HOUSTON, Texas – Here’s a look at your top stories to help start your day.
Fear and anger spread after another immigration shooting in Minneapolis
A federal officer in Minneapolis shot a man in the leg after being attacked with a shovel and broom handle, escalating tensions in the city following last week’s fatal shooting of a woman by an immigration agent amid a large federal crackdown. Protesters clashed with law enforcement, leading to tear gas and fireworks, as local officials and residents expressed deep frustration over the surge of federal officers, with lawsuits and calls for a “pause” in the operations underway.
Jonathan Mata has been charged with murder after fatally shooting 24-year-old Desmond Butler on Christmas Day at a gas station, mistakenly believing Butler’s car held his kidnapped daughter. Court documents and surveillance show Mata fired at Butler’s vehicle as it was leaving the station, later admitting to police he thought the driver resembled his daughter’s boyfriend; Mata’s daughter was subsequently found injured, and her boyfriend was charged.
Fewer Americans sign up for Affordable Care Act health insurance as costs spike
New federal data reveal that enrollment in Affordable Care Act plans is down by around 800,000 this year, as expiring enhanced tax credits and rising costs have made health insurance less affordable for many. This decline comes amid ongoing political debates in Congress over whether to extend subsidies, with enrollment drops continuing even as sign-up windows remain open and costs expected to further influence Americans’ coverage decisions.
Trump claims killing of Iran protesters ‘has stopped’ even as Tehran signals executions ahead
President Trump said he had been informed that the killing of protesters in Iran has “stopped,” despite little detail and significant ongoing violence, as Iranian officials signaled fast trials and executions for detainees amid their crackdown. The president’s comments come as U.S. officials and Iranian authorities offer conflicting accounts, and as Tehran warns of strong responses to external pressure while protests and security force casualties continue.
First wave of tickets for 2026 Houston Rodeo go on sale Thursday
The first wave of tickets for the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will go on sale Thursday, with ticket sales split into two waves covering performances from March 2-11 and March 12-21. Performances include headliners such as Kelly Clarkson and Tim McGraw, and tickets start at $30 plus fees, with buyers entering online waiting rooms for access to purchase.