Hi y’all,

Did you know that there’s a super-easy way to report a violation of the separation of church and state?

I learned about this from our “Faith, Freedom, and the Future of Texas” event, based on a discussion from Rachel Laser, president and CEO of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

The nonprofit makes it straightforward to file a violation report and check whether you have a solid basis for legal action. What does a violation look like, you may ask?

❗ Discrimination by a public, publicly funded, or private entity based on your or its religious beliefs

🙏 Prayer, proselytizing, or religious instruction at public-school events or classes

💰 Public funding of religious activity

🏛 Discriminatory or proselytizing prayer practices at meetings of governmental bodies

⛪ Displays of religious texts or symbols on public property

As soon as Rachel mentioned this, I immediately wrote it down in my notes so I could bring the info to y’all.

Would y’all be interested in learning more about resources like this?

By Ryan Pitkin

In her 2018 book “Fascism: A Warning,” former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright wrote that people living under authoritarian regimes often don’t realize it until it’s too late. The lesson? It’s worth learning the warning signs before they take hold.

Experts have identified seven basic tactics used by aspiring authoritarians. Experts point to a familiar playbook used by would-be authoritarians. Watch for when a political party or movement starts to:

❗ Politicize independent institutions by placing loyalists in roles meant to be nonpartisan.

📰 Spread disinformation while undermining credible media.

🤫 Silence dissent and punish critics.

🗣 Target marginalized groups and stoke fear of “outsiders.”

👊 Excuse or encourage political violence.

These tactics often show up gradually—in the form of division, scapegoating, or rewriting the rules to favor those in power. 

The goal of any authoritarian administration or movement is to make everyday people feel powerless, so they stop believing they can shape what happens next. 

But knowledge is power. Recognizing the signs early is the first step toward protecting democracy — and each other. This is our next-to-last Civics 101 section, so make sure to check out our video version!

🏠 Houston city officials joined developers of Zuri Gardens on Thursday to unveil the city’s first 3D‑printed hybrid home community. 

🔋 A new $200 million Tesla “Megafactory” over in Brookshire, just outside of Houston, has started hiring. (Fox 26)

🤖 What AfroTech, which was hosted in Houston last month, can teach us about empowering innovation and equity. 

❗ Houston Mayor John Whitmire hosted a public walkthrough of a new facility that will provide shelter and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

By Rebecca Deurlein

It’s around this time every year when Houstonians emerge from their air-conditioned gyms, look for their shadows, and, much like Punxsutawney Phil, determine how much time is left in summer before workouts can resume outside.

And while we sometimes marvel at 90-degree temperatures still holding on in October, this is usually the month when morning and evenings cool off, the oppressive humidity lifts, mosquitoes thin out, and we seek every opportunity to spend time outdoors again.

Parks fill up, plenty of fleet feet trod trails, and basketball teams practice layups under the setting sun. In this urban landscape, you’ll find sports, nature, and camaraderie that will get you off the couch and practicing all sorts of wellness, from hardcore cardio to meditation.

Here’s where you can get fit across the city of Houston while also getting fresh air, sunshine, and a much-needed break from screens, technology, and equipment.

Fitness in the Park, Discovery Green

The 12-acre urban park in downtown Houston always seems to be hosting something, which is why Discovery Green is such a popular hangout in H-Town for everything from food festivals to working off those calories.

Fitness in the Park is part of the regular programming that brings residents and travelers to the Green seven days a week. Weeknights, hour-long classes ranging from gentle yoga flow to hip hop yoga keep patrons ohm-ing and namaste-ing from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Or start your weekend on the right foot with Saturday sessions from 9-10 a.m.

Classes like these—supplemented by sound and group meditation—are offered by UT Health Houston, so you can take comfort that the instruction is delivered by medical practitioners who have your best health interests at heart.

All classes are free and appropriate for every fitness level, and no pre-registration is required. Just sign in when you arrive, and be sure to bring your own mat and asana aids.

Reach 15,000+ Texans who care about their communities! Sponsor COURIER HTX’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Sierra Rozen with stories by Ryan Pitkin and Rebecca Deurlein. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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