In Monday’s newsletter, I asked you if HISD’s TEA-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles deserved the $231,000 raise he received after several F ratings of local schools were released. You overwhelmingly said “no. You’re not the only Houstonians feeling this way. 

Increasingly, Houston parents are opting to find alternative paths for educating their children after the TEA takeover, particularly as HISD works to restructure special education in ways that have parents pushing back. 

People hold up signs at a news conference, March 3, 2023, in Houston while protesting the proposed takeover of the city’s school district by the Texas Education Agency. (AP Photo/Juan A. Lozano)

One of those alternative education options is a controversial topic itself: AI. 

A private AI-driven school where tuition runs 40K per year is planning on opening a location in the Heights. The school offers just two hours of core academics, packing a normal six-hour day of learning into just a third of that time. The rest of the day is spent on interactive workshops designed to teach students real-life skills. 

🏫 What do you think the solution to Houston’s education crisis is?   

Your news roundup—a quick stop for stories happening across the state that deserve a little more attention.

Sam Houston National Forest faces new threats, but you can help. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX)

🔥 The majority of Texas will experience highs of over 100 degrees this weekend. Here’s how hot it will get in Houston. (Houston Public Media)  

💨 If your A/C is broken, your landlord is now required to fix it after city council voted on a bill to close an A/C law loophole. What renters need to know. (Chron) 

🌲 Sam Houston National Forest is under threat of losing federal protections as a new proposal on construction is considered. Voice your opinion to the Forest Service until Sept. 21. (Click 2 Houston)  

🦠 A new report has been released highlighting the dangerous levels of bacteria in Texas waterways, including Houston bayous. Find out what’s swimming around in our water. (Click 2 Houston)

A story worth sharing with your neighbor.

Magic Island’s 16-foot-tall Pharoah head was hoisted into place atop the building in 1984. (Jerry Click/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

These five landmarks used to bring in tourists from across the country. Now, they’re gone.

We’ve already given you a list of the weird and wonderful things that Houston currently has to offer, but what entertained locals and visitors in decades past?

These wackiest destinations may have been replaced by parking lots or have fallen into disrepair, but they were once premier locations for family fun. Here are five Houston attractions we’ll always miss.

Low-cost & free resources to elevate your day-to-day.

Houstonians can expect to receive fresh produce at the YMCA’s free pop-up grocery store. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX) 

🆓 A Houston city councilwoman plans to give away free A/C units to those who need them as we hit triple digit heat. See if you qualify. 

🧠 Learn about what food helps brain health at this interactive event in Fifth Ward. Free lunch and educational resources will be offered to attendees. 

✊ Register early to attend Al Green’s 2026 Slavery Remembrance Legislative Update Breakfast for free. This breakfast will include speeches from prominent local figures.

📸 Build community at a free neighborhood photography walk in Third Ward. Participate in a workshop aimed at intentionally understanding the places and people around you. 

🍅 Get groceries for the week at a free pop-up grocery store. Arrive early for sign-in and expect to bring home baked goods, fresh produce, and meat and dairy products.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Anna Raj and edited by Joi Louviere.

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