Word on the streets of Houston, it’s a busy week in the Bayou City. I’m Morgan Riley. Here’s what you need to know, from city hall to your own neighborhood.

All eyes are on Houston’s housing waitlist this week. More than 18,000 families are queued up for housing vouchers, and now the Houston Housing Authority is asking everyone to update their applications starting today. If you're on that list and want to keep your spot—and possibly move up—log in and check your details, or risk losing your chance at stable housing. Officials say this update drive is meant to clarify rules and speed up the process, a small but critical step for thousands of local families trying to make ends meet in one of America’s fastest-growing metros.

Word on the streets also has it that folks near Sam Houston High School on the city’s north side are voicing fresh concerns about student safety. Recent videos have surfaced of kids leaving campus during school hours, which has led to violent confrontations just blocks from their classrooms. Residents are calling for increased supervision and more community engagement, so that Houston’s next generation can focus on learning—not on avoiding trouble.

Turning to transportation, State Highway 242 in Montgomery County has logged more than 400 accidents so far in 2024. For those driving up north, it’s a statistic that hits home—and highlights the ongoing need for improvements to our roads and public safety measures.

But every week, Houston’s heart shines through. Today’s human interest spotlight is on Maria Castillo, owner of Magnolia’s Sweets, a 20-year staple on Navigation Boulevard. Maria started her bakery with just a rolling pin and a family recipe. Now she mentors local teens through summer pastry workshops, proving that a little sugar and a lot of love can change lives—one concha at a time.

Checking the weather: Today brings a warm, breezy afternoon in the high 80s, with scattered clouds and only a light chance of showers downtown. Looking ahead, this weekend promises classic Houston heat but also plenty of sun—perfect for strolling Discovery Green or checking out the Art Car Parade, which rolls through on Saturday and remains one of the city’s most iconic mashups of tradition and bold creativity.

Before we go, here’s a thought: In a city as diverse and rapidly changing as Houston, progress often depends on both the data and the people behind it. Whether it’s safeguarding school corridors or celebrating small business heroes, it’s the commitment to community that truly drives us forward.

This has been Morgan Riley, your neighbor in the news. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a Houston news update. For more information, you can always send an email to [email protected] or visit our website at Quiet Please dot AI. Thanks for listening and have a safe, inspired day in Houston.