The nation’s fourth-largest city, engine of Texas’s economy
Wilber Rafael Garces Perez has been charged with assaulting a federal officer after a September 20 traffic stop in Austin that ended with an ICE agent firing and wounding him. Prosecutors have shown body-camera footage of the initial stop; the shooting itself and some camera footage remain unreleased. Garces Perez remains in federal custody with a bullet lodged in his back and faces deportation and criminal prosecution.
SpaceX has launched a four‑person Crew‑13 to the International Space Station and the team has reached orbit after an eight‑hour express transit, a US speed record. Commander Jessica Watkins has become the first Black woman to lead a crew to orbit. The flight includes Canadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk, whose wife is due to give birth during the six‑month mission.
Immigration enforcement in Houston is drawing heightened scrutiny after a Saturday collision left Miguel Parra Hernandez with a broken leg and ongoing surgeries. Local prosecutors have opened a parallel inquiry into whether an ICE agent’s actions crossed into aggravated assault, while ICE maintains the incident was a reaction to a fleeing suspect. The case follows July’s fatal ICE shooting and fits into a broader debate over federal immigration tactics.
The Houston Astros have not renewed Joe Espada’s contract and will not bring back five coaches for 2027, while bench coach Omar Lopez is offered a new internal role. The organization is also searching for a new manager and GM after a season that saw seven straight ALCS appearances end in 2026 with a sub-.500 finish.
Democrats have gained ground on voter confidence in elections as concerns about ballot integrity rise among Republicans. AP-NORC data shows Democrats retain higher trust while Republicans grow more confident than four years ago; fear of federal overreach and threats to voting processes shape the landscape ahead of Election Day.
The Department of Energy has begun lending up to $4.4 billion to restart three decommissioned U.S. nuclear plants—Palisades, Three Mile Island, and Duane Arnold—to restore about 2.25 gigawatts of power. Big Tech contracts underpin some plants, aiming to deliver carbon-free electricity quickly; critics warn safety and aging infrastructure risk. The Trump administration is backing nuclear as a fast-track energy solution.
Three students and a teacher have died after a 16-year-old opened fire at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend. A bystander intervened, shooting the attacker inside the school; a 7-year-old survivor and a teacher are hospitalized. Investigations and security reviews are under way as the community mourns.
The Suns’ owner says the Durant deal in 2023 was a mistake; Durant answers with a pointed social media reply. The exchange follows Ishbia’s CNBC remarks that money was thrown at the problem and that super-talented players don’t always deliver championships. Durant’s response underscores ongoing tensions as Phoenix pivots after trading Durant to Houston.
Dallas secures a league sweep with a 3-0 road win over San Jose, driven by Musa’s late goals and Moreno’s help; San Jose’s playoff seeding remains intact but their title bid loses ground.
Elon Musk has said special committees at Tesla and SpaceX are exploring a possible merger and that combining the firms "would be a good idea." He has recused himself from the committees. The proposal would require approval from at least 50% of Tesla shareholders and has sparked stock movement and renewed debate over control, AI and national-security implications.
The midterm landscape is shifting as polling shows Democrats gaining ground in consumer sentiment and widening gaps in key races. Campaigns are intensifying with visits in Texas, Michigan and Kansas as voters weigh economy, immigration and leadership ahead of election day.
The Texas Senate race has intensified as James Talarico accuses Elon Musk of trying to buy influence, citing funding from Musk-linked groups. Musk has donated hundreds of millions to pro-Paxton outfits while Talarico touts grassroots support and a widening fundraising gap ahead of the November vote.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba catches nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown as Seattle hands Kansas City its first loss of the season, 20-3. Sam Darnold throws for 257 yards; Kenneth Walker III is held to 36 rushing yards. Seattle’s defense limits Kansas City to 213 total yards and a rare red-zone stop.
Trump has highlighted a Venezuela oil shipment at a Texas rally, claiming the United States has gained access to 1 million barrels of oil at zero cost to taxpayers. He frames the move as part of a broader energy dominance strategy while critics question its legality and democratic implications ahead of the midterms.