HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — An investigation is underway after officials said a driver was killed in a fiery crash on West Grand Parkway on Sunday morning.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to the 16800 block of West Grand Parkway at about 3:40 a.m. in reference to the crash.
Investigators said that the driver was in a 2017 white Buick Encore when they failed to stay in a single lane and exited the roadway into a grass median.
Authorities said the driver continued northbound until they reached the end of the median, which opened to the underpass. The vehicle then went airborne before hitting the wall on the opposite side and catching fire with the driver inside, HCSO said.
Officials said the Spring Creek Fire Department responded to the scene, where they found the driver inside with no signs of life. Authorities said the driver is currently unidentified.
HCSO said its vehicular crimes division is leading the ongoing investigation.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — C.J. Stroud threw for 261 yards and a touchdown and ran for another score and the Houston Texans snapped their winless start to the season by routing the Tennessee Titans 26-3 Sunday.
This is the second straight season Houston (1-4) ended an opening winless skid by beating Tennessee. This time, the Texans forced two turnovers and Will Anderson Jr. had three of Houston’s four sacks. Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked four field goals with the Texans taking a 12-3 halftime lead.
Houston played keep-away over the second and third quarters outgaining the Titans 225-49 and outscoring them 16-0. The Texans held Tennessee to a season-low 187 total yards.
The Titans (0-5) now have lost 11 straight in the AFC South and six straight going back to the end of last season.
Tennessee led only after opening with a drive for a 30-yard field goal by Joey Slye. Cam Ward finished throwing for 170 yards.
Then the Texans forced the Titans three-and-out, safety Jalen Pitre recovered a fumble by Tyjae Spears on the next Tennessee drive. Jake Hansen picked off Ward’s pass up the middle on the ensuing drive. Houston then forced another three-and-out by the Titans.
Tennessee managed only one sack as Stroud scrambled safely to the sideline. The Titans’ secondary didn’t have safety Amani Hooker still in the concussion protocol, and the injuries grew quickly after kickoff. Safety Kevin Winston Jr. hurt a quadriceps muscle early, cornerback Cor’Dale Flott hurt his chest and Tony Adams returned after clearing a concussion evaluation.
Stroud picked apart the Titans, and only the Texans’ inability to convert twice inside the Tennessee 20 in the first half kept the final score from being worse. Houston also had to settle for field goals of 35 and 26 yards from Fairbairn after the turnovers.
Houston put the game away in the third quarter with a 17-play drive using up 8 minutes, 23 seconds. Stroud kept the drive alive on third-and-11 escaping All-Pro tackle Jeffery Simmons to find Kayshon Boutte for a tiptoe-catch on the sideline for 23 yards. Stroud finished the drive with a 2-yard keeper for 19-3 lead.
Stroud added a 9-yard TD pass to Jaylin Noel to start the fourth quarter.
Self-inflicted mistakes
Houston hurt itself repeatedly, piling up 11 penalties for 95 yards. The Titans didn’t pick up a penalty until 2:49 left in the third quarter and finished with seven for 83 yards.
Injuries
Texans running back David Montgomery hurt a groin muscle in the second quarter and didn’t return. He had just five carries for 11 yards. Pitre hurt a shoulder late.
Flott didn’t return after hurting his chest. The injury happened when teammate Isaiah Oliver, promoted from the practice squad, hit both Flott and Texans tight end Dalton Schultz on an overthrown pass in the end zone.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Surveillance video obtained by ABC13 shows the moment an unmarked SUV carrying U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents ran over a man during a pursuit at a shopping center in west Harris County.
The video shows a white pickup truck stopping along Clay Road, facing oncoming traffic. Two men get out of the truck. One runs toward Highway 6, while the other, identified by ICE as Miguel Parra-Hernandez, runs through a shopping center parking lot.
Moments later, a dark, unmarked SUV turns into the parking lot and runs over Parra-Hernandez.
A witness who spoke with ABC13 on the condition of anonymity said he saw the incident unfold.
“He said, ‘Ah! Ah! Ah! You broke my leg! You broke my leg!'” the witness recalled.
The video shows Parra-Hernandez remaining on the ground for several minutes after he was struck.
The footage also appears to show an ICE agent getting into the pickup truck Parra-Hernandez fled and moving it into the shopping center before leaving in another unmarked vehicle.
“I believe ICE agents moved it before we got there,” HCSO Major Anthony McConnell said.
ABC13 reached out to an ICE spokesperson, who said agents were attempting to arrest Jose Mendoza-Cervantes, who was their intended target.
ICE alleges Mendoza-Cervantes entered the United States illegally from Mexico five times and had a final order of removal issued by a judge. The agency also alleges Parra-Hernandez is in the country illegally.
ICE said agents attempted to make the arrest and claimed Parra-Hernandez ran in front of their vehicle and was struck.
However, the surveillance video appears to show the SUV veering left through empty parking spaces before running over Parra-Hernandez.
A witness said the incident was deeply unsettling, adding that it could have happened to him.
The sheriff’s office said ICE notified deputies that it needed emergency services following the crash.
HCSO deputies said their investigation would be limited to the crash, and they referred all questions related to the incidents leading up to it to ICE.
Mendoza-Cervantes remains at large, investigators said. Parra-Hernandez remains stable in the hospital.
On Saturday, Harris County Attorney Abbie Kamin issued a statement regarding the incident, stating in part:
“Time is of the essence in getting the facts, and the public deserves clear, accurate answers.
ICE must cooperate fully with the local investigation. My office supports Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and District Attorney Sean Teare in their ongoing independent investigation, and the Harris County Attorney’s Office stands ready to assist and support these critical efforts. We will continue to monitor developments closely as the facts become clear.”
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston Mayor John Whitmire followed through on a promise Thursday, handing a University of Houston student the keys to a new car months after her vehicle was riddled with police gunfire during an arrest attempt.
Abigail Trujillo received a new Honda Civic paid for by the mayor and anonymous donors. The Houston Police Officers’ Union also paid off the remaining balance on her original vehicle.
The July incident happened at the Highland Village shopping center, where Houston police officers fired at a vehicle while attempting to make an arrest. Trujillo’s car was struck by gunfire, and her initial claim seeking relief from the city was denied.
Whitmire personally contacted ABC13 several weeks ago, saying he wanted to make things right for Trujillo. The mayor also said the city was reviewing property damage claims to determine whether others might qualify for compensation.
“I think we’ve certainly improved her circumstances, and we’ve all learned a lot from this,” Whitmire said Thursday.
Trujillo said she was grateful for the assistance after dealing with the aftermath of the shooting.
“I’m super grateful, and I’m glad I got out of this situation,” she said.
The city has nearly 400 property damage claims on file, according to Houston officials. Processing a claim, whether it is approved or denied, typically takes about two weeks.
Whitmire said the city’s legal department is reviewing claims to determine whether others may warrant similar relief. He did not have an update on how many claims had been flagged for further consideration.
Attorney Jeffrey Redfern, a senior attorney with the Institute for Justice, said Texas law may require cities to compensate people whose property is damaged by government actions, even when those people are not the intended targets of law enforcement activity.
Redfern pointed to a 1980 Texas Supreme Court ruling involving the Texas Constitution’s takings clause, which limits the government’s ability to take or damage private property without providing compensation when the law requires it.
“The Texas Constitution’s ‘Takings’ clause basically specifically waives whatever immunity cities might have for these kinds of claims,” Redfern said.
Redfern said cities should review their policies to ensure they comply with the law.
“The law in Texas is pretty clear on this,” he said. “It’s apparent a number of cities aren’t aware of this, or haven’t been following it.”
Redfern said the Institute for Justice hopes cities will change their practices and warned that legal action could follow if they fail to comply.
ABC13 requested records of Houston’s property damage claims filed since 2024. The records show the city has paid a relatively small share of those claims.
So far in 2026, Houston has paid out 18% of the claims filed, down from 32% in 2025 and 26% in 2024.
The city has not yet disclosed how many claims are being reviewed for potential compensation following Trujillo’s case.
KATY, Texas (KTRK) — A Katy husband and wife are accused of stealing millions of dollars’ worth of high-end vehicles by hacking into a computer program used to ship cars across the country, according to newly filed court records.
The couple – identified as Dheyaa Abd and his wife, Iman Al Saedi – made their initial court appearance Friday, two days after Houston police raided Abd’s small mechanic shop near Fondren and Richmond. Investigators say the alleged theft ring is notable not only for its sophistication but also for the value of the vehicles involved, which they estimate at more than $3 million.
Eyewitnesses told authorities that police arrived early Wednesday morning to search the repair bay. Court documents accuse Abd, Al Saedi and two additional suspects of hacking into a commercial shipping database used to transport luxury vehicles nationwide. Investigators allege the group altered drop-off locations so they could intercept and steal the cars.
“All were involved in a high-end theft ring where numerous vehicles were stolen via transport vehicles. You all hacked into Central Database and rerouted shipments of luxury cars at different drop-off locations,” a judge said while reading the charges in court.
Both Abd and Al Saedi remained in jail Friday. Houston police declined to comment further, saying they expect additional arrests. Abd’s attorney said by phone that he plans to review the charges over the weekend to gather more information.
For two decades, Karina Nistal has remained one of Houston’s most distinctive independent artists, blending cultures, genres, and generations into a sound uniquely her own. As she celebrates the 20th anniversary of NISTYLE, fans, friends, and fellow musicians are reflecting on a career defined by authenticity, innovation, and a commitment to uplifting audiences through music.
On October 31, supporters will gather at J-Bar-M BBQ for the official NISTYLE 20th Anniversary Celebration. Hosted by B-Boy Craig and featuring longtime collaborator and producer Joe B., the event will showcase classic songs from NISTYLE alongside newer releases, highlighting the artistic evolution that has shaped Nistal’s remarkable journey.
A Houston Original
Long before releasing her debut album, Nistal was immersed in music, dance, and creative expression. Raised in a culturally rich household, she drew inspiration from both sides of her heritage.
“My Cuban background was salsa and Afro-Cuban jazz,” Nistal once said. “My Mexican background was mariachi, Spanish rock, and Spanish doo-wop.”
Those influences became the foundation of a style that resists easy categorization. She studied dance and piano as a child and began writing songs at age 12, inspired by the rock and hip-hop music her siblings played. Early on, she developed a vision of creating music without boundaries, blending diverse sounds into something entirely her own.
The Rebel Crew Years
Before launching her solo career, Nistal became part of Houston’s underground music and dance scene through Rebel Crew, the influential hip-hop and breakbeat collective led by Joe B. and Lion808.
As a B-girl dancer in the late 1990s, she toured internationally and gained invaluable experience performing before diverse audiences. Her involvement with Rebel Crew led to recording opportunities and appearances on several projects, including the club favorite Sabrosura. These experiences helped establish her as a versatile performer capable of moving seamlessly between musical styles and cultures while connecting her to the creative community that would help shape her future success.
The Birth of NISTYLE
Released in 2006, NISTYLE was more than a debut album. It was a declaration of artistic independence.
At a time when artists were often expected to stay within a single genre, Nistal embraced a wide range of influences. The album fused hip-hop, breakbeats, dancehall, reggaetón, electronic music, and Latin rhythms into one cohesive sound.
“I wanted this huge fusion,” she explained. “I wanted that edgy, electro, breakbeat, drum-n-bass, dancehall, Latin kind of sound.”
Tracks such as Viviendo, Trabajalo, Muchos Chavos, Intrigue, and Back to Bombay showcased her fearless creativity and established her as one of Houston’s most innovative independent artists. Two decades later, NISTYLE remains a testament to artistic risk-taking and cultural pride.
Music with a Message
While Nistal’s sound has evolved over the years, her mission has remained consistent. Her music often focuses on love, resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment.
“People need reinforcement. They need encouragement. They need motivation,” Nistal once said. “Every day’s a new chance.”
That philosophy continues to guide her work. Her latest single, Sin Ti, released on September 6, 2026, celebrates the beauty of a healthy relationship and the growing appreciation that develops over time.
“My latest song was written about being in a healthy relationship,” she said. “The song itself describes how much your love and appreciation for someone can grow more each day.”
A Lasting Legacy
As fans gather to celebrate the 20th anniversary of NISTYLE, they’re honoring more than an album. They’re celebrating an artist whose music has connected cultures, inspired audiences, and left an undeniable mark on Houston’s music scene.
Twenty years later, Karina Nistal isn’t looking back. She’s still setting the rhythm for what’s next.
Houston Independent School District expects to enroll about 160,000 students during the 2026-27 school year, nearly 9,000 fewer than last year. The HISD enrollment decline is more than twice the loss administrators projected while building the district’s budget.
State-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles disclosed the estimate Tuesday during a Texas Senate Education Committee hearing. HISD had more than 159,000 students at its latest count, he said.
HISD Enrollment Decline Exceeds Projection
HISD reported 168,810 students during the official October 2025 enrollment count. District leaders expected enrollment to fall by approximately 4,000 students this year, bringing the total to about 164,800.
Instead, the district now expects enrollment to reach approximately 160,000. That would represent a year-over-year decline of nearly 8,800 students.
The final figure could change. Texas public school districts submit their official enrollment numbers to the state following an Oct. 31 count.
HISD’s student population often increases during the opening months of the school year. However, the latest estimate indicates that any late enrollment gains will not close the gap.
The district had approximately 155,600 students on Sept. 4. That was 9,691 fewer students than it had on a similar date in September 2025, according to records reviewed by the Houston Chronicle.
Lower Enrollment Creates Budget Pressure
Texas distributes much of its public education funding based on student attendance. Consequently, an enrollment decline can quickly reduce a district’s available revenue.
HISD expected to lose about $50 million in state funding based on its original projection of 4,000 fewer students. The district has not released a complete estimate for the larger decline.
Miles told lawmakers that HISD’s academic reform model remains financially sustainable. He said the district can reduce purchased services and staffing as enrollment falls.
“You have to be very fiscally responsible, and you cannot pay for all things,” Miles said during the hearing, according to Houston Public Media.
HISD has an estimated fund balance of $700 million. Miles said that figure remains above the approximately $550 million needed to cover 90 days of operations.
However, the district has ended recent fiscal years with spending exceeding revenue under state-appointed leadership.
Campuses Face Staffing and Program Cuts
HISD began reducing campus spending in September through its annual “leveling” process. That process adjusts staffing and budgets based on actual enrollment.
Some employees may be reassigned to other campuses. Other positions could be eliminated as schools bring spending in line with student counts.
Lamar High School faces a shortfall exceeding $500,000. School leaders told families that the cuts could affect choir, debate and support services.
T.H. Rogers School is losing an assistant principal and librarian through reassignments, according to information obtained by the Texas Tribune.
HISD has not publicly identified every affected campus. It also has not disclosed the total number of positions facing elimination or reassignment.
Why Are Fewer Students Attending HISD?
Miles said districts across Greater Houston are also experiencing enrollment declines. He cited lower birth rates, immigration trends and other regional changes.
Charter schools, private schools and homeschooling options also compete with traditional public school districts. Texas’ new education voucher program may contribute to further movement between schools.
A recent report found that more than 1,200 former HISD students used vouchers for private education or homeschooling this year.
However, a University of Houston analysis found that HISD’s losses accelerated after the state takeover began in 2023. The largest declines occurred at New Education System campuses, which operate under Miles’ reform model.
Miles disputed the suggestion that the takeover caused the decline. He pointed to similar percentage losses in Pasadena, Alief and Aldine school districts.
The official October count will provide a clearer picture of HISD’s enrollment and financial position. Families should monitor campus communications as the district finalizes staffing, programs and budgets for the remainder of the school year.
Federal immigration investigators reviewed tens of millions of voter records while searching for suspected noncitizen voters, newly released documents show. The ICE voter records investigation also examined registration groups and considered using undercover agents.
The records provide new details about an election initiative led by Homeland Security Investigations, or HSI. The agency serves as the criminal investigative division of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
ICE Reviewed Two Large Record Sets
A June 1 HSI report said investigators processed 50.6 million records from a Department of Justice dataset. They also received 48.4 million records from what the report called “independent sources of information.”
The documents do not identify those independent sources. They also do not establish whether the two datasets contained unique individuals or included duplicate records.
Heather Honey, a senior adviser to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, reportedly provided the second dataset. Honey joined the department after challenging election results and voter data following the 2020 presidential election.
Some of the information may have included public voter lists from California, Nevada, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Federal officials previously purchased and analyzed voter data from those states.
More than a dozen Republican-led states also provided unredacted voter lists to the Justice Department. The department has sued other states seeking access to their voter information, CNN reported.
Registration Groups Faced Federal Scrutiny
Democracy Forward obtained the 166 pages of documents through a Freedom of Information Act request. The legal advocacy organization sought information about ICE’s involvement in election investigations.
According to the records, HSI examined nonprofit and voter-registration organizations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and other states. Investigators searched for evidence that groups helped noncitizens register to vote.
Several reviews did not uncover evidence of wrongdoing. Investigators found no negative information involving dozens of New Jersey organizations.
Another nonprofit review found no suspicious financial activity. HSI also closed a separate Ohio inquiry after investigators exhausted available leads.
However, HSI and the FBI developed investigative plans involving several Ohio companies. Federal agents later executed search warrants connected to an investigation into alleged registration fraud.
The heavily redacted records do not identify every target. They also do not connect every organization reviewed by investigators to illegal activity.
ICE Considered Using Undercover Agents
A June report said HSI considered sending undercover agents into organizations suspected of encouraging or facilitating illegal voter registration. New Jersey and Pennsylvania were identified as priority locations.
Undercover personnel could have gathered evidence and traced financial support. However, the documents do not confirm that ICE approved or conducted those operations.
HSI also monitored primary elections for trends, vulnerabilities or other indicators that investigators believed could affect election integrity. Officials prepared weekly reports about the different projects.
Some reports were shared with White House personnel, according to emails included in the document release.
Investigators also reportedly used a Palantir data tool called ELITE to process voter information. Palantir says the tool helps integrate data and locate foreign nationals who meet removal criteria.
DHS Defends the Voter Records Review
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said the department has been transparent about acquiring and analyzing publicly available voter files.
The spokesperson said DHS and the Justice Department are focused on prosecuting noncitizens who vote. The agencies maintain that the investigations protect ballots legally cast by U.S. citizens.
Federal law prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections. A violation can bring criminal penalties and immigration consequences.
However, election administrators and independent studies have consistently found noncitizen voting to be rare. Federal officials recently announced 50 alleged noncitizen voting cases among 90 election-related prosecutions.
More than 152 million ballots were cast during the 2024 presidential election.
ICE Requests Reached Texas Counties
The federal initiative has also reached Texas. Earlier records showed that HSI agents requested information about individual voters from election officials in Webb County.
The county provided records in response. Webb County’s election administrator said he encountered two cases of noncitizen voting among more than 150,000 voters over four years, Axios reported.
The disclosures leave unresolved questions about the sources of some records and how federal agencies will use the information. Voting-rights advocates also warn that inaccurate data matches could place eligible citizens under scrutiny before the 2026 midterm elections.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Portugal is uncertain following a public dispute with national team coach Jorge Jesus. However, the 41-year-old forward has not announced his international retirement.
The Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal dispute began after the captain remained on the bench during a UEFA Nations League match against Norway. Ronaldo later left the team’s training camp before Portugal completed its October schedule.
Why Cristiano Ronaldo Left Portugal’s Camp
Ronaldo said Jesus told him he would play about 30 minutes against Norway in Oslo. The forward began warming up at halftime but never entered the match.
Portugal won 2-1, but the decision reportedly angered Ronaldo. He later left the squad before matches against Denmark and Norway.
In a statement released Tuesday, Ronaldo accused Jesus of breaking his word. He also criticized the coach’s public handling of the situation.
Ronaldo apologized to his teammates for leaving camp. He said the Portuguese Football Federation should review his conduct and take any action it considers appropriate.
However, Ronaldo denied interfering with tactical decisions or team selections. He also said he remains available to represent Portugal, according to El País.
That distinction is important. Ronaldo has stepped away from the current setup, but he has not formally ended his Portugal career.
Jorge Jesus Leaves Door Open for Ronaldo
Jesus has played down the disagreement. The coach said Ronaldo could receive another call-up and described the situation as a decision the player must make.
“For me, it was never a case,” Jesus said after Portugal’s second victory over Norway, according to Portuguese broadcaster RTP.
Jesus also defended his authority to decide when players enter matches. He noted that other players have warmed up without entering a game.
The relationship carries additional history. Jesus previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr before taking control of Portugal following the 2026 World Cup.
Ronaldo’s statement suggested that trust between the two has broken down. Portuguese media reports have claimed he may refuse to return while Jesus remains coach. Ronaldo has not publicly confirmed that condition.
Portugal Keeps Winning Without Its Captain
The controversy has not slowed Portugal on the field. The team won its first four games in the 2026-27 UEFA Nations League.
Portugal defeated Wales 1-0 before earning a 2-1 road victory over Norway. After Ronaldo left camp, the team beat Denmark 4-2 and Norway 2-1.
Those results put Portugal at the top of Group A4 and secured a place in the Nations League quarterfinals.
The performances also showed the team’s attacking depth. Gonçalo Ramos, João Félix, Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Cancelo give Jesus several options without Ronaldo.
Portugal remains the defending Nations League champion. It won the 2025 title after defeating Spain on penalties in the final.
What Comes Next for Ronaldo and Portugal
Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leader with 146 international goals. He has made more than 230 appearances, another record in men’s international soccer.
He scored during the 2026 World Cup and became the first player to score in six editions of the tournament. Portugal later lost to Spain in the round of 16.
The federation reportedly asked Ronaldo to continue after the World Cup. His latest statement indicates he still wants the opportunity to play.
Portugal’s next Nations League matches are scheduled for November against Denmark and Wales. Jesus must decide whether to include Ronaldo, while the captain must determine whether he can return under the current coach.
Until either side changes its position, Portugal will continue preparing without its longtime captain. The team is winning, but questions surrounding its most famous player remain unresolved.
