star-studded miniseries “Palm Royale,” set to debut on Apple TV+ this Wednesday.

At 52 years old, Martin is set to clash with Oscar nominee Kristen Wiig in the comedy-drama, portraying Robert Diaz, a bartender at the prestigious Palm Beach resort. The series, set in 1969, follows Wiig’s character, Maxine Simmons, as she navigates the exclusive social circles of Palm Beach in her quest to gain entry to the high society resort club where Diaz works.

In a recent interview with NBC News, Martin revealed the dynamic between his character and Wiig’s, highlighting their initial animosity rooted in their striking similarities. Exploring themes of social segregation, the miniseries serves as a poignant reflection of societal divisions, both past and present.

“Palm Royale” juxtaposes the opulence of Palm Beach’s elite against the backdrop of burgeoning social movements advocating for change. Martin hopes the series will prompt viewers to confront the masks they wear and embrace authenticity in pursuit of true happiness.

Off-screen, Martin’s storied career spans music and acting. From his early days in the Puerto Rican boy band Menudo to global pop stardom, Martin has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Now, with “Palm Royale,” he seeks to broaden his acting horizons, building on past successes in theater and music.

Reflecting on his journey, Martin expressed gratitude for the opportunities that have shaped his career, from his teenage foray into television to his acclaimed Broadway performances. With “Palm Royale,” Martin endeavors to captivate audiences with impactful storytelling that transcends musical boundaries.

“As I embark on this new chapter in my career, I’m eager to delve deeper into the realm of acting, exploring complex emotions and narratives,” Martin shared. “Through ‘Palm Royale,’ I aim to provoke thought and inspire viewers to embrace their true selves.”

With his magnetic presence and boundless talent, Ricky Martin’s return to acting promises to be a captivating journey, inviting audiences to join him on an emotional exploration of identity and belonging in the glamorous world of “Palm Royale.”

NASA Prepares for Potential Collision in 2182 as Massive Asteroid Bennu Alters Shape

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NASA Prepares for Potential Collision in 2182 as Massive Asteroid Bennu Alters Shape

NASA has issued a concerning warning: an asteroid larger than the Empire State Building is hurtling towards Earth on a direct trajectory. Known as Bennu, this colossal space rock, estimated to be 4.5 billion years old, is anticipated to perform a close flyby in the year 2182. Despite NASA’s assertion that the likelihood of a collision is only 0.05 percent, the agency is actively working on contingency plans for this potentially catastrophic scenario.

In a groundbreaking maneuver in October 2022, NASA conducted its inaugural Double Asteroid Deflection Test (DART), successfully diverting the trajectory of the asteroid Dimorphos by deliberately impacting it with a spacecraft. This week, scientists revealed astonishing findings: the shape of Bennu has undergone a remarkable transformation. Shantanu Naidu of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory described the alteration, noting that Bennu has shifted from a relatively symmetrical object to a “triaxial ellipsoid,” resembling an elongated watermelon.

This isn’t NASA’s first encounter with Bennu. Since its discovery in 1999, Bennu has made at least six close approaches to Earth. Notably, in September 2023, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft returned to Earth after a seven-year odyssey spanning nearly 3.9 billion miles. Its mission? To collect samples from Bennu’s surface, offering insights into asteroid deflection strategies and shedding light on solar system formation.

An alarming observation was made in 2019 when Bennu was seen ejecting particles from its surface. Further analysis by scientists at the University of Arizona revealed intriguing compositions on Bennu, including magnesium phosphate and glycine—components crucial for life on Earth. Additionally, water-bearing minerals and phyllosilicates suggest Bennu may have originated from an ocean-covered world conducive to life.

Samples collected from Bennu are now on public display in Texas, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. Meanwhile, the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has embarked on a new mission to investigate the asteroid Apophis, rechristened OSIRIS-APEX.

As NASA continues its meticulous study of Bennu and its implications for Earth, uncertainties loom. Tim McCoy of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History emphasizes that much remains unknown, underscoring the urgency of ongoing research efforts.

Texas Braces for Rare Total Solar Eclipse: TxDOT Prepares for Traffic Surge

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Texas Braces for Rare Total Solar Eclipse: TxDOT Prepares for Traffic Surge

As anticipation mounts for next month’s rare total solar eclipse, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) gears up for an unprecedented influx of visitors, preparing to manage increased traffic across the state.

For Martin Lazo, lead of TxDOT’s Highway Emergency Response Operator team, the memory of the 2023 annular eclipse remains vivid. The eerie darkness that enveloped the sky during the midday hours left an indelible impression. Now, as Texas braces for its first total solar eclipse since 1878, Lazo and his team are poised to handle the anticipated surge in traffic.

“We’re accustomed to operating in low-light conditions,” remarks Lettie Casares, senior operator of the HERO team, emphasizing their readiness for the upcoming celestial event.

With preparations spanning two years, TxDOT aims to ensure smooth traffic flow and enhanced safety measures during the eclipse. Spanning 480 miles across Texas, the “path of totality” is expected to witness heavy traffic before, during, and after the event.

Matthew Heinze, TxDOT’s emergency management coordinator, underscores the significance of the eclipse, anticipating a million visitors traversing Texas to witness the rare phenomenon.

Collaborating with multiple state agencies, TxDOT orchestrates a comprehensive response plan, deploying crews equipped with traffic control tools and messaging signage. Special attention is given to highway safety, with reminders urging motorists to refrain from stopping on highways to view the eclipse.

To facilitate traffic management, TxDOT halts certain road construction and maintenance activities along major corridors during the eclipse period, ensuring smoother travel experiences for commuters.

Amidst preparations, TxDOT urges public cooperation and proactive planning. Travelers are advised to anticipate heavier traffic and plan their routes accordingly. DriveTexas.org offers real-time traffic updates to aid travelers in navigating congestion.

Emphasizing safety, TxDOT encourages viewers to find designated parking spots before the eclipse and refrain from impeding traffic flow. A courteous and patient attitude on the road is emphasized, alongside environmental stewardship to preserve Texas’ natural beauty.

Aware of potential challenges, Lazo and Casares advise eclipse viewers to arrive early at their designated spots to avoid congestion. Patience and cooperation are sought from motorists to facilitate emergency response efforts.

The eclipse’s trajectory will enter Texas at the Mexico-U.S. border near Eagle Pass, progressing across the state and exiting near Texarkana. Totality durations vary by location, with major cities such as Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, and Fort Worth in the eclipse’s path.

Here are the times of totality for select cities:

  • Eagle Pass: 1:27 p.m.
  • Uvalde: 1:29 p.m.
  • San Antonio: 1:33 p.m.
  • Austin: 1:36 p.m.
  • Waco: 1:38 p.m.
  • Dallas and Fort Worth: 1:40 p.m.
  • Tyler: 1:43 p.m.
  • Texarkana: 1:46 p.m.

Digital kiosks at TxDOT Travel Information Centers will disseminate eclipse information, while highway signs will convey safety messages to motorists.

For further details and travel resources, including driving tips and agency collaborations, visit www.txdot.gov/discover/texas-eclipse-2024.html as Texas prepares for this extraordinary celestial event.

Houston Astros to Introduce Facial Recognition Entry System for Fans

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Houston Astros to Introduce Facial Recognition Entry System for Fans

As the baseball season draws near, the Houston Astros are set to pioneer Major League Baseball’s Go-Ahead Entry system, offering fans a hands-free and efficient means of entry into Minute Maid Park using facial recognition technology.

Following a successful pilot phase at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia last year, the Go-Ahead Entry system will be fully operational at all entry gates of Minute Maid Park. Fans will witness its debut during the Astros’ upcoming exhibition game against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys scheduled for Monday at 7:10 p.m.

While traditional ticketing options remain available, the convenience and speed of the Go-Ahead Entry system may sway fans’ preferences. However, privacy concerns linger among some, given the use of artificial intelligence to scan fans’ selfie photos for entry. Assuaging these concerns, MLB senior vice president Karri Zaremba assures that the system does not retain fans’ images but rather stores a token on their ballpark app account.

To ensure smooth implementation, only fans aged 18 or older can register with the system, while those under 18 must have their tickets loaded onto the app by someone of legal age. This feature facilitates family entry, allowing parents to manage tickets for their children within the app.

Astros senior vice president of business operations, Marcel Braithwaite, anticipates widespread adoption of the technology across ballparks, citing its convenience for families and fans alike. Unlike previous facial recognition systems, the Go-Ahead Entry offers a seamless, free-flowing entry process without the need for fans to pause for scanning.

To guide fans unfamiliar with the system, Go-Ahead Entry ambassadors will be stationed at each gate entrance. For those eager to utilize the technology, here’s a simple guide:

Step 1: Download the MLB Ballpark app and enroll in the Go-Ahead Entry system, which will prompt you to take a selfie. Step 2: Accept your tickets via email linked to your MLB Ballpark app account. Step 3: Ensure all tickets are downloaded onto the app and proceed through the designated “Go-Ahead Entry” lane for seamless entry into Minute Maid Park.

With its debut, the Go-Ahead Entry system marks a significant stride towards enhancing fan experience and streamlining entry processes at MLB ballparks.

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