HOUSTON, Texas – Here’s a look at your top stories to help start your day.
Driving in Houston? Expect Increased Police Presence on These 3 Roadways
Houston drivers should be prepared for a noticeable uptick in law enforcement activity along several busy streets this week. According to city officials and a video shared by the Houston Police Department and Mayor John Whitmire, heightened patrols are being deployed on Westheimer Road, Almeda Road, and North Shepherd Road as part of an effort to improve safety and reduce reckless driving issues. The stepped-up presence is meant to curb aggressive driving behaviors that have been increasingly reported across the city’s major corridors.
Body Reportedly Spotted in Buffalo Bayou, Marking First Case of 2026
Authorities in Houston are investigating after a body was reportedly seen in Buffalo Bayou near Commerce Street and Fannin Street on Tuesday afternoon, the first such discovery in the city’s waterways this year. A clean-up crew spotted the body while performing maintenance, and responding officers say the deceased appears to be a man wearing a gray jacket; an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. In 2025, dozens of bodies were recovered from Houston bayous, drawing ongoing attention to waterway safety and investigative efforts.
After Briefing, Johnson Says He Doesn’t Expect U.S. Troops to Deploy to Venezuela
Following a closed-door briefing by top U.S. officials on the situation in Venezuela, House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters he does not expect American troops to be deployed on the ground there. The briefing, which included Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, followed U.S. military actions in the South American nation, sparking debate over future involvement. Johnson emphasized that the U.S. actions should not be viewed as a regime-change occupation, though questions remain about long-term strategy and international response.
Plane Emergency Overnight at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
A LATAM Airlines flight arriving from Lima, Peru, experienced multiple tire blowouts upon landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, prompting an emergency response by airport fire crews. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the cause of the tire failures. However, no injuries were reported, as passengers were safely evacuated and the aircraft came to a controlled stop on the runway.
Mega Millions Winner Claims Prize from Historic Jackpot
A lottery player from Newnan, Georgia, has claimed a Mega Millions jackpot worth nearly $1 billion, the largest prize in the state’s history. Opting for the cash option, the anonymous winner received just over $453 million before taxes, marking one of the most significant lottery payouts on record for the region.