Stories for December 2023Houston Style Magazine | Weekly Newspaper Publication Website

Thank you, Houston From Mayor Sylvester Turner

THANK YOU, HOUSTON. Being your mayor for the past eight years has been a privilege and a joy of a lifetime. I enjoyed meeting people and creating lasting relationships throughout our diverse neighborhoods.

Former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, Black Democratic trailblazer, dies at 88

Johnson, the first Black woman elected to any seat in Dallas and the first Black Dallasite to serve in Congress, was a towering figure in Texas politics.

The places you won’t be able to visit in 2024

This year was all about making up for lost time. Following the pandemic, visitors flooded Europe’s biggest cities and America’s national parks as a form of “revenge travel,” going to – or returning to – some of the destinations that had been inaccessible during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Stocks are sliding on final trading day of 2023. But the Nasdaq is still on pace for its best year since ‘03

Santa Claus may be running out of steam. The traditional year-end rally – that was amplified by the Federal Reserve hinting at imminent rate cuts – is showing signs of fading with just hours to go until markets close for the year.

Russia unleashes biggest air attack on Ukraine since start of full-scale invasion

Russia has launched the biggest air attack on Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion, the Ukrainian military told CNN, with an unprecedented number of drones and missiles fired at targets across the country, killing at least 31 people and injuring more than 150 others.

Barack Obama shares his favorite music of 2023, and it’s a super eclectic mix

If you want to groove like Barack Obama, you can do so from Afrobeats to Reggaeton.

Tina Turner's Electric Legacy Ignites Houston with 'TINA – The Tina Turner Musical

Tina Turner's legendary career is celebrated in the electrifying production "TINA – The Tina Turner Musical," now dazzling audiences in Houston. This not-to-be-missed musical extravaganza showcases the extraordinary life of a mu- sic icon who shattered records and broke barriers, earning the crown as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. With 12 Grammy Awards and concerts attended by millions worldwide, Turner's legacy continues to influence artists and music lovers alike.

Inflation is nearly back to normal. But high prices have changed Americans’ lives

The winter holidays typically make for busier times at The Open Door Pantry food shelf here in this Twin Cities suburb.

An unprecedented UFO report and other moments from 2023 that rivaled science fiction

This year held some truly out-there moments in the world of science and space travel.

US officials describe ‘productive’ meeting with Mexico as Biden feels pressure over migrant crisis

Senior US officials held a “very productive meeting” with their Mexican counterparts Wednesday, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas said, as Washington seeks help from Mexico City to drive down southern border crossings that have placed increasing pressure on President Joe Biden.

Bossier man arrested for first deepfake charge in Louisiana

Deepfakes are becoming more popular; you’ve probably seen them in movies and on social media. Now they are even being used to commit crimes.

Gas prices will fall in 2024 and Americans will spend $32 billion less on fuel, GasBuddy predicts

Gas prices will fall in 2024 for the second year in a row, according to GasBuddy projections shared exclusively with CNN.

DeSantis enlists help to make closing case to Iowans – and to undercut Haley in the Hawkeye State

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is enlisting new help in Iowa as he scrambles to ward off mounting interest in the rival presidential candidacy of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley: One of her former constituents.

2024 brings new airplanes, seats and airport improvements to passengers

Passengers will fly in 2024 with airlines that are putting their post-lockdown plans into place. And that includes shiny new airplanes containing new seat designs arriving at a rapid pace.

BOX OFFICE BONANZA: 'The Color Purple 'Shines with Record-Breaking $18M On Christmas Day

Marsai holiday season brought a triumphant gift to the movie industry as "The Color Purple" dazzled audiences nationwide, securing an impressive $18 million in box office sales on Christmas Day. This feat marked the most lucrative Christmas opening since 2009 and the second highest in history.

Lose 10 Pounds In First 2 Weeks of 2024!

Can you lose 10 pounds in 2 weeks in a weight loss challenge? The short answer to this question is yes! There are many factors that go into shedding pounds fast. If you want to drop 10 pounds within two weeks, there are two main areas of focus: food intake and exercise. Naturally, other factors that affect weight are hormone levels, getting enough sleep, and increasing your metabolic rate.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner: Simply The Best Mayor for Houston

For the past eight years Sylvester Turner has been living a dream he has been chasing since 1991. Being the mayor of a city he has loved so deeply all his life and helping all citizens of this community has been his purpose. Like any incoming mayor, Turner made his promises and had his challenges. He has done his best to tack- le the issues through the red tape and all the obstacles. With his share of ups and downs Turner left his mark on Houston and made the city better for its residents.

SDA Now Accepting Applications for 40 Climate Change Fellows to Help Record Number of Farmers and Rural Small Businesses Access Clean Energy Funds

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is hiring 40 Climate Change Fellows to help with the record numbers of applications from farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses seeking funding for clean energy projects under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The new positions are being funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combatting the climate crisis, a key pillar of Bidenomics and part of the Investing in America agenda.

Houston Ushers In A New Era Of Leadership With Diverse City Hall

As the dawn of 2024 unfurls, Houston City Hall is set to embrace a trans- formative era with the inauguration of new leadership. The city will witness a historic transition on January 2nd, as it welcomes John Whitmire as the new Mayor along with Chris Hollins as the City Controller, and a dynamic ensemble of both fresh and returning City Council members.

Joe V's Smart Shop By H-E-B: Innovating Shopping In Dallas with Fresh, Affordable Choices

The Dallas community welcomed the groundbreaking of the latest Joe V's Smart Shop by H-E-B, a novel concept in grocery shopping offering the freshest produce at the most competitive prices. Located at 4101 W. Wheatland Road, this marks the brand's confident step outside its Houston comfort zone, aiming for a grand opening in late summer 2024.

The Story of the Orcas and the Salmon, On the Endangered Species Act's 50th Birthday

Thanks to 20th century aquariums and marine theme parks, orcas – also known as killer whales – are the most iconic whales in America. When the public learned their captivity involved torture, orca shows disappeared from those parks, as they should have. Now there are signs that certain groups of orcas could disappear entirely.

Texas’ new immigration law sows confusion and uncertainty along the border

A new law that makes entering Texas illegally a state crime is sowing confusion and uncertainty among undocumented migrants and mixed status families along the US-Mexico border, according to immigration advocates.

For many migrant families at the southern US border, going back is not an option

A mother who fled her native country with two children after one was kidnapped; a woman who was forced to strip down by thieves looking for money; an activist made unemployable by speaking out against her country’s government: These are some of the stories CNN heard outside a shelter for migrants in Eagle Pass, Texas.

Black students weigh mentioning race in college admissions essays after SCOTUS affirmative action ruling

Lynijah Russell debated the opening lines of her video application to Brown University for weeks before deciding to be as candid about her identity as possible.

North Carolina community rallies to aid man after roof of his motorhome collapses

When the roof of a Hendersonville man's motorhome collapsed, a local church and a devoted friend helped him get a new place to call home.

Bodies believed to be pregnant Texas teen Savanah Nicole Soto and boyfriend found dead with gunshot wounds

Missing Texas teen Savanah Nicole Soto, who was due to give birth any day, and her boyfriend have been found dead following a multi-day search, a family member confirmed Tuesday.

Trump should not be allowed to use courtroom to sow disinformation, special counsel argues

Justice Department prosecutors say they want to prevent former President Donald Trump from sowing disinformation and claiming he’s a victim of political persecution as part of his defense in his 2020 election subversion trial in federal court.

Blinken and Mayorkas to press Mexican counterparts to drive down border crossings as Biden faces increasing pressure

Senior US officials arrived in Mexico Wednesday to seek more help from their counterparts to drive down border crossings as President Joe Biden faces increasing pressure over the handling of the US southern border.

Fishermen spotted something shiny near a creek. It was the first step toward a ‘miracle’

The two men had gone out the day after Christmas, scouting for fishing holes at a creek in northwest Indiana, when something shiny in the distance caught their attention.

5 easy ways to keep your brain sharp

As the year wraps up, people have their sights on 2024 and what changes it will bring.

How 4.5 million people managed to buy a home this year amid the toughest market in a generation

This has been a year of superlatives in residential real estate — and not in a good way.

Spellbinding photos capture the ‘mermaid’ divers of South Korea

After spending several days with the Haenyeo, a group of women on South Korea’s Jeju Island renowned for harvesting seafood from the ocean floor without scuba gear, photographer Peter Ash Lee said one conversation — with one of the youngest of the island’s “freedivers” — stood out from the rest.

YouTuber leads authorities to human remains believed to be of man missing since 2013

Human remains were found Sunday in connection to a 2013 missing person’s case with the help of a YouTuber, according to the Camden County Sheriff’s Office in Missouri.

90-year-old woman becomes oldest student to complete coursework at the University of North Texas

A 90-year-old woman earned her master’s degree and marked a historic milestone in the process, becoming the oldest person to complete coursework at the University of North Texas, according to university officials.

Treacherous travel underway as blizzard conditions and ice blast parts of central US

A blizzard-fueling winter storm is sweeping across the Plains and upper Midwest with heavy snow, freezing rain and strong winds, making for dangerous travel during the busy holiday week.

Free returns are going away

If you’re thinking of sending back a disappointing gift you just received over the holidays, the return may bring even more disappointment.

Baltimore grandmother goes viral over Christmas surprise

It's a gift more than 50 years in the making. Barbara Rieco wrote a children's book in 1972.

Make-a-Wish will fulfill a four-year-old's dream of meeting princesses

The past couple of years hasn't been easy for a four-year-old in Bel Air who was diagnosed with a brain tumor, but there's light at the end of the tunnel.

Mother’s last words inspire surprise act of compassion

Hours before her death, Rosie Minor got on the phone and called into a prayer line with friends and members of her church.

Tackle these health issues to reduce risk of early dementia, study says

Cognitive decline can begin years before signs of dementia set in, which for some can be as early as age 30, a condition known as young-onset dementia.

Ken Jennings says Mayim Bialik’s ‘Jeopardy’ exit caught him ‘off guard’

Ken Jennings is opening up about the departure of Mayim Bialik as co-host of the long-running game show “Jeopardy!”

Delayed, lost or damaged luggage: What you should do

It’s enough to give anyone already on edge about how to handle possible flight delays and cancellations yet another reason to pop an antacid or two: the prospect of delayed, lost or damaged baggage.

Mississippi officer who shot 11-year-old is suspended without pay

Since this story was published in June, a grand jury declined to return an indictment against Sgt. Greg Capers, the officer who shot Aderrien Murry, reporting it found no criminal conduct on behalf of the officer involved.

Prices fell last month for the first time since April 2020

After three-plus years of prices steadily — and sometimes sharply — increasing month after month after month, they fell in November.

Why Harvard continues to back President Claudine Gay during her plagiarism controversy

Harvard President Claudine Gay is facing intensifying pressure as the drip, drip, drip of plagiarism allegations gradually spills out.

Theatre returns lost wallet 65 years later

For more than 80 years, the Plaza Theatre has churned out reliable entertainment, complete with popcorn, soda, and, of course, movies.

Biden ramps up the pressure on AMLO as border surge inflames a longstanding political problem

President Joe Biden is ramping up the pressure on his Mexican counterpart to help with the untenable situation at the US southern border that’s left officials scrambling to respond to an unprecedented migrant surge and exacerbated one of the president’s longstanding political problems.

They sold everything to become a digital nomad family. Here’s what happened next

They’d always made traveling a priority, and after settling down and having their first child, Courtney and Justin Orgias were keen to keep exploring the world as much as they could.

Mortgage rates in America dropped to their lowest level since June

US mortgage rates continued to plunge this week – good news for home buyers who have been facing the least affordable housing market since the 1980s.

10 dead and others wounded in shooting at Prague university, emergency services say

At least 10 people have died and 30 others were injured in a gun attack at a university in Prague, emergency services in the Czech capital say.

Mapping the Ursid meteor shower

The last meteor shower of 2023 is set to send meteors streaking across the sky just in time for the holidays.

Thousands of homes and businesses without power as cold weather and ‘significant’ storm damage torment Maine

A deadly storm that deluged much of the the Northeast has given way to frigid temperatures as tens of thousands of people grapple with no electricity in the cold.

Judge halts California law that would have banned carrying concealed firearms in many public places

A federal judge on Wednesday blocked parts of a California law that would have banned carrying concealed firearms in certain “sensitive places,” including places of worship, public libraries, amusement parks, zoos and sporting events.

Trump and Abbott revive GOP focus on border security in 2024 election

Former President Donald Trump’s harsh rhetoric and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s contentious new law have reignited Republican efforts to make border security the focus of the 2024 election – elevating the fight over immigration policy to new heights.

Chicago man who was wrongfully convicted based on testimony from blind witness freed after 12 years in prison

A 30-year-old Chicago man who was wrongfully convicted of murder on the testimony of a blind witness walked out of the Cook County Jail this week as a free man.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $40 Million to Train the Clean Energy Workforce

Funding from the President’s Inflation Reduction Act Will Broaden the Energy Efficiency Workforce, by Training and Certifying Workers to Conduct Energy Audits and Surveys

Houston Area Urban League's 'Legacy of Leadership' Gala Raises Over $650,000 for Community Empowerment

The Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) hosted its annual 'Legacy of Leadership' Gala on December 16th at the Hilton Americas Hotel, uniting community leaders, corporate partners, and supporters to celebrate Houston's rich history of leadership.

Campus Chronicles

The Be An Angel gift distribution at Alief ISD proved to be a significant success. Appreciation is extended to Be An Angel and the dedicated volunteers who contributed to making this event possible for the district's Special Education students.The Be An Angel gift distribution at Alief ISD proved to be a significant success. Appreciation is extended to Be An Angel and the dedicated volunteers who contributed to making this event possible for the district's Special Education students.

Community Beacon of Change: Civic Heart Ushers in New Era of Leadership and Service Expansion

Houston Style Magazine readers are set to witness a new chapter at Civic Heart Community Services, an institution that stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and progressive strides of the Black community in Houston's vibrant social tapestry.

Houston Politics: Upholding Integrity Amidst Party Primaries

Discover how Houston's party primaries are challenging political integrity, featuring insights from Kim Ogg and Shawn Thierry, with a focus on local impact and community values.

In the dynamic landscape of Houston’s political scene, the spirit of bipartisanship is put to the test as the primaries approach. Esteemed public servants like Kim Ogg and Shawn Thierry stand at the forefront, navigating the complex waters where principle often clashes with party purity.

Common Grounds Is a Testament to the Power of Film to Change Hearts and Minds

Soil. It’s where our food comes from and the foundation of all life on land.

Shell Supports the Houston Fire Department's 'Operation Stocking Stuffer' Warms Hearts with Monumental Toy Giveaway

As the sun rose over Houston, the Houston Fire Department's dedicated personnel, affectionately known as 'elves', were already bustling with activity in anticipation of the "Operation Stocking Stuffer" toy giveaway.

"Exploring the Cosmos of Blackness: Nathaniel Donnett's 'Dark Matter, Dark Energy, Dark Imaginarence' at Texas Southern University"

The University Museum at Texas Southern University is thrilled to unveil "Dark Matter, Dark Energy, Dark Imaginarence," a pioneering solo exhibition by Houston's own Nathaniel Donnett. This multimedia journey transcends the traditional art space, inviting us to traverse the realms of the known and unknown through Donnett's eyes.

Houston Style Magazine Extend Our Desire for Gods Blessings Upon Your Families

We at the Houston Style Magazine would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere desire for God’s blessings upon you and your families. It is also a time to remind each of us why we have and celebrate Christmas.

8th Annual Year of Joy Ice Skating Party: Over 200 Children Celebrate Holidays at Discovery Green

Hundreds of Children from underserved communities enjoy "8th Annual Year of Joy Ice Skating Celebration at Discovery Green".

Powered by rain, this seed carrier could help reforest the most remote areas

The world’s forests are under threat. As well as being logged for timber and cleared to make way for agriculture, rising global temperatures are causing more intense wildfires.

Harris County Civil Courts at Law Appoints New Associate Judge to Address Post-Pandemic Surge in Eviction Appeals

A veteran Houston lawyer has been tapped to serve as the Harris County Civil Courts at Law’s first associate judge, a newly created position designed to tackle the county’s increasing volume of eviction appeals.

Light the Tower: Texas Volleyball Wins National Championship

The UT Tower will shine with burnt orange lights and “1” on its sides Sunday, December 17, to celebrate Texas Volleyball winning the NCAA championship.

Austin becomes latest US official to visit Israel as Biden administration presses for strategy shift from Netanyahu

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin is visiting Israel on Monday to get a clearer assessment from Israeli officials on their military operations, marking the latest administration official to visit the country amid an intensifying rift between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over mounting civilian casualties in Gaza.

Foxconn makes most of the world’s iPhones. Now its CEO wants to make EVs

Certainly, Young Liu has heard the auto industry cliche that modern vehicles are “iPhones on wheels.” Cars and SUVs are packed with computer chips, sophisticated sensors, touchscreens and data connections.

The new FAFSA: What you need to know to get financial aid for college

There’s one form prospective and current college students must submit in order to receive federal financial aid, and it’s about to look a lot different.There’s one form prospective and current college students must submit in order to receive federal financial aid, and it’s about to look a lot different.

Biden safe after car crashes into motorcade vehicle at campaign headquarters

A car unintentionally struck an SUV in President Joe Biden’s motorcade Sunday night, causing damage to both vehicles and appearing to startle the preside

Steph Curry’s five-year three-point streak ends in Golden State Warriors win over Portland Trail Blazers

Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry failed to make a three-pointer in an NBA regular season game for the first time in five years, blanking from deep in a win against the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday.

Powerful storm in Northeast threatens miserable morning commutes and widespread urban flooding

More than a quarter million customers lost power Monday morning as an intense storm pounded the East Coast with flooding rainfall and strong winds.

Southwest hit by record $140 million fine for holiday service meltdown in 2022

The federal government is fining Southwest Airlines $140 million for last year’s historic, 10-day-long holiday meltdown that stranded more than 2 million travelers.

Quaker Oats recalls dozens of products over foodborne illness risk

Quaker Oats on Friday recalled more than 40 granola bar and cereal products because they could be contaminated with salmonella.

Biden’s national security adviser says Israel will move to new phase of war focusing on precisely targeting Hamas leadership

President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Friday that there will be a transition to another phase of the war that is focused on “more precise ways” of targeting Hamas leadership.

Texas abortion law’s wording is causing dangerous confusion over emergency medical exceptions, critics say

Emergency medical exceptions to the Texas abortion ban are extremely rare, and experts say the law leaves medical providers with their hands tied and puts patients at risk.

Middle school teacher arrested after allegedly threatening to behead Muslim student who said Israeli flag offended her

A Georgia middle school teacher was arrested last week after multiple witnesses told authorities he threatened to behead a 13-year-old Muslim student who said the Israeli flag hanging in his classroom offended her.

Elevating Inclusion: Houston's Corporate Titans Forge Ahead with LGBTQ+ Alliance Program

Houston's corporate leaders, including luminaries from HP, Sysco, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell USA, and HPE, recently convened at the HP Campus to lay the groundwork for an innovative LGBTQ+ Workplace Alliance Program.

METRO's Bus Shelter Art Program Continues to Beautify Neighborhoods

METRO is thrilled to share the continued success of its Bus Shelter Art Program, bringing student creativity to local communities. Recently, METRO reached a significant milestone by selecting winning designs from four high school campuses in the Al- dine Independent School District.

Ellen Holly: Remembering a Luminary in American Television and Theatre

Ellen Holly, a paragon of the arts and a herald of change in American entertainment, has left an indelible mark on the world with her passing at the age of 92.

Tracing Triumphs: The Kinsey Collection Unveils Centuries of Black American Legacy at Holocaust Museum Houston

Houston Style Magazine is about to welcome an awe-inspiring journey through African American artistry and resilience.

Whitmire's Vision for a Thriving Houston

John Whitmire has firmly set his sights on "Revitalizing Houston," echoing his commitment from the campaign's inception on November 15 last year, through to his triumphant declaration of victory. His words resonated with conviction in the packed hall of George R. Brown Convention Center, where he announced, "Great cities accomplish great things. My focus is on enhancing safety and infrastructure – expect more officers on our streets and tangible improvements in our community's well-being."

Amplifying Diversity: Houston Music Advisory Board Ushers in a New Era with Dynamic New Members

Houston Style Magazine readers are in for an exciting update on the city's vibrant music scene. The City of Houston has proudly confirmed the newest appointees to the Houston Music Advisory Board (HMAB). This group acts as a vital link between the City and the diverse music community, ensuring the growth and economic prosperity of local talent and the broader music industry.

Dr. Letitia Plummer: A Visionary Leader for Houston's Tomorrow

Houston has spoken, and the message is clear: Letitia Plummer is the chosen voice for a progressive, inclusive, and thriving city. As she steps into her second term on the Houston City Council, Council Member Plummer stands as a testament to what dedication, integrity, and community-focused leadership can achieve.

How the Clean Energy Win in Michigan Provides a Roadmap for Other States

The historic Clean Energy Future Package and Clean Energy and Jobs Act, just recently signed into law by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, will greatly accelerate the state’s transition to the exclusive use of clean power sources like wind and solar.

John Whitmire's Triumph and the Dawn of Transformative Leadership

John Whitmire, since November 15 last year, remains steadfast in his commitment to revitalizing Houston.

Scientists uncover a surprising phenomenon in the Himalayas that might be slowing the effects of climate change

Texas woman forced to carry high-risk pregnancy files lawsuit to have abortion

Bloody diarrhea, jaundice, hepatitis: Thousands fall ill in war-ravaged Gaza amid spike in infectious diseases

Bloody diarrhea, jaundice, and hepatitis ravage Gaza with infectious diseases

Georgia election workers ask court to warn Rudy Giuliani after he repeats claims judge ruled were defamatory

Georgia election workers ask court to warn Rudy Giuliani after he abolished claims that the judge ordered as defamatory

Two men plead guilty to harassment charges in Montgomery riverfront brawl

Two men plead guilty to harassment charges in Montgomery., Alabama riverfront brawl

SpaceX delays launch of mysterious X-37B space plane for US military

Good Samaritan pushed paralyzed woman home during UNLV shooting. Now, she's asking for help to find her.

Paralyzed-from-the-waost=dowm-omly student found herself amid the UNLV shooting, only to be rescued by a stranger/Good Samaritan for whom she now searches.

Amanda Edwards Commits to 18th Congressional District Race Following Sheila Jackson Lee's Mayoral Loss

Following Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee's mayoral loss, Amanda Edwards aims to win the 18th Congressional District race, backed by influential groups and leaders.

Macy's Stock Surges Amidst Buyout Buzz

Shares of Macy’s soared more than 17% early Monday on a Wall Street Journal report that the iconic 165-year old retailer closely associated with the holiday season might itself be bought.

Supreme Court won’t let RFK Jr. intervene in case challenging efforts to combat social media disinformation

The Supreme Court on Monday declined to let Robert F. Kennedy Jr. join a challenge to a case concerning the Biden administration’s communications with social media companies about online posts the government views as disinformation. Conservative Justice Samuel Alito said in a brief dissent that he would have allowed Kennedy to intervene in the case, which the high court will hear this term. Alito noted that Kennedy, a third-party 2024 presidential candidate who espouses conspiracy theories on the campaign trail, has a similar case pending in a lower court that won’t be decided until the case at hand is resolved. “Our democratic form of government is undermined if Government officials prevent a candidate for high office from communicating with voters, and such efforts are especially dangerous when the officials engaging in such conduct are answerable to a rival candidate,” Alito wrote. “I would allow him to intervene to ensure that we can reach the merits of respondents’ claims and to prevent the irreparable loss of his First Amendment rights.” The justices agreed to hear the case, Murthy v. Missouri, in October. In doing so, the court paused rulings from a federal trial court and a conservative appeals court that severely limited the ability of the White House, the surgeon general, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the FBI and a top US cybersecurity agency to communicate with social media companies about content related to Covid-19 and elections the government views as misinformation. The case was brought last year by Missouri and Louisiana’s attorneys general, as well as several individual plaintiffs, who alleged that the government’s efforts to combat online misinformation about Covid-19 and US elections amounted to a form of unconstitutional censorship.

Harvard President Claudine Gay’s fate hangs in the balance after university’s board meeting

Harvard President Claudine Gay remains at the helm after the school’s board of directors met Sunday amid calls for her removal for failing to effectively denounce threats of violence against Jewish students on campus. Though the agenda of the meeting was not publicized, it is likely that Gay’s future was discussed given the contentious congressional testimony last week of three university presidents that led to the resignation of University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill on Saturday. The Sunday meeting was not an emergency meeting and had been scheduled long in advance, the source said. It remains unclear whether Gay has enough support to keep her job, though hundreds of faculty members have rushed to her defense in a letter to the administration. Gay apologized last week for testimony before a House committee on December 5, in which she, Magill and MIT President Sally Kornbluth failed to explicitly say calls for genocide of Jews would violate their schools’ codes of conduct. Harvard has encountered difficulty combating a rise in antisemitic incidents on campus, although recent claims of antisemitism at Penn were considered far worse. Still, a growing number of members of Congress, donors and other prominent leaders are still calling for Gay to step down.

Purchasing a $20,000 French Home Sight Unseen—The Unveiling Journey

Ellen's love affair with France began during a 1970s summer spent as an au pair, sparking a lifelong commitment to visiting the country whenever possible; her family, led by her West Coast husband Joseph, playfully teased her for her unwavering preference for French vacations during their regular travels every two years.

Harvard president apologizes for her disastrous testimony at antisemitism hearing: ‘Words matte

The president of Harvard University apologized in an interview with the school’s student newspaper after facing widespread condemnation for her disastrous congressional testimony this week, in which she and other university presidents failed to explicitly say calls for genocide of Jewish people constituted bullying and harassment on campus. “I am sorry,” Harvard University president Claudine Gay said to The Harvard Crimson on Thursday. “Words matter.” The apology came just days after Gay, the president of the University of Pennsylvania and the president of MIT testified at a House committee hearing focused on antisemitism on campus, to widespread criticism that they have not done enough to ensure the safety of Jewish students and others at their respective schools. Harvard, UPenn and MIT have all come under fire – along with other US academic institutions – over perceived inaction against antisemitism on their campuses, especially in the wake of the October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel and the subsequent war. At UPenn, for example, President Liz Magill has been under pressure to resign for weeks, as major donors and others say they have lost confidence in her ability to lead the school.

Alabama officer on leave after video shows her using stun gun on handcuffed Black man

An officer in a small city in western Alabama was placed on administrative leave after video surfaced showing her using a stun gun on a handcuffed Black man last week. The video, posted by a witness, starts with a White female officer from the Reform Police Department and a Black man handcuffed on the ground on the side of a road on December 2. It is not publicly known what happened before the video started and authorities have not identified the man or the officer involved in the interaction, though both are named in an arrest complaint provided to CNN by the man’s attorney. Attorney Leroy Maxwell, Jr. said the man in the video is his client, 24-year-old Micah Washington. Maxwell said before the video begins, Washington was on the side of the road changing a tire when the officer, identified in the arrest complaint as Dana Elmore, approached him and asked for his identification. Maxwell said after initially telling the officer no, Washington gave it to her but took out his phone and started recording. Maxwell claims that is when the officer first used her stun gun on Washington and then handcuffed him when he was on the ground.

Elon Musk says conspiracy theorist Alex Jones may be restored on X

Elon Musk says he may restore conspiracy theorist Alex Jones’ account on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, pending the results of an unscientific poll of his followers. The move comes after Musk previously said he would not lift the ban on Jones, despite some users’ requests, because of his false claims about the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. In a post on X Saturday, Musk said he disagreed with Jones’ comments about Sandy Hook but asked, “are we a platform that believes in freedom of speech or are we not?” “If the people vote him back on, this will be bad for X financially, but principles matter more than money,” Musk said. The poll asking Musk’s followers whether Jones should be reinstated showed Jones’ return winning by a healthy margin as of Saturday afternoon. Musk has aggressively defended what he calls his “free speech” stance, telling advertisers in an interview last month to “go f**k yourself” even as he apologized for his post boosting the antisemitic conspiracy theory. Musk last week also called for the firing of Disney CEO Bob Iger after the entertainment giant — previously one of the platform’s largest brand partners — pulled its ad dollars from X last month. Twitter permanently suspended Jones and other accounts linked to his website, InfoWars, in September 2018, citing abusive behavior and following similar moves by YouTube, Apple and Facebook. Twitter’s ban came one month after Jones had been temporarily suspended after he posted a video saying, “Now is time to act on the enemy before they do a false flag.”

Good Samaritans saved Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home in Atlanta from being burned to the ground, officials say

Good Samaritans helped thwart a woman’s attempt to set a fire at the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta, police said. Police were called to the historic home in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood around 5:45 p.m. Thursday on a vandalism report, the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement. When officers arrived, they found multiple people had stopped the 26-year-old after she poured gasoline on the property, the statement said. The woman, who CNN has not identified, is a US Navy veteran, according to Navy spokesperson CDR Andrew Bertucci. She served for 4 years before leaving in 2020. She was arrested and charged with attempted arson and interference with government property, Atlanta police said. She’s being held at the Fulton County Jail. “It was a little scary there for a minute because we didn’t know who she was, we didn’t know if she had weapons on her, we didn’t know anything,” Zach Kempf told CNN affiliate WSB of seeing the woman throwing gas on the home.

At least 4 dead after fire breaks out in hospital in Rome

At least four people have died and more than 200 people evacuated after a devastating fire broke out near the mortuary of the San Giovanni Evangelista hospital in the Roman suburb of Tivoli late Friday night, according to Italy’s fire brigade. The fire broke out on the lower level between the mortuary, clinic and kitchen area at around 10:30 p.m. local time (4:30 p.m. ET) and quickly spread to the emergency room area on the floor above. Witnesses who were in the emergency room waiting for treatment said the electricity went out and the fire seemed to then engulf the entire wing quickly, according to Italian press reports. Two of the four victims died as a result of smoke inhalation, one died from a heart attack and one as a result of burns. Other bodies that were in the mortuary at the time were also burned, the fire brigade said. Seven children and several newborns were among those evacuated. A hospital spokesperson told CNN affiliate Sky24 that 134 of the evacuees were transferred to nearby hospitals.

District Attorney Kim Ogg of Harris County Submits Candidacy for Re-election

Kim Ogg, the District Attorney for Harris County, has officially submitted her candidacy for a third term in the upcoming election. On Wednesday, she filed the necessary paperwork to appear on the Democratic Party ballot.

Emergency Meeting Convened by University of Pennsylvania Board of Trustees Following President Liz Magill's Troublesome Testimony

The University of Pennsylvania’s board of trustees held an emergency meeting Thursday as school president Liz Magill faces scathing criticism over her performance at a House hearing earlier this week.

Taylor Swift says Kanye West and Kim Kardashian feud felt like a ‘career death’

Taylor Swift has said that a 2016 feud with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian felt like “a career death,” adding it “took me down psychologically.”

A Texas man is accused of killing his parents near San Antonio and then 4 people in the Austin area. Here’s what we know

A man in custody in central Texas is suspected of fatally shooting his parents near San Antonio this week before traveling to the Austin area and killing four people and injuring three others in an eight-hour span Tuesday, authorities said.

Illnesses linked to lead in applesauce pouches mount as FDA narrows in on source

The US Food and Drug Administration is urging consumers to continue to avoid recalled applesauce pouches amid an ongoing investigation and a growing number of illnesses linked to lead in cinnamon.

New Mexico lawsuit accuses Meta of creating ‘breeding ground’ for child predators

New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez has accused Meta Platforms of creating a “breeding ground” for child predators on Facebook and Instagram in a lawsuit filed Tuesday, the latest in a string of legal actions related to alleged harms to young users caused by the social media giant.

UNLV gunman was a career professor who had applied for a job at the school, source says

The shooter who killed three people Wednesday at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, was a 67-year-old career college professor, a law enforcement source said. And investigators are looking into the possibility that he may have been passed over for a job at the university.

Janet Jackson Ignites Houston with Stellar Performance At AHF World AIDS Day Concert Pop Icon Delivers

International pop legend Janet Jack- son set the stage ablaze with a high-energy, full-length performance, captivating a sold-out audience at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) World AIDS Day Concert held at the NRG Arena in Houston, Texas last night. Launching into the evening with her 1997 anthem “Together Again,” Jackson paid homage to friends and fans affected by HIV/AIDS, sparking an evening of remembrance and solidarity.

Overcoming the Oil and Gas Industry's Influence at COP28

Last Douglass said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will.”

Final Call To Voters For Houston's Decisive City Elections, Dec. 9th

This Saturday, December 9, 2023, marks a pivotal day for Houston as election polls, open from 7 am to 7 pm, invite voters to conclude the heated run-off elections. The positions up for grabs include the mayoral seats for Houston and Bellaire, the Houston City Controller, and council seats for Houston and Baytown. Up until Monday, an impressive count of over 107,000 Houstonians have already cast their ballots, in-person and by mail.

A Night of Stars and Solidarity: Tina Knowles Celebrates the 2023 EOD HAUL Gala

Houston Style Magazine is once again at the forefront of the city’s most star-studded and meaningful events. As the first to spotlight Beyoncé, we take pride in celebrating another luminary in the Knowles family, Tina Knowles, at the 2023 Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) Gala. This year, the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) commemorates 55 years of trans- formative work with their theme “Legacy of Leadership,” honoring those who have paved pathways for progress within our vibrant community.

The 16th Annual Ashe Holiday Market at The Community Artist Collective

The Collective’s Ashé Market offers unique giftsThe Community Artists' Collective kicks off its sixteenth Annual Ashé Market on December 9 at The Collective, 4101 San Jacinto, Suite 116.

Marsai Martin's Health Journey: Understanding Ovarian Cysts and Advocating For Women's Health

Marsai Martin, the dynamic ac- tress we've all watched evolve from the sharp-witted Diane on “Black-ish” to a record-breaking young film producer, has recently shared her personal health struggle with ovarian cysts, shedding light on a critical women's health issue.

Campus Chronicles

Find out what is happening in Houston area school districts.

"Act Now, Houston: Secure Your Health Before the ACA Enrollment Window Shuts!"

Access to affordable health care is a right, not a privilege. As the Open Enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unfolds, Houston residents have a critical opportunity to secure health insurance for the coming year. The ACA marketplace offers a range of plans to fit diverse needs and budgets, with the enrollment window for 2024 coverage closing on January 15, 2024. Don't miss the December 15, 2023, cutoff to have your coverage start by January 1, 2024.

Honoring a Legend: Houston Celebrates Barbara Jordan with Plaza and Monument Unveiling

In a moving tribute to a local and national heroine, the heart of Houston pulsated with pride as the Down- town Houston+ and POST Houston unveiled the Barbara Jordan Plaza and the stirring “I am Barbara Jordan” monument on Saturday. Esteemed Mayor Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee led the ceremony alongside fellow dignitaries, celebrating Barbara Jordan's immeasurable contributions to the spirit of Houston and the nation's legislative history.

Houston Welcomes Jurassic Quest Home as It Marks Its Decade Milestone – Secure Your Tickets Today

Walk among the dinosaurs as North America’s most popular, can’t-miss dinosaur adventure stomps into NRG Center, Dec. 8-10

Jurassic Quest® returns, offering Houston families a larger and more spectacular interactive dinosaur experience at the NRG Center from December 8-10.