Broadway unions authorize strikes over pay, health care, and working conditions despite record ticket sales.

Two major Broadway unions have authorized strike action over stalled contract talks, demanding better pay, health care, and working conditions, threatening disruption despite the industry’s record $1.9 billion in ticket sales. A government shutdown has delayed the release of the 2024 Social Security COLA, affecting 70.6 million beneficiaries, with a projected increase of 2.7%. In Houston, city leaders face backlash over plans to close Polk Street for convention center and highway expansion, raising concerns about community access. A man shot his girlfriend in west Harris County before dying by suicide, according to sheriff’s officials. Meanwhile, Houston ISD is considering a 3% property tax hike to fund storm repairs from Hurricane Beryl, using disaster-related tax authority.