The Texas Education Agency announced in a July 16 news release that Houston ISD board member Michelle Cruz Arnold is resigning and will be replaced by former teacher Karen Duffy.

What's happening: Cruz Arnold served on the state-appointed board at Houston ISD for approximately three years. However, she said she felt that it was the right time for her to "conclude her journey on the board."

The changes: TEA officials appointed Karen Duffy to replace Cruz Arnold, effective immediately. Duffy is a former teacher, active volunteer in the community and a parent of two current HISD students, per the release.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve on the Houston ISD school board ...," Duffy said. "As an HISD parent, this role is deeply personal for me and I look forward to working with my fellow members, district leadership team and our community as we maintain a relentless focus on student outcomes."

The owner of Velocity Sim Racing Lounge, Viet Tran, has added a new speakeasy to Houston's nightlife scene called Ignition.

Ignition is a racing-themed speakeasy located inside the sim lounge, featuring craft cocktails, elevated bites and professional racing simulators.

Check it out: The speakeasy made its debut July 17, and visitors can find the hidden door located behind Velocity's brand-new, wall-mounted steering wheel gallery, which showcases authentic racing wheels from different driving disciplines such as drifting, rally and GT3 competition.

On the menu: The speakeasy partnered with Peter Nolan of Permission Whiskey & Service Co. to create signature cocktails such as the Midnight Monaco, made with Glenfiddich 16 Year Aston Martin Edition, honey, Cointreau, bitters and orange. 

In addition to the cocktail aspect, Ignition also offers guests a chance to drive one of the eight professional-grade racing simulators that range from beginner-friendly to pro. The space also provides six televisions and two digital leaderboard screens.

• 2110 Edwards St., Houston

Houston City Council approved accepting nearly $1.69 million in state funding to support homelessness services, including over $409,000 that will help serve young adults experiencing homelessness.

The gist: The funding comes from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs through the fiscal year 2027 Homeless Housing and Services Program.

The award includes a $1.28 million general allocation for homelessness programs and a $409,258 youth allocation restricted to serving individuals ages 18-24.

The funding may be used for activities such as acquiring, constructing or rehabilitating housing for people experiencing homelessness, providing case management and other direct services and supporting additional homelessness-related programs approved by the state.

Council's approval authorizes the city to accept the grant funding and allows Housing and Community Development Department Director Michael Nichols to execute the grant agreements with the state.

One more thing: A separate ordinance allocating the funds to local nonprofit organizations is expected to come before City Council in the coming months, according to agenda documents.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out six trending stories from the South Houston area from July 13-17.

1. Mockingbird Books creates ‘third space’ in Katy

2. New menus for Houston Restaurant Weeks go live ahead of fall event

3. Mia’s Table now serving Southern comfort food in Sugar Land

4. New barbeque spot now serving Friendswood

5. New clothing boutique opens in League City

6. West U officials celebrate groundbreaking on Poor Farm Ditch reconstruction project

At least two people have died due to flooding in South-Central Texas this week: A man near Comfort was swept away in his RV and another man was swept away by floodwaters while driving near Uvalde, Gov. Greg Abbott said July 16.

Zooming in: Officials said that about 2,350 state emergency responders have been deployed to flooded areas, rescuing more than 230 people. At campgrounds in river basins, at least 80 people were evacuated in advance of the storms.

More context: After more than 130 people died due to Central Texas flooding last July, state legislators approved new laws aimed at improving safety at summer camps and in riverside communities. Abbott said officials will review lessons learned from this week's floods to determine if additional changes are needed ahead of the 2027 legislative session, which begins in January.

"What happened last year was a warning... that no one can be complacent when rain falls and waters rise," he told reporters July 16. "We all have a sense of urgency."