72.9 F
Houston
Monday, April 28, 2025

Home Blog Page 236

Bizarre Break-In at Spring Branch Bar Leaves Managers Puzzled

0

Managers of a recently opened bar in Spring Branch are grappling with the peculiar motivations of a brazen burglar who executed a bizarre break-in on the property early Christmas morning. The incident, first reported by KHOU 11’s Stephen Goin, unfolded at The Decoy, where security cameras captured the intruder lifting the outdoor patio gate off its hinges and indulging in a rather unconventional spree.

According to Bar General Manager Miguel Cruz, the mysterious trespasser, equipped with a suitcase, proceeded to change clothes and embarked on an eight-hour escapade around the premises. The man, caught on camera, helped himself to water from the outdoor station and engaged in peculiar activities, including igniting small fires on the bar’s beach volleyball court.

“He went right into the front, got some water from the water filler station, hung out,” shared Cruz, recounting the incident with a laugh. “I’m sure if the TV was on, he probably would’ve stayed all night.”

Throughout his extended stay, the intruder reportedly partook in various activities, from consuming food to tossing around “pornographic materials” while reclining on bar seating. The audacious break-in concluded with the suspect discreetly hiding as a cleaning service arrived, unaware of the unwelcome guest. Fortunately, no harm befell the cleaning crew.

“He had the opportunity to get into the building and do something harmful to our cleaning crew—two ladies—and they had no idea this was happening,” explained Cruz. “We’re grateful. At the end of the day, nobody got hurt.”

As the suspect vanished into the night, he left behind a trail of destruction, with thousands of dollars in damages, according to Goin’s report. The unidentified individual, who remains at large, exited the bar premises with some volleyball equipment in tow.

This incident marks the latest and most peculiar in a series of burglaries targeting bars and restaurants in the Houston area. In early November, a thief targeted Taste of Tel Aviv, an Israeli-owned kosher restaurant in Meyerland, making off with a cash register after breaking through the front door. Initially considered a potential hate crime, authorities later categorized the case as a “straight-up burglary.”

Texas Rings in New Year with Controversial Laws Affecting Higher Education, Taxation, and Justice

0

As Texas college students prepare to return to their campuses after the winter break, a looming change awaits them—the lights in their campuses’ diversity offices will remain dimmed. A new law, effective January 1, 2024, prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at the state’s higher education institutions, sparking debates over its potential impact on campus inclusivity.

Senate Bill 17 mandates the discontinuation of DEI work, including training for faculty and staff, and the exclusion of diversity statements in hiring processes. Universities are required to confirm compliance with these regulations to the Legislature between sessions. Although the law officially takes effect in the new year, many public universities in Texas have already begun scaling down their DEI practices in response to legal uncertainties and guidance issued by the governor’s chief of staff.

In addition to dissolving DEI offices, universities are grappling with the closure of university-led student support programs, raising concerns about potential violations of the law. While some institutions explore workarounds, such as the establishment of alternative centers promoting inclusivity, others face the challenge of navigating a complex landscape created by the new legislation.

The impact extends beyond DEI initiatives, affecting the hiring process for new faculty members. Although the law exempts class instruction, materials required for federal grant applications, and student organizations, university officials report increased difficulties in recruiting diverse faculty.

Beyond the realm of higher education, the new year in Texas brings forth 29 additional laws targeting various aspects of the economy, tax codes, and the criminal justice system. Notable changes include:

  • Streamlining Tax Exemptions: Senate Bill 1381 and House Bill 4077 ease requirements on property reappraisals for spouses inheriting property, and House Bill 2354 prevents the transfer of ownership for tax purposes when land is left to a spouse.
  • Diverting Minors Charged with Class C Misdemeanors: House Bill 3186 introduces alternative measures, such as diversion plans, for minors charged with class C misdemeanors, offering support programs in lieu of fines.
  • Expanding Exemptions for Charitable Organizations: House Bill 1058 and House Bill 4645 provide tax credits and exemptions for charitable organizations investing in low-income housing, and House Bill 456 exempts such organizations from taxes on certain mineral interests.
  • New Standard for Homeowner Association Fees: House Bill 614 mandates homeowner association boards to adopt standardized enforcement policies for fines, requiring transparent communication about potential violations.
  • Restricting E-cigarette Advertising to Minors: House Bill 4758 criminalizes the use of images of food, celebrities, or cartoon characters on e-cigarette packaging, aiming to combat vaping among minors.
  • Improving Understanding of Patient Insurance Plans: House Bill 4500 obligates insurance providers to create secure portals for healthcare providers, streamlining the process of determining patients’ insurance coverage.

As the Lone Star State ushers in 2024, these laws spark discussions and debates over their implications for higher education, taxation, and justice within Texas communities.

Ringing in 2024: 7 New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Greater Houston

0

As the countdown to 2024 begins, Greater Houston is gearing up for a festive array of New Year’s Eve events. Here’s a roundup of celebrations happening across the area:

  1. NYE Bash at The Weird Sister
    • The Weird Sister bar in Tomball invites you to a lively New Year’s Eve extravaganza. Enjoy a chance to win a bottle of Moet champagne in a raffle, dance to a DJ’s beats, savor food and drink specials, and anticipate a midnight balloon drop with exciting prizes.
    • When: Dec. 31, 9 p.m.
    • Where: 23227 Snook Lane, Tomball
    • Cost: Free admission
    • More Info
  2. Home Run Dugout’s Family-Friendly NYE
    • Home Run Dugout in Katy hosts a family-friendly New Year’s Eve event featuring a Sol Flair performance, fireworks, a bounce house, a photo booth, face painting, and a thrilling Dinger Derby competition.
    • When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
    • Where: 1220 Grand West Blvd., Katy
    • Cost: Free admission
    • More Info
  3. New Year’s Eve at 202 Main
    • Join the fourth annual New Year’s Eve extravaganza at 202 Main in Conroe, offering drink specials, DJ Slickback, gourmet eats, and indulgent luxury desserts.
    • When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
    • Where: 202 N. Main St., Conroe
    • Cost: $25 admission
    • More Info
  4. Tomball VFW NYE Dance
    • The Tomball VFW presents a New Year’s Eve dance featuring Doug Boggs and The Country Jazz Band. Secure your tickets in advance and enjoy a night of lively music and dancing.
    • When: Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-midnight
    • Where: 14408 Alice Road, Tomball
    • Cost: $20 (advance), $25 (cash only at the door)
    • More Info
  5. NYE at Pacific Yard House
    • Pacific Yard House in Conroe hosts a glitter-themed New Year’s Eve event featuring piano music and the lively tunes of Yelba’s Variety Band.
    • When: Dec. 31, 7 p.m.
    • Where: 101 Metcalf St., Conroe
    • Cost: $15 per reserved seat
    • More Info
  6. High Noon Countdown
    • The Woodlands Children’s Museum offers a New Year’s Eve event for children and families. Join in the festivities with a balloon drop, classic holiday carols by Tom’s Fun Band, and a time capsule project.
    • When: Dec. 30; 9:30-11 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m., and 2-3:30 p.m.
    • Where: 4775 W. Panther Creek Drive, Ste. 280, The Woodlands
    • Cost: $20 (children ages 1-13), $10 (adults)
    • More Info
  7. Circe De Centric New Year’s Eve Party
    • Market Street in The Woodlands hosts an upscale New Year’s Eve event with an exquisite dinner, complimentary drinks, music, dancing, multiple entertainers, and a midnight champagne toast. This event is exclusively for adults aged 21 and up.
    • When: Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m.
    • Where: Hyatt Centric The Woodlands, 9595 Six Pines Drive, Ste. 1100, The Woodlands
    • Cost: $199 admission
    • More Info

Alzheimer’s Rates Soar Among Hispanic Communities

0

Recent data from the Alzheimer’s Association reveals that Hispanics are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease compared to white Americans. However, experts argue that cultural factors may indicate a higher prevalence of the disease among Hispanics than reported numbers suggest.

Alarming rates of Alzheimer’s diagnoses are particularly evident in border counties in Texas, where data from the Alzheimer’s Association indicates rates ranging from 13% to 18% among individuals aged 65 and over. Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia, not only affects patients but also places a significant burden on caregivers, often family members.

Joe Arciniega, a member of the National Board of Directors of the Alzheimer’s Association, highlights that Hispanic families often downplay the possibility of Alzheimer’s due to a fear of embarrassment, making diagnosis and understanding the disease challenging. The protective nature of Hispanic families around their elderly members may inadvertently contribute to underdiagnosis.

Cultural barriers further complicate the situation, as many Hispanic families dismiss dementia symptoms as a normal part of aging, according to Arciniega. This, coupled with a gap in Alzheimer’s education, calls for increased programs in higher education focused on dementia care and treatment, along with targeted outreach to families.

Gladys Maestre, a neuroscientist and professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, emphasizes that the values of the Hispanic community can interfere with diagnosis and patient care. Language barriers also play a role, as English as a second language, coupled with medical terminology, poses challenges for Hispanic families.

Admitting the presence of a problem proves difficult for Hispanics, influenced by a cultural emphasis on respecting elders, says Alzheimer’s Association Executive Director Greg Sciuto. Breaking down the stigma associated with a diagnosis becomes crucial to encourage individuals to come forward.

Lack of representation in clinical trials is identified as a consequence of cultural views among Hispanics. Joe Arciniega notes that inadequate representation limits medical understandings of risk factors and interventions specific to non-White patients who face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Christopher Johnson, a clinical professor of sociology at Texas State University, highlights the need for outreach to Latino families to increase Hispanic representation in clinical trials. Johnson identifies language and cultural barriers as significant hurdles.

Empowering caregivers with knowledge about Alzheimer’s and fostering an understanding of the disease help remove stigma and support families, according to experts. The strong family social support in Hispanic communities is acknowledged, but the stress experienced by caregivers is also recognized.

As efforts to address Alzheimer’s disparities continue, education, outreach, and support for caregivers emerge as crucial components in mitigating the impact of Alzheimer’s disease within Hispanic communities.

City of Houston Provides 23 Convenient Christmas Tree Recycling Drop-Off Locations

0

As the holiday season fades into the rearview mirror, residents are faced with the question of what to do with their Christmas trees. For those who opted for plastic trees, the solution is simple – disassemble and stow away for next year. However, if you chose a live tree this year, the City of Houston encourages you to recycle, emphasizing their commitment to sustainability.

Running until Friday, January 26, the Houston Solid Waste Management Department has established 23 Christmas tree recycling drop-off locations across the city. This initiative aims to promote the recycling of live trees, which are biodegradable and contribute positively to the environment.

Residents can conveniently drop off their Christmas trees at various locations throughout Houston, open from Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023. The designated drop-off locations include:

  • Central Neighborhood Depository: 2240 Central St.
  • Kirkpatrick Neighborhood Depository: 5565 Kirkpatrick
  • Sommermeyer Neighborhood Depository: 14400 Sommermeyer
  • N. Main Neighborhood Depository: 9003 N. Main
  • Southwest Neighborhood Depository: 10785 SW Freeway
  • Sunbeam Neighborhood Depository: 5100 Sunbeam

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. are:

  • Kingwood (Branch Library) – Bens View Lane @ Bens Branch Drive
  • Doss Park – 2500 Frick Road (County Park), gates close at 5 p.m.
  • Memorial Park (2 Locations):
    • Softball Parking lot: 6402 Arnot St, Houston, TX 77007
    • Sports Complex
  • T.C. Jester Park: 4200 T.C. Jester West
  • Ellington Airport Recycling Drop-off: HWY 3 @ Brantley Road

Operating Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Monday, Dec. 25, and Jan. 15, are:

  • Westpark Consumer Recycling Center: 5900 Westpark
  • Living Earth: MON-FRI 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 7:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Living Earth locations closed on both Monday, Dec. 25, and Jan. 1, include:

  • 5802 Crawford Rd.
  • 1503 Industrial Dr, Missouri City
  • 1700 Highway 90A East, Richmond
  • 12202 Cutten Road
  • 16138 Highway 6
  • 5210 S. Sam Houston Pkwy E
  • 27733 Katy Freeway, Katy TX
  • 10310 Beaumont Highway
  • 17555 I-45 South, Conroe TX
  • 20611 US Hwy 59, New Caney TX
  • 9306 FM 523, Freeport TX

It’s important to note that only live trees will be accepted, and before dropping off your tree, ensure it is free of all ornaments, lights, strands, and any non-organic decorations.

For those looking to participate in a community tree recycling event, mark your calendars for January 5, when an event will take place at Houston City Hall’s reflection pool at 11:30. Join fellow residents in contributing to a greener and more sustainable Houston by recycling your Christmas trees at these designated drop-off locations.

METRO Anuncia Viajes Gratuitos y Servicio Limitado Durante la Víspera y el Día de Año Nuevo

0

Por Edward Saenz e Indira Zaldivar

Encimándose el 2024, METRO ofrece viajes gratuitos a partir de las 6 p.m. en la víspera de Año Nuevo hasta las 6 a.m. del día de Año Nuevo. En observancia de las festividades, el sistema de tránsito también operará con un horario limitado para la próxima víspera y día de Año Nuevo.

El domingo 31 de diciembre, los servicios locales de autobuses, METRORail, METRORapid y curb2curb seguirán los horarios de los domingos. Además, los carriles HOV operados por METRO permanecerán abiertos para facilitar el flujo de tráfico. Las rutas de Park & Ride no estarán operativas.

Similar a la víspera de Año Nuevo, el horario del Día de Año Nuevo será el siguiente: los servicios locales de autobuses, METRORail, METRORapid y curb2curb operarán según los horarios de los domingos. Las rutas de Park & Ride no estarán en servicio durante ambos días festivos. Sin embargo, los carriles HOV operados por METRO estarán cerrados durante el día pero reanudarán su operación normal el 2 de enero.

Durante ambos días, el Centro de Atención al Cliente de METRO, las Tiendas de Viajes y los Servicios de Objeto Perdido no estarán disponibles.

Este horario ajustado tiene como objetivo adaptarse al período festivo mientras garantiza servicios de
transporte esenciales para el público. Se recomienda a los pasajeros que planifiquen sus viajes en consecuencia y tomen nota de las modificaciones específicas en el servicio durante las festividades de Año Nuevo.

METRO Announces Free Rides, Limited Service During New Year’s Eve and Day

0

By Edward Saenz & Indira Zaldivar

As 2024 rolls in, METRO is offering free rides starting at 6 p.m. on New Year’s Eve through 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day. In observation of the holidays, the transit system is also operating on a limited schedule for the upcoming New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

On Sunday, Dec. 31, local bus services, METRORail, METRORapid, and curb2curb will follow Sunday schedules. Along with this, METRO-operated HOV Lanes will remain open to accommodate traffic flow. Park & Ride routes will not be operational.

Similar to New Year’s Eve, the News Year’s Day schedule will be as follows: local bus services, METRORail, METRORapid, and curb2curb will operate on Sunday schedules.

Park & Ride routes will not be in service during the two holidays.

However, METRO-operated HOV Lanes will be closed for the day but will resume normal operation on Jan 2.

During both these days, the METRO Customer Service Call Center, RideStores, and Lost & Found services will not be available. This adjusted schedule aims to accommodate the holiday period while ensuring essential transportation services for the public. Riders are advised to plan their trips accordingly and take note of the specific service modifications during the New Year’s holiday.

San Antonio police seek 2 ‘persons of interest’ in deaths of pregnant teen and her boyfriend

San Antonio police seek 2 ‘persons of interest’ in deaths of pregnant teen and her boyfriend

Police are seeking the public’s help identifying two “persons of interest” in the investigation into the deaths of a pregnant teenager and her boyfriend, whose bodies were found in a car in San Antonio this week.

San Antonio police shared a video Thursday and said in a statement that they are seeking information about two people seen in it — one who was driving a dark pickup truck with a bed cover and the other who was driving a silver Kia Optima that belonged to one of the victims.

Before she was found dead, Savanah Soto, 18, had last been seen in the Optima on Friday afternoon in Leon Valley, an enclave in northwest San Antonio. At the time, officials said her disappearance posed a “credible threat” to her “health and safety.”

Police found the bodies of Soto and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22, in Guerra’s Optima on Tuesday afternoon.

One of the two persons of interest police seek to identify in the investigation into the deaths of Savanah Soto and Matthew Guerra. (San Antonio Police Dept. / via X)
One of the two persons of interest police seek to identify in the investigation into the deaths of Savanah Soto and Matthew Guerra. (San Antonio Police Dept. / via X)

The 79-second video released Thursday shows a pickup heading in one direction, while the Optima pulls into the parking lot from the opposite direction and parks near it. People get out of both vehicles and appear to talk to each other before driving away, the video shows.

Police said the video was taken from a location near where Soto’s and Guerra’s bodies were found, about 3 miles from where Soto was last seen Friday.

Police Chief William McManus said Thursday the pickup in the video is a Chevrolet Silverado. He added that detectives are combing through additional security videos from places Soto and Guerra would frequent, as well as digging into cellphone records and social media posts.

“Detectives are doing everything that they can do to solve this case,” McManus said at a news conference.

He called the slayings a “heinous act” and “unspeakable.”

The deaths are being investigated as a capital murder, McManus said. While it’s possible Soto and Guerra died in a murder-suicide, he said, “we’ve kind of gotten past that point right now, unless we get evidence that would lead us to believe otherwise.”

https://twitter.com/SATXPolice/status/1740486837565886590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1740486837565886590%7Ctwgr%5E86d5a55485aad4df233ede15004f9288fc3f160e%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.yahoo.com%2Fsan-antonio-police-seek-2-023234358.html
Soto and Guerra died from gunshot wounds to the head, the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office said Thursday. Soto’s death was a homicide. Guerra’s manner of death is pending, according to the medical examiner.
Their bodies may have been in the Optima for several days before they were found, McManus said.
An unborn child was also killed, San Antonio police said.
Savanah Soto. (via Facebook)
Savanah Soto. (via Facebook)
Leon Valley police said that when Soto disappeared, she was past her delivery date and that her family contacted San Antonio police because she missed “an essential medical appointment.”
Soto’s family told NBC affiliate WOAI of San Antonio that she disappeared the day before labor was scheduled to be induced.
Anyone with information about the people in the video or the pickup is asked to call police. Tipsters can remain anonymous, police said.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com

Texas Liquor Laws Pose Dry Start to 2024: Liquor Stores Closed for 61 Hours

0

As the world welcomes the New Year with festivities and toasts, Texans face an unusual challenge due to the state’s peculiar liquor laws. Texas liquor stores, which have been closed on Sundays since 1935, also observe restrictions on certain holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The upcoming New Year’s Day falls on a Monday, triggering a 61-hour window of prohibited liquor sales from 9:01 p.m. on Saturday, December 31, to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2.

To navigate this period of restricted access, those looking to purchase alcohol are urged to visit their local liquor stores before the 9 p.m. cutoff on Saturday. This brief but significant dry spell presents a unique challenge for those planning to celebrate the arrival of 2024 with spirits in the Lone Star State.

Altercation Involving Amazon Driver Unfolds at Upscale Houston Apartment Complex

0
@_redrosemedia Christmas time Karen: I was assaulted by an unidentified white woman in the popular, affluent, Houston neighborhood, River Oaks while delivering a package on an Amazon shift. This lady spewed racist tropes, like that I was a thief, and hit me several times. She even threw me up against a residents door, and eventually ripped the package I’m attempting to delivery out of my hand, all unprompted. All while I did not once hit or touch her back. As much as I wanted to, I knew she would weaponize anything I did to her against me. She even yells “she’s hitting me!” in the video as you can literally see her hitting ME. At this same time, you can also see her fake defend herself as I again, do not lay a single finger on her. I hate that I did not get clearer video, but I was literally having to defend myself. I’m pressing charges on her, and have already filed the police report, so I am hoping to get the apartment security footage. But the building has not been helpful so far. What happened: I was let into the building by a resident. I have an amazon vest on, and a package in hand, so she lets me into the elevator. I attempt to exit the elevator on the 2nd floor, and she tells me I have to go to the concierge even though my delivery instructions say customers door. I decide to go with what the delivery instructions say, and proceed to try to find the customers door on the 2nd floor. This resident who let me in the elevator, then starts freaking out, and runs and tells another lady that I am not listening to her about going to the concierge. The lady she told is who ends up harassing and assaulting me. I started recording shortly after the harassing began. Both of these were older white women, who I assume were rich based on the neighborhood and fancy apartment building, and I absolutely believe their vitriol towards me was racially motivated. I have not heard any updates on the investigation and I want this spread far and wide to identify these women. Because of this experience, I’ve had to obviously take a break from Amazon, which was my primary income, and this has all been extremely disruptive to my day to day. I don’t feel comfortable delivering to certain places, and you can not confirm where you are delivering before you pick up packages for your shift with Amazon’s structure. Living check to check, any time off from working puts me in a hole so I’ve also set up a gofundme in my bio to help with bills and rent while I look for new work. I have never experienced such racist, Karen, behavior. It was so off the wall, but also completely on brand with how white women have historically weaponized their privilege. The best example of this in the video is when she claims I am hitting her, while literally hitting me. And it’s wild how I still felt like if I defended myself in that moment and hit her back, that I would face harsh consequences. Please help me by sharing and tagging local news accounts. #christmas #karen #houston #blm #amazon #holidays ♬ original sound – red rose media

A disturbing encounter unfolded earlier this month at The Belle Meade at River Oaks in Houston when Amazon delivery partner JaMaiya Miller, 25, faced allegations of theft from residents of the upscale apartment complex. Miller, attempting a routine delivery, was accosted by two women in a heated incident captured on TikTok, subsequently going viral with over 800,000 views.

In the video, captioned “Christmas time Karen,” Miller navigates a hallway while a woman in a gray jacket physically obstructs her path, accusing her of theft. The tense exchange, which escalated to the woman hitting Miller with her phone, gained attention on social media platforms, including Reddit’s r/PublicFreakout.

Miller explained to Chron that the altercation began after an elevator ride with one of the women, who objected to Miller delivering packages directly to residents’ doors. Despite Miller clarifying delivery instructions, the situation escalated, leading to physical confrontation and accusations of theft.

The woman off-camera, identified as “Karen 2” in the video, had initially let Miller into the complex. Despite Miller’s attempts to leave, the woman continued to block her, claiming security was on the way. A doorman eventually mediated the situation, allowing Miller to depart.

As of now, Houston Police Department investigators are evaluating whether a chargeable crime occurred. The Belle Meade at River Oaks disapproved of the incident, stating that packages should be delivered to the concierge desk. Amazon confirmed Miller’s affiliation and is cooperating with law enforcement, emphasizing the safety of their delivery partners.

In an update, Miller expressed her intention to pursue a civil case, having experienced psychological and material repercussions. She hopes for accountability and justice in the aftermath of the distressing incident.