Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Houston may spend $18M on new water meters again.

Coming up: Russell Peters on the Houston Patch calendar

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
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Morning Houston! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Houston may spend $18M on new water meters again.
  • Houston-made salad dressing recalled from HEB shelves over Salmonella risk
  • How a wanted probationer walked free after a deadly Harris County crash

Also on today's calendar: Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Five-Course Wine Dinner at Marriott Marquis Houston and 6 more events.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of 99 and low of 77 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and hot, temps: high: 100, low: 80.
  • Friday: Hot, with a high of 100 and low of 81 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Houston considers $18M in new water meters amid resident billing concerns (click2houston.com) — Houston officials are considering spending nearly $18 million on new water meters even as some residents say they're still struggling with billing problems from the last installation. One homeowner describes years of stable bills suddenly swinging from credits to a surprise $300 charge, highlighting ongoing concerns about faulty or malfunctioning city meters.
   

2. Jalapeno dressing recalled because of potential Salmonella contamination (foodsafetynews.com) — A Houston-based maker of Salata-branded Jalapeno Avocado Dressing is recalling certain 12-ounce bottles sold at HEB after a supplier warned that diced jalapeños might be contaminated with Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported, but Houston-area shoppers should check best-by dates in November 2026 and avoid using any affected bottles distributed in Texas stores.
   

3. Man charged in death of ICU nurse released on $150K bond, now wanted on probation revocation (fox26houston.com) — A man accused in the drunk-driving death of an ICU nurse was released on a $150,000 bond in Harris County and is now wanted in Wharton County for an alleged probation violation. Houston Crime Stoppers' Andy Kahan is questioning whether better coordination between counties could have kept him jailed or led to a higher bond, with another court date set for November 11.
   

4. Houston activists rally against Flock surveillance cameras over privacy concerns (houstonchronicle.com) — Houstonians gathered in the Texas Medical Center to protest Flock Safety license plate cameras, arguing the growing surveillance network threatens privacy in a car-dependent city. Activists point to investigations into possible misuse by Houston-area law enforcement and a state finding that Flock operated without a required license as reasons to limit or remove the cameras.
   

5. ACLU appeals to SCOTUS on Texas 10 Commandments case (bigcountrynewsconnection.com) — Texas families, including several Houston-area moms, are challenging a new law that requires Ten Commandments posters in every public school classroom, arguing it violates religious freedom protections. While a Harris County judge denied their initial request to pause the law, the ACLU has now appealed a related case to the U.S. Supreme Court, keeping the issue very much alive for Houston parents and students.
   

📸 Around Houston

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Houston

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Houston Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Wednesday August 19
  • GHWCC Montgomery County / North Houston Chapter Luncheon
    Greater Houston Womens Chamber of Commerce Landry's Seafood House
    11:30 am
    • Thursday August 20
  • Salyards Open House
    Salyards Middle Houston, TX 77269
    5:00 pm
    • Monday August 24
  • Harris County Judge Candidate Forum
    Greater Houston Womens Chamber of Commerce The Junior League of Houston 1811 Briar Oaks Lane
    11:30 am
    • Wednesday August 26
  • Women's Equality Day
    Galena Park ISD Houston, TX 77015

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Could Your WiFi Do More Than Connect Your Home? Comcast Thinks So. —Zach Lashway Read on Patch
  • All Harmony Public Schools High Schools Earn Top National Rankings from U.S. News & World Report —Candice Keutzer Read on Patch
  • Houston's Harmony School of Discovery Earns Top National Spot in U.S. News Rankings —sally magnuson Read on Patch
  • Residents and Staff Members Work Together at Eagle's Trace —Elizabeth Fabiano Read on Patch
  • Good morning neighbors
    I'm looking for home cleaner's services for today or tomorrow. Please recommend or text me 213-6765853 (Nextdoor Hidden Valley)
  • A few bad chapters do not mean your story is over.
    This is just temporary, but the strength you gain will last forever. You will make it through this and you will be stronger. Keep going — your best… (Nextdoor Stone Gate)
  • Steve & Kate's Camp posted a job opening for Summer Camp Assistant Director - Houston in Houston. Apply here.
  • C.C.S. Facility Services posted a job opening for Janitor - FULL TIME in Houston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Houston here.

Ok Houston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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