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Gulf Coast Braces for Worst Crawfish Season in Decades

Crawfish enthusiasts along the Gulf Coast are facing disappointment this season as a perfect storm of factors has led to a significant shortage in supply. As the much-anticipated crawfish season gets underway, farmers and restaurateurs are grappling with the fallout, leaving many wondering when they’ll be able to indulge in their favorite Cajun delicacy.

Last summer’s harsh conditions in Louisiana, where the majority of crawfish production in the U.S. occurs, dealt a severe blow to the industry. Record-breaking drought and scorching temperatures, compounded by a lack of freshwater to flood the fields, hampered crawfish reproduction efforts. The devastating impact of these challenges has led to an estimated 60 percent loss in Louisiana’s $230 million crawfish industry.

Scott Broussard, owner of Acadia Crawfish, a major distributor based in Crowley, Louisiana, highlighted the severity of the situation, expressing disbelief at the extent of the shortage. Despite efforts to source crawfish, Broussard’s supply remains significantly diminished, prompting concerns about the viability of Louisiana’s crawfish farming sector.

Meanwhile, Texas crawfish farmers are also feeling the strain, although to a lesser extent. While extreme weather events have impacted harvests in the Lone Star State, factors such as geographical advantages and innovative farming practices have mitigated some of the losses. Nevertheless, the looming specter of climate change poses ongoing challenges for the industry.

As demand for crawfish remains high, restaurants are feeling the squeeze. Dan Meaux, owner of Crawfish Shack near Houston, made the difficult decision to close temporarily due to skyrocketing prices. Others, like Doug Clothier of Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp in Beaumont, are holding out for more affordable wholesale prices before adding crawfish to their menus.

Despite the uncertainty, some restaurateurs, like Houston chef Tony Nguyen, remain determined to meet customer demand, even at personal cost. Nguyen’s commitment to providing crawfish, albeit at a higher price, underscores the cultural significance of this beloved seafood tradition, even in the face of adversity.

As the crawfish season unfolds, communities along the Gulf Coast are grappling with the implications of this unprecedented shortage, raising concerns about the future of a cherished culinary tradition.

Drake Joins Bun B’s All-American Takeover Concert Lineup at Houston Rodeo

Houston’s own Bun B has added another heavyweight to his already star-studded lineup for the All-American Takeover concert at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: none other than the chart-topping rapper, Drake.

In a social media post on Friday morning, Bun B teased fans with a semi-cryptic image of the OVO owl donning a cowboy hat adorned with the UGK logo, hinting at Drake’s upcoming performance. With the caption “IF YOU’RE READING THIS IT’S TOO LATE,” the message was clear: tickets for the March 12 concert are officially sold out, although resale options are available.

Continuing the tradition of electrifying performances, Bun B has curated an impressive lineup featuring Eve, Nelly, Rick Ross, Too Short, E-40, That Mexican OT, and the Ying Yang Twins, promising an unforgettable night of entertainment on the rodeo’s iconic star-shaped stage.

This marks Bun B’s third rodeo takeover, following the success of his previous editions. In 2022, the “H Town Takeover” showcased a stellar lineup of emerging Houston talent alongside industry veterans like Willie D, Devin the Dude, Slim Thug, and LeToya Luckett. The 2023 edition, dubbed the “Southern Takeover,” featured an array of artists from across the region, including Erykah Badu, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, Scarface, and Big Mike.

Drake’s connection to Houston runs deep, with the city playing a pivotal role in his rise to fame. Introduced to Lil Wayne by Houston’s own Jas Prince, Drake found mentorship and inspiration in the Bayou City’s vibrant music scene. Paying homage to his roots, Drake has frequently referenced Houston in his music, cementing his affinity for the city and its suburbs in hits like “Houstatlantavegas” and “Desires,” which name-drop Katy, Texas.

Texas Panhandle Blaze Ignited by Power Lines Leaves Trail of Destruction, Questions Arise Over Utility Company Role

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Tragedy struck the Texas Panhandle as massive wildfires, fueled by downed power lines, ravaged the region, claiming at least two lives and devastating homes, livestock, and land. According to officials on Thursday, the wildfires, including the largest in state history, were ignited by power lines, exacerbating an already dire situation.

The Texas A&M Forest Service identified the historic Smokehouse Creek fire, spanning nearly 1,700 square miles, and the Windy Deuce fire, covering approximately 225 square miles, as originating from power line ignitions. While utility provider Xcel Energy acknowledged its equipment’s role in sparking the Smokehouse Creek fire, it denied involvement in the Windy Deuce fire.

The blazes, which erupted amidst high winds and dry conditions, prompted evacuations and widespread destruction, with as many as 500 structures destroyed and thousands of cattle perishing. Despite containment progress, the Forest Service warned of continued fire danger due to forecasted high winds.

Downed power lines have been implicated in previous wildfires, raising concerns about infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols. A lawsuit filed against Xcel Energy alleged negligence in maintaining utility poles, with claims of degraded equipment posing fire hazards.

While the full reports on the wildfires’ causes are awaited, the devastating impact on communities like Fritch, which has endured previous wildfire disasters, underscores the urgent need for accountability and preventative measures. Dale Smith, a rancher in the affected area, lamented the recurring devastation, emphasizing the toll on lives and livelihoods.

As investigations into the wildfires continue, questions loom over utility infrastructure maintenance and regulatory oversight, highlighting the pressing need for comprehensive solutions to mitigate future disasters in Texas and beyond.

Texas Congressmen Fight Bill Proposing National Grid Connection and Away From ERCOT

A group of Texas congressmen is gearing up to challenge a proposed bill aiming to link the state’s power grid to the national grid. Set to be introduced this Friday, the resolution is co-sponsored by U.S. House members Randy Weber, Troy Nehls, Pat Fallon, and John Carter, as revealed by The Hill.

Echoing sentiments expressed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the resolution asserts that state authorities, not the federal government, are best positioned to assess proposals regarding the state’s power infrastructure. It denounces any efforts to federalize Texas electricity markets, emphasizing the authority vested in state regulators by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) and the state legislature.

“In Texas, we proudly maintain our own electric grid, overseen by Texans, not the federal government, and we intend to keep it that way,” stated Randy Weber to The Hill, emphasizing the importance of state control over the grid.

The resolution comes in response to the “Connect the Grid Act,” introduced last month by Texas Rep. Greg Casar and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. This bill advocates for connecting ERCOT to the larger U.S. electric grid, citing benefits such as cost savings, improved resilience during weather events, and advancement of national climate goals.

Rep. Casar rebuked critics of the bill, dismissing claims of a “pro-blackouts caucus” and highlighting the need for enhanced grid connectivity to prevent future power outages. He emphasized that the proposed legislation would not transfer control of the grid from ERCOT to federal authorities but would instead provide additional oversight to ensure fair pricing and effective transmission planning.

The debate over grid connectivity has gained prominence following the devastation caused by Winter Storm Uri, which plunged millions of Texans into darkness in February 2021. Supporters of the bill argue that integration with national grids would bolster resilience, while opponents emphasize the importance of state sovereignty in managing Texas’ power infrastructure.

Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon and Expo on April 12th

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Join us for an extraordinary event! The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Luncheon & Business Expo, on April 12th at the Hilton Americas – Houston, is an unmissable opportunity to connect with over 2,000 industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers.

Experience the largest business luncheon & expo in Houston, featuring remarks from local and national leaders, highlighting the Chamber’s impactful work on our economy. Explore the Business Expo with 80+ exhibitors showcasing their services & products. Plus, sponsorship includes a 1-year membership.

Don’t miss out on this networking extravaganza, with Que Onda Magazine as the media sponsor.

President Biden Presents Case for Re-election in State of the Union Address

President Biden addressed a divided Congress and nation in his third State of the Union speech, making a case for why he should serve another term. Without explicitly naming his predecessor, Biden contrasted his administration’s approach with that of former President Trump, focusing on domestic challenges like immigration and international issues such as the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Key Points from the Address

Reproductive Health Care: Biden pledged to restore nationwide access to abortion rights if re-elected. He called on lawmakers to protect in vitro fertilization (IVF) nationally, particularly in response to recent developments like the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision. Biden emphasized the political power of women in defending reproductive freedoms.

The Economy: Despite public pessimism about the economy, Biden highlighted job growth, efforts to curb inflation, and initiatives to boost infrastructure and manufacturing. Acknowledging concerns about high housing costs, Biden promised to work on passing a tax credit to assist homeowners and stressed the importance of investing in education for economic prosperity.

The War: Biden promised relentless efforts to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas since October 7. He affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas while also urging the protection of innocent civilians. Biden announced plans for the US military to establish a temporary port on Gaza’s coast to deliver humanitarian aid, responding to warnings from the UN about a looming famine crisis.

Other Developments: During the address, Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene interrupted Biden on immigration, drawing attention to the death of UGA student Laken Riley. Biden faced criticism for engaging with Greene and using the term “illegals” to refer to undocumented migrants. In the GOP response, Senator Katie Britt criticized Biden’s handling of the border crisis, economy, crime, and foreign policy, positioning the Republican Party as the preferred choice for families.

Conclusion

President Biden’s State of the Union address was a critical moment for his leadership, particularly amid concerns about his age and mental fitness. As the November election approaches, Biden outlined his vision for a second term, aiming to win over a public wary of a potential rematch between him and former President Trump. Whether Biden’s message resonates with voters remains to be seen.

#FugitiveFriday – March 8, 2024

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In an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe, Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help locating the following individuals that have active Felony and/or Misdemeanor Warrants.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of the suspects featured. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

All warrants are active at the time this press release was created and is subject to change. Crime Stoppers of Houston and this news organization are not making any legal claims that this is the most current legal status.

The following individuals all have active warrants as of March 7, 2024 at 3:30 pm.

MELISSA A BADLAMW/F      10-29-89      5’07”/110 Lbs.       Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1831055, 1831054
FRAUD USE/POSS CRDIT/DEBIT CAR
UNAUTH USE OF VEHICLE
Last known location: Houston Texas
BLAKE JACKSON BRYANTW/M      09-16-80      5’11”/180 Lbs.      Red/Bro
Warrant #: 1841228, 1841231, 1841230, 1841229
FORGERY GOVERNMENT INSTRUMENT
UNAUTH USE OF VEHICLE
FRAUD/USE/POSS ID INFO-LESS 5
UNL POSS FIREARM BY FELON WFZ
Last known location: Austin Texas
AMIE LYNN GORDONW/F      06-06-84      5’07”/195 Lbs.      Bro/Grn
Warrant #: 1835055, 1836509
TAMPER GOVT RECORD-HARM
BAIL JUMP-FAIL TO APP-FEL
Last known location: Houston Texas
TYLER DALE HONEYCUTTW/M      04-25-91      6’00”/210 Lbs.      Bln/Haz
Warrant #: 1852047
UNAUTH USE OF VEHICLE 
Last known location: Channelview Texas
XAVIER JACOB NAVARROW/M      07-10-00      5’02”/145 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1804008
ENGAGING IN ORG CRIM ACTIVITY
Last known location: Houston Texas
BREANNA LASHAE NICHOLASB/F      08-29-96      5’05”/159 Lbs.      Blk/Haz
Warrant #: 1819961
ENDANGERING A CHILD
Last known location: Cypress Texas
TYRONE EDWARD ROSSB/M      04-23-68      5’07”/200 Lbs.      Bld/Bro
Warrant #: 1846021
FORGERY       
Last known location: Houston Texas
ERICKA SANCHEZW/F      06-11-81      5’05”/145 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1682206
PROB VIOL CONTINUOUS VIOL AGAINST THE FAMILY
Last known location: Houston Texas
JUSTIN LETRAE SIMMONSB/M      04-26-94      6’02”/171 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1848786
SEXUAL ASSAULT   
Last known location: Humble Texas
JOELLE KAYE SMITHB/F      06-02-94      4’11”/170 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1731131
ROBBERY-BODILY INJURY
Last known location: Carthage Texas

Renowned Dragon Ball Z Creator Akira Toriyama Passes Away at 68

Acclaimed Japanese manga artist Akira Toriyama, best known for his groundbreaking creation “Dragon Ball,” passed away on March 1 due to complications from an acute subdural hematoma. Toriyama’s death was confirmed by the official “Dragon Ball” website, which issued a statement expressing deep regret and honoring the creator’s remarkable contributions to the world of manga.

In the statement released by Bird Studio, which oversees Toriyama’s works, it was lamented that the artist had several ongoing projects that he was passionately involved in. The studio expressed gratitude for the support Toriyama received over his illustrious 45-year career and hoped that his unique creative legacy would continue to be cherished by fans worldwide.

Toriyama rose to prominence in the late 1970s with his hit series “Dr. Slump,” which garnered critical acclaim and won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award in 1981. However, it was with the introduction of “Dragon Ball” in 1984 that Toriyama achieved global recognition and solidified his status as a manga icon. “Dragon Ball” went on to become one of the best-selling manga series of all time, revolutionizing the genre and captivating audiences worldwide with its captivating storytelling and dynamic characters.

Despite his monumental success with “Dragon Ball,” Toriyama’s artistic contributions extended beyond the beloved franchise. He lent his talent to various one-shot manga projects and collaborated on character designs for renowned video game titles such as “Chrono Trigger” and the “Dragon Quest” series.

In the 2010s, Toriyama made a triumphant return to “Dragon Ball,” contributing to the screenplay of the highly anticipated film “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.” His involvement in subsequent film adaptations, including the latest installment, “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero,” underscored his enduring influence on the franchise.

A private funeral service has already been held for Toriyama, with the artist survived by his wife, Yoshimi Katō, and their two children. His passing marks the end of an era in manga history, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of fans around the world.

BREAKING: Passengers Evacuated from United Airlines Plane at George Bush Intercontinental Airport

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In a morning incident at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, passengers were evacuated from a United Airlines plane, as confirmed by the Houston Airport System (HAS). The flight, originating from Memphis, experienced a mishap upon leaving the runway to approach the gate, veering off into the grass, according to United Airlines.

Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among passengers. Prompt evacuation procedures were implemented, with passengers safely transported to the terminal. Despite the incident, operations at the airport remained unaffected, stated United Airlines. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been duly informed.

With this occurrence marking the third incident involving United Airlines this week, concerns have been raised regarding the airline’s safety protocols. On Thursday, a tire detached from a United flight departing from San Francisco. Earlier in the week, a United flight departing from Houston encountered engine troubles, prompting a return to the airport due to flames emanating from one of its engines.

As investigations continue into today’s incident, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and security of passengers and airport operations. Further updates will be provided as the situation unfolds.

United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Fire Midair

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A United Airlines flight bound for Florida was forced to make an emergency landing this week after one of its engines caught fire shortly after takeoff.

The incident occurred on Monday evening as Flight 1118 departed from George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 6:40 p.m. The flight was en route to Southwest Florida International Airport before the engine malfunction occurred.

Thankfully, there were no reported injuries resulting from the incident, according to a United spokesperson who spoke to USA TODAY on Thursday.

“United flight 1118 returned to Houston shortly after takeoff due to an engine issue. The flight landed safely, and the passengers deplaned normally,” United stated in a release to USA TODAY.

Despite the frightening ordeal, passengers remained safe as the plane made its emergency landing. Video footage shared on social media captured the harrowing moments, showing flames erupting from the aircraft’s left engine.

One passenger, @jboulah, expressed gratitude for the safe landing in a social media post following the incident.

David Gruninger, another passenger aboard the flight, recounted the terrifying experience to KTRK-TV in Houston. “I remember there was just this bright, flashing light that came through the window, and it sounded like a bomb went off, and then it was just a strobe of fire out the window,” Gruninger shared.

Despite the disruption to their travel plans, United Airlines swiftly arranged for a new aircraft, allowing passengers to continue their journey to Fort Myers later that evening.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise during air travel, underscoring the importance of safety protocols and quick action in ensuring the well-being of passengers and crew.