As the number of renters in the Lake Houston area continues to trend upward, a recent study highlighted portions of northeast Harris County as growing areas of concern for eviction filings.

The overview: The Kinder Institute for Urban Research’s 2026 State of Housing report showed areas such as Humble, Atascocita and Lake Houston are experiencing high rates of eviction filings. Local agencies say growing affordability issues and the ease of filing evictions are contributing the most to the increase.

Quote of note: “We are seeing higher evictions in certain areas around the Lake Houston area,” said Millie Garrison, executive director of local nonprofit Humble Area Assistance Ministries. “We are helping about 100 families a day in many different ways to help them keep their basic needs met.”

Something to note: While the study highlights high rates of eviction notices being filed, it concedes actual evictions are difficult to track. According to the report, serial filings—or landlords filing eviction notices repeatedly on a single household in order to collect back rent—can occur.

Construction on a new Taco Bell in Humble is projected to begin in February, according to an Oct. 26 TDLR filing.

The details: The $1.5 million project will consist of the demolition of an existing Taco Bell and the construction of a new roughly 2,100-square-foot space for the restaurant, per the filing.

The fast-food chain offers a menu of nachos, tacos, burritos and quesadillas, and is known for signature items such as the Crunchwrap Supreme and Mountain Dew Baja Blast, according to the company's website.

While the filing does not include a projected opening date, construction is expected to wrap up in June.

• 10019 FM 1960, Humble

Houston City Council approved changes to the city’s tax abatement ordinance, requiring companies seeking certain property tax exemptions to meet stronger labor standards, including higher wages, health insurance benefits, workers' compensation and stronger worker protections.

Explained: Houston uses tax abatements to incentivize businesses to come to and invest in the city and hire locally by offering a reduction in property taxes for a specified period. In return, businesses must meet the applicable requirements for employee wages, health benefits and other worker protections. Council member Alejandra Salinas proposed the ordinance.

Part of the ordinance includes preventing contractors with a recent history of violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules or committing wage theft from participating in projects related to the tax abatement.

Also of note: Since 2004, the city has approved only 21 tax abatements, the most recent in December 2025. According to the ordinance, the changes will apply only to future grants.

The Harris County Clerk's Office announced the U.S. Department of Justice intends to send federal election monitors to Harris County polls on Election Day, Nov. 3.

The details: The DOJ Civil Rights Division plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws, specifically Voting Rights Act provisions protecting voters from discrimination.

What you need to know: Key details regarding the federal monitors and voting locations include:

• Monitors are expected to wear everyday clothing and may ask voters about their experiences as they exit.

• Monitors may be stationed outside the 100-foot electioneering boundary.

• Guidance from the Secretary of State confirmed federal monitors are not permitted inside polling locations under Texas law.

• Voters can cast ballots at more than 600 locations in Harris County.

• Voters should not anticipate disruptions, as county election operations will proceed as scheduled.

Looking to catch up with coverage from Community Impact? Check out these eight stories from across the North Houston area, Oct. 23-30:

• Klein Collins High School to begin $29M project in 2027

• GALLERY: IAH celebrates opening of Terminal B featuring 'football field-sized' United Club

• Jimmy Butler's cafe BIGFACE is setting up shop in Cypress

• Montgomery County commissioners vote to proceed with mounted patrol services

• QuikTrip files plans for new location on FM 1960

• Montgomery County Precinct 4 to open new park

• Local record store Sound Revolution celebrates 50 years

• More than 100,000 people cast ballots in first week of early voting in Montgomery County

Educators, public officials and graduates from across the state gathered in Austin on Oct. 27 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Western Governors University in Texas. The online university offers certificates, bachelor's and master's degrees, which students can complete at their own pace.

About the organization: WGU was founded in 1997 by a bipartisan group of 19 governors in Western states to provide a more affordable and flexible option for higher education. In 2011, then-Gov. Rick Perry signed an executive order making Texas an official WGU affiliate.

Since 2011, WGU in Texas has reached the following milestones:

• 38,691 total graduates

• 45,545 degrees earned

• 24,087 students currently enrolled

Quote of note: "It was definitely one of those options that was super flexible, so that kind of fit my current schedule, especially since I work full-time," 2026 WGU graduate Jacob Gomez said. "It was super convenient for me."