🌱 Book Ban + Voting Tips

Wake up, Space City! It's me, Chris, your humble servant of the Houston Daily — coming right back at you with the plug on what's happening. Today, we'll look at:

• A Houston author being censored by the government.
• What you need to know about Harris county polls.
• Instagram users experiencing issues.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny and nice. High: 79 Low: 60.

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I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our Houston Daily readers to local businesses they need to know about. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

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Here are the top stories today in Houston:

1. Houston author Keri Blakinger shared that her book "Corrections in Ink" is in the process of being banned from the Florida prison system. The book in question is a memoir about her own experiences making a new life for herself after serving two years of prison on drug charges. Currently, the book is impounded and incapable of being accessed by Florida inmates as a literary review committee waits to review its content. Speaking on the possible ban, Blakinger said, "That's absurd. My book is literally about rehabilitation. It's about someone who was doing drugs, got sober, and carved out a new life." Blakinger also reported that she has received letters from inmates across the country thanking her for giving them hope. (KTRK-TV)
2. Here are some tips for heading to the polls as election day inches closer. Firstly, early voting is already in its second week of access, and experienced voters will tell you that now is the time to cast your ballot if you don't want to wait in excessive lines. Photo ID is required in order to vote, and voters are encouraged to fill out a sample ballot to increase their voting speed. Cell phone use inside of polling facilities is prohibited. Furthermore, voters likely to hurt themselves or others by voting normally can access curbside voting from their car by pressing the curbside buzzer at any polling place. Lastly, voters whose registration currently shows as "suspended" need not worry. The state just needs you to update your address before casting your ballot. (Houston Chronicle)
3. Instagram is currently investigating an issue that has locked a large number of users out of their accounts. At the moment, it's unclear whether the issue is a result of internal problems or if some sort of hacking might be involved. Users delivered conflicting reports about the issue. Some say that they are still able to scroll through their feeds despite receiving a message that they have been locked out of their accounts. Others claim that they have lost access to the platform entirely. Owners of larger accounts are also reporting a sudden drop in their follower count presumably due to a large number of accounts being locked. (ABC13)
4. A man was shot and killed by his ex's son after a domestic abuse call was made in Northwest Houston. Police say that the shooting was prompted by a physical altercation between the man and his ex-girlfriend which was rooted in a history of domestic violence. The man was shot in the leg and fled the scene of the crime on foot. Though he was later transported to a hospital, medical professionals pronounced him dead. Police are currently investigating the altercation that led up to the shooting. (KTRK-TV)
5. The annual Houston Fringe Festival will run from November 1-6 and hosts a line-up of artists whose work operates on the periphery of the mainstream. In other words, the Fringe Festival celebrates art and artists whose creations don't fit so neatly into known categories. Director Adam Castañeda provides more insight on what exactly this means, "I would reference the original fringe festival that originated in Edinburgh, across the pond. The idea of a fringe festival is really to elevate performing arts voices that either are working in non-traditional forms or are working with material that may not necessarily be produced by an established organization or a traditional performing arts festival." The festival's closing night showcase is titled "Anything Goes" in case that gives you a better idea of what flies. To check out the full schedule, visit the link attached. (Houston Press)

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Headlines you need to see:

• Driver pulled over after driving golf cart on Gulf Freeway, police say (KHOU.com)
• Harris County Commissioner Ellis, Mayor Turner announce new plans for historic Riverside General Hospital site (KPRC Click2Houston)
• Houston gasoline prices retreat toward $3 a gallon (Houston Chronicle)
• Dallas-Houston bullet train developer vows project is on track, but state officials lack confidence (Houston Public Media)
• Photos: Among Houston celebs, Lizzo wins Halloween with two costumes (Houston Chronicle)

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Patch deal of the day:

Good knives make all the difference in the kitchen, but you don't need to overpay for them. Seido Japanese knives are made with strong high-carbon stainless steel (high-carbon knives are more durable and usually more expensive) and have an acute 15-degree angle for a noticeably sharper cutting face (most Western-style knives have edge angles of 25 degrees). For a limited time, Patch readers can get a 5-piece Seido Japanese master knife set for 71 percent off. At just under $70, this chef-quality set is perfect for any home cook and would also make a great gift for the holidays.

(The Patch Deals team scours the web for deals we think you'll love; we may earn a commission on purchases. All deals are as of publication and could change.)

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Today in Houston:

• Zoo Boo at Houston Zoo (9 a.m.)
• 80th Anniversary Pumpkin Patch at Houston Farmer's Market (10 a.m.)
• Concert: Lorna Shore at White Oak Music Hall (6 p.m.)
• Dungeons & Dragons with Circle of Barhaven at Richmond Arms (6 p.m.)
• Karaoke Costume Party at Prime Art Gallery (7 p.m.)

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From my notebook:

• Halloween in South Korea met with disaster as over 150 people were trampled in an alley during the celebrations. The majority of the victims are young women. (ABC13 Houston via Facebook)
• The Houston Astros face-off against the Phillies on their home turf of Citzens Bank Park tonight. The World Series is currently tied 1-1. (KPRC2 / Click2Houston via Facebook)
• Ben Taub dressed up newborns in the NICU with costumes including a butterfly, a lady bug, and an avocado. Hospital officials say the intention was to bring hope and joy to affected families. (FOX 26 Houston via Facebook)

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Featured Kitty:

Luna is a 1-year-old domestic short hair available for adoption at the SPCA.

She's equal parts playful and sassy, so expect to have your hands full with this one.

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Events:

• No Reserve Online Auction of Multiple Trucks and Vehicles (November 1)
• Play Day for a Cause at Kiddie Academy of Aliana (November 5)
• Access Vascular Health are joining first Shuck Cancer event (November 9)
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Now you're armed with current events and ready to throw down in H-town! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow. Have a great week everybody. Peace ✌