Good afternoon, Houston.

For generations, Houstonians have been taught to fear the bayous. Now, the fear comes not from folklore, but from what’s unfolding in real time — and what isn't being explained. In recent weeks, several bodies have been recovered from the water. Officials remain quiet, and public concern is only deepening.

In her latest column, Joy Sewing examines the growing unease across the city and calls for transparency from leaders. As rumors spread and victims' families wait for answers, she asks the question many are thinking but few in power are addressing: What is really going on?

Here's the rest of the news.

Lauren Mitchell, Digital Production Editor lauren.mitchell@houstonchronicle.com

3 stories you shouldn't miss

Houston fall festival guide: What to know about RenFest, Bayou City Art and more

Houston’s fall festivals bring culture, food and family fun across the city. PLUS: Houston's pumpkin patches are open for seasonal fun. These are the top places to visit. 

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Tony Earls rejected plea offer ahead of manslaughter trial

Harris County prosecutors gave Tony Earls one chance to avoid a jury's verdict about a week out from his manslaughter trial. He rejected the offer and was sentenced to 20 years. 

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Kayakers celebrate Green Bayou's new paddling trail with annual race

The new trail is 7.7-miles long from Brock Adventure Park to Thomas Bell Foster.

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1 story to bring you joy

Who is Selena Garcia? Mexican immigrant serves as a voice for the community.

Selena Garcia was just 2 years old when her mother made the decision that would shape her life — to leave Mexico in search of a future. 

7 stories you may have missed this week

Don't believe the Democrats on health care fight, says Dan Crenshaw Democrats want to make the government shutdown about the future of the Affordable Care Act. But Crenshaw isn't buying it.

This Houston neighborhood has become infamous online. What does crime data say?  Midtown and its alleged decline became a popular topic of conversation on social media earlier this year, but for all the heated discussion, the data tells a far different story.

Houston’s Second Baptist is a church at war with itself It’s unclear who will emerge the winner in the court battle. What is clear, experts say, is what this case is all about — the balance of power in one of the region’s largest and more influential churches.

A Houston community's air is thick with pollution. Why hasn't the EPA done more? The pollution in Settegast is so thick that resident Sade Hogue often comes home to find black soot all over her floors. Residents say officials should do more to protect the community.

The best Indian and Pakistani restaurants in Houston Here are our food team’s top recommendations for the best Indian and Pakistani restaurants in Houston.

Inside a Houston bail company’s alleged fraud scheme that helped get murder suspects out of jail Here’s a look at how prosecutors allege AABLE Bail Bonds helped people accused of violent crimes get back on the streets using fake paperwork to scam the bond system.

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