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City of Houston Preparing for Freezing Weather Warming Centers will Open Thursday Afternoon
Lone Star College recognized as top institution for minorities
Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine has recognized Lone Star College as a top degree producer for minority students. LSC was ranked fourth in the nation, offering associate degrees to minorities.
“Lone Star College is committed to creating and offering world-class educational opportunities to all students,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC Chancellor. “We are pleased with this recognition and will continue to provide quality academic transfer and workforce programs to keep our community strong.”
LSC was also ranked fourth for the number of Hispanic students earning an associate degree, 10th for the number of Asian students earning a degree, and 13th nationwide for the number of African American students obtaining a degree.
Diverse Issues In Higher Education uses analysis from U.S. Department of Education reports submitted by institutions. Rankings are based on the review of 2020-21 preliminary data.
“These rankings prove Lone Star College is meeting the needs of our diverse community, helping all students to continue their education which can lead to a better life,” said Michael Stoma, LSCS Board of Trustees Chair.
Among the notable findings in the report:
- The number of associate degrees conferred to minority students in 2021 increased by 18,825 degrees compared to 2020-2021.
- Fifty-five percent of the associate degrees conferred to minority students were in arts & science.
- Liberal Arts & Sciences, General Studies and Humanities degrees were the top disciplines for associate degrees awarded to minority students.
LSC is continually recognized for its diversity efforts. In June 2022, the college was one of four organizations to receive the Outstanding Supplier Diversity Recognition Award from the Houston Business Journal.
Lone Star College has more than 200 programs and various resources, such as scholarships, student clubs and technology services, to help set all students up for success. LSC’s spring 2023 semester starts Jan. 17. Registration is now open at LoneStar.edu/Registration.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2022 Great Colleges to Work For®institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education, ranked 35th in Texas in the Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers By State’ list and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
FBI and Partners Issue National Public Safety Alert on Financial Sextortion Schemes
Over 3,000 minor victims targeted in the past year across the United States
The FBI, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), is issuing a national public safety alert regarding an explosion in incidents of children and teens being coerced into sending explicit images online and extorted for money—a crime known as financial sextortion.
Over the past year, law enforcement has received over 7,000 reports related to the online financial sextortion of minors, resulting in at least 3,000 victims, primarily boys, and more than a dozen suicides. A large percentage of these sextortion schemes originate outside of the United States and primarily in West African countries such as Nigeria and Ivory Coast. As many children enter winter break this holiday season, the FBI and our partners implore parents and caregivers to engage with their kids about financial sextortion schemes so we can prevent them in the first place.
“The FBI has seen a horrific increase in reports of financial sextortion schemes targeting minor boys—and the fact is that the many victims who are afraid to come forward are not even included in those numbers,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The FBI is here for victims, but we also need parents and caregivers to work with us to prevent this crime before it happens and help children come forward if it does. Victims may feel like there is no way out—it is up to all of us to reassure them that they are not in trouble, there is hope, and they are not alone.”
“The protection of children is a society’s most sacred duty,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “It calls on each of us to do everything we can to keep kids from harm, including ensuring the threats they face are brought into the light and confronted. Armed with the information in this alert message, parents, caregivers, and children themselves should feel empowered to detect fake identities, take steps to reject any attempt to obtain private material, and, if targeted, have a plan to seek help from a trusted adult.”
Financial sextortion schemes occur in online environments where young people feel most comfortable—using common social media sites, gaming sites, or video chat applications that feel familiar and safe. On these platforms, online predators often use fake female accounts and target minor males between 14 to 17 years old, but the FBI has interviewed victims as young as 10 years old.
“The sexual exploitation of children is a deplorable crime. HSI special agents will continue to exhaust every resource to identify, locate, and apprehend predators to ensure they face justice,” said Steve K. Francis, HSI acting executive associate director. “Criminals who lurk in platforms on the internet are not as anonymous as they think. HSI will continue to leverage cutting-edge technology to end these heinous acts.”
Through deception, predators convince the young person to produce an explicit video or photo. Once predators acquire the images, they threaten to release the compromising material unless the victim sends money or gift cards. Often the predators demand payment through a variety of peer-to-peer payment applications. In many cases, however, predators release the images even if payments are made. The shame, fear, and confusion that victims feel when they are caught in this cycle often prevents them from asking for help or reporting the abuse.
“This is a growing crisis and we’ve seen sextortion completely devastate children and families,” said Michelle DeLaune, CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. “As the leading nonprofit focused on child protection, we’ve seen first-hand the rise in these cases worldwide. The best defense against this crime is to talk to your children about what to do if they’re targeted online. We want everyone to know help is out there and they’re not alone.”
What if you or your child is a victim?
If young people are being exploited, they are victims of a crime and should report it. Contact your local FBI field office, call 1-800-CALL-FBI, or report it online at tips.fbi.gov.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has outlined steps parents and young people can take if they or their child are a victim of sextortion, including:
- Remember, the predator is to blame, not your child or you.
- Get help before deciding whether to pay money or otherwise comply with the predator. Cooperating or paying rarely stops the blackmail and continued harassment.
- Reportthe predator’s account via the platform’s safety feature.
- Blockthe predator and do not delete the profile or messages because that can be helpful to law enforcement in identifying and stopping them.
- Let NCMEC help get explicit images of you off the internet.
- Visit missingkids.org/IsYourExplicitContentOutThereto learn how to notify companies yourself or visit cybertipline.org to report to us for help with the process.
- Ask for help. This can be a very complex problem and may require help from adults or law enforcement.
- If you don’t feel that you have adults in your corner, you can reach out to NCMEC for support at gethelp@ncmec.orgor call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.
- Take a moment to learn how sextortion works and how to talk to your children about it. Information, resources, and conversation guides are available at fbi.gov/sextortion.
Freezing Temps Expected Late Thursday into this Weekend
Rain and icy conditions are not expected. However, a Hard Freeze (where temperatures remain below 25 degrees F for several hours) is likely for both Thursday and Friday night.
This is the first freezing weather we have seen this season. Prepare your vehicle and home by midday Thursday, especially if you are traveling for the holidays. Remember to protect the “Four P’s”: People, pets, pipes, and plants.
People:
• Keep warm, stay inside if possible.
• If you need to go out, dress in layers and wear hats, gloves and an appropriate coat.
• Avoid overexertion, as cold weather puts added strain on your body.
Pets:
• Prolonged exposure to the forecasted temperatures and wind may be fatal to unprotected livestock and pets.
• Bring pets inside, and move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas.
• Keep adequate food and water available.
Pipes:
• Proper winterization of any exposed pipes/plumbing will be needed to prevent damage.
• Disconnect outdoor hoses, drain and store in protected area.
• Wrap exposed faucets and pipes – including those outside the house or in unheated crawl spaces, attics, garages and other areas.
• If leaving out of town for the upcoming holidays, shut off the main water supply and drain pipes to prevent damage should they burst.
Plants:
• Bring potted plants inside or store in garage near interior wall to provide extra warmth and protection from wind.
• For cold-sensitive outdoor plants, put down extra mulch and consider covering with a cloth fabric of some kind to shield the plants from wind and frost.
• Tropical plants/vegetation will require maximum freeze protection.
Heater Safety:
Portable space heaters are often used to heat rooms and homes. If not used properly, they can cause fires, severe injuries, and death. If using a portable heater, remember these important safety tips:
• Keep heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn, including furniture, carpets, curtains, and people.
• Place heaters on solid, non-flammable surfaces.
• Never block exits with a heater and keep them out of the way of foot traffic.
• Keep children away from heaters.
• Always plug heaters directly into wall outlets – NEVER use an extension cord.
• Turn off and unplug space heaters when leaving a room or going to bed.
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning by installing a battery-operated CO detector and never use generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors.
For more information on how to prepare and stay safe during a winter weather event, visit ReadyHarris.org.
Stay informed by following HCOHSEM updates at ReadyHarris.org, on social media, and by signing up for Ready Harris Alerts or ReadyHarris Accessible Alerts.
City of Houston, Harris County And TxDOT Announce New Memorandum of Understanding For The North Houston Highway Improvement Project
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Messi campeón al fin, ¿tocó el cielo con ayuda divina?
Frente a Reyes del Medio Oriente: Francia se regaló al “Niño Dios” para coronar al “Mesías”.
Es el día de la final de la Copa Mundial de Futbol Qatar, 2022, Estadio Lusail en su pleno abarrotado por millares de argentinos -una invasión de fanáticos del balompié- que “hinchan las gradas a rabiar”, mientras que los jeques y mandamás de la FIFA moderna, -quienes fungen como dueños del balón- sólo observan como si estuvieran viendo la película hollywoodense donde ya todos ellos saben cómo termina, pasando por sus escenas actuadas en una comedia de enredos, sin tensión ni nervios y mucho menos temor a que suceda algo terrible. Sólo comiendo palomitas muy plácidamente.
En la cancha sucede lo inesperado por los amantes del futbol de buena fe, creyentes de la honestidad de una oncena francesa encabezada por Kylian Mbappé, por todo el pueblo galo y su conocimiento de un deporte nacional pleno de orgullo: su equipo histórico se dobla como mantequilla, llegan dos goles rápidos, incluyendo el típico penal dudoso ya escrito con su todopoderoso cobrador: Messi.
Por lo menos así sucedió durante la primera parte del partido, sin embargo, en el segundo round Francia y Mbappé sacaron la verdadera cara de un equipo históricamente ofensivo, ese “les bleus” con su renovada casta valiente de hombres de ébano, los inmigrantes que mantienen su hambre de pundonor y deseos de gloria. Se puede decir que revivieron después de ese horrible arranque tan miedoso, desconocido y triste que nadie comprendió.
Así la selección multiétnica logró dos rapidísimas dianas para el empate, cortesía de su máxima figura, se fueron a los tiempos extras y los dos colosos en pugna franco-argentina anidaron un tanto por bando, para culminar con un trepidante tres-a-tres. La serie de penalties ya estaban definidas por un guion cinematográfico, con toda la locura desatada en las tribunas que hicieron palidecer a quienes no contábamos con el “volado” para definir al mejor entre Lionel y Kylian.
Sin embargo, lo que asomaba como esperanza de cambiar el curso de todas las sospechas y las entreveras de una conspiración árabe a base de millonadas, se fue volviendo polvo. El resurgimiento del crack moreno del PSG al segundo tiempo no fue suficiente, aunque haya metido 3 goles y aparte el penal eliminatorio.
Las fallas infantiles de los otros ejecutores franceses a once metros, le otorgaron la corona al Rey, Messi por definición, Messi por decreto y Messi por merecimiento, porque así lo gritaban las masas del mundo futbolísitico. Nadie sabrá jamás si en este partido fueron mejores los galos o los pamperos, pero la moneda en el aire que significa un penalti así lo escribió, como si los sinos del universo hubiesen intervenido.
O quizás sólo los nervios traicioneros, al verse ciscado mentalmente y apabullado en el aspecto psicomotriz que producen las multitudes fanáticas detrás del arco para patear (también fue literalmente un volado quien decidió la portería para la tanda de tiros), que estaba a reventar de seguidores argentinos. Ello influyó definitivamente y la película se acuñó con la consagración del jugador más grande de todos los tiempos, con el tiro de Gonzalo Montiel. Este gol marcó el parteaguas del Messi debajo de Pelé y Maradona, y un segundo después, lo elevó por encima de la Historia. Derrumbando asimismo la sintética dicotomía rival CR7-Messi, se despejaron todas las dudas y ya nada podría comparar al llamado “Bicho” con el “Mesías”.
Este Mundial será recordado como el último de los dos productos por excelencia de la FIFA confrontados a su máxima expresión, donde uno terminó como cucaracha (Cristiano) y el otro ascendió a los cielos de los Olimpos balompédicos. Y en cotejo definitorio, la suerte cargó los dados para Lionel Messi, que bien pudo haber derribado la gran duda e interrogante mundial, del uso de petrodólares para intervenir en Qatar, como ya lo habían hecho los jeques para obtener esta polémica sede, acusada de violar los derechos humanos, de maltrato laboral y corrupción.
Pero esta vez, el azar del deporte más popular, cruzó la línea milimétrica de la certidumbre que nos dejó en visto, le otorgó el beneficio de la duda.
By: ALFREDO HIDALGO NIETO
Ringleader in NFL medical reimbursement scam pleads guilty
An athletic trainer who acted as the ringleader with eight former NFL players in a scheme to defraud an NFL player trust fund by submitting false claims for medical benefits has pleaded guilty, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced Saturday.
The scheme was investigated by the fraud unit of the Texas Department of Insurance in cooperation with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
“By working together, these players, aided by a trainer who thought he knew how to game the system, stole from their former teammates,” Ogg said. “The Texas Department of Insurance worked hard to expose this scam and get justice for the victims.”
Louis Ray, an athletic trainer and owner of Rehab Express, a Galleria-area rehabilitation facility, created fraudulent invoices claiming to perform treatments on the former players from March 7, 2016, to November 2018. He has repaid $109,305 in restitution and pleaded guilty to a second-degree felony in exchange for five years deferred adjudication. If he does not successfully complete the five years of probation, he can be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison.
Of the eight former NFL players implicated in the scheme, six have pleaded guilty.
The cases are being prosecuted by Rick Watson, a special assistant district attorney assigned by the Texas Department of Insurance to support the Harris County District Attorney’s Office Financial Crimes Division.
“Fraud against health care plans is a rapidly growing problem,” Watson said. “This plan was created to support former NFL players who are struggling with health issues, and these defendants abused a system that is intended to assist those truly in need.”
Lone Star College-University Park celebrates 10 years of Innovation
Lone Star College-University Park recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with the “Celebrating 10 Years of Innovation” event Dec. 6.
“Congratulations to Lone Star College-University Park on achieving this significant milestone,” said Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., LSC Chancellor. “Since its beginning, this campus has laid the groundwork to transform higher education by taking a fresh look at how to best serve its students.”
At the “Celebrating 10 Years of Innovation” event, the college received several proclamations and flags from top federal, state and local leaders declaring Dec. 6, 2022 as LSC-University Park Day. Sam Harless, Texas State Representative District 126 and LSC Alumni; Jack Cagle, Harris County Commissioner Precinct 4; and Bobby Lieb, Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, personally presented their commendations.
“We are honored and proud of how our community leaders showed their unwavering support of Lone Star College-University Park,” said Shah Ardalan, Ed.D., LSC-University Park President. “This is the only college in the country built on an open Invitation to Innovate (i2i), which transformed the property into this community’s college.”
Representatives from the offices of Greg Abbot, Texas Governor; Dan Crenshaw, U.S. Congressman 2nd District; Sylvester Turner, City of Houston Mayor and Jack Cagle, Harris County Commissioner Precinct 4, also presented proclamations.
“Lone Star College-University Park is a tremendous asset to this community and its economic prosperity, said Sam Harless, Texas State Representative District 126. “Congratulations to Dr. Shah Ardalan for his leadership at the college and in the community.”
The LSC-University Park Percussion, Choir and Jazz Trio provided musical performances, and the college’s Visual and Performing Arts department unveiled a mural at the anniversary celebration. Event attendees included current and former LSC Board of Trustees, fellow LSC Presidents, donors and supporters, chambers of commerce representatives, industry, community and corporate leaders and higher education and K-12 partner executives including University of Houston-Downtown, Klein Independent School District and iSchool High.
“On behalf of LSC-UP employees and students, I am grateful to our elected officials, partners, community leaders, and all the friends and supporters of the college for a tremendous and humbling show of pride and appreciation,” said Ardalan. “It was indeed a beautiful day at Lone Star College-University Park, and the best is yet to come.”
Speakers at the “Celebrating 10 Years of Innovation” event were Keith Barber, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital CEO and LSC Alumni; Jenny McGown, Ed.D., Klein Independent School District Superintendent; Daniel Villanueva, Jr., Ph.D., University of Houston-Downtown Enrollment Management Vice President; Martha Donnelly, LSC-University Park Faculty and Senate President; Clavelia Martin, LSC-University Park Professional Support Staff Association Secretary; and Kayla Hajdik, LSC-University Park Student Government Association President.
“I want to thank Lone Star College-University Park for their exemplary work in helping Klein ISD prepare our students to exit with their purpose in whichever pathway they choose successfully,” said Jenny McGown, Ed.D., Klein ISD Superintendent. “I am grateful for this wonderful partnership, which has saved students and families thousands of dollars.”
LSC-University Park, located in the former headquarters of the Compaq Computer Corporation, officially opened as a university center Jan. 4, 2010, and served 6,030 students. The campus’s growth exploded in two years, leading it to become LSC’s sixth full-service college. LSC-University Park held its official opening celebration June 6, 2012, and dedicated Buildings 10, 11, 12 and 13 Dec. 6, 2012.
LSC-University Park offers 57 degrees and certificates. It houses the LSC-Energy and Manufacturing Institute and the Center for Science and Innovation. The college plans to unveil its Visual and Performing Arts Center in December 2023. Visit LoneStar.edu/UniversityPark to learn more about LSC-University Park.
Lone Star College is celebrating 50 years of providing quality, affordable, competitive educational opportunities to families in the greater north Houston area. LSC’s entire history is available at LoneStar.edu/50Years.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area and has been named a 2022 Great Colleges to Work For®institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education, ranked 35th in Texas in the Forbes ‘America’s Best Employers By State’ list and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.
Dec 22 – Dec 28, 2022 | Weather
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Publicación 1253 de HOUSTON – Revista Digital 22 de diciembre – 28 de diciembre / 2022
Gracias por SEGUIRNOS, este artículo contiene la revista digital de HOUSTON de ¡Que Onda! Magazine De fecha 22 de diciembre – 28 de diciembre / 2022