These days, it seems that bank robberies are rare, and so are clever disguises. For one Houston criminal, the two fields aren’t mutually exclusive. In January, authorities arrested Houstonian Jerome Ruben on suspicion of robbing a bank at the University of Houston campus. Authorities pulled Ruben over during a traffic stop and found large amounts of money in his car, in addition to items used for a disguise: a black hijab, a black dress, and fake breasts. According to local news reports, a bank employee told police that the suspect appeared to be wearing the false bosom during the robbery to conceal his identity.

Illegal dumping has long been an issue in Houston, even becoming a topic of debate at city council meetings. Residents in some predominantly Black neighborhoods, like Acres Homes, have even seen some boundary-pushing trash dumps. In December, residents were shocked to find a boat dumped in the middle of a northwest Houston neighborhood, blocking traffic lanes. The boat was abandoned on South Lane, near Ferguson Road, along with other illegally dumped debris, including tires and car parts. Police were called to the scene, and a tow truck arrived to push the boat into a ditch; neighborhood members questioned why the boat wasn’t just towed away instead. Unfortunately, residents noted that illegal dumping is common throughout the community, especially in Black neighborhoods like South Park and Fifth Ward.

Texas’s favorite grocery chain, H-E-B, just can’t keep getting better. In addition to fresh produce and groceries, the store is known for its robust emergency preparedness system. During every natural disaster, H-E-B is always well-stocked and well-powered, making it a lifesaver for Houstonians in distress. Just ahead of January’s winter storm, country singer Garrett T. Capps created a love letter for the store and its dependable system. “S-O-S H-E-B, we are in dire need,” croons the singer. “You’re the only thing that works.” What are the chances this song becomes a Houston hit?

While the rest of Houston cuddled up under the covers and huddled around heaters, car thieves were out in full force. According to local police, at least two thefts from autos were reported at the Lakeside Apartments building during the winter storm. Early in the morning, residents defrosted their windshields and discovered that their wheels had been stolen from under their cars, despite security measures such as wheel locks and alarms. Victims told reporters they believe thieves capitalized on inclement weather—and this isn’t the first time winter weather has led to cold crimes. In 2025, owners of the Montrose restaurant 93’ Til, awoke early in the morning to find that thieves had broken in despite a statewide freeze.