Morning Roundup: Summer in the city edition

Good morning, Houston. In case you haven't noticed, it's finally hot. We've had temperatures in the high 90s so far this week, and coupled with high humidity, they're making it dangerously warm — so much so, in fact, that we were under a heat advisory yesterday. And it looks like today's temperatures will be about the same, so remember to avoid heat exhaustion by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding strenuous outdoor activities in the heat of the day and taking frequent ice baths. Mmm, excruciatingly good.

>> What's in the water? Don't ask: According to a report from the Natural Resources Defense Council, 23 water sites in Galveston County have pollution levels that exceed water-quality standards — meaning the water is contaminated with bacteria, industrial waste and human and animal fecal matter. Does it mean you shouldn't get into the water? Not necessarily: Kids, the elderly and people with open wounds are most likely to be affected by the pollution, but anyone could come away with gastroenteritis. If you're planning to head to the beach anytime soon, it might not hurt to check the Galveston beach advisories — and, perhaps, to invest in a full-body condom.

>> 'Grinning girl' strikes at north Houston bank: There's a new nicknamed bank robber in town: the "Grinning Girl," who knocked over a North Freeway Wachovia branch yesterday afternoon. The robber reportedly waited to be called by a teller; when she reached the service counter, she passed a a note to the teller demanding money and indicating that she was carrying a gun. The teller put money into a blue bank bag the robber was carrying, and the woman left the bank — grinning, we assume. The suspect is described as a black woman in her early 20s, about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 130 pounds. She was wearing a blue T-shirt and khakis at the time of the robbery and had braided hair sticking out from under a white baseball cap. Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 713.222.TIPS.

>> Cop acquitted of bribery gives up license: Alfred Alaniz, a Houston police office who was found not guilty of bribery earlier this summer, has turned in his peace officer's license in exchange for the dismissal of charges that he tampered with evidence. The charges had to do with Alaniz allegedly writing the wrong times on traffic tickets; even though he had worked for HPD for 21 years, Alaniz's attorney said turning in the badge wasn't a big deal. "He gave away something he didn't want," Burt Springer told the Chronicle. "He wouldn't go back to work for HPD for love or money." And it's a lot of money: Alaniz was paid more than $200,000 in overtime in the past two years, making him one of the highest-paid officers on the force.

>> Today's weather: Do we need to say it? Hot again: Expect a high of 97 this afternoon, with a heat index as high as 109. Tonight, look for continued clear skies and a low of 80.

Now, ice down the tub and settle in for some more news ...