On Saturday, more than 1,500 “No Kings” rallies popped up across the country. The theme was all about early voting, but as expected, people had a lot more to say. Here are a few photos from the Houston and The Woodlands events. 

If you want to see videos from the rallies, tap here and here. 

The Frank Liu Jr. Academy for Music and Arts (FLAMA) in Houston was inspired by Montessori programming. (Getty Images/Unsplash+)

In an August newsletter, I talked to you about how AI initiatives are being used to revamp, and in some cases, power, schools across Houston. You wrote in and gave us your opinions on the robot revolution that seems to be spreading across our city. You’ll be glad to know that hands-on learning is making a comeback with a brand new school. Here’s a preview of what to expect by our freelance writer, Sam Cohen. 

Construction on Houston’s exciting new Frank Liu Jr. Academy for Music and Arts (FLAMA) is officially underway. The one-of-a-kind educational structure will span over 65,120 square feet and transform the facility previously occupied by J.A. Folger & Co.’s coffee plant from the 1930s.

The project, which is located near the Buffalo Bayou East corridor, was designed by OMA and will likely be completed in August 2027. 

According to Arch Daily, FLAMA’s design will seamlessly blend existing historical elements from the coffee plant with new spaces and structures geared toward arts and music education. The school will be laid out across three stories and follow the general principles of Montessori, an education method that emphasizes hands-on learning. 

What’s important to you about voting this year? Maybe it’s an issue affecting your family, something happening in your community, an experience you’ve had, or simply something you hope will change.

We want to hear your story. Send us a short selfie-style video telling us what’s inspiring your vote, or your perspective on voting.  Submit your video by 11:59 p.m. ET on Oct. 23, and if you are eligible, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift card.*

As we head into fall, cooler temperatures make eating on Candelari’s patio picturesque. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX) 

🎶 The Houston Texans just launched a new video series called “713 Sessions,” which celebrates Houston’s iconic music culture with a view of Space City’s skyline. Here’s why footballers are turning to local musicians to celebrate Houston. (Chron) 

🍕 Getting your food delivered shouldn’t involve nudity, but a Houston DoorDasher took the city’s vibrant food scene to a new level by showing up naked to deliver an order. (Fox 26) 

🍽 What’s on my plate: 

Our city’s Italian food restaurants are rich in carbs and culture, and Candelari’s Italiano serves up both. I visited this Bellaire restaurant recently and couldn’t resist taking a picture of my friend’s dish, the King Sausage. Complete with garnish and a flower to boot, this meal was served to us on the elegant outdoor patio, which is the perfect setting once the sun sets. 

This Houstonian started her life coaching business after watching immigrants fall through cracks in the healthcare system. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX)

Dr. Quỳnh-Hương N. Nguyễn started a Houston-based life coaching practice four months ago, when they realized they could help marginalized communities that face barriers to healthcare access. The premise of the practice is in the name: Patterns Pivot. Nguyễn helps Houstonians identify and change life patterns that hold them back from achieving their goals, addressing mental health issues, neurodivergence, and trauma. 

As a former nonprofit worker in immigrant rights, Nguyễn blends their personal experiences as the child of refugees with community advocacy work and trust-building to provide specialized care to immigrant communities. 

Nguyễn talks about what providing mental healthcare looks like in the wake of increasing immigration enforcement and violence.    

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Anna Raj and edited by Crystal Niforos.

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*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOTING, REGISTERING TO VOTE, OR PROOF OF VOTING IS NOT REQUIRED. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. and D.C., 18+. Entry Period: 12:00 a.m. ET 10/19/26 – 11:59 p.m. ET 10/23/26. Void where prohibited. Subject to Official Rules. Sponsor: Courier Newsroom, Inc.