Latest news with #HoustonChronicle
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Texas Man Gets First US Robotic Heart Transplant
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The first fully robotic heart transplant in the United States was performed at Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center in Houston in March this year, according to an announcement by the hospital released on Tuesday. Why It Matters According to News in Health, the monthly magazine of the federal National Institutes of Health, "robotic surgery can lead to less pain and blood loss, smaller scars, and quicker recovery" than traditional surgery. The publication also reported it can be associated with fewer complications. What To Know On Tuesday Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center said it had performed operation on March 15 on 45-year-old Tony Rosales Ibarra, a Lufkin man who had advanced heart failure. Robotic surgery is typically performed by a robotic arm, fitted with surgical instruments and a 3D camera, that is controlled by a surgeon via a joystick and foot pedals. The surgeon does not need to make any direct contact with the patient. The robots do not operate autonomously. The operation was conducted by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr Kenneth Liao who told the Houston Chronicle that there had not been any complications in Ibarra's recovery. Ibarra said he agreed to the procedure as "I want to live" after being told it could improve his recovery. According to the Houston Chronicle Baylor St. Luke's had been planning to conduct a fully robotic heart transplant for some time. Dr Kenneth Liao (standing) and Tony Rosales Ibarra (sitting) in a photograph released by the Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center. Dr Kenneth Liao (standing) and Tony Rosales Ibarra (sitting) in a photograph released by the Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center. Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center They concluded Ibarra was the ideal patient as he had already spent four months in hospital, meaning a less-invasive procedure would speed up his recovery time, and had a large heart increasing the number of potential donors. Liao said he avoided performing a sternotomy, which involves cutting through the breastbone, instead making a five-inch cut above Ibarra's belly button then removing his old heart and implanting a new one via the abdomen. He commented: "If we can stay away from the breastbone, that's a huge advantage." Ibarra was admitted to Baylor St. Luke's in November 17 2024 after a 2022 stroke left him with heart failure. Earlier this month he was medically cleared to resume exercising and driving again. Newsweek contacted Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center for comment via email on Wednesday outside of regular office hours. Robotic surgery is becoming increasingly common and was described by Dr Majid Al Fayyadh, CEO of Saudi Arabia's King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, as "the future of health care" in an article for Newsweek in April. The world's first fully robotic heart transplant took place in Saudi Arabia in 2024. The Jupiter Medical Center in Florida began performing robotic surgeries in 2010 and earlier this year completed its 10,000th operation using this technique. What People Are Saying Speaking to the Houston Chronicle Ibarra said: "I told the doctors 'Do what you've got to do to save me. restrictions. I want to live.' He added: "I didn't know I was going to be the first one. I'm amazed." Dr Liao said: "I think this will be the future, and will hopefully someday become the standard of practice." Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center President Dr Bradley T. Lembcke said: "This pinnacle in heart transplantation brings great pride to our hospital and adds to its legacy of medical achievements and caring for the most complex health conditions that only advanced health care systems can treat successfully." However robotic surgery is not without its critics. In October 2024 the Royal College of Surgeons of England published an article by Professor T.A. Rockall, a consultant general surgeon who described claims robotic surgery can improve efficiency as "ill-informed rhetoric." Rockall said: "Cash-strapped hospitals are spending large amounts of money on robotic technology that could clearly be better spent elsewhere." What Happens Next Medical experts expect fully robotic surgery will become increasingly common due to its advantages over traditional surgery in terms of patient recovery time and reduced complications.
USA Today
5 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Report: Texans could finalize site of new headquarters soon
Report: Texans could finalize site of new headquarters soon The Houston Texans are planning on building a new headquarters away from NRG Stadium and the location could soon be announced. According to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, a decision could come fairly soon as talks with interested parties on where to break ground, per team president Mike Tomon. The Texans would like to have a location finalized and built within the next two seasons, according to multiple reports. 'We've had a number of suitors proactively reach out to us on different options that were really focused on us moving our headquarters and training facility to their respective spaces,' Tomon told the Houston Chronicle. 'They've gotten mature enough that it has become apparent to us that we need to get prepared to take advantage of something this significant.' Tomon, who was influential in helping the Dallas Cowboys build the "Star in Frisco," said their goal is to create a training facility that is 'world-class,' which will likely include an entertainment district with retail stores, bars and entertainment for gameday activities. Similar to how Frisco has a secondary home for the NFC East franchise, Houston projects to build a similar facility that could spark economic development beyond the team's interest. Currently, the Houston Rockets are the only local franchise to have a practice facility away from the stadium where they play their home games during the regular season and the move only came last summer. The Rockets' practice facility is still within the city limits, which could be the plan for the Texans, too. According to Alexander's reporting, Harris County is one "vying to keep the Texans" within the lines. The county has several acres at NRG Park where the Texans could build a facility and revitalize that area. Should the two sides work out a deal, this could also lead to potential renovations at NRG Stadium, which the county, Texans and Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo have discussed in recent months within their lease negotiations. Tomon said that the Texans are looking at many places in the greater Houston area and that a decision has not been final on any spot, though he did say the Texans are moving urgently to finalize a location. 'I don't have an exact timeline,' Tomon told the Chronicle. 'Is that 30 days? Is it six months? But what I would share is the conversations we're having and the opportunities in front of us are at a level where we know we need to get prepared." The Texans return for the start of training camp late next month. They open the regular season on the road at SoFi Stadium on Sept. 7.
Miami Herald
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Texas' Largest Newspaper Trashes Greg Abbott Protest Move: ‘Expect Better'
The Houston Chronicle, Texas's top selling newspaper, has published an editorial fiercely critical of Governor Greg Abbott over his rhetoric and decision to deploy Texas National Guard troops in response to protests against immigration enforcement, saying "we expect better of him." Newsweek contacted Governor Abbott for comment on Friday via email outside of regular office hours. On Tuesday, Abbott announced the deployment of Texas National Guard soldiers. The following day on X he said "5,000+" National Guard personnel would help manage protests in the state adding: "Don't mess with Texas." The move came after days of unrest in Los Angeles which began on June 6 when demonstrators clashed with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempting to conduct raids in the city. The following days saw more violent disorder with Waymo self-driving vehicles set on fire and rocks thrown at police who responded with tear gas and other "less lethal" weapons. Abbott's move places him at odds with California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who opposed President Donald Trump's decision to deploy California National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles. In its editorial, the Houston Chronicle said Abbott's decision to deploy National Guard troops following protests "seems like an overreaction," adding: "But there was no serious indication Tuesday that Texas was on the verge of exploding. No burning cars. No looting. No mayors imposing curfews." Instead the editorial claimed the "most significant provocation to violence seemed to come from Abbott himself, citing the governor's warning that "Peaceful protesting is legal. But once you cross the line, you will be arrested. FAFO." FAFO is an acronym for 'F*** around find out.' The editorial described this as "the kind of thing that middle schoolers say before a fistfight" adding: "This isn't the grown-up leadership that Texas needs." According to All Sides, a website which monitors media bias, the Houston Chronicle is a centrist publication. In recent years it has endorsed Democratic presidential candidates including Kamala Harris in 2024 and Joe Biden in 2020. There was some disorder in Austin and Dallas on Monday night during anti-ICE protests, police making a number of arrests in both cities. According to Fox 7 Austin, four officers were injured after some demonstrators began throwing rocks and other missiles, while police responded with pepper balls and tear gas. Further protests are expected across Texas on Saturday as part of the national "No Kings" movement, which said it has organized 1,800 demonstrations nationwide. The protests coincide with Trump's 79th birthday and a controversial parade planned for Washington, D.C. nominally celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ordered the Trump administration to return control of the California National Guard troops he deployed to Newsom, though this was later temporarily blocked by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal. In its editorial the Houston Chronicle said: "We join Gov. Abbott in urging that anyone planning to protest do so peacefully. But we also hope that he and other leaders will set a respectful tone and allow police to do their jobs. Local law officers have more peacekeeping training and community knowledge than National Guard soldiers. And the National Guard, in turn, is far better at domestic peacekeeping than the U.S. military. Domestic policing is not the military's job, not what the vast majority of soldiers are trained to do." On Thursday, via X, Abbott said: "Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we've seen in LA. I deployed 5,000+ Texas National Guard soldiers & 2,000+ DPS troopers across Texas to maintain order at these protests. "Anyone who damages property or harms a person will be arrested. Don't mess with Texas." Speaking to Newsweek about Saturday's planned protests Mark Shanahan, who teaches American politics at the UK's Surrey University, said: "How many people turn out for the 1,800 planned protests will be fascinating and an indication of the strength of opposition to Trump's hard-line policies on immigration and law and order. For 249 years the USA really hasn't tolerated kings or tyranny, yet this president continues to push ever-harder at those Constitutional barriers. His military parade is more reminiscent of the exercises in hubris and vanity often seen in Moscow and Pyongyang." It remains to be seen what role, if any, the Texas National Guard will fulfill during Saturday's 'No Kings' protests. Any conflict between soldiers and demonstrators on American streets would likely spark civil liberties concerns. Related Articles Texas to Deploy Thousands of National Guard Troops for Anti-Trump ProtestsPublic Schools Are Under Attack, and Texas Is Just the Beginning | OpinionGreg Abbott Deploys National Guard Across Texas To Quell UnrestGreg Abbott Issues Warning to Texas Protesters: 'You Will Be Arrested' 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Texas' Largest Newspaper Trashes Greg Abbott Protest Move: 'Expect Better'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Houston Chronicle, Texas's top selling newspaper, has published an editorial fiercely critical of Governor Greg Abbott over his rhetoric and decision to deploy Texas National Guard troops in response to protests against immigration enforcement, saying "we expect better of him." Newsweek contacted Governor Abbott for comment on Friday via email outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters On Tuesday, Abbott announced the deployment of Texas National Guard soldiers. The following day on X he said "5,000+" National Guard personnel would help manage protests in the state adding: "Don't mess with Texas." The move came after days of unrest in Los Angeles which began on June 6 when demonstrators clashed with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempting to conduct raids in the city. The following days saw more violent disorder with Waymo self-driving vehicles set on fire and rocks thrown at police who responded with tear gas and other "less lethal" weapons. Abbott's move places him at odds with California's Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who opposed President Donald Trump's decision to deploy California National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles. What to Know In its editorial, the Houston Chronicle said Abbott's decision to deploy National Guard troops following protests "seems like an overreaction," adding: "But there was no serious indication Tuesday that Texas was on the verge of exploding. No burning cars. No looting. No mayors imposing curfews." Instead the editorial claimed the "most significant provocation to violence seemed to come from Abbott himself, citing the governor's warning that "Peaceful protesting is legal. But once you cross the line, you will be arrested. FAFO." FAFO is an acronym for 'F*** around find out.' The editorial described this as "the kind of thing that middle schoolers say before a fistfight" adding: "This isn't the grown-up leadership that Texas needs." Governor Greg Abbott speaking during a bill signing in the State Capitol on April 23, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Governor Greg Abbott speaking during a bill signing in the State Capitol on April 23, 2025 in Austin, Texas. Brandon Bell/GETTY According to All Sides, a website which monitors media bias, the Houston Chronicle is a centrist publication. In recent years it has endorsed Democratic presidential candidates including Kamala Harris in 2024 and Joe Biden in 2020. There was some disorder in Austin and Dallas on Monday night during anti-ICE protests, police making a number of arrests in both cities. According to Fox 7 Austin, four officers were injured after some demonstrators began throwing rocks and other missiles, while police responded with pepper balls and tear gas. Further protests are expected across Texas on Saturday as part of the national "No Kings" movement, which said it has organized 1,800 demonstrations nationwide. The protests coincide with Trump's 79th birthday and a controversial parade planned for Washington, D.C. nominally celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ordered the Trump administration to return control of the California National Guard troops he deployed to Newsom, though this was later temporarily blocked by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal. What People Are Saying In its editorial the Houston Chronicle said: "We join Gov. Abbott in urging that anyone planning to protest do so peacefully. But we also hope that he and other leaders will set a respectful tone and allow police to do their jobs. Local law officers have more peacekeeping training and community knowledge than National Guard soldiers. And the National Guard, in turn, is far better at domestic peacekeeping than the U.S. military. Domestic policing is not the military's job, not what the vast majority of soldiers are trained to do." On Thursday, via X, Abbott said: "Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we've seen in LA. I deployed 5,000+ Texas National Guard soldiers & 2,000+ DPS troopers across Texas to maintain order at these protests. "Anyone who damages property or harms a person will be arrested. Don't mess with Texas." Speaking to Newsweek about Saturday's planned protests Mark Shanahan, who teaches American politics at the UK's Surrey University, said: "How many people turn out for the 1,800 planned protests will be fascinating and an indication of the strength of opposition to Trump's hard-line policies on immigration and law and order. For 249 years the USA really hasn't tolerated kings or tyranny, yet this president continues to push ever-harder at those Constitutional barriers. His military parade is more reminiscent of the exercises in hubris and vanity often seen in Moscow and Pyongyang." What Happens Next It remains to be seen what role, if any, the Texas National Guard will fulfill during Saturday's 'No Kings' protests. Any conflict between soldiers and demonstrators on American streets would likely spark civil liberties concerns.
NBC Sports
12-06-2025
- NBC Sports
Jimmie Ward arrested on family violence charge
Texans safety Jimmie Ward was arrested on Thursday morning. Per information from the Montgomery County, Texas jail, via the Houston Chronicle, Ward was arrested at his home early on Thursday and is currently being held without bond. He is facing a a felony assault family violence charge and no other details of the circumstances leading to his arrest are known. 'We are aware of the report involving Jimmie Ward,' the Texans said in a statement. 'We are gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.' Ward, who is in his third season with the Texans, has not been practicing this spring after having foot surgery. He started all 20 games he played over the last two seasons.
