As the holiday season prompts a surge in gift card purchases, shoppers are urged to exercise caution and scrutinize cards closely before making a purchase. A growing trend of fraud has emerged, with scammers recording claim codes from gift cards, subsequently depleting the funds before the intended recipients have a chance to use them. The scam has affected cities nationwide, including incidents reported in Houston.
The warning comes as victims recount their experiences, shedding light on the evolving tactics employed by these criminals. One Houston grandmother, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her recent encounter with the scam after purchasing Amazon gift cards, totaling $150, during a routine trip to her local grocery store in October. Unbeknownst to her, three of these cards, intended as gifts for her grandkids on Thanksgiving, had fallen victim to the scam.
Shortly after the holiday, the grandmother received an unexpected call from her grandkids, informing her that the gift cards were not functional. Determined to rectify the situation, she initiated a series of calls, beginning with Amazon customer service. However, she was met with disappointment as they informed her that they couldn’t assist and suggested returning to the store of purchase.
Returning to the Kroger store at the intersection of Kirby and Main Street, the grandmother shared her predicament, only to be met with a disheartening response: “Yeah, that happens.”
This scenario reflects a nationwide phenomenon where thieves surreptitiously acquire gift card claim codes and patiently await unsuspecting shoppers to make purchases. The activation of the card during the transaction triggers the thieves to swiftly spend the funds, leaving the legitimate cardholder with worthless cards.
“I have bought thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars worth of cards,” the grandmother expressed. “This is the first problem I’ve had. I’ve been lucky.”
As cases of this scam continue to surface, consumers are advised to remain vigilant, inspect gift cards thoroughly, and report any suspicious activity promptly. Authorities emphasize the importance of raising awareness about these scams to safeguard individuals from falling victim during the festive season.
With over 80% of Texas voters endorsing property tax cuts exceeding $18 billion in the November election, homeowners across the state are eagerly anticipating the promised relief in their wallets. However, understanding the intricacies of the state’s complex property tax laws can be a challenge for many, leaving them curious about when and how these tax cuts will manifest.
The approved scheme, a result of voter endorsement, entails local school districts lowering their tax rates, with the commitment that the state will compensate for the ensuing revenue loss. In addition, voters, responding to prompts from state lawmakers, supported an amendment increasing the homestead exemption amount—a mechanism safeguarding a portion of a homeowner’s property from taxes—and limiting the rise in property valuations.
Madison McMullen, a first-time homeowner in Lufkin, recognizes the potential long-term benefits of the approved tax cuts. As a single nurse navigating the complexities of homeownership, she hopes the savings will allow her to allocate more towards her mortgage principal, thereby expediting the payoff period.
“I’m trying to figure everything out,” McMullen explained. “I’m 25 years old and I don’t really know what I’m doing. This is all very new to me.”
McMullen’s journey into homeownership began in January 2022, driven by escalating rent costs. Despite challenges in finding an affordable home in her price range, she eventually secured her dream home—a three-bedroom, two-bathroom house—assisted by a special program for nurses, her Realtor, and a salary increase.
While the approved tax cuts are expected to bring relief, homeowners like McMullen are curious about when the savings will materialize. Local tax experts, including Bowie Central Chief Appraiser Mike Brower, shed light on the details.
Who Qualifies for Property Tax Savings and When? Homeowners paying school property taxes, either through a mortgage escrow or directly to the county’s tax assessor-collector, stand to benefit. Small businesses are also included, but renters are excluded from the equation, as landlords are not obligated to pass on any savings.
The homestead exemption, which protects a primary residence from taxes, applies only to properties serving as the primary residence. For those with multiple properties, the exemption is applicable to only one.
Property taxes are determined by applying the government-set rate to the appraised value of the home or property. Despite lower rates, Brower cautioned that some homeowners might not experience a significant reduction, or even see taxes plateau or increase, if the value of their home grew faster than the tax cut.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick estimated annual savings for homeowners with an “average priced home” to be between $1,250 and $1,450. Zillow placed the average Texas home value at $298,424 as of October 31, 2023. Brower projected that homeowners in Bowie County, encompassing Texarkana, who purchased in 2021 or 2022, could save around $250 to $300 per year.
Have Taxing Entities Prepared for the Changes? Historically, when significant legislative changes occurred, entities lacked guidance on calculating owed taxes, resulting in varied outcomes for taxpayers. This year, the Legislature encouraged taxing offices to send bills based on the new laws, though entities retained flexibility in their approach.
For homeowners with paid-off homes, there’s a likelihood that local taxing authorities factored in potential changes when issuing property tax bills in October, anticipating voter approval of the proposed tax law adjustments.
Will Lawsuits Impact the Implementation of Tax Cuts? Lawsuits challenging the election results allege issues with voting equipment certification and internet connectivity, leading to claims of an invalid election. While these lawsuits are expected to be dismissed, the timeline for resolution remains uncertain. Governor Greg Abbott and Secretary of State Jane Nelson argue the lawsuits are invalid due to technicalities, and a judge’s dismissal is deemed necessary before implementing the tax cuts.
Ensuring Receipt of Savings Homeowners can verify anticipated savings by contacting their local appraisal district or the tax assessor-collector’s office. Those paying taxes through a mortgage escrow should communicate with their lenders. Lenders are likely to notice a surplus in taxes paid and may refund the excess or adjust future payments.
While the annual escrow analysis typically causes monthly payments to increase, this year may see a decrease. Homeowners not wishing to wait for the annual review can request lenders to expedite the process.
Affordability Impact and Market Accessibility Real estate experts, such as Angie Williams, the Realtor who assisted McMullen, view the property tax changes positively. Anticipating a positive impact on affordability, Williams expects fewer individuals to be priced out of the market. The potential savings, although seemingly modest, could be significant for many buyers, making homeownership more accessible.
“For the average homeowner or for the majority of property owners and property searchers right now, it will make the decision of whether now is the time—if they can actually go ahead and move forward with a purchase at this point,” Williams said.
As Texans await the realization of these property tax cuts, the changes signal a potential shift in the real estate landscape, offering new opportunities for aspiring homeowners.
As the 2024 primaries approach, Texas voters are poised to cast their ballots in eight statewide races, featuring contests for several state judges, a railroad commissioner, and a U.S. senator. All offices on the ballot are currently held by Republican incumbents, setting the stage for a highly competitive electoral season.
Texas will conduct both Republican and Democratic primaries on March 5, determining the candidates who will vie for these crucial positions in the November elections.
Key Dates to Remember:
Dec. 11: Deadline for candidates to file for the primaries.
Feb. 5: Last day for voter registration or address changes.
Feb. 20: Commencement of early voting.
March 1: Conclusion of early voting.
March 5: Primary election day.
Candidates Running for Statewide Offices in 2024:
Community Impact has compiled a comprehensive list of candidates running for statewide offices in 2024, with each party given five days after the filing deadline to submit complete lists to the secretary of state’s office, as per the Texas Democratic Party.
U.S. Senate:
Ted Cruz (Republican, incumbent)
Holland “Redd” Gibson (Republican)
R.E. “Rufus” Lopez (Republican)
Aaron Arguijo (Democrat)
A. “Robert” Hassan (Democrat)
Carl Oscar Sherman (Democrat)
Colin Allred (Democrat)
Heli Rodriguez Prilliman (Democrat)
Mark Gonzalez (Democrat)
Meri Gomez (Democrat)
Roland Gutierrez (Democrat)
Steven J. Keough (Democrat)
Thierry Tchenko (Democrat)
Texas Railroad Commission:
Christi Craddick (Republican, incumbent)
Christi Clark (Republican)
James “Jim” Matlock (Republican)
Petra Olivia (Republican)
Bill Burch (Democrat)
Katherine Culbert (Democrat)
Note: The Texas Railroad Commission oversees the regulation of the oil and gas industry, coal and uranium surface mining, natural gas utilities, among other responsibilities, and does not govern railroads.
Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 2:
Jimmy Blacklock (Republican, incumbent)
DaSean Jones (Democrat)
Randy Sarosdy (Democrat)
Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 4:
John Devine (Republican, incumbent)
Christine Vinh Weems (Democrat)
Texas Supreme Court Justice, Place 6:
Jane Bland (Republican, incumbent)
Bonnie Lee Goldstein (Democrat)
Joe Pool (Democrat)
Presiding Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals:
Sharon Keller (Republican, incumbent)
Holly Taylor (Democrat)
Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 7:
Nancy Mulder (Democrat)
Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8:
Michelle Slaughter (Republican, incumbent)
Chika Anyiam (Democrat)
The elections, including these pivotal statewide races, are expected to shape the political landscape in Texas for the coming years. As candidates finalize their campaigns, voters will play a crucial role in determining the direction of the state’s governance. Stay tuned for further updates as the election season unfolds.
In a historic rally, the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached an all-time high on Wednesday, buoyed by the Federal Reserve’s announcement of potential rate cuts in the coming year. Investors, eager for a more accommodative monetary stance in light of easing inflation, welcomed the central bank’s forward-looking indications.
The 30-stock Dow soared by 512.30 points, or 1.40%, closing at an unprecedented 37,090.24. This milestone marks the first time the benchmark has surpassed the 37,000 mark, surpassing a previous record set in January 2022. At its peak during the session, the Dow reached 37,094.85.
The broader market also experienced substantial gains, with the S&P 500 rising by 1.37% to conclude the session at 4,707.09—crossing the 4,700 threshold for the first time since January 2022. Simultaneously, the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.38% to 14,733.96. All three major averages achieved fresh 52-week highs.
While the Federal Reserve maintained the overnight borrowing rate within the expected 5.25% to 5.5% range, the notable aspect was its projection of three rate cuts in 2024, exceeding prior indications. Investors, anticipating clearer signals on rate cuts in the face of recent favorable inflation data, found satisfaction in the Fed’s adjusted stance.
The Fed’s statement acknowledged the easing of inflation over the past year, formally lowering its inflation forecast for 2024 to 2.4%, down from 2.6%. Gina Bolvin, President of Bolvin Wealth Management Group, expressed optimism, stating, “The Fed has given the market an early holiday gift today when, finally, for the first time, they have commented positively about inflation. It appears that the Fed is moving in the market’s direction, rather than the market moving towards the Fed. The Santa Claus rally may continue.”
The Dow had retreated from record levels in early 2022 as the Fed initiated a policy tightening campaign to combat inflation. In the previous year, the benchmark experienced an 8.8% drop, marking its most substantial annual decline since 2008. However, since the onset of the fourth quarter, the Dow has surged over 10%, fueled by optimism surrounding potential policy easing.
Wednesday’s gains propelled the Dow’s year-to-date rise to 11.9%. The broader market saw even more significant increases, with the S&P 500 up 22.6% in 2023, and the Nasdaq Composite recording an impressive 40.8% year-to-date gain.
Encouraging inflation data earlier in the week, including an unchanged producer price index in November and a slowing consumer price index, contributed to the positive market sentiment. Following the Fed’s rate forecast release, the 10-year Treasury yield, a benchmark for various interest rates, dropped to 4.03%, reaching its lowest levels since August.
Shares of financial institutions such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo, poised to benefit from a potential soft landing orchestrated by the Fed, surged by 4% and nearly 3%, respectively. Home Depot, anticipating a boost in sales with a potential housing market revival, also gained 3% in Wednesday’s trading session.
In a sharply divided move on Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to officially greenlight its ongoing impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden. Despite a lack of concrete evidence of wrongdoing by the Democratic president, Republicans rallied behind the effort, culminating in a 221-212 party-line vote to endorse the probe.
The investigation centers on allegations of potential impropriety in Biden’s connection to his 53-year-old son Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings. This move comes on the heels of Hunter Biden’s refusal to testify behind closed doors, adding a layer of complexity to the already contentious proceedings.
While the White House dismisses the inquiry as lacking factual basis and driven by political motives, President Biden is gearing up for a potential 2024 election rematch with his Republican predecessor, Donald Trump. Currently facing four upcoming criminal trials, Trump is the first U.S. president to be impeached twice in history.
Despite the House’s efforts, the likelihood of successfully removing Biden from office remains slim. Even if the House were to impeach the president, a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate would be necessary for conviction—an improbable scenario given the Democrats’ 51-49 majority.
However, the move could serve to amplify Republican claims of corruption throughout the 2024 campaign season. The vote comes three months after the informal commencement of the probe and is not a mandatory step in the process of removing a president from office. Nevertheless, formal authorization could provide Republicans with increased legal leverage to compel cooperation from Biden’s administration and counter Democratic assertions of the inquiry’s lack of legitimacy.
House Republicans allege that Biden and his family benefited from his actions during his tenure as Vice President under Barack Obama. Focusing on Hunter Biden’s business ventures in Ukraine and China during that period, they claim the younger Biden led clients to believe he could provide access to the vice president’s office. However, no evidence has been presented to demonstrate that Biden took official actions to assist these businesses or derived financial gains from them.
Responding to the developments, President Biden criticized House Republicans for not addressing his domestic priorities and failing to provide emergency funding for Ukraine and Israel. Hunter Biden, in a statement, categorically denied any financial involvement of his father in his business, emphasizing the lack of evidence to support such allegations.
The ongoing inquiry took a dramatic turn when Hunter Biden defied a committee subpoena to testify behind closed doors, insisting on public testimony to prevent potential misrepresentation of his words. Committee members are now considering holding him in contempt of Congress, a move that could lead to legal consequences, potentially including prison time.
As the political drama unfolds, Republicans in the House view the inquiry as a fact-finding exercise, emphasizing the need to gather information before passing judgment. With the specter of the 2024 election looming large, the impeachment inquiry promises to remain a highly contentious and closely watched affair.
In a momentous ceremony held on December 11, 2023, Mayor Sylvester Turner of the City of Houston, alongside Houston Public Works and various water provider organizations, marked the official opening of the newly expanded Northeast Water Purification Plant (NEWPP).
This expansive construction initiative, initiated in 2017, has culminated in a facility with the capacity to supply Houston residents with an impressive 400 million gallons of clean drinking water on a daily basis. The state-of-the-art expansion features an intake pump system strategically positioned approximately 900 feet from the shores of Lake Houston.
Reflecting on the accomplishment, Mayor Sylvester Turner remarked, “Eight years ago, the City of Houston collaborated with four regional water authorities, committing over $1.7 billion to embark on what would ultimately evolve into the most substantial public works water construction project in the nation. The Northeast Water Purification Plant stands as a critical component of our city’s infrastructure, enhancing our resilience against the impacts of climate change.”
Houston Public Works Director Carol Haddock underscored the project’s significance, stating, “The Northeast Water Purification Plant is a testament to our dedication to providing high-quality drinking water for our citizens. By augmenting the city’s capacity to treat surface water and diminishing reliance on groundwater, the project addresses the associated risks of ground subsidence, such as heightened flooding, damage to our roads, and other infrastructure challenges.”
The collaborative effort for this undertaking involved partnerships with entities including the North Harris County Regional Water Authority, West Harris County Regional Water Authority, North Fort Bend Water Authority, Central Harris County Regional Water Authority, Texas Water Development Board, and numerous others.
Situated at 12550 Water Works Way in Humble, Texas, the Northeast Water Purification Plant serves as a critical asset in Houston’s commitment to ensuring water resilience.
About Houston Public Works
Houston Public Works, recognized as the largest and most diverse public works organization in the country, plays a pivotal role in establishing a robust foundation for Houston’s prosperity. Responsible for streets and drainage, water production and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, as well as permitting and regulation of public and private construction, Houston Public Works covers a vast 671-square mile service area. Accredited by the American Public Works Association, the organization can be followed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @HouPublicWorks. For more information, visit www.HoustonPublicWorks.org.
Whataburger, the beloved burger chain, has rolled out an exciting new menu for its San Antonio patrons, featuring an array of iced coffee drinks and a delectable line of chicken wings known as Whatawings. The new offerings aim to cater to coffee enthusiasts 24/7 and bring a flavorful twist to the chicken wing scene.
Whataburger’s executive chef James Sanchez shared that the inspiration for the Whatawings lineup emerged from an initial plan to release only buffalo and sweet and spicy flavors. However, after a resounding positive response from test audiences, the chain decided to include honey barbecue and honey butter flavors in the lineup. Guests can now savor Whatawings in these four tempting varieties.
Meanwhile, the coffee aficionados in the San Antonio, New Braunfels, and San Marcos areas can indulge in Whataburger’s new line of iced coffees, available in vanilla, mocha, and caramel flavors. Additionally, a carefully crafted blend of hot coffee is on the menu. Jacob Hurrell-Zitelman, a San Antonio-born coffee expert known for developing bottled Quick Sip Cold Brew Coffee, led the charge in creating this exclusive 100-percent Arabica bean blend. The blend, with beans sourced from Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, is tailored for both hot and iced preparations.
Offering versatility, Whataburger’s new coffee can be enjoyed black, with sweet cream, or customized with vanilla, caramel, or mocha-flavored syrups. The 16-ounce option is priced at $3.69, while the 20-ounce variant is available for $3.99. Most notably, these coffee delights are available around the clock, addressing the void of late-night coffee options in the Alamo City.
Jacob Hurrell-Zitelman’s expertise ensures that Whataburger’s coffee offerings deliver a rich and satisfying experience to customers. The new coffee line is a testament to Whataburger’s commitment to meeting the diverse tastes of its patrons.
In a significant move to address a $35 million deficit, the Spring Branch Independent School District (ISD) Board of Trustees voted on Monday to close five schools and revise its bathroom policy, prompting both cost-saving measures and controversy.
Trustees voted 6-1 to modify the restroom policy, now stating that “individuals are required to use the facility that corresponds to their gender assigned at birth.” While the reason for this alteration remains unclear, Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Blaine assured the public that special accommodations were already in place based on students’ requests to provide a comfortable restroom experience.
However, this decision drew criticism from some community members who argued that the policy adversely affects transgender students. Mandy Giles, founder of Parents of Trans Youth, expressed during public comment, “These three policies send a clear message to your transgender students that they are not safe or welcome at Spring Branch ISD schools.”
Giles emphasized that transgender students are not seeking to access spaces but simply wish to be themselves, stating, “Trans kids just are who they are and don’t transition to gain access to spaces because, if you haven’t noticed, it’s not an easy life to be a trans kid in Texas right now.”
Simultaneously, trustees voted to close several Spring Branch ISD school campuses as part of the district’s efforts to address budget shortfalls for the 2024-2025 school year. The affected campuses include Panda Path School for Early Learning, Treasure Forest Elementary, KIPP Courage at Landrum Middle School, YES Prep Northbrook Middle School, and YES Prep Northbrook High School.
Community members voiced their concerns during the meeting, highlighting racial and economic disparities resulting from the closures. Stella Sanchez, a Spring Branch parent, expressed her dissatisfaction, saying, “All those students, kids from Treasure Forest, Northbrook, Landrum, they’re all Hispanics, just like me. It’s not fair. Not fair at all.”
The district, with around 34,000 enrolled students, has a population where 59 percent are Hispanic, and 58 percent of those students are economically disadvantaged, according to district profile data.
Spring Branch ISD officials released a statement estimating that the implemented cuts will result in $8.8 million in yearly savings, with an additional $23 million expected from reductions in the central office. The closures and policy changes have sparked a heated debate within the community, underscoring the challenges faced by the school district in reconciling budgetary constraints and community expectations.
Two people have been arrested and charged after seven Virginia elementary students ate gummy bears from a plastic baggie that later tested positive for the potentially deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl, the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.
At first, it seemed the students were having an allergic reaction to something they ate Tuesday, Amherst County Public Schools said. The sheriff’s office conducted a field test of the bag, which had “a positive reaction for fentanyl,” the school district said.
“Preliminary investigation shows the students ingested gummy bears from a plastic baggie. In that baggie contained a residue, and the residue tested positive for fentanyl,” sheriff’s spokesperson Lt. Dallas Hill.
Five students were taken to a hospital, including two via ambulance, Hill said. The students – all fourth-graders – experienced symptoms including nausea, vomiting, headache and muscle spasms, he said. The students have since been discharged from the hospital.
As part of its investigation, the sheriff’s office executed a search warrant at a home in Amherst on Tuesday, the spokesperson said.
Clifford Dugan was arrested and held without bond charged on two counts: one of a convicted felon felon in possession of a firearm and one of contributing to the “delinquency, abuse of a child,” jail records show.
Nicole Sanders was also arrested and held on charges of contributing to the “delinquency, abuse of a child,” and possessing Schedule I or Schedule II narcotics, jail records show. She is being held on $1,000 and $1,500 bonds.
Sanders and Dugan are expected to appear via video conference Wednesday afternoon at the Amherst County juvenile and domestic court. It was not immediately clear if either has an attorney.
“This is an ongoing investigation and more charges are possible,” the sheriff’s spokesperson .
“It is believed that at some point the bag came into contact with fentanyl and trace amounts remained on/in the bag,” Amherst County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. William Wells .
The residue is being sent to a lab for further testing, and results could take two or three months, Hill said.
Following the incident, the school district “will make it a point of emphasis to remind our students not to share food items. Drug awareness will continue to be a point of emphasis across the division at all schools,” the superintendent said.
Synthetic opioids – primarily involving the powerful drug fentanyl – are the main driver of US overdose deaths, with nearly a 7.5-fold increase overall from 2015 to 2021, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Friendswood, TX – A sprawling 106-acre development, comprising a hotel, retail spaces, and various mixed-use buildings, has been announced for Friendswood by Tannos Development Group and Wolfgramm Capital. The ambitious project, named Friendswood City Center, was revealed during a launch party on December 7, promising to transform the city’s landscape.
Louis Tannos, President of Tannos Development Group, disclosed that the land purchase was finalized in February, setting the stage for a groundbreaking development. Friendswood City Manager Morad Kabiri acknowledged the challenges posed by the site, citing infrastructure deficiencies, drainage issues, and zoning restrictions that thwarted previous development attempts.
Key Points of the Friendswood City Center Project:
Location: Situated at the intersection of FM 528 and Bay Area Boulevard, the development will cover a prime corner of Friendswood.
Components: The city center will boast a luxury hotel, a 500-unit multi-family complex, 150,000 square feet of retail spaces, 200,000 square feet of medical and office buildings, mixed-use structures with 225,000 square feet of condominiums, entertainment areas, and smaller pad sites.
Infrastructure Investment: Around $60 million has been allocated for infrastructure development, including new roads. A significant portion will fund a 52-acre park featuring a 5.2-mile trail, a fully stocked fishing lake, waterfalls, wetlands, and more. Tannos mentioned that upon completion, the park will be donated to the city.
Economic Impact: Developers anticipate that the project will bring in $700 million to the city, aiming to retain income within Friendswood instead of it flowing to neighboring areas.
Timeline: The groundbreaking is scheduled for January, with an estimated total build-out time of three to four years, covering both infrastructure and vertical construction.
Future Expansion: Tannos expressed a vision for further development in the area, with plans to acquire additional commercial land and contribute to Friendswood’s ongoing growth.
City Manager Kabiri underscored the city’s acknowledgment of the growing demand for multifamily units in Friendswood. He outlined plans for 2024, including the construction of additional office buildings, restaurants, microbreweries, a hotel with a conference center, and further residential development in various locations around Friendswood. The Friendswood City Center is poised to not only address current needs but also elevate the city’s profile with quality development standards.
