🌱 Parents Fight Houston ISD Mask Mandate + Flight Club Opens

Morning, Houston! Let's get this day started. Here's everything worth knowing today in Houston.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 59 Low: 38.

If you're a marketer or business owner interested in easy and effective advertising that reaches customers in Houston, we'd love to talk to you. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top five stories in Houston today:

1. A former Houston-area cop is accused of manipulating a woman into sexual favors during a traffic stop. 37-year-old Richard Hernandez was indicted by a grand jury on a misdemeanor charge of official oppression for the July 2020 encounter. (Chron)

2. Some Houston parents are pushing against Houston ISD's mask mandate as governors from across the country are starting to ease mask requirements. Houston ISD said in a statement, "As it stands today, HISD continues to employ its mitigation framework which includes mandatory masking, a robust testing program on campuses, and partnering with local health departments to offer vaccinations." (CW 39)

3. President Joe Biden has nominated Houston lawyer and Metro chairwoman Carrin Patman as the next U.S. ambassador to Iceland, according to a White House statement. All ambassador nominations require Senate confirmation, which for Patman would begin in the Foreign Relations Committee. (Houston Chronicle)

4. Flight Club, a social gaming experience from London, has opened in the new Regent square mixed-used development in Houston's Allen Parkway. Reservations are available for groups of six to 12 people, while smaller groups are first-come, first serve. (Houston CultureMap)

5. A new program in Houston with McLean OCD Institute is helping teens deal with anxiety and OCD. The program is available in person and online as well and takes about 8 to 12 weeks to complete. The goal is to provide affordable mental health options. (Fox 26 Houston)

Today in Houston:

• Sesame Street Live at City of Houston. (10:30 AM)
• Make & Take: Game Day Appetizers at Central Market Houston. (12:00 PM)
• Galentines Day Brunch at Primary Paint Party - Prime Art Gallery. (12:00 PM)
• Valentines Day Couples Stretch And Brunch at Fenixx Fitness. (12:00 PM)
• Bossa Markets at Astral Brewing. (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Houston Police Department Commander Caroleta Johnson and the South Central Patrol Division hosted University of Houston Professor Ronnie Self and his architecture students at the Ronald E. McNair South Central Police Station on Friday. (Facebook)
• Houston Money Week is hosting an essay contest and winners will receive $500 to $1,500. Follow the writing prompt and submit your essay by March 31st, 2022, to enter. (Facebook)
• Registration for the spring season of YMCA Miracle League is now open. Miracle League provides children and adults with disabilities the chance to experience the benefits that come from playing baseball. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar (February 14)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (February 15)
• FREE WEBINAR | “Building St. Peter’s” (February 18)
• Add your event

Loving the Houston Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business showcased in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at houston@patch.com

Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow morning for 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.