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Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company Faces Closure as Sawyer Yards Lease Terminated

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Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company Faces Closure as Sawyer Yards Lease Terminated

Reports on Friday indicated that the lease of Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company at Sawyer Yards has been terminated, raising concerns about the potential permanent closure of the longstanding Houston brewery.

Sawyer Yards owner Jon Deal served Buffalo Bayou CEO William McLucas with a notice of default on Friday, leading to the immediate closure of the brewery and taproom at 2101 Summer St. Orange cones were placed to block access to the parking lot.

When contacted by Chron on Friday evening, McLucas had not responded to the reports.

Rassul Zarinfar established Buffalo Bayou Brewing Company in 2011, originally operating from 5301 Nolda St. in Rice Military. In December 2017, the brewery announced plans for a $14 million brewery and taproom at Sawyer Yards, initiating a fundraising campaign on the Houston-based investment platform Nextseed. The project aimed to raise $1 million from community investors, and construction began in November 2018 after successfully securing funds from 583 investors.

One year later, in 2019, Buffalo Bayou unveiled its expansive 28,000-square-foot complex at Sawyer Yards, boasting a rooftop beer garden with downtown views and a full-service food program led by chef Arash Kharat. Kharat, however, left Buffalo Bayou in 2022 to join Blood Bros. BBQ.

Despite the brewery’s grand opening, Buffalo Bayou faced controversies related to its brewery and taproom operations.

In April 2022, Nextseed investors received notifications from Republic, a private investment firm that acquired Nextseed in 2020, stating that the platform had issued a “notice of default” to Buffalo Bayou due to breach of payment terms. The brewery cited supply chain and distribution issues, along with reduced traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as reasons for being unable to fulfill monthly gross revenue percentages owed to investors.

In September 2022, financial services company Pimuro Capital Partners filed a lawsuit against Buffalo Bayou, claiming nonpayment of approximately $94,000. The court documents characterized Buffalo Bayou as a “failing Houston-based brewing company in dire financial straits.” Around the same time, CEO Zarinfar merged with McLucas, managing director and founder of Houston investment firm WPM Capital Partners, with McLucas assuming the role of CEO.

However, the merger sparked controversy, leading to a lawsuit in September 2023 by brewery shareholders who alleged lack of consultation regarding the merger and claimed that McLucas leveraged relationships to acquire Buffalo Bayou without compensating shareholders.

Buffalo Bayou’s abrupt closure adds to the challenges faced by breweries in the Houston area, with CounterCommon Beerworks & Kitchen, Black Page Brewing Co., and Ingenious Brewing all facing closures in recent months due to financial difficulties.

Houston’s Historic Niels Esperson Building Transforms into Vertical Indoor Farm to Address Office Vacancy Crisis

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Houston’s Historic Niels Esperson Building Transforms into Vertical Indoor Farm to Address Office Vacancy Crisis

In response to the plummeting office vacancies in Houston, one of the city’s iconic landmarks, the Niels Esperson Building, is embracing a novel solution – a vertical indoor farm. Eden Grow Systems, a NASA spinoff, recently announced the opening of its innovative agricultural venture within the historic downtown building located at 808 Travis Street. This initiative is a key component of Esperson Building’s vision to evolve into a “Vertical Entrepreneurial Village,” a multifunctional space encouraging residents to live, work, and engage in recreational activities.

Dougal Cameron, Manager of the Esperson Building, highlighted the significance of this initiative amidst the challenges faced by commercial real estate in major metropolitan areas. Cameron stated, “With commercial real estate continuing to suffer in most major metropolitan areas, Eden is pioneering a new and innovative way of taking these spaces and breathing new life into them. We see a future where every unused space can be transformed into profitable farms, creating new jobs, better food security, and a healthier way of growing for our planet. This is the future, and we are excited to be a part of it.”

Eden Grow Systems plans to establish a 1,200-square-foot showroom vertical farm in the downtown tunnels, offering Houston residents an opportunity to learn about its cutting-edge technology. The company aims to inspire more families to cultivate their own food, including fish and crustaceans using Eden Grow’s system.

The transformation of the Esperson Building into a vertical farm will occur in phases. The initial phase will encompass 4,000 square feet, followed by the conversion of an entire floor totaling around 12,000 square feet in the second phase, according to Bart Womack, Founder and CEO of Eden Grow.

Utilizing technology developed by NASA and commercialized by Eden Grow, the vertical farm will employ aeroponics, using a microfine mist to saturate plant roots with water and nutrients. This technique enhances oxygen absorption, resulting in a higher crop yield compared to traditional soil planting methods.

The farm in Esperson will cultivate a variety of produce, including tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, raspberries, microgreens, edible flowers, and even feature an indoor grape orchard and mushroom cultivation. Eden Grow plans to supply its produce to local restaurants that prioritize locally-grown organic products. Talks are also underway to potentially feature their premium produce in H-E-B stores.

While Eden Grow focuses on scaling its operations, the long-term vision includes enabling community members to lease plant towers for personal food cultivation. Bart Womack expressed enthusiasm about the adaptability of their system, stating, “We made our system to be adaptable to the end user. There’s a whole spectrum of need for the hobbyist or the suburban mom who wants to grow more vegetables for her kids.”

Houston, already a hub for vertical farming, has seen other ventures like Dream Harvest and Moonflower Farms contributing to the city’s growing interest in sustainable agriculture. Dream Harvest supplies greens to Whole Foods and Sweetgreen restaurants, while Moonflower Farms operates a 20,000-square-foot hybrid vertical farm and hydroponic greenhouse facility in south Houston.

King Charles III Recovers After Successful Prostate Procedure, Encourages Awareness

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King Charles III Recovers After Successful Prostate Procedure, Encourages Awareness

King Charles III is reported to be in good health following a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate, according to sources from Buckingham Palace. The 75-year-old monarch underwent a scheduled treatment at The London Clinic on Friday, accompanied by Queen Camilla.

In a statement released earlier, Buckingham Palace stated, “His Majesty would like to thank all those who have sent their good wishes over the past week and is delighted to learn that his diagnosis is having a positive impact on public health awareness.”

The king’s condition, deemed benign, was disclosed on January 17, and he is expected to postpone engagements temporarily for recovery. Queen Camilla has reassured the public about the king’s health during recent engagements, emphasizing that he is “fine” and eager to return to work.

The choice of The London Clinic for the king’s treatment is noteworthy, and it’s where Catherine, Princess of Wales, is currently recovering from abdominal surgery. The king visited Princess Catherine before his own procedure, indicating family support during health challenges.

While the royal family typically maintains a level of medical privacy, King Charles III decided to share his diagnosis to encourage other men to undergo necessary health checks. The proactive approach appears to have had a positive impact on raising awareness, with notable increases in online searches and visits to prostate-related health resources.

The announcement of the king’s health coincided with news about Princess Kate’s hospitalization, and both developments were followed by the revelation of Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York’s recent skin cancer diagnosis. Princess Kate is expected to resume royal duties after Easter, while Prince William has temporarily stepped back to support her recovery and childcare. Duchess Sarah Ferguson expressed gratitude for the support she received following her second cancer diagnosis since the summer.

Treasury Secretary Yellen Predicts Bright Economic Outlook for 2024, Cites Growing Consumer Confidence

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Treasury Secretary Yellen Predicts Bright Economic Outlook for 2024, Cites Growing Consumer Confidence

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen expressed confidence in the economic prospects for the year 2024, stating that she sees “no reason” for a recession and emphasizing an increasing optimism among consumers regarding their financial situations. In an exclusive interview with ABC News Correspondent Elizabeth Schulze in Chicago, Yellen acknowledged potential risks but highlighted positive indicators.

“I think 2024 is going to be a very good economic year. That said, there are always risks,” Yellen stated, attributing the positive outlook to consumers feeling confident about their personal finances and the overall economic landscape. She emphasized the role of consumer spending in creating jobs, fostering growth, and providing individuals with the income to sustain economic momentum.

Yellen’s remarks followed the release of a new GDP report, showcasing robust economic growth that defied earlier expectations of a recession. The Biden administration aims to leverage this economic success to reshape voters’ perceptions ahead of the 2024 election.

Referring to recent surveys and the University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index reaching its highest level since July 2021, Yellen highlighted a significant improvement in consumer sentiment. Eager to capitalize on this economic optimism, both Yellen and President Joe Biden made visits to the Midwest, emphasizing the administration’s policy successes in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing, and clean energy.

In an unusual move, Yellen directly addressed former President Donald Trump’s economic policies, countering recent comments from JP Morgan CEO Jamie Dimon. Yellen argued that Trump’s policies primarily benefited big corporations and did little for the middle class, pointing to the significant tax rate reduction for wealthy corporations. In contrast, she highlighted the Biden administration’s investments as instrumental in achieving “the fairest recovery on record.”

Acknowledging ongoing challenges, Yellen emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing the high costs of child care, food, and housing. While recognizing that certain economic factors may influence sentiment, Yellen pointed out that wages have been rising more rapidly than prices, contributing to an overall improvement in Americans’ financial situations.

Yellen also acknowledged the changing perception of the American dream, citing a decline in the belief that the American dream is still attainable. She noted that economic progress has not been uniform across the country and emphasized the need for change to revive the sense that the American dream is alive and well.

Save the Date for Houston’s Latin Fest on April 13th and 14th

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Save the Date for Houston’s Latin Fest on April 13th and 14th

Join us for Houston Latin Fest on April 13th and 14th at Crown Festival Park. Everyone is welcome to this family-friendly event!

Houston Rockets Eyeing Big Moves at NBA Trade Deadline for Playoff Push

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Houston Rockets Eyeing Big Moves at NBA Trade Deadline for Playoff Push

In a departure from recent years, the Houston Rockets, currently holding the 11th spot in the Western Conference with a record of 20-23, are gearing up for a more aggressive stance at the upcoming NBA trade deadline. General Manager Rafael Stone, along with Coach Ime Udoka and owner Tilman Fertitta, has expressed the desire to enter the next phase of the team’s rebuild during the 2023-24 season.

In contrast to previous seasons where the Rockets focused on accumulating draft capital and clearing cap space, this year signals a shift towards adding talent to boost the team’s performance. Stone’s wishlist includes the need for another center and additional wing shooting.

Top Targets on the Market

One notable veteran on Houston’s radar is Clint Capela from the Atlanta Hawks. Capela, a former staple alongside James Harden, could potentially reunite with the Rockets. Houston could leverage the salaries of Victor Oladipo and Jock Landale, along with draft picks, in a trade with the Hawks. While Capela may not be the force he once was, he continues to provide a double-double average and remains an agile pick-and-roll asset.

Another option considered is Nick Richards from the Charlotte Hornets, offering a more affordable choice for the Rockets. Richards, having a career-best season, could contribute positively to Houston’s play-in push. With a reasonable salary of $5 million for the next three seasons, Richards presents an attractive and cost-effective option.

Washington Wizards’ Daniel Gafford also enters the discussion as a valuable commodity on the market, with a reasonable contract for the next two seasons. Gafford, a talented offensive center, leads the NBA in true-shooting percentage this season.

The Detroit Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart, known for his toughness, playmaking skills, and three-point shooting, is another potential addition. While Stewart comes at a higher cost than Richards, his skill set aligns well with Coach Udoka’s preferences.

Lastly, Andre Drummond of the Chicago Bulls remains an intriguing option for the Rockets. Despite being 30 years old, Drummond’s rebounding prowess and defensive impact could provide a valuable change-of-pace for Houston with the right coaching strategy.

As the trade deadline approaches, the Rockets are actively exploring options to strengthen their roster and make a playoff push in the competitive Western Conference.

Fort Bend ISD Board Approves 2024-25 Instructional Calendar with Adjusted Schedule

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Fort Bend ISD Board Approves 2024-25 Instructional Calendar with Adjusted Schedule

During its meeting on January 22, the Fort Bend Independent School District (FBISD) board of trustees unanimously gave their nod to the instructional calendar for the 2024-25 school year.

Key Points

According to information outlined in the agenda packet from the January 22 meeting, the 2024-25 instructional calendar features:

  • A minimum of 75,600 operational minutes, with at least 840 minutes allocated for inclement weather or other unforeseen issues.
  • An increase in daily instructional minutes by five minutes.
  • A traditional holiday structure, including a week off for Thanksgiving, two weeks off for winter break, and a week off for spring break.
  • Two designated inclement weather days.

The addition of five instructional minutes per day prompted the district to adjust its bell schedule. The revised schedule is as follows:

  • Elementary level:
    • Start time: 8 a.m.
    • End time: 3:20 p.m.
  • Middle level:
    • Start time: 8:50 a.m.
    • End time: 4:10 p.m.
  • High school level:
    • Start time: 7:30 a.m.
    • End time: 2:50 p.m.

Zooming In on Details

The approved draft indicates that the 2024-25 school year will commence on August 8, 2024, and conclude on May 29, 2025. The holiday schedule encompasses various dates, including breaks in September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, and May.

Board Member Concerns

During the discussion, two board members raised concerns about the number of holidays integrated into the calendar and the addition of five extra instructional minutes.

Trustee Angie Hanan expressed reservations about the impact of the extra five minutes, stating, “I don’t think the five minutes per day is going to make a great impact on our students… I am going to support the calendar as presented, and I do it with trepidation.”

Board President Judy Dae shared concerns about both the extra instructional time and the numerous holidays, stating, “The two concerns I have for this calendar is really the five minutes [of] extra time plus the holidays we have in October. That’s a lot of holidays.”

In response, FBISD Director of Strategic Communications Sherry Williams explained that the calendar committee, comprising community members, trustees, teachers, students, and district leaders, establishes guidelines based on feedback from stakeholders in the district.

Houston Police Department Implements New Body-Worn Camera Policy for Enhanced Transparency

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Houston Police Department Implements New Body-Worn Camera Policy for Enhanced Transparency

In a move aimed at improving transparency and accountability, the Houston Police Department (HPD) has introduced a policy change regarding the use of body-worn cameras. HPD Chief Troy Finner announced the changes at a news conference on January 25, emphasizing the importance of these cameras in documenting police interactions with the public.

The Overview

Body-worn cameras have been a crucial tool for the HPD since their implementation in 2015. Chief Finner explained that they serve to increase transparency and aid in situations where officers engage with the public. The newly introduced policy mandates officers to activate the “record-after-the-fact” feature on their cameras. This feature allows the retrieval of video footage from body-worn cameras in cases where an officer is unable to or neglects to activate the camera during an incident.

Chief Finner highlighted that this decision followed extensive discussions with the police union and officers across the department.

The Backstory

The HPD adopted body-worn cameras in 2015, accumulating approximately 2.7 million videos documenting interactions with the public, as revealed by Chief Finner. The introduction of new rules in March 2021, following police reform efforts prompted by the murder of George Floyd, mandated the release of body-worn camera footage within 30 days of a “critical incident,” including officer-involved shootings.

Since then, 83 videos of critical incidents have been released to the public.

The Context

Chief Finner referred to two recent critical incidents involving HPD officers during the January 25 news conference. These incidents underscored the need for the new policy:

  • December 2, 2023: HPD Sgt. Mauricio Valle was ambushed and shot multiple times. The subsequent release of body-worn camera footage on December 19 provided insight into the incident.
  • December 17, 2023: An officer responding to a robbery failed to capture video on a body-worn camera during the discharge of a weapon.

Chief Finner acknowledged that while most officers diligently capture incidents, circumstances may arise where activation is challenging.

The Details

The “record-after-the-fact” feature has been available in the past, but previous administrations opted against its use. Chief Finner clarified that state privacy laws prevent police departments from requiring continuous footage capture. Drafting language for the new policy is ongoing, with specific criteria for retrieving footage to be determined while respecting officer privacy.

As of December 21, Chief Finner is the sole authority to decide when video footage needs retrieval. The exact timeframe for retrieving footage is yet to be specified, but Chief Finner assured that efforts are underway to establish these details.

Acknowledging imperfections, Chief Finner asserted that the introduction of “record-after-the-fact” will increase the likelihood of capturing essential footage.

What They’re Saying

Chief Finner stressed the importance of making footage accessible not only to officers but also to the public, emphasizing its use for training and improvement. Douglas Griffith, president of the Houston Police Officers Union, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of quickly sharing video footage with the public to dispel misconceptions and enhance transparency.

Alabama Conducts Historic Execution Using Nitrogen Gas

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Alabama Conducts Historic Execution Using Nitrogen Gas

In a groundbreaking move that rekindled the national discourse on capital punishment, Alabama executed a convicted murderer on Thursday using nitrogen gas, a method never before employed in the United States. While state officials asserted the method’s humanity, critics labeled it as both cruel and experimental.

Kenneth Eugene Smith, 58, was pronounced dead at 8:25 p.m. at an Alabama prison after inhaling pure nitrogen gas through a face mask, inducing oxygen deprivation. This marked the first use of a new execution method in the U.S. since the introduction of lethal injection in 1982.

The execution, which took approximately 22 minutes, saw Smith conscious for several minutes, during which he exhibited signs of shaking and writhing on the gurney. Critics argued that the procedure appeared to be more prolonged and arduous than the state had predicted.

In a final statement, Smith remarked, “Tonight Alabama causes humanity to take a step backward… I’m leaving with love, peace, and light.” He expressed gratitude and love towards his family members who witnessed the execution.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey asserted that the execution brought justice for the 1988 murder-for-hire killing of 45-year-old Elizabeth Sennett. Ivey stated, “After more than 30 years and attempt after attempt to game the system, Mr. Smith has answered for his horrendous crimes.”

Despite the state’s insistence on the effectiveness and humanity of the nitrogen gas method, there were concerns raised by observers, including Smith’s attorneys, about the potential for constitutional violations against cruel and unusual punishment. Critics argued that Smith was being used as a test subject for an experimental execution method.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected Smith’s last-minute legal challenge, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissenting, stating that Alabama had selected him as a “guinea pig” for an untested execution method. Sotomayor expressed concern about the lack of transparency regarding the execution protocol.

While Alabama officials defended the nitrogen gas method as humane, the execution prompted reactions from various groups, including the Sant’Egidio Community, a Vatican-affiliated Catholic charity, which labeled the method as “barbarous” and “uncivilized.”

As states seek alternative execution methods due to challenges in obtaining lethal injection drugs, Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma have authorized nitrogen hypoxia. However, until now, no state had attempted to use this untested method.

Smith’s case involved a murder-for-hire plot in which he and another individual were paid to kill Elizabeth Sennett on behalf of her pastor husband. The execution came after a legal battle, with concerns raised about the secrecy surrounding the execution protocol and the potential for inhumane treatment.

Flood Watch Canceled for Southeast Texas, But Potential for Continued Flooding Lingers

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Flood Watch Canceled for Southeast Texas, But Potential for Continued Flooding Lingers

The Flood Watch that covered most of southeast Texas has been lifted, signaling a respite from the persistent rain. However, concerns remain as any additional rainfall could exacerbate the risk of continued or new flooding, given the already saturated ground from the week’s precipitation.

Early Thursday morning witnessed a line of heavy rain and storms passing through the region. While the showers are expected to taper off during the day, some peeks of sunshine may break through by the afternoon. The potential for local road and street closures persists, particularly near area creeks and streams in northern Harris and southern Montgomery counties, where minor flooding has been reported. Additionally, some creeks and bayous may experience minor flooding as rainwater continues to drain from Hill County and the Brazos Valley. Wet roads are anticipated to result in ponding and slick conditions through Thursday.

Although the Flood Watch for southeast Texas is no longer in effect, caution is advised as any additional rainfall could contribute to further flooding, given the already saturated ground.

Forecasters project an additional 1-2 inches of rainfall through Thursday morning, with some areas experiencing variations on the low and high ends of this range. Street flooding remains the most likely impact, but swollen creeks and rivers, particularly north and west of Houston, are being closely monitored for minor flooding.

Fortunately, the risk of severe weather with the upcoming rainfall is minimal. While a storm may briefly intensify near the coast, the primary threats are expected to be small hail and gusty winds.

Looking ahead, the rain chance is expected to diminish to 30% late Friday as an upper air storm approaches from the west. This system is forecasted to move away on Saturday, bringing drier conditions for the weekend. By Sunday, the weather is expected to be mostly sunny and dry, with seasonally cool temperatures. During this time of year, average lows hover in the mid-40s, while highs reach the mid-60s.

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