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Friday, May 8, 2026

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Texans Flock to H-E-B as Arctic Blast Prompts Preparations for Sub-Freezing Weekend

Texans are gearing up to hunker down in their homes for the impending arctic blast set to bring sub-freezing temperatures this weekend, prompting a rush to stock up on essentials at H-E-B, a popular grocery store chain in the state.

As the news of the approaching cold front spread, many Texans headed to H-E-B to ensure they were well-prepared for the chilly days ahead. However, concerns have arisen among shoppers that the usual abundance of stocked aisles might be compromised. The online joke account Evil MoPac humorously highlighted the phenomenon, advising followers to seize the opportunity to secure large quantities of staples before the inclement weather hits.

Commenters joined in on the jest, suggesting humorous scenarios such as Ted Cruz having a limited time to get to Cancun and sharing observations of a somewhat desolate egg aisle. Some likened the scene at H-E-B to “the Hunger Games” or “worse than Thanksgiving.” Despite the perceived emptier shelves, others acknowledged H-E-B’s crucial role during emergencies, stating that the grocer does more for Texans than the state or local governments in such situations.

Ever since the challenges brought by Winter Storm Uri in 2021, which left many without power for days, Texans have been on high alert whenever ERCOT issues a grid condition notice, especially with the prospect of freezing weather. H-E-B, however, remained open during the 2021 storm, offering a source of relief for those concerned about accessing essential supplies during power outages.

While the encouragement is not to overbuy from H-E-B, residents are advised to take precautions for the upcoming week. Houston Mayor John Whitmire urged people to limit outdoor activities and transportation once freezing weather sets in. Those planning a trip to the store in preparation for the cold snap are advised to stock up on water and high-energy, non-perishable foods such as dried fruit, nuts, cereal, and granola bars.

The trust that Texans place in H-E-B during emergencies and in their daily lives has propelled the grocery store to national recognition. A recent study released this week ranked H-E-B as the top grocer with the strongest customer value proposition in the long term. As Texans navigate the upcoming cold spell, H-E-B continues to play a vital role in meeting the community’s needs.

No Repeat of 2021 Winter Storm: Cold Front to Bring Freezing Temperatures Without Severe Weather Crisis

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Enjoy the current beautiful weather with sunshine and southerly winds warming temperatures into the mid-60s this afternoon, as preparations for a significant change in weather are advised. The arctic cold front is expected to make its arrival on Saturday night, bringing freezing temperatures and triggering weather alerts for the region.

By sunrise on Sunday, most of Southeast Texas will experience temperatures in the 30s, with the freeze line establishing itself north and west of Houston throughout the day. Monday, designated as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, has been declared an ABC13 Weather Alert Day due to the potential for freezing rain in Southeast Texas. Tuesday follows suit as another Weather Alert Day, featuring the possibility of frozen roadways, coupled with a pipe-bursting hard freeze in the upper teens and low 20s. Wind chill factors may make it feel like single digits and teens.

Wednesday morning is predicted to witness another hard freeze, with temperatures dipping into the teens and low 20s, albeit with minimal wind.

The impending arctic front’s impact on the Chevron Houston Marathon is noteworthy, as temperatures during the run are expected to linger in the mid-30s. A north wind at 15 mph may result in a wind chill factor in the mid-20s, and although there might be some drizzle or mist, the forecast suggests overall dry conditions.

Concerns about freezing rain arise for Sunday evening and overnight hours, but most of Sunday appears dry. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is anticipated to be bitterly cold, with temperatures in the 30s and a chance of freezing rain, especially north and west of Houston. Rain showers (60% chance) are expected to coincide with the freeze line, potentially leading to up to a tenth of an inch of freezing rain north of the freeze line. While uncertainties surround the exact location of the freeze line, current forecasts indicate it staying just north of Houston, maintaining temperatures in the mid-30s. However, caution is advised, as the freeze line could approach Houston Monday night, increasing the risk of freezing rain over the city and more of Southeast Texas. The rain is expected to clear by Tuesday.

The possibility of freezing rain, as opposed to snow, is attributed to temperatures a few thousand feet above ground remaining above freezing. Although precipitation may start as rain, it could freeze upon contact with surfaces below freezing, including tree branches, power lines, bridges, and overpasses.

Concerns about spending hours below freezing persist, with the freeze line expected to push through Houston Monday night. If temperatures do not rise above freezing on Tuesday, the region could experience 36 hours below freezing. Even if Houston surpasses freezing temperatures on Tuesday, two stretches of 18-20 hours below freezing are likely on Monday night and Tuesday night.

Forecasts indicate the coldest lows in Houston on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 22 degrees and 19 degrees, respectively. While it could get a few degrees colder, it is expected to be colder for locations outside and north of Houston. Tuesday morning is anticipated to feel the coldest, with wind chill readings in the single digits and teens due to a north wind at 25 mph.

Contrary to the polar vortex, this arctic front is not bringing that phenomenon to Texas. Instead, it is pushing cold air from Canada southward. The upcoming weather event is emphasized not to be a repeat of the winter storm in February 2021 that affected the Texas power grid. The current forecast suggests a milder event with freezing temperatures, but not on the scale of the prolonged and severe weather conditions experienced during that challenging period.

U.S. Navy SEALs Missing After Nighttime Boarding Mission off Somalia Coast

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In a concerning development, two U.S. Navy SEALs are reported missing after undertaking a nighttime boarding mission off the coast of Somalia, according to three U.S. officials.

The SEALs were engaged in an interdiction mission, scaling a vessel when one of them was knocked off by high waves. Following their protocol, the second SEAL jumped in after the missing teammate. As of now, both SEALs remain unaccounted for. A search and rescue mission is currently underway in the warm waters of the Gulf of Aden, where the incident occurred, according to two of the U.S. officials.

The U.S. Navy has been routinely conducting interdiction missions, intercepting weapons on ships destined for Houthi-controlled Yemen. However, it’s crucial to note that this particular mission was unrelated to Operation Prosperity Guardian, an ongoing U.S. and international mission providing protection to commercial vessels in the Red Sea. Additionally, it had no connection to recent retaliatory strikes by the United States and the United Kingdom in Yemen over the past two days, nor was it related to the seizure of the oil tanker St. Nikolas by Iran, as confirmed by a third U.S. official.

The officials, speaking anonymously to disclose details not yet public, clarified that the mission aimed at defending ships from launched drones and missiles originating from Houthi-controlled regions of Yemen. The U.S. military has also played a role in aiding commercial ships targeted by piracy.

In an official statement released on Saturday, U.S. Central Command announced the ongoing search and rescue operations to locate the two missing sailors. The command emphasized that additional information regarding the Thursday night incident would not be disclosed until the personnel recovery mission is successfully completed.

The sailors in question were forward-deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, actively supporting a diverse range of missions. The situation remains fluid as the search efforts continue in hopes of a successful recovery.

Archaeologists Uncover Ancient Cities in Amazon Rainforest Dating Back 2,500 Years

In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists delving into the depths of the Amazon rainforest have unearthed a sprawling network of cities dating back 2,500 years. The pre-Hispanic settlements, characterized by wide streets, long straight roads, plazas, and monumental platforms, were identified in the Upano Valley of Amazonian Ecuador, situated in the eastern foothills of the Andes. The findings were detailed in a study published in the journal Science on Thursday.

A collaborative effort by teams from France, Germany, Ecuador, and Puerto Rico, the discovery is hailed as the earliest and largest urban network of built and dug features in the Amazon to date. Over two decades of extensive investigations in the region, utilizing fieldwork and employing a remote sensing method called light detection and ranging (lidar), contributed to this remarkable revelation.

Lead study author Stéphen Rostain, an archaeologist and director of Research at France’s National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), expressed his amazement, describing the lidar as providing an “incredible” overview of the region. The laser light technology allowed the researchers to detect structures beneath the thick tree canopies, revealing a comprehensive network of dug roads forming a complete web across the landscape.

The initial inhabitants, dating back 3,000 years, lived in small, dispersed houses. However, between approximately 500 BCE and 300 to 600 CE, the Kilamope and later Upano cultures initiated the construction of mounds and earthen platforms to set their houses on. These platforms were organized around low, square plazas, marking a shift in architectural practices.

Data from lidar unveiled more than 6,000 rectangular and a few circular platforms within the surveyed 600-square-kilometer area. These platforms, measuring about 20 meters by 10 meters, were often arranged in groups of three or six around a plaza, with larger platforms likely serving civic or ceremonial functions. The researchers identified at least 15 clusters of complexes categorized as settlements, some protected by ditches.

The intricate organization of these ancient cities, complete with footpaths and an extensive network of straight roads, challenges previous notions about Indigenous people in the rainforest. Rostain referred to them as “garden cities,” emphasizing a diverse and stratified society with advanced engineering capabilities. The study concludes that the Upano Valley’s garden urbanism provides compelling evidence that Amazonia was not the pristine forest depicted in earlier narratives.

This discovery aligns with similar sites found in tropical forests across the Americas, including Panama, Guatemala, Belize, Brazil, and Mexico. Landscape archaeologist Carlos Morales-Aguilar, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Texas at Austin, not involved in the study, lauded it as “groundbreaking” and crucial for understanding the cultural and environmental legacy of Indigenous societies in the Amazon region. Morales-Aguilar noted that these findings offer new insights into the complexities of early societies, highlighting advanced techniques in agriculture and urban planning.

Controversy Erupts as Governor Abbott Claims Credit for Not Allowing Border Agents to Shoot Migrants

In a recent interview on the far-right radio talk show “The Dana Show,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott asserted that he deserves credit for prohibiting border agents from shooting migrants crossing the border. The Republican governor’s remarks, made in response to a question about his administration’s approach to controlling the southern border, have sparked criticism from his opponents.

During the interview with host Dana Loesch, an editor at Breitbart News and former National Rifle Association spokesperson, Abbott emphasized that the state is making every possible effort to manage illegal migration. He went on to state, “The only thing we are not doing, we’re not shooting people who cross the border because of course the Biden administration will charge us with murder.”

Critics of Abbott argue that his comments have crossed a line. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, expressed her disbelief on X, stating, “I can’t believe I have to say ‘murdering people is unacceptable.’ @GregAbbott_TX It’s language like yours that left 23 people dead and 22 others injured in El Paso.” Escobar was referring to the 2019 incident in El Paso when a gunman targeted individuals in a mass shooting, citing a “Hispanic invasion.”

Texas Democratic Chair Gilberto Hinojosa also condemned Abbott’s remarks, stating, “Time and again, Greg Abbott and Texas Republicans have made it abundantly clear they have no morality or humanity.”

Abbott’s controversial statements come at a critical juncture in border politics. Recently, the Texas National Guard, deployed by Abbott, prevented federal U.S. Border Patrol agents from entering and patrolling a public area in the border town of Eagle Pass. Texas state officials had earlier blocked Border Patrol boats from patrolling a key staging area. In response, the Department of Justice has asked the Supreme Court to order Texas to cease blocking Border Patrol agents, setting the stage for another showdown between Abbott and the Biden Administration.

Start building your credit today!

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By: Michael Esparza

Starting a credit history is important for building a strong financial foundation. A good credit history can help you qualify for loans, get lower interest rates, and rent an apartment. If you are starting out, there are a few things you can do to build your credit history.

  1. Open a Bank Account: Start by opening a checking and savings account with a bank or credit union. This establishes a basic financial relationship and helps you manage your money.
  2. Apply for a Secured Credit Card: A secured credit card is a good option if you have no credit history. You’ll need to provide a security deposit, which becomes your credit limit. For example, if you deposit $300, you can charge up to $300 on your card. Make small purchases and pay the balance in full every month to build a positive payment history.
  3. Become an Authorized User: You can ask a family member to add you as an authorized user on their credit card account. Their positive credit history may be reported on your credit report, helping you start building credit.
  4. Apply for a Starter Credit Card: Look for credit cards designed for individuals with limited or no credit history. These cards might have higher interest rates but can help you build credit if used responsibly.
  5. Apply for a Student Credit Card: If you are a college student, you may qualify for a student credit card, which is designed for young adults who are new to credit. Student credit cards typically have lower credit limits and higher interest rates than regular cards, but they may also offer features that can help you build your credit history and learn financial skills. For example, some student cards may reward you for paying on time, maintaining a good GPA, or giving you access to educational resources or free credit scores. To apply for a student credit card, you may need to provide proof of enrollment, income, or bank account information.
  6. Pay Bills on Time: Pay all your bills, including utilities and rent, on time. Timely payments contribute to a positive payment history. 
  7. Pay Your Credit Card Statement in Full: Paying your credit card balance in full is better than making the minimum payment because it saves you money on interest, builds your credit score faster, and helps you avoid debt collectors.
  8. Keep Utilization Low: If you have a credit card, keep your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you’re using) below 30%. This shows lenders that you can manage credit responsibly.
  9. Check Your Credit Report: Regularly check your credit report for errors or inaccuracies. You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) once a year.
  10. Avoid Opening Too Many Accounts: Opening too many accounts in a short period can negatively impact your credit score. Only apply for credit when you need it.
  11. Diversify Your Credit: Over time, consider having a mix of credit types, such as a credit card and an installment loan (like a personal loan or auto loan).
  12. Be Patient: Building credit takes time. Consistently practicing good credit habits will gradually improve your credit history and score.

Remember, the key is responsible credit management. Pay your bills on time, keep your balances low, and avoid taking on more credit than you can handle. This will help you establish a positive credit history and pave the way for better financial opportunities in the future.
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Third arrest made in killing of Savanah Soto and boyfriend Matthew Guerra

A third arrest has been made in the shooting death of a Texas teen and her boyfriend, San Antonio police said.

Myrta Romanos, 47, was charged with three felonies, including altering, destroying, or concealing a human corpse, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence, police announced Wednesday.

Her arrest comes one week after police charged Christopher Preciado, 19, with capital murder and Ramon Preciado, 53, with abuse of a corpse. Ramon Preciado’s charge stems from allegedly helping Christopher Preciado move the bodies after they were killed.

San Antonio Police Department Lt. Michelle Ramos said at a news conference Wednesday that Romanos is “maybe a stepmother” to Christopher Preciado, and all three suspects lived together.

Police photo of Myrta Romanos / Credit: San Antonio Police Department
Police photo of Myrta Romanos / Credit: San Antonio Police Department

Savanah Nicole Soto, 18, and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22, were reported missing in late December before they were found dead in Guerra’s car several days later. The couple disappeared a day before Soto, who was 9 months pregnant, was scheduled to be induced to give birth. Both Soto and Guerra were found with gunshot wounds.

Police said surveillance footage was a key factor in all three arrests. Romanos was seen leaving and returning to her home in a truck with Christopher and Ramon Preciado on the night of the murder, according to police.

The gun used in the killings belonged to Romanos, police said.

Detectives were aware early in the investigation that a third person was involved but there was not enough evidence at the time to confirm it was Romanos, according to Ramos.

Shortly after the murders, police released a video showing what they described as two persons of interest. One person was seen driving a dark Chevy Silverado with a bed cover, and another was seen driving Guerra’s Kia Optima. San Antonio Police Department Chief Bill McManus said the video was recorded “very close to” where the bodies were found and a few days before they were discovered.

“A lot of information on social media that there was a third individual involved, and our homicide detectives were aware of that, however, we were looking for enough probable cause to make that arrest,” Ramos said Wednesday

Ramos said San Antonio police are confident there are no more suspects in the killings.

Milonga del Arrabal – This Saturday!

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Saturday, January 13, 2024

Talento Bilingue de Houston

333 S Jensen St. Houston, TX 77003

The Milonga del Arrabal is a social dance inspired by the Great Milonhas of the City of Buenos Aires. A trip that will take you to feel the atmosphere of the Golden 40s and the splendor of Argentine Tango and its orchestras.

Bring your Tango items that you no longer use and we can sell them at the Arrabal Vintage Store.

Texas National Guard and State Troopers Block Border Patrol Access in Escalating Federal-State Clash

In an escalating clash between state and federal authorities on the Texas-Mexico border, the Texas National Guard and state troopers have reportedly blocked U.S. Border Patrol agents from a 2.5-mile stretch of the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass. According to a court filing by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the move prevents federal agents from patrolling that specific part of the border.

Troopers and National Guard members initiated the takeover on Wednesday night, asserting “full control” of the 47-acre Shelby Park. Concertina wire and fencing were erected, closing off public access to the park indefinitely. Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas conveyed that the state’s action aimed to thwart immigrants from illegally crossing into Texas.

The DOJ, seeking intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court, highlighted the state’s escalation in measures, hindering Border Patrol’s ability to patrol or surveil the border. The court filing challenges a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling preventing Border Patrol agents from cutting the concertina wire along the Rio Grande, placed by Texas.

The White House criticized Governor Greg Abbott’s actions, accusing him of using “extreme political stunts” to make Border Patrol’s job “harder and more dangerous.” The spokesperson emphasized the need for adequate resources, policy changes, and comprehensive immigration reform.

Governor Abbott defended the park takeover, asserting Texas’s legal authority to control ingress into any geographic location in the state. A spokesperson for Abbott blamed the Biden administration’s immigration policies and stated that Texas would continue deploying National Guard soldiers, troopers, and barriers to address the ongoing border crisis.

Tensions between Texas and the federal government have persisted since Abbott’s Operation Lone Star initiative in 2021, involving the deployment of state troopers and National Guard members to the Texas-Mexico border. The legal battle includes disputes over concertina wire placement and Abbott’s order for a floating barrier, with ongoing lawsuits and appeals shaping the complex dynamics between state and federal authorities.

Applications Open for Harris County’s “Uplift Harris” Guaranteed Income Program

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Harris County residents can now apply for the “Uplift Harris” guaranteed income pilot program, which aims to provide financial assistance to low-income households. Originally scheduled to start taking applications on Monday, the program launch was delayed to allow Harris County commissioners more time for discussion.

Under the Uplift Harris initiative, nearly 2,000 eligible low-income households will receive $500 per month in guaranteed cash payments for a duration of 18 months. To qualify, applicants must live below 200% of the federal poverty line, approximately $60,000 for a household of four, and be at least 18 years old.

Additionally, recipients must reside in one of the 10 highest-poverty zip codes in Harris County, including 77026, 77028, 77033, 77050, 77051, 77060, 77081, 77091, 77093, and 77547. Alternatively, participation in the ACCESS Harris County program, serving vulnerable populations with various needs, can also qualify individuals for Uplift Harris.

County health officials reported that 30,000 people expressed interest in the program through the county’s website. Concerns were raised about the website’s readiness to handle the demand, with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo stating, “If it’s not, people are going to be getting calls from me personally.”

Applicants have until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2, to apply. The selection process will involve a lottery, with 1,928 families randomly chosen to start receiving funds in April. Notably, the program operates on a lottery basis, not a first-come, first-served approach.

The Uplift Harris program, funded by a $20.5 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), received approval from the Harris County Commissioners Court in June. The grant aims to provide financial relief to struggling families for essential needs such as rent, groceries, transportation, housing, utilities, healthcare, and more.

While economists express concerns about the uncertainty of pilot program results, Harris County leaders are optimistic about addressing economic inequity. However, questions linger about the potential impact on recipients’ motivation to seek employment once the program concludes after 18 months.

As the program unfolds, Harris County leaders remain committed to addressing the needs of their residents, acknowledging the potential challenges and exploring options for future programs. The initiative represents a unique effort to alleviate economic disparities in Harris County, with ongoing discussions about its long-term implications and potential expansion.