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Mayor Sylvester Turner Leads H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade with Houston Icons in 74th Annual Celebration

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Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is set to lead this year’s H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade as the grand marshal, accompanied by Houston Rockets legends Rudy Tomjanovich and Calvin Murphy serving as co-grand marshals. With Turner’s term concluding in January, he expressed gratitude for hosting the annual tradition, acknowledging it as his final parade as mayor.

The 74th edition of the parade, scheduled for November 23, is one of the country’s oldest Thanksgiving Day parades, covering over 20 city blocks. The event will showcase floats, marching bands, and soaring balloons, including a new “Recycle” float sponsored by the city’s Solid Waste Department, constructed entirely from recycled materials.

Kicking off the parade will be the TSU Ocean of Soul marching band, followed by performances from groups such as the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles and a cast performance from Theatre Under Stars’ production of Cinderella.

Admission to the seated area is $28.25, with tickets for general seating available for purchase in advance. Attendees must be in their seats by 8:15 a.m., and seating areas will close upon reaching capacity. Entrance to the seating area is accessible from Louisiana and McKinney streets or Smith and Walker streets. The event, sponsored by H-E-B, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Highland Village, and University of Houston Downtown, will proceed rain or shine, with no refunds.

Additionally, a new transportation partner, the Texas Department of Transportation’s regional mobility app “Houston ConnectSmart,” will aid attendees in finding the quickest routes to the parade via car, bus, or light rail.

For those opting to watch from home, KHOU 11 will broadcast the parade.

Legal Battle Unfolds as Woodlands Church Challenges $83k ‘Holy Water Fee’ Termed as a Tax by MUD

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Legal Battle Unfolds as Woodlands Church Challenges $83k ‘Holy Water Fee’ Termed as a Tax by MUD

Grace Woodlands Church’s legal representatives have initiated a lawsuit against a municipal utility district, alleging that its board members and staff unlawfully levied charges on the tax-exempt religious institution for water service connections.

According to the filed lawsuit on Nov. 15, Southern Montgomery County Municipal Utility District is accused of initially estimating a connection cost of $24,900 for the church before escalating it to $61,500, then $147,938, reverting to $61,500, and ultimately settling at $83,780 for tap installation.

The district purportedly imposed a fee based on its tax rate derived from the county appraisal district’s valuation of the church, using the same formula employed for tax calculations. This approach involved multiplying the figure by the years of taxes, treating the church as if it were a commercial property.

The attorneys contend that the church, located north of Houston, faced undue pressure, requiring the tap for current facilities and the completion of a new 4,000-seat auditorium. Despite reservations, the church paid $83,780 in September.

In seeking damages from the district, the church aims for $250,000 or less, asserting violations of the Texas Water Code, the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. Jeremy Dys, senior counsel at First Liberty Institute, emphasized that government officials cannot categorize a ‘fee’ as a ‘tax’ and force a tax-exempt house of worship to make payments, highlighting the potential erosion of the tax-exempt status designed to benefit churches and nonprofit organizations and the community at large.

Texas State University to host 2024 presidential debate

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Texas State University to host 2024 presidential debate


Texas State University is set to host a presidential general election debate on September 16, 2024, at Strahan Arena in the University Events Center. The Commission on Presidential Debates revealed on November 20 that this debate, the first of four leading up to the general election, will take place on the Texas State campus in San Marcos.

Notably, Texas State will be the inaugural location in Texas to host a presidential debate and is collaborating with the city of San Marcos to organize the event. The university holds a unique distinction as the only Texas university with a U.S. president as an alum—36th U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson graduated in 1930 with a Bachelor of Science in history and a teaching certificate.

Brian McCall, Texas State University System chancellor, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “It’s fitting that the only university in Texas to graduate a U.S. president will be the first university in Texas to host a presidential debate. This is an exciting time at Texas State, and we can’t wait to showcase our great university before a global audience.”

Fundraising efforts for the event will be spearheaded by Jack Martin, chair of the Texas State Presidential Debate Committee, alumni, and former chair of the TSUS board of regents. Texas State President Kelly Damphousse conveyed honor in representing Texas on the international stage and being actively involved in the nation’s democratic process.

As Texas State celebrates its 125th year as an institution of higher learning, Damphousse expressed the university’s commitment to supporting students in becoming engaged global citizens. He noted that the university’s values and legacy align with providing an ideal environment for debating and sharing ideas that will shape the future of the nation. Further details about Texas State and the presidential debate can be found at https://debate.txst.edu.

Mass Exodus Looms at OpenAI as Over 500 Employees Threaten Resignation

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Mass Exodus Looms at OpenAI as Over 500 Employees Threaten Resignation

A significant portion of OpenAI’s workforce is contemplating a mass exodus to Microsoft following the ousting of CEO Sam Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman. Over 500 current OpenAI employees have signed a letter to the company’s board, expressing their intention to resign and join Microsoft’s new “advanced AI research team,” led by Altman and Brockman. The letter alleges that Microsoft has assured them positions in this new subsidiary, prompting their collective decision.

The employees demand the reinstatement of Altman and Brockman, threatening to leave OpenAI if the board does not comply. However, the board has already chosen to retain its position and appoint a new CEO, while Altman and Brockman transition to Microsoft. The letter accuses the board of jeopardizing their work and undermining the company’s mission. It refutes claims that OpenAI was advancing too rapidly without considering safety, emphasizing the global impact of their work on AI safety and governance.

With approximately 700 employees at OpenAI, more signatures are expected to be added to the letter. The letter, circulating since Altman’s removal, may pose a challenge for the board to address its demands, given the recent developments. OpenAI’s chief scientist, Ilya Sutskever, expressed regret for his role in the board’s actions and pledged to reunite the company. Notably, Sutskever’s name is also among those resigning.

Microsoft’s creation of an “advanced AI research team” to accommodate former OpenAI employees, with Altman at the helm, marks an unconventional move for the tech giant. Altman’s hiring follows unsuccessful negotiations with OpenAI’s board, leading to his departure. Emmett Shear, former Twitch CEO, is named interim CEO for OpenAI. Microsoft’s strategic move into advanced AI research aligns with its recent development of a custom AI chip, aiming to train large language models independently of Nvidia.

As of November 20th, over 650 employees have signed the letter, with indications that more signatures will follow. The situation continues to evolve, raising questions about the future direction of both OpenAI and Microsoft in the field of advanced AI research.

Israeli Tanks Surround Gaza Hospital Amid Rising Tensions, WHO Expresses Shock

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Israeli Tanks Surround Gaza Hospital Amid Rising Tensions, WHO Expresses Shock

Reports indicate that Israeli tanks have surrounded Gaza’s Indonesian Hospital, where 12 people were reportedly killed on Sunday night, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Dr. Marwan Al-Sultan, the hospital’s director, informed the BBC that the post-operative care department was hit, with troops only about 20m away. The Israeli military claims to have targeted “terrorists” who fired from within the hospital. The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed dismay, emphasizing that health workers and civilians should not face such horrors, especially within a hospital.

The health ministry accused Israel of tightening its grip on the hospital, with 200 patients evacuated to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, and the International Committee of the Red Cross coordinating the evacuation of the remaining 400 patients. Additionally, 28 premature babies from Al-Shifa Hospital, raided by Israeli forces last week, were transported to Egypt for treatment.

The conflict escalated after a cross-border attack by hundreds of Hamas gunmen on October 7, resulting in a significant military campaign by Israel. Gaza’s health ministry reports at least 13,000 deaths since the retaliatory campaign. Despite calls for humanitarian pauses, the killing and suffering of Palestinians have reportedly increased.

Video footage showed tanks near the Indonesian Hospital, with reports of snipers preventing ambulances from reaching the site. The health ministry stated that an Israeli shell hit the hospital’s second floor, killing 12 and injuring dozens. Hospitals are protected under international law, requiring military operations to spare patients and civilians.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintained they targeted the source of enemy fire, denying firing shells at the hospital. US President Joe Biden expressed optimism about a hostage deal in Gaza, with the ICRC facilitating discussions. The IDF released videos from Al-Shifa Hospital, claiming an underground Hamas command center. Hamas denies using hospitals as shields.

The WHO is finalizing plans to evacuate patients from Al-Shifa, including those with severe injuries. Médecins Sans Frontières reported its Gaza City clinic coming under fire, endangering staff and patients. The situation remains complex and deeply concerning as efforts are made to address the humanitarian crisis.

Abogado jubilado acusado de entregar documentos con drogas en la cárcel del condado de Harris, vinculado a dos muertes

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Abogado jubilado acusado de entregar documentos con drogas en la cárcel del condado de Harris, vinculado a dos muertes

Ronald Lewis, de 77 años, enfrenta ahora dos cargos por tener una sustancia prohibida en un centro correccional.

Las autoridades dicen que Lewis tenía 11 hojas de papel en su posesión cuando fue arrestado el viernes 17 de noviembre en la cárcel del condado de Harris. El documento está siendo analizado ahora por el Texas Ranger para confirmar la presencia de narcóticos.

Lewis es un abogado defensor penal retirado. Fue visto entrando a una sala del tribunal del condado de Harris el lunes por la mañana para enfrentar sus propios cargos por delitos graves.

“En julio, nuestra División de Seguridad e Investigación Criminal de Detenciones desarrolló evidencia de que un abogado posiblemente estaba suministrando hojas de papel con éxtasis y marihuana sintética a personas encarceladas durante visitas en persona”, dijo el sheriff del condado de Harris, Ed González, durante una conferencia de prensa.

Los documentos judiciales dicen que al menos dos reclusos murieron como resultado de las sustancias que supuestamente Lewis trajo a la cárcel. Varios otros reclusos informaron efectos secundarios adversos, según los documentos.

Los documentos judiciales identificaron la sustancia como metoxi dimetil oxobutano.

“Las hojas de correo entrelazadas a menudo se disfrazaban como correo legal u otras formas de documentos legales. Los reclusos pagaban a los abogados entre 200 y 500 dólares para traer los papeles entrelazados”, dijo el teniente J Wheeler de HCSO.

“El señor Lewis visitó a 14 reclusos desde julio de 2023 hasta noviembre de 2023. Durante la investigación, se creía que aproximadamente 154 hojas de papel estaban llenas de narcóticos y fueron confiscadas”, continuó Wheeler.

Fiscal de la Fiscalía de Distrito del Condado de Harris, la relación entre los reclusos y Lewis no está clara.

“Según consta en los registros, estos no son sus clientes. No conocemos la relación entre este acusado, este abogado, estos clientes. Pero según consta en los registros, no son sus clientes”, dijo Smith.

González dice que creó un grupo de trabajo para combatir el crimen y los narcóticos peligrosos dentro de la cárcel en marzo después de recibir reacciones violentas por un aumento en las muertes en prisión.

Según un portavoz de HCSO, 27 reclusos murieron el año pasado y, en lo que va de año, 19 han muerto.

González dice que la cárcel ha reforzado una serie de medidas de seguridad, incluida la adición de tres perros detectores de drogas y la implementación de protocolos más estrictos para el correo de la cárcel.

“Si los abogados vienen al lugar, hemos puesto a su disposición una fotocopiadora. Pueden hacer copias. Pueden manejarlas. Les hemos dado sobres. Pueden asegurarlos y luego llevarlos a los pisos. Les hemos pedido que lo procesen con el papel que les proporcionamos”, dijo el asistente de HCSO. Jefe P. Bosquez.

Los registros muestran que Lewis pagó una fianza de $7,500 el sábado. Como parte de las condiciones de su fianza, tiene prohibido visitar a nadie en la cárcel mientras el caso esté pendiente.

Una tormenta a campo traviesa durante los próximos días podría interrumpir los viajes del Día de Acción de Gracias

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Una tormenta a campo traviesa durante los próximos días podría interrumpir los viajes del Día de Acción de Gracias

La tormenta, que arrojó lluvia y nieve en el oeste este fin de semana, ahora avanza hacia el este, trayendo vientos dañinos y posibles granizo y tornados hacia el sur.

Jackson, Misisipi; Rolling Fork, Misisipi; y Alexandria, Luisiana, son las que tienen más probabilidades de verse afectadas por el clima severo el lunes por la tarde y por la noche. Nueva Orleans y Mobile, Alabama, estarán en el centro de la atención durante la noche y el martes por la mañana.

El martes, la tormenta ganará velocidad a medida que avanza hacia el noreste. Quienes conduzcan por el corredor de la Interestatal 95 para llegar a sus destinos del Día de Acción de Gracias deben extremar las precauciones.

La lluvia llegará al área de Washington, D.C., Maryland y Virginia en la hora pico de la mañana y durará todo el día.

Para el martes por la noche, se esperan lluvias más intensas desde las Carolinas hasta la ciudad de Nueva York. Es posible que se produzcan inundaciones repentinas durante la noche del martes al miércoles.

El miércoles por la mañana, fuertes lluvias azotarán Boston.

La nieve comenzará en el norte de Nueva Inglaterra el martes por la tarde y continuará hasta el miércoles por la noche. Se pronostican de seis a 12 pulgadas de nieve para partes de Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire y Maine.

Corte Suprema rechaza apelación de exoficial condenado por matar a George Floyd

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Corte Suprema rechaza apelación de exoficial condenado por matar a George Floyd

La Corte Suprema rechazó el lunes la apelación del ex oficial de policía de Minneapolis Derek Chauvin de su condena por asesinato en segundo grado por el asesinato de George Floyd.

Los jueces no hicieron comentarios sobre dejar vigentes los fallos de los tribunales estatales que afirman la condena de Chauvin y la sentencia de 22 años y medio.

Los abogados de Chauvin argumentaron que a su cliente se le negó un juicio justo en 2021 debido a la publicidad previa al juicio y a la preocupación por la violencia en caso de absolución.

Floyd, que era negro, murió el 25 de mayo de 2020, después de que Chauvin, que es blanco, le presionara el cuello con una rodilla durante nueve minutos y medio en la calle, frente a una tienda de conveniencia donde Floyd intentó pasar un billete falso de 20 dólares. Un video de un transeúnte capturó los gritos desvanecidos de Floyd de “No puedo respirar”. La muerte de Floyd desató protestas en todo el mundo, algunas de las cuales se volvieron violentas, y obligó a un ajuste de cuentas a nivel nacional con la brutalidad policial y el racismo que aún persisten.

Chauvin está apelando por separado su condena por cargos federales de derechos civiles.

Shakira Agrees to Tax Fraud Deal, Avoids Trial and Potential Prison Sentence

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Shakira Agrees to Tax Fraud Deal, Avoids Trial and Potential Prison Sentence

After maintaining her innocence for nearly five years, pop star Shakira reached a last-minute agreement to avoid the risk of imprisonment on the opening day of her tax fraud trial in Barcelona on Monday.

Shakira informed the presiding magistrate, José Manuel del Amo, that she accepted the deal struck with prosecutors, acknowledging six counts of failing to pay the Spanish government 14.5 million euros (approximately $15.8 million) in taxes between 2012 and 2014.

As per the agreement, Shakira will receive a suspended three-year sentence and a fine of 7 million euros ($7.6 million). The trial, initially expected to include over 100 witnesses over the following weeks, was abruptly halted after just eight minutes.

In July, prosecutors had announced their intention to seek an eight-year and two-month prison sentence along with a 24 million euro ($26 million) fine for the globally acclaimed singer, known for her hits in Spanish and English across various musical genres.

In a statement released by her public relations firm, Shakira expressed her desire to fight on but emphasized prioritizing her family, career, and peace of mind.

“I have made the decision to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart, who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight,” she said. “I need to move past the stress and emotional toll of the last several years and focus on the things I love, my kids, and all the opportunities to come in my career.”

The case centered on Shakira’s residence during that period when prosecutors argued that she spent over half of it in Spain and should have paid taxes on her global income in the country, despite her official residence still being in the Bahamas, where tax rates are significantly lower.

Before entering the courthouse, Shakira waved and blew a kiss to a small crowd of onlookers. While seated in front of the panel of judges, she was flanked by prosecution and defense teams.

“This has been a difficult decision that took time to reach,” said defense lawyer Miriam Company. “Her legal team had prepared the trial and were convinced we could demonstrate her innocence, but the circumstances changed, and (Shakira) opted to accept the deal.”

Shakira had rejected a deal offered by prosecutors in July 2022, asserting her belief in her innocence. She was named in the “Paradise Papers” leaks, revealing offshore tax arrangements of various high-profile individuals.

Shakira’s defense team previously stated that she had paid all owed taxes and an additional 3 million euros (about $3.2 million) in interest. The defense argued that she had not spent more than 60 days a year in Spain during the period, a requirement for fiscal residency.

Spanish prosecutors disagreed, and investigating judge Marco Juberías, in 2021, found “sufficient evidence of criminality,” leading to the trial. Shakira maintained her innocence during questioning by Juberías in 2019.

Flu Season in Full Swing: High Infection Rates Reported Across Several States

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Flu Season in Full Swing: High Infection Rates Reported Across Several States
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Flu season is in progress, with at least seven states experiencing elevated rates of flu infections, and cases on the rise nationwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC highlighted an increase in doctors’ visits for respiratory issues, positive flu lab tests, and influenza hospitalizations this week. The South Central, Southeast, and West Coast regions are currently witnessing the most significant spikes in flu activity.

Louisiana reported very high flu activity last week, with Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico, and South Carolina also indicating high activity. The District of Columbia and Puerto Rico declared an influenza epidemic earlier this month, with both areas experiencing high activity.

Moderate but increasing flu activity was observed in New York City, Arkansas, California, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas, according to the CDC.

So far, the CDC estimates that the flu has caused a minimum of 780,000 illnesses this season, leading to 8,000 hospitalizations and 490 deaths.

To combat the spread of the flu, the CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 and above receive a flu shot. However, vaccination rates this year are lower compared to the previous year, with approximately 35% of U.S. adults and 33% of children having received their flu shots.

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