Latest news with #Texas-inspired


Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Criminals face disruptive new punishments in plans for sentencing overhaul
A major sentencing review, due to be published this week, will recommend judges tailor punishments depending on the specific criminal's life and what will be most disruptive Criminals face being slapped with travel, driving and football bans under plans to find more effective ways to punish people. A major sentencing review, due to be published this week, will recommend judges use the sanctions more widely to disrupt people's lives. Ministers will also be told to consider online restrictions such as social media bans for offenders. Former Tory Justice Secretary David Gauke, who chaired the review, will recommend tailoring punishments depending on the specific criminal's life and what will be most disruptive. He will encourage fines to be handed out more often but where effective, acknowledging that a wealthy football fan would feel the impact of a match ban more than a fine. The review will recommend that judges should be able to impose football, travel or driving bans as a stand-alone punishment. At the moment, they are generally used in addition to sentences. Such punishments could be handed out within a package of community measures, where necessary. For instance someone who has been out on the street drunk brawling could be subject to an alcohol monitoring tag and a football ban. Football bans can currently be used when someone's offence is connected to the sport. But the review will recommend that judges be able to use them for any lower-level offence, such as littering or non-violent theft or drug crimes, if it is an effective punishment. The review hopes such changes could be used instead of giving offenders short prison sentences which are connected to higher reoffending rates. Mr Gauke is also expected to recommend using technology like tagging to create virtual prisons outside the home to ease pressure on the prison system. The review has also been exploring a Texas-inspired jail model in which offenders are able to earn points to get time off their sentence for good behaviour. Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood ordered a huge review of sentencing in October as she searches for solutions to deal with a deep-rooted prisons overcrowding crisis. She has been forced to announce a series of short-term emergency measures since Labour was elected, including releasing thousands of prisoners early. Just last week she was forced to set out fresh urgent action that will see a group of inmates freed earlier to stop prisons hitting zero available jail space in Autumn. Prison experts and campaigners - and many within government - have acknowledged prisons aren't working to stop crime. Around 80% of crime is committed by someone who has offended before. Mr Gauke told The Mirror: 'For too long, there has been a misguided belief that the only effective means of punishment is time behind bars.' He continued: 'While for some offences prison will always be the answer, for some criminals losing the right to drive, travel, or attend football matches will be a far greater punishment. 'We want to give courts the tools to deliver justice that fits the crime—and the criminal.'


What's On
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Community and connection lead the charge at Hotel Local's Farmers Commons brunch
Sponsored: Soulful eats and fresh fare headline this new brunch… Foodies in Dubai have a brand new offering to be excited about at Hotel Local at Jumeirah Village Triangle. The boutique lifestyle hotel has successfully redefined the essence of community-first hospitality in the city, focusing on homely design, an authentic menu and warm, friendly service, with its brand new Farmers Market brunch. But what's got the community talking? True to its name, Farmers Commons, the hotel's signature dining destination is bringing to the table a soulful mission and a menu of flavour-packed eats rooted in Texas-inspired, farm-to-table gastronomy. Focusing on highlighting a real community feel, Farmers Commons is all about bringing people together through sustainably sourced, feel-good fare, just like they do up in The Lone Star State. And it comes in perfect time, right as we dive into Dubai's bustling brunch season. Speaking of which, they're launching a brand-new, family-style, weekend brunch so your Saturdays can be truly meaningful while you relax and enjoy homely fare in the company of loved ones. Images: supplied Focusing on community and connection, the brunch is all set to lay the table every Saturday with lavish buffet selections that will have you digging in at a relaxed experience like you would at a backyard barbecue back home. So whether you're looking to sit down with family, relax and catch up with friends, or just dig into some real soul-touching fare, this is the place to be when brunch season rolls around. Add to it their exciting children's activities including face painting, balloon twisting, a splash pad area and a live DJ and entertainment add to the lively, family-friendly factor of the brunch. Come by Hotel Local when you're looking for a meaningful, authentic brunch-time experience when the weekend rolls around, because Farmers Commons will lead the charge, ensuring you're heading home after with great food in your tummy and marvellous memories that will have you returning before you can say, 'Yeehaw'. For more information, make sure you visit Farmers Commons, Hotel Local, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Saturdays 1pm to 4pm, Dhs149 soft, Dhs249 house, Dhs349 sparkling. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in


Axios
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Desmond Scott shows off diverse Houston cuisine in Hollywood
Barbecue brisket bao buns and bacon jalapeño stuffed monkey bread are among the Texas-inspired menu items Houston chef and content creator Desmond Scott is bringing to Hollywood. Why it matters: Chef-restaurant collaborations allow diners to experience H-Town's diverse food scene. State of play: This is the first restaurant/bar collaboration for Scott, who is married to fellow content creator Kristy Sarah. The self-taught cook curated a small menu of appetizers and a cocktail that guests and visitors of The Edition hotel in West Hollywood can enjoy through April 6. Along with the aforementioned items, the menu included BBQ carrot bao buns and hamachi crudo (raw yellowtail fish served without rice). What he's saying: Desmond spoke to Axios about how Houston's food scene inspired the menu and where he and Kristy like to eat the most. How did you decide which Houston-inspired items to put on the menu? "Houston is very well known for being such a melting pot of a city. I think that I really leaned into the things that I personally love. For example, the monkey bread, I took inspiration from soul food and tried to build out something that was just unique." "I think Texas barbecue is what I consider to be the best that you can get out there, especially in Houston ... as far as the brisket bao bun, I really wanted to do something that spoke to that, but make it fun and accessible as a bar item." What are your favorite local food trends? "It seems that we're starting to get a lot of ramen spots and places you can get yakiniku and different Japanese cooking experiences. Japanese is probably some of my favorite food." What is your favorite restaurant in Houston? " El Tiempo. The family owns a couple of restaurants within the city." "Between their margaritas, enchiladas and salsas, I think they are really spectacular, and they've been doing really well." What is Kristy's favorite restaurant? "Her favorite is to eat what I make at home." What would you like to accomplish in the next year? "I would love to put out a cookbook and continue to collaborate with different restaurants or hotels. I think it's a really fun way to be involved with the industry."
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lady Bird Soda Co. Expands from Mixers to Canned Soft Drinks
Texas-based soda company launches bold new flavors in February 2025 Lady Bird Soda Co.'s New Canned Sodas Lady Bird Soda Co.'s New Canned Sodas Austin, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lady Bird Soda Co., a Texas-based premium carbonated mixer and soda company, is thrilled to announce the launch of its first line of canned sodas in retail statewide. Albertsons Companies Southern Division has been named the official retail launch partner. Through this partnership, Lady Bird's sodas will be available in all Albertsons, Randalls, Tom Thumb, United Supermarkets, and Market Street stores across Texas. This marks the company's evolution from a mixer-focused brand to a full-fledged soda company. 'Transitioning from a mixer company to a soda company marks a pivotal step in Lady Bird's growth journey,' says Atlas Cheek, co-founder and CEO of Lady Bird Soda Co. 'We're proud to bring fresh, health-conscious flavors to our customers, and excited to launch this product line in our home state of Texas with the support of our investor community and our retail partners. With this expansion, Lady Bird is redefining what a great-tasting, better-for-you soda can be.' Soda Product Highlights – Four refreshing, all-natural Texas-inspired flavors: Cactus Pear, Lemon Lime, Grapefruit Soda, and Tejas Cola. – Each flavor provides a satisfying option with 40 calories or less, just 4-6 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of fiber per can. – Staying true to the company's commitment to clean ingredients, all sodas are vegan, kosher, gluten-free, non-GMO, and certified Go Texan. This milestone was made possible by a recent strategic investment from Gamer Packaging, empowering Lady Bird to develop, produce, and launch its first canned products. Distribution is expected to expand to other regional and national retailers shortly after the initial release. 'As we launch our first canned sodas, we're staying true to Lady Bird's core values: clean, refreshing flavors made with integrity and inspired by Texas roots,' says Daniel Barnes, co-founder of Lady Bird Soda Co. 'We will continue to honor the craft and quality that started our journey. We're excited to be part of every sip and introduce bold, natural, and unforgettable flavors.' For more information on Lady Bird Soda Co., visit and follow @LadyBirdSoda on social media. # # # About Lady Bird Soda Co. Founded in Austin, Texas, by Atlas Cheek, Daniel Barnes, and Caroline Fabacher, Lady Bird Soda Co. proudly offers two distinct lines of all-natural, low-sugar beverages: Lady Bird Bar Keep Reserve Mixers, designed to elevate the cocktail experience, and Lady Bird Sodas, crafted for pure refreshment. Each flavor embodies the essence of Texas, maintaining the highest standards of quality and taste. Lady Bird Soda Co. is dedicated to providing consumers with refreshing, guilt-free beverages made with only the finest ingredients. Learn more at Attachments Lady Bird Soda Co.'s New Canned Sodas Lady Bird Soda Co.'s New Canned Sodas CONTACT: Renee Cossman renee@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
10-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Big Star Tipsy Taco Bar taking over former Betty Danger's spot
Big Star Tipsy Taco Bar is set to open this spring at the former Betty Danger's space in northeast Minneapolis. The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal reports the new restaurant will offer a Tex-Mex-style menu with Austin, Texas-inspired barbecue flavors. The property at 2501 Marshall Street, which features an 8,400-square-foot main building, a custom-built Ferris Wheel imported from Europe and a mini golf course, sold for $3.5 million in November. The Ferris Wheel and mini golf course will be incorporated into the new business, and a dog patio and other updates are planned. Betty Danger's, which underwent several thematic re-brands during its run, shut down in 2022. Big Star Tipsy Taco Bar's website has limited details, but states a spring opening is planned.