|
WANTED: Suspect responsible for Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Doctor discusses future of pandemic as hospitalizations decline
The chief physician executive at Memorial Hermann Health System spoke about the near future of the COVID-19 pandemic and what we could expect to see in the coming weeks.
The omicron variant dominated the latest wave of COVID cases and nearly pushed Texas hospitals to its breaking point with record-breaking numbers of cases and hospitalizations, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Dr. James McCarthy, a chief physician executive and executive vice president for Memorial Hermann, said, collectively, its hospital staff is starting to see signs of relief from the latest surge.
“We’re seeing the testing positivity, the number of new cases, all of those (numbers) are trending down,” McCarthy said. “Also, we are very comforted by what we are seeing in the city of Houston’s wastewater data, where they’ve shown a dramatic drop in the viral load locally over the last couple of weeks. We use that as an early indicator for what’s going to happen with hospitalizations over the weeks to come, so we’re feeling very optimistic that we’ve created this wave. We feel like the hospitals have weathered this storm again.”
According to the Texas Medical Center, Houston-area hospitals saw a .08% decrease in COVID hospitalizations the week of Jan. 17.
Harris County Public Health reports its positivity rate is 27.7% as of Friday and on Jan. 10, Judge Lina Hidalgo raised the county’s COVID-19 threat level to red “severe,” the highest placement on the scale.
McCarthy said the Memorial Hermann hospital systems numbers have slowly declined, and its number of intake patients has decreased 10% since the peak of the wave two weeks ago.
“For the next several months, we think the local conditions should continue to improve,” said McCarthy. “Cases will continue to fall. We have a large portion of the greater Houston area that’s either vaccinated, or has had omicron, or had both. We think that the level of immunity in the community is much higher than it’s ever been before, and that’s relatively protective from a large outbreak happening again.”
He said what could change is the possibility of another variant.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, new variants of the virus are expected to occur. This week, the World Health Organization and the CDC stated the latest omicron subvariant was not listed as a variant of concern and there are reports of very low circulation in the United States.
“If we have another wave, it’s very dependent on variants,” McCarthy said, “If a new variant sidesteps some of the immunity that we’ve generated either from vaccines and boosters or from the bit of natural immunity people have. If we have a new variant that sidesteps that, we could have another large wave coming again.”
McCarthy said there is still time to get vaccinated or get your booster shot.
“We should not believe that even though the wave is declining, that we’re past this yet,” McCarthy said. “We’re headed in a good space, but we still need to be cautious and take precautions, especially if you’re medically vulnerable.”
source: abc13
Muere Diego Verdaguer, cantante mexico-argentino a los 70 años
El cantante de origen argentino, Diego Verdaguer, murió esta noche a los 70 años de edad, en la ciudad de Los Angeles, California. Las primeras versiones hablan de complicaciones a causa del covid-19. En la cuenta de redes sociales del cantante también de nacionalidad mexicana quien diera voz al clásico ‘Volveré’ se confirmó al deceso. Al cantante se le detectó el virus de la covid-19 a finales del año pasado y tuvo que ser hospitalizado. Verdaguer falleció en la ciudad de Los Ángeles, Estados Unidos y la familia anunció que en ese mismo lugar será cremado. “Por el profundo dolor que ha causado su partida, su familia ha decidido despedirlo en privado y pasar este difícil momento en tranquilidad y recogimiento. Posteriormente organizarán un acto público”, informó la compañía discográfica Diam Music en un comunicado.
Su esposa, la también cantante Amanda Miguel dedicó un mensaje en la red social Twitter escribiendo “siempre te amaré”. El último tuit que el cantante había emitido en su cuenta fue dedicado a ella con una canción.
Su hija, la también cantante Ana Victoria tambié le dedicó en redes sociales un mensaje de despedida a su padre.
Una historia de éxito de más de 50 años Durante las más de cinco décadas de su trayectoria musical, Verdaguer compuso más de 50 canciones populares que impactaron a la comunidad y produjo 20 discos, entre ellos varios de su esposa Amanda Miguel. La trayectoria de Verdaguer comenzó desde los 17 años, cuando grabó su primer sencillo como solista ‘Lejos del amor’, que marcaría el inicio de una prolífica carrera musical.
Source: milenio
Why the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t hit endgame yet
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70437505/AP22024563870526.0.jpg)
The news: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), said Monday that it’s dangerous to assume the omicron variant would signal the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, per Reuters.
- He said “ending the acute phase of the pandemic must remain our collective priority.”
- “There are different scenarios for how the pandemic could play out and how the acute phase could end. But it’s dangerous to assume that omicron will be the last variant or that we are in the endgame,” he added.
- “On the contrary, globally, the conditions are ideal for more variants to emerge.”
Why this matters: Many experts have expressed omicron’s transmissibility as a potential COVID-19 endgame. But the WHO’s comments signal the pandemic may not end anytime soon.
Flashback: There’s been an ongoing theory that the omicron variant could lead to the end of the pandemic because the variant is more contagious and transmissible than other variants, as I reported for Deseret News.
- “The theory is that, if a less virulent strain becomes dominant, more people will become infected but fewer will be critically sick,” according to The Sydney Morning Herald. “The virus, while still a problem, also becomes part of the solution; every person who recovers from a mild case is left with greater immunity against future infections than any of the current vaccines provide.”
WANTED: Driver responsible for Hit and Run which left victim dead
|
3 Houston Officers Shot, Stable After ‘Chaotic’ Chase, Shootout; Gunman Arrested
A man has been arrested after shooting three Houston police officers during a chase, which ended in a standoff situation at a home near downtown.All three officers are in stable condition and their injuries were considered non-life-threatening. One was shot in the foot, one was shot in the leg and one was shot in the arm. All three were being treated at Memorial Hermann Hospital.
The incident began about 2:40 p.m. Thursday with a report of a disturbance involving a weapon, and a chase apparently followed. The gunman, later identified as 31-year-old Roland Caballero, crashed during the chase and as he jumped out of the car, he opened fire on the officers pursuing him. The officers returned fire on Caballero.
Moments later, Caballero carjacked a driver at gunpoint and led police on a chase to a home.
Gunfire again rang out between officers and Caballero at the home in the 2100 block of McGowen Street, which is just south of downtown in the Greater Third Ward neighborhood.
Caballero remained barricaded inside the home until 8 p.m. Thursday when he was taken into custody by police.
Governor Greg Abbott released a statement about the shootings Thursday night.
“The state of Texas grieves at the news of yet another violent attack on our law enforcement officers, this time on three members of the Houston Police Department who were shot this afternoon while serving their community. Violence against the police will never be tolerated in the Lone Star State. The State of Texas will ensure that the City of Houston and the Houston Police Department have the resources and support they need to ensure swift justice for the perpetrator. Please join Cecilia and me in praying for the officers who were shot and injured, as well as for the safety of all law enforcement who serve and protect our communities across the state.”
Source: nbcdfw
ROMANCE ABOUNDS AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL HOUSTON
Houston’s downtown destination celebrates Valentine’s Day all year long, with an array of romantic offerings for couples to indulge in
In advance of Valentine’s Day, Four Seasons Hotel Houston announces its offerings for the holiday and beyond.
“We are big fans of celebrating romance, be it over Valentine’s Day, or any other time of the year,” said Tom Segesta, general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Houston. “The stunning transformation of our hotel has created some great new experiences for couples to enjoy, here at Houston’s downtown destination.”
- The Hotel has introduced its Celebrate Romance Package, which includes a luxurious Premier Room or above, welcome bottle of Champagne and fresh strawberries, room service breakfast for two, and late-check out at 4:00 p.m. This package is available year-round.
- Toro Toro, the new Pan-Latin steakhouse by world-renowned celebrity chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval presents a romantic multi-course prix-fixe dinner, featuring favorites such as Tuna Tiradito, Cusco Pork Empanada, Zareandado Sea Bass, Cowboy 20-ounce Ribeye, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Potatoes Three Ways, and Chocolate Lavender Cremoso. This dinner is priced at $125 per person with course pairing of cocktail, wine, and dessert wine for an additional $35 per person, and is available February 12-14, 2022.
- Bayou & Bottle, the acclaimed bourbon concept is offering a four-course Valentine’s menu, inspired by Bayou & Bottle’s Garrison Brothers inventory. Selections include Gulf Oyster, Spiced Maple Pork Belly, Goat Cheese Arugula Salad, Smoked Short Ribs, Bourbon-Glazed Salmon, and Bourbon Mousse Cake. This dinner is priced at $75 per person with a course pairing of Garrison Brothers bourbons for an additional $35 per person, and is available February 12-14, 2022.
- The Spa, a zen-like haven for relaxation and wellness, has introduced Night Spa, allowing guests private use of the entire Spa from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Beginning with 100 minutes of pampering with a Soothing Sugar Kiss Body Scrub, followed by a customized massage infused with Rose, Citrus, and Vanilla. From there, they are able to explore and luxuriate throughout the Spa, then enjoy a delectable sampling of specialty dishes and desserts from Toro Toro and a bottle of Champagne in the tranquil reception room. Luxurious Four Seasons bathrobes are gifted as a remembrance of this most special experience, which is priced at $2,500. Additionally, the Spa is offering a Sugar Kiss Soothing Body Scrub (50 minutes $285), a Sugar Kiss Massage (50 minutes $200 / 80 minutes $275), and a Sugar Kiss Facial (50 minutes $200). Guests are able to enjoy their treatments together in the couple’s suite for an additional $40.
- Krigler, guests can visit the famed perfumery’s first Texas boutique, where two of their scents celebrating love and romance are being showcased for the holiday: Pleasure Gardenia 79, the romantic floral fragrance that Albert Krigler, founder of the famed fragrance house created in 1879 for his fiancée; and Extraordinaire Camelia 209, created in 1917, and combining fresh, clean, citrusy scents with camellia, the renowned flower of love. These scents are available for purchase as perfume or as a candle. Pleasure Gardenia 79 is available as a perfume starting at $355 or candle at $120. Extraordinaire Camelia 209 is available as a perfume starting at $445 or candle at $145.
- Topgolf, the Hotel’s Swing Suites are available for private use by couples, small groups, or individuals, and offer a wide range of virtual entertainment experiences, from golf to baseball, football, hockey, soccer, carnival games, and more. The full food and drink menu from Bayou & Bottle, featuring inventive cocktails and a collection of 200 whiskies is available to TopGolf Swing Suite guests.
About Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Four Seasons Hotel Houston has been completely transformed through a multi-year, multi-million-dollar enhancement. As Houston’s downtown destination, the Hotel now features 468 guest rooms, suites, and residential suites; the acclaimed bourbon concept Bayou & Bottle; Richard Sandoval’s new Pan-Latin steakhouse Toro Toro; the new Krigler boutique, the first in Texas for the famed perfumery; Topgolf Swing Suites, the immersive virtual entertainment experience; The Spa, a zen-like haven for pampering; and 16,522 square feet of Houston’s most elegant meeting and event space.
In celebration, the Hotel is offering the Celebrate Romance Package, which includes a luxurious Premier Room or above, welcome bottle of Champagne and fresh strawberries, room service breakfast for two, and late-check out at 4:00 p.m. For more information, please visit online, call (800) 734-4114 or contact your travel professional (chain code FS.)
All-clear given after possible bomb threat prompts partial evacuation at Harmony School of Science in Meyerland
An all-clear was given at Harmony School of Science after a possible bomb threat prompted a partial evacuation, according to Houston police.Officers arrived at the school in the 5400 block of South Braeswood Boulevard near Chimney Rock in the Meyerland area Thursday morning at around 7:30 a.m.
After police conducted a thorough search at the school, they gave the all-clear at around 10 a.m.
Harmony School of Science released the below official statement:
At approximately 7:28 a.m., Harmony School of Science-Houston received an anonymous bomb threat against the campus. Campus administrators immediately implemented safety protocols by evacuating the building and notifying the Houston Police Department. Parents also were immediately notified. Police conducted a thorough search of the campus and determined it was safe to resume classes. Police are conducting an ongoing investigation into this threat, and we encourage anyone with information to contact the Houston Police Department. The safety of our students and staff is our top priority.
source: click2houston
Texas’ Flaring Rate Continues Record Drop
The statewide flaring rate fell to an even lower record level at the end of 2021, according to the Railroad Commission’s latest production report. The percentage of natural gas flared in Texas dropped from a previous record low of 0.20% in September 2021 to a new record low of 0.19% in November.
Texas has one of the lowest flaring rates of large oil and gas producing states in the country, with an average rate of flaring that has remained significantly less than 2% for more than two years.
“Report after report shows that Texas is on the right track to reducing and maintaining low levels of flaring,” RRC Chairman Wayne Christian said of the report. “Although the mainstream media often ignores this record achieving accomplishment by government and industry, it’s proof that a cooperative collaboration can bring positive results, and I continue to be proud of the effort and its outcome.”
“Texas proudly boasts conservative, pro-business policies which are bringing 1,000 people a day to our state,” Christian continued. “As we need to produce more oil and gas to keep up with our growth, I’m committed to a consistent and predictable regulatory process based on sound science that allows oil and gas companies to responsibly produce plentiful, affordable and reliable energy to meet the increasing demand for all Texans.”
A lifelong conservative businessman, Wayne Christian was elected as our 50th Texas Railroad Commissioner in November 2016. Prior to his time at the Commission, Christian served seven sessions in the Texas House of Representatives, accumulating a strong record of standing for free markets and against burdensome regulations. Christian is married to his wife, Lisa, and together they have three daughters, Liza, Lindsey and Lauren. You can learn more about Chairman Christian here: https://rrc.texas.gov/About-Us/Commissioners/Wayne-Christian/.
Source: rrc
Railroad Commission Hires First Chief Data Officer, New Government Relations Director
The Railroad Commission recently hired its first Chief Data Officer and also a new director of Government Relations.
Chief Data Officer Alkesh Amodwala and Government Relations Director Krista Duke have hit the ground running as the agency implements new legislation, including bills on data governance and natural gas infrastructure.
“We are very fortunate to be able to add Alkesh and Krista to our staff,” said Wei Wang, RRC Executive Director. “Each brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the agency that will be vital for the RRC in important initiatives to help residents and energy industry operators in Texas.”
Amodwala brings more than 15 years of experience in supply chain development, business intelligence, analytics and data governance/strategy to the RRC. Among his roles, he has worked for General Motors IT Branch – Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, Hewlett Packard and Home Depot.
Amodwala leads a new team in the RRC’s Information Technology Services Division focusing on data projects. The 10-member team consolidates experts in the agency and is working on data initiatives as well as supporting the work of the agency’s ongoing development of a map of the electric grid supply chain.
Duke, who is playing a critical role with the implementation of all the RRC’s state legislation and any federal legislation, has wide-ranging experience at the state Capitol. She most recently served in the Texas Senate as General Counsel and as Legislative Director for two senators, respectively. In addition, she held leadership positions in the offices of members of the Texas House of Representatives and House Committees.
She has a bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University and a law degree from St. Mary’s University.
Source: rrc