Convenience Big Store: Houston-to-Dallas bullet train backers demand proof of life

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By Brady Stone
Weekend Digital Producer
Brady.Stone@chron.com

Friends move from Houston streets to quiet apartments.

Two men who had been living in an encampment in Houston got apartments and began the process of living apart from the community that had formed beneath an I-69 underpass near Minute Maid Park.

The apartments are provided as part of a city program called the Community COVID Housing Program. Property manager Tim Nguyen said many people who participate in the program have no problem transitioning to the new lifestyle.

This story from R.A. Schuetz takes you inside the friends' journey from homeless encampment to apartment-living.

Expect partly sunny skies today, with highs in the mid-80s.

Today's top story

Photo: Provided By Texas Central.

Houston-to-Dallas bullet train backers demand proof of life.

Since its former CEO left in June, the company has said it is securing financing. But its shown little other signs of life beyond a July 8 statement after the Texas Supreme Court affirmed its right to use eminent domain to acquire property.

Five other stories to read today

New ERCOT CEO's first priority is restoring trust.

Pablo Vegas, the recently named CEO of the state's grid manager, said his focus will be restoring trust and confidence in a power system that faces more challenges as electricity consumption grows.

Latino entrepreneurs bring new technology to Houston.

Three Latino-owned startups are bringing automated insurance claim reports, "smart" cement and sustainable online clothing shopping to Houston.

Being anti-abortion doesn't make me a white supremacist. [Opinion]

Also: There is a bigger picture than the county's underfunding of the Harris Health System — Medicaid expansion.

Jeremy Peña, Astros defeat Rays for win No. 104.

The Astros have a chance to tie franchise record for most wins in a season set by the 107-win team in 2019.

Trae tha Truth helps with Hurricane Ian relief.

Houston rapper Trae tha Truth travelled to Florida to help rescue people trapped in the floodwaters of Hurricane Ian, adding to a growing number of local organizations contributing to relief efforts.

One last thing ...

"On October 3rd, he asked me what day it was.

It's October 3rd."

That's right, it is officially Mean Girls day.

If you're like me, you'll be spending at least an hour and a half watching the 2004 masterpiece written by Tina Fey.

But if the movie isn't your thing, check out the musical — its tour visited Houston in August and the soundtrack is pretty good.

Happy Monday!

— Brady, who's ignoring Mean Girls 2