🌱 Kolache Cravings + Arctic Freeze Concerns

Hello, everybody! It's me, Chris, your host of the Houston Daily — here to explain all the most important things happening in our community. Including news on...

• Charity donation needs for the homeless.
• Where to find the best kolaches in Houston.
• What people are saying about the coming arctic storm.

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But first, today's weather:

Warmer with a shower. High: 57 Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories today in Houston:

1. Houston charity Star of Hope is distributing coats and blankets to homeless ahead of the arctic blast; however, they are in urgent need of more gently used cold weather wear. With two of the organization's shelters already at full capacity, Star of Hope expects they will see even more individuals in need looking for warm clothing before Christmas. Whether you can provide financial assistance or are sitting on a treasure trove of coats, hats, gloves, or blankets, Star of Hope can use your donated help. You can drop off winter clothing at 2575 Reed Road or at 2320 Lamar Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. or donate online at sohmission.org. (KPRC Click2Houston)
2. Kolache cravers take note: here are the best places in Houston to enjoy your favorite Czech-inspired breakfast. While the Kolache Factory is always a great go-to when you need breakfast quick, the best kolaches Houston has to offer will be found at one of many smaller shops in and around the Houston area. Good Dough in Galveston is among the best of them and the unparalleled breading this shop offers is well worth the drive. A more accessible standout kolache option comes in the form of the half-century old Kolache Shoppe with three locations across Houston. Beyond that, Kolache Bar and Old Town Kolache on Westheimer provide even more city-based breakfast delectables. In case you want to taste where it all started though, you'll have to visit the Original Kolache Shoppe at their quaint home on Telephone road.(Houston Chronicle)
3. Concern is rising over whether ERCOT will be able to handle the coming arctic blast as Houstonians remember the brutal impact of the February 2021 winter freeze. Associate professor of environmental engineering Daniel Cohan said, "We lived through the biggest set of blackouts in terms of disaster, in terms of just about anywhere in the country for decades. I mean, over 200 people died. We have over 30% shortfalls of power. It's going to take a while to build back trust." Meanwhile, ERCOT representatives claim that they have sufficient energy generation to meet currently forecasted demands. (KTRK-TV)
4. The Bayou City is nearly synonymous with good eating and 2022 saw even more delicious restaurant options open their doors for the first time. Here's a quick list of some of the most notable eatery additions to our great city this year. Navy Blue offers seafood prepared with a distinctively French style as well as some of the best Gulf Coast fare money can buy. Meanwhile, Hamsa will make you regret failing to add more Mediterranean meals to your life while also offering a unique display of belly dancers on Thursday nights. There's also Louie's Italian American where lovers of pasta and Italian can enjoy a classic candlelit dinner. For more delicious new options that debuted this year, check the link. (CultureMap Houston)
5. The giant Gingerbread Village at City Place Plaza and Park offers one of the most unique holiday photo opportunities in recent memory. Check out their ridiculous display including a 16-foot high gingerbread house, 35-foot tall Christmas tree, and giant gingerbread men before the holiday season comes to a close. (365 Things to Do in Houston)

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Headlines you need to see:

• Will Texas have another freeze? Cold weather supplies selling out around Houston before arctic front (KTRK-TV)
• Houstonians Face Tripledemic as Cases of Illness Continue to Soar (Houston Press)
• Downtown Houston's Wings Over Water sculpture will remain broken (Houston Chronicle)
• Yogurtland looking for new franchise locations in Texas (Houston Chronicle)
• 2022 Arctic blast: How to protect your pipes from freezing temperatures (KHOU.com)

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Today in Houston:

• Dungeons & Dragons with Circle of Barhaven at Rudyard's (6 p.m.)
• Naughty or Nice Ball Pit Bar at 10701 W Bellfort Avenue (6 p.m.)
• Core-focused yoga at Discovery Green (6:30 p.m.)
• Theater: WHAT-A-CHRISTMAS at Alley Theater (7 p.m.)
• Theater: The Nutcracker at Wortham Theater Center (7:30 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Zoo Lights will be closed tonight, Thursday, and Friday. Extremely cold weather and high chances of rain led to the display closing, however, ticket holders for thesenights should check their email about visiting Zoo Lights another time. (KHOU 11 News via Facebook)
• Houston was placed second worldwide by a survey from Premier Inn ranking the cities with the best Christmas light displays. Between River Oaks, the downtown lights, and light shows all across Houston suburbs, looking at beautiful lights is clearly one of city residents' favorite holiday pastimes. (FOX 26 Houston via Facebook)
• Over 60 cars were inside antique and classic car service provider Uptown Automotive when it caught fire this morning. Firefighters were able to put the fire out from outside the building and an arson unit is currently investigating the cause of the flames. (KHOU 11 News via Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! Thanks for staying informed. See you tomorrow for your next update.