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New Downtown Murals Draw Attention to Houston’s Air Pollution and Rehabilitation of Detained Youth

Indira Zaldivar
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New Downtown Murals Draw Attention to Houston’s Air Pollution and Rehabilitation of Detained Youth

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

Credit: Indira Zaldivar / Que Onda Magazine

Downtown Houston officials and leaders unveiled two new murals adding to the large-scale public art gallery “Big Art, Bigger Change” addressing environmental issues and United Nations sustainability goals.

The latest mural, “When Tomorrow Comes” by Polish street artist Bezt, centers on Houston’s air pollution. The mural, located on 1111 Main St. at the intersection with Dallas Street, depicts a girl wearing a flowery scarf over her nose and mouth to protect herself against air pollution. The flowers represent native blooms in clean areas, conveying the message of clean air for future generations.

In the list of U.S cities with the worst air quality, Houston ranks sixth. Additionally, in Houston’s most polluted neighborhoods, 80% of the population comprises individuals from ethnic or racial minority groups.

Credit: Edward Saenz / Que Onda Magazine

Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis highlighted how the murals aim to address these socio-environmental concerns through large-scale public art to “inspire change.” 

“This is more than creating a culture of public art or transforming downtown into a fine arts museum,” Ellis said. “It is also about framing these vital issues in ways that speak to the public and convey them with our words.” 

 “Everyone deserves to breathe… clean air, but our region has some of the dirtiest air in the country,” Ellis said. It’s our communities of color that have borne the brunt of lax regulations and corporate recklessness for far too long.”

Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said that neighborhoods like Aldine and Fifth Ward, etc, house more polluting facilities than other parts of town.

“There are people who wake up every day in our community who have higher incidence of asthma or heart disease, or lung disease because they live in a community that is overburdened with facilities that dirty our air,” Menefee said.

The second mural symbolizes support and guidance for youth. Painted by Houston-based artist Alexander Arzu and Emmanuel Jarus Harris on the outside of Harris County’s Juvenile Detention Center, the mural pays tribute to John Biggers, a late renowned Houstonian artist known for his social realist murals. The mural features a large replica of his painting “the return,” symbolizing the humanization of the judicial system and support for the rehabilitation of young individuals. 

“The return” is located at 1200 Congress St, Houston, TX. 

The murals, curated by Street Art for Mankind, are commissioned by Harris County, Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Downtown Houston. 

¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1291

Adversavvy
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¡Que Onda! Magazine Houston – edición 1291

Gracias por SEGUIRNOS, este artículo contiene la edición 1291 de la revista digital de HOUSTON de ¡Que Onda! Magazine.

Del 1 de febrero al 7 de febrero del 2024

Financial Fallout: Trump’s Save America PAC Dwindles to $5.1 Million Amid Legal Battles

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Financial Fallout: Trump’s Save America PAC Dwindles to $5.1 Million Amid Legal Battles

In the wake of escalating legal challenges, former President Donald Trump’s political fundraising committees have reportedly expended over $50 million on legal fees in 2023, significantly impacting their financial standing, as indicated by the latest campaign disclosures. The repercussions of these mounting legal bills have left Trump’s once robust leadership PAC, Save America, with a mere $5.1 million in the bank as the year 2024 commences.

This financial setback precedes a recent court order requiring Trump to pay writer E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in damages for defamation, an outcome he is currently appealing. Additionally, a New York judge is contemplating imposing fines of up to $370 million plus interest on Trump in a civil fraud trial.

As Trump’s legal battles intensified in the latter part of 2023, so did his legal expenditures. His political action committees reported a total of $34 million in legal spending during the second half of the year, compared to approximately $26 million in the first half.

Save America continued to shoulder a significant portion of Trump’s legal bills, spending nearly $26 million on legal fees and related expenses while only raising $6 million in the second half of 2023. The leadership PAC, which once boasted a $100 million war chest post-2020 election, entered 2024 with only $5.1 million in cash.

Trump’s former presidential campaign committee, Make America Great Again PAC, reported $4.1 million in legal spending during the latter half of 2023, while his current campaign committee reported roughly $3.8 million in legal bills.

Make America Great Again Inc., a super PAC supporting Trump, refunded over $42 million to Save America last year as the latter’s cash on hand dwindled. Among Trump’s legal expenses, the civil fraud case’s legal team received $11 million through Save America PAC.

Trump’s joint fundraising committee, despite raising $75 million in the second half of 2023, spent nearly $28 million on fundraising and operational costs, leaving around $50 million to be distributed between the campaign committee and Save America PAC.

While Trump’s campaign reported $33 million in cash on hand by the end of 2023, surpassing the $14 million of his Republican rival Nikki Haley, the legal challenges have significantly impacted the financial landscape of his political entities as they navigate the complexities of ongoing legal battles.

Houston FBI Special Agent Accused of Stealing and Providing False Statements

Que Onda Editorial
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Houston FBI Special Agent Accused of Stealing and Providing False Statements

A federal agent from Houston, Nicholas Anthony Williams, is facing charges of theft of personal and government property, as well as providing false statements, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Williams, 36, was arrested and indicted on Wednesday after allegedly stealing money or property from residents while executing a search warrant between March 2022 and July 2023. The charges indicate that he then converted the stolen items for personal use.

In addition to the theft accusations, Williams is also alleged to have stolen multiple cell phones classified as FBI property. Furthermore, he is accused of providing false statements regarding fraudulent charges on his government-issued credit card.

Williams, an FBI special agent in the Houston Field Office since 2019, served in both the criminal violent gang and counterterrorism squads. Authorities assert that the misconduct occurred during his tenure in these roles.

Scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Williams is now awaiting legal proceedings. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a potential fine of up to $250,000.

The FBI, in response to the allegations, issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to holding employees accountable for misconduct. The FBI reported the allegations to the Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG), an independent entity responsible for investigating allegations involving DOJ employees.

The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General will oversee the investigation into Williams’ actions. The prosecution of the case will be led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia and Sarina DiPiazza.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the FBI reiterated its dedication to upholding the highest standards of integrity among its employees, emphasizing their commitment to the FBI mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution of the United States. All further inquiries about the case have been directed to the USAO-SDTX due to its pending prosecution.

Walmart Announces Ambitious Plan to Add 150 Stores in the U.S. Amidst Strong Financial Performance

Que Onda Editorial
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Walmart Announces Ambitious Plan to Add 150 Stores in the U.S. Amidst Strong Financial Performance

In a significant expansion move, Walmart declared its intention to open 150 new stores across the United States over the next five years, signaling a major growth initiative for the retail giant. The announcement, made in a statement on Wednesday, outlined the company’s plan to invest millions of dollars in this ambitious endeavor.

Currently employing approximately 1.6 million people in the U.S., Walmart emphasized its commitment to hiring hundreds of new employees with the opening of each store. As of October, the retail giant operated just over 4,600 stores nationwide, a slight decrease from the previous year’s figure of over 4,700. Notably, Walmart has not introduced a new U.S. store since late 2021.

The upcoming stores will primarily consist of newly constructed locations, with some involving the conversion of existing sites into new formats. The initial two stores are set to open in the spring, located in Florida and Georgia, while plans for the construction of an additional 12 stores are already in progress for this year. Walmart also announced intentions to remodel 650 existing locations.

This week, Walmart unveiled plans to raise salaries and benefits for store managers, coupled with stock grants as an incentive. The retail giant reported a significant increase in profit during the first three quarters of 2023, and its stock price is currently near a record high. Earnings for the latest quarter, inclusive of the holiday season, are yet to be reported.

Despite challenges posed by high inflation and rising interest rates, consumer spending in the U.S. has remained resilient. Credit card data from the holiday season indicated a year-over-year increase in retail sales, reflecting robust consumer activity.

Walmart’s decision to expand its store footprint aligns with its strategic focus on enhancing in-store and pickup experiences, even in the face of growing e-commerce trends. The company’s emphasis on physical retail locations reflects a belief in the enduring appeal of traditional brick-and-mortar stores, noted Edward Yruma, an analyst at Piper Sandler. Walmart’s move has been interpreted as a “huge vote of confidence in the American consumer” by Craig Johnson, founder of retail consultancy Customer Growth Partners.

While Walmart’s expansion plans received positive attention, some investors expressed concerns about potential implications for Walmart’s Sam’s Club stores. The shift from a business-centric supply destination to a grocery-focused retail space for individual consumers has prompted scrutiny. However, Walmart remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing both in-store and online shopping experiences, adapting to the evolving retail landscape.

U.S. Senate Grills Social Media CEOs Over Child Safety Concerns, Calls for Urgent Legislation

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U.S. Senate Grills Social Media CEOs Over Child Safety Concerns, Calls for Urgent Legislation

Senators on Wednesday interrogated leaders of major social media companies, asserting that Congress must swiftly enact legislation to address the escalating threats of sexual predation targeting children on their platforms. The hearing, prompted by mounting concerns from parents and mental health experts, underscores lawmakers’ determination to ensure social media companies prioritize child safety over profits.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham didn’t mince words, accusing Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and other companies of having “blood on their hands” for failing to protect children. “You have a product that’s killing people,” Graham asserted during the hearing, where Zuckerberg testified alongside other social media CEOs, including X CEO Linda Yaccarino, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, and Discord CEO Jason Citron.

Democratic Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Senator Dick Durbin, cited alarming statistics from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, highlighting the surge in financial “sextortion” cases involving predators coercing minors into sending explicit content. Durbin attributed this concerning trend to technological changes.

The hearing commenced with a video featuring children sharing their victimization experiences on social media. Parents present in the room held pictures of their affected children, voicing their grievances during the proceedings. Some parents directed objections at Zuckerberg, while Senator Josh Hawley challenged him to apologize directly to the families. Although expressing regret, Zuckerberg stopped short of taking direct responsibility for the abuse facilitated on his platforms.

A tense exchange unfolded as internal emails rejecting safety improvement requests were displayed, and the committee confronted Zuckerberg with Meta’s decisions. X’s Yaccarino expressed support for the STOP CSAM Act, an initiative by Senator Durbin holding tech companies accountable for child sexual abuse material.

The hearing also addressed concerns surrounding X (formerly Twitter), which faced criticism over moderation policies after Elon Musk’s acquisition. This week, the platform blocked searches related to Taylor Swift following the spread of fake explicit images.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, making his first appearance before U.S. lawmakers since March, disclosed that over 170 million Americans use TikTok monthly. Chew faced questions on the app’s impact on children’s mental health and committed to investing over $2 billion in trust and safety efforts.

During the hearing, Senator Ted Cruz pressed Zuckerberg about Instagram warning screens for potential child sexual abuse images, questioning the efficacy of allowing users to view such content.

Senator Amy Klobuchar criticized the tech industry’s perceived inaction, drawing a parallel to decisive actions taken in other industries. She questioned why similar urgency wasn’t applied to address the dangers posed by social media platforms, especially when children’s well-being is at stake.

Taxpayer Backlash: Fort Bend School District’s $1.2 Billion Bond Program Exceeds Budget by Millions

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Taxpayer Backlash: Fort Bend School District’s $1.2 Billion Bond Program Exceeds Budget by Millions

Despite groundbreaking ceremonies just months ago, Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) finds itself grappling with budgetary challenges in its 2023 bond program. The overspending has raised concerns among some taxpayers who feel the district may be straying from the promised financial parameters.

Missouri City resident Yvonne Smith urged vigilance, stating, “Keep an eye on the money. Us as taxpayers, we’re already giving a lot of money. But, you’re going to ask for more, but you told us this is what it would be, and now you’re saying, ‘I need more.'”

Vashon Reynolds, another Missouri City resident, echoed similar sentiments, questioning the district’s request for additional funds when it had assured taxpayers of specific project costs.

One of the inaugural ventures under the 2023 bond program, the construction of Briargate Elementary School, is already facing cost overruns. Last week, the school board approved an extra $14 million expenditure on the project to ensure its timely completion next fall. However, this approval came with a caveat from board members that more funding requests might be imminent.

During a board meeting, Sonya Jones sought clarification on potential budgetary issues, asking, “Let’s put this on record. Are there any projects that you can foresee that may be over budget that we haven’t discussed or haven’t come before us yet?” A school leader responded, admitting concerns about some projects exceeding their allocated budgets.

With Briargate Elementary currently 11% over budget, the implications for taxpayers are substantial, considering the voters had greenlit a $1.2 billion bond. If other projects follow a similar trajectory, the additional financial burden on taxpayers could reach $130 million.

Fort Bend ISD Deputy Superintendent Steven Bassett acknowledged the need for cost reduction, stating, “We do think there are ways to bring the numbers down. Whether or not it’s going to be enough, we just don’t know right now.”

Efforts to obtain comments from school board members proved unsuccessful, as they referred ABC13 to board president Judy Dae, who did not respond.

In response to the budget concerns, a district spokesperson released a statement, noting that FBISD faces construction inflation issues similar to other Texas school districts. The statement mentioned ongoing efforts to conduct value engineering, realign scope-to-budget, and reforecast to ensure projects meet high standards at economical costs.

Despite concerns over potential future requests for additional funds, some residents, like Vashon Reynolds, expressed a willingness to support the projects if they benefit the community and the students.

As FBISD grapples with unforeseen budget challenges, the community eagerly anticipates the completion of new schools. However, the ultimate cost may surpass what taxpayers had originally approved just months ago.

Bipartisan Tax Package Expanding Child Tax Credit Clears House with Rare Support

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Bipartisan Tax Package Expanding Child Tax Credit Clears House with Rare Support

In a significant move on Wednesday evening, the House approved a $78 billion bipartisan tax package, marking a temporary expansion of the child tax credit and the reinstatement of various business tax benefits. The bill, now headed to the Senate, gained traction with rare bipartisan backing despite Speaker Mike Johnson managing a razor-thin majority.

The House vote tallied 357 in favor and 70 against, with 188 Democrats and 169 Republicans supporting the measure, while 23 Democrats and 47 Republicans opposed it. The proposed legislation aims to offer a more substantial credit in the initial year to approximately 16 million children from low-income families, constituting over 80% of those currently not receiving the full credit due to their families’ limited earnings.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a left-leaning organization, this package could lift at least half a million children out of poverty and improve the financial circumstances of about 5 million more children below the poverty line, once fully implemented in 2025.

Moderates, particularly from New York, expressed reservations about the bill due to its failure to raise the cap on the federal deduction for state and local taxes. Despite pushback, the impact on the federal budget is expected to be minimal, with a reduction of less than $400 million over the next decade.

Child Tax Credit Enhancement and Concerns

The majority of enhancements in the child tax credit are designed to benefit lower-income families. The deal proposes an increase in the maximum refundable credit for households with little or no income taxes. Families with multiple children in low-income brackets would now receive the same credit for each child, similar to higher-income households. Additionally, families can choose to utilize their earnings from the current or prior year, allowing flexibility for those with volatile incomes.

Starting in 2024, the credit would be adjusted for inflation, projecting a maximum credit of $2,100 per child in 2025, up from the current $2,000. The provisions are set to be in effect for three tax years, spanning from 2023 to 2025.

Concerns from some Republicans include worries about potential disincentives to work and the prospect of undocumented immigrants claiming the credit. However, House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith reassured that the deal maintains the minimum earnings threshold of $2,500 required to qualify for the credit and the stipulation that children must have Social Security numbers for their families to be eligible.

Some Democrats, including Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, voiced disappointment that the deal does not extend the full credit to more families with little to no income.

Business Tax Benefits and Other Relief Measures

In addition to the child tax credit enhancements, the bipartisan deal temporarily reinstates various business tax benefits. These benefits, initially part of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, include the immediate deduction of US-based research and experimentation investments, 100% deduction of machinery and equipment investments, and relaxed limits on interest expense deductibility—all valid through 2025.

The bill also addresses relief for individuals affected by disasters, such as hurricanes, flooding, wildfires, and the Ohio train derailment in East Palestine last year. Furthermore, the package aims to boost the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to enhance the supply of affordable housing.

Notably, the deadline for filing backdated claims for the Employee Retention Tax Credit, a Covid-19-era program susceptible to fraud, would be accelerated to January 31, 2024, instead of April 15, 2025. This provision is estimated to save taxpayers over $78 billion, effectively offsetting a significant portion of the overall package cost, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.

Houston Sports Awards Recognizes C.J. Stroud’s Stellar Debut Season with Prestigious Double Win

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Houston Sports Awards Recognizes C.J. Stroud’s Stellar Debut Season with Prestigious Double Win

In a day filled with accolades for C.J. Stroud, the Houston Texans’ rookie quarterback, the Houston Sports Awards on Tuesday proved to be the pinnacle of his achievements. Stroud not only secured a spot in the Pro Bowl but also witnessed his offensive coordinator, Bobby Slowik, and quarterback coach, Jerrod Johnson, retained by the team. The crowning moment came at the 713 Music Hall during the awards ceremony.

Stroud clinched the titles of both the city’s Newcomer of the Year and Athlete of the Year, capping off a remarkable night. The talented quarterback was unable to attend the ceremony, but his on-field prowess spoke volumes.

For the prestigious Athlete of the Year honor, Stroud triumphed over formidable competitors, including Kyle Tucker from the Astros, Jalen Green from the Rockets, Hector Herrera from the Dynamo, and Jane Campbell from the Dash. In the Newcomer of the Year category, he outshone Tank Dell (Texans), Yainer Diaz (Astros), Jabari Smith Jr. (Rockets), and Amine Bassi (Dynamo).

Stroud’s impressive season statistics included throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns with a mere five interceptions. Leading the NFL in passing yards per game and boasting an exceptional touchdowns-to-interception ratio, Stroud emerged as a standout performer in the league. Notably, he was part of the Houston Sports Awards’ Moment of the Year, recognizing the Texans’ strategic moves during the draft night that brought him in as the No. 2 overall pick, alongside pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3. The duo played pivotal roles in propelling the Texans to the playoffs for the first time in four years.

The Houston Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took center stage during the awards night, welcoming legendary figures like Warren Moon (Oilers), Lance Berkman (Astros), and Cynthia Cooper (Comets). Former Oilers players, including about 20 attendees, witnessed Moon’s induction, and he was introduced by his former offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride. Berkman received accolades from ex-Astros teammate Chris Burke, and his tribute included a performance by Texas Country artist Robert Earl Keen, playing “Feelin’ Good Again.” Van Chancellor, former Comets coach, introduced Cynthia Cooper, expressing his awe at her incredible skills from the very first practice.

The night also recognized other outstanding individuals in the Houston sports community:

  • Inspiration Award: Eric Coovert, Kingwood Park High School assistant coach, who overcame plasmablastic lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, continuing to coach and teach.
  • Boys High School Athlete of the Year: D.J. Lagway, quarterback, Willis High School.
  • Girls High School Athlete of the Year: Ava Brown, softball pitcher, Lake Creek High School.
  • High School Coach of the Year: Jimmy Krueger, soccer, Seven Lakes High School.
  • Community Impact of the Year: Peggy Turner, TIRR Memorial Hermann, for work with athletes with disabilities.
  • Lifetime Achievement: Louis Pearce, honored for his legacy through 66 years of work at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
  • Lifetime Civic Champion Award: Sylvester Turner, acknowledged for the major sporting events the city hosted during his tenure as mayor.

The dual honors for C.J. Stroud at the Houston Sports Awards underscored his exceptional contributions to the Texans and the city’s sporting scene, solidifying his status as a rising star in the NFL.

Houston Mayor Delays Announcement of Water Bill Relief Plan Amidst High Billing Woes

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Houston Mayor Delays Announcement of Water Bill Relief Plan Amidst High Billing Woes

Houston’s newly elected Mayor, John Whitmire, had initially planned to unveil a comprehensive solution to address the skyrocketing water bills that have been draining residents’ bank accounts. The announcement was anticipated at the City Council meeting on Wednesday, but it has now been postponed without a given reason, and no details about the plan have been released, according to the mayor’s spokesperson.

KHOU 11 News has extensively covered the ongoing issues with excessively high water bills, attributing the problem to aging infrastructure and malfunctioning meters. The situation forced the city to estimate water usage for around 40,000 customers each month. The news outlet has reported on residents receiving bills in the tens of thousands of dollars, with some facing financial panic due to unexpected charges.

The problem prompted action from the Houston City Council, which unanimously approved a water bill relief plan in December. The plan encompasses nine proposals aimed at offering customers more options for relief from unusually high bills and changing how Houston Public Works responds to complaints.

Former Mayor Sylvester Turner, in a statement during the approval, said, “Today’s action removes the structural hurdles that prevented Houston Public Works from adjusting unusually high water bills. Because we have improved the ordinances, the department can be more responsive in the future. By making the changes, we also are improving the appeal process for customers and giving employees more flexibility.”

Key features of the approved plan include:

  1. Enhanced Customer Service: Equipping customer services with tools and resources to resolve the majority of disputes on the first call.
  2. Adjustment Limit Removal: Eliminating the limit on the number of times customers can get adjustments for water leaks each year.
  3. Incentives for Timely Repairs: Offering incentives for customers who repair water leaks within 30 days, with bill adjustments based on repair timing.
  4. Credit Qualification Adjustments: Modifying qualifications for a full credit for leak costs, lowering the threshold for maximum relief.
  5. Unknown Cause Adjustments: Lowering the adjustment threshold for cases where the cause of the increase is unknown and raising the adjustment limit.
  6. Locking Meters for Unused Properties: Eliminating the requirement for customers to pay for a private contractor to remove meters for unused properties. Instead, the city will lock the meter for a one-time fee of $150.
  7. Online Billing Credit: Providing a 50-cent credit each month for customers who sign up for online-only bills.
  8. Back Billing Elimination: Officially doing away with back billing over three months.

The plan was presented with the belief that it would address at least 90% of customer complaints, as stated by HPW Director Carol Haddock. Customers can now receive up to a 100% credit on their water bill if issues are reported within 30 days and a rate or meter problem is found.

Despite the delay in Mayor Whitmire’s announcement, residents await further details on the proposed plan to tackle persistent water billing challenges.

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