HOUSTON, Texas – Here’s a look at your top stories to help start your day.
Houston schools scramble to fix heating issues amid cold snap
As temperatures plummet, several Houston Independent School District (HISD) schools are racing to resolve heating issues that left students and staff in the cold. HVAC crews are on-site this morning to address the problems that plagued campuses yesterday, including Wheatley High School, which previously made headlines over the summer for air conditioning failures. The Texas Education Agency has cited Wheatley’s ongoing infrastructure issues as a key factor in its decision to take control of the district. Multiple parents opted to pick up their children early, noting that the cold environment made it difficult for students to focus.
Traffic alert: Alabama Street lane closures begin
Houston commuters should prepare for lane closures on Alabama Street westbound from Chenevert Street to Almeda Road today. The closure, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is part of the preparations for the demolition of the I-69 Alabama Street Bridge, set to begin as early as next week. Drivers are advised to plan alternative routes to avoid delays.
Execution scheduled for Houston killer after decades on death row
Charles Thompson, a Houston man convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend Dennise Hayslip and her new boyfriend Darren Cain in 1998, is scheduled for execution in Huntsville tonight. After nearly three decades on death row, Thompson’s case is set to close, marking the end of a long judicial process.
Investigation demanded in Border Patrol shooting
President Trump has called for a comprehensive investigation into the shooting death of Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents in Minneapolis. Preliminary reports from Customs and Border Protection indicate that officers fired within seconds after an agent claimed Pretti had a gun. Local officials assert that Pretti was legally carrying a firearm. The incident has sparked controversy, with further details awaited.
Bill Belichick misses Hall of Fame induction
Despite a legendary NFL coaching career, Bill Belichick was not inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Now the head coach at the University of North Carolina, Belichick’s legacy includes six Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots. Analysts suggest that past controversies, such as “Spygate” and “Deflategate,” may have influenced the Hall of Fame vote.