🌱 Happy MLK Day + MLK Oratory Contest Winner + Texas Synagogue Hostage-Taker Identified

Happy Monday, neighbors! Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The civil rights icon who made a difference in the fight for equality will be celebrated nationwide today. Let's get this day started. Here are the most important things going on around town today.

First, today's weather:

Sunny and milder. High: 64 Low: 42.

Here are the top stories in Houston today:

1. Fourth grader and 10-year-old Ronnie Williams of James H. Law Elementary gave an award-winning speech at the 26th annual MLK Oratory Competition focusing on "progress, not perfection." His mother said it was important that her son understood why Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for civil rights. (Houston Chronicle)

2. Authorities identified 44-year-old British national, Malik Faisal Akram, as the man who held four people hostage for over 12 hours in a Texas synagogue on Saturday before an FBI SWAT team entered the building and ended the standoff. (Houston Patch)

3. Robin Baucom, who was fatally shot in an attempted robbery on Saturday morning, worked at Cracker Barrel restaurant for 34 years. Her family wants her to be remembered as a hero who died trying to protect her employees. (ABC 13)

4. At the end of December, rapper Kanye West dropped in at Houston Rockets star James Harden’s Thirteen restaurant, a manager told the Houston Chronicle. West snapped photos with fans at the bar. (Eater Houston)

5. An investigation is underway after a 6th grade Lamar CISD teacher was filmed ranting to students. "If I have to keep dealing with kids that are complete and utter morons, I’m done. I’m literally done," the teacher said. "I don’t even care if I lose my job, I want to be fired at this point." (Fox 26 Houston)

From our sponsor:

Today's Houston Daily is brought to you in part by Newrez, a leading nationwide mortgage lender. Make a smart move for your future and refinance with Newrez today. Call 844-979-1707 to connect with a Newrez loan officer. Newrez, LLC (NMLS #3013)

Today in Houston:

• Houston MLK Parade at Midtown. (10:00 AM)
• MLK Black Out Workout at Houston Fitness Guru. (10:00 AM)
• MLK Day of Service at Northwest Assistance Ministries. (11:00 AM)
• 44th MLK Parade & Festival at Herman Park Square. (11:00 AM)
• Texas Prison Project Fundraiser And Mixer at The Nook Café. (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Houston Texans completed interviews with Hines Ward and Joe Lombardi for the head coaching position on Saturday. (Instagram)
• The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on contracts with 15 international free agents, including 12 players from the Dominican Republic and three from Cuba. (Facebook)
• The Safe Outdoor Dogs Act is going into effect on January 18th. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 18)
• Taxes In Retirement Seminar (January 18)
• FREE WEBINAR | “Romanesque Architecture in Tuscany” Presented by Dr. Rocky Ruggiero (January 21)
• Taxes In Retirement Webinar (January 24)
• Taxes In Retirement Webinar (January 24)
• Taxes In Retirement Seminar (January 25)
• Add your event

Loving the Houston Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at houston@patch.com

You're officially in the loop for today! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.