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College Football Icon Nick Saban Announces Retirement After 17 Seasons with Alabama

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College Football Icon Nick Saban Announces Retirement After 17 Seasons with Alabama

In a shocking turn of events, Nick Saban, a legendary figure in college football coaching, declared his retirement on Wednesday after an illustrious 17-season tenure with the University of Alabama. Saban, known for leading the Crimson Tide to seven national championships and revitalizing the program, leaves behind a lasting legacy in the sport.

In a heartfelt statement, Saban expressed his deep connection to the University of Alabama, stating, “The University of Alabama has been a very special place to Terry and me… We will always consider Alabama our home.” Reflecting on his coaching philosophy, Saban emphasized the importance of not just the wins and losses but also the legacy built and the values instilled in the players.

Saban’s retirement comes at the age of 72, following the conclusion of his 17th season with Alabama, which concluded with a loss to eventual national champion Michigan in the Rose Bowl. His coaching record at Alabama, with 201 victories, ties him for the second-most wins at a single school in SEC history.

Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne hailed Saban as one of the greatest coaches of all time, acknowledging his impact beyond the football field. “While his time as our coach may have come to an end, his legacy will live on forever. What an honor it has been for us to have a front-row seat to one of the best to ever do it,” said Byrne.

Saban made it a priority to inform his players personally about his decision before the news broke publicly. The timing of his announcement caught many by surprise, as he had been actively interviewing potential assistant coaches just an hour before revealing his retirement plans to the team.

Sources close to Saban revealed that his frustration with the direction of college football, particularly issues related to the transfer portal, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) controversies, and extended recruiting calendars, played a role in his decision to retire.

With a coaching career spanning 28 years and seven national titles, Saban’s impact on the sport is undeniable. His coaching tree includes notable names like Kirby Smart, Steve Sarkisian, and Lane Kiffin, all of whom have gone on to successful head-coaching careers.

As Saban steps away from the sidelines, the University of Alabama now faces the task of finding a worthy successor. Alabama’s odds to win the next season’s national championship have shifted from 6-1 to 8-1 following Saban’s retirement, signaling the end of an era for Crimson Tide football.

Houston Community College Breaks New Ground with AI and Robotics Bachelor’s Degrees

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Houston Community College Breaks New Ground with AI and Robotics Bachelor’s Degrees

In a pioneering move, Houston Community College (HCC) has become the first community college system in Texas to offer both associate and bachelor’s degrees in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, according to Samir Saber, the Dean of the Digital & Information Technology Center of Excellence. This groundbreaking initiative was launched in late 2023, marking a significant advancement in the educational landscape.

Notably, HCC stands as only the second community college institution in the entire nation to provide such a comprehensive program. The institution’s strategic move closely followed the footsteps of Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona, which introduced a similar program in October.

HCC is at the forefront of educational innovation, having been the first in Texas to unveil its bachelor’s degree in applied technology focusing on artificial intelligence and robotics. Saber highlighted the success of community colleges in states like California, Florida, and Washington, where bachelor’s degree programs have proven effective in serving underserved communities and contributing positively to society’s financial landscape.

This latest development builds upon HCC’s previous achievements, including the launch of Texas’s inaugural Associate of Applied Science degree in artificial intelligence in 2020.

Key Industry Partnerships

Saber outlined the pivotal role played by several industry-leading companies that have partnered with HCC for this program. Some of the key collaborators include:

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS): Providing materials from Machine Learning University, academic resources, equipment, and advisory support. AWS has also been a key supporter of HCC’s annual AI conference.
  • Intel: Offering academic resources and advisory support, Intel has highlighted student successes, with HCC winning Intel’s first Global AI Impact competition in 2022.
  • NVIDIA: Supporting HCC with equipment and academic resources.
  • Apple: Funding equipment, faculty, staff, and instructional support through its Community Education Initiative and Racial Equity and Justice Initiative.
  • Microsoft: Offering support through an advisory board, guest speakers, faculty support, and scholarships.
  • Google: Providing advisory support and academic resources.

Program Locations and Facilities

HCC has strategically situated AI and robotics programs on the west side of Houston across multiple campuses:

  • Robotics Program: The primary location is the HCC West Loop Campus.
  • Additional Robotics Courses: Offered at the Stafford and Katy campuses.
  • AI Program: Features an AI laboratory at the West Loop campus.
  • Additional AI Lab: Located at the Stafford campus.
  • Expansion Plans: Two new labs are under construction at Coleman College in the Texas Medical Center.

Enrollment and Momentum

Saber expressed enthusiasm about the growing momentum of the programs, revealing current enrollment figures:

  • Recent Graduates: 3.
  • Students Transitioning: 6 transitioning from the associate program to the bachelor’s degree.
  • Associate Program Enrollees: 254 students.

HCC’s initiative reflects a commitment to providing cutting-edge education in emerging fields, fostering industry partnerships, and empowering students with opportunities in the dynamic realms of AI and robotics.

Houston Media Icon Dominique Sachse Takes a Bold Move to Dallas for New Opportunities

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Houston Media Icon Dominique Sachse Takes a Bold Move to Dallas for New Opportunities

In a surprising announcement, Houston’s beloved media personality, Dominique Sachse, renowned for her longstanding career with Channel 2 and later as a YouTube sensation, is bidding farewell to the Bayou City as she embarks on a new adventure in Dallas. The news was revealed on her YouTube channel, “Over 50 & Flourishing,” where Sachse enjoys a massive following of nearly 2 million subscribers.

In an exclusive statement to CultureMap, Sachse expressed gratitude for the profound experiences Houston has provided her. She described the move to the Dallas-Fort Worth area as the commencement of a fresh chapter in her life, teeming with exciting opportunities while maintaining the solid foundation she has built over the years.

Sachse, who has been an integral part of Houston’s media landscape since the ’70s, leaving an indelible mark through her work on radio and television, disclosed that a significant life change is on the horizon. While the details of this transformative opportunity are yet to be unveiled, Sachse teased her audience with hints of a life-altering development that seemingly caught her off guard but aligns with a divine plan planted in her past.

The media personality reflected on her storied career, emphasizing the unforeseen twists and turns that life can take. Despite facing personal challenges, including a divorce and the loss of her mother, Audrey Toll, in 2023, Sachse remains resilient. With her son Styles now in college, she views this juncture as an opportunity to embrace a new stage of life, abandoning fear and welcoming the possibilities that lie ahead.

As speculation abounds regarding Sachse’s next move, ranging from national media roles to potential forays into politics or faith-based endeavors, one thing remains certain – Houston’s iconic “Dom” will approach this new journey with the same work ethic, approachability, and occasional vulnerability that endeared her to countless viewers over the years. The entire community eagerly anticipates witnessing the next chapter in the illustrious career of Dominique Sachse.

Houston Braces for First Hard Freeze of 2024 as ERCOT Issues Weather Watch

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Houston Braces for First Hard Freeze of 2024 as ERCOT Issues Weather Watch

Following a week of intermittent rainfall and gusty winds in Southeast Texas, the Energy Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) is cautioning residents about an imminent cold front that is poised to bring the first hard freeze of 2024 to the Houston area.

ERCOT issued a Weather Watch spanning from January 15 to 17, citing forecasted extreme cold weather across the ERCOT region, anticipating higher electrical demand, and potential lower reserves. In a message posted on X, regulators urged residents to monitor grid conditions on http://ercot.com, emphasizing that conditions are expected to be normal during this period.

A Weather Watch, the least severe level of grid condition notices in the Texas Advisory and Notification System (TXANS), precedes more urgent notices like the Voluntary Conservation Notice and Conservation Appeal.

Wednesday’s Weather Watch precedes an arctic blast anticipated to sweep through the northern United States and the Great Plains, reaching the Gulf Coast over the weekend. This frigid weather system is predicted to bring sub-freezing temperatures and low wind chills as it descends upon Houston on Sunday, featuring prolonged periods of subfreezing temperatures.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters, hard freezes (temperatures below 24°F) pose a threat to many parts of Southeast Texas from Sunday night through Tuesday night. The Houston metro may experience temperatures as low as 22 degrees on Monday morning, with daytime highs reaching around 37 degrees. The cold spell is expected to persist into Tuesday, keeping highs in the upper 30s and lows around 31 degrees, before warmer air returns on Wednesday.

While NWS models currently show no strong signal for frozen precipitation, residents are advised to prepare for the freeze by insulating outdoor pipes, bringing pets and vulnerable potted plants indoors, and checking on neighbors in need.

This impending cold snap will mark Houston’s first encounter with freezing temperatures in over a year. The city went the entirety of 2023 without a single day of freezing weather, making it 379 days since the temperature hit 32 degrees Fahrenheit in Houston, ranking as the fourth-longest streak in the city’s history.

ERCOT is taking preliminary measures to ready the state power grid for the approaching arctic blast. The state energy regulator issued an Operating Conditioning Notice (OCN) on Monday, signaling awareness of the extreme cold weather event expected for Texas. While this notice serves as an informational warning for energy providers, ERCOT officials had previously projected a 14.4-16.9 percent chance of the state power grid experiencing a cold snap requiring rolling blackouts based on the Winter Storm Elliott experience in 2022.

Que Onda Magazine will continue to monitor developments as this weather system approaches the state.

Hunter Biden’s Defiant Capitol Hill Appearance Amid Contempt Proceedings

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Hunter Biden’s Defiant Capitol Hill Appearance Amid Contempt Proceedings

In a surprising turn of events, Hunter Biden made an unexpected appearance on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, walking into a House committee hearing focused on deliberations regarding whether to hold him in contempt. This move has ignited anger among Republicans who had issued a congressional subpoena, demanding his participation in a closed-door deposition as part of the ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden.

Hunter Biden, the son of the president, has been vocal about his refusal to testify in a closed-door setting, asserting his willingness to appear only in a public forum. He had previously dismissed the impeachment probe as “illegitimate.”

The arrival of Hunter Biden created chaos during the proceedings, with Republican Representative Nancy Mace expressing outrage, accusing him of epitomizing white privilege and defying a congressional subpoena. Mace went further, suggesting that Biden should be arrested and sent “straight to jail.”

A heated exchange unfolded between Mace and Democrat Jared Moskowitz, who called for an immediate vote to allow Hunter Biden to speak. Arizona Republican Representative Andy Biggs criticized the interruption, urging decorum and courtesy among committee members.

Hunter Biden, accompanied by his lawyer Abbe Lowell and confidant Kevin Morris, left the hearing shortly after sitting in the front row. Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene took the opportunity to address him, stating, “Excuse me, Hunter, apparently you’re afraid of my words.”

Abbe Lowell, speaking to the press outside the hearing room, emphasized Hunter Biden’s status as a private citizen and accused Republicans of using him to attack his father. Lowell asserted that Hunter Biden had offered to publicly answer all appropriate questions.

Prior to the hearing, the Oversight Committee released a 19-page report recommending holding Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress. The report criticized his “flagrant defiance” of deposition subpoenas and called for accountability for his “unlawful actions.” Chairman James Comer indicated confidence in having the votes to move the resolution out of committee, with a full House floor vote expected at a later date, possibly early next week.

Hunter Biden, initially subpoenaed for a closed-door interview on December 13, opted for a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol, expressing a willingness to testify in a public hearing. Committee Republicans countered, stating openness to public testimony at a “future date” but rejecting special treatment demands from Hunter Biden.

In his opening statement, Chairman Comer labeled Hunter Biden’s refusal to comply with the subpoena as a “criminal act,” emphasizing the need for equal treatment under the law. The impeachment inquiry, centered on allegations regarding Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings, has yet to produce concrete evidence supporting GOP claims against President Biden. The Oversight Committee’s report contends that Hunter Biden’s testimony is crucial in determining the grounds for potential impeachment, with subpoenas extended to other members of the Biden family and associates.

Selena Gomez Clarifies Viral Golden Globes Moment Amidst Rumors

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Selena Gomez Clarifies Viral Golden Globes Moment Amidst Rumors

The mystery surrounding the seemingly intense conversation between Selena Gomez, Taylor Swift, and Keleigh Teller at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards has taken a surprising turn, as Selena Gomez addresses the rumors circulating online.

In response to speculation and headlines suggesting Gomez was gossiping about Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet during the awards ceremony, Gomez took to Instagram to set the record straight. E! News had questioned, “Was Selena Gomez Gossiping About Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet at Golden Globes?” To which Gomez emphatically replied, “Noooooo I told Taylor about two of my friends who hooked up. Not that that’s anyone’s business.”

The online rumor mill had previously suggested that Gomez had approached Chalamet for a photo, only for Jenner to intervene. However, Chalamet had already debunked this theory during a casual encounter with TMZ cameras on Monday night, asserting that he and Gomez were on good terms, and there was no feud between Gomez and Jenner.

The viral moment occurred during the Golden Globes held at the Beverly Hilton ballroom, where Gomez was nominated for Best Female Actor in a TV series for “Only Murders in the Building.” Meanwhile, Taylor Swift was present as a nominee in the newly introduced category for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, recognized for her Eras Tour concert film. As the clarification unfolds, the Golden Globes incident takes a backseat to the accomplishments of both Gomez and Swift at the prestigious awards ceremony.

Appeals Court Indicates Likely Rejection of Trump’s Immunity Claim in Election Interference Case

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Appeals Court Indicates Likely Rejection of Trump’s Immunity Claim in Election Interference Case

In a significant legal development, appeals court judges hinted strongly on Tuesday that they are inclined to dismiss former President Donald Trump’s assertions of immunity from prosecution in connection with his alleged involvement in election interference. The anticipated outcome became apparent during a hearing that delved into various political and legal considerations.

Donald Trump, currently the leading contender in the Republican presidential primary, made a rare appearance at Washington’s federal courthouse after months of absence. His legal team aimed to persuade an appeals court to dismiss the case accusing him of orchestrating efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. However, the defense’s argument faced skepticism from the three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.

While the judges did not specify a timeline for their decision, the urgency is heightened as a trial date of March 4 looms. Trump’s legal representatives, seeking to prolong the proceedings beyond the upcoming November presidential election, have indicated a readiness to escalate the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court if the D.C. court aligns with special counsel Jack Smith. The high-stakes legal battle continues to unfold against the backdrop of broader political and legal implications.

Former Texas Judge and Wife Found Murdered, Son Arrested and Charged: ‘Deeply Distressing Incident’

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Former Texas Judge and Wife Found Murdered, Son Arrested and Charged: ‘Deeply Distressing Incident’

The couple’s son has been charged with capital murder, police confirmed to PEOPLE

<p>Williamson County Sheriff
Williamson County Sheriff’s OfficeSeth B. Carnes

Texas officials are investigating the double-homicide of former district judge Burt Carnes and his wife, Susan Carnes.

On Tuesday, the couple’s 45‐year‐old son, Seth B. Carnes, was taken into custody and transported to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, PEOPLE confirmed. He has been charged with capital murder, and is currently being held without bond.

According to a press release from the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting around 11:45 p.m. on Monday at a residence near Georgetown, Texas.

When deputies arrived on the scene, they encountered Seth “exiting the residence,” per the release.

“Seth Carnes confessed to the deputies that he had just shot and killed his mother and father,” the press release states.

Both victims were 74 years old and located inside of the residence. “The preliminary investigation suggests that the murders resulted from a disagreement, escalating into family violence and death,” the release reads.

The sheriff’s office added that there is no threat to public safety at this time. The investigation is ongoing. It is unclear if Seth has retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.

“This deeply distressing incident has sent shockwaves through our community, particularly considering Alfred ‘Burt’ Carnes’ esteemed position as a retired District Judge,” Commander John Foster of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division said in the release. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family affected by this heartbreaking event.”

<p>Getty Images</p> crime scene stock image
Getty Imagescrime scene stock image

Before becoming a judge, Carnes came from a family filled with law enforcement officials — including his father, who was an FBI agent, and other relatives such as a Texas Ranger, a Border Patrol agent and a Wilson County sheriff.

When he retired after serving 24 years as a judge in October 2013, he reflected on his career with the Austin American-Statesman.

“Early on, I decided that I was going to be a judge, not a politician,” he said during the interview. “You’ve got to follow the law and within the bounds of the law, do what you think is right.”

Texas representative John Carter praised Carnes’ decades of contributions at that time.

“Judge Carnes was an exemplary judge — hardworking, fair and a judge/lawyer who knew the law,” Carter told the outlet via email at the time. “Whenever I wanted to talk out an issue with anyone, Judge Carnes was my first choice because he was a smart lawyer and a smart judge.”

For more People news, make

Explosion at Historic Texas Hotel in Fort Worth Injures 21, Including Critical Condition

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Explosion at Historic Texas Hotel in Fort Worth Injures 21, Including Critical Condition

A devastating explosion rocked a historic hotel in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, on Monday, shattering windows, scattering debris across the streets, and leaving 21 people injured, including one in critical condition, according to authorities.

The blast, which occurred at the 20-story Sandman Signature Hotel, sent doors and entire sections of walls onto the road, leading to a chaotic scene. Rescue crews, responding swiftly to the emergency, discovered several individuals trapped in the hotel’s basement. Fifteen people were rushed to hospitals, with six of them in “semi-critical” condition, as reported by MedStar, the emergency medical services provider in Fort Worth.

While there were no indications of missing persons, late Monday, fire officials announced their commitment to continue searching the building for any potential victims.

The explosion, believed to have been caused by a gas leak, unfolded during the afternoon on a workweek day, catching many occupants off guard. The hotel, which had more than two dozen occupied rooms at the time, was undergoing construction.

“There was debris. There was insulation. There was office furniture,” described Charlie Collier, an eyewitness who was working nearby when the explosion occurred. He recounted witnessing a large flash and hearing a sound resembling thunder. “Everything that was in the first couple floors of the building was blown out all over the street,” he added.

The Sandman Signature Hotel, situated one block from the Fort Worth Convention Center, is located in a bustling area of downtown. News helicopters captured footage of firefighters navigating through piles of debris, including drywall, shattered glass, and twisted metal, strewn across the street. Authorities urged the public to avoid the affected area.

Craig Trojacek, a spokesman for the Fort Worth Fire Department, stated that the restaurant within the building was under construction, though it remained uncertain if this was the specific location of the explosion.

Eyewitness accounts described a loud crack, a wall of dust and debris sweeping through the city streets, and the intense smell of natural gas following the blast. Rescue teams evacuated nearby buildings, ensuring the safety of residents.

As the investigation unfolds, federal investigators are collaborating with local authorities to determine the cause of the explosion. Technicians from Atmos Energy, a Dallas-based natural gas distributor, and a representative from the Railroad Commission of Texas are actively involved in examining the site.

The Canadian company Northland Properties Co., owner of the hotel, expressed cooperation with officials to ascertain the cause and assess the extent of the damage. In a statement, the company emphasized its commitment to supporting the injured individuals during this challenging time.

Constructed in 1920 as the “Waggoner Building,” the Sandman Signature Fort Worth Downtown Hotel has 245 rooms and has held a place on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. As investigators delve into the incident, the historic hotel and its occupants grapple with the aftermath of a tragic explosion.

Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing 18-Year-Old Identified Along Buffalo Bayou in Houston

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Tragic Discovery: Body of Missing 18-Year-Old Identified Along Buffalo Bayou in Houston

The body discovered along Buffalo Bayou on the northeast side of downtown Houston has been identified as 18-year-old Tierra Horn, who was reported missing last Thursday. Her life was tragically cut short, and the cause of death, as determined by the Harris County Institute for Forensic Science, is listed as “compression of the neck.”

Tierra was last seen by her family members on Tuesday, and her body was found on Friday evening. Rokeisha Calton, Tierra’s older sister, expressed deep sorrow, emphasizing the potential life that was taken away from her sister.

“She had a lot more life she could have lived that was taken away from her,” Calton shared.

According to Calton, Tierra had connections to someone residing in the apartment building near where her body was discovered, and surveillance footage from the building captured her presence earlier in the week. Despite ongoing investigations, no arrests have been made in connection with her death.

Calton, grappling with the loss, strongly believes that Tierra knew her assailant and expressed her sentiments about the perpetrator.

“Who would do that to her?” questioned ABC13 reporter Jessica Willey.

“A devil. A person who doesn’t have a heart. A person who doesn’t care about life. A monster,” Calton replied.

The heartbreaking reality is that Tierra’s 19th birthday, which she and her sister had been planning, will now be commemorated as a celebration of life instead. Calton, seeking justice for her sister, expressed a hope that those involved or with information will be held accountable.

“I hope that everybody that’s involved or who knew anything, I hope they are all charged,” Calton remarked.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about this case to contact the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600 as they continue their investigation into this tragic incident.

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