🌱 Houston Helps Tornado Survivors + 1st Known Omicron Death

Houston TX

21 December, 2021

6:58 PM

Description

Happy Wednesday, Houston! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note. First, today's weather: Mostly sunny. High: 70. Low: 57. Here are the top stories today in Houston: The first known COVID-19 death linked to the omicron variant in the United States was reported in Harris County late Monday. (Houston Patch)Houstonians are doing their part to help people affected by the vicious Midwest tornadoes by sending donations to Kentucky survivors. (KHOU.com)Americans are getting some relief at the pump, but gas prices are still much higher than they were a year ago. Here's what you'll be paying if you're traveling out of Houston for Christmas. (Houston Patch) Houston ICE agents are using body cameras as part of a new pilot program. (Houston Chronicle) Rustika Cafe and Bakery is bringing its delightfully diverse offerings to Katy, where its opening its fifth Houston-area location. (CultureMap Houston) Today's Houston Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com. Today in Houston: Holiday Bazaar at Russian Cultural Center. (9:30 a.m.) Bogorodsk Toys Exhibition at Russian Cultural Center. (10 a.m.) Prohibited Yard Parking Hearing at City of Houston Annex Council Chamber. (2:30 p.m.) Monthly Positive Understanding of Sex, Sensuality and Yourself Workshop (Virtual) (6 p.m.) From my notebook: Houston Astros: "Join the official Kids Club of the Houston Astros! The #Astros Buddies Club, presented by H-E-B, is just $30 and comes with Astros gear, four tickets and exclusive experiences. Sign up and get more info at www.astros.com/buddies." (Facebook) Downtown Houston: "Winter Wanderland on Bagby — bringing smiles to #DowntownHouston since 2021. While this is the first year of our WWOB installations, it certainly isn't the last. We've really been overwhelmed by the love our city has shown to this new piece of downtown this year." (Instagram) Houston Public Media: "Houston Methodist Hospital has a long history dating back to the Spanish flu. Now it's using that history and all of its resources to tackle yet another pandemic: COVID-19." (Facebook) Houston Health Department: "Many Houston Health Department-affiliated COVID-19 vaccination and testing sites are closed Dec. 24-27 for the Christmas holiday. Getting vaccinated and tested for COVID-19 is free and does not require proof of residency, citizenship, or insurance." (Facebook) City of Houston Solid Waste Management: "It's that time of year again. Don't forget to recycle any unwanted string lights by donating them to your favorite charity. Do not place them in your green carts as they damage the cities processing and recycling equipment." (Facebook) More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news! Events: Save 15 Percent On FTD's Christmas Collection (December 25) Add your event Loving the Houston Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved: Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe Get your local business listed in front of readers Send me a news tip or suggestion at [email protected] Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll see you around! — Jeffrey Perkins About me: Born in San Antonio, I was raised in Arkansas but got back to Texas as soon as I could to attend Texas A&M University, where I earned a bachelor's degree in Telecommunication Media Studies. I started my journalism career as a copy editor at The Eagle in Bryan, Texas, in 2014 and later became the high school sports beat writer for the paper. My seven years at The Eagle strengthened my passion for journalism, and I love getting to know people and telling their stories, both on the field and off. I've seen firsthand the importance of hyper-local journalism in a community, especially in an eventful 2020, when I helped with news coverage and design in addition to my high school athletics beat responsibilities. I joined Patch in 2021 as Texas Field Editor for the Conroe-Montgomery County area. I welcome your questions, comments and story ideas! Please contact me at [email protected] or (479) 264-5801.