Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from this week? Check out these trending stories across the southern portion of the Greater Houston area from Aug. 17-21.
1. The Peach Cobbler Factory coming to Sugar Land
The Peach Cobbler Factory is set to open a new location in Sugar Land, officials confirmed.
The eatery offers a number of desserts including various cobblers, banana pudding, cheesecake in a cup, cookies, cinnamon rolls, brownies, shakes, churros and ice cream, according to its website.
Read more from Editor Aubrey Howell
2. New homelessness program uses nearby hotels to help with temporary housing
A new partnership between the Energy Corridor Management District, West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM), local law enforcement and local government officials will start to allow city officials to use hotel rooms as a temporary solution for people experiencing homelessness while connecting them with services to help them find permanent housing.
WHAM will partner with hotels in the area to provide temporary housing for 2-4 weeks while individuals work with the ministry to find housing, employment, food and other needs, according to city officials.
Zachary Miller, vice president of the Energy Corridor District, said the ECD board supported the idea and funded it with $30,000 when the program first launched in August 2025. Based on its early success, the district's board has authorized $60,000 annually to continue the program.
Dive deeper with Senior Reporter Ariel Worthy
3. See how Alvin, Friendswood, Pearland ISDs did in 2025-26 accountability ratings
Alvin, Friendswood and Pearland ISDs either improved or stayed at the same scores in the state’s annual A-F accountability ratings for the 2025-26 school year, according to new data released by the Texas Education Agency.
Texas schools are rated on an A-F scale based on three criteria: student achievement, school progress and closing the gaps.
AISD scored an 86 out of a possible 100 points, which translates to a B, according to the TEA. The score has risen by two points compared to the 2024-25 school year, which was an 84.
Get more details from Editor Haley Velasco
4. Houston native opens 10th location of family-owned flooring company
Meyerland native and Bellaire resident Alex Roberts officially opened Roberts Carpet and Fine Floors off Chimney Rock Road in mid-August.
Roberts Carpet is a family-owned business in Houston that has been growing in the community since 1984. Founders Sam and Valerie Roberts handed the business to the second generation in 2022, with daughter Alex Roberts now acting CEO. She opened the store's 10th location this year.
Learn more with Editor Cassandra Jenkins
5. Thousands of Katy area families apply for new education accounts
As local districts prepare for a new school year, district officials are waiting to see how the new Texas Education Freedom Accounts will affect enrollment.
State lawmakers created the TEFA program in 2025, and accepted students will receive some funding for education opportunities that include private school tuition and fees, tutoring and therapy, homeschooling and other services. Accepted students who are enrolling in private schools are set to receive $10,474 to spend on tuition and related expenses.
Get the full story from Reporter Bradley Dountz
6. New Christmas decor shop opens in League City
AB Christmas Decor and More opened its doors in League City in late July, staff said.
The luxury Christmas shop can decorate homes or businesses with supplies to decorate Christmas trees and garland.
View the full story by Editor Haley Velasco
