ARLINGTON, Texas (KTRK) — Only one out separate Houston Astros hurler Framber Valdez from a history-making second career no-hitter. Unfortunately, the hard-hitting reigning World Series MVP, Corey Seager, crushed those hopes in the ninth inning.
Valdez threw 107 pitches through 8.2 innings, striking out five batters and allowing three walks and a two-run homer to Seager in Houston’s 4-2 victory on Tuesday.
Valdez had a perfect game heading into the sixth inning when an Alex Bregman throwing error gave the Rangers their first baserunner of the night, Jonah Heim. Valdez quickly erased the blemish when Robbie Grossman hit into a double play.
No. 59 followed that up with a seventh-inning walk to Marcus Semien, who became stranded after a Seager popout and a Josh Smith groundout.
Rangers were threatening in the ninth when Valdez allowed a Grossman walk, but that was erased again when Ezekial Duran grounded into a double play. So, with an out away, Valdez walked Semien again, setting up Seager’s homer to right field.
Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez pitches in the first inning of a baseball game against t…Show moreAP Photo/Albert Pena
Valdez could have earned Houston’s second no-hitter of the season following Ronel Blanco’s April 1 gem and third since Aug. 1, 2023, when Valdez tossed his first no-hitter. Valdez also could have joined Don Wilson as the only Astros with multiple complete game no-hitters. The Astros sit on 17 no-hitters in franchise history.
As for the run support, Astros outfielder Jake Meyers capitalized with runners in scoring position in the fourth and sixth innings, driving in a Jeremy Peña run each time. Yordan Alvarez, who was quiet at the plate in recent games, launched a two-run homer in the ninth inning to reach 150 career round-trippers, which produced the go-ahead scores..
The Astros victory ties up the Silver Boot Series at 6-6, setting up a winner-take-all game on Wednesday afternoon.
Harris County Commissioner Precint 4 Lesley Briones announces details on millions in funds to improve District Criminal Courts on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024. Photo by Que Onda Magazine.
By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz
The Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously approved a comprehensive reform package spearheaded by Commissioner Lesley Briones to enhance the District Criminal Courts on Tuesday.
This initiative, developed in collaboration with judicial stakeholders, aims to modernize courtroom technology, improve court appearance rates, increase mental health support, expand judicial staff, and streamline case management with a $10-$13 million investment.
Harris County Commissioner Precint 2 Adrian Garcia expresses his support towards the reform package led by Commissioner Lesley Briones. Photo by Que Onda Magazine
“We are taking action to keep advancing justice in Harris County,” said Commissioner Briones. “By investing in much-needed resources for criminal district courts ranging from technology enhancements, improved procedures, and enhanced services, we will make our justice system more just and efficient for victims, defendants, and their families.”
Key aspects of the reform include:
– Upgrading Technology: Replacing outdated audio/visual equipment and server systems.
– Improving Court Appearance Rates: Expanding bilingual text reminders and support programs.
– Increasing Mental Health Services: Enhancing therapeutic services and competency evaluations.
– Sustaining Judicial Staff: Extending the Associate Judge Program.
– Streamlining Case Management: Implementing efficient case tracking and management systems.
Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia praised the initiative: “I will be proud to support former judge and now Commissioner Briones’ thoughtful proposals to improve the efficiency of the operation.”
Judge Te’iva Bell emphasized the importance of the technological upgrades: “Imagine sitting in a trial and having to ask a child victim testifying to yell so the jury can hear because the microphone doesn’t work.”
Judge Lori Gray highlighted the mental health support: “Expanding mental health support in Harris County with the Jail Based Competency Restoration Program will address current system challenges and result in a reduction in recidivism, jail population, wait time, and most importantly become a real resource to our community.”
Since taking office in 2023, Commissioner Briones has secured additional courts, increased law enforcement pay, advocated for higher juror pay, and expanded various community programs.
“We will continue collaborating and fostering dialogue with our judges, law enforcement officers, community members, and other agencies as we continue to deliver progress,” Briones concluded.
Monterrey, N.L. – En un operativo de rescate realizado ayer por la tarde, elementos de Fuerza Civil liberaron a 18 migrantes, originarios de India y Ecuador, que se encontraban encerrados en una vivienda de la colonia Alianza, al poniente de Monterrey.
La oportuna intervención de las autoridades se dio gracias a una denuncia anónima que alertó sobre la presencia de personas en dicha vivienda, quienes pedían ayuda. Al llegar al lugar, los oficiales observaron que una de las víctimas solicitaba auxilio a través de una ventana, lo que confirmó la veracidad de la denuncia.
Los migrantes, entre los que se encuentran una mujer y un menor de edad, habían permanecido encerrados durante dos días sin acceso a agua ni alimentos. En total, 16 personas son originarias de India y dos de Ecuador.
Una vez liberados, los migrantes fueron puestos bajo el resguardo del Instituto Nacional de Migración, quienes se encargarán de brindarles la atención necesaria. Además, debido a las condiciones en las que fueron encontrados, recibieron atención médica, alimentos y agua.
Las autoridades continúan investigando este caso para dar con los responsables de mantener encerrados a estas personas. Se presume que el grupo de migrantes tenía como objetivo llegar a la frontera norte con Estados Unidos, pero fueron abandonados en la vivienda donde fueron rescatados.
Este hecho pone de manifiesto la vulnerabilidad de los migrantes y la importancia de denunciar cualquier situación que ponga en riesgo sus derechos humanos.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — ABC13 learned on Tuesday that one of Houston’s largest hospitals is laying off some of its employees.
Our news partners at the Houston Chronicle report that the layoffs are happening at Texas Children’s Hospital.
The hospital is said to be letting go of 5% of its staff due to financial challenges.
According to the Chronicle, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Linda Aldred said that Texas Children’s has approximately 20,000 employees across 120 locations in Houston, across Texas, and globally, adding that a 5% reduction in that workforce would cut roughly 1,000 jobs.
“This has been so challenging and so difficult for us to get here. We have been really thoughtful about it,” Aldred told the Chronicle. “We do not plan to have additional cuts or job eliminations.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Ten years of detective work have led to authorities charging a Houston man with the murder of his mother.
Donny Daosavanh, 37, is accused of killing Amnoun Sayphana in 2014 when she was about 60 years old.
The Houston Police Department said the mother and son lived together at the time. Still, no one knew Sayphana disappeared until 2017 when Daosavanh told detectives he had hit his mother with a blunt object and then buried her in an unknown location.
At the time, Daosavanh wouldn’t tell detectives where he allegedly buried his mother’s body, and there was not enough evidence to charge him. Something changed recently, and the police arrested Daosavanh last Thursday.
On Monday morning, he appeared in court, where a judge set his bond at $500,000. Prosecutors said they still haven’t located the mother’s body but believe they have enough evidence to move forward with the case.
“The law allows us to charge a person with murder even if we don’t have a body if we can prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, and in this case, we believe we can do so,” Assistant District Attorney Samantha Knect said.
In the years following his mother’s disappearance, Daosavanh built an entirely different life where the people in it had no idea he was a suspect in his mother’s death.
At the apartment he shares with his live-in girlfriend, the young woman answered the door and told ABC13 that “he’s a very nice man” and “she (believes) he didn’t do that.”
Daosavanh worked for the past six years at a Tyson chicken plant, and more than one worker considered him a literal family member.
“Donny hasn’t done anything. I don’t believe it,” Troy Bevel, a coworker who considered Daosavanh a little brother and helped him find the apartment he was living in, said. “Can’t make me believe it. Donny’s a good dude. I don’t I don’t think he killed nobody’s mother.”
Another woman, who literally called Daosavanh her “son,” befriended him because her husband also worked at the chicken plant. On the phone, she said she had no idea Daosavanh’s real mother was dead and was shocked to find out that investigators charged him with murder.
One person not shocked by the charges is the mother of Daosavanh’s baby daughter. Over the phone, she told ABC13 she depended on him to pay child support but that he hasn’t lived up to his end of the bargain, causing her to take him to court.
The HPD and prosecutors wouldn’t elaborate on what new evidence they obtained to allow for the murder charge after a decade. They also didn’t elaborate on a motive, but they are still hopeful someone will know where the body may be.
“It’s certainly going to be a challenge,” Knect said about the case. “But, I think that we’re up to the challenge, and we would not have filed this case if we didn’t think we can prove it.”
Harris County Commissioners Court passed a resolution to name the 1111 Fannin St. building in downtown Houston in honor of late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024.
By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz
Harris County Commissioners Court unanimously passed a resolution to name one of the new county buildings downtown in honor of late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee during Tuesday’s commissioners court.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis broke the news to Lee’s husband, Dr. Elwyn Lee, who was listening to the court via Zoom.
“Thank you for acknowledging her dedication, fearlessness, persistence and love for the people,” Lee said.
The 17-story, 429,000-square-foot building located in Houston’s central business district at 1111 Fannin St. connects to the city’s underground tunnel network. Neighboring buildings include Discovery Green Park, the Four Seasons Hotel and the Green Street development.
“We don’t name things after people because we knew them or because they were in our family or neighborhood,” Ellis said. “It’s because we want others to aspire to do the great things they did.”
Jackson Lee represented Houston, specifically Texas’ 18th Congressional District from 1995 until her death as a result of pancreatic cancer at age 74. Notably, she was the author of significant legislation such as the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and the Violence Against Women Act; and she has been recognized as one of the most effective and influential members of Congress.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, that same day, also voted to pass a resolution to honor the congresswoman’s life and legacy. Her takeaway from SJL’s leadership is her “work for the greater good,” regardless of their voting power.
“What I really love about the congresswoman is how much she cared about everybody whether or not they were going to vote for her,” Hidalgo said.
“We need to work together on behalf of all communities…especially in a county as diverse as ours.”
The resolution also mentions signage to showcase SJL’s life and legacy to those visiting the building. The 1111 Fannin St. building in the Houston-area will become the first building named in SJL’s honor.
This is a developing story. More details coming soon.
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) indefinitely as engineers evaluate the flightworthiness of Boeing’s troubled Starliner spacecraft. The extended mission could delay other ISS launches, with NASA insiders suggesting the upcoming Crew-9 mission might be postponed from August 18 to September 24.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon mission, intended to carry three NASA astronauts and one Rocosmos astronaut to the ISS, may need to adjust its crew. If Starliner returns empty, NASA could send up the SpaceX spacecraft with just two astronauts to accommodate Williams and Wilmore’s return.
NASA has yet to officially comment but is expected to decide this week. The Starliner capsule, plagued by delays, cost overruns, and technical issues, encountered further problems when its thrusters misfired during docking two months ago. NASA has been considering using a Crew Dragon spacecraft to return the stranded astronauts.
The ISS has only two docking ports for crew vehicles, one of which is currently blocked by the malfunctioning Starliner. The other is occupied by the SpaceX Crew-8 spacecraft, scheduled to return by month’s end. Even without a crew, the Starliner poses risks, including potential collision with the ISS if it cannot adjust its orbit after undocking.
Boeing, however, remains optimistic. “Boeing remains confident in the Starliner spacecraft and its ability to return safely with crew,” the company stated. “We continue to support NASA’s requests for additional testing, data, analysis, and reviews to affirm the spacecraft’s safe undocking and landing capabilities.”
Vice President Kamala Harris secured enough Democratic Party delegate votes to become the party’s nominee, according to the Democratic National Committee. She is poised to pick Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, with the two scheduled to embark Tuesday on a seven-state trip of some of the biggest battleground state in the election, according to her campaign.
President Donald Trump and his vice presidential pick, Sen. JD Vance, are set to speak to voters through scheduled rallies and events through the week, too. Vance will also be visiting the same battleground states as Harris and her newly minted vice presidential pick.
CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — General manager general Nick Caserio spent time downplaying the chatter and Super Bowl hype surrounding the Houston Texansby saying “talking never won games.”
“We’re not going to spend any time on things that really, quite frankly, don’t matter,” Caserio said. “Our expectations for the players is to come in, have a good attitude, put a good foundation in place, be a great teammate, be resilient, because we’re going to face some things as a team. What’s said outside of the building? I mean, it has no impact on anything that we do.”
Last season the Texans were one of the biggest surprises, with rookie quarterbackC.J. Stroudleading them to the divisional round of the playoffs. So it’ll be hard for them to fly under the radar again, especially after adding the likes of receiver Stefon Diggs, running back Joe Mixon and pass rusher Danielle Hunter.
But the Texans have preached that it’s about the work and not the noise. They were the first team to start training camp practice on July 18 and played in the Hall of Fame game in a rain-shortened affair against the Chicago Bears on Thursday.
The Texans stayed in Canton, Ohio, through the weekend for the Hall of Fame induction of Houston’s all-time receiving leader Andre Johnson and began a three-day practice period in the Cleveland area at University School — Hunting Valley Campus in Chagrin Falls — before they head to Pittsburgh for their next preseason game.
Houston didn’t play its starters in the Hall of Fame game, but on Monday, coach DeMeco Ryans said they would playagainst theSteelers.
But before they take the field, here are three takeaways from camp:
The defense is ahead of the offense
The defense has had practices where it has forced multiple interceptions, sacks and fumbles through almost three weeks. There’s been positive moments for the offense when Stroud and Diggs have connected for big gains or touchdowns in the red zone. But that hasn’t been consistent and that’s because of the defense.
The three biggest standouts are linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair(who intercepted Stroud on Monday), cornerbackDerek Stingley Jr. and Hunter. Al-Shaair has been disruptive by constantly stopping run plays and being effective in coverage. Texans teammates have raved about his leadership through accountability.Will Anderson Jr. mentioned after minicamp how Al-Shaair told him to “stop f—ing pouting” during a June practice because Anderson was disappointed with himself following a play.
“Azeez has done a great job of leading our football team,” Ryans said. “He brings energy every day. He brings passion, and I know everybody feels that on our team — not just defensively — I’m very pleased with where Azeez is. He’s continuing to show that the leadership aspect of what we do is really important.”
In the secondary, Stingley is building on a 2023 season when he finished with five interceptions (tied for fourth) in 11 games. Through a couple weeks of camp, the former 2022 No. 3 pick hasn’t allowed many big catches and has caught two interceptions and forced a fumble. Both of his interceptions came while covering wide receiver Tank Dell, and he’s had pass breakups against Nico Collins.
“Stingley has done great throughout camp,” Ryans said. “He’s made some plays. He’s been consistent throughout camp as well. He’s showing up every day. … I think it’s another big year ahead of Stingley. He just continues to build off of each and every day.”
Hunter replaced the team’s sack leader from last season —Jonathan Greenard— and so far the gamble on the former Viking makes sense. He’s caused issues for the Texans’ pass protection, occasionally getting to Stroud quickly after the snap. Other times he’s helped collapse the pocket, which allowed other lineman to pressure Stroud.
“Danielle is a great player,” right tackle Tytus Howard said. “The best thing I can say about Danielle is going against him so far in practice he is very unpredictable. He has an unorthodox type of rush, and you can’t be like, I am going to do this every single play. You have to be ready to change up and prepare for something different every time.”
The offense is a work in progress
The star-studded offense has been uneven throughout camp. Stroud has shown frustration at multiple practices because of the ineffectiveness, and it even resulted in him yelling at his teammates during a rainy day.
Whether it’s the offensive line not blocking up to its standard or the passing game not being on the same page, it’s all played a part. The offense has been without Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and Mixon. Both are vital to the offense as they’re assets in the run and pass game.
But Ryans isn’t worried.
“It’s really all three phases for me … offense, defense, special teams — we have a lot to improve on. We’re not where we want to be right now at this point in camp. No team is,” Ryans said. “It’s a grind, and it’s a process of continuing to work to earn the right to be a good football team and we’re continuing to earn that right daily and we have a lot of things to improve on offense, defense and special teams. I think the mindset is there for our guys, and we’re heading in the right direction.”
The offensive line has work to do
Two areas are lacking consistency for the O-line: protecting Stroud and creating running lanes for the backs. One reason for the uneven play to start camp has been the defensive line’s strong play. The younger players on the left side of the line have struggled against Anderson and Hunter.
Left guard Kenyon Green(23)has been around the longest, and he and centerJuice Scruggs(24) and left tackle Blake Fisher(21) are trying to figure it out. Green struggled in 2022 as a rookie and missed all of 2023 with a shoulder injury. Scruggs is entering Year 2 after only playing seven games last season, and Fisher is a rookie. Tunsil hasn’t practiced yet as he’s recovering from an offseason knee surgery.
But Ryans believes those issues have more to do with cohesion than anything.
“The O-line is … doing a good job of working together and still building that cohesiveness, and it’s still coming together,” Ryans said. “But I think they’re headed in the right direction, continuing to play the style of football that we want to play. A lot of different guys, we mix up a lot of guys in a lot of different groups and with those guys.
Houston, TX – La Académica de Folklore y Ritmos Latinos, tras un exitoso primer aniversario, se enorgullece de anunciar la celebración de su segundo año con un evento cultural de gran magnitud titulado “México en el Alma: Un legado cultural”.
Este evento, que se ha convertido en un punto de referencia para la comunidad hispana en Houston, tendrá lugar el próximo sábado 16 de noviembre de 2024 en el Cullen Performance Hall de la Universidad de Houston, un imponente recinto con capacidad para más de 1500 asistentes.
La velada promete ser un espectáculo vibrante que rendirá homenaje a la rica y diversa herencia cultural de México. “México en el Alma: Un legado cultural” presentará una fascinante mezcla de teatro, danza y música, con la participación de más de 100 artistas, incluyendo estudiantes de la academia y talentos invitados. La gala está diseñada para conectar al público con sus raíces y transmitir el valioso legado cultural de México a las nuevas generaciones de mexicanos nacidos en los Estados Unidos.
Entre las destacadas figuras del evento se encuentran la Cónsul María Elena Orantes, quien abrirá la ceremonia, y Mirna C. González, responsable de la dirección y producción teatral.
Las danzas folklóricas, bajo la dirección de Evelyn García y su equipo, prometen cautivar con coreografías auténticas que reflejan el corazón de la tradición mexicana. Además, la noche contará con actuaciones de mariachis y varias sorpresas especiales que enriquecerán la experiencia cultural.
El evento comenzará a las 5:00 PM en el Cullen Performance Hall, ubicado en 3351 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77004. Las entradas estarán disponibles a partir del 1 de septiembre de 2024, tanto en la taquilla del Cullen Performance Hall como en línea a través del sitio web del teatro: https://uh.edu/cullen-performance-hall/. Se recomienda adquirir las entradas con antelación debido a la alta demanda esperada.
La Académica de Folklore y Ritmos Latinos, con sede en 24432 FM 1314, Porter, TX, continúa su misión de preservar y promover las tradiciones culturales mexicanas a través de la educación formal y la experimentación artística. La academia no solo fomenta la identidad cultural entre las nuevas generaciones, sino que también proporciona una plataforma para que los artistas locales exhiban su talento.
Para más información sobre el evento, la compra de entradas, o para explorar oportunidades de patrocinio y coordinación de entrevistas, los interesados pueden contactar a los organizadores al (281) 601-2549 / (305) 389-7839 o enviar un correo electrónico a academyoffolklore@gmail.com. También pueden visitar su sitio web para más detalles: https://sites.google.com/view/academyoƯolklore/.
No se pierda esta oportunidad de sumergirse en la riqueza cultural de México y celebrar el segundo aniversario de la Académica de Folklore y Ritmos Latinos en una noche llena de color, pasión y tradición.
