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2026 UNA-USA National Leadership Summit: Terrestrials United for Citizen Diplomacy

With Houston hosting November 13–15, UNA-Houston puts local issues and people at the heart of global diplomacy.

Houston takes the global stage November 13–15 as UNA-Houston turns the 2026 UNA-USA National Leadership Summit into a local conversation about diplomacy, civic action and community impact.

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Judge Shawn Thierry Takes the Bench as Harris County’s Inaugural 515th District Court Judge

Judge Bruce Bain administered the oath at the September 25 investiture, formally welcoming Thierry as the inaugural judge of Harris County’s new 515th District Court.

Shawn Thierry begins a new chapter of public service as the inaugural judge of Harris County’s newly created 515th Judicial District Court.

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‘Heroes’ at 20: How Hayden Panettiere shined as an unbreakable teen

Twenty years after Heroes introduced Hayden Panettiere as the unforgettable Claire Bennett, the series’ creator and cast are reflecting on her extraordinary talent, the bonds that supported her, and the legacy she leaves behind.

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Intelligence from Chinese groups aiding in Iran’s increasingly effective targeting of US sites, sources say

US intelligence assessments say Chinese satellite data and other support have helped Iran improve its targeting of ships and US military positions, raising new concerns over Tehran’s growing capabilities in the Strait of Hormuz and across the Middle East.

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White House TV pool resumes coverage after CNN’s access is restored

After a federal judge ordered the White House to restore CNN’s access, the major TV networks have resumed presidential pool coverage, putting cameras back on Donald Trump’s meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and reopening a closely watched fight over press access.

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Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé are looking more like the mega-rich than the relatable pop stars you loved

Taylor Swift’s latest music release is stirring an unexpected question among fans: in an era of economic strain and widening celebrity wealth, can pop stars still feel relatable to the people who made them billionaires?

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Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association warns ICE raids are hurting beef industry

Immigration raids across Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas are disrupting the beef supply chain, cattle industry groups say, with delayed shipments, millions in losses and potential pressure on meat prices.

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Americans still feel worse about the economy than at almost any point in modern history

A sharp drop in US consumer confidence has pushed sentiment near historic lows, with soaring gas prices, persistent inflation and economic uncertainty leaving Americans increasingly worried about their finances and the cost of living.

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Trump wants to take a page out of the Biden energy playbook

President Trump is weighing a major shift on energy exports, considering limits on US diesel shipments as soaring fuel prices put pressure on farmers, truckers and consumers ahead of the midterm elections.

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Trump urges Supreme Court to restart deportations to countries with poor human rights records

The Trump administration is asking the Supreme Court to let it resume deporting migrants to countries other than their homelands without giving them a chance to raise concerns about potential torture or other human-rights violations.

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National Black Breast Cancer Summit Returns to Houston in October

The 2026 National Black Breast Cancer Summit comes to Houston October 2–4, bringing together survivors, healthcare professionals, advocates and community members for education, wellness and conversations focused on Black breast health.

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Is your adjustable-rate mortgage resetting?

With mortgage rates topping 7%, homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages are facing a critical question: how can they avoid a potentially painful jump in monthly payments when their rates reset?

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Trump’s nominee to lead FDA questioned on vaccines, abortion in Senate hearing

Trump FDA nominee Dr. Heidi Overton broke with the president on vaccines during a tense Senate hearing, calling the MMR vaccine safe and effective while facing scrutiny over abortion medication, tobacco regulation and her qualifications to lead the agency.

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Allies in Hope CEO Jeffrey Campbell Carries Houston’s Voice to National Stage as HIV Funding Cuts Hit Home

At USCHA 2026, Houston’s Jeffrey Campbell celebrated HIV advocacy’s strength while confronting a looming $440,000 prevention-funding cut threatening testing, education and outreach.

Houston’s HIV advocacy community is sounding the alarm as expiring federal funding threatens to cut $440,000 from Allies in Hope’s prevention budget and potentially reduce access to testing, education and other vital services.

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Mortgage rates top 7%, dealing a further blow to the frozen housing market

Mortgage rates have climbed above 7% for the first time since January 2025, adding pressure to homebuyers as higher borrowing costs weigh on affordability and housing demand. GlobeNewswire

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Starbucks is closing hundreds of locations

Starbucks is closing about 250 North American locations as CEO Brian Niccol’s turnaround plan continues to reshape the coffee giant through store closures, renovations, menu changes and tighter expansion plans.

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Meta is betting big on its Muse AI agent with a blitz of new gadgets

Meta is doubling down on AI with new smart glasses, virtual-reality devices and a keychain-sized AI companion as Mark Zuckerberg bets Muse will become part of everyday life despite growing privacy and safety concerns.

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What we know after officials say ICE detained a US citizen and left him injured in Chicago suburb

A mistaken ICE detention of a U.S. citizen in Evanston, Illinois, has raised questions about federal immigration enforcement, use of force and the legal limits on when agents can detain people.

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There are plenty of reasons for fans to worry as the NFL hits Week 3. Here are 5 things to watch

NFL Week 3 puts quarterback injuries, struggling defenses, Atlanta’s turbulent start, the league’s expanding international schedule and a crucial Texans-Colts matchup under the spotlight.

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What if ‘A Different World’ were set in the Trump era? We’re about to find out

“A Different World” returns 39 years after its original debut, bringing back beloved characters while introducing a new generation of Black students navigating race, identity, culture and college life in a changing America.