☕ Good morning, Houston! We’ve got a fresh mix of interesting local news to get your day started, plus a new food review and a couple of restaurant openings worth knowing about. Grab your coffee and let’s get you caught up before the day gets busy. – O.B.

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In This Edition of Houstonicity:

Today: 79F | 65F |🌤️| 9% Precipitation | S 17 MPH Winds
Wednesday: 80F | 68F |🌥️| 20% Precipitation | SSW 16 MPH Winds
Thursday: 82F | 69F |🌥️| 23% Precipitation | SSW 14 MPH Winds
Friday: 79F | 67F |🌦️| 33% Precipitation | SSE 13 MPH Winds
Saturday: 76F | 45F |🌤️| 24% Precipitation | NNW 17 MPH Winds

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Harris County residents may soon see changes to flood risk near their homes. FEMA quietly released a draft flood map that shows big updates after nearly 20 years. The new version reflects heavier rainfall and expands floodplain areas in parts of south and northeast Houston, while some southwest neighborhoods could see less risk.

The map is still under review and will take years before it becomes official. In the meantime, residents can already look up their address on a new interactive map. Leaders say better data helps families and local officials plan ahead and stay prepared.

View The Proposed Flood Map Here.

A Bellaire High soccer player is celebrating a second chance at life after a frightening injury on the field. Fifteen-year-old Camilo Mancera collapsed during practice in 2025 after a hit to his neck caused a rare and life-threatening brain condition. He woke up weeks later unable to speak and with paralysis on his left side.

Doctors performed six brain surgeries and months of treatment to save Camilo. After a long hospital stay and weeks of rehab, Camilo is now back in school and talking again. He still uses braces to walk, but he says he feels grateful and believes nothing is impossible.

Houston gathered to remember music pioneer Michael “5000” Watts at a private memorial in Humble. The Swishahouse founder helped shape the chopped and screwed sound and launched the careers of several Houston artists. Feb. 16 was even declared Michael “5000” Watts Day in honor of his impact on the city and the music world.

Loved ones shared emotional stories and celebrated the man behind the music. His influence helped carry Houston hip hop around the world, and his legacy continues to live on in the culture he helped build.

A new stroke awareness tool created in Houston is helping Spanish-speaking adults recognize warning signs faster. UTHealth Houston developed the Spanish acronym RÁPIDO to teach symptoms and remind people to call 911 right away. A nationwide study found the tool improved both recognition and confidence to act in an emergency.

Researchers say education that fits culture and language can save lives. Stroke is a leading cause of death, and Hispanic adults often face higher risks and delays in care. This work is helping more people get help sooner.

A late-night fire at a northeast Houston apartment complex led to a dramatic rescue. A fire chief spotted smoke and flames around midnight, and crews soon found four units burning. Firefighters rushed inside and pulled a woman from one of the apartments.

She was taken to the hospital for smoke inhalation, and her dog was treated with oxygen and is expected to be OK. One apartment unit collapsed, and the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

11325 KATY FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77079

I recently stopped by Aroy Thai Cafe on Katy Freeway and tried the yellow curry with white rice. I ordered medium spice, which turned out to be a nice middle ground. It was not overly spicy, but it had a gentle kick that showed up at the end. The curry included potatoes, carrots, and onions, which made it feel warm and filling.

I also ordered the fresh shrimp rolls with lettuce, carrots, avocado, and cilantro wrapped in bánh tráng rice paper and served with peanut sauce. They were fresh and light, and a great way to start the meal. Overall score: 8.3/10.

Check Out Aroy Thai Café’s Menu Here.

After two years as a pop up, a popular Houston sandwich shop is getting a permanent home. Yuma, run by husband-and-wife Miriam Leek Meira and Mike Hartley, will open its first brick and mortar spot this spring on Washington Avenue after a long search for the right space.

The fast casual restaurant will serve Brazilian and Cuban sandwiches made from scratch, plus a large nonalcoholic drink menu. The owners hope the new location welcomes both longtime fans and new neighbors.

After five years at farmers’ markets and food halls, chef Reginald Scott is opening his first restaurant. Coarse will open March 3 in Independence Heights and serve Southern classics with global influence, inspired by his barbecue roots and cooking journey.

The laid-back 40-seat spot will offer counter service at lunch and table service at dinner, with blues and early 90s R and B playing in the background. Scott says this restaurant is the dream he has worked toward his whole life.

🤘 Thanks for spending a few minutes of your morning with Houstonicity. If you found something useful or fun today, feel free to share it with a friend or neighbor. See you tomorrow. – O.B.

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