H-TOWN HEADLINES

• ❄️ Houston Braces for Another Arctic Blast: An Arctic cold front is set to bring freezing temperatures to Houston, with lows expected to dip into the mid-20s by Thursday, February 20. Wind chills could drop into the upper teens, making it the coldest stretch of the season. Rain and thunderstorms will precede the front, with strong winds adding to the chill. Residents are urged to protect plants, pets, and pipes, as well as check on vulnerable individuals. Officials advise staying updated as conditions may shift rapidly.

• 💝 Drake Surprises Houston Diners by Covering V-Day Meals: On February 14, Drake celebrated the release of his new album, "$ome $exy $ongs 4 U," by treating over half the patrons at Juliet Steakhouse in Houston's Galleria area to complimentary dinners. Although not physically present, Drake coordinated with restaurant owner Jamie Allen to cover the bills, enhancing the evening for many singles and couples. This act of generosity aligns with Drake's history of engaging with the Houston community, where he recently purchased a $15 million ranch. The surprise gesture also coincides with ongoing public disputes between Drake and fellow artist Kendrick Lamar.

• 🔫 21-Year-Old Fatally Shot After Confronting Car Burglary: In the early hours of February 16, 21-year-old Julian Comeaux was fatally shot after confronting a suspect allegedly breaking into vehicles near the intersection of Bagby and Hadley Streets in Midtown Houston. Comeaux, who was scheduled to depart for Navy service later that week, approached the suspect with friends when an altercation ensued. The suspect, described as a Black male with dreadlocks featuring gold tips and wearing a black hoodie, opened fire, striking Comeaux in the upper body and injuring another individual in the arm. The assailant fled the scene, leaving behind a shoe, and remains at large. Houston Police are actively investigating the incident and seeking public assistance to locate the suspect.

NATIONAL HEADLINES

• 🚗 Third Victim Discovered in Fiery Wyoming Tunnel Crash: On February 16, investigators located a third deceased individual amidst the wreckage of a catastrophic 26-vehicle collision inside the westbound tunnel of Interstate 80 near Green River, Wyoming. The incident, which occurred on February 14, involved multiple commercial and passenger vehicles, igniting a fire that destroyed six commercial trucks and two passenger cars. At least five individuals sustained serious injuries. The intense heat and structural damage have complicated recovery and investigative efforts. Traffic has been rerouted through Green River, with plans to reopen the eastbound tunnel for two-way traffic by February 19. The westbound tunnel's reopening remains unscheduled. The National Transportation Safety Board, in collaboration with the Wyoming Highway Patrol, is conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.

• ☢️ Trump Administration Reinstates Fired Nuclear Weapons Workers: In a recent policy reversal, the Trump administration is attempting to reinstate approximately 350 employees of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) who were abruptly terminated as part of federal cost-cutting measures. The NNSA, a division of the Department of Energy, oversees the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile and is responsible for critical tasks such as warhead reassembly and nuclear security. The sudden layoffs, which predominantly affected the Pantex Plant in Texas, raised significant concerns about potential risks to national security and the stability of the nuclear program. Critics, including lawmakers and nuclear safety experts, condemned the firings as reckless and destabilizing. Efforts to contact the dismissed employees have been hampered, as many have lost access to their government email accounts, complicating the reinstatement process. This incident occurred amidst broader federal workforce reductions led by President Trump and adviser Elon Musk, who aimed to decrease government staffing across various departments.

MARKET REPORT

• 📈 Intel's Stock Surges on AI Chip Pledge: Intel's shares posted their biggest weekly gain since 2000 after JD Vance publicly pledged support for an ambitious AI chip initiative. This endorsement has boosted investor confidence in Intel's strategy to accelerate its innovation in advanced semiconductor technology, positioning the company to better compete in the rapidly evolving AI market. The rally underscores growing optimism about Intel's ability to leverage political and market momentum to secure a leadership role in next-generation chip production.

• ㍐ China Stresses the Need for a Stable Yuan: Chinese officials have emphasized that maintaining a stable yuan is essential to underpinning the nation's economic growth and bolstering global investor confidence amid heightened market volatility. The government is committed to using targeted measures—including potential central bank interventions—to curb excessive currency fluctuations, support export competitiveness, and manage inflationary pressures. This strategic focus on currency stability is viewed as crucial for sustaining domestic demand, preventing capital flight, and reinforcing China’s position in international trade.

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