Greater Northside and International Management Districts to Oversee Projects Targeting High Injury Network Areas
Houston, TX — In a significant development for the safety of both drivers and pedestrians, federal officials have announced a $10.1 million grant dedicated to enhancing safety features on some of Houston’s most perilous roadways. The funds will be divided between two Houston-area management districts, the Greater Northside Management District and the International Management District, situated north of downtown and in southwest Houston, respectively.
According to Dug Begley of the Houston Chronicle, the newly funded projects will focus on crucial safety improvements, such as wider sidewalks, additional pedestrian crossings, flashing beacons, and pedestrian refuge areas. The targeted roadways, identified as high-risk areas within Houston’s High Injury Network, are slated for transformative upgrades to mitigate the high rates of serious crashes.
The specific road segments set to undergo improvements include Airline Drive from 28th Street to North Main Street, along with intersections at Parker Road, Witcher Lane, Burress Street, Berry Road, Service Street, Link Road, and Gibbs Road. Additionally, upgrades will be implemented on Bissonnet Street from Eldridge Parkway to Dairy Ashford Road, Jensen Drive at Aldine Westfield Road and near Tidwell Road, and Tidwell Road from Nordling Street to Irvington Boulevard.
Houston Chronicle’s Begley reports that between 2017 and 2021, the designated areas covered by the grant experienced a staggering 1,025 crashes, including 13 incidents resulting in the tragic death or severe injury of 13 pedestrians and severe injuries to two cyclists.
U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia of Houston, a strong advocate for the city’s project proposals, expressed her satisfaction with the announcement, stating, “This substantial investment will not only enhance safety but also contribute to the overall well-being of our community, ensuring that residents can confidently navigate their neighborhoods.”
The grant awarded to Houston is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, which distributed a total of $817 million in grants to 385 communities across the country during this cycle, according to federal officials. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to address and rectify safety concerns on a national scale, prioritizing the well-being of both pedestrians and motorists.
In a significant legal development, Prince Harry has achieved a partial victory in his ongoing court battle against British newspapers, particularly the Mirror Group, as a judge ruled on Friday that extensive phone hacking had taken place within the media organization.
The High Court in London concluded that Prince Harry’s personal cellphone had likely been hacked “to a modest extent.” Justice Timothy Fancourt, presiding over the case, determined that 15 out of the 33 news articles submitted by Prince Harry were a result of accessing his mobile voicemail.
Justice Fancourt asserted that phone hacking was both “widespread and habitual” over an extended period within the Mirror Group. Furthermore, he pointed out that senior managers were not only aware of the practice but also actively engaged in covering it up.
The Duke of Sussex, who is no longer a working royal following his relocation to California with his wife, Meghan, will be awarded £140,600 ($180,000) as a consequence of this partial victory.
Although Prince Harry was not physically present in court for the ruling, his lead attorney, David Sherborne, read a prepared statement outside the court on his behalf. In the statement, Prince Harry expressed that the case had exposed a “systemic practice of unlawful and appalling behavior, followed by cover-ups and destruction of evidence, the shocking scale of which can only be revealed through these proceedings.” He called for criminal charges against the publisher and urged the police and prosecutors to launch an investigation.
In response, Mirror Group Newspapers issued an apology, stating, “Where historical wrongdoing took place, we apologise unreservedly, have taken full responsibility and paid appropriate compensation.”
Prince Harry’s statement, however, claimed that the judgment proved senior editors and company executives, including Piers Morgan, were aware of and involved in illegal activities. He accused them of lying under oath during the Leveson Inquiry, to the Stock Exchange, and to the public.
The judgment explicitly mentioned, “There is compelling evidence that the editors of each newspaper knew very well that VMI [voicemail interception] was being used extensively and habitually and that they were happy to take the benefits of it.”
Piers Morgan, who served as the editor of the Daily Mirror from 1995 to 2004, has consistently denied any knowledge or involvement in illegal phone hacking. Responding to Friday’s judgment, he emphasized that only one article during his tenure might have involved unlawful information gathering, of which he claimed to have zero knowledge. Morgan asserted that all other claims against the Daily Mirror under his leadership had been rejected.
In a much-anticipated comeback, Eddie Murphy reprises his iconic role as Detective Axel Foley in the upcoming film, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” marking the fourth installment in the beloved franchise. The teaser trailer for the film has been released, offering fans a glimpse into the thrilling narrative that awaits.
The movie’s description sets the stage: “Detective Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) is back on the beat in Beverly Hills.” This time, Foley, joined by his daughter (Taylour Paige) and a new partner (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), reunites with old friends Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton) to unravel a conspiracy when his daughter’s life is threatened.
Since its inception in December 1984, the “Beverly Hills Cop” series has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, with Eddie Murphy’s irreverent portrayal of Axel Foley becoming iconic. Known for breaking as many rules as he could while solving crimes, Foley’s return promises a nostalgic yet fresh take on the beloved character.
Eddie Murphy, a multifaceted entertainer, has been actively engaged in various projects. His recent holiday film, “Candy Cane Lane,” is currently available for streaming on Prime. Additionally, according to IMDB, Murphy is in preproduction for “The Pink Panther” and “The Pickup,” showcasing the breadth of his creative endeavors.
Mark your calendars as “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” is slated to hit Netflix in the summer of 2024, promising an exhilarating cinematic experience that will captivate both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.
The anticipation is palpable as the inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup approaches, scheduled to unfold from February 20 to March 10, 2024. The highly anticipated 12-team tournament is poised to showcase an electrifying blend of talent, uniting eight CONCACAF teams and introducing a unique twist with four guest teams from CONMEBOL: Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Paraguay.
Breaking from the convention seen in the men’s Copa América, the W Gold Cup promises a dynamic convergence of teams from different continents, elevating the competition to new heights. The tournament structure will feature three groups, each comprising four teams. Teams will fiercely vie for advancement, with the top two squads in each group and the two most successful third-place finishers progressing to the quarterfinals.
For soccer enthusiasts eager to witness the action firsthand, the complete schedule for the 2024 W Gold Cup has been released, offering a detailed overview of the matches and their respective dates. Additionally, details on how to secure tickets for the USWNT (United States Women’s National Team) games are available, ensuring fans can be part of this historic sporting event.
Stay tuned for forthcoming updates on ticket availability for all Gold Cup fixtures, as organizers gear up to provide fans with an unforgettable tournament experience. The 2024 W Gold Cup is set to redefine the women’s soccer landscape, promising riveting matches and unparalleled excitement as teams from both CONCACAF and CONMEBOL compete for glory.
In a pivotal decision, the 9-person Board of Managers overseeing one of the largest school districts in the state has unanimously voted to designate the Houston Independent School District (HISD) as a District of Innovation. This move, endorsed Thursday night, sets the stage for potentially contentious alterations to the school system, including the hiring of uncertified teachers and an extension of the school year calendar.
This unanimous commitment represents the final procedural step for the board to implement these changes, following more than two years of advocacy by board members and school administrators seeking this innovative designation. Becoming a District of Innovation grants exemptions to the district from several state education laws.
The proposed plan had already garnered approval from a 61-member District Advisory Committee, consisting of parents, teachers, and community members. Notably, some committee members were personally selected by state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles, who assumed his role earlier this year. The committee’s approval preceded the ultimate endorsement from the Board of Managers.
It is worth noting that a similar proposal in 2021 faced rejection from the committee, citing apprehensions about the potential inclusion of uncertified teachers. Currently, nearly 1,000 school districts in the state of Texas hold the designation of Districts of Innovation.
In a statement, Superintendent Mike Miles expressed enthusiasm for the approved plan, emphasizing the necessity of bold changes to enhance instruction and foster student competencies for future success. Miles asserted that the District of Innovation designation, long sought after, will expedite crucial advancements.
This designation bestows upon the school district opportunities to introduce professional development initiatives for teachers, providing them with enhanced on-the-job training. Additionally, the district can now adopt an alternative teacher evaluation system, among other potential changes.
The unanimous approval of the plan transpired with minimal discourse among board members on Thursday night, despite some resistance from community members. The District of Innovation status is poised to usher in a new era for HISD, catalyzing initiatives aimed at elevating the quality of education in the district.
In a compassionate initiative, United Airlines is reaching out to its customers, calling on milage-plus members to contribute to making the dreams of sick children come true by donating air miles to Make-A-Wish America. Make-A-Wish America is an organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of children grappling with critical illnesses.
Highlighting the significance of travel in wish fulfillment, the organization reveals that over 70% of the wishes it grants involve some form of travel. United Airlines has taken a proactive step in support of this cause, committing to match the initial 2.5 million miles donated throughout this month as part of its ‘Miles on a Mission’ fundraising program.
The response has been heartening, with United Airlines reporting that over 2.3 million miles have already been contributed by generous donors in December. The carrier is now on the verge of reaching its pledged matching limit.
Make-A-Wish America underscores the ongoing need for airline miles, stating that nearly three billion miles are required annually to ensure the fulfillment of wishes involving travel. United Airlines’ collaboration with Make-A-Wish continues to provide a vital avenue for individuals to contribute to a cause that brings joy and solace to children facing challenging health circumstances.
In a significant development, General Motors (GM) has revealed plans to lay off a total of 1,314 employees across two Michigan factories, marking a consequential move tied to the cessation of vehicle production.
A WARN notice filed by GM on Thursday detailed the company’s decision to reduce its workforce by 945 employees at the Orion Assembly plant in Orion Township, with the cuts set to take effect from January 1. This decision follows GM’s October announcement, wherein it disclosed a one-year delay in the production of two all-electric pickups at the Orion facility. Consequently, the plant is expected to be idled by the end of this year, prompting the transfer of approximately 1,000 workers to other GM facilities within the state.
Initially slated for production commencement next year, the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV will now undergo a delayed conversion of the Orion Assembly plant to accommodate electric truck manufacturing. GM has adjusted its timeline, indicating a restart of the plant in late 2025.
Another WARN notice outlined the reduction of 369 jobs at Lansing Grand River Assembly/Stamping, signaling the end of production for the Camaro muscle car at that location. The layoffs are scheduled to occur in phases, starting on January 1 and concluding in March, as outlined in the WARN notice.
GM has assured affected employees that it will provide opportunities for alternative positions within the company, emphasizing its commitment to supporting the workforce during this transition.
As the holiday season prompts a surge in gift card purchases, shoppers are urged to exercise caution and scrutinize cards closely before making a purchase. A growing trend of fraud has emerged, with scammers recording claim codes from gift cards, subsequently depleting the funds before the intended recipients have a chance to use them. The scam has affected cities nationwide, including incidents reported in Houston.
The warning comes as victims recount their experiences, shedding light on the evolving tactics employed by these criminals. One Houston grandmother, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her recent encounter with the scam after purchasing Amazon gift cards, totaling $150, during a routine trip to her local grocery store in October. Unbeknownst to her, three of these cards, intended as gifts for her grandkids on Thanksgiving, had fallen victim to the scam.
Shortly after the holiday, the grandmother received an unexpected call from her grandkids, informing her that the gift cards were not functional. Determined to rectify the situation, she initiated a series of calls, beginning with Amazon customer service. However, she was met with disappointment as they informed her that they couldn’t assist and suggested returning to the store of purchase.
Returning to the Kroger store at the intersection of Kirby and Main Street, the grandmother shared her predicament, only to be met with a disheartening response: “Yeah, that happens.”
This scenario reflects a nationwide phenomenon where thieves surreptitiously acquire gift card claim codes and patiently await unsuspecting shoppers to make purchases. The activation of the card during the transaction triggers the thieves to swiftly spend the funds, leaving the legitimate cardholder with worthless cards.
“I have bought thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars worth of cards,” the grandmother expressed. “This is the first problem I’ve had. I’ve been lucky.”
As cases of this scam continue to surface, consumers are advised to remain vigilant, inspect gift cards thoroughly, and report any suspicious activity promptly. Authorities emphasize the importance of raising awareness about these scams to safeguard individuals from falling victim during the festive season.
With over 80% of Texas voters endorsing property tax cuts exceeding $18 billion in the November election, homeowners across the state are eagerly anticipating the promised relief in their wallets. However, understanding the intricacies of the state’s complex property tax laws can be a challenge for many, leaving them curious about when and how these tax cuts will manifest.
The approved scheme, a result of voter endorsement, entails local school districts lowering their tax rates, with the commitment that the state will compensate for the ensuing revenue loss. In addition, voters, responding to prompts from state lawmakers, supported an amendment increasing the homestead exemption amount—a mechanism safeguarding a portion of a homeowner’s property from taxes—and limiting the rise in property valuations.
Madison McMullen, a first-time homeowner in Lufkin, recognizes the potential long-term benefits of the approved tax cuts. As a single nurse navigating the complexities of homeownership, she hopes the savings will allow her to allocate more towards her mortgage principal, thereby expediting the payoff period.
“I’m trying to figure everything out,” McMullen explained. “I’m 25 years old and I don’t really know what I’m doing. This is all very new to me.”
McMullen’s journey into homeownership began in January 2022, driven by escalating rent costs. Despite challenges in finding an affordable home in her price range, she eventually secured her dream home—a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house—assisted by a special program for nurses, her Realtor, and a salary increase.
While the approved tax cuts are expected to bring relief, homeowners like McMullen are curious about when the savings will materialize. Local tax experts, including Bowie Central Chief Appraiser Mike Brower, shed light on the details.
Who Qualifies for Property Tax Savings and When? Homeowners paying school property taxes, either through a mortgage escrow or directly to the county’s tax assessor-collector, stand to benefit. Small businesses are also included, but renters are excluded from the equation, as landlords are not obligated to pass on any savings.
The homestead exemption, which protects a primary residence from taxes, applies only to properties serving as the primary residence. For those with multiple properties, the exemption is applicable to only one.
Property taxes are determined by applying the government-set rate to the appraised value of the home or property. Despite lower rates, Brower cautioned that some homeowners might not experience a significant reduction, or even see taxes plateau or increase, if the value of their home grew faster than the tax cut.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick estimated annual savings for homeowners with an “average priced home” to be between $1,250 and $1,450. Zillow placed the average Texas home value at $298,424 as of October 31, 2023. Brower projected that homeowners in Bowie County, encompassing Texarkana, who purchased in 2021 or 2022, could save around $250 to $300 per year.
Have Taxing Entities Prepared for the Changes? Historically, when significant legislative changes occurred, entities lacked guidance on calculating owed taxes, resulting in varied outcomes for taxpayers. This year, the Legislature encouraged taxing offices to send bills based on the new laws, though entities retained flexibility in their approach.
For homeowners with paid-off homes, there’s a likelihood that local taxing authorities factored in potential changes when issuing property tax bills in October, anticipating voter approval of the proposed tax law adjustments.
Will Lawsuits Impact the Implementation of Tax Cuts? Lawsuits challenging the election results allege issues with voting equipment certification and internet connectivity, leading to claims of an invalid election. While these lawsuits are expected to be dismissed, the timeline for resolution remains uncertain. Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of State Jane Nelson argue the lawsuits are invalid due to technicalities, and a judge’s dismissal is deemed necessary before implementing the tax cuts.
Ensuring Receipt of Savings Homeowners can verify anticipated savings by contacting their local appraisal district or the tax assessor-collector’s office. Those paying taxes through a mortgage escrow should communicate with their lenders. Lenders are likely to notice a surplus in taxes paid and may refund the excess or adjust future payments.
While the annual escrow analysis typically causes monthly payments to increase, this year may see a decrease. Homeowners not wishing to wait for the annual review can request lenders to expedite the process.
Affordability Impact and Market Accessibility Real estate experts, such as Angie Williams, the Realtor who assisted McMullen, view the property tax changes positively. Anticipating a positive impact on affordability, Williams expects fewer individuals to be priced out of the market. The potential savings, although seemingly modest, could be significant for many buyers, making homeownership more accessible.
“For the average homeowner or for the majority of property owners and property searchers right now, it will make the decision of whether now is the time—if they can actually go ahead and move forward with a purchase at this point,” Williams said.
As Texans await the realization of these property tax cuts, the changes signal a potential shift in the real estate landscape, offering new opportunities for aspiring homeowners.
As the 2024 primaries approach, Texas voters are poised to cast their ballots in eight statewide races, featuring contests for several state judges, a railroad commissioner, and a U.S. senator. All offices on the ballot are currently held by Republican incumbents, setting the stage for a highly competitive electoral season.
Texas will conduct both Republican and Democratic primaries on March 5, determining the candidates who will vie for these crucial positions in the November elections.
Key Dates to Remember:
Dec. 11: Deadline for candidates to file for the primaries.
Feb. 5: Last day for voter registration or address changes.
Feb. 20: Commencement of early voting.
March 1: Conclusion of early voting.
March 5: Primary election day.
Candidates Running for Statewide Offices in 2024:
Community Impact has compiled a comprehensive list of candidates running for statewide offices in 2024, with each party given five days after the filing deadline to submit complete lists to the secretary of state’s office, as per the Texas Democratic Party.
U.S. Senate:
Ted Cruz (Republican, incumbent)
Holland “Redd” Gibson (Republican)
R.E. “Rufus” Lopez (Republican)
Aaron Arguijo (Democrat)
A. “Robert” Hassan (Democrat)
Carl Oscar Sherman (Democrat)
Colin Allred (Democrat)
Heli Rodriguez Prilliman (Democrat)
Mark Gonzalez (Democrat)
Meri Gomez (Democrat)
Roland Gutierrez (Democrat)
Steven J. Keough (Democrat)
Thierry Tchenko (Democrat)
Texas Railroad Commission:
Christi Craddick (Republican, incumbent)
Christi Clark (Republican)
James “Jim” Matlock (Republican)
Petra Olivia (Republican)
Bill Burch (Democrat)
Katherine Culbert (Democrat)
Note: The Texas Railroad Commission oversees the regulation of the oil and gas industry, coal and uranium surface mining, natural gas utilities, among other responsibilities, and does not govern railroads.
Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 2:
Jimmy Blacklock (Republican, incumbent)
DaSean Jones (Democrat)
Randy Sarosdy (Democrat)
Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 4:
John Devine (Republican, incumbent)
Christine Vinh Weems (Democrat)
Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 6:
Jane Bland (Republican, incumbent)
Bonnie Lee Goldstein (Democrat)
Joe Pool (Democrat)
Presiding Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals:
Sharon Keller (Republican, incumbent)
Holly Taylor (Democrat)
Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7:
Nancy Mulder (Democrat)
Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8:
Michelle Slaughter (Republican, incumbent)
Chika Anyiam (Democrat)
The elections, including these pivotal statewide races, are expected to shape the political landscape in Texas for the coming years. As candidates finalize their campaigns, voters will play a crucial role in determining the direction of the state’s governance. Stay tuned for further updates as the election season unfolds.
