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Community Corner

🌱Fifth Ward Lawsuit + Inflated Cookies + Twitter Tantrum Fundraiser

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Houston.

Chris Stomberg, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Wake up, Space City! It's me, Chris, your humble servant of the Houston Daily — coming right back at you with the plug on what's happening.

First, today's weather:

A thunderstorm threat of 40 percent. High: 93 Low: 79.

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Here are the top stories today in Houston:

  1. The Fifth Ward of Houston has long been subjected to groundwater and soil contamination due to the actions of railroad business Union Pacific. Now, Harris County, the City of Houston, and an environmental attorney are taking action by filing lawsuits against the rail company. Recent studies have shown that citizens from the affected neighborhoods have a higher chance of developing cancer. Unsurprisingly, the surrounding neighborhoods are also historically Black. (Subscription/Houston Chronicle)
  2. Pudgy's Fine Cookies will transition from cookie pop-up to full-time retail store this Sunday, July 31. In order to celebrate the achievement, Pudgy's is throwing a grand opening event from 2:30-6:30 p.m. The first 50 attendants will be rewarded with Pudgy's totes, and the first 100 will receive a free cookie. Pudgy's cookies are uniquely thick and filled with a warm, gooey center. But don't just take my word for it, go out and try one for yourself! (CultureMap Houston)
  3. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released new data that shows inflation increased 9.1 percent over a 12-month period ending in June 2022. Comparatively, this is the biggest price increase since 1981. Across Houston, gas, food, housing, and rent are among the prices most affected. The price of a single-family home has risen 11 percent, rental costs across Houston are up 8 percent, and eggs specifically are up an astounding 65 percent. Did a bunch of people recently learn that breakfast is a thing? (KPRC Click2Houston)
  4. A Twitter tantrum from Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz led to a Houston teenager's abortion rights fundraiser raking in over $200,000 in under 24 hours. Olivia Julianna, the Houston teenager in question, is a founding member of the nonprofit organization Gen Z For Change. Olivia wrote, "Your hateful comments toward me will quite literally help pay for abortion services. Lol. Get rekt." Gen Z, indeed. (Subscription/Houston Chronicle)
  5. We've all spent too much on a night out drinking, but these Houston area margarita prices will have your eyes popping out of your head. Armandos' River Oaks "'Rita" and "VIP 'Rita" go for $45 and $60 respectively, H-Town Restaurant Group's "The Greatest Margarita" will cost you $29 a glass, and Picos' aptly named "La Billionaira" runs $75 for a single serving. They may say that tequila makes you crazy, but it's hard to imagine justifying these margarita prices. I'll stick to my Irish cowboy special: one Lone Star and a shot of Jameson. (Chron)

Headlines you need to see:

  • Recognize this man? Fugitive accused of sexually abusing child for 2 years in Houston area is still on the run. (KPRC Click2Houston)
  • Houston approves $40M grant fund for Shepherd-Durham drives construction. (Community Impact Newspaper)
  • Houston County Sheriff's Office: Gunman kills wife's boyfriend in restaurant, then shoots himself when deputies approach. (KHOU.com)
  • Kendrick Lamar gives shoutout to Houston security guard who cried at his concert. (Chron)


    Today in Houston:

    • Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (9 a.m.)
    • Happy Hour Thursday and free admission at the Museum of Fine Arts. (11 a.m.)
    • Energy Corridor Farmers Market at corner of Eldridge and Briar Forest. (3:30 p.m.)
    • Houston Astros vs. Seattle Mariners at Minute Maid Park. (7:10 p.m.)
    • Miller Outdoor Theatre — Shakespeare Festival: "King Lear." (8:15 p.m.)

    From my notebook:

    • The Mega Millions drawing has ballooned to over $1 billion after no matching numbers were produced earlier this week. What would you buy with the money? (ABC13 Houston via Facebook)
    • A Houston couple caught on camera firing a gun at a fleeing car during a bout of road rage appeared before a court on Tuesday. Talk about getting triggered. (ABC13 Houston via Facebook)
    • The historic monument Battleship Texas will soon be towed out of the San Jacinto Battleground Historic Site in La Porte forever. The ship is on schedule to see repairs in Galveston. From there, it will be sent to a new permanent home likely in the Houston area. (KHOU 11 News via Facebook)

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    Now you're armed with current events and ready to throw down in H-town! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow. Peace. ✌

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