At ABC13 Houston, we believe our democracy works best when everyone participates.
This year, Texas voters will cast ballots for our next president and vice president, U.S. Senator, congressional and state representatives, and decide on multiple judicial races.
Texas does not offer online voter registration, but you can visit VoteTexas.gov to fill out, print, sign and mail your application. To be eligible to vote in the November general election, your registration form must be received or postmarked by the Oct. 7 deadline.
Even if you’ve voted before, you should still double-check your registration.
More than a million Texans have been removed from voter rolls since 2021, and the League of Women Voters told ABC13 that some voters have been removed if they didn’t register in the last two federal elections.
Early voting will begin Monday, Oct. 21 and run through Friday, Nov. 1.
All voters must present one of the following forms of photo ID:
Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
Texas handgun license issued by DPS
United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph
United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph
United States passport (book or card)
You can still vote if you do not possess or cannot reasonably obtain one of these photo IDs. You will need to fill out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polls and show a copy or original of one of the following approved IDs:
Certified Domestic Birth Certificate or Court Admissible Birth Document
Current utility bill
Bank statement
Government check
Paycheck
Government document with your name and an address, including your voter registration certificate
If you need assistance, voters may request help by any person other than the voter’s employer, an agent of their employer, or an officer or agent of a labor union to which the voter belongs.
You are not permitted to use a wireless communications device or any device which records audio, images or video within 100 feet of a voting station. This includes smartphones, digital cameras or sound recorders. Election judges are authorized to require anyone to turn off or deactivate any device.
While you may be excited to vote for a particular candidate, you should not wear any campaign t-shirts, buttons, hats or other accessories to the polls. This is considered electioneering, which is not permitted within 100 feet of the voting stations.
What’s on my ballot?
For a glance at what you’ll see at the top of your ballot, click here (PDF).
For down ballot races, see your county election authority’s website for details:
In honor of former President Jimmy Carter‘s 100th birthday, the North Lawn of the White House will feature a display that includes the number “100” with the message “Happy Birthday President Carter,” according to the first lady’s office.
The display will be installed the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 1, and remain on the North Lawn through the end of the day.
Carter, who entered home hospice care in February 2023, became on Tuesday the first former U.S. president to live to be 100. The 39th president, who held office from 1977 to 1981, is the longest-lived former chief executive in U.S. history.
An estimated crowd of 35,000 people gather for a noontime speech by Presidential candidate Jimmy Carter in downtown Philadelphia, Oct. 29, 1976.AP Photo, File
President Joe Biden wished Carter a happy birthday in a new video from the White House.
“On behalf of the entire Biden family and the American people, happy 100th birthday,” Biden said. “Mr. President, you’ve always been a moral force for a nation in the world.”
Biden said that he admires Carter “so darn much” and said that Carter has been “a good friend.”
“Your hopeful vision of our country, your commitment to a better world, and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us,” Biden said.
Biden praised Carter as one of “the most influential statesmen in our history” and praised the successes of the Carter Center.
“The moral clarity you showed throughout your career showed through again. And your commitment through the Carter Center and the Habitat for Humanity, you’re solving conflicts, advancing democracy, preventing disease, so much more. It’s transforming the lives of people, not only at home, but around the world,” Biden said.
Biden also talked about how this is a bittersweet birthday for Carter, as this is the first birthday he has since the death of his wife Rosalynn Carter. Rosalynn Carter died in November 2023 at the age of 96.
“We know this is the first birthday without Rosalynn. It’s bittersweet, but we also know she’s always with you. She’s in your heart. She’ll never go away, she may be gone, but she’s always going to be with you,” Biden said.
“Jill and I send to you and your incredible family our love and God continue to bless you, Mr. President,” Biden said. “You’ve been a good friend.”
The Houston Astros have released their 26-man roster ahead of the wild card Series, and Justin Verlander’s name is not on it.
Verlander has been on the injured list twice this season, and so far, his performances haven’t measured up to that of a three-time Cy Young Award-winner, posting an 8.10 ERA through 33 1/3 innings across his past seven starts.
But this doesn’t mean that Verlander can’t make a return. Players on the 40-man roster or 60-day injured list as of 11:59 p.m. ET on Aug. 31 are eligible to make postseason rosters, which are submitted ahead of each series. Verlander last pitched on Saturday, Sept. 28, and with five days of rest, would be ready to pitch by Wednesday if the Astros went to three games with the Detroit Tigers.
Verlander has extensive postseason history, including appearances with the Tigers when they last made the playoffs in 2014. He’s appeared in 38 postseason games, holding a 3.58 ERA across 226 innings dating back to 2006. He’s appeared in 22 postseason games for the Astros, recording a 3.74 ERA across 127 2/3 innings, including an American League Championship Series MVP performance during the Astros’ first title run in 2017.
It’s certainly a surprise to see Verlander’s name left off the roster, especially after his quality start in Cleveland showed some promise. But after giving up six earned runs through 4 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels on Sept. 20, the ace had made his peace with the possibility.
“It’s not my decision, but I was away for two months, and these guys were pitching fantastic,” Verlander said after the game. “You’ve seen a bunch of guys really come into their own and like I said— I see the calendar. That’s why I had to come back and try to find myself. There’s only one way to be successful in this game and as a pitcher, and that’s to pitch against the best talent in the world. Sitting there trying to give myself time wasn’t possible. I needed to figure out where I was at. It’s been hard. It’s been a tough lesson.”
As September, recognized as Suicide Prevention Month, draws to a close, it’s crucial to remember those who have tragically succumbed to the weight of mental illness. Suicide affects individuals from all walks of life, including those whose fame and success we often equate with happiness. By reflecting on the lives of famous people lost to suicide, we can honor their memory while bringing attention to the importance of mental health awareness and prevention.
Kurt Cobain (1967–1994)
Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of the grunge band Nirvana, was a defining voice of a generation. His music, particularly the album Nevermind, left an indelible mark on the rock landscape. Yet, Cobain battled depression, addiction, and the pressures of fame. In 1994, at the age of 27, Cobain died by suicide, becoming part of the infamous “27 Club” and igniting discussions about mental health struggles in the music industry.
Robin Williams (1951–2014)
Robin Williams, a beloved actor and comedian, brought joy and laughter to millions through his iconic performances in films like Mrs. Doubtfire and Good Will Hunting. Despite his comedic persona, Williams struggled privately with depression and was later diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. His death by suicide in 2014 shocked the world, underscoring how silent and persistent mental illness can be.
Chester Bennington (1976–2017)
As the lead vocalist of Linkin Park, Chester Bennington was known for his raw and emotional performances. Songs like Numb and Crawling reflected his own battles with depression, addiction, and trauma. Bennington’s death by suicide in 2017 devastated fans and his family, particularly as it occurred two months after the suicide of his close friend Chris Cornell, highlighting how deeply grief and mental health are intertwined.
Kate Spade (1962–2018)
Fashion designer Kate Spade built a successful brand known for its colorful and playful designs. Her handbags became a symbol of fun and sophistication for women around the world. However, behind her bright designs lay a personal struggle with depression. Spade’s death by suicide in 2018 shocked the fashion world and emphasized that success and personal pain often coexist.
Avicii (1989–2018)
Swedish DJ and music producer Avicii, born Tim Bergling, was a trailblazer in the electronic dance music scene. His hits like Wake Me Up and Levels propelled him to international fame. However, the pressures of the industry and his mental health struggles became overwhelming. Avicii retired from touring in 2016 due to health issues, including anxiety and depression. In 2018, he died by suicide at the age of 28, leaving behind a legacy of music that continues to inspire.
Recognizing the Signs of Suicide
While the lives of these famous individuals were unique, they shared common warning signs of suicide that can help us recognize when someone we love might be struggling:
Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed.
Giving away personal possessions or saying goodbye as if preparing for something final.
Expressing feelings of hopelessness or being a burden to others.
Sudden mood changes, including unexpected calmness after a period of depression.
These signs aren’t always obvious, and not everyone exhibits them, but recognizing even subtle shifts can be critical.
Factors Contributing to Suicide Globally
Suicide is a global issue that transcends borders, cultures, and demographics. Various factors contribute to this crisis:
Mental illness, particularly depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, is one of the leading causes of suicide.
Substance abuse, often tied to depression or trauma, increases the risk of suicide.
Marginalized communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals, face higher rates of suicide due to discrimination, social isolation, and lack of access to mental health care.
Economic hardship, unemployment, or financial instability can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness.
Geography plays a role as well. Those living in rural or isolated areas often face limited access to mental health resources, leading to higher suicide rates.
Gender differences are notable: men, particularly middle-aged men, have the highest suicide rates globally, often due to societal pressures and reluctance to seek help.
Mental Health Awareness and Prevention
The stories of these famous individuals demonstrate that mental health struggles can affect anyone, regardless of fame, fortune, or outward success. Their lives and deaths remind us of the importance of checking in on those around us, supporting mental health initiatives, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) and other global resources offer support to those in crisis and their loved ones.
As we close out Suicide Prevention Month, let’s honor the memory of those we’ve lost by advocating for mental health awareness year-round. Recognizing the signs, offering support, and fostering open conversations can save lives. Let us continue to work toward a world where no one feels like they have to face their struggles alone.
Houston, TX – New documents reveal that if the proposed Houston Independent School District school bonds are passed in November, Harris County taxpayers could face an estimated $9 billion tax increase over the next 30 years. This revelation contradicts previous public statements from HISD indicating that the bonds would not raise taxes.
The documents, released by Community Voices for Public Education (CVPE), highlight that with interest payments included, taxpayers will be responsible for paying nearly $9 billion. The proposed bond measure, intended to fund school infrastructure and improvements, has sparked significant debate over its potential financial impact on residents.
Ruth Kravetz, co-founder of CVPE, voiced strong opposition to the bond proposal, describing it as an unprecedented financial burden.
“HISD’s unelected board is pushing a bond that will saddle millions of taxpayers with the largest school bond debt and related tax increase in history,” Kravetz said.
She also criticized HISD Superintendent Mike Miles, claiming that his leadership and connections to the Third Future Schools Charter Network, which is under investigation, raise concerns about the effective use of taxpayer money.
The opposition argues that approving the bond would give too much financial control without sufficient oversight, which could negatively affect local school funding and student services. Instead, they are calling for elected officials to regain control of the district and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
Last week, The Houston Landing confirmed the $9 billion figure in a report analyzing the tax implications of the bond proposal. The report pointed to additional debt service from a previously supported school bond, adding to the total cost for taxpayers.
The bond’s potential financial impact has become a central issue as the November vote approaches, with critics urging voters to consider the long-term consequences of the proposal. Proponents argue that the bonds are necessary to fund critical updates to HISD schools and improve educational infrastructure for future generations.
On Saturday night, the Houston Dynamo clinched a berth into the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Houston clinched after Saturday’s outcome of FC Dallas’ 3-1 loss to Orlando City SC. For the first time since 2013, Houston now makes it to the postseason in for the second-consecutive year.
The Dynamo take on the Seattle Sounders on the road at Lumen Field on Saturday night. Houston currently sits at the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.
Under Dynamo head coach Ben Olsen’s helm, the team won its second Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and fourth domestic championship last season. The team also advanced to the Western Conference Final and qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2017.
FORT BEND COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Was Fort Bend County Judge KP George trying to wipe his cell phone before investigators seized it? Additional details emerging from a warrant last week suggest the county’s top elected official may have attempted to erase evidence implicating him in an alleged fake racism scheme.
On Thursday, a grand jury indicted George on a misdemeanor count of misrepresentation of the identity of a candidate.
The indictment alleges that on Sept. 26, 2022, he posed as a Facebook user named “Antonio Scalywag” in a campaign communication posted on his Facebook page “with intent to injure a candidate or influence the result of an election.”
At the time, George, a Democrat, was running for re-election as county judge against Trever Nehls, the twin brother of Republican U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls.
In the warrant, investigators wrote that they arrived at George’s home on Sept. 17 to seize a Samsung device from the county judge, who investigators told him to relinquish his hold on the phone.
The document states that a Texas Ranger at the scene observed George manipulating the device, which a special Texas DPS agent found had more than 15 unsuccessful passcode attempts. According to the warrant, the DPS agent explains that Samsung devices have a security setting enabling a factory reset after 20 unsuccessful passcode attempts.
A grand jury also indicted Patel earlier this month on four charges of online impersonation and four charges of misinterpretation of identity. Authorities allege Patel also used the “Antonio Scalywag” alias to make racist posts to help him in his race for county commissioner.
Even though there’s no indication that any evidence was successfully destroyed, attorney Michael Wynne said any attempt to do so is still criminal.
“He’s still clearly trying to do it and in front of the agents. This should be a slam dunk,” Wynne said after reviewing the search warrant. “Rarely is it this blatant and this stupid.”
George has not been charged with obstruction or tampering with evidence. Eyewitness News asked the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office whether additional charges were possible, but they declined to comment.
Wynne suspects a new indictment will be handed down at some point.
“I don’t know if it’s become a grand jury investigation yet or not. Likely, so you’ve just handed them a felony,” he said.
Friday’s revelation conflicts with a statement George released last week when he was first publicly implicated in the racist posts scandal.
“I have fully complied with the search warrant executed, during which my cellular devices and computer were seized,” the statement read.
Eyewitness News emailed George’s office to ask if he stood by that statement and what he had to say about the suggestion that he tried to factory reset his phone. His office never responded.
In his most recent statement released Thursday, George expressed disappointment that charges were filed against him but said he was confident that “when all the facts are presented, justice will prevail.”
“In this country, you are innocent until proven guilty, and I fully intend to prove my innocence in court,” he continued.
The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office said it expanded its investigation of Patel to include George and the county judge was indicted “as a party to the offense for which Taral Patel was indicted.”
Frank Yeverino, an attorney for Patel, did not immediately reply to a call seeking comment.
At least one Fort Bend County commissioner, Vincent Morales, called for George to resign following his indictment. He was joined by a plethora of other elected officials from around Fort Bend County.
“I have no intention of stepping down,” George said.
The Associated Press contributed to this story. For news updates, follow Luke Jones on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Travis d’Arnaud hit the biggest home run of the season for the Atlanta Braves. Fans of the New York Mets are in a state of panic. Paul Skenes delivered two more scoreless innings to cap off his stunning rookie season with a 1.96 ERA. Saturday is in the books. We have one full day of the regular season left — plus the Braves-Mets doubleheader Monday.
Here’s what to watch, starting with the National League wild-card race, where the Braves now have a one-game lead over the Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks as the three teams battle for two spots.
The Brewers shut out the Mets 6-0 on Saturday, handing the Mets their first three-game losing streak since Aug. 11. When the Braves beat the Royals 2-1 later, it dropped the Mets behind the Braves in the standings for the first time since Sept. 4.
The Mets will start David Peterson on Sunday. The lefty has allowed five runs in two of his past three starts, although he has generally been effective since July, with a 2.90 ERA over his past 15 starts. The Brewers are locked into the third seed and will certainly rest all their top relievers as they get ready for Tuesday’s wild-card series. Colin Rea gets the start for Milwaukee, but expect a heavy bullpen game with the secondary relievers getting the action.
The Mets used their top three starters in this series: Sean Manaea on Friday, Jose Quintana on Saturday and now Peterson. That means Luis Severino and Tylor Megillare the likely starters for Monday’s doubleheader. The Braves do have a righty-heavy lineup and have an OPS nearly 70 points higher against lefties, so at least the Mets will have their two right-handed starters going Monday.
The Braves beat the Royals on d’Arnaud’s walk-off home run. Reynaldo Lopezreturned from the injured list to make his first start for Atlanta since Sept. 10 and allowed just two hits and one run in six innings. The 2024 All-Star finishes the season with a 2.00 ERA in 25 starts (although he didn’t pitch enough innings to qualify for the ERA title).
The Braves’ gamble to hold off on starting probable Cy Young winner Chris Sale until absolutely needed has paid off. Sale could have started Friday, but the Braves have said they were going to hold him back until facing potential elimination. With a one-game lead in the wild-card race, the earliest that now could come would be the second game of the doubleheader against the Mets. The best-case scenario, of course, is that they clinch before using Sale and having him ready for Game 1 of the wild-card series.
As of Saturday night, manager Brian Snitker said the team hadn’t decided on a Sunday starter. Charlie Morton would be the starter with the most rest, but the Braves might want to save him for the Mets. That could leave Grant Holmes to face a slumping Kansas City offense.
Remember as well: The Braves lead the season series 6-5 over the Mets, meaning the tiebreaker between the two teams is still up for grabs.
The Padres blanked the Diamondbacks 5-0 on Saturday — the second shutout in four games for the high-powered Arizona attack and their fifth loss in six games as a wild-card spot that looked pretty safe a week ago is suddenly in jeopardy. Indeed, the key to remember here is the Diamondbacks lose the tiebreaker to both the Mets and Braves.
Sunday now feels like a must-win for Arizona. If they lose again, one win by the Mets on Sunday or in Monday’s doubleheader would eliminate the Diamondbacks.
With Zac Gallen in line to start the wild-card opener after pitching Wednesday, Brandon Pfaadt will start Sunday against Martin Perez. Pfaadt has been all over the place lately, getting knocked out in the third inning of his last start and in the second inning two starts ago, but sandwiched around a 12-strikeout game.
All of the NL wild-card scenarios
So what does it all mean for Sunday (and Monday)? ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passantweeted out all of the scenarios heading into Sunday’s games:
Outcome: Braves are in and at least one game is necessary Monday. If the Mets win the first game, they are in — and would be tied with Atlanta in record and head-to-head. The likelihood is they would not play the second game, as it would be for seeding purposes only. If the Mets lose Game 1 and win Game 2, they are in. If not, the Diamondbacks are in.
Outcome: Braves are in and at least one game is necessary Monday. If the Mets win both doubleheader games, they are in. If the Mets lose either game, Diamondbacks are in.
Outcome: Braves are in and at least one game is necessary Monday. If the Mets win either game, they are in. If they lose both, the Diamondbacks are in.
Outcome: Both games will be played Monday. The winner of Game 1 is in. If the loser of Game 1 wins Game 2, it is in as well. If a team is swept, it is out and the Diamondbacks are in.
Outcome: Diamondbacks are in and at least one game is necessary Monday. If the Braves win either game, they are in. If the Mets win both doubleheader games, they are in and would face San Diego.
Outcome: Braves are in and at least one game is necessary Monday. If the Mets win either game, they are in. If they lose both, the Diamondbacks are in.
American League wild card
Lots of this was settled Friday night: First, before a boisterous crowd of 44,435 fans at Comerica Park, the Tigers beat the White Sox 4-1 to win their sixth straight game and clinch their first playoff spot since 2014. They had been tied with the Angels for the longest active playoff drought in the majors.
The Royals backed into their first postseason since 2015 when the Twins lost.
The Orioles clinched the fourth seed in beating Minnesota. The Tigers are one game up on the Royals for the fifth seed, but the Royals hold the tiebreaker in case they finish with the same record. The fifth seed will play at Baltimore while the sixth seed will play at Houston in the wild-card series (the higher seed gets all home games). The good news for both the Tigers and Royals is they can save Tarik Skubaland Cole Ragans for the first games of the wild-card series, rather than having to start them Sunday.
Battles for the best record and top seed
The Dodgers clinched both the top seed in the NL and the top seed overall (the fourth time in eight seasons the Dodgers finished with MLB’s best record). That leaves the Phillies as the No. 2 seed in the NL.
Despite a 9-4 loss to the Pirates as Luis Gil served up four home runs, the Yankees clinched the top seed in the AL when the Guardians lost, making Cleveland the No. 2 seed.
The No. 5 and No. 6 seeds in both leagues remain unsettled. The Tigers have a one-game lead over the Royals in the AL, but the Royals hold the tiebreaker if they finish with the same record.
The man is not slowing down. You thought we were done with Ohtani milestones after he cleared 50/50? No way. He went 2-for-5 with his 58th stolen base in Saturday’s blowout win over Colorado — his 35th consecutive stolen base without getting caught. Going back to his 6-for-6 game, he’s an incredible 26-for-39, a .667 average.
What can he do if he plays Sunday? He’s at 99 extra-base hits; the last players to reach 100 did it in 2001. And the Triple Crown is in play. Ohtani raised his average to .310. League leader Luis Arraez didn’t play Saturday, so remains at .314. It will be interesting to see if Arraez sits again on his .314 average and forces Ohtani to have a big day to catch him.
If Ohtani goes 4-for-5, he would be hitting .31397. Arraez is currently at .31388.
Other statistical races at play
Can Aaron Judge get to 60 home runs? Judge was back in the lineup Saturday after a day off, but went 0-for-5 with five strikeouts. That dropped his slugging percentage to .701 as he tries to become the first player to slug .700 since Barry Bonds in 2004. The last player to do so outside of the 1994 to 2004 window was Ted Williams in 1957.
Ohtani already passed 400 total bases, the first time that was done since 2001. Judge is at 392 so would likely need a two-homer finale to get there.
Bobby Witt Jr. now looks like a lock for the AL batting title. He has held the lead all summer, and when he peaked with a .352 average on Aug. 16, he held a comfortable 19-point lead over Judge (and 33 points over Vladimir Guerrero Jr.). After sitting Saturday, Witt remained at .332, but Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went 0-for-4 to fall to .324 while Judge dropped to .322 (which also eliminates his chance of a Triple Crown).
Jose Ramirez hit his 39th home run Saturday, so needs one more to join the exclusive 40/40 club, which has just six members: Ohtani, Ronald Acuna Jr. (2023), Alfonso Soriano (2006), Alex Rodriguez (1998), Barry Bonds (1996) and Jose Canseco (1998).
Ryan Helsley of the Cardinals has 49 saves; 50 saves has been achieved 17 times, the last by Edwin Diaz in 2018.
Saying goodbye
Joey Votto, who didn’t play in the majors this season after signing a minor league contract with the Blue Jays, announced his retirement a few weeks ago, and his next stop will eventually be receiving a Hall of Fame plaque in Cooperstown. Two longtime outfielders have also officially announced their retirements at the end of the season:
Los Angeles Dodgers CF Kevin Kiermaier: It’s not clear whether Kiermaier will make the Dodgers’ playoff roster as a backup outfielder (he has hit .164 with the Dodgers and has started just two games in September), so this could be it for one of the best defensive center fielders of all time. Yes, all time. Kiermaier has won four Gold Gloves, displaying incredible lateral range during his heyday with the Tampa Bay Rays. His 38 defensive runs saved in 2015 is the best single-season total for a center fielder since DRS began in 2003, and his career total of 173 is the most for any outfielder since 2003 (and third most at any position, behind only Andrelton Simmons and Adrian Beltre). Kiermaier’s defensive excellence is reflected in his career WAR of 36.1. Not bad for a 31st-round pick from Parkland Community College.
Colorado Rockies DH/OF Charlie Blackmon: Blackmon has spent his entire 14-year career with the Rockies. It took him a while to get situated in the big leagues — his first full season didn’t come until he was 27 years old — but he went on to become a four-time All-Star and finished fifth in the 2017 NL MVP voting after leading the league in batting average (.331), hits (213) and runs (137). His power declined after that 2016 to 2019 peak, but he’s one of the most popular players in Rockies history and will finish with more than 1,800 hits in the majors.
There might be a few other veterans playing their final games who just haven’t yet announced their retirements. Matt Carpenter comes to mind here. Kyle Hendricks wants to pitch in 2025, but he heads into free agency, and his start Saturday at Wrigley Field will likely be his final one after 11 seasons with the Chicago Cubs. Let’s hope Andrew McCutchenreturns to the Pittsburgh Pirates for another season after he put up solid numbers in 2024. If these guys don’t return — thanks for the memorable careers.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Relief and rescue efforts are underway to help the victims of Hurricane Helene as millions in the southeast are without power.
Many families are getting a helping hand from volunteers here in the Houston area.
Hurricane Helene has ravaged several states in the southeast. Many homes are demolished along with buildings submerged in water.
More than 50 people are dead and millions have been left in the dark.
Now, the American Red Cross’ Texas Gulf Coast Region is stepping into help pick up the pieces by sending 20 people to help with disaster relief efforts.
Nine of them are from Houston’s metro area.
“When we have a hurricane, people come from Florida. The Carolinas help us with recovery efforts. And just like that, we want to be able to go lend a helping hand. Our knowledge and our experience to those families as they are going through that recovery process,” American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Regional Disaster Officer Jack Peters said.
Those volunteers have been sent to Georgia, North Carolina, and Florida to help. The first person was deployed this past Monday.
“They are supporting and sheltering in feeding missions, helping with logistics, supplies, caseworks, and helping the needs of those families that have been impacted,” Peters said.
They’re also expected to stay in the region for a minimum of two weeks but often stay longer depending on what the need is. At this point, the Red Cross is still recruiting volunteers for Helene and any possible disaster that could come later.
“Hurricane season is not over. We still have hurricanes that potentially could be coming our way and other areas of the country,” Peters said.
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX launched a rescue mission for the two stuck astronauts at the International Space Station on Saturday, sending up a downsized crew to bring them home but not until next year.
The capsule rocketed toward orbit to fetch the test pilots whose Boeing spacecraft returned to Earth empty earlier this month because of safety concerns. The switch in rides left it to NASA’s Nick Hague and Russia’s Alexander Gorbunov to retrieve Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.
Since NASA rotates space station crews approximately every six months, this newly launched flight with two empty seats reserved for Wilmore and Williams won’t return until late February. Officials said there wasn’t a way to bring them back earlier on SpaceX without interrupting other scheduled missions.
By the time they return, the pair will have logged more than eight months in space. They expected to be gone just a week when they signed up for Boeing’s first astronaut flight that launched in June.
NASA ultimately decided that Boeing’s Starliner was too risky after a cascade of thruster troubles and helium leaks marred its trip to the orbiting complex. The space agency cut two astronauts from this SpaceX launch to make room on the return leg for Wilmore and Williams.
Williams has since been promoted to commander of the space station, which will soon be back to its normal population of seven. Once Hague and Gorbunov arrive this weekend, four astronauts living there since March can leave in their own SpaceX capsule. Their homecoming was delayed a month by Starliner’s turmoil.
Hague noted before the flight that change is the one constant in human spaceflight.
“There’s always something that is changing. Maybe this time it’s been a little more visible to the public,” he said.
Hague was thrust into the commander’s job for the rescue mission based on his experience and handling of a launch emergency six years ago. The Russian rocket failed shortly after liftoff, and the capsule carrying him and a cosmonaut catapulted off the top to safety.
Rookie NASA astronaut Zena Cardman and veteran space flier Stephanie Wilson were pulled from this flight after NASA opted to go with SpaceX to bring the stuck astronauts home. The space agency said both would be eligible to fly on future missions. Gorbunov remained under an exchange agreement between NASA and the Russian Space Agency.
“I don’t know exactly when my launch to space will be, but I know that I will get there,” Cardman said from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, where she took part in the launch livestream.
Hague acknowledged the challenges of launching with half a crew and returning with two astronauts trained on another spacecraft.
“We’ve got a dynamic challenge ahead of us,” Hague said after arriving from Houston last weekend. “We know each other and we’re professionals and we step up and do what’s asked of us.”
SpaceX has long been the leader in NASA’s commercial crew program, established as the space shuttles were retiring more than a decade ago. SpaceX beat Boeing in delivering astronauts to the space station in 2020 and it’s now up to 10 crew flights for NASA.
Boeing has struggled with a variety of issues over the years, repeating a Starliner test flight with no one on board after the first one veered off course. The Starliner that left Wilmore and Williams in space landed without any issues in the New Mexico desert on Sept. 6, and has since returned to Kennedy Space Center. A week ago, Boeing’s defense and space chief was replaced.
Delayed by Hurricane Helene pounding Florida, the latest SpaceX liftoff marked the first for astronauts from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. SpaceX took over the old Titan rocket pad nearly two decades ago and used it for satellite launches, while flying crews from Kennedy’s former Apollo and shuttle pad next door. The company wanted more flexibility as more Falcon rockets soared.
