Hey friends, this is the first issue of the Houstonicity newsletter in all its glory!  Of course, it will change and evolve to best serve the readers, but I’m excited about curating news that you may need to know or is positive and optimistic. There are no sponsors in this issue, but when I do have sponsored segments I will always indicate that it is sponsored in some way. 

Monday: 39F | 25F | ☀️ | 5% Precipitation | 14 MPH NNW Winds

Tuesday: 51F | 34F | ⛅ | 10% Precipitation | 5 MPH SE Winds

Wednesday: 57F | 36F | ☀️ | 7% Precipitation | 5 MPH NNW Winds

Thursday: 63F | 42F | 🌥️ | 19% Precipitation | 8 MPH SSE Winds

Friday: 54F | 35F | ⛅ | 14% Precipitation | 16 MPH NNW Winds

Houston is getting a rude wake-up call for Monday and Tuesday, and it is not subtle. A blast of arctic air has settled in, bringing frigid temperatures and back-to-back hard freezes. This is the kind of cold that makes everyone stare at the thermostat and question every life choice that led them to complain about summer.

Monday morning starts cold and slick, especially on bridges and roads. If you can work from home, you should probably do it. If you are heading out, slow down and be extra-extra-extra cautious. Temperatures do climb above freezing later in the day, but the break is short-lived. Another hard freeze is expected on Monday night, so exposed pipes need to be wrapped before you call it a night.

By Tuesday afternoon, things begin to ease up for us. Daytime highs get warmer, and overnight lows slowly move back above freezing. It is a gradual thaw, but the worst of the freeze is behind us. By mid to late week, Houston is back to cool and tolerable.  I will be grateful.

Houston Airports are staying open, alert, and operational. The Emergency Operations Centers at IAH and HOU are standing down, but crews are still watching conditions closely. Roads and aircraft are being deiced, and flights are moving, though delays are possible due to weather elsewhere in ‘Merica.

Check your flight status before leaving. Use flexible rebooking if necessary and if your airline offers it. Drive very, very, very carefully. Stay calm and stay alert - keep your head on a swivel.

David Medina is being honored for 35 years of service at Rice University, and the lesson here is simple. Show up every day. Build bridges with people and communities. Stay curious about other people. Medina reached tens of thousands of people by leaning into community, not retreating from it.

He pushed representation forward, expanded who felt seen on campus, and never stayed in one lane. His advice holds up anywhere. Engage fully. Meet people unlike you. Volunteer. Speak up. Gratitude plus action changes institutions, and it changes you right along with them.

Occupation: Owner and Founder of Impeccable Rideshare LLC, Author, and Inspirational Speaker

What do you love about Houston: The different Cultures and Amazing Food

How do you stay optimistic: I just don’t have any other choice. I just keep pushing even through the deepest struggles and still plan on coming out on top eventually. I just keep inspiring.

What advice would you give a new resident: Get to know your neighbors. Always think of safety.

What should people know about you: I’m born and raised in Houston, Texas and I’m all about safety.  I’m a strong woman entrepreneur and strong woman of faith.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is opening the gate for seasonal jobs. This is a real opportunity for people ready to step in and be a part of the action. It looks like there are roles available from concessions to security to carnival roles. Show up, register, and take the shot. Sunday, February 1, at NRG Stadium.

Houston Business Women Association is stepping into 2026 with a board built for maximum impact. Led by Jessica Howell, and joined by Ema Poi, Abrielle Laurent, Danielle Martin, and Hana Atherton, this board is about meaningful events and opportunities for women in business.  Looking forward to seeing what they accomplish in 2026.  

Greater Heights Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a community spaghetti lunch for $20 per meal, featuring spaghetti with toppings, garlic bread, salad, and iced tea. Desserts, beer, and wine are available for additional purchase.

A portion of proceeds supports local scholarships and community assistance through the Community Fund. Sponsored by Hampton Inn and Suites Houston Heights I-10 Central.  There are also vendor tables still available.  I am a member of this Chamber of Commerce and am planning on attending the lunch.

I stopped in at Beck’s Prime Augusta at 2615 Augusta Drive and had a great experience.  I ordered the Bill’s Burger with a side of Parm Truffle Fries. With a regular fountain drink it came out to $27.00 before tip or tax.  The restaurant was very clean and the employees were attentive and enjoyable to chat with.  The burger was high quality and had great taste. The Parm Truffle fries were quite tasty. My overall rating is 8.1/10.  I will be back.

"We need to make sure we have the right facilities for our student-athletes to be as competitive as possible. We want to make sure that the fan experience is great, as well. And we want to make sure that the stadium can serve the broader campus community. All of that goes into play with this project." - Reginald DesRoches, Rice University President

Thanks for reading and being a part of a little bit of positivity.  There is too much negativity in the news today.  Please forward the newsletter to a friend or family member if you think they might like it.  Houston is a great city because the people make it awesome.  - O.B.