The Israeli military said it struck tunnels, military buildings, and Hamas militants to “eliminate the threat” following the alleged attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered defense and security chiefs to take “strong action” against what he called terrorist targets.
Hamas Denies Involvement
Hamas reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire and told Reuters it was unaware of any clashes in Rafah. The group said it has not been in contact with fighters there since March.
Civilian Toll and U.S. Role
Gaza’s Health Ministry, run by Hamas, reported at least eight people killed in the past 24 hours. The escalation comes just over a week after a U.S.-brokered peace deal led to the release of 20 Israeli hostages and over 1,700 Palestinian detainees, along with 250 additional prisoners in the first phase of the plan.
Growing International Attention
The U.S. State Department had warned a day earlier of “credible reports” indicating a possible ceasefire violation by Hamas. Vice President JD Vance is expected to travel to Israel this week to push for the next phase of President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace proposal aimed at ending the two-year war.
Hostage Body Returns Ongoing
While hostages were freed under the ceasefire, tensions rose over the delayed return of 28 bodies of deceased Israeli captives. Hamas blamed Israel’s bombardments for the delay, while Israel threatened to restrict aid access. Twelve bodies have been returned so far.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Our rain chances are dropping lower over the weekend, but we’ve still got enough moisture around to squeeze out a few showers Saturday and Sunday.
We should have more sun poking through the clouds Saturday than we saw on Friday, so it should get a little hotter with highs topping out in the mid 90s. There’s a 30% chance of showers in the morning with some isolated thunderstorms possible in the afternoon.
Major flooding is ongoing in the Hill Country west of I-35, and with more rain coming, please stay weather aware and use caution if your holiday weekend travel plans take you there.
When could it rain on my weekend plans?
Saturday’s rain timing will be similar to Friday where the day begins with a few showers south of I-10 and near the coast. Rain chances for Houston won’t peak until the afternoon hours when scattered showers push through. It now appears that we’ll be rain-free in the evening as the moisture moves away well before the front arrives Sunday morning. That means Sunday should be completely dry with lots of sunshine and lower humidity Sunday afternoon.
How much will this front cool us down?
Not a lot. This fast-moving Pacific front will bring more of a humidity drop rather than cooler air. The dry air flowing in behind the front will actually cook up Sunday’s high close to 90 before we get a crisp Monday morning with lows near 60 in Houston. By Tuesday, all that dry air is gone and we’re back to having a low near 70 and a high near 90.
What’s in store for the rest of the weekend and early next week?
Sunday’s rain chance drop down to 20% as moisture levels drop even more. Temperatures will climb into the mid 90s with a heat index above 100. Another batch of moisture rolls in here on Monday along with an upper air disturbance, pushing those rain odds up to 30% Monday and 40% Tuesday.
Is any triple digit heat in the forecast?
Not at this time. In fact, we still haven’t hit 100 so far this summer! It no longer looks like a heat ridge will park on us next week, so we’re predicting highs in the mid-to-upper 90s with a slim chance for an afternoon shower most days next week.
What’s happening in the tropics?
Tropical Storm Chantal has formed and will drench the Carolinas with heavy rain. For a thorough update and in-depth video on what’s happening in the tropics, head to our tropical update page.
Emergency officials across the U.S. say recent changes to FEMA rules and delays in federal grants are putting disaster preparedness at risk. Many states are now facing hiring freezes, delayed training, and uncertainty about how to proceed with key projects.
Grant Delays Caused by New Population Rules
A $320 million Emergency Management Performance Grant was paused just one day after being awarded. FEMA now requires states to recalculate their population numbers, excluding people deported under immigration laws.
States say they’ve never had to do this before and received no guidance on how. Hawaii, for example, used 2020 census data and noncitizen estimates from an advocacy group, unsure if the method would be accepted.
With FEMA contacts furloughed during the federal shutdown, states have no way to confirm if their calculations meet requirements.
Cuts to Homeland Security Grants Hit Hard
Some states were shocked by sharp cuts to the $1 billion Homeland Security Grant Program.
New York: 79% reduction ($100 million less than expected)
Illinois: 69% reduction
Meanwhile, territories like the U.S. Virgin Islands received unexpected increases.
The National Emergency Management Association questioned the risk formula used to decide allocations. Several Democratic-led states sued, leading to a judge halting payments on Sept. 30.
Less Time to Use Funds
FEMA has also reduced the time agencies have to use grant money from three years to one.
This short window makes it harder to invest in longer-term disaster readiness projects. Smaller agencies with limited budgets are especially vulnerable.
Legal Battles Add More Confusion
Lawsuits are further complicating funding. Judges have ruled against DHS attempts to tie grants to immigration enforcement, but DHS continues to try imposing new conditions.
A federal judge also ordered FEMA to return $34 million in transit security funding to New York City after it was withheld over immigration policies.
States Rethinking FEMA Dependence
In places like Hawaii and Washington, officials are now freezing hiring and bracing for more disruptions.
Frank Pace of Hawaii Homeland Security said the ongoing delays could lead to unpaid contractors, halted projects, or even layoffs.
Trina Sheets of the National Emergency Management Association said states are now considering how to become less dependent on federal funding.
With new threats rising — from wildfires to cyberattacks — states say FEMA support is more essential than ever. But unpredictable rules, political interference, and funding delays are making disaster response planning harder at every level.
Activists and advocacy groups are set to stage a second wave of “No Kings” protests across the U.S. on Saturday including Houston, Texas, criticizing what they describe as President Donald Trump’s abuse of power, including his immigration crackdown and deployment of troops in American cities. Organizers say more than 2,600 events are planned nationwide, with millions expected to participate in cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles.
The protests are organized by a coalition including the ACLU and Indivisible. “They have been organized by regular people, by volunteers,” said Deirdre Schifeling of the ACLU.
High-Profile Support and Heavy Monitoring
Political groups have invested heavily in promoting the rallies, and celebrities like Jane Fonda, Kerry Washington, John Legend, and John Leguizamo are expected to attend. Law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring online activity and coordinating with organizers to prepare for potential counter-protests.
Republican leaders have branded the protests as “Hate America” rallies and linked them to the ongoing government shutdown. “Let’s see who shows up for that. I bet you see pro-Hamas supporters. I bet you see Antifa types,” House Speaker Mike Johnson said, offering no evidence. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a surge of law enforcement and National Guard troops in Austin to prevent “chaos,” prompting criticism from Democrats who accused him of suppressing peaceful demonstrations.
Organizers Respond
Protest leaders have dismissed Republican accusations, arguing the shutdown is the responsibility of those in power. “There is nothing more American than saying we don’t have kings and exercising our right to peaceful protest,” said Leah Greenberg of Indivisible. Organizers expect GOP criticism to boost turnout rather than deter it.
“This is the largest peaceful protest in modern American history coming together to push back against authoritarian overreach,” said Ezra Levin, also of Indivisible.
A vigil was held Friday night outside the Houston immigration facility where 15-year-old Emmanuel Gonzalez Garcia remains in custody. Family members and immigrant rights group FIEL organized the event, calling for his release and reunification with his mother. Emmanuel, who relatives say has the mental capacity of a 4-year-old, has been held for nearly two weeks.
Emmanuel wandered away from his mother on Oct. 4 and was found the next day by Houston police. Officers turned him over to the Office of Refugee Resettlement, classifying him as an unaccompanied minor. His mother argues he should not be held there, as he is not unaccompanied.
The case drew controversy after Houston Police Chief Noe Diaz questioned Emmanuel’s autism diagnosis, saying he communicated clearly with officers and gave a different name than the one on the missing person report. Diaz defended his department’s actions, saying they contacted federal authorities only as a last resort.
Community Leaders Speak Out
U.S. Rep. Al Green attended the vigil to support the family. “I’m going to be visiting with the people who can make a difference and ask them to have mercy,” Green said.
Advocates at the vigil urged federal officials to release Emmanuel and called for greater transparency. His legal status remains unclear, raising questions about whether he will be freed amid the administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown.
With a fragile ceasefire in place, experts say rebuilding the Gaza Strip could take decades and cost an estimated $70 billion.
“I don’t think there’s any modern comparison to what’s going to need to happen in the Gaza Strip right now,” said Hady Amr of the Brookings Institute.
According to the United Nations Satellite Center, 83% of Gaza City’s buildings were damaged by September, with 40% completely destroyed. Key infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and utilities were heavily impacted during Israel’s two-year military campaign.
Clearing Rubble and Restoring Services
The United Nations has already cleared more than 81,000 tons of rubble, but removing unexploded ordnance and bodies trapped beneath debris will take years, experts said. “There’s going to need to be a massive scale up of life-saving assistance just to ensure people are getting food, medical help, and shelter,” said Mona Yacoubian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Humanitarian aid is expected to increase under the ceasefire, but additional border crossings have yet to open, slowing relief efforts.
Political and Security Hurdles
Amr warned that reconstruction cannot begin until basic security and freedom of movement are guaranteed. “The central challenges today are ending the war, ending the military occupation, and allowing goods and people to move freely,” he said.
Funding the Recovery
A joint assessment by the UN, EU, and World Bank projects a $70 billion rebuilding cost. European nations, Canada, and oil-rich Gulf states have expressed interest in contributing, though some countries want clear progress toward Palestinian statehood before committing funds. “Gulf countries have signaled they will not fund reconstruction in the absence of a longer-term solution,” Yacoubian said.
The road to Gaza’s recovery, experts agree, will be long, complex, and dependent on both international aid and political will.
Texas officials are grappling with political turmoil in two vastly different corners of the state — a tiny oil-rich county in West Texas and one of the state’s fastest-growing suburban regions near Houston — both facing disputes over control, representation and the integrity of local government.
In remote Loving County, Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit to stop what he described as a “scheme to seize control” of the small community. The suit targets Malcolm Tanner, leader of a group calling itself the Melanated People of Power, which allegedly recruited people from other states to move to the town of Mentone, offering promises of free housing and monthly stipends to influence local elections.
State officials say the effort could violate Texas laws prohibiting individuals from establishing residency solely to sway election outcomes. Tanner, who has promoted the plan on social media, claims his group is trying to build a “new community” in the sparsely populated county, which has fewer than 100 residents but significant oil and gas wealth.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and the local district attorney are investigating the matter. Paxton said the lawsuit aims to prevent “an unlawful attempt to take over a Texas county government.”
Meanwhile, in Fort Bend County outside Houston, the Commissioners Court voted 3–2 to approve a new precinct boundary map that has sparked accusations of political gerrymandering. The map, supported by the county’s Republican majority, creates two solidly Democratic precincts, one Republican stronghold and one competitive district.
Democratic Commissioners Grady Prestage and Dexter McCoy voted against the plan, saying it fractures communities and reduces minority voting power. Supporters argue the new map rebalances population growth and ensures fair representation.
The redistricting effort began after state Rep. Matt Morgan, a Republican, noted that several precincts failed to meet population requirements. The updated map replaces one approved in 2021 and has drawn calls for legal review over language suggesting the previous boundaries may have been drawn along racial lines.
Though vastly different in scale, both cases highlight ongoing tensions in Texas politics — from rural power plays to suburban boundary battles — as local leaders and state officials wrestle over who gets to decide the future of their communities.
State Rep. Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat from South Texas, announced Thursday that she is running for governor, joining the race to challenge Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in 2026.
Hinojosa, who represents parts of Austin in the Texas House, said her campaign will focus on improving public education, expanding health care access and supporting working families. She accused Abbott of favoring corporations and wealthy donors at the expense of everyday Texans.
“For too long, our state has worked for billionaires, not for teachers, nurses or parents,” Hinojosa said in a campaign video. “It’s time to build a Texas that gives everyone a fair shot.”
If elected, Hinojosa would become the first Democrat to win the governor’s office in Texas in more than three decades. Democrats have not held the post since Gov. Ann Richards left office in 1995.
A native of Brownsville, Hinojosa grew up attending public schools before earning a law degree and serving on the Austin Independent School District board. She was first elected to the Texas House in 2016, where she has been an advocate for education funding and women’s rights.
Her announcement sets up a potentially crowded Democratic primary field. Other declared or potential candidates include Andrew White, the son of former Democratic Gov. Mark White, Bobby Cole, and Benjamin Flores.
Abbott, who has not formally announced whether he will seek another term, was reelected in 2022 and remains one of the state’s most powerful Republican figures.
The Texas gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 2026.
McLaren has reclaimed its place at the pinnacle of Formula 1, clinching the 2025 Constructors’ Championship after a commanding season that saw both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri deliver consistent, race-winning performances. The title marks McLaren’s 10th in team history — and, according to team officials, signals the beginning of a new era for the Woking-based outfit.
The championship was sealed at the Singapore Grand Prix, with six races remaining, capping a campaign defined by pace, precision, and teamwork. It’s McLaren’s second consecutive constructors’ crown following their breakthrough triumph in 2024, a feat that ends decades of drought and solidifies their resurgence as a dominant force in modern Formula 1.
From Momentum to Mastery
McLaren entered the 2025 season as clear favorites after their 2024 success. The debut of the MCL39 — an evolution of last year’s race-winning chassis — showcased refinements in aerodynamics, reliability, and balance. From pre-season testing, it was clear that the orange cars were once again the benchmark.
The year began on a high note in Australia, where Norris claimed the opening victory. Piastri followed with a win in China, and by May, McLaren had tallied six victories in eight races, along with nine podiums. Their commanding form in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Miami underscored a crucial strength: consistency.
At Monaco, Norris delivered a statement victory, fending off both Ferraris in one of the sport’s most demanding venues. “It’s not just about having the fastest car,” Norris said afterward. “It’s about execution — and as a team, we’ve nailed that every weekend.”
Midseason Command
As rivals Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull fought to keep pace, McLaren rarely faltered. The British Grand Prix produced one of the season’s defining moments: a home 1–2 finish, with Norris leading Piastri in front of an ecstatic Silverstone crowd.
Even when adversity struck — such as a pit-stop error at Monza — McLaren managed to minimize damage and protect their points lead. Their reliability proved unmatched; between both cars, the team has suffered only three retirements all season, so far.
At Spa, Piastri outdueled Norris in wet conditions, showcasing the team’s adaptability. That win, followed by another series of podium finishes, effectively closed the door on the competition heading into the Asian leg of the championship.
A Clinch in Singapore
Singapore proved to be the defining race of the season. With both drivers finishing in the top four, McLaren mathematically secured the Constructors’ Championship with six races to spare — one of the earliest clinches in modern Formula 1 history.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said team principal Andrea Stella. “To win back-to-back titles shows the strength of our people, our innovation and our drivers. We’ve built something truly special here.”
McLaren ended the race with a commanding points margin — more than double that of their nearest rival, Mercedes, according to F1 standings. In total, the team amassed 12 wins, 28 podiums, and nine pole positions.
The Norris–Piastri Dynamic
Much of McLaren’s success stems from balancing the competitive edge between its two young stars. Throughout 2025, Norris and Piastri traded victories and podiums, with both remaining within striking distance in the Drivers’ Championship.
While tensions occasionally flared — particularly during close on-track battles in Singapore and Italy — team management kept harmony intact. “Healthy rivalry pushes us forward,” Stella said. “Both drivers know the team comes first.”
A Legacy Restored
McLaren’s 10th Constructors’ title elevates the team past Williams on the all-time list, trailing only Ferrari. The back-to-back triumphs mark a turning point for a team that once dominated in the eras of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost but spent years rebuilding.
With a strong technical foundation and one of the sport’s most balanced driver pairings, McLaren’s future looks as bright as its iconic papaya orange livery.
As the team shifts focus to 2026 — and a new engine era on the horizon — one question lingers: can McLaren keep up the momentum?
A 3-year-old girl in the U.K., born completely deaf, can now hear without assistance two years after undergoing a groundbreaking gene therapy procedure.
Today, Opal can hear normally even when her cochlear implant is turned off. Her mother, Jo Sandy, described the change as “mind blowing,” noting that before the treatment, neither Opal nor her older sister could detect even the loudest noises.
The therapy, known as DB-OTO, is part of an ongoing clinical trial involving patients in the U.K., U.S., Spain, and Germany. Regeneron, the pharmaceutical company leading the trial, recently announced that 11 of 12 children showed significant hearing improvements within weeks of the procedure.
