🌱 Centerpoint Service + Firefighter Negotiations + Fried Chicken

Hello, friends. It's me, Chris, your host of the Houston Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally. Today you'll find news about:

• A Centerpoint Energy scandal.
• The firefighter labor negotiation stalemate sees progress.
• The best fried chicken in H-town.

But first, today's weather:

A shower; breezy, warmer. High: 80 Low: 67.

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Here are the top stories in Houston today:

1. CenterPoint Energy lost its accreditation with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) of Greater Houston. BBB claimed that beginning at the end of 2021 they received numerous complaints from Centerpoint customers exhibiting a pattern of poor company service. These complaints included failure to fix damaged property in a timely manner, consumers having difficulty getting assistance, no show appointments, billing issues, and more. Centerpoint Energy responded with a statement saying, "We are disappointed and surprised by the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas’ decision." (KPRC Click2Houston)
2. The long disputed Houston firefighters arbitration bill is once again in motion thanks to the committee approval in Austin sending it to the Texas Senate. The bill was sponsored by Democratic State Senator John Whitmire who is running for Houston mayor. Whitmire told committee members prior to the vote, "Since 2017, Houston is down more than 400 firefighters, while demand for emergency fire and medical services has doubled . . . The Houston Fire Department is at a breaking point, and it is past time for the city to come to the table and negotiate a new contract for our dedicated firefighters." If approved by the senate, the bill will end a labor negotiations stalemate between the city of Houston and its firefighters by electing a third party arbitrator. (Houston Public Media)
3. There's nothing wrong with picking up Raising Cane's, but Houston is home to a plethora of other fried chicken options worth tasting. Gatlin's Fins and Feathers in Independence Heights might be known for its delectable barbecue, however, they also serve up an H-Town Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich to die for. For a more foreign take on fried chicken, Himalaya's "HFC" (Himalaya Fried Chicken) marinates their chicken in a ginger and masala-spiced buttermilk brine. Did we mention they also serve masala waffles? Lastly, the newly opened Money Cat in Upper Kirby brings a Japanese twist to this southern classic. Their fried chicken sandwiches are served on pillowy Japanese milk bread and flavored with tartar slaw as well as a tamari caramel sauce. (Chron)
4. Austin-based Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant Chi'Lanto BBQ is bringing their unique food to the Houston Heights area. Chi'Lanto was originally a food truck business that eventually grew to a fully fledged fleet of seven trucks. However, owner Jae Kim decided to change the focus of his food service and focus on brick and mortar restaurants. He now has eleven such locations. Customers can expect the menu to deliver on custom made bowls, Korean ssam wraps consisting of barbecue meat wrapped in tortillas, kimchi fries, and more. Chi'Lanto BBQ will open on April 3. (Houston Chronicle)
5. The Woodlands was named the best place to buy a home and raise a family in America according to website Niche. The Houston suburb earned top marks in family-friendliness, public school selection, and outdoor activities. It also was commended for its job market and housing availability. Niche is a website that focuses on providing families with information about the best schools and colleges for their children. This most recent data release is their 9th annual report. For more specifics on the report, check the link. (CultureMap Houston)

Headlines you need to see:

• Houston Weather: Temperatures rising to the mid-80s later in the week (FOX 26 Houston)
• Wednesday LIVE in Studio: Belly Dance for Mental Health (CW39 Houston)
• Houston is in for one hell of a hot spring, experts warn (Chron)
• Cities with the most ultra wealthy residents: Houston ranked No. 14 (Houston Chronicle)
• Bryson Tiller announces he's touring for first time in six years: Here's what to know about his Houston date (KPRC Click2Houston)

Today in Houston:

• Dungeons & Dragons with Circle of Barhaven at Darkhorse Tavern (6 p.m.)
• Fitness: Free HIIT Class at Discovery Green (7:30 p.m.)
• Concert and Film: "Our Planet" at Jones Hall (7:30 p.m.)
• Concert: Sabrina Carpenter at Warehouse Live (8 p.m.)
• Theater: "The Thorn" at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A Houston Rockets fan secured $19,000 in his pocket for making a half court shot. The shot was made during half time at Monday's game against the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors ended up winning by 13. (Houston Rockets via Facebook)
• Astronomers and space enthusiasts alike can witness the alignment of five planets in the sky at once the night of March 28. Around sunset, Jupiter, Venus, Mars, Mercury, and Uranus will be visible as a sort of arc shape near the quarter moon. Especially perceptive individuals might even be able to see them a couple of days before or after the alignment. (KHOU 11 News via Facebook)
• The head coach of the University of Houston basketball team has earned himself more than $200,000 in bonuses since the end of the regular season. Go Coogs! (Houston Chronicle via Facebook)

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That's it for this Wednesday. In other news, it also happens to be my birthday. Hurray for me! I'll see you tomorrow.