ICE Houston removes foreign fugitive wanted for homicide in Mexico
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Houston Field Office, with assistance from ERO Mexico and the Security Alliance for Fugitive Enforcement (SAFE) Task Force in Mexico, removed a foreign fugitive from the U.S. who is wanted for homicide in his home country of Mexico.
Capital Highlights — Speaker open to resort-style casinos in state
House Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, told The Dallas Morning News and other media outlets that he is open to bringing resort-style casinos to Texas.[San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]
sanmarcosrecord.comTropical Storm Nalgae, flooding in Australia and Hurricane Lisa in Belize
Hello, and welcome to November! Typically this can be a very active time for us here in Southeast Texas with cold air moving in and interacting with our warm moist Gulf air, forming a secondary severe weather season. Thankfully for us here, our tropical season is done, but that is NOT the case across the globe.
🔒Slow-motion lightning⚡, a stunning hummingbird🐦 and a thirsty nope rope🐍: See 16 of the best Click2Pins submissions
Click2Pins.com is where we find the photos that are making your life what it is in Southeast Texas. We love seeing your submissions of weather, animals, news around where you are and touching moments that bring us closer to what matters to you.
Former Texas peace officer sentenced to 10 years for sexually assaulting at least 2 women during ‘ghost hunting’ trips
A former Texas reserve peace officer, deemed the “ghost hunter,” has reached a plea deal after being convicted of sexually assaulting two women, but prosecutors said there were more victims.
Texas House speaker says he’s confident Legislature will revive expiring corporate tax break program
Lawmakers let the program, known as Chapter 313, expire at the end of this year after the Senate declined to consider a bill extending it. It was the first time in its 20-year history that legislators decided not to renew the program.
August skies arrive!
Can you stand another supermoon?! This month is our last for the year and shows up August 11 at 8:36pm! If the skies are clear, I’d expect a pretty fabulous moonrise in the east, opposite the setting sun. This one is called the Full Corn Moon although, as we are seeing, Texas corn is not doing so well as production is generally less than half of normal. So we can go with the other name: the Full Sturgeon moon--one of the ugliest fish I’ve ever seen but August is peak season for catching them in the Great Lakes.
Texas GOP platform calls for ban on teaching “sexual matters,” while requiring students to learn about “dignity of the preborn human”
The party planks specify what the Texas GOP believes students should and should not be taught in the classroom about gender and sex, signaling further shifts to the right. Critics say such policies would be harmful and discriminatory.
La Nina equals triple tropical trouble!
I’ve been talking all year about La Nina, that cooler-than-normal water in the Pacific, which basically means dry weather for Texas and a lack of upper level winds across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Its opposite, El Nino, is warmer than normal Pacific water which creates those upper level winds and those winds can shear apart developing tropical systems. So El Nino is El Amigo in that regard! La Nina not so much.
Where will the hurricanes go?
Every year the seasonal hurricane forecasts start rolling in during April and this year they are all pointing to another busy season! An average season brings 14 storms of which 7 become hurricanes and 3 become major. This coming season looks to be above that average with as many as 20 storms and 5 major hurricanes, depending on who you ask. Here are some of the recent forecasts:
Some landlords got a piece of Texas’ $2 billion in rent relief money — and evicted their struggling tenants anyway
It’s unclear whether landlords face any penalties from state agencies for improperly evicting tenants while receiving rent relief dollars intended to help those tenants stay housed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why are so many candidates running to succeed George P. Bush as Texas Land Commissioner? – Houston Public Media
Twelve candidates are running in the primaries for Commissioner of the General Land Office. For some, the winners could make the difference between salvation and continued misery.
houstonpublicmedia.orgCapital Highlights — Disaster declaration follows Nicholas
Seventeen Southeast Texas counties have been declared disaster areas after Hurricane Nicholas came ashore, dumping more than a foot of rain and cutting off power to a half-million customers in Texas, [San Marcos, TX] [Hays County news] News San Marcos News, San Marcos Record [Texas State]
sanmarcosrecord.comGreater Houston Prepares For Tropical Storm Nicholas – Houston Public Media
According to the National Weather Service in Houston, the storm has reached sustained winds of 60 mph, and is expected to make landfall Monday evening and slowly travel Northeast along the Texas coast through Tuesday night.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHere’s How The Houston Area Is Helping Louisianans In The Wake Of Hurricane Ida – Houston Public Media
Houston-area hospitals and nonprofits are stepping up to assist those impacted by the category four storm. It's just the latest in a string of storms that have forced Houston and Louisiana to rely on one another.
houstonpublicmedia.orgDeveloping Tropical System Could Impact Texas Early Next Week
The hurricane season is about to become very active, and Texas could see a storm early next week if the weather models have their say. Faster winds eventually lead to a system being designated as a tropical storm (39-73 mph) or hurricane (74 mph or greater). The weather models pick up on these conducive conditions for tropical development and when a tropical wave is present they can simulate the atmospheric motions that result in tropical development. TIMING:Current thinking has a system in the Gulf by this weekend and potentially making landfall as a designated tropical depression or tropical storm between Monday and Tuesday next week. The two most deadly phenomenon with hurricanes and tropical storms are flooding and storm surge.
springhappenings.comMemorial Hermann Temporarily Closes Three Emergency Rooms In Houston Area
Houston, Texas – Memorial Hermann Health System has closed three emergency rooms in the Houston area due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and the impact it is having on their hospital system. The three emergency rooms that have closed are:• Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Kingwood, located at 4533 Kingwood Drive• Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Spring, located at 7474 N Grand Parkway W• Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center at Sienna, located at 8780 Hwy 6 Ste BThe shutdowns will allow employees of these emergency rooms to be reassigned to other hospitals in the system. Memorial Hermann said that the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases is pushing their hospitals and staff to their limits and that the redistribution of personnel is necessary to accommodate the strains on the system. The announcement on the Memorial Hermann website states that members of the community who are in need of emergent care should go to the next closest emergency room and that patients who are currently receiving care in the closed emergency rooms will be transferred to other Memorial Hermann facilities. Memorial Hermann Health System is the largest not-for-profit healthcare system in Southeast Texas and operates 17 hospitals in the Houston area.
springhappenings.comMany Reasons to Prepare for this Year’s Hurricane Season
Some forecasts show a weak La Nina developing in the latter half of the hurricane season. Debra – TS/Near Cat 1 – 1978 Landfall near Jamaica Beach with 7-foot tides, 2-5 inches on rainfall and 6 weak tornadoes. Ike – Cat 2 – 2008 Devastating Hurricane for Galveston, Bolivar, and portions of Galveston Bay in terms of storm surge. This equates to roughly one tropical cyclone impacting SE TX in every second year that we have neutral or La Nina conditions, or one hurricane in every third neutral or La Nina year. However, the last hurricane to hit SE Texas was Hurricane Ike in 2008 – 13 years ago – and 8 similar ENSO Phase years have passed since Hurricane Ike.
springhappenings.comEndangered Whooping Cranes Nest In Texas For The First Time In More Than A Century – Houston Public Media
Two pairs of whooping cranes nested on private land in Jefferson and Chambers counties this year. It’s believed to be the first time the endangered birds have nested in Texas since the 1800s.
houstonpublicmedia.orgSevere Storms Possible Friday Afternoon For Houston Metro
Storms could turn severe with hail and damaging winds as they move north during the afternoon hours. What are the chances of seeing severe thunderstorms? There is a higher chance for severe weather if your live near or in the enhanced area. Hail larger than golf balls, wind gusts in excess of 65 mph, brief tornadoes, and torrential rain will be possible in any severe storms that pop up. TRACK THE STORMS LIVE (FREE INTERACTIVE RADAR) >>> https://www.springhappenings.com/weather-radar/
springhappenings.comDeep freeze just latest disaster to befall Houston's vulnerable
Not surprisingly, many in these communities are beyond frustrated by what they feel is a lack of assistance each time a disaster strikes. Last month’s storm caused blackouts in much of Texas and left more than 1.4 million Houston-area customers without power. FEMA aid is limited, though, as the agency had awarded only $56 million in storm disaster assistance to the entire state of Texas as of Friday. “In recent memory, there is nothing that tells (residents) the system will work for them,” said Huey German-Wilson, president of Trinity-Houston Gardens Super Neighborhood. German-Wilson said that despite being exhausted and at times disheartened by the efforts to get her neighbors help, she will push forward.
chron.comSevere Weather Expected Tonight Into Thursday Afternoon
Spring, Texas – Heavy Rainfall Beginning Today Will Continue Through Thursday Afternoon:The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch for nearly all of Southeast Texas beginning at 6:00 p.m. this evening through 3:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon. A strong system of thunderstorms will bring heavy rainfall across Harris County and the surrounding region beginning today and continuing through Thursday. Widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 3 inches, with isolated areas of 4+ inches, are likely. There is a low probability some of the stronger storms could bring high winds, hail, or tornadoes. Source: Harris County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management>>> CLICK HERE TO TRACK THE STORMS LIVE USING OUR FREE INTERACTIVE RADAR <<<
springhappenings.comTropical Storm Beta Forecast To Make Landfall Monday – Houston Public Media
The storm is expected to bring 5 to 10 inches of rain to inland areas and as much as 15 inches to coastal areas. Storm surge up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) was forecast from San Luis Pass to Sabine Pass in Texas. Beta was set to make landfall along Texas’ central or upper Gulf Coast late Monday night, forecasters said. Forecasters said Beta was not expected to bring the same amount of rainfall that Texas experienced during either Hurricane Harvey in 2017 or Tropical Storm Imelda last year. If Beta makes landfall in Texas, it would be the ninth named storm to make landfall in the continental U.S. in 2020.
houstonpublicmedia.orgTropical Storm Beta forms in Gulf of Mexico
Tropical Storm Beta forms in Gulf of MexicoTropical Storm Beta formed Friday, Sept. 18, 2020. Tropical Storm Beta formed Friday, Sept. 18, 2020. Photo: National Hurricane Center Photo: National Hurricane Center Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Tropical Storm Beta forms in Gulf of Mexico 1 / 1 Back to GalleryTropical Storm Beta formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Friday afternoon. Meteorologists with the National Hurricane Center have a large forecast cone predicting where the storm’s center will be in the coming days, which includes the entirety of the Texas coast. The models also have the possibility that the storm would roll north along the coast.
chron.comOSHA: 3 willful violations led to plant blasts in Port Neches
HOUSTON U.S. officials cited the owners of a Southeast Texas chemical plant where November blasts and fires injured three workers and caused widespread damage to the surrounding community. The Nov. 27 blasts at the TPC Group plant in Port Neches, about 80 miles (129 kilometers) east of Houston, prompted officials to order the surrounding communities to be evacuated of about 50,000 residents. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said in a statement Tuesday that it cited TPC for three willful violations by not developing and implementing procedures for emergency shutdown and not inspecting and testing process vessel and piping components. TPC has 15 business days from receipt of the citation and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHAs area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. An investigation found that vapor formed at the base of a butadiene finishing tower and ignited, causing the explosions and fires.
Texas Driver License Offices Begin Re-opening Throughout the State
Texas Driver License offices across the state are scheduled to start re-opening this week, but no drop-ins allowed which means if everything goes well, there should be no long lines. In Phase 3, offices in North and Southeast Texas can begin scheduling appointments on May 29 at 1 p.m. and offices will open on Wednesday, June 3. In Phase 2, offices in South and Central Texas will reopen on May 29 with scheduling beginning May 26 at 1 p.m.Gov. Greg Abbott announced the driver's license offices would be able to open back up but all encounters between the public and Department of Public Safety employees will be by appointment only. The extension of expired driver license cards remains in effect.
houstonpress.comHere are all of the models we are looking at for Saturdays storm
Houston, TX Models for tomorrows flooding are updating and I wanted to share with you some of what we are looking at here at the KPRC2 Severe Weather Center. First, we always like to compare the Euro and American models and I can tell you that while the Euro does have a good reputation for more accuracy, the two are both strong. In fact, the Euro USES American satellite information so without the American influx of data, the Euro wouldnt be where it is. The RPM has only 1-2 of rain for Houston with perhaps 2-3 in spots with more down south:RPMThe HRRR on the other hand shows heavy rain south of I-10 and into downtown. If we do not see heavy rain in southeast Texas then consider ourselves plain lucky.
Tornado Watch In Effect Until 3:00 PM
Harris County Texas A TORNADO WATCH is in effect for a large portion of Southeast Texas until 3:00 PM on Sunday, April 19, 2020. The key point here is not everyone will see storms today and not everyone that sees storms will see severe storms. WHAT IS A TORNADO WATCH? A Tornado Watch is issued by the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) in Norman, Oklahoma. Afterward, SPC will issue a preliminary Tornado Watch and then the affected NWFO will then adjust the watch (adding or eliminating counties/parishes) and then issue it to the public.
springhappenings.comStorms to bring rain and possibility of severe weather to Houston
Storms to bring rain and possibility of severe weather to HoustonA pedestrian crosses a bridge across Brays Bayou, Wednesday, March 4, 2020, near Hermann Park in Houston. Photo: Mark Mulligan, Staff Photographer Photo: Mark Mulligan, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 10 Caption Close Storms to bring rain and possibility of severe weather to Houston 1 / 10 Back to GalleryA line of showers and thunderstorms making its way across Texas is expected to affect Houston on Wednesday. morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Montgomery, Grimes and Walker counties, including Conroe, Willis, Panorama Village. Theres also a possibility that the storms could become severe, according to meteorologists. Severe weather means a possible tornado, heavy winds and hail, although experts with the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center give Southeast Texas only a marginal chance the lowest of five.
chron.comThe Texas Newsroom Announces Full Editorial Staff Houston Public Media
Launched in September 2019, The Texas Newsroom includes partners NPR; lead station KERA in North Texas; and managing stations KUT in Austin, Houston Public Media and Texas Public Radio in San Antonio. Lindley also previously served as news director for WBHM in Birmingham, Alabama, and news director at Marfa Public Radio/West Texas Public Radio. Your speaker can also access NPR podcasts, NPR One, NPR News Now, and the Visual Newscast is available for screened speakers. About Houston Public MediaHouston Public Media is a service of the University of Houston and supported with financial gifts from the community. About Texas Public RadioTexas Public Radio is a listener-supported, nonprofit broadcaster operating seven radio stations, serving communities in South Texas, the Hill Country and San Antonio area.
houstonpublicmedia.orgTexas teen who refuses to cut dreadlocks gets support, $20K from TV host Ellen DeGeneres
Texas teen who refuses to cut dreadlocks gets support, $20K from TV host Ellen DeGeneresEllen DeGeneres welcomes high school senior DeAndre Arnold from Mont Belvieu, Texas, who made national news after his school told him he couldn't walk at graduation unless he cuts his dreadlocks or wears them tied up in accordance with their dress code. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Texas teen who refuses to cut dreadlocks gets support, $20K from TV host Ellen DeGeneres 1 / 1 Back to GalleryA Southeast Texas teenager who was told his dreadlocks violated his high school's dress code is gaining the support of celebrities as well as $20,000 for college. DeAndre Arnold, 18, appeared on an episode of The Ellen Show Wednesday and was presented with a check for his college tuition by host Ellen DeGeneres and singer Alicia Keys. Barbers Hill Independent School District officials have said it's not about race and that the school allows dreadlocks but has rules about the length of male students' hair. Arnold told DeGeneres that he wants to go to college to become a veterinarian.
chron.comTornado Watch Issued for Southeast Texas; Specifically Harris & Montgomery County Until 4:00 AM Saturday
Spring, Texas A tornado watch has just been issued for Southeast Texas until 4:00 AM, Saturday. A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in and/or close to the watch area. Youre safer indoors. Youre safer inside the car than outside. Youre safer lying down than standing up.
springhappenings.com