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šŸŒ± Patch AM: Will Houstonā€™s drainage dollars really go to tearing down blighted homes?

Make time for The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Houston, TX (January 2026) on the Houston Patch calendar

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Hey there, Houston! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ā˜•ļøļø

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Houstonā€™s drainage dollars really go to tearing down blighted homes?
  • Why are Houston seniors still stranded by broken elevators?
  • Are Houston-area PokĆ©mon card thieves linked in one costly spree?

Also on today's calendar: The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Houston, TX (January 2026) and 7 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the hammer say after getting an A on a test? šŸ¤” (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Wednesday: Very warm, with a high of 80 and low of 68 degrees.
  • Thursday: Cloudy, showers around; windy, temps: high: 80, low: 68.
  • Friday: Cloudy, a shower and t-storm, with a high of 80 and low of 58 degrees.

šŸ“° News we're reading

1. Houston leaders at odds over proposal to divert $25M in stormwater funding (fox26houston.com) ā€” Houston officials are clashing over Mayor John Whitmireā€™s plan to use $25 million from the cityā€™s stormwater drainage fund to demolish derelict buildings, with City Controller Chris Hollins calling the move illegal. The city attorney and analyst Bill King argue the transfer is lawful and tied to drainage impacts, and City Council is set to revisit the issue Wednesday.
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2. Houston seniors stranded as elevators remain out of service (fox26houston.com) ā€” Elderly residents at an Independence Heights senior living facility in Houston have been stuck on upper floors for a week because the buildingā€™s only elevator is down, disrupting medical care and daily needs. Officials and agencies are pointing fingers over whoā€™s responsible, while the nonprofit operator promises repairs and a local state representative pushes for stronger elevator safety rules to protect seniors.
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3. Houston crime: String of collectible store break-ins, PokĆ©mon cards targeted (fox26houston.com) ā€” Collectible shop owners around the Houston area are on edge after at least four stores in Richmond, Katy, and Cypress were hit by burglars targeting high-value PokĆ©mon cards and sports memorabilia. Losses are estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars as Fort Bend and Harris County deputies investigate possible connections between the cases and shop owners ramp up security.
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4. Andrew White drops from Texas governor race, endorses Gina Hinojosa (fox4news.com) ā€” Houston businessman Andrew White has ended his bid for Texas governor and thrown his support behind State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, reshaping the Democratic primary field. White cited weak fundraising and said stepping aside lets Hinojosa conserve resources to challenge Gov. Greg Abbott. Recent polling showed Hinojosa leading Democrats, with White a distant second.
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5. From DACA to detention: Immigrant in Texas held after social media posts, lawyers say (houstonchronicle.com) ā€” Houston activists and a local attorney are rallying behind a DACA recipient detained after federal officials said his social media posts glorified terrorism. Supporters gathered outside the Philippine Consulate in Houston, arguing his case shows a broader crackdown on immigrantsā€™ speech. His legal team says he faces danger in the Philippines after converting to Islam and losing DACA protections.
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šŸ“ø Around Houston

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šŸ’¬ Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • UPDATE: THE CAT WAS RETURNED TO RIGHTFUL OWNER!
    Found cat! I currently have her/him in my garage; very friendly seems like a lost pet. Was seen on Wycliffe between Memorial and St. Maryā€™s. (Nextdoor Britmore Oaks)
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Tita, a cat who went missing in Houston, TX, has been safely reunited with their family after 2 hours, 37 minutes. Message from Owner: "Tita catā€¦ (Nextdoor Bear Creek Village)
  • The public comment period for library materials being considered for purchase is open. All comments & feedback must be received by 11:59pm on Feb 5... (X: SBISD)
  • #DistC staff joined @freedmenstowntx for a preservation projects update meetingā€”keeping residents informed and involved in preservation and... (X: HouDistC)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Merchandise and Stocking Associate in Houston. Apply here.
  • Costco Wholesale Corporation posted a job opening for Stocker 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 nailed it!
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