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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Texas Trail Ride Sets Sights on Bayou City

A colorful procession of horses, covered wagons, and spirited cowboys and cowgirls is en route to Houston as part of the cherished Texas Trail Ride tradition, marking the imminent arrival of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The journey commenced on Sunday, Feb. 18, as riders embarked from various corners of the Lone Star State.

Originating in 1952 with four intrepid men riding from Brenham to Houston to promote the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, the Texas Trail Ride has evolved into a grand spectacle, drawing over 3,000 participants of all ages. Spread across 11 trail rides, each steeped in tradition, riders traverse vast distances on horseback, in covered wagons, and diverse vehicles, converging on Houston from different starting points across southeast Texas. Notably, the Mission Trail Ride, tracing its path from Mission Espiritu Santo in Goliad State Park to Houston, adds a historical flair to the annual event. The diverse groups are set to convene at Memorial Park on Friday, Feb. 23, before embarking on the grand procession downtown to kick off the Rodeo Houston parade.

The downtown Rodeo Parade, a spectacle cherished by Houstonians, is slated for Saturday, Feb. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring an array of floats, spirited marching bands, horseback riders, and trail ride wagons, this year’s parade will see Buc-ee’s CEO Arch “Beaver” Aplin III as the grand marshal. The iconic Buc-ee’s beaver mascot will join forces with “Howdy,” the beloved rodeo mascot, to lead the procession through the bustling streets of downtown Houston.

For eager spectators eager to catch a glimpse of the trail riders as they enter Houston city limits, inner-city neighborhoods offer prime viewing spots on Friday. In recent days, camps have been sighted in Tomball, Dayton, and Crosby, hinting at the impending arrival of the spirited entourage. As riders converge into Memorial Park from various directions on Friday afternoon, spectators can position themselves strategically along Memorial Drive and South Picnic Lane for optimal viewing. With the excitement building up, Houstonians eagerly anticipate the festive atmosphere and colorful spectacle brought forth by the Texas Trail Ride tradition.

CPAC 2024: Trump’s Return, VP Speculations, and Key Issues to Watch

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Conservative activists are gearing up for the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), set to kick off Wednesday outside Washington. The event, scheduled to run through Saturday, promises to be a significant gathering of GOP luminaries, with former President Trump leading the pack.

Joining Trump on the CPAC roster are prominent figures such as Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R), and former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss. Given Trump’s continued influence within the party, much of the spotlight will likely be on his remarks and potential vice-presidential preferences, among other critical topics.

Here are five focal points to monitor as CPAC unfolds:

1. Trump’s Address: As Trump takes the stage on Saturday, all eyes will be on his speech, particularly amidst the South Carolina primary. Expected to dominate the state, Trump might seize the opportunity to rally his base and potentially take jabs at rivals like Nikki Haley. His stance on ongoing legal battles and foreign policy, notably NATO and Russia, could also feature prominently.

2. Abortion Debates: Amidst ongoing debates over abortion rights, Trump’s stance on the issue remains elusive. Recent reports suggesting support for a 16-week ban with exceptions have sparked controversy. CPAC may provide a platform for further clarification or debate on this contentious issue within the conservative movement.

3. VP Straw Poll: With Trump’s presidential prospects overshadowing the field, speculation over his potential running mate intensifies. CPAC’s VP straw poll could offer insights into the conservative base’s preferences and influence Trump’s decision-making as he eyes the 2024 race.

4. Ukraine Dynamics: Against the backdrop of the Russian invasion’s second anniversary, CPAC’s stance on U.S. support for Ukraine takes center stage. Trump’s recent remarks on NATO and Russia’s actions underscore potential divisions within the GOP, reflecting broader debates over foreign policy priorities.

5. GOP Moderates’ Presence: CPAC’s evolution into a pro-Trump bastion raises questions about the party’s inclusivity. With dissent often sidelined, the conference’s lineup, including staunch Trump allies like MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), may signal the prevailing sentiment within conservative circles.

As CPAC unfolds, these key themes offer a glimpse into the GOP’s trajectory and its alignment with Trump’s influence ahead of the 2024 elections.

Chaos Unveiled: Details Emerge in Fatal Shooting After Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl Parade

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The aftermath of the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade took a dark turn as court documents released on Tuesday shed light on the senseless violence that erupted, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries. According to Missouri prosecutors, Lyndell Mays of Raytown, Missouri, and Dominic Miller of Kansas City, Missouri, are facing charges of second-degree murder and multiple weapons offenses following the shooting spree.

The court documents revealed that Mays and Miller, strangers to each other, engaged in a heated argument that escalated into gunfire within moments. Surveillance footage captured Mays and his companion confronting another group aggressively, triggering the deadly altercation.

Despite being surrounded by a crowd, including children, Mays initiated the shooting, claiming he felt threatened by someone from the opposing group. He admitted to firing at a random individual as they attempted to flee the scene. Meanwhile, Miller initially denied involvement but later confessed to firing multiple shots after investigators presented evidence of his actions.

Tragically, a bullet from Miller’s weapon claimed the life of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a bystander attending the Chiefs rally. Lopez-Galvan, a mother of two and a beloved radio personality, became an innocent victim of the senseless violence that marred the celebratory occasion.

While the ages of the suspects were not disclosed, court records indicate that Mays is in his early 20s, and Miller is estimated to be 18 or 19 years old. Additionally, two juveniles were detained last week on gun-related charges, with authorities hinting at the possibility of further charges.

The shooting, which occurred outside Union Station, cast a shadow over the jubilant atmosphere that had drawn an estimated one million people to the city. The incident underscores the persistent issue of gun violence in Kansas City, a problem exacerbated by the state’s lax gun regulations and a history of high crime rates.

As the community mourns the loss of Lopez-Galvan and grapples with the repercussions of the tragedy, questions arise about the future of public celebrations and the need for stricter gun control measures. Despite these challenges, the resolve to hold perpetrators accountable remains steadfast, as authorities vow to pursue justice for all affected by the harrowing events of that fateful day.

HISD Superintendent Reveals Alarming Report on Wasteful Spending

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Houston Independent School District (HISD) Superintendent Mike Miles unveiled a damning report detailing what he describes as years of extravagant expenditures within the district.

Having assumed his role over six months ago, Miles expressed a desire to delve into the district’s operations, scrutinizing areas such as transportation, staff overtime, and school maintenance practices.

In a Monday presentation, Miles shared insights gleaned from the comprehensive 31-page report, expressing his dismay at the extent of the fiscal mismanagement unearthed. “I think the level here was higher than what I expected,” remarked Miles, highlighting the gravity of the findings. “I wasn’t totally surprised, but there was some level of, ‘Wow, this is worse than a typical urban district.'”

The report zeroed in on various operational aspects of HISD, including excessive overtime, teacher absenteeism, contractor expenditures, consultant fees, and staff monitoring. Miles emphasized that the district was overspending across the board.

Among the concerning revelations was an employee accruing $90,000 in overtime pay, while nearly a thousand teachers took excessive days off without facing repercussions. Furthermore, the report shed light on a staggering $300 million spent on consultants seven years ago, constituting a significant portion of the district’s budget.

Addressing transportation inefficiencies, Miles highlighted the disparity between the district’s expenditure per student, approximately $6,400, and the average ridership of 17 students per bus. He questioned the rationale behind the acquisition of 175 buses for $20 million two years ago, asserting that the existing fleet, supplemented by over 200 backup buses, rendered these purchases unnecessary.

In response to concerns raised by union president Jackie Anderson of the Houston Federation of Teachers, who criticized Miles for lavish spending on events like convocations and the closure of libraries, Miles underscored the necessity of overhauling transportation routes to enhance efficiency and potentially save $25 million.

However, Miles acknowledged potential challenges, including longer commutes for students and potential discontent among staff due to increased monitoring of hours and stricter attendance policies. Despite these concerns, Miles remained optimistic about the changes, citing positive feedback from teachers and the community’s willingness to adapt.

While some recommendations may not immediately impact HISD students and families, Miles assured stakeholders that efforts to streamline operations and curb wasteful spending would be ongoing, albeit requiring time and concerted effort to implement effectively.

Community Mourns as Suspect Charged with Capital Murder in Audrii Cunningham Case

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In a tragic turn of events, the disappearance of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham has transitioned into a devastating case of murder. Don Steven McDougal, previously considered a person of interest, now faces charges of capital murder in connection with Audrii’s death.

McDougal’s apprehension comes as a culmination of intense scrutiny, with authorities linking him to the disappearance of the young girl. Already in custody on an unrelated aggravated assault charge, McDougal’s role in Audrii’s case deepened as search crews, aided by the Trinity River Authority’s adjustment of water levels, discovered her lifeless body near US-59 and the Trinity River Bridge.

Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons, visibly shaken, expressed his condolences to Audrii’s family and the community, refraining from disclosing details about the condition of her body pending an autopsy by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

As the news reverberated through the community, Livingston residents gathered at the local VFW Post for a solemn prayer vigil, reflecting on Audrii’s significance to the tight-knit community.

Audrii’s disappearance on Thursday, Feb. 15, sent shockwaves through Livingston, with authorities swiftly identifying McDougal, a friend of Audrii’s father, as a person of interest. McDougal’s proximity to the family, residing in a trailer behind their home, raised suspicions. However, his cooperation with investigators remains limited, as he refused to divulge crucial details about Audrii’s final moments.

The revelation of Audrii’s tragic fate has left the community grappling with grief and disbelief. Elizabeth Kobes, a resident deeply impacted by the loss, expressed the collective sorrow echoing throughout Livingston.

As the investigation unfolds and the legal process progresses, the community stands united in seeking justice for Audrii Cunningham, a bright young life extinguished too soon.

Houston Homeowner Shoots and Kills Alleged Barbecue Pit Thief in Northeast Houston

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A dramatic confrontation unfolded in northeast Houston early Sunday morning when a homeowner, in pursuit of a man who allegedly stole a barbecue pit from his property, shot and killed the suspect out of fear for his life, according to authorities from Harris County.

The fatal incident occurred around 2 a.m. on the 1500 block of Ralston Road and Kensington Oak Drive in Humble, approximately 25 minutes outside of Downtown Houston. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez provided preliminary details from the investigation later on Sunday afternoon, shedding light on the sequence of events leading to the tragic outcome.

Investigators determined that the alleged robber had stolen the barbecue pit from the homeowner’s residence just moments before he was fatally shot. The homeowner, in a bid to apprehend the suspect, pursued him in his vehicle and confronted him “a short distance away from the original scene,” as per Gonzalez’s statement.

According to Gonzalez, when the property owner exited his vehicle to confront the suspect, he perceived a threat from a second individual who was accompanying the suspect in the car. Fearing for his safety, the homeowner discharged his firearm multiple times, striking the suspect.

Authorities confirmed the presence of a second person in the vehicle during the shooting, who emerged unharmed. At present, no charges have been filed against this individual. The homeowner, who has been fully cooperative with investigators, provided a detailed account of the incident to law enforcement. As of now, he has not faced any charges.

Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office for presentation to a grand jury for further deliberation.

Cougars Claw to Victory: Houston Tops Iowa State, Claims Commanding Lead in Big 12

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In a thrilling matchup between college basketball powerhouses, the No. 2-ranked Houston Cougars triumphed over the No. 6-ranked Iowa State Cyclones with a 73-65 victory on their home court. This decisive win propelled Houston into sole possession of first place in the Big 12 standings, breaking the previous tie with Iowa State and solidifying their position at the top of the conference.

Entering the game, both teams boasted identical 9-3 records in the Big 12, with the Cyclones holding the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage. However, Houston’s stellar performance on Monday evening propelled them to victory, establishing a clear lead in the conference standings.

Houston’s standout guard, Jamal Shead, delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 20 of his game-high 26 points in the second half. Alongside Shead, Emanuel Sharp contributed 20 points, carrying the offensive load for the Cougars, particularly in the absence of starters L.J. Cryer and J’Wan Roberts, who encountered foul trouble in the final minutes of regulation.

The victory extends Houston’s impressive winning streak to four games since their loss to Kansas earlier in February. Notably, this season marks Houston’s inaugural year as a member of the Big 12 conference, following a decade-long tenure in the AAC.

With this latest triumph, Houston solidifies its status as a formidable force in college basketball, boasting nine Quad 1 wins, tied for the most in the country alongside Purdue and UConn. Additionally, the Cougars maintain an impeccable 15-0 home record, the second-highest in Division I basketball, alongside Iowa State.

The defeat marks a setback for the Iowa State Cyclones, who had previously handed Houston its first loss of the season on Jan. 9 at Hilton Coliseum. Despite this loss, Iowa State has showcased impressive form throughout the season, winning seven of their last eight games, including notable victories over ranked opponents TCU and Kansas.

As the regular season progresses, both Houston and Iowa State remain formidable contenders in the Big 12 conference, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the collegiate basketball season.

Texas A&M University and NASA Forge Partnership for $200 Million Space Institute

Texas A&M University has taken a monumental step in the pursuit of space exploration by securing a ground lease with NASA, marking the inception of its ambitious $200 million space institute adjacent to the Johnson Space Center.

Key Highlights:

  • The groundbreaking lease was signed during the AscendxTexas conference on Feb. 15, as revealed by Texas A&M University Chancellor John Sharp. The institute will feature the world’s largest climate-controlled lunar scape and Mars scape, each spanning approximately 2.5 acres.
  • Vanessa Wyche, Director of the Johnson Space Center, emphasized the significance of these facilities, which will serve as crucial testing grounds for both government entities and private companies. The simulated surfaces will facilitate experimentation with robotics and habitat development, crucial for troubleshooting before actual space missions commence.

Exploring Further:

  • The space institute marks the inaugural facility approved for NASA’s Exploration Park, a hub dedicated to research and testing in preparation for space travel. Spanning about 30 acres within the 240-acre park, the institute’s location near Saturn Lane positions it adjacent to the space center’s primary campus.
  • Notably, the institute will be the largest of its kind globally and the first of its kind in the United States, focusing on surface training rather than orbital activities, according to Chancellor John Sharp.

Future Plans:

  • Texas A&M’s Board of Regents greenlit a conceptual design for the facility on Feb. 9, revealed Professor Robert Ambrose during a Q&A session. The university will proceed with bidding for the construction in the forthcoming months, eyeing a potential groundbreaking in 2024.
  • With an estimated construction timeline of two to three years, the institute aims to be operational before scheduled moon landings in the future, ensuring its readiness to contribute to lunar exploration efforts.
  • The project, bolstered by a $350 million grant approved by the state legislature in 2023, has also spurred the formation of a space commission, as disclosed by Texas State Representative Greg Bonnen during the conference. The commission is poised to unveil its members imminently, signaling further progress in the institute’s development.

The collaboration between Texas A&M University and NASA heralds a new era of innovation and research in space exploration, positioning Texas as a pivotal player in advancing humanity’s reach beyond Earth’s confines.

Fort Bend County Prepares for Population Surge with New Development Projects

Fort Bend County is gearing up for significant growth, with plans underway to accommodate a projected doubling of its population by 2045, according to officials from the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

On February 13, the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted an event where development leaders shared insights into the county’s evolving landscape and the initiatives in place to handle the anticipated growth.

Jeff DeWese, senior vice president for the land division of The Signorelli Co., emphasized the compelling demographics and population trends driving investment in large-scale master-planned communities within Fort Bend County. “We want to be a part of [the growth],” DeWese stated.

Here’s an update on some of the key development projects in the pipeline:

  1. Lake Pointe Redevelopment:
    • Project: Lake Pointe Plaza, a mixed-use development featuring dining, shopping, and recreational amenities in Sugar Land.
    • Update: Construction is slated to commence after June 30, with completion expected by late 2025, according to Planned Community Developers President Don Janssen.
    • Location: Intersection of I-69 and Hwy. 6
    • Timeline: Summer 2024 to late 2025
    • Size: 69 acres
  2. Indigo:
    • Project: A 750-home community in Richmond, offering agricultural spaces, retail establishments, and recreational activities.
    • Update: Model homes are set to be available in April, with the project’s completion anticipated in 2026, revealed Clayton Garrett, founding partner of Meristem Communities.
    • Location: 1300 Harlem Road, Richmond
    • Timeline: 2023 to 2026
    • Size: 235 acres
  3. Austin Point:
    • Project: A master-planned community in Rosenberg, envisioned to feature over 14,000 single- and multifamily homes.
    • Update: Phase 1 commenced in late 2023, with detention digging scheduled to begin in March, as outlined by Jeff DeWese. The first parcel of land will be allocated to homebuilders in early 2025, with model home construction slated for summer 2025. The entire development is expected to be completed over the next 30-35 years.
    • Location: Along FM 762 and south of I-69
    • Timeline: 2023 onwards
    • Size: 4,700 acres
  4. Imperial Retreat Townhomes:
    • Project: A townhome community comprising 54 single-story and 43 double-story townhomes, developed by Owais Development.
    • Update: Groundbreaking is scheduled for this summer, with completion targeted by the end of 2025, announced Mukhtar Owais, managing partner of Owais Developments.
    • Location: 17007 Old Richmond Road, Sugar Land
    • Timeline: Summer 2024 to end of 2025
    • Size: 3 acres; 2,000 square feet of living space

These development initiatives underscore Fort Bend County’s proactive approach in preparing for future population growth, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable community for residents and businesses alike.

Alexey Navalny’s Passing Ignites International Furor, Puts Spotlight on Putin’s Regime

The world mourns the passing of Alexey Navalny, a prominent opposition figure in Russia, whose death has sparked waves of grief and protest both domestically and internationally. Navalny, known for his fierce criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died on Friday under mysterious circumstances while serving a prison sentence. His demise has triggered an outpouring of sorrow worldwide, with demonstrations erupting in major cities and even inside Russia, where dissent is met with severe consequences.

In Russia, citizens have defied the risks of political dissent to pay homage to Navalny at impromptu memorials. However, reports indicate that authorities have responded with mass arrests, marking the largest crackdown on political gatherings in the country in two years. Despite the widespread public mourning, Russian state media has conspicuously downplayed Navalny’s death, highlighting a stark contrast in coverage.

Navalny’s death occurred after he fell ill during a prison walk and subsequently lost consciousness, according to Russian prison authorities. His team has accused the authorities of deceit in handling the situation, alleging delays in returning his body to his family. The incident has galvanized protests globally, with demonstrators outside Russian embassies in European capitals demanding justice and accountability.

In Russia, where demonstrations require official authorization, the government has forbidden any rallies in Moscow over Navalny’s death. Nevertheless, crowds have gathered nationwide to honor Navalny, laying flowers and carrying placards in tribute. Videos shared on social media and by news agencies depict scenes of peaceful vigils marred by police intervention, as officers detain attendees and disperse gatherings.

The response from authorities has been swift and forceful, with hundreds reported detained across various cities, including St Petersburg, Moscow, and Novosibirsk. Reports from human rights groups suggest instances of violence during arrests, with detainees subjected to beatings and intimidation.

While Navalny’s death has captured international attention, Russian state media has largely remained silent or propagated conspiracy theories deflecting blame onto external actors. The Kremlin’s muted response echoes its longstanding strategy of marginalizing Navalny and dismissing his influence, despite his significant following and impact on Russian politics.

As the world mourns Navalny’s untimely demise, questions linger over the circumstances surrounding his death and the future of dissent in Russia. With Putin’s regime facing heightened scrutiny and condemnation, Navalny’s legacy as a vocal critic and advocate for democratic reform endures, leaving an indelible mark on Russia’s political landscape.