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HCC Skilled Trades Grant Will Expand Career Training in Houston

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Houston City College has received a $1 million grant to expand skilled trades training and prepare more students for careers across the Greater Houston region.

The HCC skilled trades grant, awarded through the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants program, is expected to support training for 500 students. College and foundation officials celebrated the investment during a recent HCC Board of Trustees meeting.

Grant Will Expand Skilled Trades Programs

The funding will expand training opportunities in electrical work, carpentry, welding, construction, plumbing, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning.

These programs prepare students for essential roles in Houston’s construction and infrastructure sectors. The grant will also fund scholarships, helping reduce financial barriers for students entering the trades.

“This investment will allow us to expand access to life-changing career opportunities, train hundreds of skilled trades professionals, and help meet workforce demand driven by Houston’s continued growth in construction and infrastructure,” HCC Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher said.

Officials presented a ceremonial check to the college during the board meeting. Lowe’s Foundation representatives and local Lowe’s employees also toured training facilities at HCC’s Eastside campus.

The visit offered foundation officials a closer look at the facilities and programs that will support the initiative.

HCC Skilled Trades Grant Addresses Worker Shortage

HCC is one of 10 community colleges nationwide selected for the initiative. The participating institutions were recognized for their workforce development efforts and industry partnerships.

The investment arrives as employers face a growing shortage of skilled trades professionals. According to the U.S. Department of Education, an estimated 2.1 million skilled trades positions could remain unfilled by 2030.

The shortage could result in annual economic losses reaching $1 trillion, according to the department. Expanding training capacity could help employers fill essential positions while creating new career pathways for students.

“The Lowe’s Foundation is addressing this challenge through strategic investments in education and training that increase workforce capacity and create pathways to rewarding careers,” said Janice Dupré, Lowe’s executive vice president of human resources and president and chair of the Lowe’s Foundation.

Dupré said the foundation is connecting educators, workforce organizations and community partners to strengthen the national skilled trades workforce.

Scholarships Will Support Career Access

Scholarship funding will help more students complete the training needed for high-demand careers. It may also make career education more accessible to students who face financial obstacles.

Unlike many traditional degree paths, skilled trades programs focus on practical training connected to specific occupations. Students can develop technical abilities needed by employers in construction, manufacturing and building maintenance.

For HCC, the grant supports its mission to provide affordable education that responds to regional workforce needs. It also strengthens the college’s role in supporting Houston’s continued economic and infrastructure growth.

“This is more than a grant,” HCC Board Chair Eva Loredo said. “It is a vote of confidence in our students, our faculty and the important role community colleges play in meeting the workforce needs of Texas and the nation.”

As Houston continues to grow, trained electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters and HVAC professionals will remain important to the region. The new funding will help HCC connect hundreds of students with the preparation needed to pursue those careers.

Houston Halloween Weekend Events Bring Concerts, Costumes and Cultural Celebrations

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Houston Halloween weekend events will fill the city with costumes, concerts and cultural celebrations from Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1. Major attractions include Ye’s stadium concert, free festivals, live music and Día de los Muertos traditions.

Several events require tickets or advance registration. Attendees should confirm availability before leaving home.

Start Friday at Scream on the Green

Discovery Green will host its annual Scream on the Green celebration Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

The downtown event includes games, living sculptures, spooky music and seasonal photo opportunities. Its costume contest features categories for children, adults, groups, pets and homemade designs. Contest participants must register in advance.

Market Square Park will also present Una Noche en Downtown from 5 to 10 p.m. The celebration highlights Mexican and Latin culture through music, dance, mariachi, vendors and a community ofrenda.

Meanwhile, Trebly Park will show Disney and Pixar’s “Coco” during a Día de los Muertos family movie night. Activities run from 6 to 9 p.m. Both events appear on the Downtown Houston calendar.

Explore Zoo Boo Before It Ends

The Houston Zoo’s Zoo Boo concludes Saturday after more than a month of fall programming. The experience is included with regular zoo admission and remains free for members.

Visitors can walk through the Pumpkin Lantern Tunnel, search for decorated pumpkins and explore the Tangled Web Trail. Animal-themed surprises and fall enrichment activities add to the daytime experience.

On Friday, the zoo will remain open until 9 p.m., with final entry at 8 p.m. Pop Icons Night will include karaoke and encourage guests to dress as their favorite music stars.

Adults may wear family-friendly costumes, but their faces must remain visible. The zoo prohibits costume items that could be considered weapons.

Find Halloween Music at Jones Hall

The Houston Symphony will present Haunted Halloween at Jones Hall on Saturday. Performances begin at 10 and 11:30 a.m.

The family concert features musicians in costume, seasonal music and in-hall trick-or-treating. Quiet spaces and noise-reducing headphones will support guests with sensory needs. Tickets start at $42.

At 7:30 p.m., the orchestra will perform Danny Elfman’s score during a full screening of “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Costumes are encouraged, and tickets start at $41.

See Ye Live at Reliant Stadium

Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, will bring his 2026 concert tour to Reliant Stadium Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets and parking passes are available online, subject to availability.

The concert gives hip-hop fans a large-scale entertainment option on Halloween night. However, the performance includes frequent strobe lights, lasers and intense visual effects. Guests with light sensitivity should review the event notice before attending.

The stadium’s costume and security policies will remain in effect. Full-face masks and coverings are prohibited, except for approved medical or religious uses.

Reliant Stadium also enforces a clear-bag policy. Approved bags cannot exceed 12 by 6 by 12 inches. Small clutch bags may measure up to 4.5 by 6.5 inches.

Celebrate on the POST Houston Rooftop

POST Houston will hold an all-ages Halloween Foam Party Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Skylawn event includes orange and purple foam, family-friendly music and costume prizes. Admission costs $5.

Later, POST Apocalypse will transform the venue’s X Atrium into an immersive dance party. The 18-and-older event begins at 10 p.m. and includes DJs, visual effects and a costume contest.

Close the Weekend With Día de los Muertos

Discovery Green will offer a free Día de los Muertos celebration Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. Guests may bring a photograph or keepsake for a community ofrenda created by Houston artist Angel Quesada.

The program includes traditional performances, live music, crafts, food vendors and a Catrín y Catrinas parade. A separate altar will honor deceased pets.

POST Houston will also present Día de los Muertos Lucha Libre from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wrestlers from Houston and Mexico will compete in five matches during the all-ages event.

With choices across Houston, residents can build a weekend around family activities, nightlife, major concerts or cultural remembrance. Checking tickets, parking details and costume policies early can help prevent last-minute problems.

New Houston Comets Logos Surface in Federal Trademark Filings

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New Houston Comets logos have appeared in federal trademark applications ahead of the team’s anticipated branding announcement. The designs offer an early look at the identity Houston will carry when the franchise returns in 2027.

WNBA Enterprises filed eight applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Oct. 28. The applications cover four designs intended for merchandise, entertainment and broadcast services.

Houston Comets Logos Blend Basketball and Space Themes

The proposed primary logo features a large letter “H.” A basketball shaped like a speeding comet crosses the front of the letter.

A second design surrounds that emblem with a circular border and the team’s full name. The filings also include separate “Houston” and “Comets” wordmarks.

Both wordmarks use the basketball-comet image inside the letter “O.” The marks create a consistent visual theme across uniforms, merchandise and digital platforms.

Trademark attorney Josh Gerben first reported the filings. Gerben identified all eight applications as intent-to-use filings, which protect marks before their commercial launch.

Four Designs Covered by Eight Applications

Each design received two trademark applications. One application covers entertainment and broadcast services, while the other covers clothing and merchandise.

The filings include two versions each of the “H,” circular, “Houston” and “Comets” marks. Filing trademarks before an unveiling can establish an earlier federal priority date.

However, a trademark application does not guarantee registration. The USPTO must examine each filing and determine whether it conflicts with an existing mark.

The applications provide the clearest view yet of the returning franchise’s planned identity. The team had teased an Oct. 29 branding reveal before the designs surfaced publicly.

Trademark Dispute Remains Pending

The new filings arrive while the WNBA remains involved in a separate dispute over the “Houston Comets” name.

TSTM Holdings, LLC applied to register the name in May 2024. WNBA Enterprises filed its own applications in February 2025 and challenged the company’s claim.

The USPTO’s Trademark Trial and Appeal Board lists that opposition as pending. The case does not currently prevent the WNBA franchise from using the Comets name.

The league argues that its earlier use of the name established prior rights. The original Comets began playing in 1997, more than two decades before the competing application.

Comets Return to Houston in 2027

The new branding will introduce the next era of one of Houston’s most successful sports franchises.

The original Comets were among the WNBA’s first eight teams. Led by Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson, Houston won the league’s first four championships from 1997 through 2000.

The franchise ceased operations after the 2008 season. Its history and records will carry into the new organization, according to the Comets.

The WNBA and NBA approved the sale and relocation of the Connecticut Sun in May. Fertitta Entertainment will own and operate the team after its move to Houston.

The Comets will begin playing at Toyota Center during the 2027 WNBA season. The arena is also receiving updated practice, training, medical and locker room facilities.

For Houston basketball fans, the logo filings mark another visible step toward opening night. Official branding, uniforms and merchandise will help reconnect a historic team with a new generation of supporters.

Patrick Stewart Dies at 86 After Celebrated ‘Star Trek’ and ‘X-Men’ Career

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Patrick Stewart dies at 86 after a six-decade career spanning theater, television and film. The acclaimed British actor died Wednesday, Oct. 28, at his Los Angeles home, according to a family statement released Thursday.

Stewart was under the care of his wife, singer and songwriter Sunny Ozell. His representative said the actor experienced a brief period with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. The diagnoses had not been publicly disclosed.

Patrick Stewart Dies at 86 Surrounded by Loved Ones

Stewart spent his final days surrounded by relatives, friends, music and prayer, the family statement said. His loved ones remembered the peaceful expression on his face and the grace he displayed throughout his life.

The family requested donations to Alzheimer’s organizations instead of flowers. Stewart is survived by Ozell and his two children, Sophia and Daniel.

Born July 13, 1940, in Mirfield, England, Stewart discovered acting through a local drama group. He later earned a scholarship to the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Stewart joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1966. He remained with the organization for 14 years, taking roles in Hamlet, The Merchant of Venice and other classics.

Captain Picard Made Stewart a Global Star

Stewart achieved international fame as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. The series premiered in 1987 and ran for seven seasons.

His thoughtful and commanding performance established Picard as one of science fiction’s most recognizable characters. Stewart continued the role in four feature films, beginning with Star Trek Generations in 1994.

He returned decades later for Star Trek: Picard. The Paramount+ series ran for three seasons and concluded in 2023.

Stewart initially expected his move into television to be brief. Instead, Star Trek introduced his classical acting style to millions of viewers worldwide.

Professor X Expanded His Film Legacy

A new generation discovered Stewart through the X-Men film series. He first portrayed Professor Charles Xavier in the 2000 movie X-Men.

Stewart returned for several sequels and related Marvel projects. His later appearances included Logan and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.

The role paired Stewart’s authoritative presence with Xavier’s message of cooperation between humans and mutants. It became another defining performance in his career.

His other film credits included Excalibur, Dune, L.A. Story and Conspiracy Theory. Stewart also displayed his comedic range in Blunt Talk and through voice roles in animated productions.

A Distinguished Life Beyond the Screen

Despite his success in major franchises, Stewart remained closely connected to the stage. His performances included Macbeth, The Tempest, Waiting for Godot and No Man’s Land.

His Broadway performance in Macbeth earned a Tony Award nomination. He also received three Olivier Awards, a Grammy Award and multiple Emmy nominations during his career.

Queen Elizabeth II knighted Stewart in 2010 for his contributions to drama. He published his memoir, Making It So, in 2023.

Stewart also supported survivors of domestic violence and refugees. His advocacy reflected experiences from his childhood, when he witnessed abuse within his family. He later worked with organizations including Refuge and the International Rescue Committee.

His work connected theater audiences, science-fiction fans and comic book moviegoers across several generations. His performances combined classical training with a warmth that reached far beyond the stage.

Stewart leaves a legacy built on discipline, compassion and memorable storytelling. Fans can honor his life by revisiting his work or supporting Alzheimer’s research and family caregiver services.

Jeffery Simmons Trade Sends All-Pro Defensive Tackle to Bears

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The Jeffery Simmons trade gives the Chicago Bears one of the NFL’s top interior defenders. Chicago acquired Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick from the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, Oct. 29.

In return, Tennessee will receive first-round selections in 2027 and 2028. The Titans will also get Chicago’s 2027 fourth-round pick. The deal remains pending a physical.

Jeffery Simmons Trade Comes at a Steep Price

The Titans confirmed the full trade package shortly after reports of the blockbuster deal surfaced.

Chicago is giving up significant draft capital for a proven defensive star. However, the Bears entered the week with a 5-2 record and clear postseason ambitions.

The move signals that Chicago believes its roster can compete now. Simmons should strengthen an already productive defense as the Bears pursue a playoff spot.

Tennessee, meanwhile, adds three valuable draft assets. The Titans can use those selections to reshape their roster during a longer rebuilding process.

Simmons Brings an Elite Record to Chicago

Simmons, 29, has earned four Pro Bowl selections during his NFL career. He also received first-team All-Pro honors following the 2025 season.

The defensive tackle recorded a career-high 11 sacks last year. He added 67 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles, according to the Titans’ contract announcement.

Simmons has remained productive in 2026. Through seven games, he has 38 tackles, four sacks and one forced fumble.

Tennessee selected Simmons with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He developed into a defensive leader and served as a Titans captain five times.

How Simmons Fits the Bears Defense

Simmons gives Chicago a powerful presence in the middle of its defensive line. He can disrupt running plays, collapse the pocket and create opportunities for edge rushers.

The Bears had recorded 19 sacks through seven games. Austin Booker and Kyler Gordon led the team with four each, according to Chicago’s official statistics.

Simmons can also draw multiple blockers. That attention could create more favorable matchups for Booker, Dayo Odeyingbo and other Chicago defenders.

Veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett could line up alongside Simmons. Together, they give the Bears an experienced interior combination for the second half of the season.

Titans Turn Toward the Future

The trade represents a major change for Tennessee. Simmons was one of the franchise’s most accomplished players and a prominent community leader.

Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk thanked Simmons for his performance, leadership and community work. His Give ’Em A Reason Foundation has supported programs in Tennessee and Mississippi.

Tennessee now holds additional premium picks in consecutive drafts. Those selections could become central to the team’s rebuilding plans.

Chicago accepted the long-term cost to improve immediately. Simmons signed a multiyear extension with Tennessee in June, keeping him under contract beyond this season.

The Bears’ investment raises expectations for the rest of 2026. NFL fans can follow Simmons’ Chicago debut as the team begins a demanding second-half playoff push.

Apple Unveils First Touchscreen MacBook Pro With OLED Display

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Apple has introduced its first touchscreen MacBook Pro, marking a major change for the company’s laptop lineup. The redesigned models combine touch input with a tandem OLED display, upgraded performance and a thinner body.

The announcement headlined a week of Apple product updates. The company also revealed an M6 MacBook Pro, an M6 iMac, a redesigned iPad mini and new creative software features.

Touchscreen MacBook Pro Introduces OLED to Mac

The new touchscreen MacBook Pro comes in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes. Both feature Apple’s new PROLED XDR display, which uses tandem OLED technology.

The display reaches up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness for HDR and standard content. It also offers a 10,000,000-to-1 contrast ratio and an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz.

Touch support allows users to select items, draw and control compatible applications directly on the screen. The keyboard and trackpad remain available for traditional Mac controls.

Apple also replaced the familiar display notch with Dynamic Island. The interactive area displays Live Activities, Spotlight information and Siri AI controls.

The laptops use M5 Pro or M5 Max processors. Configurations support up to 128GB of unified memory and 16TB of storage. Apple lists battery life at up to 24 hours.

The 14-inch model with M5 Pro starts at $2,899. The 16-inch version starts at $3,399.

M5 Max models begin at $4,499 for the 14-inch version and $4,799 for the 16-inch model. Preorders are open, with sales beginning Nov. 6.

Separate M6 MacBook Pro Starts at $1,999

Apple also updated its standard 14-inch MacBook Pro with the new M6 processor. This model retains a Liquid Retina XDR display instead of the new OLED touchscreen.

The M6 includes a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU. Apple added Neural Accelerators to improve artificial intelligence workloads and other demanding tasks.

Connectivity upgrades include Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. The laptop also runs macOS 27, which includes Siri AI and expanded Apple Intelligence features.

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 starts at $1,999. It will also become available Nov. 6.

M6 iMac Brings Faster Performance

The new 24-inch iMac now features the M6 chip. Buyers can choose configurations with up to a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU.

The all-in-one computer includes a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display. It also offers Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports.

Apple will sell the iMac in blue, green, pink, yellow, purple, orange and silver. The base model starts at $1,499, while the upgraded 12-core version begins at $1,699.

Preorders are open, and the updated iMac will reach stores Nov. 6.

iPad Mini Receives OLED Display

Apple also announced a redesigned iPad mini with an OLED display. The tablet uses the A20 Pro chip and comes in a thinner, lighter body.

The new model carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance. It also includes Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and a landscape-positioned 12-megapixel Center Stage camera.

Cellular versions use Apple’s C2 modem system. The tablet supports Apple Pencil Pro and Apple Pencil with USB-C.

The iPad mini comes in midnight and starlight with 128GB, 256GB or 512GB of storage. Pricing starts at $699 for Wi-Fi and $849 for cellular connectivity.

Apple Expands Creative and AI Tools

Apple Creator Studio will receive updates across Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Keynote, Pages and Numbers.

Final Cut Pro will add built-in MotionVFX content and new video assets. Logic Pro will gain an intelligent assistant, an improved Stem Splitter and a redesigned sound browser.

Pixelmator Pro will introduce Generate Fill for editing selected image areas with written instructions. Keynote, Pages and Numbers will gain assistants that understand the content of a document.

The software updates will arrive in November. They will be free for existing Apple Creator Studio subscribers.

Apple’s fall announcements place touch controls, OLED displays and artificial intelligence at the center of its Mac and iPad strategy. Most of the new hardware will reach customers Nov. 6.

DoorDash to Acquire Instacart in $17 Billion Deal

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DoorDash has agreed to acquire Instacart in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at approximately $17 billion. The DoorDash Instacart acquisition would combine two of the largest delivery platforms in North America.

The companies announced the definitive agreement Thursday, Oct. 29. However, the transaction still requires approval from Instacart shareholders and government regulators.

DoorDash Instacart Acquisition Terms

DoorDash agreed to pay $65 for each Instacart share. That price represents a 26% premium over Instacart’s closing price on Oct. 22, before reports about a possible deal emerged.

At least 75% of the transaction will be paid in cash. DoorDash stock can account for up to 25% of the total payment.

Instacart shareholders can choose cash, DoorDash shares or a combination of both. Final payments will depend on shareholder elections and the transaction’s stock limit.

Instacart’s board of directors unanimously approved the agreement. The deal is expected to close in late 2027 or during the first half of 2028.

The timeline depends on shareholder approval and regulatory reviews in the United States and other countries. Until the transaction closes, DoorDash and Instacart will continue operating as separate companies.

Instacart Brand and App Will Remain

DoorDash plans to maintain the Instacart name and app after completing the acquisition. Instacart specializes in grocery and convenience delivery across the United States and Canada.

The company works with approximately 600,000 independent shoppers. Those shoppers are expected to continue accepting and completing Instacart orders.

DoorDash began primarily as a restaurant delivery platform. It has since expanded into groceries, retail products, pet supplies and electronics.

The combined company would offer delivery from restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores and other retailers. It would also connect Instacart customers with about 50,000 additional stores currently available through DoorDash.

Membership Changes Could Follow

DoorDash operates its DashPass membership program, while Instacart offers Instacart+. Each service currently costs $9.99 per month and includes delivery benefits.

DoorDash said customers could eventually receive benefits from both programs under one membership fee. The companies have not announced when that change might begin.

Current customers should not expect immediate changes to either platform. The companies will remain independent throughout the approval process.

DoorDash and Instacart also plan to preserve choices for grocery stores and other retailers. Merchants could continue selecting the delivery platform and technology that best fit their operations.

Deal Expands DoorDash’s Grocery Business

The acquisition would strengthen DoorDash’s position in online grocery delivery. DoorDash has expanded its grocery partnerships since entering the sector in 2020.

Its platform now includes major retailers such as Kroger and Costco. Instacart already provides delivery, advertising and online shopping technology to supermarkets across North America.

Combining the companies would give DoorDash access to Instacart’s grocery fulfillment systems and retail advertising business. Instacart would gain access to DoorDash’s larger international delivery network.

The transaction could also create more delivery opportunities for DoorDash drivers and Instacart shoppers. However, the companies have not announced specific changes to worker compensation or platform policies.

Government regulators will review how the acquisition could affect competition, retailers, workers and consumers. The Instacart brand and service will remain unchanged while that process continues.

Man in Halloween Costume Critically Shot at Houston Apartment

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A man wearing a Halloween costume was critically wounded during an early-morning shooting at a Houston apartment complex. The Houston Halloween costume shooting followed an apparent wrong-apartment encounter, according to police.

The incident happened around 2:20 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in the 2300 block of Bering Drive. The apartment complex is near Westheimer Road in Houston’s Greater Uptown area.

Houston Halloween Costume Shooting Under Investigation

An apartment resident woke after hearing someone moving his door handle. The person outside may have also kicked the door.

The resident’s girlfriend and their 1-year-old child were sleeping in another room. The resident asked his girlfriend whether she knew the person outside. She said she did not.

The resident then obtained an AR-15-style rifle and opened the door. An argument followed between the resident and the costumed man.

The man outside allegedly claimed that the apartment belonged to him. He then tried to push his way through the doorway.

The two men struggled while the resident attempted to force him back outside. The resident fired once, striking the man in the upper body.

Emergency crews transported the wounded man to a Houston-area hospital. He was listed in critical condition.

Possible Wrong-Apartment Mistake

Investigators believe the wounded man may live elsewhere in the same apartment complex. They are examining whether he mistakenly approached the wrong unit after returning from a party.

Alcohol may have played a role in the incident. However, that possibility had not been confirmed as of Thursday morning.

The wounded man wore an orange suit and top hat resembling a character from the movie “Dumb and Dumber.” Both men involved are believed to be in their 30s.

Authorities had not released their names. No arrests or criminal charges had been announced.

Resident Cooperating With Investigation

The resident remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Detectives are reviewing the events that led to the shooting.

The investigation will consider the alleged attempt to enter the apartment, the struggle at the doorway and the resident’s use of deadly force.

Investigators may also review surveillance video from the complex if footage is available. They have not made a final determination about what happened before the gunfire.

The apparent wrong-apartment mistake remains part of the investigation. Authorities have not independently confirmed whether the wounded man was intoxicated or returning from a Halloween gathering.

Investigation Remains Active

The incident comes days before Halloween, when costumes and late-night gatherings become more common across Houston. It also highlights the risks of approaching or entering an unfamiliar residence.

Authorities have not released an update on the wounded man’s condition. The Houston Police Department’s investigation remains active.

Milwaukee Brewers Win First World Series Championship

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The Milwaukee Brewers are World Series champions for the first time in franchise history. Milwaukee defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5 on Wednesday, Oct. 28, winning the series four games to one.

The victory at Tropicana Field ended a championship wait that spanned generations. It also completed one of the strongest seasons in Brewers history.

Brewers Secure First World Series Championship

Milwaukee controlled Game 5 behind starting pitcher Jacob Misiorowski. The right-hander allowed two hits and one walk across 5 2/3 scoreless innings. A right calf cramp forced him from the game during the sixth.

Rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt opened the scoring with an RBI single in the second inning. He later scored on David Hamilton’s fifth-inning single, extending Milwaukee’s lead to 2-0.

William Contreras delivered an RBI double in the sixth. Pratt followed with a sacrifice fly that gave the Brewers a four-run advantage.

Tampa Bay scored its only run in the ninth. However, closer Trevor Megill retired Richie Palacios on a ground ball to secure the championship.

The win completed the first title run in the franchise’s 58-season history. MLB reported that Milwaukee finished the postseason with an 11-2 record.

William Contreras Wins World Series MVP

Contreras received the World Series Most Valuable Player Award after an outstanding performance behind the plate. The Venezuelan catcher batted .381 during the five-game series.

He also threw out four runners attempting to steal. Contreras successfully overturned 10 of 13 challenged calls under MLB’s Automated Ball-Strike challenge system.

Contreras became the eighth catcher to win World Series MVP. His championship added another milestone to a memorable year for Venezuelan baseball.

Jackson Chourio also made a major impact for Milwaukee. The Venezuelan outfielder recorded 11 hits, the most by any player in a five-game World Series.

Pratt established a World Series rookie record with hits in six consecutive plate appearances. He also tied the rookie record with seven RBIs.

A Dominant Road to the Championship

Milwaukee entered the postseason after leading Major League Baseball with a franchise-record 103 regular-season victories. The Brewers defeated the San Diego Padres in four games during the National League Division Series.

The Brewers then swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. That victory sent Milwaukee to its first World Series since 1982.

Manager Pat Murphy’s team won 11 of its 13 postseason games. Seven of those victories came after Milwaukee had fallen behind.

The Brewers’ only previous World Series appearance ended with a Game 7 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1982. Milwaukee’s previous MLB championship came in 1957, when the Milwaukee Braves defeated the New York Yankees.

Milwaukee Celebrates a Long-Awaited Title

About 31,000 supporters gathered at American Family Field for a Game 5 watch party. The championship game took place in St. Petersburg, Florida, but Milwaukee’s stadium erupted after the final out.

Confetti covered the field as fans celebrated a moment decades in the making. Supporters wore jerseys honoring several eras of Milwaukee baseball, including Christian Yelich, Hank Aaron and longtime broadcaster Bob Uecker.

Milwaukee fans also filled sections behind the Brewers’ dugout at Tropicana Field. Their celebrations continued during the trophy presentation and long after the final pitch.

The Brewers’ championship gives Milwaukee a new place in baseball history. It rewards a loyal fan base that waited 44 years for another World Series appearance and decades for the franchise’s first title.

Judge LaShawn Williams Seeks Reelection to Harris County Civil Court

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Judge LaShawn A. Williams is seeking another term on Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3. The LaShawn Williams reelection campaign highlights her legal experience, judicial service and commitment to accessible courts.

Williams appears on the official Harris County ballot for the Nov. 3 general election. Early voting is underway and continues through Friday, Oct. 30.

LaShawn Williams Reelection Campaign Emphasizes Accessibility

Williams currently presides over Harris County Civil Court at Law No. 3. Harris County records confirm that voters elected her to a second term in November 2022.

Her campaign is emphasizing fairness, dignity and access to the legal system. A campaign advertisement states that Williams works to make the court “understandable and accessible for all.”

Williams’ official court biography says she approaches the bench with patience, open-mindedness, integrity and respect for the rule of law. It describes public service as central to her work as a judge.

Williams first decided to seek judicial office in 2017. Her biography says she wanted to serve residents, families, small businesses and communities throughout Harris County.

Williams Brings Decades of Legal Experience

Before joining the bench, Williams worked across several areas of law. She began her career as a staff attorney for the Office of the District Attorney General in Nashville, Tennessee.

Williams later served as in-house counsel for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. She also represented nonprofit organizations and government entities.

Her legal career includes work as a criminal prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. She has practiced in state, federal and appellate courts.

Williams founded and served as managing partner of Baldwin Williams & Associates, PLLC, a general-practice law firm. She previously managed LAWilliams Law Firm PC.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Sam Houston State University. Williams received her law degree from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law in May 1995.

The State Bar of Texas lists Williams as eligible to practice law in Texas. Her profile identifies her occupation as a full-time judge and notes that she is also licensed in Tennessee.

Her professional background includes ownership of a woman-owned construction management company. According to her official biography, the construction company and her law firm received W/SBE minority certifications.

Judicial Leadership in Harris County

Harris County’s civil court judges elected Williams as their administrative judge for 2023. The one-year position took effect Jan. 1 of that year.

Administrative judges provide general guidance and represent their courts before county departments, officials and projects. They also help convene and preside over judicial meetings.

A Harris County Courts at Law announcement said Williams had nearly three decades of legal experience when she entered the leadership role.

What Harris County Civil Courts Handle

Harris County civil courts at law hear civil cases and appeals from justice courts. Their work can directly affect residents, property owners and businesses.

Under the Texas Government Code, these courts have jurisdiction over certain property disputes and eminent domain proceedings. They may also hear cases involving liens, defamation and the recovery of real property.

The courts do not exercise probate jurisdiction. Civil Court at Law No. 3 operates from the Harris County Civil Courthouse at 201 Caroline Street.

Early Voting Continues Through Oct. 30

The Texas Secretary of State confirms that early voting began Oct. 19 and ends Oct. 30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Harris County Vote Centers will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day. Residents can find voting locations and review ballot information through Harris Votes.

Eligible residents can use these official resources to prepare before voting. The judicial position affects civil matters involving individuals, property owners and businesses throughout Harris County.