Here are things to know for Thursday, Jan. 7:
1. Biden win confirmed after pro-Trump mob storms US Capitol
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Congress confirmed Democrat Joe Biden as the presidential election winner early Thursday after a violent mob loyal to President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol in a stunning attempt to overturn America’s presidential election, undercut the nation’s democracy and keep Trump in the White House.
Lawmakers were resolved to complete the Electoral College tally in a display to the country, and the world, of the nation’s enduring commitment to uphold the will of the voters and the peaceful transfer of power. They pushed through the night with tensions high and the nation’s capital on alert.
Before dawn Thursday, lawmakers finished their work, confirming Biden won the election.
2. Trump says his term is ending, transition will be orderly
President Donald Trump for the first time acknowledged his defeat in the Nov. 3 election and announced there would be an “orderly transition on January 20th” after Congress concluded the electoral vote count early Thursday certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s victory.
Trump’s acknowledgment came after a day of chaos and destruction on Capitol Hill as a mob of his supporters stormed the Capitol building and unleashed unprecedented scenes of mayhem as it tried to halt the peaceful transition of power. Members of Congress were forced into hiding, offices were ransacked, and the formal congressional tally halted for more than six hours.
“Even though I totally disagree with the outcome of the election, and the facts bear me out, nevertheless there will be an orderly transition on January 20th,” Trump said in a statement posted to Twitter by his social media director. His own account had been locked by the company for posting messages that appeared to justify the assault on the seat of the nation’s democracy.
3. Houston area hospitals prepare for surge in COVID-19 cases
Health experts at Memorial Hermann Hospital and Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center say they’re prepared for what may come in the next few weeks.
It’s a never-ending battle with COVID-19. Cases continue to rise across Houston and Harris County.
“We certainly continue to ask for help from the people of greater Houston help us stop this disease. Please be patient, use the mask, use social distancing, let’s wash our hands so we can limit the demand of hospitalization,” Dr. David Callender, president and CEO with Memorial Hermann Health System said.
On Tuesday, the Texas Medical Center reported 4,515 new cases and 388 new hospitalizations.
4. 2 Texas City schools closed Thursday because of storm damage
wo schools in Texas City will be closed Thursday because of storm damage.
According to officials at Texas City Independent School District, classes are canceled at Kohfeldt Elementary School and Calvin Vincent Early Childhood.
Officials said power is out at Levi Fry Intermediate School, Roosevelt-Wilson Elementary School and Blocker Middle School, but is expected to be restored overnight.
5. Sunday storm to bring a mix of wintry precipitation and very cold temperatures to Texas
A fast-moving storm system will sweep through Texas this weekend, dropping a variety of wintry precipitation across the Lone Star State along its way.
In Southeast Texas, temperatures are projected to stay above freezing, so cold rain is the most likely precipitation type around the Houston area.
Right now there is a high degree of uncertainty around Sunday’s forecast. It will change between now and then.
A rain-snow mix is possible in southeast Texas, although it is not a certainty at this point.