H-TOWN HEADLINES

• Uncle Charged with Kidnapping 15-Month-Old Nephew: Jason Vasquez, 25, has been charged with kidnapping after allegedly abducting his 15-month-old nephew, Matheo Vasquez, from the 15000 block of Green Stone Drive in northwest Harris County. An Amber Alert was issued following the child's disappearance. Authorities are actively seeking information on Matheo's whereabouts.

• Man Dead After Argument Over Xbox Leads to Shooting: An argument over an Xbox led to a shooting in Houston's Fourth Ward, resulting in one man's death and a woman's injury. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

• Biotech Expansion: United Therapeutics Corp. is investing $96 million in a new facility in northeast Houston to breed up to 200 genetically modified pigs for organ transplants. Construction begins in February 2025, with completion expected by summer 2026, building on the company’s success in pig-to-human transplants, including a groundbreaking kidney transplant last year.

NATIONAL HEADLINES

• Inspector General Firings: President Donald Trump dismissed 12 federal inspectors general, including those from the Departments of State, Agriculture, and Defense, without the required 30-day notice to Congress. Critics say the move undermines government oversight, while some Republicans defend it as within presidential authority.

• Senate Confirms Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary: The U.S. Senate has confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new Secretary of Defense, following a narrow vote that included a tie-breaking decision by Vice President J.D. Vance.

• China's Foreign Minister Issues Veiled Warning to U.S. Secretary of State: In their first conversation since Marco Rubio's confirmation as U.S. Secretary of State, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi cautioned Rubio to "act accordingly," a phrase typically used to advise responsible behavior. This remark appears to address Rubio's past criticisms of China's human rights record.

MARKET REPORT

• Wall Street Edges Back from Record Highs: U.S. stocks declined on Friday, ending a two-week winning streak. The S&P 500 fell 0.3%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 0.3%, and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.5%. Despite the pullback, corporate earnings reports have shown promise, helping to support the market.

• Asian Markets Mixed Amid Weak Chinese Manufacturing Data: Asian markets displayed mixed results on Monday following weak manufacturing data from China. The Hang Seng rose 0.9%, while Japan's Nikkei dropped 0.6% due to a hike in the Bank of Japan's interest rate. U.S. futures dipped, and oil prices declined.

• DeepSeek's AI Advancements Pose Threat to Nvidia and AI Hardware Stocks: China's DeepSeek has introduced budget-friendly AI models, raising concerns for companies like Nvidia and other AI hardware stocks. This development comes as major tech companies prepare to release their earnings reports, with investors closely monitoring the impact of artificial intelligence advancements on the market.

Family Storytime and Craft at Levy Park: January 28^th
Join us for a cross-generational literacy experience! Family Storytime features a story followed by a craft that accompanies the reading. All craft supplies are included as a part of this free program.

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 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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