Texas Voter Guide: What to know about Houston's top races in 2023

Plus: HISD takeover sparks workplace federal complaint against TEA and Gov. Abbott. Harris County homeowners surprised by their lead exposure at home. Fall finally arrives in Houston this weekend. 

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View in browser 🔍 Need to Know   Texas Voter Guide: What to know about Houston's top races in 2023 Take a look at this comprehensive guide to the local races and ballot initiatives that your vote will decide in the Nov. 7 election.   Federal complaint alleges TEA, Abbott created hostile workplace The complaint, filed to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, accuses Gov. Greg Abbott and TEA Mike Morath of violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964.    Fall arrives this weekend in Houston with cool mornings ahead Nearly two weeks behind schedule, our first true fall cold front will drop highs for the weekend into the 70s and nighttime lows in the 50s.    Harris County homeowners surprised by their lead exposure at home Even with multiple county and city programs focused on lead poisoning risks, many residents are surprised to learn they are exposed.    🗳️ Politics   HISD unveils special education plan meant to improve broken system The district is aiming to speed up timelines for evaluating children with disabilities, improve communication with parents and strengthen the quality of instruction for special education students.    UH endowment among the elites after crossing $1 billion mark The University of Houston System's endowment has crossed over the $1 billion mark, placing it among the country's wealthiest institutions.   Texas schools straining to meet need for special education evaluations Demand for the evaluations has exploded, creating backlogs and financial strains on districts that are also struggling to retain school psychologists.   Texas House releases new evidence after Paxton's impeachment acquittal The documents reveal closer ties between the contractor who renovated Ken Paxton's home and the businessman who was accused of bribing him.   💼 Business   ERCOT seeks increased generation to avoid winter blackouts The Texas grid operator is seeking a boost to its power capacity, signaling its concern for the winter.   Ikea, Tim Hortons, Target among retailers opening new Houston stores Ikea's new small format store in Cinco Ranch will provide a customer meeting point for design and planning advice as well as placing and picking up orders.   Exxon reported in talks to buy Pioneer Natural Resources Deal would unite two of the biggest acreage holders in the Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico, making Exxon far and away the formation's biggest oil producer.   🖼️ Get Out   10 Houston-area haunted houses to explore this Halloween Discover the best haunted houses in Houston and the surrounding areas, to celebrate Halloween.    Loyal customers helped rebuild Conroe's Coffee Cabin After her Coffee Cabin trailer was stolen in May, with help from friends and neighbors, Desiree White rebuilt and reopened Aug. 12.   Savannah Bananas heading to MLB stadiums, including Minute Maid Park The team that plays baseball sort of like the Harlem Globetrotters play basketball will make themselves at home at the Astros' ballpark in 2024.   Bedrock City comic convention debuts this weekend The Stafford Center is gearing up to host Bedrock City Con, bringing together avid comic book fans, creators and vendors.   🏀 Sports   Astros vs. Twins: How the teams stack up in the ALDS See how the Astros and Twins compare heading into the American League Division Series that begins Saturday.   Simone Biles wins sixth all-around world championship The title continues her comeback and makes her the favorite for the Paris Olympics.   Rockets start a $30 million renovation at Toyota Center As Toyota Center marks its 20th anniversary, Rockets have plans to improve scoreboards, suites and more.   📝 Opinion   See which election candidates are endorsed by our Editorial Board Texans will face choices in dozens of races that touch Harris County, from city council to mayor and local bonds and state constitutional amendments.   Fall hits Texas. Biden hits wall. Trump smells like pumpkin... Also: Monster alligator hooked, Katy's giant mum hung, Texas multi-billion surplus balloons, Biles supreme on beam — and everything else   What Texas can teach the U.S. House (Opinion) Hyperpartisanship is wrecking the U.S. House. Texas' model offers a way out.   Democrats and Republicans agree: Texas housing costs too much (Opinion) A bipartisan housing movement could change land-use restrictions that make the process of building homes too costly, lengthy and risky.    Unsubscribe  |  Manage Preferences  |  Privacy Notice Houston Chronicle 4747 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77027 © 2023 Hearst Communications