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Shape Houston’s Future: Early Voting Now Open for Key Runoff Positions – Your Voice Matters!

If you participated in the November election, we appreciate your contribution as one of the less than 1 in 5 registered voters in Harris County who voiced their opinions. If you didn’t vote in the general election, there’s still an opportunity for you to influence the future leadership of our city.

From now until December 5, eligible voters within the City of Houston’s legal boundaries can cast their early votes in a joint runoff election determining key positions:

  • Mayor of Houston
  • Controller
  • City Council positions for District D, G, and H
  • City Council positions At-Large 1, 2, 3, and 4

Over 40 locations throughout the county will be available for early voting on the following days:

  • Nov. 27, 2023: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 28, 2023: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 29, 2023: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 30, 2023: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 1, 2023: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 2, 2023: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 3, 2023: Noon – 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 4, 2023: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Dec. 5, 2023: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Take a moment to plan your vote in the runoff, and consider forwarding this message to friends, family, or neighbors, encouraging them to seize the opportunity to shape the future of our city.

For any inquiries about the process, reach out to the Voter Services Team at the Harris County Clerk’s Elections Department by calling 713-755-6965. Additionally, you can visit HarrisVotes.com to check your registration status, view a sample ballot, and access information about polling locations, voting machines, and more.

While the holiday season is busy, we hope you’ll find time to engage in a process that will determine the next leaders of our city.

League of Women Voters of Houston Sees Success with Digital Voters Guide Initiative

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The League of Women Voters of Houston is excited to announce the release of its non-partisan Voters Guide resources for the December 9th Runoff Election.

HoustonVotersGuide.org

Download The Guide

Voters Guide eBook in Libby, English

Voters Guide eBook in Libby, Spanish

Voters Guide audiobook in Libby, English

Voters Guide audiobook in Libby, Spanish

Voters Guide audio album, English

Voters Guide audio album, Spanish

This project is the result of our digital asset initiative for the November 7, 2023 election. Bringing our trusted, long-standing Voters Guide to life in new digital formats has allowed the League to quickly pivot for the December 9th Runoff Election. 

Between the September launch of HoustonVotersGuide.org and the November 7th Election, we were able to reach Houston Voters in the following ways:

  • HVG.org unique users: 41,236
  • HVG.org page views: 209,764
  • HVG.org downloads: 10,050
  • Audio listens: 4,948
  • Libby ebook: 1,031

The League also printed 200,000 Voters Guides, with the support of OCA Greater Houston and mailed 163,868 postcards and election packets to registered voters.

December 9th Runoff Election

Early Voting for the Runoff is taking place Nov 27 – Dec 5, and Election Day is Dec 9. This election will determine the winners for Houston Mayor, Houston Controller, and Houston City Council: At-Large Positions 1, 2, 3, and 4 as well as Districts D, G, and H. 

For news and updates, follow us on social media @lwvhouston

El icónico rapero Busta Rhymes trae todas las letras a los oídos de Houston en una nueva gira

Busta Rhymes traerá su enérgico estilo de espectáculo y rimas con voces roncas al 713 Music Hall el 28 de marzo de 2024 como parte de su recién anunciada gira Blockbusta por Norteamérica. Para apoyar su aclamado nuevo álbum del mismo nombre, la gira Blockbusta también se dirigirá al South Side Ballroom de Dallas el 24 de marzo y al Anfiteatro Stubb’s Waller Creek de Austin el 26 de marzo.
Los boletos ya están disponibles a través de la preventa de Citi, con más promociones de preventa durante la semana antes de la venta general, a partir de las 10 am del viernes 1 de diciembre en LiveNation.com. Los fanáticos pueden esperar paquetes y experiencias VIP, que incluyen boletos de admisión general, Meet & Greet individual, sesión de fotos y preguntas y respuestas con Busta Rhymes, artículo autografiado, entrada anticipada con acceso prioritario a la sala y más. Los interesados deben consultar más en vipnation.com.
Recién salido de apoyar a 50 Cent en el histórico y global Final Lap Tour, Busta lanzará un festín de material nuevo de Blockbusta de Busta coproducido con los A-listers Pharrell Williams, Timbaland y Swizz Beatz.

El nativo de Nueva York cuenta con 12 nominaciones a los premios Grammy, más de 10 millones de álbumes en todo el mundo, siete debuts en el Top 10 del Billboard 200 y un título de “mejor intérprete de todos los tiempos” glosado nada menos que por un tal JAY-Z. También ha protagonizado papeles destacados en películas como Higher Learning y Finding Forrester e incluso se ha codeado con el expresidente Barack Obama.
Pero todavía lo mantiene real desde sus primeros días en East Flatbush Brooklyn, con credibilidad como BET Jams coronando su “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” como el “Mejor video de hip-hop de todos los tiempos”. Busta también obtuvo recientemente el premio BET Icon/Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.

Aquí está la lista completa de las fechas de la gira Blockbusta 2024
3/13 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
3/15 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Palladium
3/16 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
3/17 San Diego, CA SOMA
3/19 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
3/20 Phoenix, AZ The Van Buren
3/22 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium
3/24 Dallas, TX South Side Ballroom
3/26 Austin, TX Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater
3/28 Houston, 713 Music Hall
3/30 Atlanta, GA Coca Cola Roxy
4/1 Orlando, FL House of Blues
4/2 Miami Beach, FL Fillmore Miami Beach At Jackie Gleason Theatre
4/4 Raleigh, NC The Ritz
4/5 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore Charlotte
4/7 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore Philadelphia
4/8 Silver Spring, MD The Fillmore Silver Spring

HPD: Encuentran cuerpo de mujer en baúl de su propio auto en área de Meyerland

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La policía dijo que los familiares denunciaron la desaparición de la mujer el martes por la mañana. Su cuerpo fue encontrado en el maletero de su propio automóvil en el suroeste de Houston.

Una mujer de 21 años fue encontrada muerta en el maletero de su propio automóvil en el suroeste de Houston el martes por la noche, horas después de que familiares denunciaran su desaparición, según la policía.
Según el Departamento de Policía de Houston, familiares denunciaron la desaparición de la mujer el martes por la mañana.
El martes por la noche, dijo el HPD, su cuerpo fue encontrado en la cajuela de un automóvil en Indigo Street, que está en Chimney Rock Road, justo al sur de Beechnut, en el área de Meyerland.

Los familiares dijeron que la víctima dejó a sus hermanas en la escuela y nunca volvieron a saber de ella.
Familiares y amigos comenzaron a preocuparse, por lo que rastrearon su teléfono hasta su ubicación en Indigo. Cuando llegaron allí, encontraron el coche de la familia, que estaba cerrado con llave.
Dijeron que llamaron a la policía y los agentes aparecieron, miraron a su alrededor y luego se fueron.
Entonces, comenzaron a tocar puertas para tratar de saber qué pasó.
Dijeron que había una gran señal de alerta: dejó su teléfono y sus pertenencias en el auto.
Después de aproximadamente dos horas de tocar puertas y pedir pasar por el video de vigilancia, decidieron llamar a un cerrajero. El cerrajero tardaba un poco, así que decidieron romper una ventana. Cuando abrieron el baúl encontraron su cuerpo.
“Es muy devastador para la familia. Descubrieron el cuerpo en el maletero. Es algo muy devastador para ellos”, dijo un detective.
Los investigadores de homicidios de Houston están trabajando para descubrir qué sucedió.
Los familiares dijeron que la víctima era un graduado de la escuela secundaria Lamar que asistía al Houston Community College.

New Texas A&M Coach Mike Elko Aims for Offensive Transformation

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In his introductory press conference at College Station on Monday, new Texas A&M coach Mike Elko expressed a commitment to revamping the Aggies’ offensive strategy, stating, “We are going to find a way to play explosive offense,” acknowledging the program’s desire to modernize its offensive approach.

Widely recognized for his defensive expertise in college football, Elko, who returns to A&M after a two-season stint as the head coach at Duke, outlined his vision for an offense that embraces flexibility and adaptability. “We’re going to be able to switch up tempos. We’re going to be able to utilize our personnel. You’ve got to be very multiple and very adaptable with what you do on offense,” Elko explained.

Having previously served as the Aggies’ defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021, Elko spearheaded a defensive turnaround that contributed to A&M’s impressive 9-1 season in 2020, culminating in a fourth-place ranking in the AP Poll.

As his first order of business, Elko emphasized the importance of establishing contact with current players and potential recruits ahead of the early signing period in December. In a broader context, he aims to build a championship program at Texas A&M, a school that hasn’t secured a conference title since 1998. Elko stressed the need for commitment and hard work to fulfill the program’s potential.

Building relationships with Texas high school coaches and instilling toughness in the team were also highlighted as key priorities by Elko. He underlined the significance of a balanced approach, acknowledging that while a resilient defense is crucial, the ability to score points is equally essential for winning games.

Elko, who played Ivy League football at Penn and gained coaching experience at the Merchant Marine Academy, brings a wealth of varied coaching experiences to his return to Texas A&M. His appointment is seen as a strategic move aimed at transforming the Aggies, both offensively and as a championship contender.

TikTok Foodie Keith Lee Explores Houston’s Culinary Scene

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TikTok Foodie Keith Lee Reviews Houston Eateries: Stick Talk and Butter Funk Kitchen Impress, The Waffle Bus Awaits Verdict

Fresh off Thanksgiving, viral food reviewer Keith Lee has landed in Houston to sample and critique the city’s culinary delights. Known for his honest and often entertaining reviews on TikTok, Lee’s first stops included Stick Talk and Butter Funk Kitchen.

Stick Talk Review:
Lee’s initial visit took him to late-night Cajun hibachi spot Stick Talk, with locations in Midtown and near the Galleria. Despite praising Houston’s beauty, Lee found the hibachi joint slightly disappointing. The dishes, including Chicken Bowls, Filet Migon Bowl, and a Double Up Combo, received mixed reviews, with Lee noting a prominent salt flavor and a lack of depth. The meal, costing $135 before delivery fees, left a lukewarm impression.

Butter Funk Kitchen Review:
Lee’s second destination, Butter Funk Kitchen, a Sunnyside eatery serving Southern classics, fared better. Lee commended the restaurant for its customer service and accepted call-in orders. The menu, offering red beans and rice, fried catfish, fried okra, mac and cheese, lemon pepper wings, and a weekend special of oxtails with gravy over rice, received varied ratings. Lee praised the seasoning and freshness but criticized the mac and cheese. The owner, Aaron Johnson, acknowledged the impact of Lee’s review, describing him as the biggest social media personality to visit the restaurant.

The Waffle Bus:
While Lee has yet to release a video review of The Waffle Bus, a beloved joint in the Heights, details of his alleged orders have surfaced. The Waffle Bus, known for its creative waffle-based dishes, received a visit from Lee, who ordered items like Fried Chicken Waffle Sandwich, Breakfast Sandwich, Double Brunch Burger, Cheese Fries, and Strawberry Irish Creme Brulee Waffle Sandwiches. The Waffle Bus, which recently expanded to Montrose, is eagerly anticipating Lee’s verdict.

As Keith Lee continues his Houston food tour, locals are eager to see which eateries make the cut in his TikTok reviews.

Weather Alert: Rising Rain Chances and Potential Severe Storms Threaten Southeast Texas, Continuing Through the Weekend

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Following a chilly morning today, temperatures are set to reach the low 60s in the afternoon, accompanied by an increase in sunshine. However, as the week progresses and temperatures rise, the likelihood of rain also intensifies. Thursday, in particular, poses the potential for strong to severe storms, as closely monitored by the ABC13 Weather Team and highlighted by the Storm Prediction Center for southeast Texas. The region may experience scattered strong to severe storms on Thursday, bringing threats of damaging winds, heavy rain, and isolated tornadoes. The anticipated timing for these storms spans from as early as 9 a.m. to sunset.

Looking ahead, rain chances persist through the weekend, marking the onset of an unsettled weather pattern. Rainfall totals across southeast Texas could vary significantly, with western counties expecting around half an inch to an inch from Thursday through Sunday. Meanwhile, eastern counties might see higher amounts ranging from 2 to 4 inches. Stay weather-aware as the week unfolds.

Mother Sues Fort Bend ISD Over Alleged Failure to Protect Special Education Student from Sexual Assault

A mother of a student enrolled in special education within the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) is pursuing legal action against the district, alleging negligence in protecting her daughter from sexual assault by another student.

As reported by KPRC 2’s Robert Arnold, the Houston-area mother, whose identity remains confidential to shield her daughter, claims in court documents that her daughter was sexually assaulted twice by another student, despite the district’s special education plan mandating constant supervision for the victim. The daughter, adopted at age six-and-a-half from China, is described as intellectually disabled and epileptic, facing challenges since being abandoned and placed in an orphanage in China.

According to Arnold’s investigation, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) was established for the daughter upon enrolling in Fort Bend ISD, as per the Texas Education Code for special education students aged 3-21. The daughter’s IEP explicitly mandated staff supervision whenever she left the classroom. The mother contends that the alleged perpetrator, who had a documented history of violence against other students, also had an IEP requiring continuous supervision.

In court documents, the mother’s attorneys assert that the sexual assaults occurred when both students were outside the classroom and unsupervised. Despite the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in favor of FBISD’s dismissal, the mother has escalated the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking accountability and a trial. Expressing her concerns, the mother stated, “The school’s protected, they’re in a protective bubble. I think that they at least need to go to trial and be held accountable and let somebody else decide if they did something wrong or not.”

A California Woman Seeking Mental Health Treatment in Houston Goes Missing After Failed Return Flight

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A recent report highlights the mysterious disappearance of Danielle Becker Friedland, a 36-year-old woman from California who traveled to Houston for mental health treatment and has not been seen since. According to information provided by the police to KHOU 11’s Cory McCord, Friedland had initially booked a Wednesday flight back to San Francisco from George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. However, she never boarded the flight, leaving authorities and her family deeply concerned.

Friedland, diagnosed with mood disorder psychosis, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and depression, had spent the last six weeks receiving treatment at the Menninger Clinic, a psychiatric hospital in Houston. After checking her bag at the airport, she reportedly left in a cab with $160 in cash and her debit card, abandoning her phone at Bush Airport.

Worryingly, Friedland has not made contact with her husband, Jordan Friedland, who flew in from California to aid in the search. Jordan expressed his concerns, saying, “One of the scariest things for me is that Dani doesn’t know Houston. She doesn’t have friends or family here. She doesn’t have her luggage, her credit cards, her phone, and I just can’t imagine how scary that must be.”

Authorities describe Danielle Friedland as approximately 5 feet, 1 inch tall, weighing around 100 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair. She was last seen wearing blue jogger pants, a blue puffy jacket with blue and orange stripes, and carrying a black suitcase. With Friedland’s phone left behind and no alternative device for communication, the search intensifies for the missing woman, raising concerns about her well-being and safety.

Dickens On The Strand Celebrates 30 Years of Christmas Celebrations in Galveston

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Dickens on the Strand, the annual Victorian-style holiday festival transforming downtown’s historic district next weekend, offers more than just vibrant costumes and lively parades. The Galveston Historical Foundation’s flagship event, celebrating its 50th anniversary or Golden Jubilee this year, provides an opportunity to delve deep into the Victorian era’s rich tapestry. Beyond the mainstream attractions, we’ve uncovered some hidden gems within this expansive festival that may not always grab the spotlight but are certainly worth exploring. Additionally, we can’t help but emphasize its excellence as a one-stop destination for holiday shopping.

1. Short Story Contest:
While Dickens may not be a conventional literary festival, it boasts literary elements, including a short story contest open to Galveston schoolchildren aged 7 to 12. With a limit of 100 words, participants can choose from themes like Christmas, Pets, or Ghosts. Lucinda Dickens Hawksley, Charles’ great-great-great granddaughter and a celebrated author, will select two winners. Every entrant receives a free festival pass, while winners enjoy a carriage ride with Dickens descendants in one of the parades.

Register here.

2. Fezziwig’s Friday Night:
For a reasonable entry fee of $25 (regular tickets) or $100 (VIP), attendees can experience this recent addition named after Scrooge’s amiable former employer in “A Christmas Carol.” The expanded Fezziwig’s Beer Hall, hosted by Charles Dickens himself, offers hearty ales and period musical performances. As a bonus, the festival includes a Saint Arnold’s Architectural Walking Tour for $35.

3. Canterbury Theatre of Varieties:
For an additional $60, indulge in an evening of Victorian finery and frivolity on both Friday and Saturday at the Buckingham Palace VIP area. Expect surprise elements reminiscent of London’s late 19th-century music hall, with speciality acts promising an unforgettable experience.

4. All the World’s a Stage:
Dive into the diverse performances on the festival’s seven stages scattered around, showcasing everything from high-school choirs to circus troupes, fife-and-drum bands, jugglers, a cappella singers, madrigals, and even an Edgar Allan Poe impersonator. Explore the festival map/schedule for a comprehensive guide to the array of entertainment.

5. Elevenses on the Pier:
Join Polly Olivia Boyd, another of Dickens’ great-great-great granddaughters, for this quintessentially British tradition. For an extra $60, savor light refreshments with tea or coffee against the picturesque backdrop of the 1877 Elissa, a square-rigged iron barque and National Historic Landmark. Online registration is required for this exclusive event.

6. Victorian Bed Races:
Stick around until the festival’s climactic conclusion to witness the most thrilling event – the Victorian Bed Races. Teams of four, appropriately costumed, push a rider on rolling beds decorated and themed after Victorian Christmas. With a midway costume switch, this 700-foot spectacle promises excitement until the very end.

As Dickens on the Strand commemorates its 50th year, these lesser-known facets add depth and variety to an already captivating celebration of Victorian charm.