HOUSTON, Texas – Here’s a look at your top stories to help start your day.
Governor Abbott activates state of emergency as most of Texas braces for freezing rain this weekend
Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to activate state emergency response resources ahead of potential winter weather expected to begin Thursday, bringing risks of freezing temperatures, sleet, snow and hazardous travel conditions into the weekend. The National Weather Service warns of dangerously cold air and possible ice across large portions of Texas, and activated resources include roadway treatment crews, National Guard support for stranded motorists, and emergency medical teams. Texans are urged to stay weather-aware, check road conditions and follow guidance from local officials as the storm approaches.
Man shot to death by two masked men during attempted robbery at Houston park
A 42-year-old man was fatally shot at Riverside Park on Houston’s south side during what police believe was an attempted robbery. Investigators say the victim and a female acquaintance were approached by two armed, masked suspects who tried to take the vehicle they were in. When they couldn’t drive off due to missing keys, the suspects chased the pair through the park, and during a struggle in a grassy area the man was shot and later died at the scene. Police are still searching for the two suspects.
Legal battles over immigration enforcement operations in Minnesota intensify
Legal struggles are escalating in Minnesota over a sweeping federal immigration enforcement operation known as Operation Metro Surge. Federal prosecutors have served subpoenas to Governor Tim Walz and other local officials as part of an investigation into potential obstruction of federal law enforcement efforts, following protests and controversies tied to the enforcement surge, including a fatal shooting by an ICE officer. State officials and prosecutors remain at odds over constitutional rights and law enforcement authority in the ongoing dispute.
Trump is on his way to Davos, where his quest to own Greenland could overshadow his other goals
Former President Donald Trump is headed to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where his renewed interest in acquiring Greenland may draw outsized attention. The unusual proposal — first floated during his presidency — has resurfaced amid trade and geopolitical discussions, potentially eclipsing other topics Trump hopes to address at the summit. His agenda at Davos also includes broader economic and global policy themes, but Greenland’s spotlight moment may dominate the narrative.
Early voting is underway for the special election runoff in Texas’s 18th Congressional District following the deaths of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee and her successor, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. The runoff will determine who fills the vacant seat, with voters choosing between the remaining candidates from the initial special election.