🌱 Tortoise Tots + Rodeo Life Saver

Hello, everybody. Chris here with your fresh copy of the Houston Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in the community, including updates on:

• The oldest animal at the Houston Zoo surprises everyone.
• An unexplained killing this past weekend.
• A Texas A&M student saved a Rodeo visitor's life.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and cool. High: 58 Low: 51.

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Here are the top stories today in Houston:

1. The oldest animal at the Houston zoo unexpectedly became the father to an additional three children this past week. At 90 years old, the Madagascar-native tortoise Mr. Pickles is now a father of four after his companion Mrs. Pickles saw her clutch of three eggs hatch. The two tortoises last gave birth to a single child back in 1997. The baby tortoises were named Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeño. Unfortunately, visitors won't be able to lay eyes on the newly born tortoises until they grow a bit and join their parents on exhibit. (KHOU.com)
2. Three men were killed inside of a parking lot near Beechnut Street and Wilcrest Drive this past Sunday morning at around 5:30 a.m. Police say the parking lot has a history of frequent shootings. While there's a nightclub and a shopping center in the parking lot, police say they don't understand exactly why so many shootings have taken place there. Furthermore, police say there are no motives or suspects in the shooting. Gerardo Filomeno, 29, and two of his friends were the victims. Filomeno leaves behind a wife and two young children who are seeking answers for their sudden loss. (KHOU.com)
3. Texas A&M student Ryan Vu, 20, saved someone's life at the Houston Rodeo thanks to his EMT and first-aid training. Vu was serving on the Junior Volunteer Committee in the health clinic when a rodeo visitor approached him. The visitor informed him that a man was convulsing on the ground nearby. Another volunteer who reached the man first told Vu that the convulsing man had no pulse. Thanks to his training, Vu knew to immediately grab an AED (automated external defibrillator) from the clinic nearby and put it to use. Thankfully, the man's pulse returned and his life was saved. Vu said, "Throughout all this training...to help someone else, I think it's just doing my duty, and doing what I need to do." (FOX26 Houston)
4. A violent robbery in Chinatown left a woman paralyzed after she was physically assaulted by a 17-year-old boy. The crime in question was committed by two teenagers. One of the teenagers witnessed the victim withdraw money from a bank and followed her for nearly 20 miles. Then, the other teen confronted her in front of a store, beat her on video camera, and stole her belongings. Though currently paralyzed, the victim will be able to walk again after going through physical therapy. Meanwhile, the two suspects are currently being held on bond. (KTRK-TV)
5. A wounded man apprehended by police outside of a Southwest Houston bar early Sunday later passed away in the hospital. The man in question was involved in a quarrel with two others who had pinned him to the ground. When police arrived, the two men took off but were ultimately detained. Police then found that the man on the ground had been shot in the leg. Although police attempted to help the wounded individual by placing a tourniquet on his leg and rushing him to the hospital, he did not pull through. Police are still uncertain who shot the bar fight victim. (Houston Chronicle)

Headlines you need to see:

• 'Farmer Wants a Wife' contestants visit the Houston Rodeo (FOX 26 Houston)
• Houston mother fights for justice one year after son dies in Harris County jail custody (FOX 26 Houston)
• Several families displaced after apartment fire possibly caused by arson destroys 12 units in north Houston (KPRC Click2Houston)
• Have you seen Elisa? Search underway for 57-year-old woman with dementia in north Houston (KPRC Click2Houston)
• Brad Paisley steals hearts — and a fan's phone — in his Star Trail of Fame RodeoHouston show (CultureMap Houston)

Today in Houston:

• Dungeons & Dragons with Circle of Barhaven at Brass Tap (6 p.m.)
• Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center (6 p.m.)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night at Onion Creek (7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Jose Altuve is now slated to undergo surgery on his right hand after a 96 mph baseball hit him. The injury occurred during the World Baseball Classic tournament as he represented Venezuela against the United States. (KHOU 11 News via Facebook)
• Adam Sander will be recognized for his comedy career after being named the recipient of the Mark Twain prize for lifetime in comedy. Over the course of his career, Sandler has starred in dozens of films that have collectively grossed over $3 billion worldwide. (KHOU 11 News via Facebook)
• Mattress Mack made sure the families of Houston's Cougars basketball team players would be able to attend the NCAA Tournament in Birmingham. Families are able to access funds to purchase tickets and flights thanks to a NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) Agreement Gallery Furniture has with the university. (FOX 26 Houston via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start the week! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.