🌱 Peak Pollen + Vietnamese Cinema

Hi all. I'm back with your new edition of the Houston Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Come along for the most important things going on these days in town. Today's briefing includes news about...

• A developing lawsuit against the HPD
• An allergy catastrophe headed our way
• An international film coming to American box offices

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But first, today's weather: Breezy in the morning; cloudy. High: 83 Low: 71.

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Here are the top stories in Houston today:

1. A federal judge denied four officers their qualified immunity for the act of shooting and killing 27-year-old Charion Lockett in front of his home. Lockett's mother is suing the officers for failing to identify themselves as police as well as the use of excessive force. According to the lawsuit, officers began firing at Lockett while he sat in front of his home in a parked vehicle. However, HPD claim that Lockett fired at them first. HPD were investigating Lockett after the victim of an alleged robbery identified him as a potential suspect. The judge involved made clear that each officer may revisit their qualified immunity argument as the case unfolds. (Houston Public Media)
2. Peak pollen season is officially here, according to Space City Weather associates. The tree pollen count on Monday was above 2,000 for the first time this year and people claim that when the wind picks up you can see the pollen moving through the air. To make matters worse, a dust storm known as a haboob is expected to pass through Houston for the remainder of this week. Consequently, pollen will be heavily circulated through the environment. Allergy prone individuals should seek help in over-the-counter remedies such as Mucinex or Claritin as well as more natural medicines such as the neti pot. (Chron)
3. 'House of No Man' is the most popular film to ever come out of Vietnam and hits Houston theaters on March 3. The film will be shown at over 60 theaters throughout the United States. However, director Tran Thanh is unsure whether the film's focus on Vietnamese cultural issues will resonate with American audiences. Specifically, the film covers the issue of nepotism in Vietnam. In other words, the culturally appropriate thing to do in Vietnam is to take up the business of your forefathers no matter what you yourself may desire. In fact, an old Vietnamese adage roughly translates to, "You sit where your parents seat you." Supposedly, the film either confirms or denies this adage depending on the viewer. (Houston Chronicle)
4. Best Regards is an upscale bar and lounge that will be replacing the Chivos restaurant at 222 W. 11th St. later this spring. The bar promises brunch, DJs, a comprehensive list of cocktails, and family-style type plates such as tapas, charcuterie boards, and more. In addition, the bar will include a covered patio space so that patrons can escape the dance floor and bumping music for a moment to chat and chill. Founder Morgan Hansen said, "We're working with a team of top-notch Houston nightlife veterans and will deliver an energetic all-day experience like no other found in Houston." (CultureMap Houston)
5. James Campbell was charged with tampering with evidence in connection to the murder of Leslie Obi, a Houston mother of five. According to Campbell, he knew Obi from a previous job. Campbell admitted to police that he helped another man who killed Obi move her body from his apartment to woods nearby. The body was discovered by park employees canvassing the area for a remodel. An autopsy showed Obi had suffered physical trauma and eventually ruled her death a homicide. Even so, no one has yet been charged with her murder. If you have information about the crime or potential suspects, please contact Crime Stoppers. (KTRK-TV)

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Headlines you need to see:

• Houston forecast: Warm with a mix of sunshine, clouds (KHOU.com)
• Man guilty in sex-trafficking scheme at east Houston cantina (Houston Chronicle)
• Houston remains one of the most affordable big cities in the U.S., even if it no longer feels like it (Houston Public Media)
• Houston mother Sheborah Latrice Thomas pleads guilty to drowning her 2 children in bathtub, sentenced to 40 years in prison (KTRK-TV)
• United Airlines hosts signing ceremony officially debuting in-house apprenticeship program (KPRC Click2Houston)

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Today in Houston:

• Dungeons & Dragons with Circle of Barhaven at Darkhorse Tavern (6 p.m.)
• Houston Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center (7 p.m.)
• Cirque Du Soleil presents Kooza Under the Big Top at Sam Houston Raceway (7:30 p.m.)
• Concert: Adore Delano at the Heights Theater (8 p.m.)
• Concert: Brooks & Dunn at the Houston Rodeo (9 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Nissan is recalling over 800,000 Rogue models due to a key problem that can cause the ignition to shut off while the car is being driven. The recall concerns Nissan Rogue models from years 2014 through 2020 and Nissan Sport models from 2017 through 2022. (KHOU 11 News via Facebook)
• Forbes' list of the largest American employers features two Texas companies in the top five. Houston Methodist ranked at number 2 while H-E-B came in at the number 5 spot. (Houston Chronicle via Facebook)
• A Chick-fil-A location in Pennsylvania is enforcing a rule that requires minors under the age of 16 to be accompanied by an adult. The new rule was made as a result of misconduct from underaged children in recent months including vulgar language, disrespect towards employees, vandalism, and more. (ABC13 Houston via Facebook)

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That's all for now folks. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow morning!