🌱 ISD Scott Henry Faces Resignation Calls Over Comments + Houston Zoo Delay Delayed

Get on up, Houston! Here's everything you need to know to get this Friday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Mild with sunshine. High: 72 Low: 54.

Here are the top five stories today in Houston:

1. Crime Stoppers of Houston on Tuesday unveiled their Safe Community Institute, which will house the organization's Safe Community program, the "Balanced Voice" podcast, and its new research center. The institute will be run by Director Sydney Zuiker. (KHOU 11)

2. Cy-Fair ISD board trustee Scott Henry is facing calls for his resignation after making comments about Black teachers that some are claiming as “racism.” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and the NAACP Houston Branch president Dr. James Dixon both asked for Henry’s resignation. (KXAN)

3. Two Texans are among more than 40 people that have been infected with salmonella across 25 states that health officials tied to pet bearded dragons. Salmonella can spread quickly because bearded dragons carry salmonella in their droppings. (Houston Patch)

4. Kate McLean will return to Tony’s next month as its executive chef and partner, the restaurant announced. McLean will replace chef Austin Waiter, who is pursuing another venture. As part of the changes, the bar menu will receive an upgrade and new pairings will be added to its caviar service. (CultureMap Houston)

5. Houston Zoo's "Galápagos Islands," a $70-million state-of-the-art exhibit, has been delayed until 2023 due to supply chain issues. It was originally scheduled to open this year. CEO Lee Ehmke said, "We’re disappointed that the project has been delayed, but we know we’re not alone in experiencing supply chain problems." (Houston Chronicle)

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Today in Houston:

• Pixar Putt at Discovery Green. (3:00 PM)
• Dialogues of the Carmelites at Houston Grand Opera. (7:00 PM)
• Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince In Concert at Jones Hall. (7:30 PM)
• Etienne Charles Creole Soul at City of Houston. (8:00 PM)
• Traditional Celebration of Old Russian New Year at Russian Cultural Center. (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Houston Health Department has confirmed the city's youngest COVID-19 death, a girl under ten with underlying health conditions who died in mid-October. (Facebook)
• There will be no collection service interruption on Monday, January 17th, 2022 in observation of Martin Luther King, Jr. day. All garbage, tree waste and recycling will be on the regular schedule. However, all drop-off facilities and administrative offices will be closed. (Facebook)
• Attention parents and students: Find where to get vaccinations and see the Houston Independent School District campuses that offer on-site COVID-19 testing at houstonisd.org/healthalerts. (Facebook)
• In honor of MLK Day on January 17th, the Houston Public Library Material Services team has developed a book list for kids that want to learn more about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday. I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with 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.