Texas
Watch rare moment elephants, lions and other zoo animals play in Texas snow
Animals at Houston Zoo were treated to a rare frosty treat last week when a snowstorm swept through Texas.
In adorable video footage, an Asian elephant was seen trotting through the snow, while a North American river otter slid across icy terrain.
Nearby, sea lions seemed unbothered by the cold, splashing in their temperature-controlled pool as the snow drifted down around them.
For Houston residents, snowfall is a rare phenomenon. Historical records from the National Weather Service show that Houston has seen snow accumulations of more than an inch on just 11 occasions since 1920. The city’s most significant snowfall occurred in 1895, when 20 inches fell, shutting down the city in a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Kevin Kendrick/Houston Zoo/AP
More recently, Houston experienced a light dusting of snow in February 2021 during a devastating winter storm that paralyzed much of the state.
This year’s snowfall was lighter, with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches reported across parts of Southeast Texas, including Jefferson, Orange, and Harris counties.
The National Weather Service had issued blizzard warnings for some regions, cautioning against travel due to whiteout conditions. Schools, highways, and airports were temporarily shut down, disrupting daily life for millions.
Houston Zoo officials shared videos and images of the animals—including those from climates not used to such conditions—enjoying the rare snow day and the entertainment the white stuff provided.
Lions made paw prints, while capybaras were given a pile of snow to examine—and taste.
Kevin Kendrick/Houston Zoo/AP
In a post on its own site, Houston Zoo said: “During the weather event, a group of 66 dedicated staff members stayed at the Zoo to ensure the security of the campus and watched as animals enjoyed the snow in a fun and enriching way.
“Each animal at the Houston Zoo receives specialized care tailored to their species’ needs, ensuring they remain comfortable during colder months. All animal buildings, barns, and night houses are equipped with heaters and designed to withstand extreme weather conditions.”
The snow has since melted in Houston and the current forecast predicts no further snowfall for the city, with temperatures now hovering around 44°F (7°C). Rain is expected on January 29 and 30, followed by a return to sunny skies.
This isn’t the first time animals at a zoo have had the chance to enjoy snow. In 2022, zoo animals including bears and wallaby Bennet enjoyed themselves when heavy snow fell in Washington, D.C.
Texas
Texas Football Opt-Outs: Who’s Likely Playing and Who’s Out for the Citrus Bowl
At this point in time, opting out of bowl games is nothing new, but Texas is going to have more opt-outs in the Citrus Bowl against Michigan than many—self included—expected. This problem pales in comparison to what’s going on in Ann Arbor, but the amount of lost experience will be something for Texas to overcome, primarily on defense.
Texas
Latest in recruiting war for elite 2028 QB has Texas Football joyful
Neimann Lawrence list the Longhorns as one school that is standing out
As the Longhorns continue to build for the future, one of their targets is four-star prospect Neimann Lawrence. The Miami native is one of the best quarterbacks in the 2028 class and is attracting interest from some of the nation’s top programs. On Monday, Lawrence revealed the schools that have stood out so far, including the Longhorns.
While Mondays update was encouraging, Texas was not the only school Lawrence mentioned. He also highlighted Michigan, Miami, Ohio State, Texas A&M, and Tennessee. That is not an easy list of schools to go to battle with; the Longhorns have time to make themselves stand out.
Currently, the Miami Northwestern High star is ranked as the fourth-best quarterback in is class by 247Sports. They also rank him as the ninth-best player from Florida and the 39th-best player in the nation. With collegiate debut still over a year away, those rankings could change.
At the moment, the Longhorns do not have a commitment in the 2028 class, but they have made offers to some of the top recruits. That includes Brysen Wright, Jalanie George, Jamarios Canton, Micah Rhodes, and King Pitts. Landing any of those players would give Texas a bright future.
With a decision still months away, Lawrence will be a player to watch. A lot could change as his recruitment continues, but it is a good sign for Texas that they are standing out early on in the process.
Texas
Orange County wedding photographer deported on way to job in Texas
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. – An Orange County photographer is speaking out after he was deported as he was heading to Texas to photograph a wedding.
What they’re saying:
“I was trying to do it the right way, the legal way and it just feels like they don’t care about that,” said Adan Caceres.
Caceres came to the United States under asylum in 2014, fleeing a violent El Salvador.
“My mom’s sister was murdered and she was thrown in front of our house. She also was abused sexually before they murdered her and then my brother and I were threatened by the gangs,” said Caceres.
He says he never received the deportation order that was issued in 2018 and only learned about it in 2023. He then started the process of reopening his case.
“I was paying my taxes. I’m a business owner, I’m a wedding photographer. I’m also married,” said Caceres.
In October, Caceres was going through security at John Wayne Airport, heading to a job in Texas, when he was detained. He says from Santa Ana, he was sent to the Adelanto Detention Center then one in El Paso, Texas where he says the conditions were inhumane.
“We’re not even asking ‘hey let us out’ we’re asking for water, we’re asking for us to be able to use the restroom, these are basic human rights,” said Caceres.
He says now that he’s back in the country he once fled, he’s most concerned about his wife back in Orange County.
“I was providing a lot of income for our household and now my wife has to take care of all of those things on her own; paying car insurance, the rent, all the bills,” said Caceres.
Caceres says he had no criminal history and feels he was on the path to citizenship when it was ripped away from him, leaving his future with his family uncertain.
“I don’t know if I’m going to see them. I don’t know when I’m going to see them,” said Caceres.
The other side:
FOX11 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security asking about Caceres’ case but had not heard back at the time this story aired.
The Source: Information for this story came from an interview with Adan Caceres.
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