(Houston, TX) – The City of Houston/Harris County Disability Access and Functional Needs (DAFN) Committee was recognized last night at the Texas HireAbility Employer Forum and Lex Frieden Employment Awards in Lancaster, Texas. The DAFN Committee received the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities Martha Arbuckle Award for its 2024 Disaster Readiness & Resilience Clinic (DRRC). The Martha Arbuckle Award recognizes the most innovative local committee project and is presented in memory of Austin’s long-time disability advocate Martha Arbuckle.
The DRRC was a Whole Community/Disability Access and Functional Needs (DAFN) inclusive workshop for individuals, caregivers, and families to improve their preparedness for the range of threats and hazards that may impact the area. Specifically recognizing and addressing barriers that individuals with disabilities might face and the impact the events can have on their critical community lifelines. The DRRC’s purpose and intent was to promote readiness through planning, recognizing potentially available resources at local, state, and federal levels and consultation with support and service representatives.
Participants had the opportunity to engage and talk with providers and representatives knowledgeable and involved in disaster response and recovery measures in how to better prepare for events that pose risks to them and their specific individual needs. The clinic also provided a navigated (one-on-one) and supported opportunity for participants to complete their own printed personal preparedness plan for their individual needs.
In the exit survey completed by attendees, one participant stated “This was a great opportunity to learn about available and viable resources. The navigator assistant was amazing.” and another said “There are many people in Houston that will benefit from an event like this. There should be more events like this in different part of town and it should be ongoing. You never prepare enough!”
NRG Stadium will host the Concacaf Gold Cup’s Final on Sunday, July 6 Tournament features 16 teams and kicks off on June 14 Sign up at GoldCup.org to receive Concacaf Gold Cup updates and ticket information
Miami, FL (Wednesday, October 30, 2024)—Concacaf has announced that the Final of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup – the 18th edition of the Confederation’s flagship men’s national team competition – has been awarded to NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
In addition to hosting numerous Gold Cups, the FIFA World Cup 2026 host venue is home to the NFL’s Houston Texans and has hosted some of the world’s most important sporting and entertainment events, including two Super Bowls, the College Football Playoff National Championship, and WrestleMania, among others.
This will mark the first time that Our Gold Cup Final will be played in the State of Texas. NRG Stadium will also host the Gold Cup for a tournament record-high eighth time (2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019, 2021, and 2023).
Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani said: “Houston’s NRG Stadium is a world-class venue, and we know it will deliver a tremendous Gold Cup Final next summer. This stadium has been the scene of many great Concacaf matches in the past, including Gold Cup semi-finals, and it is an official FIFA World Cup 2026 venue, highlighting just how central this city and stadium will be to the ongoing growth of the sport. On behalf of Concacaf, I want to thank our partners in Houston, including the Texans leadership and everyone at NRG Stadium, for their commitment to our Gold Cup and to the beautiful game.”
“We are thrilled to host the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium,” Houston Texans President Greg Grissom said. “Our rich history of hosting major soccer events through Lone Star Sports & Entertainment makes Houston and NRG Stadium the preeminent destination for this highly anticipated match. Our collaboration with NRG Park, Houston First and Harris County Houston Sports Authority to put on this event will bring incredible energy and excitement to H-Town this summer.”
In September, Concacaf announced that the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup will be played next summer across 14 stadiums and 11 metropolitan areas in the United States and Canada. This includes five FIFA World Cup 2026 stadiums – AT&T Stadium, BC Place, Levi’s Stadium, NRG Stadium, and SoFi Stadium – and three first-time hosts. The competition will kick off on June 16 with a 16-team group stage, followed by three rounds of Knockout Stage play. The Final, where the region’s champion will be crowned, will take place at NRG Stadium on Sunday, July 6, 2025.
Just one year out from the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Concacaf Gold Cup will provide a highly competitive tournament for the region’s best teams and an opportunity for even more fans to engage with the sport at a pivotal time for its growth in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Sign up at GoldCup.org to receive Concacaf Gold Cup updates and ticket information. Tickets to all matches, including the Final, will be available to the public at a later date.
2025 GOLD CUP DATES AND COMPETITION FORMAT
The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup will begin with a 16-team Group Stage – four groups of four teams each. After round-robin play, between June 14-24, the four group winners and four runners-up (eight teams in total) will advance to the Knockout Stage.
The Knockout Stage will commence with the Quarterfinals on June 28 and 29, followed by the Semifinals on July 2, and the Final, where Concacaf’s champion will be crowned, on Sunday, July 6.Group Stage: June 14-24, 2025Quarterfinals: June 28 and 29, 2025Semifinals: July 2, 2025Final: July 6, 2025 OFFICIAL DRAW
Concacaf will conduct the official draw for the 2025 Gold Cup on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Further details on the draw will be confirmed at a later date.
GOLD CUP QUALIFICATION
The 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League is the qualification tournament for next summer’s Gold Cup. The 41-team competition takes place during the FIFA Match Windows of September, October, and November 2024, after which teams will qualify for the Gold Cup’s Prelims and Group Stage. For more information on the Concacaf Nations League, including the tournament’s match schedule and results, visit www.ConcacafNationsLeague.com.
HOUSTON (October 29, 2024) – The theme of the Crime Stoppers of Houston’s annual gala, “Raise ‘Em Up for Texas”, was all about big hats, big hearts, and grand celebration of wins. Chaired by dynamic couples Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey and Matt Mackey, along with Michelle and Jonathan Zadok, the event took place on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at The Revaire and raised over $2 million to support Crime Stoppers’ mission to combat crime and keep children across Texas safe through it’s Safe School Institute. The event soared to new heights thanks to strategic chairs, Vanessa Ames and Jordan Seff, whose leadership and wide-ranging vision created an unforgettable evening for all.
The lavish celebration united over 400 generous supporters, community advocates, elected officials, and law enforcement from across the state for a lively Texas-themed party which kicked off with an energetic happy hour, offering guests opportunities to support the night’s exciting silent auction and raffle.
Houston Media Icon Dave Ward welcomed guests into the main ballroom with pre-recorded messages, followed by an entertaining opening from emcee and auctioneer Johnny Bravo, including a message from Houston Mayor John Whitmire who thanked Crime Stoppers for its steadfast support to help keep our city safe. Before dinner, Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious spoke about the important mission of Crime Stoppers, offering insights on the organization’s unique safety programs and highlighting the work of the Safe School Institute, which tirelessly strives to keep schools across Texas safe.
Guests were entertained by the band Nobody’s Fool while savoring a delicious dinner featuring steaks donated by Ben Berg and the Berg Hospitality Group.
The action-packed program continued with remarks from special guest Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor and President of the University of Houston, who joined to celebrate the community efforts of Crime Stoppers. In her speech, she highlighted a campus incident where many lives were potentially saved when an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers helped prevent a mass shooting.
The festivities continued with a thrilling live auction by Johnny Bravo, designed to raise funds in support of the Crime Stoppers mission. Then, special guest and recent Stratford High School graduate Seven “Shamir” Francis shared his story reflected of experiences faced by millions of teenagers. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Crime Stoppers, highlighting how it serves as a counterbalance to the serious challenges kids face today by providing positive messaging and resources to help them make safer choices regardless of their circumstances.
Crime Stoppers CEO Rania Mankarious continued the evening by introducing the McIngvale Family Humanitarian Award, named in honor of the McIngvale Family for their outstanding benevolent efforts and support to the community during times of crisis, as well as their investment in the work of Crime Stoppers. Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale-Mackey and ‘Mattress Mack’ Jim McIngvale joined Rania on stage to present the inaugural award to The John M. O’Quinn Foundation, represented by Board of Trustees Chairman Rob Wilson. This award recognized the foundation’s support of the Safe School Institute through a historic $500,000 gift, marking a significant first step in helping Crime Stoppers provide safety resources to children across Texas. Immediately afterward, Crime Stoppers debuted a video announcing its 2025 Million for Million campaign, which aims to reach one million students with safety resources. To help achieve this goal, Johnny Bravo led a Paddles Up call for donations, resulting in an impressive additional amount of $500,000 raised.
To help celebrate this huge accomplishment, Oscar award-winning actor and Crime Stoppers friend Matthew McConaughey sent a special video message.
The evening wrapped up with Zadok Jewelers announcing Oscar Martinez as the lucky winner of the ring raffle, followed by some fun country dancing!
Thursday’s celebration was supported by many individuals, community partners and generous underwriters, including Entertainment Sponsor Inscription Capital/Patrick Keller; Provisions Sponsor Berg Hospitality Group; Auction Sponsor Connectivity Source/Scott and Lindsay Aronstein, Printing Sponsor Kelley Stephen Lubanko, Water Bottle Sponsor Erin Stetzer Homes, Happy Hour Sponsor Marfa Spirit Company, Valet Sponsor Porsche River Oaks and Porsche West Houston; President Sponsor C. James & Carole Walter Looke Family Fund; Governor Sponsor Seff and Ames Family; Mayor Sponsors Brigitte Kalai, Alicia Smith, Susan Boggio, Amerapex, Innovative Legal Solutions, Jane Johnstone – in Memory of the Honorable Mike McSpadden, Sheridan and John Eddie Williams, The McIngvale Family, Hildebrand Foundation and Zadok Jewelers; and Commissioner Sponsors Charlie and Melissa Weldon, Deborah and William Walker, Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Kevin and Brooke Lee and Natalie and Steven Mohtashami, Meg and Dick Weekley.
Additional supporters include Dylan and Jordan Seff, Chuck and Vanessa Ames, Eric Elder, Caroline and Matthew Monday, John Eddie and Sheridan Williams, Brooke and Kevin Lee, June and Steve Barth, Laura and Dave Ward, Dana Barton and Robert Clay, Charlie and Melissa Weldon, Laura and Ned Davenport, Natalie and Steve Mohtashami, Shane Treleaven, and Jillian and Yuri Waldo.
Notable guests include United States Senator Ted Cruz, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg, Harris County Commissioner Tom Ramsey, City Council Member Willie Davis, Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz, and Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen.
Visit www.crime-stoppers.org for additional information on Crime Stopper’s programs, resources and events.
The 2024 presidential race between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris is neck-and-neck across key battleground states, according to a new HarrisX/Forbes poll released Thursday. Harris currently holds a narrow lead of 49%-48% among voters across seven swing states, but 14% remain undecided, indicating the potential for significant shifts.
Key state breakdowns:
North Carolina: Harris holds a slight 48%-47% lead in a CNN/SSRS survey, though other polls, including a Fox News survey, show Trump ahead by 49%-47%. Trump maintains a 1.2-point advantage in the state according to FiveThirtyEight’s polling average.
Georgia: Trump is leading with a 48%-47% margin in a CNN/SSRS poll and a wider 51%-46% in a CES survey. Polls from Marist and the Washington Post-Schar School show varied results, but Trump averages a 1.8-point lead.
Pennsylvania: The race is effectively tied, with both candidates polling at 48% in recent Fox News and CNN/SSRS polls. FiveThirtyEight’s average gives Trump a slim 0.4-point lead.
Michigan: Harris holds an edge in most surveys, including 51%-46% in a CES poll. However, a Washington Post poll shows Trump leading by 47%-45%. Harris maintains a 1.1-point lead in the state’s polling average.
Wisconsin: Harris is up 50%-47% in the CES poll and 51%-45% in the CNN/SSRS survey. Trump holds a 49%-48% lead in Emerson’s survey, with Harris leading by 0.7 points in the polling average.
Nevada: Harris leads 48%-47% in an Emerson poll and 51%-47% in CES data, while Trump is narrowly ahead in a CNN/SSRS survey. Harris’ lead in polling averages is 0.1 points.
Arizona: Trump holds a 51%-47% lead in a CES survey and maintains a 2.2-point advantage in FiveThirtyEight’s average.
Background:
Harris secured the Democratic nomination after President Joe Biden dropped out following a tumultuous debate performance that fractured party support. Polls indicated Trump leading Biden in most battleground states prior to the switch, despite Biden’s 2020 victories in six of the seven states.
Harris’ current advantage is within the margin of error across these crucial swing states, underscoring a competitive race as both candidates vie for critical electoral votes heading into the final stretch.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) states that the pilot in the deadly helicopter crash on Oct. 20 was reading instructions related to a traffic advisory when it collided with a radio tower in Houston’s Second Ward.
According to the Houston Fire Department, the helicopter hit a radio tower at Engelke and Ennis at about 7:54 p.m. that night.
Family members of the victims said Julio “Cesar” Lerma was taking his son Dylon and his son’s mom, Marie Alonso, on a helicopter tour operated by National Helicopter Solutions when the chopper crashed into a transmission tower just before 8 p.m. that day.
The three, along with the pilot, were killed.
Now, more than a week after the crash, the NTSB has released a preliminary report of the incident. In the report, it states, “the pilot established communications with the local air traffic controller and requested the ‘downtown loop.'”
According to the report, minutes later, the controller issued a traffic advisory for a helicopter from a different company tour. At that, the pilot acknowledged the traffic in sight.
“The controller requested the accident pilot to maintain visual separation from the traffic, and the pilot was reading the instructions when the radio transmission abruptly ended,” the report states.
After that, no other communication was transmitted.
As a result of the impact, there was an explosion, causing the helicopter to fall to the ground and the tower to collapse on top, prompting a fire.
Among the growing concerns regarding the crash was the fact that the tower’s lights may not have been on, but NTSB’s report states, “The tower was equipped with flashing light beacons at 1,000 ft, 639 ft, and 340 ft from the surface. A surveillance video showed the tower’s top and middle beacons flashing.”
However, it’s not clear yet if the lowest level of the tower’s lights were on.
“According to the radio tower owner, the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) was issued due to the recent change in ownership, and there were no outages with the tower flashing beacons,” the report adds.
Donald Trump walked down the steps of the Boeing 757 that bears his name, walked across a rain-soaked tarmac and, after twice missing the handle, climbed into the passenger seat of a white garbage truck that also carried his name.
The former president, once a reality TV star known for his showmanship, wanted to draw attention to a remark made a day earlier by his successor, Democratic President Joe Biden, that suggested Trump’s supporters were garbage. Trump has used the remark as a cudgel against his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump talks to reporters as he sits in a garbage truck Wedne…Show moreAP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
“How do you like my garbage truck?” Trump said, wearing an orange and yellow safety vest over his white dress shirt and red tie. “This is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden.”
Trump and other Republicans were facing pushback of their own for comments by a comedian at a weekend Trump rally who disparaged Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.” Trump then seized on a comment Biden made on a late Wednesday call that “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters.”
The president tried to clarify the comment afterward, saying he had intended to say Trump’s demonization of Latinos was unconscionable. But it was too late.
On Thursday, after arriving in Green Bay, Wisconsin, for an evening rally, Trump climbed into the garbage truck, carrying on a brief discussion with reporters while looking out the window – similar to what he did earlier this month during a photo opportunity he staged at a Pennsylvania McDonalds.
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump talks to reporters as he sits in a garbage truck Wedne…Show moreAP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
He again tried to distance himself from comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, whose joke had set off the firestorm, but Trump did not denounce it. He also said he did not need to apologize to Puerto Ricans.
“I don’t know anything about the comedian,” Trump said. “I don’t know who he is. I’ve never seen him. I heard he made a statement, but it was a statement that he made. He’s a comedian, what can I tell you. I know nothing about him.”
A spokesperson for Trump said the joke doesn’t reflect his views, but the former president has not addressed it himself.
“I love Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico loves me,” Trump said from the garbage truck.
He ended the brief appearance by telling reporters: “I hope you enjoyed this garbage truck. Thank you very much.”
When he took the stage a short time later, he was still wearing the orange vest.
PORTER, Texas (KTRK) — A special education aide in New Caney ISD has been fired after he was accused of assaulting a non-verbal student.
Denise Gomez told ABC13 that her son, Max, came home twice in October with bruises on his chest. She said a district police officer looked at security video and saw the assault.
“I didn’t want to believe it. Me and my family didn’t want to believe it,” Gomez said. “I knew he was scared to be there.”
The 13-year-old, with severe autism, is a 7th grader at Woodridge Forest Middle School.
“An allegation of abuse by a paraprofessional against a student was brought to the school district’s attention involving a student at Woodridge Forest Middle School. The district immediately began an investigation into the situation. The paraprofessional’s employment with New Caney ISD was terminated Oct. 25,” the district said in a statement.
ABC13 is not naming the ex-employee because he has not been criminally charged.
Gomez said the alleged assault happened in what’s called a “calm room,” a place that is supposed to feel safe for the students.
Max has not returned to class since his mother reported the incident. Gomez, who fears other students have been abused, is not sure Max will ever feel safe at school again.
“I cannot believe somebody would do that to an autistic child who cannot defend himself,” she said. “I want him charged with a felony.”
New Caney ISD sent the following statement:
“An allegation of abuse by a paraprofessional against a student was brought to the school district’s attention involving a student at Woodridge Forest Middle School. The district immediately began an investigation into the situation. The paraprofessional’s employment with New Caney ISD was terminated on Oct. 25. Student safety is a top priority for New Caney ISD, and the district will always take immediate and appropriate action to protect the safety of students and staff. The incident has been referred to law enforcement. The district cannot comment further as this is an active investigation.”
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A local Librarian feels lucky to be alive after she was beaten in a downtown parking garage in the middle of the workday.
The incident happened on Monday afternoon just before 2 p.m. in the basement of the Chevron parking garage at 1400 Louisiana.
The librarian, who works for Chevron, did not want to speak on camera but spoke extensively with ABC13. She says she was walking through the basement of the parking garage when the attacker came out of nowhere and began hitting her over the head with a two-by-four.
Dennis Glenn, the suspect, allegedly attacked the librarian and then smacked another person’s work truck with the same piece of wood. He then took off but was arrested shortly after by the Houston Police Department.
Records show Glenn has a lengthy criminal history as well as documented mental health issues.
During his initial probable cause court appearance, the judge said because of his prior convictions in Texas, Glenn faces from 25 to life behind bars should he be convicted.
Chevron issued the following statement:
“Chevron takes the safety and security of our people seriously. We are cooperating with local law enforcement and cannot comment further on any pending investigation or legal proceeding.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the World Series title on Wednesday night, defeating the New York Yankees 7-6 to win the series four games to one. Fans in Los Angeles celebrated as the Dodgers came back from a five-run deficit in one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent baseball history. Gavin Lux and Mookie Betts each hit sacrifice flies in the eighth inning to secure the Dodgers’ victory.
“This is what we set out to do in spring training,” Betts said, champagne in his eyes.
New York took an early lead with back-to-back home runs by Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the first inning. By the third, Giancarlo Stanton’s homer extended the Yankees’ lead to 5-0. But defensive errors by Judge and shortstop Anthony Volpe allowed Los Angeles to erase the deficit in the fifth inning.
The Yankees briefly regained the lead in the sixth inning, but the Dodgers loaded the bases in the eighth and pulled ahead with sacrifice flies from Lux and Betts. Blake Treinen pitched a critical eighth inning, retiring Stanton and striking out Anthony Rizzo, and Walker Buehler closed out the game, earning his first major league save.
In the Dodgers’ clubhouse, MVP Freddie Freeman, who tied the Series record with 12 RBIs, celebrated the team’s resilience. “When you’re given extra outs and you capitalize in that kind of game, that’s huge,” he said.
Shohei Ohtani, the Dodgers’ $700 million signing, battled through the Series despite a shoulder injury and celebrated alongside his teammates. “The success of the postseason is very similar,” he said through a translator, referring to the team’s unity.
This victory marks the Dodgers’ eighth championship and their first in a full season since 1988. Manager Dave Roberts, now a two-time champion, praised the team’s journey through injuries and challenges. “We faced every adversity possible and overcame every single one,” Freeman added.
Los Angeles will hold a victory parade on Friday, coinciding with what would have been the 64th birthday of Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela, who passed away just before the Series began.
Graceland, the iconic Memphis home of the late Elvis Presley, is one of America’s most recognized residences, second only to the White House. When news broke of its potential public auction in May, it shocked and confused fans of the legendary musician, bringing attention to a growing issue of alleged deed fraud.
The controversy began last spring when Naussany Investments & Private Lending LLC filed a lawsuit and announced a foreclosure sale for Graceland, claiming that Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’s daughter, had borrowed $3.8 million, using the property as collateral before her death in 2023. Lisa Marie’s daughter, actor Riley Keough, responded with a countersuit alleging fraud, claiming Naussany Investments was a fabricated entity with no rights to the property. This alleged plot to seize Graceland outraged Elvis fans across the country.
Graceland, which has been a revered site for generations of Elvis fans, from the 1950s to today, holds significant cultural importance. “People have been trying to take from Elvis since Elvis was Elvis,” said Joel Weinshanker, managing partner of Elvis Presley Enterprises, on ABC’s “GMA3.” He described Graceland as a cherished place where Elvis lived, loved, and is now buried, along with his parents and daughter.
Graceland was also home to Lisa Marie, who became the sole heir to Elvis’s estate after his death in 1977. Over the years, Lisa Marie defended her family’s legacy and ensured its continuation, including approving Baz Luhrmann’s Oscar-nominated 2022 film “Elvis,” which emphasized her father’s appreciation for Black culture.
After Lisa Marie’s death in January 2023, her daughter Riley took her role as trustee seriously. Riley’s countersuit claimed the loan documents were forgeries, sparking an investigation that led to the discovery of a questionable notary seal on the documents. Private investigator Bradley Russell tracked down the alleged notary, Kimberly Philbrick, who denied notarizing anything for Lisa Marie and claimed the seal was a forgery.
Based on Philbrick’s affidavit, Riley’s legal team sought an injunction to stop the auction. Just a day before the sale, a judge granted the injunction. In August, Missouri resident Lisa Findley was arrested on mail fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, accused of exploiting the Presley family’s legacy for personal gain. Findley allegedly forged loan documents and published a false foreclosure notice, aiming to auction Graceland.
Riley has committed to preserving Graceland as both a museum and a home, honoring her mother’s wishes. “People going through the house feel this love that doesn’t stop,” Riley shared on “Live with Kelly and Mark.” Graceland’s legacy endures as a beloved symbol of Elvis’s life and impact.
