Welcome to the week, Houston! 🌧️ Expect some rain and cool temps today. High of 50; low of 47. It's Monday. Let's get this week started. |
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How to prepare for the coming freeze |
Mark Mulligan / Houston Chronicle |
If you read one thing: A strong cold front of Arctic air is set to hit the Houston area this Thursday, bringing below freezing conditions expected to last through Christmas Day. Here's what you need to know and what you can do to prepare now. How cold will it get in Houston? It's too early to forecast exact temperatures, according to the NWS, but temperatures below 25 degrees are likely beginning Thursday night. Statewide, temperatures should remain much higher than they were during the 2021 storm. Unlike in 2021, however, any winter precipitation over the weekend is unlikely. Is a loss of power likely? Officials from ERCOT, the state's nonprofit grid operator, have said they expect to have enough power to meet demand during the cold snap coming next week. You can sign up for free text, email or phone call alerts from CenterPoint Energy, which services much of the Houston area, to get information about when the power goes out locally. What should you do to prepare? Protect your pipes: If you're leaving town, consider turning your water off completely and running every faucet in your home until nothing comes out to ensure there's no water left in your pipes to freeze. Or if you'll be around, letting your faucets drip to keep water moving can also help prevent freezing, though it isn't 100 percent foolproof. Protect your pets and plants: Outdoor pets should be brought inside if possible, as well as any plants in pots that can easily be moved. For plants that can't be easily moved, protect them with cold weather plant covers ahead of Thursday to help lock in some heat. Protect yourself and others: Have extra blankets on hand in case the power goes out and be careful using fireplaces or portable generators for warmth. Ensure your house is equipped with a carbon monoxide detector. More than 300 people were admitted to Houston-area hospitals with carbon monoxide poisoning during the 2021 freeze. Read the full story on things to know and do from Megan Munce here. |
Houston's best movie theaters |
The romance of movie theaters has perhaps dimmed in recent years, thanks to streaming, COVID and the nation's irresistible urge to text in public places, writes Cary Darling. But we can all agree that sometimes nothing beats sitting in the dark with a crowd, mesmerized by sound, light and story. For those times when nothing but the big screen will satisfy, Darling has compiled a list of his favorite movie theaters in the Houston area. |
Texas' new Land Commissioner |
Jerry Lara / San Antonio Express-News |
If you read one thing: In an interview this week, Republican Dawn Buckingham made clear she will continue steering the Hurricane Harvey recovery in much the same manner as outgoing Land Commissioner George P. Bush, with no plans to redistribute the mitigation aid so Houston and Harris County receive a bigger slice. What did Bush do? Bush has been at odds with Houston and Harris County officials over two key issues: the state agency's efforts to seize funds from the city's beleaguered housing recovery programs, and the distribution of billions in federal aid meant to protect storm-vulnerable areas against future damage — none of which is going to Houston, thus far. What is Buckingham saying? The new Land Commissioner has said the agency would continue its ongoing efforts to recoup from the city nearly $141 million earmarked for housing recovery, small business grants and various nonprofit services, a move spurred by the city's failure to meet key spending benchmarks over the summer. Buckingham also said she hopes to retain Bush's executive staff, including those involved in disaster recovery, and generally avoid much turnover with the agency. Aside from storm recovery, the GLO oversees oil and gas leases on public land, Texas' state-run veterans homes, the state coastline, and an in-progress restoration of the Alamo. Read the full story from politics reporter Jasper Scherer here. |
Susan Barber / Houston Chronicle |
🚧 Development: The developer of Generation Park, a 4,300-acre commercial master-planned community near Lake Houston, sat down with the Houston Chronicle to discuss what's next for the $12 billion plus mixed-use campus. (from Marissa Luck) ⚖️ County government: Alex Triantaphyllis, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's chief of staff and one of three current and former county aides indicted in a controversial vaccine outreach contract, is leaving the judge's office, Hidalgo announced Friday. (from Rebecca Hennes) 🪧 Protests: Protestors dressed in full "Handmaid's Tale" regalia gathered in Katy Saturday to decry violence against women in Iran. (from Claire Goodman) 📄 Immigration: Athulya Rajakumar's family came to the U.S. legally. Now, after nearly two decades, the 23-year-old UT graduate may have to deport herself to India due to visa backlogs. "We followed the rules," said Rajakumar. "The only reason I'm in this position is because I don't want to break the rules." (from Elizabeth Trovall) 🏭 Nuisance companies: Elon Musk's companies are upending life for many in rural Texas, bringing noise, light pollution and heavy traffic. Documents show that the companies have pressured Bastrop County officials to approve numerous permits at breakneck speed. (San Antonio Express-News) |
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Susan Barber / Houston Chronicle |
🏈 Texans: Despite leading in the fourth quarter, the Texans came up just short in a 30-24 loss in overtime to the Chiefs Sunday. Solomon's report card: Grade: B. "The Texans continue to battle. We're talking bout a team with seemingly little to play for playing its heart out." 🏀 Rockets: The Rockets shot just 3-of-29 on 3-pointers on Saturday in a 107-95 loss to the Trail Blazers, marking Houston's worst 3-point shooting game of the season. But their biggest downfall in the game seemed to be a lamentable lack of energy. ⚾ Astros: In need of a left fielder, free agent Michael Brantley is returning to Houston on a one-year, $12 million contract, several people close to the deal confirmed Sunday. Rivals: The Yankees, who haven't been to a World Series since 2009 and have been eliminated by the Astros in four of the past eight postseasons, might have the best starting rotation in the American League after signing Carlos Rodón to a six-year, $162 million contract Thursday.
⚽ Soccer: Lionel Messi led Argentina to a World Cup championship on Sunday. If the next World Cup on the pitch is anything like the one that Argentina just won, Houston will have a once-in-a-lifetime party in 2026, when our big city will serve as a host site for an expanded Cup that will bridge the United States with Mexico and Canada, writes Brian T. Smith.
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I'd love to hear about any Houston area restaurants you've really enjoyed recently. Hit reply and let me know what you like about the place or your favorite dish. I'll be sharing your responses in a future send of The 713. Cat DeLaura Cat.delaura@chron.com |
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