Texas Governor Greg Abbott is poised to enact two significant immigration bills on Monday, December 18th, as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to address border security concerns. The governor’s office has confirmed that Abbott will travel to Brownsville for the occasion, where he will conduct a bill signing ceremony for key border security legislation passed during a Special Session.
The bills in question, Senate Bill 3 (SB3) and Senate Bill 4 (SB4), represent a comprehensive approach to bolstering border security measures. SB3 is slated to allocate over $1.5 billion for initiatives aimed at enhancing security along the Texas-Mexico border. Meanwhile, SB4 takes a decisive step by criminalizing the act of crossing into Texas from Mexico without proper authorization.
The impetus for these legislative actions stems from a surge in encounters between field agents and migrants crossing the southern border illegally, as indicated by the most recent data from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. From June to October, nationwide encounters exceeded one million, prompting Texas officials to assert the need for robust measures to address the escalating situation.
Governor Abbott underscored the urgency of the matter, citing the staggering statistic that, under the Biden administration, over 8 million individuals have crossed the border illegally. Addressing this issue has become a top priority for Texas, and the upcoming signing of SB3 and SB4 reflects the state’s commitment to proactively respond to the challenges posed by illegal border crossings.
The signing ceremony in Brownsville marks a crucial moment in Texas’s ongoing efforts to fortify its borders and uphold the rule of law. As the state takes decisive legislative action, the nation watches closely to gauge the impact of these measures on immigration enforcement and border security in Texas.
In a landmark development in the amusement park industry, Cedar Fair, the parent company of Schlitterbahn parks in New Braunfels and Galveston, has officially entered into a merger agreement with Six Flags. The combined venture is poised to create an enterprise with an estimated value of approximately $8 billion, boasting a total of 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks, and nine resort properties.
This strategic move expands the geographical reach of the conglomerate, spanning across 17 states and reaching into Mexico and Canada, as detailed in an official news release. Cedar Fair President and CEO Richard Zimmerman expressed enthusiasm about the merger, emphasizing the potential for a highly diversified footprint and a more robust operating model.
The Schlitterbahn parks in New Braunfels and Galveston, previously family-owned for 40 years, became part of Cedar Fair in 2019 through a $261 million acquisition. Meanwhile, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, which opened in San Antonio in 1992, has been a key player in the amusement park landscape.
Over the past 12 months, Six Flags and Cedar Fair collectively welcomed an impressive 48 million guests, translating to a potential combined revenue of $3.4 billion. Six Flags President and CEO Selim Bassoul highlighted the merger’s potential to redefine the amusement park experience by leveraging the strengths of both companies.
The merger, subject to regulatory approval, is anticipated to be finalized in the first half of 2024, according to the news release. While the announcement does not provide specific details about potential changes to existing parks, it leaves open the question of whether the merger will bring significant alterations to the Schlitterbahn locations in New Braunfels and Galveston, as well as Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio. As the industry eagerly awaits further developments, patrons and enthusiasts are left to ponder the potential transformation of these beloved entertainment destinations.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing road safety, Texas has introduced stricter penalties for motorists who fail to yield to emergency vehicles. This change is part of a comprehensive set of nearly 800 new laws that took effect in the state on Friday.
Under the newly amended ‘Move Over/Slow Down’ law, drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle must either change lanes or reduce their speed by 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Failure to comply with these regulations will result in substantial fines and potential legal consequences.
For a first offense, individuals may face fines ranging from $500 to $1,250. If the violation results in harm to others, it is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $400 fine.
Repeat offenders will experience increased financial penalties, with fines escalating to a range of $1,000 to $2,000. Inflicting bodily harm during a violation elevates the offense to a felony, punishable by up to two years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.
Prior to the recent legislative changes, violators were subject to fines up to $200 for a first offense and up to $2,000 in cases where a collision resulted in injuries.
The ‘Move Over, Slow Down’ law, originally enacted in 2003, mandates that drivers pull over and reduce their speed when passing emergency vehicles and tow trucks parked on the side of the road. The revisions aim to reinforce compliance with these safety measures and underscore the state’s commitment to protecting the well-being of both motorists and emergency personnel.
Rumors that the two were together emerged in February. While the couple appeared in public together, things were kept officially pretty quiet — with Benito telling Rolling Stone over the summer, “People know everything about me, so what’s left for me to protect? My private life, my personal life.”
People magazine first reported yesterday that, according to a source, Kendall and Bad Bunny had split. A source then told Entertainment Tonight, “Kendall and Bad Bunny have been doing their own things lately, and things slowly started to fizzle out between them.”
People magazine first reported yesterday that, according to a source, Kendall and Bad Bunny had split. A source then told Entertainment Tonight, “Kendall and Bad Bunny have been doing their own things lately, and things slowly started to fizzle out between them.”
Apparently things are still good between the Kar-Jenners and Mr. Bunny — there “isn’t any negativity between them, and they still want the best for one another.”
In a shocking development, a former financial director of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, Jamie Huffar, pleaded guilty on Friday to embezzling over $1 million from the organization. Prosecutors revealed that Huffar exploited her position to siphon funds for personal indulgences, including plastic surgery, trips, and various other expenses.
The charges against Huffar include misapplication of fiduciary property, fraud, and forgery, highlighting the severity of her actions in betraying the trust placed in her role within the department.
As part of a plea deal, Huffar has accepted a 15-year prison sentence. The plea agreement marks a significant step in bringing accountability to the forefront and ensuring justice for the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, which fell victim to the financial misappropriation orchestrated by its former financial director.
The guilty plea underscores the consequences individuals face when engaging in financial misconduct, particularly in positions of trust. The legal proceedings serve as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding the integrity of financial systems within organizations to prevent such breaches and protect the interests of stakeholders.
As the holiday season approaches, numerous organizations in the Houston area are coming together to ensure that families experience the joy of the season, even if that means putting food on the table for those in need.
Several food distribution events are scheduled across the city, offering not only healthy, balanced meals but also essential personal care items. Here’s where families can access free food during the holidays:
Christmas Super Feast by City Wide Club On Saturday, December 23, the George R. Brown Convention Center will host the Christmas Super Feast, organized by the City Wide Club. This event, renowned as the nation’s largest feeding and turkey distribution, offers a dine-in option or pick-up-and-go service, ensuring families can enjoy a festive meal during the holiday season.
Catholic Charities Food Distributions The Catholic Charities: Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston is organizing multiple food distributions at the Guadalupe Family Assistance Center before and after Christmas. Located at 326 S Jensen Dr., Houston, TX, the distributions are scheduled on:
December 19: 9 to 11 a.m.
December 20: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
December 21: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
December 26: 9 to 11 a.m.
December 27: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
December 28: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. First-time clients are required to bring a photo ID and a bill confirming their address.
India House Houston Free Food Distribution In partnership with the Houston Food Bank, India House Houston will host a free food distribution event on Wednesday, December 27, from 10 to 11 a.m. at 8888 West Bellfort Ave, Houston, TX. The distribution will include fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and packaged foods.
West Houston Assistance Ministries Drive-Thru Distribution Leading up to the holiday season, the West Houston Assistance Ministries will conduct weekly drive-thru distributions, providing attendees with boxes containing fresh produce, protein, and other groceries. The last distribution before Christmas will be on Wednesday, December 20, from 8 to 10 a.m. (or until supplies run out) at 10501 Meadowglen Lane, Houston, TX. Personal care items are available upon request and availability.
Target Hunger Food Fair Target Hunger is organizing a drive-thru food fair distribution right before Christmas on Thursday, December 21, at the Valero on 9701 Manchester, Houston, TX. Participants are required to complete a registration form for this event.
These initiatives reflect the community’s commitment to supporting one another during the holiday season, ensuring that no family goes without a warm meal and holiday cheer.
In a compelling display of college basketball prowess at the Toyota Center, the Texas Longhorns and Houston Cougars emerged victorious in The Halal Guys Showcase, setting the stage for potential success in the upcoming men’s NCAA tournament.
The Longhorns and Cougars, both narrowly missing a chance at the Final Four earlier this year, showcased their dominance as favored teams on Saturday. Texas delivered an impressive first-half performance, accumulating 56 points and securing a 95-86 win against the LSU Tigers. Meanwhile, Houston faced a late surge from Texas A&M guard Wade Taylor IV but managed to clinch a narrow 70-66 victory.
For Houston, the path to victory once again relied on their stifling defense, a trademark of Kelvin Sampson’s squad. Boasting an 11-0 record in the 2023-24 season, the Cougars showcased the formula that has made them a force in college basketball—a tenacious defense, efficient offense, and a blend of frontcourt strength and backcourt scoring prowess. Guard Emanuel Sharp emphasized the significance of playing in high-stakes games like The Halal Guys Showcase.
“We want to play in big games like this,” Sharp stated.
The Cougars, eyeing their second Final Four appearance in the last four seasons, showcased their defensive prowess by limiting Texas A&M to 23 first-half points and forcing eight turnovers. Key contributors LJ Cryer and Emanuel Sharp demonstrated their scoring capabilities, with Cryer sinking four threes in a 17-point effort, while Sharp contributed 19 points, including two crucial three-pointers.
Houston’s defensive efficiency, ranked as the best in college basketball by KenPom metrics, bodes well for their tournament prospects. With a top-four seed in the NCAA tournament bracket likely, the Cougars appear to be genuine Final Four contenders.
On the other hand, Texas faces a more uncertain future. Missing their top three scorers from last year’s Elite Eight team, the Longhorns, led by veteran guard Max Abmas, are still in the process of fine-tuning their closing lineup and rotation, according to coach Rodney Terry. However, the Longhorns displayed their potential as a Final Four contender, particularly with the return of versatile scorer Dylan Disu, who made his season debut on Saturday.
While Houston seems to be a bonafide Final Four contender, Texas stands on the fringe, with their success in March Madness hinging on finding the right formula. Both teams navigated the challenges presented at the professional environment of the Toyota Center, securing victories that could be crucial in sustaining their seasons as they look ahead to the intensity of March Madness.
In a press conference on Thursday, Governor Greg Abbott and energy leaders declared that the Texas power grid is now winter-ready and better prepared than ever, seeking to reassure the public just two years after a winter freeze caused a grid failure. Despite their assurances, some customers, including homeowners Mary Baker and Gloria Contreras, expressed a mix of hope and hesitation, acknowledging the surprise factor of the previous failure.
“I don’t expect it, but that was a surprise, and I could be surprised again,” remarked homeowner Mary Baker. Gloria Contreras admitted, “I don’t know. I’m a little scared, but I’m hoping everything works out.”
While acknowledging past mistakes, those interviewed by ABC13 expressed a desire to believe that lessons have been learned, and preparations are in place for the upcoming winter, a sentiment echoed by Governor Abbott, energy providers, and ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) leaders.
“In regards to the winter, I want to assure everybody that we are ready,” stated Calpine CEO Thad Hill. ERCOT reported the addition of 3,000 megawatts to the grid in 2023, providing power for approximately 600,000 homes. The council has also introduced new inspectors and completed inspections at 1,500 facilities, with plans for an additional 500 inspections this year.
Governor Abbott emphasized the state’s readiness, stating, “Texans should know, as we approach January and February, it’s going to get colder, and Texas and the grid are better prepared than we’ve ever been.”
ABC13 learned that ERCOT is not only focusing on the current winter but also preparing for future seasons. A new natural gas plant, slated to be operational in 2026 in Freestone County, was announced to address the growing Texas population and increased demand on the grid. The plant is expected to generate power for an additional 85,000 homes.
“This is an important project. This is really good for the state of Texas. It reflects the progress the state is making in encouraging the energy resources of the state. Texas has always been and always will be a leader in energy investments, and this is a representation of that innovation moving forward,” remarked ERCOT’s CEO Pablo Vegas.
In a significant development, prominent Latino members of Congress have voiced their reservations regarding the Biden administration’s approach to border security talks, raising questions about the exclusion of pathways to citizenship for long-term immigrants without proper legal documentation. Democratic Senator Alex Padilla of California and Senator Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico initially raised concerns privately, engaging in constant communication with administration officials to seek clarification on the absence of meaningful considerations for citizenship pathways in Senate negotiations.
Despite their efforts, when the talks failed to address their concerns, these influential lawmakers shifted to open opposition. Senator Padilla emphasized, “A return to Trump-era policies is not the fix; in fact, it will make the problem worse.” Notably, Padilla took the opportunity to caution President Joe Biden personally at a fundraiser in California, urging him to be wary of adopting harmful policies.
The Latino senators find themselves in a complex position amid ongoing debates over immigration, particularly as President Biden aims to address border challenges as part of a broader $110 billion package for Ukraine, Israel, and national security. The negotiations, crucially timed as bargainers race to draft a framework by the weekend, have come under scrutiny from both Republicans and members of the Democratic party.
While criticism has been directed at the administration’s handling of border and immigration issues, pro-immigration changes such as providing permanent legal status to undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, commonly known as “Dreamers,” remain off the negotiating table. Senators Padilla, Luján, and Bob Menendez voiced their concerns prominently at a Congressional Hispanic Caucus news conference, condemning Senate Republicans for linking border policy changes to Ukraine aid and criticizing Biden for concessions that, according to them, undermine the United States’ welcoming stance toward immigrants.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has assured Senator Padilla and others access to proposals before a final agreement, but Latino lawmakers have largely been excluded from the core negotiating group. During a call with the Hispanic Caucus, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas engaged with concerned lawmakers.
The Biden administration faces pressure from various angles, including criticism over border management, the looming threat of far-right immigration measures promised by former President Donald Trump, and the connection of the issue to the broader goal of supporting Ukraine’s defense against Russia. With the White House and Senate leaders aiming for a border deal framework by Sunday, the complexity of U.S. immigration law adds challenges to the negotiations.
While recent discussions hinted at the inclusion of provisions legalizing young immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children, progress has been hindered by the intricate nature of immigration law. The bipartisan group acknowledges the likelihood of losing votes from both ends of the political spectrum. As the negotiations intensify, immigration advocates rally against proposed changes, likening them to Trump-era measures and emphasizing potential negative consequences for individuals fleeing persecution.
Key considerations include policies that may allow border officials to send migrants back to Mexico without asylum opportunities, a move criticized for potential exploitation by dangerous cartels. Advocates argue that such measures could make the border region more chaotic and dangerous, with implications for the large-scale detention of migrants at a substantial cost. Leading House Democrats, including Representatives Nanette Barragán, Pramila Jayapal, Veronica Escobar, and Jerry Nadler, have joined the chorus of concerns, highlighting the potential lasting impact on Latino voter support should concessions be made without benefiting Dreamers and essential workers.
In a nail-biting matchup on Sunday, the Houston Texans emerged victorious over the Tennessee Titans with a final score of 19-16, thanks to Ka’imi Fairbairn’s game-winning field goal as time expired.
The game’s first half saw the Titans taking an early lead, capitalizing on a Texans three-and-out as quarterback Will Levis orchestrated a scoring drive, finishing it off with a touchdown run. The Titans extended their lead with a pick-six off Keenum, showcasing their defensive prowess.
Despite a challenging start, the Texans’ defense stepped up, preventing further scoring opportunities for the Titans. Houston managed to put points on the board just before halftime with a field goal, narrowing the deficit to 13-3.
The second half proved to be a turning point for the Texans. The defense continued its stellar performance, highlighted by a crucial interception by Stephen Nelson on a Levis pass, leading to a successful field goal attempt and bringing the score to 13-6.
The Texans’ offense then came to life, with quarterback Keenum connecting with Noah Brown for a touchdown pass that leveled the score at 16-16. The game headed into overtime, setting the stage for Fairbairn’s game-deciding field goal that sealed the 19-16 victory for Houston.
The thrilling Sunday showdown showcased the Texans’ resilience and determination, marking a significant win in overtime against their division rivals, the Tennessee Titans.
