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Mayor Sylvester Turner Collaborates with Houston Public Works and Partners to Commemorate Milestone in $1.7 Billion Project Celebration

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Mayor Sylvester Turner Collaborates with Houston Public Works and Partners to Commemorate Milestone in $1.7 Billion Project Celebration

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 Launches New Coffee Line and Chicken Wings

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Whataburger Launches New Coffee Line and Chicken Wings

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.

Spring Branch ISD Implements Changes to Address Budget Deficit and Biological Gender Bathroom Policy, Faces Backlash

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Spring Branch ISD Implements Changes to Address Budget Deficit and Biological Gender Bathroom Policy, Faces Backlash

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.

7 students ate gummy bears from a baggie that tested positive for fentanyl and fell sick. Now 2 people have been arrested

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7 students ate gummy bears from a baggie that tested positive for fentanyl and fell sick. Now 2 people have been arrested


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.

Overdoses and poisoning are the third leading cause of death in kids and adolescents age 19 and younger.

In September, a 1-year-old boy died after he and three other children were apparently exposed to fentanyl at a Bronx day care center, authorities said. The day care provider, her husband and his cousin have been indicted on murder and other charges.

Major 106-Acre Development Unveiled in Friendswood, Texas

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Major 106-Acre Development Unveiled in Friendswood, Texas

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.

Houston’s Annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Draws Thousands in Celebration

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Houston’s Annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Draws Thousands in Celebration

December 12 holds special significance for Catholics with Mexican heritage, as millions worldwide commemorate the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Guadalupe or Virgen de Guadalupe. This day is believed to mark the 492nd anniversary of her apparition in 1531.

According to historical accounts, the Virgin Mary appeared to Juan Diego, an indigenous Aztec peasant who had converted to Christianity, on December 9 and again on December 12, 1531, in present-day Mexico. During the first sighting, she requested the construction of a shrine on Tepeyac Hill, now located in a suburb of Mexico City. Juan Diego relayed this to Archbishop Juan de Zumárraga, who requested a sign before approving the church’s construction.

In a second appearance, Mary instructed Juan Diego to collect roses, a rare sight in winter. When Juan Diego presented the roses to the archbishop, the cloak he opened revealed the image of Mary, which became a national symbol for Mexico. Juan Diego was canonized as a saint in 2002 by Saint John Paul II.

Traditionally, many undertake a pilgrimage to Mexico City’s Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12. Pilgrims often sing Happy Birthday at midnight and pray to the Virgin for help, miracles, and strength, with celebrations and songs accompanying the journey.

The day holds deep personal meaning for believers, who engage in prayer, petitioning, and seeking miracles. One homemaker, Peña Montaño, shared her emotional journey, praying for her son’s release after being detained for crossing the U.S. border illegally.

Houston’s Annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Draws Thousands in Celebration

Houston, TX – Marciela Hernandez’s faith was put to the ultimate test when doctors informed her that her newborn daughter faced imminent death. Turning to the Virgin of Guadalupe in prayer, the Catholic mother, who migrated from the central Mexican state of Guanajuato to Houston two decades ago, made a heartfelt promise to honor Mexico’s patron saint annually if her child recovered.

This vow brought Hernandez and her family to the midnight Mass in the outdoor plaza of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on December 12. Braving the cold morning, they joined thousands of Mexican Catholics on Navigation Boulevard in the East End neighborhood to partake in the annual Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Recognized as Houston’s “mother church of Mexican and Hispanic Catholics,” Our Lady of Guadalupe Church anticipated a turnout of over 20,000 people for both Spanish- and English-speaking Mass on Monday and Tuesday, according to Elizabeth Torres, the parish’s business manager overseeing the feast’s events.

In a city where nearly 45 percent of the population is Hispanic, predominantly Mexican, according to Census figures, the significance of the Virgin of Guadalupe to Mexican identity resonates deeply among Catholics. They gathered to sing the traditional Mexican feast song “Las Mañanitas” to commemorate what they believe was the appearance of the Virgin Mary to an Indigenous man named Juan Diego in 1531.

Filiberto Salazar, 70, expressed pride in his family for attending the celebration, stating, “It’s important for them to remember the traditions of their family.”

According to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Juan Diego’s encounter with the Virgin of Guadalupe in 1531 unfolded as he walked on a hilltop in what is now Mexico City. The Virgin, appearing as a brown-skinned woman bathed in light, spoke to him in his indigenous tongue and instructed him to build a church for her son, Jesus Christ. Despite initial skepticism from the local bishop, the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe was eventually established, and millions of Catholics make pilgrimages to the basilica each December.

Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Houston is among several Catholic churches hosting annual feasts in honor of the Virgin. Although the church has experienced a decline in registered parishioners, now at 600 compared to 2,000 before the pandemic, many still consider it the primary location for the feast, even as some attend Mass online.

Elizabeth Torres acknowledged the church’s generational significance, stating, “It’s a generational church. Quite a few families have attended for 50 years, and others who moved to Houston in the last few years are starting to come. Some have moved further away, but they always come back to the church.”

The influence of the Virgin of Guadalupe extends beyond the church’s walls, with her image adorning homes, gas station shrines, and even clothing and tattoos throughout Houston.

Before and after the midnight Mass on December 12, priests offered blessings to the devout gathered before a painting of the Virgin, as well as to those outside in front of the spotlighted statue adorned with flowers. Attendees purchased blankets, ponchos, hot chocolate, enchiladas, and champurrado, a Mexican drink, thickened with corn and flavored with cream and chocolate, from vendors.

Marcelo Rodriguez, a 24-year-old restaurant worker who moved from Guanajuato to Houston, articulated the communal significance of the traditional Mass, stating, “Everyone is here for a reason. It’s helpful to believe in something as strong and beautiful as the Virgin.”

Texas Energy Grid Chief Warns of Rising Blackout Risk in Winter Months

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Houston, TX – Pablo Vegas, the CEO of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), has joined a chorus of U.S. energy and utilities leaders in expressing concerns about an increased threat of blackouts during the upcoming winter months. Speaking at an event hosted by the U.S. Energy Association, as reported by James Osborne of the Houston Chronicle, Vegas highlighted the insufficient capital being invested by investors in the development of crucial components like natural gas pipelines, transmission lines, and other power grid infrastructure.

Vegas emphasized the escalating risk, stating, “The reality is risk is increasing. We’re all seeing it.” He urged for strategic investments in resources to mitigate this risk, emphasizing the need for intelligent decision-making in this regard.

This warning comes on the heels of the imminent three-year anniversary of Winter Storm Uri, a catastrophic event in February 2021 that claimed the lives of hundreds of Texans and left millions without power. While the Texas Legislature has taken steps to bolster the grid in the aftermath of the storm, approving a $7.2 billion appropriation for the construction of new natural gas-fired power plants, doubts persist about the actualization of these projects, according to a report by KUT’s Mose Buchele.

Vegas proposed an alternative approach by leveraging home battery systems and electric vehicles to meet electricity demands during peak periods. ERCOT has initiated a pilot study to explore the feasibility of this proposal, which is currently in progress. “That could be game-changing for the industry and start to address elements of reliability economically,” Vegas asserted. However, he underscored the necessity of a robust transmission backbone to support such innovations.

As winter approaches, these warnings from energy leaders like Vegas highlight the urgent need for strategic investments and innovations to safeguard against potential blackouts and ensure the resilience of the Texas energy grid.

Houston Celebrates Strongest Financial Health in Two Decades, According to Annual Report

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In the recently released Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending June 2023, the City of Houston boasts its strongest financial standing in 20 years. The report, which provides a comprehensive overview of the city’s financial landscape, attributes this remarkable achievement to a series of policy reforms initiated by Mayor Sylvester Turner’s administration, coupled with meticulous planning and strategic management of federal COVID-19 funding.

Key indicators reveal a significant upswing in the City’s financial health over the past five fiscal years under Mayor Turner’s leadership. The net position, a crucial metric reflecting the government’s fiscal strength, has experienced a positive trend. Starting from a negative $95 million at the conclusion of fiscal year 2016, the net position has surged to an impressive $7.6 billion as of the end of FY23. This marks an increase of $1.7 billion compared to the previous fiscal year, attributed to a rise in total assets by approximately $802.6 million and a reduction in total liabilities by $919.5 million. Notably, the decrease in liabilities is primarily attributed to a reduction in the total other post-employment benefit (OPEB) liability by $576.6 million and a decline of $407.8 million in total outstanding debt.

The unrestricted portion of the net position has witnessed a substantial improvement of approximately $1.3 billion, with a remaining deficit of $5.0 billion at the conclusion of FY23.

Several factors contribute to this improved financial standing:

  1. Sound Fiscal Management: The City’s prudent financial management practices have played a crucial role in achieving this milestone.
  2. Historic Pension Reform in 2017: Mayor Turner’s administration addressed the looming pension crisis, reducing the unfunded pension liability from approximately $8.2 billion at the start of the term to $1.49 billion in FY21. However, due to market volatility, the current estimated liability stands at $2.4 billion.
  3. OPEB Liability Management: The City took proactive steps to address other post-employment benefit (OPEB) liabilities, resulting in a significant reduction of $576.6 million.
  4. Debt Reduction: A strategic reduction in total outstanding debt by $407.8 million has contributed to the City’s improved financial position.
  5. Increased Federal Financial Assistance: The City’s ability to secure and effectively manage federal COVID-19 funding has played a vital role in bolstering its financial resilience.

The financial accomplishments highlighted in the ACFR underscore the success of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s administration in steering the City of Houston towards a path of sustained fiscal strength and stability.

Joe V’s Smart Shop by H-E-B Holds Grand Opening Ceremony for New Katy Location

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Joe V’s Smart Shop by H-E-B Holds Grand Opening Ceremony for New Katy Location

On December 6, Joe V’s Smart Shop by H-E-B celebrated its grand opening in Katy, featuring a ceremony attended by the discount grocer’s staff and executives.

Spanning 55,000 square feet, this new store marks the 10th location of Joe V’s within the Houston area, providing residents with a more affordable shopping experience. The store offers a lower-priced format for a variety of products, including familiar grocery items available at H-E-B. Shoppers can find in-store cut meats, dairy items, frozen foods, handmade sushi selections, rice bowls, teriyaki, H-E-B Meal Simple prepared entrees and appetizers, a Latino cheese selection, and bakery items such as in-store made tortillas, pastries, and breads.

The grand opening celebration went beyond introducing the store, featuring charitable contributions to the community. Joe V’s Smart Shop donated $10,000 each to Katy ISD’s Cardiff Junior High School and Cy-Fair ISD’s Brosnahan Elementary School. Additionally, four other schools within the two school districts and Katy Christian Ministries, a nonprofit offering social services to West Houston residents, received smaller donations.

The new Joe V’s Smart Shop officially opened its doors to the public on December 6 and is located at 4107 N. Fry Road, Katy. For more information, visit www.joevsmartshop.com.

Israel Accused of Using U.S.-Supplied White Phosphorus Munitions in Lebanon Attack

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Israel Accused of Using U.S.-Supplied White Phosphorus Munitions in Lebanon Attack

Israel used U.S.-supplied white phosphorus munitions in an October attack in southern Lebanon, causing at least nine civilian injuries. A Washington Post analysis of shell fragments found in the small village of Dheira revealed remnants of three 155-millimeter artillery rounds. Residents reported the destruction of at least four homes due to these rounds, known for ejecting felt wedges saturated with white phosphorous. The substance burns at high temperatures, producing billowing smoke that can cause severe harm, potentially leading to fatal burns and respiratory damage.

The injuries resulting from the attack led to the hospitalization of at least three individuals, with one hospitalized for several days. The lot production codes on the shells matched the nomenclature used by the U.S. military, indicating their origin from ammunition depots in Louisiana and Arkansas in 1989 and 1992. The light green color and markings, such as “WP” printed on one of the remnants, were consistent with white phosphorous rounds, according to arms experts.

The M825 smoke rounds, fired from 155mm howitzers, have legitimate battlefield uses, including signaling friendly troops, marking targets, and producing white smoke for concealing soldiers from enemy forces. However, their deployment near civilian areas raises concerns, as their use is not intended for incendiary purposes.

These munitions are part of the billions of dollars in U.S. military arms provided to Israel annually, contributing to its ongoing conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The tensions along Lebanon’s southern border between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia, escalated from sporadic exchanges to near-daily confrontations since October 7.

Israeli forces reportedly continued shelling Dheira with white phosphorus munitions for hours, leading residents to refer to the incident as the “black night.” The attack trapped people in their homes until they could escape the next morning, prompting speculation that the phosphorus was used to displace residents and clear the way for future military activities.

The Israel Defense Forces stated that the white phosphorous shells were launched to create smokescreens, not for targeting or causing fires. They asserted that their use complied with and exceeded the requirements of international law. The IDF claimed to have safer alternatives, such as M150 artillery rounds, which produce screening smoke without using white phosphorous.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International verified the U.S. origin of the shells, emphasizing the importance of tracking the behavior of allies receiving U.S. assistance to ensure compliance with U.S. and humanitarian law. While white phosphorus use is permitted for legitimate military operations, its misuse, especially around civilians, can violate laws of armed conflict. Rights groups have urged restrictions on its use to prevent harm to civilian populations.

Tirana Hassan, the executive director of Human Rights Watch, expressed concern over the use of U.S.-produced white phosphorus by Israel in south Lebanon. She called for U.S. officials, specifically Congress, to reassess military aid to Israel based on reports of white phosphorus use. The Biden administration, while expressing concern about the incident, clarified that real-time assessments of Israel’s adherence to the laws of war were not currently conducted.

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