Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Which Houston malls are thieves targeting most this holiday season?

And on the Houston Patch calendar - Bach Society Houston presents Bach's Christmas Oratorio & the Magnificat

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Friday December 12th Patch AM
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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:

  • Which Houston malls are thieves targeting most this holiday season?
  • Which shuttered Houston schools are being sold off by HISD now?
  • How many holiday DWI crashes are happening around Houston right now?

Also on today's calendar: Bach Society Houston presents Bach’s Christmas Oratorio & the Magnificat and 8 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I once read a book about anti-gravity. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Fog will lift in the morning, with a high of 75 and low of 62 degrees.
  • Saturday: A brief shower or two, temps: high: 74, low: 57.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny; breezy, cooler, with a high of 61 and low of 34 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. These Houston shopping spots see the most car break-ins, KHOU 11 analysis finds (khou.com) — Houston police data show hundreds of car break-ins at major shopping centers, with the Galleria topping the list and Fridays between 5 and 7 p.m. the riskiest time. Detectives say thieves watch shoppers and even use devices to detect active electronics, urging residents to hide valuables and avoid leaving purchases in parked cars.
   

2. HISD approves sale of more than 230 acres, including three abandoned schools (houstonchronicle.com) — Houston ISD has approved selling more than 230 acres of surplus property, including three long-vacant school sites and a massive 208-acre tract in North Forest. Properties like the historic Harper School near Washington Avenue and former Ryan and Terrell elementary campuses will now move to new owners. The decision follows a year of debate over underused district real estate.
   

3. TxDOT launches holiday drunk driving prevention campaign as crashes spike (khou.com) — Law enforcement across the Houston area is increasing DWI patrols through New Year’s as TxDOT’s “Drive Sober, No Regrets” campaign responds to thousands of local alcohol-related crashes. Harris County leads the state in these incidents, with 2023 crashes causing hundreds of deaths and serious injuries, especially during the holidays. Officials urge residents to plan sober rides and avoid preventable tragedies.
   

4. Trinity Gardens, Fifth Ward residents speak out after DOJ ends monitoring of illegal dumping (fox26houston.com) — Residents in Houston’s Trinity Gardens and Fifth Ward are alarmed that the U.S. Department of Justice has ended federal monitoring of illegal dumping in their neighborhoods, fearing cleanup and accountability will backslide. Community leaders describe ongoing trash and hazardous waste problems, while the City of Houston outlines new enforcement and cleanup steps that residents say are helpful but may not be enough without outside oversight.
   

5. Houston mom battling cancer worries about costs after Senate blocks healthcare deal (khou.com) — Houston families relying on Affordable Care Act coverage could face higher premiums in January after the Senate failed to advance two competing subsidy-extension plans. Local residents, including a mother battling cancer, say they’re anxious about affording treatment as lawmakers race to find a last-minute deal before current subsidies expire.
   

📸 Around Houston

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Harmony School of Excellence-Houston Cheer Team Secures Another Big Win —sally magnuson Read on Patch
  • DQ Restaurants In Texas Debut NEW Chicken Tenders —Mary Coker Read on Patch
  • The Light Park: The Most Pet-Friendly Holiday Outing for Families and Their Furry Friends —Dana Read on Patch
  • Harmony Public Schools Houston North to Host Citywide Vex IQ Robotics Competition —sally magnuson Read on Patch
  • Today I have 903 days clean and sober and my life is totally different today than it was just 2 1/2 years ago.
    Things couldn't be better but is my life perfect? Absolutely not. I will say that things are going very well but I'm not without my flaws. The… (Nextdoor Dumbarton)
  • LUNA WAS FOUND!!
    thank you to everyone that helped us look for her🩷 We missed her so much and couldn’t be happier she is back to being with her sister :))) (Nextdoor Bellaire West)
  • Authority Brands posted a job opening for Permit Coordinator in Houston. Apply here.
  • Spring Independent School District posted a job opening for CTE Teacher, HS Barbering Teacher (2025-2026 School Year) 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 couldn’t put it down.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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