Community Corner

šŸŒ± Patch AM: Is your childā€™s school on Houstonā€™s new voucher approval map?

Also, don't miss The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Houston, TX (January 2026) on the Houston Patch calendar

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Saturday January 10th Patch AM
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Morning Houston! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ā˜€ļø

In today's newsletter:

  • Is your childā€™s school on Houstonā€™s new voucher approval map?
  • What we know so far about the Midtown METRORail shooting
  • Why Houstonā€™s favorite radio voice is back for marathon weekend

Also on today's calendar: The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Houston, TX (January 2026) and 7 more events.

Find out what's happening in Houstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one pirate say to the other? šŸ¤” (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Houstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Cloudy, windy and cooler, with a high of 60 and low of 43 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 61, low: 43.
  • Monday: Partly sunny, with a high of 60 and low of 47 degrees.

šŸ“° News we're reading

1. MAP: More than 200 Houston-area private schools approved for Texas voucher program (click2houston.com) ā€” Houston-area families now have a map of roughly 233 private schools approved for Texasā€™ new voucher-style Education Freedom Accounts program. Applications open Feb. 4ā€“March 20, with decisions by May 1 and funds starting July 1. Eligible families could receive thousands annually for private school, special education, or homeschool expenses beginning in the 2026ā€“2027 school year.
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2. Houston shooting: 2 shot following shooting near McGowen METRORail platform (fox26houston.com) ā€” Houston police and METRO officers are investigating after two people were shot near the McGowen METRORail platform in Midtown, including a bicyclist who collapsed on the platform with an apparent gunshot wound. Officials say the shooting likely happened off METRO property, and details about where the victims were hit and their conditions have not yet been released.
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3. Former radio personality, Sarah Pepper returns to Texas to emcee 2026 Chevron Houston Marathon (click2houston.com) ā€” Houston runners and fans can look forward to a familiar voice as longtime local radio personality Sarah Pepper returns to emcee the 2026 Chevron Houston Marathon. After years on Houston airwaves, she still calls the city home and says marathon weekendā€™s stories of perseverance keep drawing her back. Her visit comes amid uplifting family news and a joyful season of life.
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4. UAPB women at Texas Southern (arkansasonline.com) ā€” Houston hoops fans can catch Texas Southernā€™s women hosting UAPB at H&PE Arena today at 2 p.m., with the Tigers bringing the SWACā€™s top scoring and rebounding numbers. UAPB just upset Prairie View A&M, but Texas Southern still leads the all-time series and looks to defend its home court in Houston.
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5. Texas Evening Briefing Jan. 9 (spectrumlocalnews.com) ā€” Houston-area families are heavily represented in Texasā€™ new school voucher program, with about 30% of approved campuses located around the city for the 2026-27 school year. The briefing also notes statewide juvenile crime trends and a national honor for an Arlington museum, plus a playoff matchup involving the Houston Texans.
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šŸ“ø Around Houston

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šŸ’¬ Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Eagles Trace Resident Leads Classes Based on His Experiences ā€”Elizabeth Fabiano Read on Patch
  • Please help me find my dog.
    He went missing some time between 7 p.m. Tuesday night and 6 a.m. Wednesday morning. He is a Belgian Malinoise/German Shepherd mix, tan/black color,ā€¦ (Nextdoor Kashmere SW)
  • Found on Academy and Merrick this afternoon.
    Took him to the vet- no chip also not neutered . Looks like a lab-happens to be really sweet! Poor guy really hungry and thirsty. Please reach out ifā€¦ (Nextdoor Braeswood Place)
  • The SBISD Board of Trustees will hold a Board Workshop on Monday, January 12 at 6. View the meeting via livestream, review the agenda, and learn... (X: SBISD)
  • Did you guess right, Aldine? When asked why serve on the Aldine ISD school board, Dr. Booker simply said, "My love for students and public education... (X: AldineISD)
  • Meador Staffing Services, Inc. posted a job opening for CNC Machinist in Houston. Apply here.
  • The Guitar Center posted a job opening for Music Teacher Store 6901 in Houston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Houston here.

Ok Houston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I sea you!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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