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🌱 Patch AM: Why did Bellaire’s police chief retire after that internal review?

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

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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:

  • Why did Bellaire’s police chief retire after that internal review?
  • How a deadly east Houston attack unfolded on a quiet cul-de-sac
  • How big are Houston’s largest megachurches compared to stadiums?

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: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Monday: A shower; fog in the morning, with a high of 79 and low of 66 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Areas of morning fog, temps: high: 79, low: 63.
  • Wednesday: Fog in the morning, with a high of 78 and low of 61 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Bellaire police chief Onesimo Lopez retires after investigation (cw39.com) — Bellaire’s police chief, Onesimo Lopez, has retired a month after being placed on paid administrative leave, city officials announced in Houston. The city says the internal review is complete and not related to public safety, and Lt. Shane O’Sullivan is now serving as acting chief while leadership transitions.
   

2. Houston Islamorada stabbing: Wife dies weeks later; husband accused (fox26houston.com) — A woman has died after a brutal stabbing and fire attack inside an east Houston home, and her husband is now jailed on a high bond while facing an aggravated assault charge. Family members describe witnessing the violence over FaceTime, and authorities outline his long Houston-area criminal history. Local readers are also pointed to domestic violence hotlines and Greater Houston support resources.
   

3. Texas Megachurches Are Among the Biggest in the World (kfyo.com) — Some of the world’s largest megachurches are right here in the Houston area, with several able to hold crowds rivaling major sporting events. A recent look at Texas congregations found that three of the state’s ten biggest megachurches are clustered around Houston, highlighting just how central large-scale worship has become in our region’s religious life.
   

4. Ricky Saints attacks Zilla Fatu at Reality Wrestling (dailyddt.com) — Houston’s own Reality Wrestling, run by Booker T, just hosted a surprise WWE crossover when NXT star Ricky Saints attacked rising prospect Zilla Fatu during a match. The Houston-based promotion is increasingly a pipeline to WWE, and this angle has fans buzzing that Fatu could soon jump to NXT. Local wrestling followers may want to watch how this storyline unfolds into 2026.
   

5. Video: Rats Swarm Texas Apartment Complex (wearelubbock.com) — Residents at a Houston apartment complex are sharing viral video of rats swarming the property, saying their units are infested while management allegedly hasn’t fixed the problem. One tenant describes repeated fires and ongoing damage, leaving neighbors uneasy about what might be scurrying just out of sight.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Discover a interesting factory(BYXGD industrial ethernet cables) —dsad Read on Patch
  • Tanger Houston extends holiday shopping hours for last-minute gifting —Ashley Cameron Curtis Read on Patch
  • Sage Hospitality posted a job opening for General Accountant - C. Baldwin Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton in Houston. Apply here.
  • Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. posted a job opening for Machinist 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 feel your pane.
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