Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new Texas bail rule just reshaped a Houston murder case

Also, don't miss Christmas deals at Diamond Exchange Houston on the Houston Patch calendar

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Thursday December 18th Patch AM
Thursday December 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Cheers Houston! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a new Texas bail rule just reshaped a Houston murder case
  • Will Houston use drainage funds to finally demolish dangerous buildings?
  • How Houston teens are learning jazz from world-famous musicians

Also on today's calendar: Christmas deals at Diamond Exchange Houston and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Houstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Houstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: A thunderstorm in spots, with a high of 78 and low of 48 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny and not as warm, temps: high: 68, low: 52.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 78 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Judge denies bail in Houston taco truck killing under new Texas amendment (houstonchronicle.com) — A Harris County judge has denied bail for a man accused of killing a Houston taco truck owner, using new authority under a recently approved Texas constitutional amendment. Prosecutors argued he is a continuing threat and noted his lack of ties to Houston, while the defense said an immigration hold would keep him jailed regardless. More cases testing this expanded bail-denial power are expected locally.
   

2. The City of Houston has a big decision to make about certain buildings around town (khou.com) — Houston officials are weighing whether to spend $30 million, largely from a stormwater fund, to demolish more than 300 of the city’s most dangerous abandoned buildings, many clustered in Districts B and D. City Council delayed the vote until next year after questions about using drainage money, leaving residents in affected neighborhoods still dealing with crime, dumping, and flooding tied to these properties.
   

3. Jazz legends Wynton Marsalis and Vincent Gardner bring music education to Houston students (khou.com) — Houston high school musicians are getting rare, hands-on training from jazz greats Wynton Marsalis and Vincent Gardner through the Jazz Houston youth orchestra. The program, founded in 2016, now auditions dozens of local students, offers major performance stages like the Hobby Center, and even takes participants on summer trips to top music cities and college programs.
   

4. Houston honors Sylvester Turner with downtown building dedication (cw39.com) — A downtown Houston building at 1010 Lamar Street has been officially dedicated to the late former mayor and congressman Sylvester Turner, honoring his decades of public service. The tribute highlights his journey from Houston native riding METRO buses to leading the city and serving in Congress, aiming to inspire future local leaders with his example of integrity and community commitment.
   

5. Federal judge to hear case against state law banning LGBTQ+ groups from schools (kxan.com) — A federal judge in Houston is set to hear a major challenge to Texas’ new Senate Bill 12, which restricts LGBTQ+-related student clubs, lessons and staff support in schools. The case includes a Houston ISD student and names Houston ISD as a defendant, with the outcome potentially reshaping what local students can say, learn, and organize around on campus.
   

📸 Around Houston

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Houston

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📣 Houston Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday December 18
  • Early Risers Exercise (50+) Tues & Thurs
    West University Place Community Building and Senior Center , 6104 Auden Street , West University Place
    8:30 am
  • Parkinson's Boxing Thursday (50+)
    West University Place Community Building and Senior Center , 6104 Auden Street , West University Place
    9:30 am
  • Chair Stretch (50+)
    West University Place Community Building and Senior Center , 6104 Auden Street , West University Place
    9:30 am
  • Chair Volleyball (50+)
    West University Place Community Building and Senior Center , 6104 Auden Street , West University Place
    10:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • FREE Mini Blizzard Treat Available At DQ Restaurants In Texas —Mary Coker Read on Patch
  • A Season of Giving: Christmas for Bees Initiative Brings Joy to Harmony School of Enrichment —sally magnuson Read on Patch
  • Hi everyone,
    My sister has been missing for over 72 hours. She was last seen in the Bellaire / Chinatown area (Houston, TX). She is currently experiencing a… (Nextdoor Westbury)
  • Yesterday Tue I was robbed!
    Guy came to door claiming to be trimming neighbors tree and for small amount $12 would trim a few branches off my tree. Next thing I knew he was in… (Nextdoor West University)
  • Encompass Health Corp. posted a job opening for Nutrition Services Clerk in Houston. Apply here.
  • Powell Industries, Inc. posted a job opening for Base Welder II in Houston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Houston here.

Ok Houston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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