🌱 Local JPMorgan Chase Sued For Discrimination + Uber Attack

Up and at 'em, Houston! It's Thursday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in Houston today.

First, today's weather:

Occasional rain and drizzle. High: 45 Low: 32.

Here are the top five stories today in Houston:

1. A Houston man is speaking out after he said he was attacked by an Uber driver in northwest Harris County. The victim said he was helping a friend drop a car off near West Road when he called an Uber through the app and then the driver started yelling and cursing at him for being at a different location and says the driver then tried to run him over. (Click2Houston)

2. 8th Wonder distillery has introduced Hammer Down, a new bourbon created in consultation with James Beard Award winner Chris Shepherd and the Underbelly Hospitality team. Two dollars of every bottle sold will be donated to the Southern Smoke Foundation. (CultureMap Houston)

3. Best Friends Animal Society in Houston says there are an overwhelming number of dogs at area shelters that are running out of time. The non-profit says there are more than 600 dogs at Harris County Pets, BARC and Montgomery County Animal Shelter alone. The omicron surge has made things worse with staff shortages, fewer volunteers and fewer adoption events. (KHOU 11)

4. A Houston doctor is suing JPMorgan Chase Bank at First Colony Branch in Sugar Land after she says she was discriminated against and denied service because of the color of her skin. When she came to open her account, she says "bank employees denied her services and said the check was fraudulent." (ABC 13)

5. Funeral services were held Tuesday for Harris County Pct. 5 Constable's Office Corporal Charles Galloway, who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Houston. Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Second Baptist Church West Campus for the service. (Fox 26 Houston)

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Today in Houston:

• Learn @ Lunch: Cooking With Honey at Central Market Houston. (12:00 PM)
• HAIS Theater Collective at Houston Academy for International Studies. (3:30 PM)
• Heights Young Professionals Happy Hour at Harold's Restaurant & Bar. (5:00 PM)
• College Basketball - Rice Vs. UTSA at City of Houston (7:00 PM)
• The Riot presents "Live LAUGH Love" Comedians On Relationships at Rudyard's. (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Houston Astros are proud to celebrate Black History Month. Join them all month as they recognize those who have made a great impact in their organization and in the Houston community. (Facebook)
• Join Visit Houston as it highlights events and programs for Black History Month in the community, as well as showcases local black-owned businesses, such as BLCK Market, the nation’s largest bi-monthly gathering of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. (Facebook)
• As of February 1, 2022, the total number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Houston is 420,461. This includes 6,665 new cases dated within the past 14 days that were not included in previous updates, 1,635 additional backlog cases, and the removal of 2,984 duplicates. (Facebook)
• Drop off new or gently used coats for Coats for Compassion. Check online for police station drop off locations from today through Friday, February 4th at noon. (Facebook)
• Get a head start on planning the best summer ever for your animal-obsessed kids by registering today for Critter Camp 2022. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning 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.