🌱Katy Killer + Giving Back

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. Read on to find out more about:

• A targeted shooting gone wrong in Katy.
• An inspiring story of generosity.
• The best eats this weekend.

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But first, today's weather:

Heavy afternoon t-storms. High: 82 Low: 46.

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Here are the top stories in Houston today:

1. It was another regular night in Katy when a homeowner's adult son heard their front door getting kicked in by men shouting that they were Houston police officers. The son went to see what was happening when one of the supposed police officers opened fire on him. Thankfully, the shooter managed only to hit his partner. The wounded partner dropped his own gun and the two assailants fled the home. Meanwhile, the son picked up the dropped gun and opened fire on the fleeing fake police officers, killing one of them before the other made it into a getaway car and escaped the scene. Police investigating the matter believe that the family was targeted but currently have no motive as to why. (KHOU.com)
2. Gallery Furniture customer Carlos Hardy thanked owner Mattress Mack for saving his life after Mack furnished Hardy's family's home when he was just 10-years-old. Hardy says that while growing up in an environment of crime, he would think back on Mack's generosity towards his family and his desire to someday pay it back. The gift gave Hardy the strength to persevere through many difficult times and rise above his struggles. Hardy said, "It just meant so much to me to see something positive and great like that. It just gave me light." Hardy recently purchased a $8,000 living room set from Mack, giving him an opportunity to reunite with his childhood hero. After hearing Hardy's story, Mack said, "Well that's very kind. One of the nicest things that's ever been said to me, so I appreciate him saying that but most of all I appreciate him turning into such a great citizen and just a real asset to our community. You know, it's very gratifying. We've been part of the community now for 42 years, and it's just really what it's all about to see young men like him grow up and get a great job." (FOX 26 Houston)
3. Dining options this weekend are especially enticing thanks to a number of festivals taking place across town. For those interested in Japanese cuisine, the Tokyo Night Festival brings together vendors Shun Japanese Kitchen, Burger Chan, Ramen Tatsuya, Hako Bento Box Company, and more amid a celebration of Japanese culture as a whole. If you'd rather stick to a Texas classic, the inaugural Houston Craft BBQ + Beer Festival is firing off on Saturday with tastings from Houston BBQ's best including Blood Brothers, Feges, JQ's Tex-Mex, and more. Four to five local craft breweries will also offer tastings in a chill setting amplified by live music. For more information on these events and more, check the link. (Houston Press)
4. The issue of low childcare supply in Houston is being fought by a company providing free pre-K care to residents of the Regency Lofts south of downtown Houston. The Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity is offering the free care as part of a package deal that 120 new units of affordable housing at the Lofts will be able to enjoy. Executive Director of the company Cheryl Lawson said, "It demonstrates not only a commitment to high-quality affordable housing, but also strengthening the community around it." Data recently put forth by ABC13 shows that 53 zip codes in the Houston metropolitan area are nearly absent of childcare with tens of times more children living in the areas than the zones childcare capacity's can accommodate. (KTRK-TV)
5. The eyes of Texas are upon us all as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality looks to increase fines on public polluters, but reform advocates say that tougher regulation of company waste disposal is the real problem. Residents of Austin called for the agency to do a complete overhaul back in June amid concern over environmental racism and air pollution. Environmental racism is the targeting of communities of color as sites for toxic waste disposal in case you've never heard the term. Despite the proposed coming changes, advocates of the overhaul say the Environmental Quality agency is missing the point. Texas Office Director for Public Citizen Adrian Shelly explained, "We went to great lengths to hear from people around the state about what they want to see, and generally people talk about a broken agency, an agency that really doesn't have the public's interests at heart, an agency that's only goal, really, is issuing permits and keeping regulation minimal for the industry." (Houston Chronicle)

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Headlines you need to see:

• Late autumn chill arrives in Houston later today, and it should stay awhile (Space City Weather)
• A Galveston election may be decided by 6 votes, officials say (Houston Chronicle)
• Teacher at Houston ISD accused of grabbing 5-year-old girl's hair, dragging her on concrete ground at elementary school (KPRC Click2Houston)
• Explosion, fire damages strip mall in northeast Harris County (KHOU.com)
• Pearland ISD parents file lawsuit against district claiming the school board lacks fair representation in diversity (KTRK-TV)

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Today in Houston:

• 42nd Nutcracker Market at One NRG Park (10 a.m.)
• Tokyo Night Festival at Texas Festival Grounds (3 p.m.)
• Chilling at Frostival at Discovery Green (6 p.m.)
• Concert: Electronic Dance Music at 809 Congress st. (10 p.m.)
• The Riot Presents Friday Night Comedy at Rudyard's (11 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• The owner of gas station Joe's Service in Altadena near Los Angeles won $1 million for selling the record-setting $2.04 billion Powerball ticket. He says that he doesn't know who won the big $2 billion prize, but he hopes it is someone from their community. (KHOU 11 News via Facebook)
• Archaeologists have discovered a tunnel at the Temple of Taposiris Magna near Alexandria, Egypt, that they think may lead to the lost tomb of Queen Cleopatra. The tunnel is around 1,300 meters long and is being called an "engineering miracle". (KPRC2 / Click2Houston via Facebook)
• Astros players Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez were recognized with the Silver Slugger award. The slugger is presented to the most outstanding offensive players in each position every year. (Houston Chronicle via Facebook)

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Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Jungman Neighborhood Library (November 14)
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• Estate Planning Seminar at Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research (November 16)
• Home for the Holidays Gift Market (November 18)
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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 on Monday with your weekend in review. Enjoy the cold weather.