5 things to know today, including a bit of good news for travelers

Houston Biz Journal 7/6 3:11A Olivia Pulsinelli

Good morning, Houston! I hope you had a good Fourth of July holiday weekend and weren't too badly affected by travel issues. Here are five things to know today, including a bit of good news for travelers.

Octopus Energy US launching leasing program for EVs, demand-response energy plan

Houston Biz Journal 7/6 3:00A Chris Mathews

Octopus Energy U.S. planted its U.S. headquarters in Houston last year after acquiring electric retailer Evolve Energy.

After its first build-to-rent community in Bridgeland, Howard Hughes says future BTR projects will...

Houston Biz Journal 7/6 1:00A Florian Martin

Howard Hughes currently has no plans for more build-to-rent communities in Houston after just starting to build its first in Bridgeland.

COVID-19 viral load up 630 percent in Houston-area wastewater

Houston Chron.com 7/5 2:39P Michael Murney

The spike in coronavirus prevalence in Greater Houston’s wastewater treatment facilities comes as Harris County surpasses 1 million confirmed confirmed COVID-19 cases.

'Burn them now': John Oliver offers $10K for creepy Texas beach dolls

Houston Chron.com 7/5 2:36P Ariana Garcia

The 'Last Week Tonight' host also spun his own theory about where the creepy dolls originated from.

Aerial view: Samsung starts work on 1,200-acre site in Taylor, Texas

Houston Biz Journal 7/5 11:05A Justin Sayers

Drone photos taken by the Austin Business Journal in late June show initial work being done at the roughly 1,200-acre site for the transformative project in Taylor, about 40 miles northeast of Austin. The facility is expected to be 6 million...

Fireworks believed to set 2 Texas homes ablaze on Fourth of July

Houston Chron.com 7/5 10:10A Steven Santana

One fire displaced a family of four on Tuesday.

Mayor Turner appoints Angel Ponce as new director of office for people with disabilities

Click 2 Houston 7/5 10:07A Brittany Taylor

Mayor Sylvester Turner has appointed Angel Ponce as the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Director, which provides services and advocacy for Houston residents with disabilities. Ponce will replace Gabe Cazares, who is leaving for a role...

Hines aims to reach net-zero operational carbon across all buildings by 2040

Houston Biz Journal 7/5 10:04A Olivia Pulsinelli

The real estate industry accounts for nearly 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions, according to Science Based Targets data cited by Hines

Ring Energy to acquire Permian Basin assets in $465M deal

Houston Biz Journal 7/5 9:06A Olivia Pulsinelli

"On closing, we expect to nearly double our production, reserves and forecasted free cash flow with assets that we know well," Ring Energy's CEO said.

Contractor charged in bribery, bid rigging scheme against manufacturing company in Houston: DOJ

Click 2 Houston 7/5 8:58A Brittany Taylor

A 64-year-old man is expected to appear in court Tuesday on charges he participated in a fraud scheme for 12 years, U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery announced. According to the charge, filed June 27, Abraham Joseph was the owner of a company...

A survivor of the Texas migrant trailer: 'They couldn't breathe'

Houston Chron.com 7/5 8:53A By SONIA PÉREZ D., Associated Pr

The driver and three others were arrested and charged by U.S. prosecutors.

Entergy Texas proposes rate increase for electric customers, including in Houston area

Houston Biz Journal 7/5 6:43A Chris Mathews

Entergy Texas also said it plans to invest over $2.5 billion to harden power infrastructure and increase reliability of service by the end of 2024.

16-year-old accidentally shot in neck while possibly handling shotgun, HCSO sheriff says

Click 2 Houston 7/5 6:19A Brittany Taylor

A teen was in critical condition after being shot in his neck Tuesday morning while possibly handling a shotgun in northeast Harris County. according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. Deputies responded to the scene after receiving a call...

WATCH LIVE: FIEL, impacted families travel to New Orleans to be present at DACA hearing held at 5th...

Click 2 Houston 7/5 6:01A Brittany Taylor

FIEL spokespeople and families affected by DACA will gather at the organization headquarters Tuesday morning to announce their trip to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans Wednesday, according to a release. “We cannot allow this court...