🌱 Houston Astros Hall of Fame + Houston Dr. Helps Couple Marry

Carlos Hernandez
Updated ·4 min read

Good morning, Houston! Let's get you started this Friday with everything you need to know going on in town today.

First, today's weather:

Turning sunny; cool. High: 56 Low: 35.

Here are the top five stories in Houston today:

1. The 26-year-old man who led police on a manhunt and was already accused of stabbing a Houston police K-9, Ryan Smith, has been charged in his father's murder. Smith allegedly "murdered his father shortly after stabbing a police K-9 while trying to escape from a robbery," according to court documents that also allege he used a dumbbell in the murder. (ABC 13)

2. The Houston Astros announced two new members to the Houston Astros Hall of Fame on Thursday. Former All-Star outfielder Terry Puhl and former front office executive Tal Smith were elected by the committee. (KHOU 11)

3. A new report on the financial condition of the 75 most populous cities ranked Houston number 60 in the nation for fiscal health. The report found Houston needed $8.9 billion to get out of the red, or $13,200 from each city taxpayer. Houston had $14.7 billion in bills and only $5.8 billion in available assets. (Truth In Accounting)

4. A Houston doctor helped a couple get married at Memorial Hermann Hospital during a medical emergency. The couple's dreams were almost ruined when the groom was rushed to the hospital on their wedding day. However, Frank and Timeka were married in the emergency room by a chaplain organized by Dr. Sriram Nathan, who has been treating for Frank for years and knew the importance of the day. (Fox 26 Houston)

5. Officials from the City of Houston, Harris County, and the nonprofit Coalition for the Homeless on Wednesday announced a $100 million initiative to house 7,000 more people experiencing homelessness. Federal COVID relief funding will be used for the second phase of the Community COVID Housing Program. (City of Houston)

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Today in Houston:

  • Houston Auto Show at City of Houston. (12:00 PM)

  • Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trailblazers. Toyota Center. (7:00 PM)

  • Julius Caesar In Egypt at Moores Opera House. (7:30 PM)

  • Gidi Afrobeats Music Festival at O2 Lounge. (8:00 PM)

  • The Riot presents "Stand Up On The Spot" with Jeremiah Watkins. (10:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • On Wednesday, the Astros Golf Foundation presented a $500,000 check to Texas Southern University Sports Management program. The education grant will develop the Enos Cabell Fellowship, which provides internship opportunities with the Astros, and seed the Milton Carroll Scholarship. (Facebook)

  • As of January 26, 2022, the total number of COVID-19 cases confirmed in Houston is 409,260. This includes 1,519 new cases dated within the past 14 days that were not included in previous updates, 243 additional backlog cases, and the removal of 182 duplicates. (Facebook)

  • The EPA announced on Wednesday it would target environmental justice issues in Houston and other parts of the south. (Facebook)

  • Houston Independent School District's Cullen Middle School students received a new mini-pitch soccer area. (Facebook)

  • Don't miss the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston and Houston Rocket poster drop. 🚀 Head out to the Houston Rockets game today and celebrate Elvin Hayes night. Limited-edition and signed posters designed by Tay Butler will be available for purchase at this game. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update.

— Carlos Hernandez

About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a food writer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I write the food blog Carlos Eats (http://www.carloseats.com) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines with food-related blogs and articles.

This article originally appeared on the Houston Patch