🌱 Houston METRO Hiring + University Of Houston Study + Homicide Rate Rising

Welcome back, Houston! Let's get this day started. Here's what's happening around town today.

First, today's weather:

Sunny. High: 69 Low: 40.

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Here are the top five stories today in Houston:

1. Former Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins is running for Houston mayor in 2023. Current Mayor Sylvester Turner is term-limited from running for office again. Hollins says public safety will be the central issue in his campaign, including safety from natural disasters as well as crime. (ABC 13)

2. Houston METRO is offering a $4,000 incentive to new bus drivers and $8,000 to onboarding mechanics. You will also receive a bonus if you're bilingual. Veterans say the key is not just driving skills, but also people skills and adaptability to different conditions. (KHOU 11)

3. A new University of Houston study is using an advanced remote imaging system known as synthetic aperture radar interferometry to track rapidly melting glaciers in the South Pole. Radar scientist Pietro Milillo says, "the beauty of radar is that it can penetrate clouds. It can look in any weather condition. It is also an active sensor, so we don't have to rely on the light of the sun." (University of Houston)

4. Houston-area politician Dan Davis believes someone intentionally cut his vehicle’s brake line and police are now investigation the allegations. Davis is currently a council member in Manvel and is running for the Brazoria County Precinct 2 Commissioner seat. (Fox 26 Houston)

5. As of Monday, February 7th, only Chicago was ahead of Houston for the total number of homicides in 2022 with 61 deaths to 57 deaths. Meanwhile, homicides are falling in New York City. The homicide number in Houston is the highest in decades and a 54% increase from 2021. (Click2Houston)

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Today in Houston:

• Houston RV Show 2022 at NRG Center. (1:00 PM)
• Make And Take: A Gorgeous (and Delicious) Homemade Valentine's Gift Basket at Central Market Houston. (2:00 PM)
• HAIS Theater Collective at Houston Academy for International Studies. (3:30 PM)
• HCPL Connected: Borrow A HotSpot Launch at Aldine Branch Library. (3:30 PM)
• Ribbon Cutting For Co-Op Summer Street. (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Houston SPCA is heartbroken to hear of the loss of Lady Dot. Her time as Spokesbunny of Spring Woods High School was full of love and another pet in need will continue her legacy soon. (Facebook)
• Houston Astros wants to highlight Emancipation Park Conservancy as part of Black History Month. The Conservancy promotes education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment with underserved communities in Houston. (Facebook)
• More than 1,000 Harris County employees would be laid off under a Republican budget proposal to increase law enforcement funding, according to an internal analysis. (Facebook)
• This Friday, February 11th is the last day to apply to attend City of Houston Department of Neighborhoods' next Complete Communities University class. Join other emerging leaders who want to make Houston an even greater city. (Facebook)
• HCC Northeast Automotive Technology's Hiring Event will be held on Wednesday, February 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• ACCH Maker Market - Gifts, Art and Food (February 12)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (February 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (February 15)
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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with another 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.