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Emergency Closure of Vital “Mile Long Bridge” in North Texas Sparks Local Disaster Declaration

Que Onda Editorial
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Emergency Closure of Vital “Mile Long Bridge” in North Texas Sparks Local Disaster Declaration

Stephens County officials in North Texas declared a state of disaster on Friday and took the drastic step of closing the crucial “Mile Long Bridge” over Hubbard Creek Lake after an emergency inspection uncovered alarming structural issues. The closure, effective immediately and until further notice, has significant implications for residents relying on the bridge, which serves as the primary link between the cities of Breckenridge and Albany, located on opposite sides of the lake.

The emergency measures were set in motion after a local fisherman observed a portion of the bridge collapsing on Thursday night and promptly reported the incident, according to Shelly Womack from KTAB-TV. In response, the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office swiftly contacted the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to conduct a thorough inspection of the damage. Officials, posting on the Stephens County official Facebook page, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the structural issues were severe and rapidly deteriorating, rendering the roadway unsafe for public use. Consequently, the decision was made to close the bridge in the interest of public safety.

The closure, as reported by Womack, poses a significant challenge for approximately 15 percent of Stephens County’s residents, cutting off their most direct access to emergency services. Response times for these residents may now be extended to 45 minutes or more. To mitigate potential risks, emergency personnel have been strategically deployed west of the bridge to offer assistance if required.

Motorists accustomed to using the Mile Long Bridge for commuting between Breckenridge and Albany are urged to take alternative routes. A detour has been suggested, directing drivers to travel along US 183 to FMs 576 and 601. According to Google Maps, this alternative route adds about 10 miles to the usual journey. Another option involves taking a gravel path, turning from FM 576 to FMs 292, 290, and 294. Further updates and guidance are anticipated from TxDOT, Stephens County, and Breckenridge officials as they work to address the repercussions of the sudden bridge closure.

Christmas Eve Blaze Engulfs Dozens of Vehicles at North Texas Auto Auction

Que Onda Editorial
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Christmas Eve Blaze Engulfs Dozens of Vehicles at North Texas Auto Auction

On Christmas Eve, a devastating fire wreaked havoc at an automobile auction facility in North Texas, consuming nearly 60 vehicles, according to officials. Denton County Emergency Services District shared images of the inferno and its aftermath on their Facebook page.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene around 1:32 a.m. after receiving reports of a grassfire in the 3700 Block of McPherson Road. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a distressing sight as a “large column of smoke and flames” was visible from the nearby I-35 West.

The firefighting efforts were a collaborative endeavor, with Denton County ESD leading the charge and receiving assistance from the Fort Worth, Denton, Flower Mound, Justin, Roanoke fire departments, and Haslet Fire Rescue from Tarrant County ESD. All American Towing & Recovery played a crucial role by relocating vehicles to create a fire break, aiding in the containment of the blaze.

The intense operation resulted in the successful extinguishing of the fire, officially declared at 3:09 a.m. However, the toll was substantial, with 58 vehicles falling victim to the flames.

The Denton County Fire Marshal’s Office has taken charge of the ongoing investigation into the incident, working diligently to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage. The aftermath of this Christmas Eve blaze serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by emergency services during the holiday season.

Trump Organization Faces Imminent Threat as Fraud Trial Nears Verdict

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Trump Organization Faces Imminent Threat as Fraud Trial Nears Verdict

In a dramatic turn of events, the fate of the Trump Organization hangs in the balance as New York Supreme Court Justice Arthur Engoron inches closer to delivering his verdict in the high-profile fraud trial against former President Donald Trump. The trial, which commenced ten and a half weeks ago, has been marked by scathing critiques from the judge, who appears increasingly convinced of Trump’s involvement in fraudulent activities related to his golf resorts and real estate empire.

The trial’s genesis lies in a September ruling by Justice Engoron, where he ordered the potential dissolution of significant portions of the Trump Organization. The judge, expressing disdain for Trump’s history of deceptive net-worth statements, delivered a ruling that awaits finalization pending an appeal.

Recent developments indicate a growing consensus among legal experts that the judge may deliver a crippling blow to Trump’s business empire. Diana Florence, a former financial crimes prosecutor, suggests that Engoron has essentially issued a “corporate death penalty,” a severe measure that could prompt years of legal battles and appeals.

The potential dissolution centers on revoking New York “GBL 130 certificates,” essential for conducting legal business in the state. These certificates, described as a company’s “birth certificate,” were targeted by Engoron in his September ruling, citing evidence of Trump’s fraudulent financial statements submitted to banks.

Engoron’s ruling, if upheld, could have cascading effects on the Trump Organization’s myriad entities, including DJT Holdings Managing Member LLC and DJT Holdings LLC, both integral to Trump’s vast corporate structure. The repercussions might extend to Trump Tower, his Westchester estate, licensing deals, and stakes in various properties.

The judge’s order includes appointing a receiver to manage the dissolution of the affected LLCs, implying the potential sale of Trump’s properties. The severity of this measure prompted legal experts to label it as a “permanent injunctive relief” akin to a corporate death sentence.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James, while pursuing the case, has not explicitly sought the demise of the Trump Organization but has instead advocated for five years of audits, monitoring, and restrictions on borrowing and property acquisition in New York.

As the trial inches towards its conclusion, the looming question remains whether Justice Engoron will deliver a fatal blow to the Trump Organization or opt for alternative punitive measures. The trial’s outcome, expected before the end of January, holds significant implications not only for Trump’s business empire but also for the broader legal and political landscape.

U.S. and Mexico Leaders Strategize Enhanced Border Enforcement Amidst Trade Disruptions

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U.S. and Mexico Leaders Strategize Enhanced Border Enforcement Amidst Trade Disruptions

In a high-stakes telephonic discussion on Thursday, U.S. President Joe Biden and his Mexican counterpart reached a consensus on the imperative need for heightened enforcement measures at the shared border. The White House underscored that the surge in individuals attempting to cross the border has not only raised concerns about national security but has also significantly disrupted trade between the two nations.

In response to the escalating situation, prominent U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and U.S. Homeland Security adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, are slated to embark on a diplomatic mission to Mexico in the coming days. The primary focus of this visit will be to engage in discussions with President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on devising effective strategies to address the burgeoning migratory challenges.

John Kirby, the White House national security spokesperson, revealed in a briefing with reporters that the talks would delve into collaborative efforts aimed at stemming migratory flows. Kirby acknowledged that both leaders had deliberated on potential measures that could be implemented in Mexico to decelerate the influx of individuals attempting to cross the border.

“There’s probably more we can be doing,” asserted Kirby, underscoring the shared responsibility of the two nations in tackling this complex issue.

The urgency of the matter was further emphasized as dozens of major U.S. agricultural groups joined forces on Wednesday, urging the U.S. government to reopen two crucial rail crossings along the Texas-Mexico border. These trade routes had been forcibly closed due to the escalating numbers of migrants attempting to cross.

Responding to the appeal, the White House conveyed its commitment to collaboratively resolving the issues that led to the closure of these vital trade routes in conjunction with Mexican authorities.

This diplomatic push follows a temporary suspension of migrant expulsions by Mexican immigration authorities, attributed to a funding shortfall at the end of the year, according to officials.

In a press conference, President Lopez Obrador disclosed that the call had been initiated at the request of President Biden. The latter, currently in the midst of seeking reelection next year, has been facing sustained political pressure to address and mitigate the unprecedented surge in arrivals at the U.S.-Mexico border. The ongoing collaboration between the two nations is expected to be a critical component of their shared efforts to manage the complex and multifaceted challenges posed by the current situation.

Travis Kelce launches helmet on Chiefs sideline as Taylor Swift looks on

Musifusion Entertainment
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Travis Kelce is seeing red.

With his girlfriend Taylor Swift watching from an Arrowhead Stadium suite, the Chiefs tight end took his frustration out on his helmet, slamming it down on the sideline before Kansas City went into halftime trailing the Raiders 17-7 on Christmas Day.

While it’s unclear what specifically irked Kelce, Jim Nantz said on the CBS broadcast the helmet slam came around the time the Chiefs converted a fake punt on fourth-and-5 with less than three minutes remaining in the first half.

When someone was going to return Kelce’s helmet to him, head coach Andy Reid stepped in to prevent that, perhaps believing it was best for Kelce to not have it at that time.

Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes were then shown trying to calm Kelce down.

https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1739366591341490455?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1739366591341490455%7Ctwgr%5Ef76572b54a1664e9e16a3be30731600e497b04a9%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnypost.com%2F2023%2F12%2F25%2Fsports%2Ftravis-kelce-slams-helmet-on-chiefs-sideline-as-taylor-swift-looks-on%2F

The Raiders scored two defensive touchdowns in a span of seven seconds, with Bilal Nichols returning an Isiah Pacheco fumble for an 8-yard touchdown with 4:55 left in the second quarter, and a Mahomes pass getting intercepted by Jack Jones and returned for a 33-yard touchdown with 4:48 left

Houston’s Holiday Forecast: Wet Conditions and Mild Temperatures Set the Stage for Santa’s Arrival

Que Onda Editorial
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Houston’s Holiday Forecast: Wet Conditions and Mild Temperatures Set the Stage for Santa’s Arrival

As Houstonians gear up for the festive season, Santa Claus is set to make his grand entrance on Sunday night, navigating through wet conditions that will characterize the holiday weekend. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), above-normal temperatures and intermittent rain will be the prevailing theme, followed by a slight cold front sweeping in for Christmas Day.

Commencing Friday night, a combination of moisture and warm air is expected to create favorable conditions for patchy areas of light rain and fog through Saturday morning. The NWS Houston/Galveston forecasts widespread elevated rain chances across the region, clarifying that while Saturday won’t be a complete washout, residents can anticipate periods of light rain and isolated thunderstorms throughout the day.

Temperatures are set to remain higher than normal on Friday and Saturday, with highs ranging from the upper 60s to mid-70s. However, the NWS issues a cautionary note for Christmas Eve, describing the day as “rather yucky.” A cold front is projected to move into Southeast Texas during the evening hours, bringing widespread rainfall during the day. The forecast indicates that heavy rain is the primary concern, with expected totals ranging from 1 to 3 inches and isolated higher amounts possible.

Christmas Eve revelers can anticipate the rain to subside around 9 p.m., as drier air swiftly filters in behind the cold front. The NWS assures that Santa Claus won’t have to contend with heavy rain along his route through the area, although roofs and roads may still be wet. The arrival of dry air also means cooler temperatures for Christmas morning, with temperatures in the mid to upper 40s, eventually reaching around 60 degrees later in the day. Houstonians are encouraged to stay weather-aware and plan accordingly for a holiday weekend marked by varying conditions.

Houston Billionaire Tilman Fertitta Expands Empire with Strategic Land Purchase Near Memorial Park

Que Onda Editorial
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Houston Billionaire Tilman Fertitta Expands Empire with Strategic Land Purchase Near Memorial Park

Billionaire entrepreneur Tilman Fertitta, renowned for his success in the dining and entertainment industry, has recently acquired a 1.63-acre plot of land situated just outside Memorial Park, signaling a potential expansion of his hospitality empire. This development was reported by the Houston Chronicle, shedding light on Fertitta’s strategic move to further establish his presence in the thriving Inner Loop real estate market.

The prime piece of real estate, located at 5757 Memorial Drive, is in close proximity to Fertitta’s existing ventures—the popular restaurant Brenner’s on the Bayou and its event space White House, both owned by his hospitality company, Landry’s. The newly acquired property currently houses a two-story, 17,829-square-foot building occupied by a Comerica Bank branch.

The transaction, completed in October, saw Fertitta securing the property for an undisclosed amount. Real estate broker CBRE listed the property without disclosing the price in its brochure, and the Harris County Appraisal District records indicate an appraised value of $791,630. The reasons behind the relatively low appraisal remain unclear, but the area, including properties like Brenner’s and the Bayou on the Bend apartment complex, has faced repeated flooding issues due to heavy rain along Buffalo Bayou.

Fertitta, known for his astute business acumen, expressed enthusiasm about the strategic purchase in a statement to Realty News Report.com. He described the acquisition as a “no-brainer,” highlighting the prominence of Memorial Drive in Houston and the synergies with Brenner’s on the Bayou. Fertitta emphasized the appeal of the location, situated adjacent to River Oaks and Memorial Park, and expressed anticipation for expanding his business footprint in the area.

While Fertitta did not provide specific details about the development plans for the newly acquired space, he acknowledged the significance of Memorial Drive and the surrounding areas in Houston. The property’s current occupant, Comerica Bank, will continue to lease the space until the summer of the following year, after which it plans to relocate, according to the Chronicle’s reports.

Fertitta’s strategic move aligns with his track record of successful ventures in the hospitality and entertainment sectors. The acquisition positions him to capitalize on the dynamic real estate landscape in Inner Loop Houston, and industry observers eagerly await further details about the development plans for the prime property near Memorial Park.

Harris County Allocates Additional $4 Million for Legal Aid and Eviction Services Amid Rising Cases

Que Onda Editorial
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Harris County Allocates Additional $4 Million for Legal Aid and Eviction Services Amid Rising Cases

In a bid to address the surge in eviction cases exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Harris County commissioners have approved an additional $4 million in funding for legal aid and eviction services. This decision, made during a meeting on December 19, aims to provide support to qualifying applicants across all 16 eviction-handling courts in Harris County.

Evictions in Texas are overseen by Justice Courts, where cases are filed based on the location of the property in question. Appeals, on the other hand, are adjudicated by the Harris County Civil Courts at Law, with only four county civil courts available to handle these appeals.

The devastating impact of the pandemic has seen a significant rise in evictions, particularly following the conclusion of eviction assistance and moratorium programs. Harris County’s Office of Administration notes that the approved funding brings the total to $8 million for two key agencies handling the legal needs of eviction cases—Lone Star Legal Aid, a nonprofit law firm offering free legal services, and Neighborhood Defender Services.

Prior to this funding expansion, legal aid services were only accessible in half of the eviction courts. Since the initiation of the eviction legal defense program in April, over 5,600 individuals have received assistance, including over 1,000 who received extended legal representation.

With this new funding, Harris County residents facing eviction can now seek legal counsel at all 16 courts, providing crucial support during a challenging period. The Housing Legal Services Initiative (HLSI), established by Harris County in 2021, has played a pivotal role in offering short-term, noncash disaster relief to qualifying applicants, including consultations, referrals, and legal services.

The need for such initiatives is evident in the rising number of eviction appeals cases reported by the Harris County Civil Courts at Law. In the first 11 months of 2023, there were 7,371 cases—a stark increase from the pre-pandemic caseload of 3,568 recorded in 2018. The surge in cases since 2022 prompted LaShawn Williams, Harris County Civil Courts at Law administrative judge, to acknowledge the impact on the court’s ability to hear all civil cases in a timely manner.

Harris County, faced with eviction filings surpassing pre-pandemic averages, has recorded over 121,000 evictions filed by landlords in the span of seven months from January to July 2022. A mere 2% of tenants had legal representation in these cases, underscoring the need for increased legal aid and support.

In a positive development, a $25,000 grant from the Texas Bar Foundation was awarded to the Harris County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 court in December. This grant will be utilized to establish a Legal Resource Center, providing individuals with access to technology, digital resources, and legal forms. The center is expected to open in 2024 and aims to address the needs of self-represented litigants, ensuring equitable access to justice for the community.

Texas Expands Controversial Transportation Policy, Flies Over 120 Immigrants from El Paso to Chicago

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Texas Expands Controversial Transportation Policy, Flies Over 120 Immigrants from El Paso to Chicago

In a significant escalation of Governor Greg Abbott’s contentious immigration policy, Texas transported more than 120 immigrants from El Paso to Chicago on Tuesday, marking the first instance of the state utilizing planes for such transfers. This move is part of Abbott’s broader strategy of sending recently arrived migrants to Democratic-led cities that he has labeled as sanctuaries.

Since April 2022, Governor Abbott has directed buses filled with immigrant passengers to Washington, D.C., New York City, Chicago, Philadelphia, Denver, and Los Angeles. This transportation policy, criticized for its political undertones, has been a consistent feature of Abbott’s response to immigration issues. The governor often uses these actions to mock city leaders who express openness to immigrants and to criticize the Biden administration’s immigration policies.

According to the governor’s office, over 80,000 individuals have been bused from border cities to the aforementioned Democratic-led cities as part of Abbott’s initiative. However, Tuesday’s flight to Chicago represents the first time that Texas has employed planes for such operations.

City officials in Chicago have responded to the influx of immigrant buses by cracking down on some drivers, alleging violations of municipal rules regarding passenger drop-off locations. Last week, the city impounded a bus due to the driver lacking the necessary license for passenger transport.

In defense of the expanded transportation efforts, Andrew Mahaleris, a spokesperson for Governor Abbott, cited Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s alleged failure to uphold the city’s “Welcoming City” ordinance. Mahaleris justified the increased operation by stating, “Until President Biden steps up and does his job to secure the border, Texas will continue taking historic action to help our local partners respond to this Biden-made crisis.”

All migrants transported under this initiative have recently crossed the Texas-Mexico border, turned themselves in to immigration agents, and were released after background checks. The governor’s office asserts that migrants willingly accept Texas-sponsored transportation and sign a consent waiver.

Despite a 7% decrease in encounters between migrants and Border Patrol agents at the southern border in the federal fiscal year 2023, Texas remains committed to its proactive measures. Recent reports indicate a higher-than-average daily apprehension rate, prompting U.S. Customs and Border Protection to temporarily suspend operations at international railway bridges in Eagle Pass and El Paso to redirect personnel.

Governor Abbott has pursued various tactics since March 2021 to deter immigrants from crossing the Rio Grande, including deploying troopers and National Guard members along the Texas-Mexico border to make arrests on trespassing charges. The ongoing controversy surrounding Texas’s immigration policies underscores the broader national debate on border security and immigration enforcement.

Holiday Travel Anticipates Smooth Sailing, Weather Permitting, Amid Lessons Learned from Southwest Airlines Debacle

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Holiday Travel Anticipates Smooth Sailing, Weather Permitting, Amid Lessons Learned from Southwest Airlines Debacle

As the holiday season ushers in a flurry of travel plans, the prospect of a relatively smooth journey hinges on cooperative weather conditions, according to industry experts. While the period between Christmas and New Year’s traditionally witnesses a surge in travel, the extended duration of these celebrations tends to distribute the peak travel days, potentially mitigating the strain on transportation systems compared to the concentrated travel of Thanksgiving.

Despite this optimistic outlook, recent history serves as a cautionary tale, particularly exemplified by Southwest Airlines’ Christmas debacle last year. The fallout from that incident, which left over 2 million travelers stranded, resulted in a significant blow to the airline’s reputation. In a recent announcement, the Transportation Department disclosed a $140 million settlement with Southwest Airlines as compensation for the disruptions.

So far in 2023, airlines have canceled only 1.2% of U.S. flights, a marked improvement from the 2.1% cancellation rate during the same period last year. Notably, cancellations remained below 1% during the Thanksgiving holiday, as reported by FlightAware.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg expressed cautious optimism, noting that 2023 has exhibited the lowest cancellation rate in the past five years. However, he acknowledged the potential challenges posed by winter weather in the upcoming weeks.

With the last two weeks of the year representing a peak travel period, millions of Americans are expected to embark on journeys by air, road, and rail. Despite the positive trends, weather disturbances can still disrupt plans, exemplified by recent storm-related challenges in the Northeast.

Southwest Airlines, keenly aware of the impact of last winter’s schedule disruptions, has introduced a new voucher program for passengers, part of the settlement reached in the aftermath of the crisis.

Reflecting on the current travel climate, Maggy Terrill, a traveler flying from New York City to Chicago O’Hare International Airport, shared her positive experience, saying, “Honestly, it was great. I flew standby, which the week of the holiday, you know, is tricky to do, and I made it on the second try. So I’m feeling really lucky. I feel like Santa is real, he’s good, he’s out there.”

As Friday approaches, expected to be a peak travel day, travelers remain hopeful that lessons learned from past challenges will contribute to a smoother holiday travel season, contingent on favorable weather conditions.

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