🌱 Montrose South Beach Reopening + Mexican Cartel Leader Sentenced

Hey, everybody! It's me, Carlos Hernandez, your host of the Houston Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town. Enjoy...

First, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 102 Low: 79.

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Here are the top five stories today in Houston:

1. A cartel leader has been sentenced to federal prison for intent to distribute large amounts of illegal drugs throughout the United States that was brought into Laredo, Texas. Juan Manuel Salazar Alvarez, 29, of Mexico was sentenced on July 1 to 23 years and six months in federal prison, but is likely to face removal proceedings. (Fox 26)

2. Tejal Patel will serve as the first Indian American executive officer of communications for the Houston Independent School District (HISD). She will "oversee media relations, strategic communications, multimedia, translations, and the newly created digital media department." (Houston Style Magazine)

3. Montrose LGBTQ+ staple South Beach will reopen its doors on Friday, July 15 after closing down during the pandemic with original owner Charles Armstrong still at the helm. It features over 11,000 square feet of space for Houstonians to party the night away and upgraded renovations to match the times. (CultureMap Houston)

4. A Houston institution, The James Coney Island at the corner of Shepherd Drive and Richmond Avenue quietly closed down last week. Since 2021, the concept has also closed locations in Town & County, Meadows Place, Katy (Mason Road), and in west Houston at Clay Road and the Sam Houston Parkway. (ABC 13)

5. A man has been arrested after police said he stabbed the mother of his child and her sister in southwest Houston early Tuesday morning. The incident happened at an apartment complex located at 9109 Fondren around 1:50 a.m. (Click2Houston)

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Today in Houston:

• Italian For Kids - Beginner Level at The Italian Cultural And Community Center (8:30 a.m.)
• Miller Outdoor Theatre - Let's Make A Play Together. (11 a.m.)
• Sad Summer Festival - Houston at White Oak Music Hall. (noon)
• Hotdogs At The Judson Park-P&R Month at West University Place Recreation. (3 p.m.)
• Houston's Miracle of Mobility. (6:15 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• LeBron James is publicly criticizing the United States' handling of Houston-native and WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner's case in a trailer for an upcoming episode of his television show: "The Shop: Uninterrupted." (Click2Houston)
• San Tierra, a new upscale and luxury apartment community in Katy opened its doors at 1616 Partnership Way in July, according to a July 11 news release. (Community Impact News)
• Woodson's Reserve Dental is opening in mid-August at 3921 Woodson's Reserve Parkway, Ste. 700, Spring. (Community Impact News)
• An appeals court on Monday stayed this week's execution of death row inmate, Ramiro Gonzales, who raised questions about whether prosecutors presented false and inaccurate testimony from an expert on whether he would commit more crimes in the future. (Fox 26)

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Events:

• Attend a free speech for drug rehab centers near Houston, TX (July 15)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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