Good afternoon, Houston.

We’re close to the halfway point of college football's regular season, and Texas A&M and Texas Tech are beginning to separate from the rest of the state. Here's how we ranked the 13 FBS teams in Texas. 

The Texas Longhorns, the preseason No. 1 in the nation by the Associated Press, meanwhile, got whipped by Florida yesterday. They take a tumble in this week's SEC power rankings.

Here's the rest of the news.

Alexandria Alejandro, Audience Producer alexandria.alejandro@houstonchronicle.com

3 stories you shouldn't miss

These 11 Houston restaurants closed in September

Ostia, Manditos, BB's in Garden Oaks and Dak & Bop were among the local spots that closed their doors last month.

Plus: 18 restaurants and cafes that opened in September.

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$540M Galveston development slated for Seawall Boulevard with apartments, hotel, dining

The complex would go in the undeveloped 15-acre lot at 10302 Seawall Boulevard.

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Why a new 40-story tower by Buffalo Bayou defies Houston’s apartment slump

Apartment construction in Montrose and River Oaks has fallen to its lowest level since 2012, making this luxury high-rise a rare new addition to the neighborhood's skyline.

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1 story to bring you joy

Kacey Musgraves covers a Selena classic in Mexico City

Her set included "Tú, Solo Tú," a classic ranchera most famously recorded by Selena. She was joined by Mariachi Oro de América, who has performed for more than 40 years in various incarnations.

7 stories you may have missed this week

Here’s how much money you need to make to be considered ‘rich’ in Houston As the costs of housing, transportation and groceries continue to grow, wages in the area no longer stretch as far as they used to.

Trump’s visa policies will cut legal immigration. Only the wealthy are welcome. Supporters insisted President Donald Trump only opposed undocumented workers, but now he’s stopping legal immigration, too, writes columnist Chris Tomlinson.

Here are the biggest impacts on Texas during the government shutdown The largest effects will likely be felt at military bases, airports, national parks and federal courts. Plus: NASA furloughs 83% of its federal workforce during government shutdown.

Here are the best private schools in Texas, according to Niche Almost half of the best private schools in Texas are located in the Greater Houston area.

Ken Paxton to 'vigorously enforce' Ten Commandments requirement amid lawsuits The attorney general advised schools to comply with Senate Bill 10, promising the state would take on legal fees to defend the law in court.

Hidalgo stormed out of budget meeting to attend concert, text messages confirm Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo abruptly departed a Sept. 9 budget meeting to attend a concert, according to text messages secured by the Houston Chronicle.

Trump Burger saga sees another lawsuit, this time over trademarks The landlord of Trump Burger's Kemah location terminated Roland Beainy's lease and began running the restaurant as MAGA Burger USA. Now, Beainy is suing.