H-TOWN HEADLINES

• 🏗️ Deadly LNG Site Scaffolding Collapse: Three Houston-area men died and two others were injured in a scaffolding collapse at the Golden Pass LNG construction site in Port Arthur. The names of the deceased have not yet been officially released pending notification of next of kin. The injured workers were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Authorities, including OSHA, are investigating the cause of the structural failure during ongoing work at the export terminal.

• 🚨 Teen on Parole for Murder Arrested in Robbery: A teenager was arrested in West Houston and charged with the aggravated robbery of an 81-year-old woman. The robbery was reportedly violent in nature, though specific details of the assault have not been released. Shockingly, authorities discovered that the teenager was already on parole for a previous conviction of capital murder.

• 🚔 Fatal Neighbor Dispute: A 39-year-old man died after being shot during a dispute with a 58-year-old neighbor in East Houston. The suspect is claiming self-defense. The police are investigating the fatal confrontation.

NATIONAL HEADLINES

• 🚚 Job Cuts and Facility Closures: UPS will cut approximately 20,000 jobs and close 73 facilities by June 2025 as part of a cost-cutting strategy driven by reduced demand and a major shift away from handling Amazon shipments, which the company deems unprofitable; despite these changes, UPS beat earnings expectations in Q1 2025 with $21.55 billion in revenue but is maintaining a cautious outlook amid broader economic uncertainty.

• 💵 Historic Settlement: Los Angeles County has approved a $4 billion settlement to resolve nearly 7,000 sexual abuse claims dating back to 1959, primarily involving misconduct at juvenile facilities like the now-closed MacLaren Children’s Center. Enabled by a 2020 California law that temporarily lifted the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases, this agreement marks the largest such settlement in U.S. history. County officials, including CEO Fesia Davenport, have issued public apologies, acknowledging the systemic failures that allowed such abuses to occur.

MARKET REPORT

• 💰 HSBC Announces $3 Billion Buyback: Despite a 25% drop in first-quarter pre-tax profit to $9.5 billion, HSBC launched a $3 billion share buyback. The bank warned of threats to loan demand and credit quality due to economic uncertainties and protectionist trade policies, notably U.S. tariffs imposed by President Trump.

• 📉 Strategist Warns of Market Ceiling: Keith Lerner, co-chief investment officer at Truist Advisory Services, cautions that the U.S. stock market may be approaching a ceiling, with limited upside potential and a possible downside of 10%. He attributes the recent rebound to valuation expansion rather than fundamental improvements.

• 📦 Amazon Denies Tariff Cost Display Plans: Amazon refuted reports that it planned to display U.S. tariff costs on its main retail site, countering claims that sparked backlash from the White House. The company clarified that while its Amazon Haul store briefly considered listing import charges on selected products, the idea was never approved or implemented.

58th Houston International Film Festival: April 24th - May 4th
Experience one of the oldest independent film festivals in the world, showcasing a wide range of films from around the globe.

Crossing Water at Monterroso Gallery: April 28th - May 3rd
An art exhibition exploring themes of migration and identity.

The Wiz – Broadway Revival: April 29th - May 4th
Enjoy the modern revival of the classic musical “The Wiz,” featuring innovative choreography and set designs.

Barnstorm Dance Fest: April 29th - May 3rd
Barnstorm Dance Fest celebrates the breadth, depth, and diversity of dance in Greater Houston and beyond. The festival showcases the vibrancy of dance in Houston and provides audiences with an exciting sampling of dance genres.

Dining in the Dark – A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience: May 2nd - 16th
Enhance your senses with a unique dining experience in complete darkness.

Monster Truck Wars: May 17th
Experience thrilling monster truck action with family-friendly entertainment.

DreamCon 2025: May 30th - June 1st
A convention celebrating gaming, anime, and pop culture, featuring panels, cosplay, and vendor booths.

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