H-TOWN HEADLINES

• “JAILBREAK” Inmate Escapes Harris County Jail: Authorities are searching for 47-year-old Travis Earl Bryant II, who escaped from the Harris County Jail on January 28. Bryant, 6 feet tall and 175 pounds, was last seen wearing a dark gray mechanic’s jumpsuit. He had been arrested on January 22 for an outstanding misdemeanor warrant related to a possession of controlled substances case from Jefferson County. He was awaiting transfer at the time of his escape. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

• “DRAINED” Contractor Pleads Guilty in Houston Water Department Bribery Scandal: Contractor Joseph Nerie pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of offering a gift to a public servant, avoiding felony charges of bribery and document tampering. Court documents revealed that Nerie paid over $77,000 to former water department manager Patrece Lee during a 10-month period when his company was awarded waterline repair contracts. These payments were reportedly made through Cash App and direct bank transfers. Lee, accused of orchestrating the scheme, faces multiple felony charges, with her trial set for February 28.

• “PLAYBOOK” Houston Texans Begin Off-Season with Leadership Changes: Following the conclusion of their season, the Houston Texans have announced significant leadership changes, including the departure of offensive line coach Chris Strausser, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, and team president Greg Grissom. Mike Tomon has been appointed as the new team president, bringing extensive experience in stadium development and international sports business. The team is now focusing on hiring a new offensive coordinator, with candidates such as Jerrod Johnson and Chip Kelly under consideration.

NATIONAL HEADLINES

• Trump vs. Colombia: A diplomatic dispute arose when Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to allow two U.S. military aircraft, each carrying approximately 80 deported Colombian nationals, to land. In response, President Trump imposed economic and diplomatic sanctions, including tariffs and visa revocations. Since then, Colombian President Gustavo Petro has reversed the ban and even offered his presidential plane for future deportations.

• Federal Judge Blocks Funding Freeze: A federal judge has temporarily halted the Trump administration's freeze on federal grants and loans, citing potential disruptions to essential services like healthcare and education. The pause is in effect until Monday, pending further legal proceedings.

• Education Department Investigates Denver Schools: The U.S. Department of Education is probing Denver Public Schools for potential sex discrimination after East High School converted a girls' restroom into an all-gender facility while maintaining a separate boys' restroom. The investigation will assess whether this action violates Title IX, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions. Denver Public Schools stated that the conversion was a student-led initiative aimed at inclusivity, featuring enhanced privacy measures. The outcome could have significant implications for how schools nationwide approach gender-neutral facilities.

MARKET REPORT

• Tech Stocks Rebound After Initial Decline: Following a sharp sell-off, tech stocks, including Nvidia, experienced a significant rebound. The Nasdaq Composite rose by 2%, recovering from earlier losses triggered by concerns over China's DeepSeek AI model.

• General Motors Reports Strong Q4 Revenue Despite Net Loss: General Motors reported better-than-expected revenue and adjusted profits for the fourth quarter, despite a net loss of nearly $3 billion due to one-time charges. The company's performance was bolstered by robust demand for its vehicles.

• Smithfield Foods IPO Priced Below Expectations: Smithfield Foods is set to begin trading on the Nasdaq after pricing its initial public offering below the expected range, indicating lower-than-anticipated demand. The company aims to use the proceeds to pay down debt and invest in growth initiatives.

Student Discount Night at Discovery Green: January 30^th
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 30^th — February 1^st
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 31^st
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 1^st
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 1^st
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 1^st
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 1^st
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 2^nd
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!

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