Today’s the last day of early voting!

After today, you’ll only be able to cast your vote on Election Day, March 3. There’s a chance you’ll end up with longer wait times to fill out your ballot, so if you can, try to go today!

Remember, no phones are allowed in the voting booth, so make sure your notes are written down on paper for easy access.

If you need a reminder on some of the key races happening in Harris and Fort Bend counties, check out our list here.

In case you missed it: The most clicked link in Wednesday’s edition was about what Houston lawmakers had to say about Trump’s tariffs being struck down.

P.S. We want this newsletter to be the best it can be, and that involves YOU! Make sure to take our quick, 5-minute survey before Monday night.

Here are some events happening inside and outside the Loop this weekend:

Downtown Rodeo Parade

Downtown, Saturday

“All Hands In” at J-Bar-M BBQ

EaDo, Saturday

For the Culture: The Black Comedy Experience

Greater Fifth Ward, Saturday

Art Car IPA 5K Social Run/Walk at Flying Sauce

Downtown, Sunday

Pearland RNB Fest

Pearland, Saturday

R&B Slow Flow Yoga & Sound Bath

Spring, Saturday

2026 USA Climbing Para Climbing National Championships

Katy, Saturday-Sunday

Brunch and Mini Heart Cake Decorating Class

Tomball, Sunday

🚗 No driver? No problem. Waymo’s autonomous cars have rolled out in three Texas cities, including Houston. Find all the details here.

❗ SNAP work requirement changes could affect thousands of Houston residents, with many of these adjustments triggering the loss of benefits for countless recipients, and also impacting the items beneficiaries are allowed to purchase.

🔥 US Rep. Al Green (D-TX) returned to Houston after being escorted out of the State of the Union address Tuesday night for holding a sign that read “Black people are not apes.” During a fireside chat, he spoke to supporters and attendees about why he chose to make the statement and how he viewed the moment.

🗣 At Houston City Council, community members demanded HPD stop collaborating with ICE. Their message was clear: protect our people, don’t deport them.

By Katie Serrano

A coalition of congressional Democrats led by US Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-El Paso) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Acting Director Todd Lyons calling for the immediate closure of Camp East Montana in El Paso.

The letter cites urgent humanitarian concerns, unsafe conditions, and serious deficiencies in medical care after multiple deaths at the ICE facility.

Three detainees died while in custody over a six-week span starting in December: Francisco Gaspar-Andres, Geraldo Lunas Campos, and Victor Manuel Diaz. Campos’ death was ruled a homicide involving facility staff.

The letter also cited rotten and insufficient food, unsuitable drinking water, and plumbing issues.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Sierra Rozen with reporting by Katie Serrano. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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