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Community Corner

🌱 'Space' City + Homicide Crackdown

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. Today, we'll look at:

  • Houston's large legacy.
  • A new Star Wars series.
  • Solving Houston's violent crime.

But first, today's weather:

Pleasant with plenty of sun. High: 85 Low: 57.

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Here are the top stories in Houston today:

  1. Houston's expansive suburbs inspired a social media celebrity to post about Space City's ridiculous size and users agreed that the city is bordering on too big. Twitter and TikTok users alike chimed in on the subject. Some claimed the city's endless interstates, nonstop construction, and lengthy drives were a serious turn-off. Others said that the city's size is a bonus that has led to delicious restaurants, constant events, and tons of opportunities to meet new people. Still others joked that flying to Dallas would be faster than driving across Houston, especially during rush hour. One user commented, "If we live on opposite sides of town, it's a long-distance relationship." (Chron)
  2. The new Star Wars series 'Andor' is seeing a slam-dunk response from critics. The show takes place five years prior to the events of the movie "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story." Actor Diego Luna also returns as the rebel spy and namesake of the show Cassian Andor. The Disney+ series explores the birth of the rebellion and features all the high-fantasy laser gun action you've come to expect from the household name. However, its focus on a more "average joe" protagonist has critics claiming that the show expands the Star Wars universe in ways unlike any Star Wars production before it. You can watch 'Andor' now on Disney+. (ABC13)
  3. Five prosecutors from the Organized Crime and Gang section of the Department of Justice have been stationed in Houston for the next 5 years to help curb local violent crime. The initiative is a result of the U.S. homicide rate rising nearly 30 percent over the past two years. Houston is a major player in the rising statistic. The Bayou City saw 473 homicides in 2021 while 2019, just two years before, had a total of 280 homicides. U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the Criminal Division Kenneth Polite said, "Together, we will employ a data-driven approach to first identify and then prosecute the worst of the worst gangs and gang members who are disproportionately responsible for the violent crime gripping this city." (Houston Chronicle)
  4. A 69-year-old man was struck by a car in a traffic lane on the I-69 freeway Wednesday night. The vehicle that hit him didn't stop and investigators have no description of the wanted vehicle or driver. The man's body was discovered by a second driver who also ran him over. Paramedics on the scene pronounced the man dead. Police say it's still unclear why the man was walking across freeway lanes late at night. (KTRK-TV)
  5. Texas policyholders of FedNat insurance company will soon be unprotected after the company was ordered to liquidate earlier this week. The insurance company has 3,700 policyholders across the Lone Star State, 500 of which live in Harris County. A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Insurance urged policyholders to speak with their insurance agents immediately. After all, losing your coverage in the midst of hurricane season just after Hurricane Ian destroyed Florida seems like a problem that needs to be addressed. (Houston Public Media)

Headlines you need to see:

  • Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye seized in dangerous Houston high-speed chase on I-10 joins Texas DPS fleet (KTRK-TV)
  • E-books gaining on books in popularity at Houston Public Library (Houston Chronicle)
  • Chevron to help move 200 workers to Houston as it downsizes in California (Houston Chronicle)
  • Major closure of Tomball Tollway, Grand Parkway scheduled for Oct. 1-2 (Community Impact Newspaper)
  • Lanes along I-69/Loop 610 interchange to be closed Sept. 30-Oct. 3 for construction (Community Impact Newspaper)

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Today in Houston:

  • The Houston Veteran's Business Expo at HCC West Loop Campus (10 a.m.)
  • "Good Vibrations" by the Houston Ballet at the Wortham Theater Center (7:30 p.m.)
  • Concert: The Devon Allman Project at Miller Outdoor Theater (7:30 p.m.)
  • Concert: 90's Pop Tour at the Smart Financial Centre (8 p.m.)
  • The Riot Presents Friday Night Comedy Showcase at Rudyards (11 p.m.)

This weekend in Houston:

From my notebook:

  • Hurricane Ian turned Florida streets into rivers, knocked out power to 1.8 million people, and caused catastrophic damage that's already earning it the title of one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history. Hundreds are presumed dead, but an exact body count has yet to be determined. (ABC13 Houston via Facebook)
  • Houston strip club dancers are claiming that local clubs have a racism problem. Are you meaning to tell me that strip club customers don't have good moral values? (FOX 26 Houston via Facebook)
  • A Hello Kitty Cafe pop-up truck will make a one-day-only stop in Houston on Saturday. The truck named Pretty in Pink sells Hello Kitty themed snacks as well as merchandise. (FOX 26 Houston via Facebook)

Featured Pupper:

Creed is a 9-week-old German shepherd that's available for adoption at the SPCA.

If you tell me you can resist those puppy dog eyes, I'll tell you you're a liar.

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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. Peace ✌

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