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Ravens Face Tough Injury Challenge Against Texans in AFC Divisional Round

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Despite Being Favored, Baltimore Dealing with Key Injuries Heading into Saturday’s Showdown

In Saturday’s AFC divisional round clash, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves as the favorites by more than a touchdown against the Houston Texans. However, the matchup might not be as one-sided as it appears on paper, considering the Texans’ impressive rebound from an 0-2 start and their recent strong performance.

Houston, led by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, secured the AFC South championship after winning 10 of its last 15 regular-season games. Stroud, a former MVP candidate, showcased his potential in the first career playoff game, delivering a stellar performance with 16 of 21 completions for 274 yards, three touchdowns, and zero turnovers. The Texans’ defense added to the dominance with pick-sixes and rendered the Cleveland Browns’ rushing attack ineffective in a convincing 45-14 victory.

The injury report for Saturday’s game adds another layer of intrigue. While both teams are dealing with health concerns, the Ravens seem to be facing more significant challenges. Star tight end Mark Andrews, the team’s leading receiver in three of the past five seasons, returned from a November ankle injury but remains uncertain for the upcoming game. Coach John Harbaugh stated that Andrews’ status is “up in the air,” emphasizing the need for activation off injured reserve by Friday. Andrews was listed as questionable in the latest injury report.

The Ravens’ secondary is grappling with a major setback as Pro Bowl cornerback Marlon Humphrey has been ruled out for Saturday’s playoff matchup against the Texans. Humphrey, a three-time Pro Bowler, and 2019 first-team All-Pro, sustained a calf injury on December 31 and has not participated in practice since. In his absence, Brandon Stephens and Ronald Darby are expected to step up as the starting cornerbacks.

On the Texans’ side, the health outlook appears more optimistic, with only three players receiving injury designations in Thursday’s report. Defensive end Jerry Hughes is ruled out with an ankle injury, while fullback Andrew Beck and offensive tackle George Fant are listed as questionable.

As the Ravens and Texans gear up for a crucial playoff showdown at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, the uncertainties surrounding key players’ health add an extra layer of anticipation to an already highly anticipated matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. CT.

Habilitan $5.8 Millones En Fondos Para Servicios Gratuitos De Naturalización Y Ciudadanía 

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Por Indira Zaldivar y Edward Saenz 

¿Estás en proceso de convertirte en ciudadano naturalizado estadounidense? Se han habilitado $5.8 millones para ofrecer servicios gratuitos que ayudarán a los residentes elegibles del condado de Harris a obtener la ciudadanía estadounidense durante los próximos tres años.

Los servicios incluyen asesoría legal para la solicitud de ciudadanía, clases de inglés y ciudadanía, así como fondos para ayudar a cubrir el costo de la solicitud. El programa tiene como objetivo asistir a al menos 1,700 residentes elegibles del condado de Harris desde el proceso de solicitud hasta la preparación de la entrevista para la ciudadanía estadounidense.

“Estamos celebrando y anunciando el inicio de un proyecto muy importante para ayudar a aquellas personas que ya están en el proceso de hacerse ciudadanos de este país, proporcionándoles fondos para comprender el idioma, pagar el costo de la aplicación y brindar el apoyo necesario en este proceso, que es muy complejo y detallado y que puede resultar intimidante para muchas personas”, dijo el Comisionado Adrian García del Precinto 2 del Condado de Harris.

Con más de 200,000 inmigrantes elegibles en el Condado de Harris, es crucial. Una parte significativa de los residentes permanentes legales, casi tres de cada diez, vive en o por debajo del 150% del nivel federal de pobreza. 

El programa, liderado por el Comisionado Adrian García del Precinto 2 del Condado de Harris, fue aprobado por la corte de comisionados del condado de Harris en octubre de 2023 y pretende aliviar estas barreras. Los fondos provienen de organizaciones sin fines de lucro como el Houston Endowment Fund y del gobierno federal, cubriendo los servicios mencionados y la contratación de personal de 10 empleados con ese único propósito.

“Este es un proyecto muy importante para mí, siendo el único nacido en este país de mi familia”, dijo García. “Mis padres y hermanos, todos pasaron por el proceso de hacerse ciudadanos. Sabemos que cuando uno se convierte en ciudadano de este país, recibe todos los beneficios”.

El programa se lleva a cabo en colaboración con el Comisionado Adrian García, la Comisionada Lesley Briones del Precinto 4 del Condado de Harris, los Servicios Comunitarios del Condado de Harris, la Biblioteca Pública del Condado de Harris y el Proyecto de Representación de Inmigrantes de Galveston-Houston.

Los solicitantes deben cumplir con requisitos como ser residente del condado de Harris, ser residente legal permanente de los Estados Unidos por cinco años o más y tener un ingreso bajo según ciertos criterios. 

Para verificar si cumples con los requisitos, solicita una consulta en la página web https://hcpl.net/citizenship/  o llama a la Biblioteca Pública del Condado de Harris al (713) 274-6600 o contacta a cualquiera de los socios de la Biblioteca Pública del Condado de Harris: BakerRipley Immigration & Citizenship Services, Justice for All Immigrants – Houston, Tahirih Justice Center – Immigration Services y Galveston-Houston Immigrant Representation Project.

#FugitiveFriday – January 19, 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 January 18, 2024 at 4:00 pm.

DAVID LESLIE ANDERSONW/M      07-11-67      5’09”/175 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1849842
AGG M0RE THAN $30K LESS THAN $150K ELDERY
Last known location: The Woodlands Texas
RONALD WARREN BAUCHW/M      08-20-66      5’11”/177 Lbs.      Bro/Grn
Warrant #: 1823018
ARSON BLDG/HAB/VEH RKLS CAUSE
Last known location: Houston Texas
HEATHER MARIE CARTERW/F      07-05-78      5’03”/240 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1848737
ROBBERY-BODILY INJURY
Last known location: Houston Texas
GEORGE MARTIN GONZALESW/M      11-14-59      6’00”/180 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1849735
INDECENCY W/CHILD SEXUAL CONTACT
Last known location: Houston Texas
LAMONICA TYARA HENRYB/F      01-28-99      5’06”/132 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1562194
PROB VIOL BURGLARY OF HABITATION
Last known location: Houston Texas
TYREESE KENYON JAMESB/M      07-26-00      6’02”/180 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1728477
PROB VIOL DEADLY COND-DISCH F-ARM HAB/BL
Last known location: Tomball Texas
JOHN J LEWISB/M      01-17-76      6’00”/210 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1849485
RETALIATION
Last known location: Houston Texas
ANGELINA MILDRED LOVINGSB/F      12-24-83      5’00”/269 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1848987, 1848984, 1848988
THEFT <$2,500 2/MORE PREV CONV x3
Last known location: Houston Texas
KIMBERLY BRIDGETTE MENCHACAW/F      08-12-04      5’04”/150 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1849093
STALKING
Last known location: Houston Texas
ILEANA IVETTE REYESW/F      02-18-93      4’11”/110 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1849592
DWI THIRD
Last known location: San Antonio Texas

Rising Trend of Early-Onset Cancer Sparks Concern Among Healthcare Professionals

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A Recent Report by the American Cancer Society Highlights the Disturbing Increase in Cancer Cases Among Younger Adults

The battle against early-onset cancer is becoming an increasingly common experience for a growing proportion of young adults, according to a recent report released by the American Cancer Society. The report, published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, reveals a shifting trend in cancer diagnoses from older to middle-aged individuals, with those under 50 experiencing a notable increase in overall cancer incidence from 1995 to 2020.

Dr. William Dahut, Chief Scientific Officer for the American Cancer Society, notes that despite the aging population, there is a noticeable movement of cancer diagnoses into younger age groups, signaling a concerning shift towards earlier diagnoses. The reasons behind this trend remain unclear, prompting healthcare professionals to seek answers.

Colorectal cancer has become the leading cause of cancer death in men and the second-leading cause in women under 50, surpassing its previous rankings in the late 1990s. Dr. Scott Kopetz from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston acknowledges the concerning trend of younger patients presenting with various cancers, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the changing epidemiology of cancer.

The report projects approximately 2 million new cancer cases in the United States this year, with around 600,000 expected cancer deaths in 2024. Despite an overall decline in cancer deaths, the incidence rates for several types of cancer, including colorectal cancer in young adults, continue to rise.

While progress has been made in cancer prevention, the report highlights a lag in preventing common cancers, such as breast, prostate, uterine corpus, pancreas, oropharynx, liver in women, kidney, melanoma, and colorectal and cervical cancers in young adults. Racial disparities in cancer incidence and deaths persist, necessitating increased investment in cancer prevention and equitable treatment.

The alarming rise in cancer cases among younger adults serves as a call to arms for healthcare professionals to better understand the underlying reasons and accelerate efforts for early detection approaches. The hope is that future generations will benefit from less intrusive and more effective screening methods, ultimately reducing the impact of cancer on individuals and society.

Elevate Your Business Experience with the American Express Platinum Business Card

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By: Michael Esparza

The American Express Platinum business card is a premium card that offers a range of benefits and rewards for business owners who travel frequently and spend a lot on their card. The card has a high annual fee of $695, but it also comes with a generous welcome bonus, airport lounge access, travel credits, and other perks that can offset the cost and enhance your travel experience. The card also earns Membership Rewards points, which are valuable and flexible for redeeming travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more.

The main features of the American Express Platinum business card are:

  • A welcome bonus of 120,000 Membership Rewards points (some bonuses can go up to 200,000 points) after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership.
  • An annual fee of $695.
  • 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com, and 1.25X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • A $200 airline fee credit per calendar year for incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, on one selected qualifying airline.
  • Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually toward U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $400 back per year.
  • Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year.
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits per year for eligible annual prepaid business plan purchases with Adobe on Creative Cloud for teams or Acrobat Pro DC with e-sign for teams on the Business Platinum Card.
  • A $179 CLEAR® credit per year, which covers the cost of a CLEAR membership that allows you to speed through security at select airports and venues.
  • A $100 Global Entry or $85 TSA Pre✓® credit every four years for an application fee charged to your card.
  • Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges across the globe, including The Centurion® Lounge, Delta Sky Club®, Priority Pass™ Select, and more.
  • Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status, which offer benefits such as room upgrades, late check-out, free breakfast, and bonus points at participating hotels.
  • Complimentary ShopRunner membership, which provides free two-day shipping and free returns on eligible purchases at over 100 online stores.
  • Complimentary cell phone protection, which covers up to $800 per claim and $1,600 per year for damage or theft of your cell phone when you pay your monthly bill with your card.
  • Complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance, which covers up to $75,000 for theft and damage to the rental car when you pay for the entire rental with your card and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.
  • Complimentary premium roadside assistance, which provides up to four service calls per year for towing, winching, jump starts, flat tire change, lockout service, and delivery of up to two gallons of fuel.

The American Express Platinum business card is a great option for business owners who want to enjoy a high level of service, convenience, and luxury when they travel. The card has a hefty annual fee, but it also offers a lot of value in terms of rewards, credits, and benefits. The card is best suited for those who book their travel through amextravel.com, where they can earn 5X points and access exclusive deals and offers. The card is also ideal for those who value airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and other travel perks that can make their trips more comfortable and enjoyable. The card is not recommended for those who do not want to pay a high annual fee, travel often, or do not spend enough to justify the cost. The card is a charge card, not a credit card, so it requires you to pay your balance in full each month, unless you enroll in the Pay Over Time option, which charges interest and has a limit.

The American Express Platinum business card is one of the most prestigious and rewarding cards in the American Express corporate program, which provides expense management tools, reporting solutions, and customer service for businesses of all sizes. If you are interested in the American Express Platinum business card, visit https://americanexpress.com/en-us/referral/MICHAEdOiM?XL=MIMNS to learn more.

Plena Tropical – January 26 – Hosted by MECA, Que Onda Magazine, and El Bolillo Bakery

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Ring in the new year with an evening of music celebrating the sounds of Plena Puertorriqueña and Bomba Cultural with Plena Tropical Houston led by Puerto Rican native, Paul Jr Pagan. Plena blends Latin American and African musical traditions into a uniquely Puerto Rican style. First embraced by working-class people as a way to share their struggles through music, plena has become a symbol of Puerto Rican culture.

6:30 PM: Doors open
7:15 PM : Food & Networking
7:45 PM:
Special presentation by Que Onda Magazine and El Bolillo Bakery
Concert doors open
Performance by Plena Tropical
Dancefloor available!

Chase Business Unlimited Card: A Simple and Straightforward Rewards Card for Small Business Owners

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By: Michael Esparza


The Chase Business Unlimited Card is a credit card that offers cash-back rewards on every purchase made for your business. The card has no annual fee and provides a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. After that, the variable APR ranges from 18.49% to 24.49%.

As a new card member, you can earn a $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening. The card also provides some added credit card benefits, such as car rental protection, that add value to the card.

The card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards on every business purchase and 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025. Employee cards are available at no additional cost, and you can set individual spending limits and help you earn rewards even faster.

The Chase Business Unlimited Card is best suited to owners of established small businesses that want a basic rewards card that’s easy to use. It offers decent cash back for small businesses for which more robust cash-back cards won’t be worth annual fees or higher credit requirements.

Here are some pros and cons of the Chase Business Unlimited Card:

Pros:

• The card offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases.

• The card has no annual fee.

• As a new card member, you can earn a $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening.

• The card earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards on every business purchase and 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025.

• Employee cards are available at no additional cost, and you can set individual spending limits and help you earn rewards even faster.

Cons:

• The card has no bonus categories.

• The card is best suited to owners of established small businesses that want a basic rewards card that’s easy to use.

• The card provides limited travel benefits.

If you have a Chase Sapphire card or the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, you can redeem your rewards points for travel expenses. You can book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal and redeem points for your plane tickets, hotel stays, rental cars, or experiences at a fixed cash value per point. As a holder of the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, each point is worth 1.25 cents. To redeem your points for travel, log in to your Chase account and navigate to the rewards section. You can then choose how you want to redeem your points.

In conclusion, the Chase Business Unlimited Card is a great option for small business owners who want to earn cash-back rewards on every purchase made for their business. With no annual fee, 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, and unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards on every business purchase, this card is a great choice for those looking for a basic rewards card that’s easy to use. There are other Chase Business cards as there is also the Ink Business Preferred, the Ink Business Premier card, and the Ink Business Cash card. If you are interested in the 100,000 bonus points with the Ink Business Preferred® card or up to $1,000 bonus cash back with the Ink Business Premier® card, Ink Business Unlimited® card, or Ink Business Cash® card, you visit https://www.referyourchasecard.com/21p/92ICFF6USV

Houston Rap Icons Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall Tease Reunion Tour Following Texans-Browns Halftime Show

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Fresh off their electrifying halftime performance during the Texans-Browns Wild Card Game on January 13, Houston’s legendary rappers Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and the certified silver fox Paul Wall are dropping hints of an exciting reunion tour.

The speculation arose from a video posted by user AuxGod after the Texans game, where Paul Wall captures the empty Reliant Field. A key moment in the video reveals the back of Mike Jones’ hoodie, adorned with the words “Still Tippin’ tour” and the number 44 at the center. Jones enthusiastically confirms, “The tour’s official mayne, the tour is official.” Paul Wall chimes in with an energetic, “Let’s go baby, let’s gooooooo.”

Further fueling the anticipation, Jones seemingly confirmed the announcement on Instagram, sharing a video featuring highlights of the Texans’ impressive 45-14 victory over Cleveland along with the caption, “Still Tippin Tour is on the Way‼” Uneeq, Wall’s official tour DJ, also seemed to echo the confirmation on X, expressing excitement for the upcoming tour with Paul, Slim, and Mike.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the trio’s iconic collaboration, a milestone celebrated during their halftime performance that still resonated powerfully with the Texans’ crowd. While no official tour dates have been released, the trio has more than their 2004 hit “Still Tippin'” to offer, with each rapper having released new music in recent months.

Mike Jones dropped the single “She Making It Werk” in September 2023, showcasing his continued musical prowess. Slim Thug, on the other hand, released his 14th studio album, “Midlife Crisis,” also in September 2023. Meanwhile, Paul Wall treated fans to a new album titled “The Great Wall” in December 2023 and gained attention with his feature on That Mexican OT’s viral hit “Johnny Dang” last year.

As fans eagerly await further details, the prospect of the “Still Tippin Tour” promises a thrilling musical journey through the iconic trio’s extensive discography.

Lakewood Church Achieves Financial Milestone: Pastor Joel Osteen Announces Successful Eradication of $100 Million Debt

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In a heartfelt moment during a service at Houston’s Lakewood Church, Pastor Joel Osteen shared with the congregation that their donations had successfully eliminated the church’s $100 million debt. The emotional revelation took place over the weekend, with Osteen expressing gratitude for the faithfulness of the churchgoers.

“It’s because of your faithfulness,” Osteen tearfully told the packed house. “You paid it off by the goodness of God.”

For over two decades, Joel Osteen has led the non-denominational Lakewood Church, which stands as one of America’s largest and wealthiest congregations. Taking over after the passing of his father and the church’s founder, John Osteen, in 1999, Joel has significantly expanded the church’s reach. Lakewood’s weekly attendance has grown from around 5,000 to over 50,000, with an additional 200 million weekly viewers through TV broadcasts and digital platforms worldwide.

The journey to financial freedom for Lakewood Church began in 2001 when Osteen signed a 60-year lease with the city to move from its 7,800-seat sanctuary in northeast Houston to the Compaq Center, the Houston Rockets’ arena boasting 16,000 seats. The initial $11.5 million rent was funded by money left to the church by Joel Osteen’s late father.

Upon Lakewood’s official relocation in 2005, Osteen sought additional funds for extensive renovations, including redesigning the outdoor façade, constructing an indoor stage, replacing locker rooms and food stands with meeting rooms and childcare spaces, and erecting a five-story building for television production offices. Despite initial setbacks with a financial institution, Bank of America eventually granted a $100 million loan, which Osteen proudly announced had been paid off as of December 31 of the previous year.

During the announcement, Osteen was visibly moved, stopping to wipe away tears as he praised God and acknowledged the ongoing commitment of Lakewood Church to ministry and media production. The congregation responded with a standing ovation.

Despite criticism for preaching the so-called prosperity gospel, Joel and Victoria Osteen, his wife, remain beloved by a vast number of followers. The tax-exempt church, which reportedly paid back $4.4 million in COVID-19 disaster funds received through the Paycheck Protection Program in 2021, is now mostly debt-free, with only a smaller loan remaining for “capital equipment.”

In a message of hope and faith, Osteen assured the congregation that what God had done for Lakewood, He would also do in their lives. Looking ahead to 2024, Osteen prophesied release from various challenges, including debt, addiction, and wrong mindsets.

Reflecting on the journey, Osteen emphasized the significance of the Compaq Center, now owned outright by Lakewood Church, as a testament to God’s dream being much larger than individual aspirations. The Osteens celebrated the accomplishment by tearing apart an apparent loan document and declaring, “All done!” to the applause of the congregation.

Apple Removes Blood Oxygen Feature from Latest Watches Amid Legal Battle with Masimo

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In a strategic move to navigate an ongoing legal dispute with medical device company Masimo, Apple has decided to remove the blood oxygen feature from its latest Apple Watches. The decision aims to enable the continued import and sale of these devices in the United States. The modified versions, namely the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, are set to be available for purchase starting Thursday, as confirmed by Apple in a recent statement. Both models were initially introduced in September.

Upon tapping the blood oxygen icon on the modified watches, users will now see an alert directing them to an explanation on Apple’s website, as outlined by the company.

The intellectual property clash between Apple and Masimo has been ongoing for months, with the International Trade Commission ruling in October that Apple’s watch sensors for blood oxygen infringed on Masimo’s patents. This led to a temporary ban on the affected watches in December, though Apple secured a brief reprieve. However, on Wednesday, an appeals court lifted an injunction, allowing the ban to take effect. It’s important to note that the appeals court did not overturn the ITC decision, which is currently under appeal.

Apple’s decision to remove features from released products is considered unusual, and the absence of the blood oxygen sensor may impact the attractiveness of the device for certain consumers.

An Apple spokesperson, addressing the situation, stated to CNBC, “Pending the appeal, Apple is taking steps to comply with the ruling while ensuring customers have access to Apple Watch with limited disruption. These steps include introducing a version of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States without the Blood Oxygen feature. There is no impact to Apple Watch units previously purchased that include the Blood Oxygen feature.”

Apple expressed optimism that the appeals court might eventually reverse the decision, allowing the unmodified watches to return to store shelves. However, this process could extend beyond a year.

In fiscal 2023, Apple reported a substantial $39.8 billion in sales of wearables, encompassing items such as headphones. The removal of the blood oxygen feature reflects Apple’s strategic maneuvering in response to the legal challenges it currently faces.