A few weeks ago, I talked to you about the AI-driven initiative powering some new local schools. It turns out that private schools aren’t the only place where AI is “leading” education in Houston. 

Imagine if your children’s public school started teaching students made-up information, presenting hobbled-together AI animals and misspelled city names as facts of life.

Public education is a hot topic this election season as takeovers, school closures, and AI use have threatened Texas schools. (Noemi Castanon/Courier Texas)

An HISD parent discovered that her child’s homework contained blatant misinformation that is confusing and misleading to students. For her child, social studies class means learning about our home city of “Heusten” and English class teaches that turtles grow up in bird’s nests. 

While HISD requires humans to check any AI-created educational material for mistakes, the district hasn’t been clear on how they’re enforcing that checking process. 

Do you think AI should be used in schools? 

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

Manvel and Willis have discontinued Flock camera use after residents brought up surveillance worries. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX) 

🧑‍🚒 Harris County has agreed to pay $408,000 in a back pay settlement to local constables and a fire marshal despite a budget deficit. Find out who objects to those raises.  (Houston Chronicle) 

🚬 Mayor Whitmire blamed the district attorney after a reported 1,200% increase in marijuana arrests happened during his term. Here’s what the mayor had to say. (Houston Public Media) 

📸 Two Houston-area communities have put an end to their Flock Safety camera use after residents raised privacy concerns. Learn how they did it. (Houston Public Media) 

A story worth sharing with your neighbor.

At POST Octoberfest, you can learn to polka with the beautiful Houston skyline lighting the way. (POST Houston)

Houston may be over 5,400 miles from Munich, Germany, but you’d never know it by the Oktoberfest love that takes over the city in September. 

You don’t have to hop on a plane or don your thermal underwear to enjoy Oktoberfest 2026—just stay right here in Houston and raise a stein to one of Germany’s favorite annual traditions.

The yearly event honors the October 12, 1810, wedding between Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Since the weather in Munich tends to be rainy and cold in October, and the days are already shorter, Oktoberfest festivities were pushed earlier to September, so despite its name, Oktoberfest season is already arriving, and it’s time to embrace it.

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

Houston’s yearly hurricane season can cause extreme flooding and damage, but there’s a workshop this weekend to help you prepare. (Anna Raj/Courier HTX)

🌪️ Learn what steps you can take after a natural disaster, like a hurricane, to ensure the safety of you and your family. From accessing recovery resources to documenting damages, this workshop will prepare you for potential disasters. 

🍿 Take the family out for a free Stafford pre-screening of “Heart of the Beast”. Movie ticket prices can be unaffordable if you simply want to enjoy a day out with your family or friends. This screening offers free tickets (6 per order) on a first-come first-served basis. 

🌷 Hear from Texas Certified Nursery Professionals about how to create a garden that stays alive through all the seasons. This free event will help you make your year-round garden dream a reality. 

🩺 Minimize your risk of prostate cancer through an interactive program. This event will teach Houstonians how to detect the signs early and receive treatment. Come out to this community conversation for free health screenings and resources.  

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

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