🌱 Black History Month + Valentine Plots

Hi all. It's me, Chris, your host of the Houston Daily. Here are all the things you need to know about what's happening in town. Today's briefing includes...

• Honoring Black History Month
• Bissonnet road reconstruction plans
• Suggestions for a stellar Valentine's Day

---

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy, a shower and t-storm. High: 43 Low: 38.

---

Business owners and marketers in Houston: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

---

Here are the top stories today in Houston:

1. Black History Month is now in full swing so to commemorate the occasion let's take a look at some of the most powerful quotes from influential African Americans. Starting off with a man who needs no introduction, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. left us with inspiration for generations to come before he was tragically assassinated. Some of his best quotes include, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." and, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." Conductor of the Underground Railroad Harriet Tubman left us with her own wisdom, saying, "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." Lastly, former president Barack Obama has provided hope in modern times, contributing, "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." (KPRC Click2Houston)
2. The seven-mile stretch of Bissonnet road from east of Hillcroft to west of Dairy Ashord will receive a $28.8 million federal grant to be reconstructed. The grant was awarded by a federal program that seeks to make American roads safer. Despite the grant being announced, Houston likely won't see the money until the end of 2024. That puts a completion date on the road reconstruction as far back as 2028. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner commented, "The Bissonnet corridor travels directly through the under-served communities of Alief-Westwood, Gulfton, and Braeburn, disproportionately impacting people of color and families of low income." (Subscription: Houston Chronicle)
3. Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it's about time to start planning date ideas for your very one and only. Thankfully, there's no shortage of budget friendly date options available in the Houston area. For starters, you could go out for lunch and save some extra cash over more expensive dinner options. Anyone interested in reading could spearhead a bookstore scavenger hunt idea where you and your significant other visit a bookstore and look for specific items. For example, a children's book that means something to you, a cooking recipe you'd like to make, or a poem that describes your most intimate feelings. Stargazers might enjoy checking out the James Turell Twilight Epiphany Skypace at Rice University. Lastly, the Love Lock Bridge is a perfect place for providing your relationship a physical sense of permanence. Bring a cheap lock, a sharpie, and something romantic to say and your special someone will remember the excursion for years to come. (KHOU.com)
4. Police are looking for a suspect who ran over an innocent bystander when he tried to hit a man he had beef with. The bystander was a homeless woman who thankfully survived her injuries. The car involved is a black SUV, and the suspect appears to be a young black male. The crime happened in the Spring Branch area at 9961 Long Point Road back in October. However, police just released surveillance footage this week. (KTRK-TV)
5. Houston food may be better known for more savory tastes, but the Bayou City also provides its fair share of delicious baked goods. KPRC Click2Houston gathered the most recommended bakeries from their readers and put together a list of mouth-watering sweet shops. Among the businesses mentioned were Michael's Cookie Jar, Epicure (Cafe), Magnol, Red Dessert Drive, French Gourmet, Scratch by Sarah, and the long-time Houston staple Moeller's Bakery. Moeller's in particular is a family-owned business that has been serving sweet treats to the greater Houston area since 1930. (KPRC Click2Houston)

---

Headlines you need to see:

• Hundreds of Houston flights canceled, delayed by Texas ice storm (Chron)
• Hundreds show for Nebraska 'heartbeat' abortion ban hearing (Click2Houston)
• Gessner Road extension project expected to be complete by late 2023 (Community Impact Newspaper)
• Hubcap Grill in the Houston Heights has closed (Chron)
• Bun B reveals acts as part of his 'Southern Takeover' at RodeoHouston (KHOU.com)

---

Today in Houston:

• Concert: Kaash Paige, Amari Noel at House of Blues (7 p.m.)
• Champions of Magic: The Worldwide Tour at the Hobby Center (7:30 p.m.)
• Cirque Italia Water Circus at Houston Premium Outlets (7:30 p.m.)
• Concert: Margo Price at White Oak Hall (8 p.m.)
• Cirque Du Soleil presents Kooza Under The Big Top at Sam Houston Race Park (8 p.m.)

---

From my notebook:

• Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes will make football history as the first Black quarterbacks to face off in a Super Bowl. Doug Williams, the first black QB to ever start in a Super Bowl, was moved to tears by the achievement. (FOX 26 Houston via Facebook)
• Houston native Beyoncé is gearing up for a brand-new world tour. The tour has been named "Renaissance," and tickets will go on sale Feb. 6. (KPRC2 / Click2Houston via Facebook)
• NFL legend Tom Brady is retiring "for good" after he announced as much in a social media video yesterday. Guess it's finally time for him to move on to pickleball stardom. (KPRC2 / Click2Houston via Facebook)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Discount Dumpster — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Free Zoom Meeting about fibroid treatment in Houston (February 15)
• Add your event

---

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Thursday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another update! Hang in there; we're almost to the weekend.