Saturday, October 18

Breaking News

Latest breaking news and developing stories from Houston Stringer, covering major incidents and local stories across the U.S. and worldwide.

Traffic stop in north Harris County leads to ICE turnover
Texas

Traffic stop in north Harris County leads to ICE turnover

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – A simple traffic stop in the 24100 block of Aldine Westfield Road led to two arrests and the involvement of federal immigration authorities. According to Constable Mark Herman, Pct. 4, deputies initiated the stop for a traffic violation. During the investigation, one suspect was found to have an active warrant, while another was discovered to have an ICE detainer. Constable Herman’s Office reported that the second suspect attempted to flee from ICE custody but was quickly captured by deputies. Both individuals were taken into custody without further incident. If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
Hobby Airport parking garage roof transformed into solar canopy
Texas

Hobby Airport parking garage roof transformed into solar canopy

HOUSTON – The roof of the William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) Red Garage has been transformed into a solar canopy now producing 100% clean, renewable power exclusively for the airport. The photovoltaic system, years in the making, is fully operational and marks a major milestone in Houston Airports’ sustainability efforts. Drone aerial photos from Hobby Airport - September 2025 - solar panels, garages, construction, and terminals (Photo Courtesy of Houston Airport System) “This project is proof that sustainability can be practical, visible and directly tied to the passenger experience,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “Passengers now park under a structure that shields their cars from the Texas sun while generating clean energy that keeps airport operations...
Virginia nurse sentenced to more than 7 years for distributing child sexual abuse material
Washington

Virginia nurse sentenced to more than 7 years for distributing child sexual abuse material

WASHINGTON – A Virginia nurse was sentenced today to more than seven years in prison for distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) through an encrypted messaging platform. According to the Justice Department, Lucas Fussell, 43, formerly of Onley, Virginia, was sentenced to 87 months in prison, followed by ten years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $20,000 fine. Court records show that Fussell used the Session encrypted messaging application to exchange videos and images of prepubescent boys being sexually abused. Investigators said Fussell also discussed several of his male patients, including children, and bragged about the measures he used to avoid law enforcement detection. In June 2024, Fussell sent an undercover officer nine videos depicting the e...
Woman accused of stealing thousands from H-E-B detained on Kuykendahl, turned over to immigration by Pct. 4 deputies
Texas

Woman accused of stealing thousands from H-E-B detained on Kuykendahl, turned over to immigration by Pct. 4 deputies

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Office detained a woman near the 25000 block of Kuykendahl Road after she was accused of shoplifting. Investigators said the woman initially gave deputies a false name. Further investigation revealed she is a habitual theft suspect believed to have stolen thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from multiple H-E-B stores in both Harris and Montgomery counties. Constable Precinct 4 deputies also stated the woman had an active immigration hold. She was released to immigration authorities at the scene. No additional details have been released at this time.
Judge Lina Hidalgo condemns assassination of Charlie Kirk as Trump orders flags lowered nationwide
Texas

Judge Lina Hidalgo condemns assassination of Charlie Kirk as Trump orders flags lowered nationwide

HARRIS COUNTY, TX - Judge Lina Hidalgo of Harris County, Texas, on Wednesday issued a statement after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk during a campus event at Utah Valley University. File Photo (August 2025) “I am gutted to learn about the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah,” Hidalgo said. “I’ve lived in countries where people could be killed for speaking their minds, and it breaks my heart to see that happen here in the United States. I hope this tragedy marks a turn toward dialogue instead of hatred and violence.” Kirk, a conservative political commentator and co-founder of the youth organization Turning Point USA, was killed after being shot while speaking to students on campus. He was struck in the neck by gunfire from about 200 yards away, taken to ...
Trump orders flags lowered nationwide after assassination of Charlie Kirk
Washington

Trump orders flags lowered nationwide after assassination of Charlie Kirk

Former President Donald J. Trump announced on Truth Social that all American flags throughout the United States are to be lowered to half-staff until Sunday at 6 p.m. in honor of Charlie Kirk. Kirk, a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during a campus event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. He was struck in the neck by gunfire from a distance of about 200 yards while addressing students shortly after noon. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition but later died. University officials evacuated the campus and canceled classes following the shooting. The FBI and ATF are assisting in the investigation. Trump called Kirk “a truly Great American Patriot” in his statement announcing the half-staff order.
Governor Abbott Requests SBA Disaster Loan Assistance After Spring Branch Apartment Fire Displaces Hundreds
Houston

Governor Abbott Requests SBA Disaster Loan Assistance After Spring Branch Apartment Fire Displaces Hundreds

Austin, TX – Governor Greg Abbott has requested federal disaster assistance for Harris County in the wake of the devastating three-alarm fire that tore through the 3 Corners West Apartments on Teague Street in northwest Houston on August 19–20, 2025. The fire displaced more than 300 residents and required a massive emergency response. https://youtu.be/oBoeBylj-Fs According to the Houston Fire Department, crews were first dispatched around 6:20 p.m. on August 19. Within minutes, over 100 firefighters were battling the rapidly spreading blaze, which forced responders into a defensive strategy to contain the flames. Two firefighters were injured in the effort — one was transported to Memorial Hermann–Texas Medical Center with a shoulder injury, while another suffered a heat-related il...
Trump, Bondi, parents and students address religious liberty in public education hearing
Washington D.C.

Trump, Bondi, parents and students address religious liberty in public education hearing

WASHINGTON – The Religious Liberty Commission hosted President Donald J. Trump, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, parents, and students at a hearing focused on religious liberty in public education. Credit: Office of Public Affairs The hearing included several panels where students and parents shared experiences of challenges to their religious freedoms. The event’s stated objective was to examine the historic foundation of religious liberty in schools, identify current threats, and explore strategies to preserve these freedoms for future generations. “Under the Trump Administration, we’re defending our rights and restoring our identity as a nation under God,” Trump said. “We are one nation under God, and we always will be.” Bondi highlighted the constitutional protections of wor...
Bladen County man charged with sexual offenses, held under ICE detainer
North Carolina

Bladen County man charged with sexual offenses, held under ICE detainer

BLADEN COUNTY, NC – A Bladenboro man has been charged following a sexual assault investigation involving a minor. According to Sheriff James A. McVicker, Bladen County 911 received a call on September 7, 2025, requesting assistance at Bladen County Hospital regarding a report of sexual assault. Investigators interviewed a minor who disclosed ongoing abuse by a family member over the past several months, with the most recent incident occurring that day. Brayan Velasquez, 21, of Bladenboro, was arrested and charged with indecent liberties with a child (felony) and sexual battery (misdemeanor). He is being held at the Bladen County Detention Center under an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer. The investigation remains open. No additional information has been released at...