Good Morning H-TOWN! Let’s kick off this edition with a question for you—what do you think about the newsletter so far? What do you love? What could we do better? Are there any features or improvements you’d like to see? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email with your thoughts and help us make Good Morning H-TOWN! even better. Your feedback is what keeps us going!

Now back to the good stuff! Today we’re covering everything from the Texans’ playoff run to the latest national headlines, including Bitcoin’s surge and a historic detainee transfer from Guantanamo. Plus, we’re sharing a must-try brunch spot in the Heights that’s perfect for your next weekend treat. Let’s dive in!

H-TOWN HEADLINES

• Trans Hate Crime: An 18-year-old Black trans teen named Rue was stabbed in Houston. While the attacker has been charged with aggravated robbery, Rue and her supporters are advocating for the charges to be upgraded to a hate crime due to the transphobic nature of the assault.

• Texans Secure Playoff Spot: The Houston Texans defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-14, clinching the AFC South title and securing the fourth seed in the playoffs. They are set to face the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round.

NATIONAL HEADLINES

• Guantanamo Detainees Transferred: The Pentagon announced the transfer of 11 Yemeni detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Oman after over two decades without charges. This significant move reduces the detainee population to 15, the lowest since 2002, as the Biden administration intensifies efforts to close the facility.

• Health Alert: A 66-year-old Louisiana man has died from H5N1 bird flu, marking the first fatal U.S. case. Linked to contact with sick backyard birds, this raises concerns as the virus nears the ability to spread between humans. Health officials stress the risk remains low but urge monitoring and preparedness.

• Legal Update: Rudy Giuliani has been found in contempt of court for failing to comply with orders to surrender assets, including luxury items, to satisfy a $148 million defamation judgment awarded to Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, whom he falsely accused of election fraud.

• Market Closure Notice: In observance of a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, U.S. stock markets, including the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, will be closed on January 9. This follows President Biden's declaration honoring Carter, who passed away at age 100.

• Market Update: Bitcoin's price has surpassed $100,000, driven by significant investments from U.S. miners and institutional investors. Companies like MicroStrategy have aggressively increased their Bitcoin holdings, with plans to raise additional funds for further purchases. This surge reflects growing confidence in Bitcoin as a strategic reserve asset amid favorable regulatory developments.

Sunday Brunch at Squable: Boom or Doom? _{HMU Costco Guys} 

This past Sunday, my wife and I decided to treat ourselves to brunch at Squable, a standout spot nestled in Houston’s vibrant Heights neighborhood. From the moment we arrived, it was clear we were in for something special. Parking was easy, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the restaurant set the tone for a memorable meal. Despite the typical Sunday brunch rush, we were seated immediately, and the service was attentive and friendly throughout. Opting for a spot on the patio, we found the outdoor seating to be spacious and comfortable—a perfect setting for a relaxed brunch.

We kicked things off with the Casablanca Carajillo, a cocktail blending Spanish vanilla liqueur, overproof rum, cold brew coffee, and Moroccan spices. This drink felt like a "grown-up" espresso martini, with the coffee flavor balanced by layers of complexity—a refreshing departure from the coffee-dominant cocktails we’ve grown used to. For food, we started with the Sourdough with Turkish Eggs, featuring herbed yogurt, avocado, and chili crisp. The sourdough itself was a revelation, perfectly crusty and flavorful, and the dish as a whole was a harmony of textures and tastes. At $17, it was worth every penny.

Next up was the French Cheeseburger. Made with a stout beef patty, raclette, butter, and pickles, and served with fries, the burger delivered on flavor but leaned on the smaller side for its $20 price tag. The fries, however, stole the show—crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and fried in beef fat for an extra punch of flavor. Finally, we shared the Breakfast Bolognese, a standout dish of pappardelle topped with a fried egg and (for an extra $4) spicy burrata. The sauce was rich, meaty, and perfectly spiced, making it an easy recommendation for any pasta lover.

Overall, Squable impressed us with its thoughtful menu, inviting atmosphere, and impeccable service. Whether you’re looking for a casual brunch or a romantic date spot, Squable is more than worth a visit. Just don’t skip the sourdough—trust me, it’s a game-changer.