If you were hoping for a slow start to the week, the news had other plans.

This week marks five years since thousands of Americans stormed the US Capitol following Donald Trump’s 2020 election loss. About 120 Texans were charged or convicted for their roles— but President Trump pardoned them all on his first day back in office last January.

It’s also been nearly four years since one of the deadliest school shootings in US history. This week, the trial of a former Uvalde school district police officer began, with prosecutors alleging he abandoned or endangered children during the attack. He faces 29 felony counts.

I know stories like these can feel heavy, but we’re not powerless.

The Texas 2026 primaries are quickly coming up in March, with early voting starting Feb. 17. We’ve got a guide to what’s on the ballot below. Voting is one of the simplest ways to make your voice heard and push for leaders who take these issues seriously.

Take some time for yourself today—I’m glad you’re here. ♥️

Welcome to our newest section, The Business Breakdown, where you’ll find the latest business news from the Houston area. Got some business news you want to share? Drop me a line.

🧁 A mainstay of 2010’s culture, Sprinkles Cupcakes, has closed all of its locations. The business was known for its pale pink boxes and cupcake vending machines.

🦪 Montrose Collective restaurant Graffiti Raw closed its doors Dec. 31, but owner The Big Vibe Group is still operating Coppa Osteria and Flora Mexican Kitchen.

🍪 Over by the coast, a new Crumbl location is having its grand opening in Galveston Jan. 9, where customers can pick from a rotating list of flavors.

🍸 If music and martinis tickle your fancy, head over to Donna’s in the Heights, a new cocktail bar that opened over Thanksgiving weekend. 

🍕 Looking for New York-style pizza and affordable wine? Keep an eye out for Shredders Pizza, opening in late January.

Thanks for being a subscriber of COURIER HTX!

We love sharing what Houston has to offer and want to give our readers a chance to win a token of our appreciation! In partnership with Good On Paper, an independent Houston bookstore, we’re giving away a $50 gift card to one lucky subscriber.

Subscribers must sign up here to enter and can view official rules of the giveaway.

We’re just a few days away from finding out who will be performing at the Houston Rodeo this year! Here’s what y’all had to say about your dream performer:

“I want to see…John Pardi and Parker McCollum!” — Christie W.

“I want to see…Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, and Tyler Childers. I really hope at least one of them is in the lineup.” — Carolyn P.

“Taylor Swift” — Sherry O.

I love hearing about your favorite music artists, so let me know:

What musician is at the top of your list to play at the Houston Rodeo?

❗ After the Trump administration kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and ordered air strikes on the country, protests and celebrations were seen across the Houston region. Houston is estimated to have one of the largest Venezuelan communities in the US, clocking in at just over 50,000. (HoustonPress) Here’s how Houston politicians reacted.

🗳 A crowded race is taking shape in Fort Bend County, where 10 candidates, five Republicans and five Democrats, have filed to run for county judge this year.

📕 As the bookworms start to set their reading goals for the year, find out which novels were the most checked out from the Harris County Public Library last year. (Instagram)

🚗 Key milestones for major road projects are set to happen this year in Houston. Learn more about these milestones and which projects are coming to an end. (Chron)

By Carla Astudillo and Maria Mendez, The Texas Tribune

Texas will hold its 2026 primary elections on March 3. Here are all of the candidates who have filed for the Democratic and Republican primary elections, according to the Secretary of State. Voters in each primary will choose which candidates they want to represent their party in the November general election.

On the ballot are many statewide seats, including governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, land commissioner, agriculture commissioner, comptroller and more. Republicans and Democrats will also choose candidates for congressional and legislative offices, the State Board of Education and judicial seats.

Early voting begins Feb. 17. If no candidate receives a majority of the vote in the primary, the top two vote-getters will compete in a runoff on May 26. Texas is an open-primary state, meaning voters can decide every two years whether to pick Republican or Democratic nominees (or hold out and instead go to third-party conventions for the Green or Libertarian parties).

Of note: whichever primary you decide to vote in, you can vote only in that same party’s runoff. You can, however, vote for either party’s candidates in the general election.

Do you want to support COURIER HTX’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 20,000+ subscribers?

Email advertising@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Sierra Rozen, with reporting by The Texas Tribune. It was edited by Paula Solis.

COURIER HTX is free to read for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.