Authorities in Houston are on the hunt for a 24-year-old Harris County woman accused of abandoning her infant son on the doorstep of a residence and failing to return for him.
Loretta Norwood faces one felony count of child abandonment, according to court documents. The incident unfolded on March 21 when a woman named Loretta Sam alerted police after discovering an 8½-month-old baby boy alone in a car seat outside her porch gate around 6 a.m.
Upon finding the infant, Sam brought him inside before authorities took him to Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital for evaluation. While doctors reported that the baby was in generally good health, they noted that he was not reaching behavioral milestones typical for a child his age. Subsequently, the child was placed in the custody of Child Protective Services.
Court records indicate that the baby’s father, Ismael ‘Halo’ Hailey, received a text message at 12:50 a.m. on March 21, stating, “Your son outside, tell your mom to get him. Don’t leave your son outside. He is there. After the DNA, you can get his papers. Better get your son from out because he there Halo.”
Hailey claimed he didn’t see the message until 8 a.m. that same morning and expressed uncertainty about the child’s paternity. Family members confirmed Norwood’s identity and her connection to the abandoned infant, adding that she had recently posted bail on a robbery charge in Fort Bend County.
Surveillance footage obtained by investigators captured Norwood walking near Hailey’s mother’s residence around 12:10 a.m., carrying a car seat. She could be heard crying and engaging in a verbal exchange with a man believed to have driven her to the location in a white, four-door sedan. The footage shows Norwood placing the infant, still in the car seat, near Hailey’s mother’s home before departing in the white sedan around 12:12 a.m.
Authorities urge anyone with information on Norwood’s whereabouts or the incident to come forward.
On March 26, a federal appeals court dealt a blow to Texas by extending the block on a controversial law that would enable police to arrest individuals suspected of being in the country illegally.
In a late-night ruling issued just minutes before midnight, a panel of judges from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to deny Texas’ request to enforce the law, known as Senate Bill 4 (SB 4), while the legal battle surrounding it unfolds. The court is slated to hear arguments on April 3 regarding the legality of SB 4.
This decision comes after the U.S. Supreme Court briefly permitted SB 4 to take effect on March 19, only for it to be halted by the appeals court shortly thereafter.
Senate Bill 4, if enacted, would grant state and local law enforcement the authority to arrest migrants suspected of unlawfully crossing the Texas-Mexico border. Undocumented immigrants could face imprisonment for up to six months or a $2,000 fine, with repeat offenders potentially facing felony charges. Additionally, judges would have the power to order migrants back to Mexico, irrespective of their nationality.
The Biden administration, along with several immigrant advocacy groups, challenged Texas over SB 4, contending that the law undermines the federal government’s jurisdiction over immigration enforcement and damages diplomatic relations with foreign nations.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and other prominent Republicans in the state have consistently criticized President Joe Biden’s border policies, asserting that SB 4 is essential to combat what they describe as an “invasion” by migrants and drug cartels.
Chief Judge Priscilla Richman, in her ruling, emphasized that immigration control falls exclusively under federal jurisdiction, highlighting the potential conflicts SB 4 could create with federal immigration laws. She noted that the law grants Texas judges unilateral authority to order undocumented migrants to return to Mexico without federal input, a move that could strain relations between the United States and Mexico.
The Mexican government, in a brief filed on March 21, warned that implementing SB 4 could lead to significant tension between the two countries, asserting that Mexico would not accept deportations from Texas.
Following the appeals court’s decision, immigrant rights organizations expressed relief, viewing it as a step towards holding Texas accountable for what they see as endangering the well-being of residents. Jennifer Babaie, the director of advocacy and legal services for the El Paso-based Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center, emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and advocacy to challenge SB 4.
However, Judge Andrew Oldham, in a dissenting opinion, argued that the case is based on hypothetical scenarios, as Texas authorities have yet to make any arrests or deportations under SB 4. He advocated for allowing SB 4 to take effect, asserting that enforcement would decrease illegal border crossings and associated crimes.
Looking ahead, lawyers representing Texas, the U.S. Department of Justice, El Paso County, and the American Civil Liberties Union are set to present their arguments before the same three-judge panel on April 3 in New Orleans. The outcome of this hearing could potentially lead the case back to the Supreme Court for further review.
Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), known by its ticker symbol DJT, has emerged as the latest sensation in the world of meme stocks, capturing the attention of investors and pundits alike. Despite modest revenue figures of $3.4 million in the first nine months of 2023 and total losses amounting to $49 million, DJT boasts a staggering market capitalization of $7.9 billion as of the close of Tuesday’s trading session.
In the realm of meme stocks, where trading often defies traditional fundamentals, DJT’s meteoric rise underscores the power of sentiment over financial performance. By securing the DJT ticker symbol, which coincides with Donald Trump’s initials, TMTG strategically positioned itself to capitalize on Trump-related fervor in the market.
Reflecting on the meme-stock frenzy of January 27, 2021, when several stocks experienced unprecedented valuation peaks, it’s evident that market dynamics can defy conventional wisdom. Bed, Bath & Beyond (BBBY), once valued at $6.4 billion, filed for bankruptcy subsequently, while Blackberry (BB) saw its valuation plummet from $14.1 billion to $1.6 billion. Similarly, GameStop (GME), which reached a staggering $22.6 billion in market capitalization, has since seen a significant decline to $4.7 billion.
However, amidst the volatility, meme stocks like Upstart and AMC soared to valuation peaks exceeding $31 billion, while Robinhood approached the $60 billion mark at its zenith. These instances serve as cautionary tales against underestimating the power of sentiment-driven trading in the market.
As DJT continues its upward trajectory, skeptics may question the sustainability of its valuation. Yet, history has shown that attempting to predict the behavior of meme stocks can be perilous. While DJT may appear overvalued today, its potential for further ascent remains a possibility, highlighting the unpredictable nature of meme stock investing.
In an era defined by market unpredictability and social media-driven trading frenzies, DJT stands as a testament to the evolving landscape of stock market dynamics, where sentiment often outweighs traditional metrics of valuation. As investors navigate these turbulent waters, the allure of meme stocks like DJT serves as a reminder of the inherent risks and rewards associated with speculative trading strategies.
In a bold leap forward for autonomous vehicle technology, Texas drivers may soon witness semitrucks cruising down the highways without a human driver behind the wheel. Spearheading this advancement in the Austin area is Kodiak Robotics, an autonomous truck company that has already been making strides in hauling various goods for major companies like IKEA, C.R. England, and Tyson Foods along Texas roads.
Currently, Kodiak trucks operate with a “safety driver” on board, monitoring the vehicle as it transports freight over long distances. However, by the close of 2024, Kodiak plans to deploy trucks that will operate autonomously, marking a significant milestone in the realm of self-driving vehicles.
This development comes amidst a surge in autonomous vehicle activity in Central Texas. Over the past year, the region has emerged as a hotspot for companies testing and piloting new autonomous technologies. Cruise, another autonomous vehicle company, had deployed over 100 self-driving taxis in Austin before temporarily suspending operations due to safety concerns last October. Meanwhile, Waymo’s self-driving Jaguars have been navigating Austin’s streets since March 6.
According to Dan Goff, head of policy at Kodiak, autonomous trucks present unique advantages over self-driving cars. He highlights the more predictable driving patterns and fewer obstacles encountered by trucks compared to urban taxis, such as pedestrians and traffic lights. Goff explains that Kodiak trucks are equipped with 18 different scanners continuously monitoring the vehicle’s surroundings, ensuring safe navigation.
Moreover, Kodiak employs a sophisticated system that learns from any interventions made by safety drivers, thereby enhancing the trucks’ ability to handle various situations autonomously. Goff asserts that years of data collection and analysis have positioned Kodiak to demonstrate the safety of their autonomous trucks, with expectations of surpassing human drivers in safety in the near future.
In terms of safety records, Kodiak has reported only three minor incidents, contrasting with higher collision rates reported by other autonomous vehicle companies like Waymo and Cruise. Goff attributes this to the different operating environments and fleet sizes, as well as the rigorous safety measures implemented by Kodiak.
The move towards autonomous trucks in Texas aligns with projections indicating significant growth in freight transportation over the coming years. With truck tonnage expected to rise substantially by 2034, there’s a pressing need to address the labor shortage in the trucking industry. Autonomous vehicles offer a potential solution to these challenges, potentially revolutionizing freight transportation and alleviating supply chain constraints.
Support from regulatory bodies like the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has been crucial in fostering the development of autonomous transportation technologies in the state. Legislation such as Senate Bill 2205, passed in 2017, has created a supportive regulatory environment, allowing companies to innovate and deploy autonomous vehicles without undue bureaucratic hurdles.
In addition to Kodiak, other autonomous truck companies like Gatik and Aurora are poised to expand their operations in Texas, with plans to remove drivers from their vehicles by the year’s end. These developments signal a transformative shift in the transportation landscape, with implications for safety, efficiency, and economic growth.
As Texas continues to embrace autonomous vehicle technologies, initiatives like the development of a “smart corridor” along SH 130 demonstrate the state’s commitment to facilitating the safe integration of autonomous vehicles onto its roadways. Equipped with sensors and cameras, this corridor aims to provide a conducive environment for autonomous vehicles to navigate effectively and securely.
While specific details regarding the launch of the smart corridor remain forthcoming, its development underscores Texas’ proactive approach towards embracing the future of transportation, where autonomous vehicles are poised to play an increasingly prominent role.
Harris County District Clerk Marilyn Burgess unveiled a new outreach campaign on Tuesday aimed at boosting participation in jury service in Harris County. The initiative, spearheaded by the Harris County District Clerk’s Office is specifically targeted at increasing representation from African Americans, Hispanics, and young adults aged 18-29 in jury duty.
During a press conference held earlier on Tuesday, Burgess emphasized the importance of having diverse juries that reflect the demographics of Harris County. She was joined by key stakeholders including the Honorable Judge Rabeea Collier representing the Jury Committee of the Harris County Board of District Judges, Bishop James Dixon II from the Houston chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Alfonso Maldonado of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), and Dayana Iza speaking on behalf of the Latino grassroots organization Mi Familia Vota.
The campaign, branded as “You Complete Justice,” was launched on March 13 with a strong focus on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Its primary goal is to raise awareness about the importance of jury attendance and to encourage higher participation rates among underrepresented communities and younger demographics.
Statistics from 2023 revealed disparities in jury representation. While African Americans make up 22% of the county’s population over 18, they constituted only 17% of those appearing for jury service. Similarly, Hispanics, representing 33% of the adult population, accounted for 26% of jury appearances. Additionally, young adults aged 18-29, who make up 21% of the adult population, only constituted 17% of jurors.
District Clerk Burgess expressed her commitment to increasing jury participation since assuming office in 2019. She highlighted the potential benefits of diverse juries, citing research by Tufts University Professor Samuel Sommers, which indicates that diverse juries deliberate longer, make fewer inaccurate statements, and are perceived to be more fair and impartial.
The timing of the outreach campaign coincides with recent improvements in jury pay. Last October, jurors saw a significant increase in their compensation, with the first day of service pay rising from $6 to $30, and subsequent days now compensated at $58 compared to the previous $40. Additionally, Harris County has introduced an innovative debit card payment system for jurors, eliminating delays associated with receiving checks in the mail.
The HCDCO’s campaign will utilize social media metrics to assess its impact and effectiveness in the coming weeks and months. District Clerk Burgess remains optimistic that these efforts will not only enhance jury diversity but also foster greater confidence in the justice system among minority communities and young people.
For more information about the campaign and jury service in Harris County, individuals are encouraged to visit the Harris County District Clerk’s Office website and follow their social media channels for updates and engagement opportunities.
Houston’s iconic Turkey Leg Hut, known for its mouthwatering dishes and lengthy queues, made headlines once again as it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Tuesday morning in Texas Southern Bankruptcy Court. The move follows a recent court ruling ordering the restaurant to pay over $900,000 to a former business partner, adding to its already substantial legal woes.
According to the bankruptcy filing, Turkey Leg Hut, which has faced numerous controversies in recent years, reports liabilities exceeding $4.7 million to more than a dozen entities. The decision to file for bankruptcy came during a court hearing regarding an ongoing lawsuit involving the restaurant’s co-founders, Nakia Holmes and Lyndell Price, and a former business partner, Steve Rogers.
Rogers had sued Holmes and Price in 2023, alleging that they failed to pay him $1.5 million in restaurant shares owed to him. The lawsuit, a continuation of previous legal disputes dating back to July 2020, was set to determine the appointment of a court-appointed officer to oversee asset seizure to settle the outstanding debt.
However, with the bankruptcy filing, all collection efforts targeting Turkey Leg Hut, LLC, will come to a halt. Sean Roberts, an attorney representing Rogers, confirmed that a trustee will be tasked with arranging payments to satisfy the restaurant’s debts and liabilities.
The ongoing legal battles between Rogers, Holmes, and Price have further complicated Turkey Leg Hut’s financial situation. Previous disputes involved allegations of misusing restaurant funds and non-payment for buyout shares. Despite a settlement agreement reached in 2020, subsequent payment issues led to Rogers filing another lawsuit in 2023.
In addition to the debt owed to Rogers, Turkey Leg Hut faces nearly $2 million in state tax liabilities to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
The restaurant’s founders, Price and Holmes, have also been navigating personal challenges, including divorce proceedings and business conflicts. Despite these issues, Price emphasized that they are still business partners, even as he ventured into a new culinary venture with The Oyster Hut.
The bankruptcy filing comes less than three weeks after a fire ravaged Turkey Leg Hut’s business office, adding to the tumultuous period for the beloved Houston establishment.
Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore were left in awe of Shakira’s iconic hip-shaking prowess in a hilarious segment on Monday’s episode of The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon.
In a comic bit that left both hosts amazed, Shakira underwent a polygraph test while showcasing her signature hip rolls to her 2005 hit, “Hips Don’t Lie.” As Shakira effortlessly moved her hips, the polygraph remained consistent, confirming the authenticity of her famed dance moves.
Barrymore, visibly impressed by Shakira’s results, exclaimed, “It checks out! They’re telling the truth.” Fallon, acknowledging defeat, humorously remarked, “Her hips don’t lie,” prompting Shakira to nonchalantly respond, “I told ya.”
The light-hearted moment was a delightful addition to Shakira’s appearance on the show, where she discussed her latest album, “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” her first release in nearly seven years. Reflecting on her creative journey, Shakira shared that she felt liberated to focus on new music following her separation from former soccer player Gerard Piqué.
“I’ve been putting out music here and there, but it was really hard for me to put together a body of work,” Shakira explained during her interview. “I didn’t have time. It was the husband-factor. Now I’m husband-less. Yeah, the husband was dragging me down. Now I’m free. Now I can actually work.”
The segment added a playful touch to Shakira’s conversation with Fallon, highlighting her enduring charm and magnetic stage presence.
In a pivotal session on Tuesday, the Supreme Court signaled a likely dismissal of a challenge to restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone. With a conservative majority of 6-3, the court heard arguments regarding the Biden administration’s appeal against lower court rulings that imposed limitations on women’s access to the pill, including its availability through mail-order services.
The oral arguments, however, steered away from debating the legality of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) decisions to ease restrictions on the drug. Instead, the focus was primarily on whether the group of anti-abortion doctors, represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, had the legal standing to bring the lawsuit forward.
Justices, irrespective of their ideological leanings, probed whether the doctors could demonstrate direct injury solely based on their objection to abortion, particularly concerning emergency room treatments for abortion-related complications. The court emphasized that doctors already have the right to refuse assistance based on personal beliefs.
Conservative Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett questioned the necessity of challenging FDA decisions in court, while Justice Neil Gorsuch expressed concern about the potential overreach of a nationwide ruling.
However, Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito showed inclination towards discussing the legality of the FDA’s actions. Alito questioned whether the FDA considered itself “infallible,” hinting at sympathy for the argument that the FDA’s decisions could be challenged.
Outside the Supreme Court building, rallies formed both in support of abortion rights and in opposition to what some described as “chemical abortions.” The case holds significant weight as it directly impacts the availability of mifepristone, a crucial component of the FDA-approved abortion regimen used across the country.
This case comes on the heels of the Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 to overturn Roe v. Wade, raising concerns about the potential consequences of further restricting abortion access. The pharmaceutical industry has backed the FDA, cautioning against judicial interference in the drug approval process.
The oral argument follows a series of legal battles initiated by a Texas-based U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, whose ruling last year threatened to ban the pill entirely. However, the Supreme Court intervened, maintaining the availability of mifepristone for the time being.
The court’s decision could significantly impact abortion access nationwide, with many states already seeking to tighten restrictions in the wake of recent judicial developments.
Houston, TX – March 26, 2024 – Mayor John Whitmire, accompanied by Houston City Council member Julian Ramirez, officially proclaimed Tuesday, March 26th as Que Onda Magazine Day in Houston. The proclamation ceremony, held at City Hall, celebrated the remarkable contributions of Que Onda Magazine, Texas’ leading Hispanic publication.
Established in 1993 by Jose and Lilia Esparza, Que Onda Magazine has become a cornerstone of the Hispanic community in Texas. The multi-generational family-owned magazine, led by publisher Gabriel Esparza, has continuously served as a platform for amplifying Hispanic voices and culture.
Joined by his mother and founder, Lilia Esparza, son and associate publisher Michael Esparza, wife Karina Garcia, magazine staff, and community supporters, Gabriel Esparza accepted the proclamation with gratitude. The City of Houston commended Que Onda Magazine for its profound impact on the local and national Hispanic population.
“The City of Houston recognizes the significant role played by Que Onda Magazine in empowering the Hispanic community,” stated the proclamation. “We commend Gabriel Esparza for his exemplary leadership in Que Onda Magazine and for highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the Hispanic population.”
With Hispanics constituting 44.55% of Houston’s population, and the largest subgroup being of Mexican descent, totaling 693,807 individuals, the influence of Latinos in the fourth-most populous city in the U.S. is undeniable. These proclamations underscore the vital contributions of the Hispanic community to the city’s cultural fabric and economic vitality.
Que Onda Magazine remains committed to its mission of promoting inclusivity, diversity, and cultural awareness. Through its pages, the magazine continues to celebrate the vibrant spirit and enduring legacy of Hispanic heritage.
For media inquiries, please contact: Gabriel Esparza Lead Publisher, Que Onda Magazine Phone: 713-880-1133 Email: gabriel@queondamagazine.com
