🌱 Julep Wins James Beard National Award + COVID-19 Positivity Rises

Hello again, Houston. I'm here right on time with your Wednesday edition of the Houston Daily, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. I'll get right to it.

First, today's weather:

Clouds and sun. High: 95 Low: 77.

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Here are the top five stories in Houston today:

1. Houston police are investigating a drive-by shooting that led to a woman's death on Monday night. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. last night at a Valero gas station on the corner of River Drive and the Gulf Freeway. (CW 39)

2. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Commissioner Rodney Ellis held a news conference on Tuesday morning calling for a special session to address gun violence among children. They are calling on Texas Governor Abbott and state lawmakers to "take immediate action," on gun safety. (Click2Houston)

3. Houston's 14-day average COVID-19 positivity rate is up to 21.1%, according to Harris County health officials. Last week, the rate was 17.4%. Health officials blame the rising weather as part of the problem, as people seek cool air indoors. The Houston Health Department wastewater virus load is 502%, which is up from 281% last week. (KHOU 11)

4. Former Houston Texan Deshaun Watson once again said Tuesday that he is innocent of the numerous allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct during massage sessions made against him. There are a total of 24 lawsuits against Watson at this time. (ABC 13)

5. Houston cocktail bar Julep was announced as the winner of the national Outstanding Bar Program category at the 2022 James Beard Awards ceremony on Monday, June 13. The James Beard awards are considered to be one of the most prestigious awards in the food and beverage industry. (Eater Houston)

Today in Houston:

• Pride Month - Selfie Photo Session at Selfie Escape. (11 a.m.)
• Warhol Exhibition Gallery Tours at UHCL Art Gallery. (noon)
• Pride Happy Hour at Moody Center For The Arts. (5 p.m.)
• Yoga In The 5th at The DeLuke Theater. (6:30 p.m.)
• Movie Night: Batman at La Calle. (6:45 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• A Houston rapper named Stunna Bam has been arrested and charged in the deadly shooting of a man outside a gas station, according to police. (ABC 13)
• Home Run Dugout, a new baseball entertainment venue similar to Topgolf, is coming to Katy next year. (Subscription: Houston Chronicle)
• The City of Houston is hosting a career fair on June 22, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the George R Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas, Exhibit Hall E. Jobs are available for all skill levels and there will be same day hiring for limited jobs. (Twitter)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! 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.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Houston Daily? Contact me at houston@patch.com