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Houston Humane Society is asking Houston-area residents to provide short-term foster homes for dogs and cats during the holiday season. The nonprofit supplies food, crates, and veterinary care for foster pets and offers flexible options, including weekend-only fostering. Staff use foster stays to learn about each animal’s behavior in a home and to improve adoption chances with better photos and information. Residents interested in fostering can contact Houston Humane Society by phone at 713-433-6421 or by email at info@houstonhumane.org.

The Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority received a $46 million federal grant to replace its decades-old maintenance facility in Texas, adding safer workspaces, modern equipment and stronger hurricane-response capabilities to support public transit operations in the Corpus Christi region.

Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer is proposing a change to Houston Police Department policy on when officers contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement over ICE warrants, shifting “shall contact” to “may contact” to allow officer discretion. The Houston Police Officers’ Union opposes the move, calling it illegal and unnecessary and warning of possible funding risks. The debate centers on compliance with Texas Senate Bill 4, the handling of low-level violations, and the impact on immigrant communities. The proposal needs one more council signature to advance to formal discussion.

Houston City Council unanimously approved a citywide nighttime curfew on electric scooters, rental bikes and ATVs, banning their operation and rental on public rights-of-way from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. The ordinance grants police and regulators authority to impound devices, set fees and impose penalties. Officials cited Houston Fire Department data showing most micromobility-related EMS calls occur at night and referenced complaints from downtown hotels and businesses. A December committee hearing will gather public input on possible adjustments while the new rules remain in effect.

A federal court has barred Texas from using a new congressional map in the 2026 elections, ordering the state to rely on the House district lines adopted in 2021. The ruling requires Texas election officials to organize candidate filings, ballots and voter assignments under the 2021 boundaries used in the 2022 midterms. The decision affects all U.S. House races in the state and shapes how campaigns and parties plan for the next election cycle.

The University of Houston has closed the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi after the fraternity’s national office reported hazing and risk-management violations. The chapter voted to surrender its charter on November 14. University officials and the University of Houston Police Department are conducting parallel investigations into alleged physical abuse, forced consumption and public humiliation. A non-university student was hospitalized following the reported hazing and later released. Students found responsible may face expulsion and possible criminal charges.

Federal officials restored full SNAP benefits to eligible Central Texas recipients on or after November 14, 2024, following the end of the government shutdown in Austin, Texas. The Central Texas Food Bank reports that the temporary disruption in benefits increased demand for emergency food assistance and created a lingering financial “ripple effect” for many households. The food bank states that families relied more heavily on distributions, used savings, or incurred debt to cover food costs. The organization plans to maintain elevated operations, coordinate with partner agencies, and continue outreach as clients adjust to the reinstated benefits.

Seven individuals from Houston charged with defrauding Medicare of over $110 million via hospice billing for non-terminally ill patients.

TSA employees who worked during the 43-day government shutdown will receive $10,000 bonuses as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to recognize their exemplary service. Secretary Kristi Noem announced these measures at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. Employees are also set to receive back pay, with initiatives underway to prevent future disruptions for essential workers.