Good Morning H-TOWN! Ready to dive into another day? We’ve got everything from sobering reminders to always wear your seatbelt, to local politics heating up, shifting national border updates, and fresh takes on the stock market. Plus, we’ll introduce you to Montelli, a luxurious Houston-born jewelry brand that’s redefining empowerment and elegance. Buckle up (no pun intended) and let’s jump into today’s headlines! ALSO, CLICK THE REFERRAL BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS EMAIL DAWG ⬇️

H-TOWN HEADLINES

• Crime: Three teenagers, aged 14 to 15, died, and three others were injured after crashing a stolen 2019 Kia Sorrento into a tree during a brief 45-second pursuit by Harris County Sheriff's deputies in north Harris County. The vehicle reached speeds up to 90 mph before the crash; none of the teens were wearing seatbelts.

• Charges: Barbie Robinson, former Harris County Public Health director, faces three additional felony charges for allegedly providing confidential information to assist companies with which she had prior connections in securing county contracts totaling $40 million. The new charges include allegations of falsifying conflict-of-interest forms and improperly sharing state emails.

NATIONAL HEADLINES

• Border Update: U.S. Border Patrol reported a dramatic 96% drop in migrant encounters along the U.S.-Mexico border, with Texas sectors seeing their lowest numbers since Trump’s first term. Gov. Greg Abbott credits Texas’ border barriers and trooper deployments, while Homeland Secretary Mayorkas points to asylum restrictions and foreign partnerships.

• Update: The driver involved in the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas has been identified as 37-year-old Army Green Beret Matthew Livelsberger. Authorities revealed he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound prior to the explosion. Investigators are continuing to explore his motives and any potential links to terrorism.

• S&P Dubs: Wall Street kicks off the new year with hopes of building on recent successes. The S&P 500 surged over 23% in 2024, mirroring its impressive performance in 2023—the first consecutive years of 20%+ gains since 1997–1998. While analysts aren’t predicting another blockbuster year, they remain optimistic, projecting an average 10% rise for the S&P in 2025.

• Boom or Doom: SoFi's stock soared 57% in 2024, driven by bullish sentiment on high-growth fintech post-election and a favorable macroeconomic environment with lower interest rates. However, analysts warn that the stock appears overvalued, even if the company achieves its ambitious long-term goals in the future.

Empowering Elegance: Montse Benedicto & the Rise of Montelli
Step into the world of Montelli, where every piece of jewelry tells a story of resilience, empowerment, and unapologetic elegance. At the heart of this luxurious Houston-based brand is Montse Benedicto, a creative powerhouse with a passion for transforming bold visions into reality. Born in Venezuela, Montse’s journey reflects her ability to embrace her heritage while channeling her corporate savvy and artistic drive into something extraordinary. Together with her mother, Heliana (known as Eli), she transformed a shared love for crafting boutique jewelry into Montelli—a brand that celebrates individuality and inclusivity. Each piece, from its 14K gold-plated finish to its rigorous durability testing, is designed to ensure wearers feel radiant, confident, and uniquely themselves.

Montelli isn’t just about jewelry; it’s about connection and innovation. With its roots planted firmly in Houston’s vibrant culture, the brand moves effortlessly between online and in-person experiences, making appearances at local markets and community events. The collection reflects Montse’s identity as a Latina and her journey as a self-made woman redefining luxury. And Montse’s vision continues to grow—she’s designing a men’s jewelry line and luxury eyewear, promising to push boundaries and elevate Montelli’s impact. Whether you’re discovering their catalog or catching the latest designs on Instagram, Montelli invites you into a world where fashion is more than an accessory—it’s a declaration of empowerment and style.