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- Deadliest Air Disaster Since 2001
Deadliest Air Disaster Since 2001
We’ll still share the best happy hours in Houston as promised, but let’s all take a moment to reflect on this tragedy and hold its victims in our thoughts.
H-TOWN Crew
January 31, 2025
H-TOWN HEADLINES
🚨 Houston Police Seek Suspect in Child Groping Incident: Authorities are searching for a man who allegedly groped a 7-year-old girl while she was walking home from school. The incident happened between the 700 and 800 blocks of Omar in Woodland Heights. The suspect is described as a male in his 30s with a medium build & readers can watch video doorbell footage to help identify the culprit.
🚧 Downtown Houston Construction Accident: A construction worker was rescued after being trapped in an elevator following a scaffolding collapse near Main Street and Rusk. Concrete reportedly fell from the eighth floor onto the scaffolding and elevator. The worker was hospitalized in stable condition. The incident caused temporary METRORail service disruptions and road closures in the area.
🍿 Iconic HTOWN Series Now Streaming on Netflix: The Houston-based series 'Mo' returned for its second and final season this past Thursday. Created by and starring Mo Amer, the show offers a semi-autobiographical look at a Palestinian refugee navigating life in Houston. The first season paid homage to iconic Houston landmarks and neighborhoods, including the “We Love Houston" sign, Funplex, and Mount Rush Hour. Season 2 continues to showcase the city's rich diversity and culture. Go watch it now!
NATIONAL HEADLINES
RFK Jr. Faces Contentious Confirmation Hearings: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominated by President Trump for Secretary of Health and Human Services, underwent Senate confirmation hearings where he was extensively questioned about his vaccine skepticism and controversial health views. His nomination has drawn criticism from health experts and political figures, including his cousin Caroline Kennedy, who labeled him "unqualified" and a "predator." The outcome of his confirmation remains uncertain.
Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady: In its first policy meeting since President Trump's inauguration, the Federal Reserve opted to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged, maintaining the current range of 4.25% to 4.50%. This decision reflects the central bank's cautious approach amid ongoing economic uncertainties and recent policy shifts.
MARKET REPORT
Energy Sector Earnings and Market Outlook: On January 31, 2025, major energy companies including Exxon Mobil (XOM), Chevron (CVX), and Phillips 66 (PSX) are scheduled to release their fourth-quarter earnings reports. Analysts anticipate a year-over-year earnings decline of approximately 30.7% for the energy sector, primarily due to lower oil prices compared to the previous year.
Housing Market Hits 30-Year Low: In 2024, U.S. home sales dropped to 4.06 million, the lowest level since 1995. High mortgage rates (6-8%) and rising home prices ($404,400 median in December, up 6% year over year) made buying increasingly difficult. Limited inventory added to the strain, prompting political attention to housing affordability. While some economists hope for a spring rebound, affordability challenges remain a major hurdle for buyers.
Tragedy Over the Potomac
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On the evening of January 29th, a routine flight turned into an unimaginable disaster when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River. The devastating mid-air crash resulted in the loss of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft, marking one of the deadliest aviation incidents in recent U.S. history. Flight 5342, en route from Wichita to Reagan National Airport, was in its final descent when it crossed paths with the Black Hawk, which had taken off moments earlier from Fort Belvoir for a training exercise. The collision occurred just before 9 p.m., mere minutes after air traffic controllers had confirmed both aircraft’s positions. Witnesses reported a fiery explosion illuminating the night sky before debris rained down into the river, leaving first responders scrambling to the scene.
While investigations are still in the early stages, initial reports have raised troubling questions about how two aircraft—both operating within their designated airspace—could have come into such a catastrophic encounter. The FAA and NTSB have launched a full-scale probe, with special attention on air traffic control communications and potential lapses in coordination. Black box recoveries and radar data will be crucial in piecing together the final moments before impact. Early indications suggest that visibility was clear and that both aircraft were flying under visual flight rules, intensifying concerns about whether communication failures or procedural missteps played a role. The tragedy has also reignited discussions on the safety of military and civilian aircraft sharing such tightly regulated airspace, particularly in proximity to a major commercial airport.
As families mourn the lives lost, the nation grapples with the gravity of this catastrophe. American Airlines and the U.S. Army have pledged full cooperation with investigators, while federal authorities have assured the public that every effort will be made to prevent such an event from happening again. The Potomac River, now a site of sorrow, serves as a stark reminder of how quickly routine can turn into tragedy. As our community processes this heartbreaking loss, the ultimate hope is that the lessons learned will lead to improved safety measures, ensuring that the memories of those who perished are honored with meaningful action. 🕊️
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Weekend Vibes: Houston’s Best Happy Hours
Whether you're winding down from a long workweek or kicking off a lively night out, a solid happy hour can set the perfect tone for your weekend. Houston’s bar and restaurant scene offers plenty of incredible deals, but not all happy hours are created equal—especially when it comes to weekends. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best spots in town where you can sip, snack, and save. From craft cocktails in cozy lounges to tequila-fueled fun in Montrose, these four places have you covered!
🪇 Pistoleros - Friday (4-7PM) & Saturday/Sunday (12-7PM) 🪇
If you’re craving a throwback to your college days with cheap margaritas, Pistoleros is the place to be! The margaritas may not be the best you've ever had, but they’ll definitely get the party started. With a lively atmosphere and an energetic crowd, their happy hour offers $4 house margaritas and $7 appetizers, including elote, tamales, nachos, taquitos, chicken quesadillas, and stuffed jalapeños.🍾 Eloise Nichols - Friday/Saturday/Sunday (3-6PM) 🍾
I almost didn’t include Eloise Nichols on this list—not because it isn’t great, but because it’s my go-to drinking spot, and I was tempted to keep it a secret. This place perfectly blends neighborhood bar vibes with an upscale Highland Village feel, making it ideal for first dates, business meetings, or any occasion. And no matter what, the drinks always hit! Their happy hour offers $3 off already well-priced cocktails, $7 glasses of wine, $5 draft beers, and discounted bites like a $5 burger or $6 Joe’s Hot Chicken. Highly recommend checking them out!👹 Kanpai Club - Friday/Saturday/Sunday (3-6PM) 👹
Want to impress your friends and show off your insider knowledge? Take them to Kanpai Club, a hidden gem tucked inside Hando, one of Houston’s best handroll spots. With top-notch drinks, chill snacks, and a laid-back vibe, it’s the kind of place where you can unwind, chat with the bartender, and feel like you’ve discovered something special. During happy hour, house cocktails are just $7, and bar bites—like curry croquettes, geso karaage, vegetable bao, takoyaki, and spiced chicken tsukune—are only $5.🏯 Norigami - All Day Sunday Happy Hour 🏯
Okay, I’ll admit it—I’ve never actually been to Norigami 😳. So why is it on this list? Because I’ve lost count of how many people have raved about their Sunday happy hour. If you love raw seafood over rice and seaweed, this is the place to drink, vibe, and eat. Norigami leans more high-end, so the deals won’t be the cheapest, but the quality of food and drinks more than makes up for it. It’s the perfect spot for a laid-back but elevated day out. And who knows? We might just run into each other there. 😉
Student Discount Night at Discovery Green: January 30th
Discovery Green hosts Student Discount Nights, during which high school and college students can save $2 on skating on the Green Mountain Energy Ice during select weeks. Tickets to skate are $18; $16 for high school and college students with valid IDs. Tickets include a 75-minute skate rental and must be booked online in advance.
Comedian Russell Peters at Houston Improv: January 30th — February 1st
Houston Improv welcomes Comedian Russell Peters at Houston Improv for 6 shows of his Relax World Tour over 3 nights on the Spring Branch stage. Peters was recently named as one of Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Comics of All Time. He started doing stand-up at the age of 19 at open mics in his native Toronto and spent the next fifteen years honing his craft at clubs across Canada and the UK.
The Short & Sweet Speakeasy - Sexy Burlesque Show at AvantGarden: January 31st
AvantGarden in Montrose hosts The Short and Sweet Speakeasy, a high-quality live 90-minute burlesque show featuring local talents and a special guest in elaborate costumes. Tickets include your first drink.
Lunar New Year Festival + Night Market at Market Square Park: February 1st
Celebrate from noon to night under the Downtown skyline at a festival featuring Lion and Dragon dances, a live DJ, cultural workshops by Young Audiences of Houston, and a bustling RISE market with over 30 vendors offering a variety of street food and artisan goods. Be among the first 200 people to arrive at this event and receive a special red envelope with gift vouchers for Downtown businesses! Plus, find a gold coin in your envelope and win an elevated prize!
The Complete Walking Tour of Houston: History, Architecture & Street Art in Downtown: February 1st
Dive into the history, architecture, and uniquely Texan ambiance of the fourth-biggest city in the United States. On Houston’s only guided walking tour—with glowing 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor—you’ll explore iconic landmarks, stunning architecture, and fascinating stories from the city’s past in a 2-hour tour of Downtown Houston.
The Lovers Market Valentine Edition in The Heights: February 1st
The First Saturday Arts Market, now in its 21st year, welcomes guests to browse and shop artisan goods and works from dozens of local artists at a special pre-Valentine’s edition of the monthly family-friendly market. In addition to the shopping, people watching and atmosphere, it also boasts free live music, along with food truck bites, beer, and vino for purchase.
We Just Jokin -Bringing DC/DMV to HTWN 2: February 1st
Following a successful show last summer, Jackie L Entertainment presents We Just Jokin: DMV to HTown 2, a night of live comedy and entertainment, to Moth, just north of Downtown and I-10. The show features DMV’s own comedians Tony Spoon and Oral Henery, joined by Comedy Central and Hulu’s Keisha Hunt. The show will be hosted by Houston’s own Christian Alexander, along with DJ T Hill from DC. Doors open at 7pm. Show at 8pm. Food and drink are available for purchase. Free street parking.
The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical at Match: February 2nd
America’s sweetest run is back for our most indulgent USA TODAY Hot Chocolate Run season yet in Houston on January 25, 2025! With 5K, 10K, and 15K distances and a post-run party that’ll make you go cocoa crazy, you and your friends will experience the ultimate chocolate celebration!