Election Day is less than a week away, and something’s been on my mind since last week’s rally in Richmond: You can’t always predict how someone will vote based on their background or community.

Last week, I told you about the hundreds of Texans who showed up to support Democratic US Senate candidate James Talarico. But beyond the Texas-sized turnout, something else caught my attention: A noticeable portion of the crowd was white, despite Fort Bend County’s remarkable ethnic diversity.

Talarico speaks to an enthusiastic Fort Bend audience. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX)

Voting patterns can be unpredictable, especially in Texas. Communities affected by conservative policies don’t always vote for progressive candidates. And if you grew up in a minority community, you probably know a few aunties and uncles whose politics might surprise people.

The takeaway? Diversity doesn’t guarantee a particular election outcome, and no community votes as one.

So tell me: What’s motivating you to vote this Election Day?

🛩 A United Airlines flight declared an emergency during a landing at IAH last weekend. Here’s what happened to the plane. (Chron)

💵 A local bartender is suing this Houston bar, alleging the owners committed wage theft. (Chron)

🚕 Tesla’s Robotaxi service has taken over Houston. Find out what Elon Musk’s plans are for Space City. (Houston Public Media)

🦃 Lizzo will lead Houston’s Thanksgiving Day parade as the Grand Marshal this year. Check out who will be joining her. (KHOU 11)

🏥 Memorial Hermann has decided to shut down its Medicare Advantage plan during a growing health insurance crisis across Texas. Read about why. (Houston Chronicle)

🔥 A fire at Woodlands Mall caused havoc last weekend, shutting down the store. (Woodlands Online)

🏘 A looming annexation could impact thousands of residents in Missouri City. Here’s what to know. (Fox 26)

🛍 A brand new retail center is opening in Katy, with 800,000 square feet of shopping for residents. Find out what shops are coming to Katy. (Realty News Report)

Galleria customers will be charged parking fees starting Nov. 2. (Leo Reynolds, CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

By Sam Cohen

The Galleria in Houston is a premier shopping and entertainment destination for those who want to shop, ice skate, eat, or browse for a few hours. Like many other malls, parking at the Galleria is free for all customers, but that will change on Nov. 2.

According to a spokesperson for the Simon Property Group—the Galleria’s majority owner—new parking fees will take effect in just a few weeks.

An official statement reads, “Beginning November 2, The Galleria will introduce a modern parking system designed to provide convenient parking for guests visiting to shop, dine, and enjoy the center. A flat parking rate will apply in The Galleria garages — Select retailers may offer parking validation at their discretion, and employees will continue to park free in designated areas.”

The new rates are as follows:

$2 for up to four hours of parking

$5 for four to seven hours of parking

$25 for up to 24 hours of parking

Halloweekend is in full swing across the city. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX)

🗓 Friday, Oct. 30

Scream on the Green

Una Noche en Downtown

Día de los Muertos Family Movie Night

🗓 Saturday, Oct. 31

Houston Pumpkin Festival

Pumpkin Planters

Boofest Kingwood

🗓 Sunday, Nov. 01

Twinkle Holiday Market

Day of the Dead Festival

Fall Creek Farmers’ Market

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Anna Raj and edited by Paula Solis.

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