Houston | LAWIN.news

Ex-Pi Kappa Phi pledge sues University of Houston over hazing

LAWIN.newsNovember 24, 202504 views

A University of Houston student has filed a lawsuit alleging severe hazing by the now-closed Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi led to his hospitalization with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. The complaint details required workouts, late-night “pledge rides,” and use of “pledge fanny packs” with degrading items at on-campus and off-campus locations. Thirteen defendants, including UH, the fraternity’s national organization, the local chapter, its housing corporation, and eight fraternity members, are named. UH confirms the chapter’s closure after a hazing investigation and says it is cooperating with law enforcement and offering support services to affected students.

Houston Humane Society asks community to foster pets this holiday season

LAWIN.newsNovember 23, 202506 views

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.

Buddhist monks set out on a 2,300-mile journey from Texas to Washington

LAWIN.newsNovember 23, 202509 views

A group of Buddhist monks is walking 2,300 miles from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., on a “Walk for Peace” to promote unity, compassion, and inner peace. The route spans 10 states and includes community events at temples, malls, and parks. Two monks were injured near Dayton, Texas, when a truck struck their escort vehicle and pushed it into them on U.S. 90, according to police. Organizers say the walk, rooted in Buddhist pilgrimage tradition, will continue as they coordinate with law enforcement and medical officials.

$10M lawsuit targets UH, fraternity over alleged hazing

LAWIN.newsNovember 22, 2025020 views

A former University of Houston student has filed a $10 million hazing lawsuit in Harris County against UH and a campus fraternity, alleging severe physical and psychological injuries from pledge activities. The complaint claims violations of anti-hazing laws, negligence, and failures in supervision and enforcement of university policies. The plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages and requests a jury trial. The case remains pending in state district court, with no trial date yet set and no formal responses filed by the defendants in the public record at this time.

CC-RTA lands $46M federal grant to upgrade aging maintenance facility

LAWIN.newsNovember 22, 2025023 views

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 council proposal on HPD ICE warrants meets union pushback

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025018 views

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 ISD hits pause on school closure plans for 2026–27

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025026 views

Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles said the district will not propose any school closures or campus consolidations for the 2026–27 school year, pausing earlier discussions tied to declining enrollment and facility use. He told principals the district will continue reviewing long-term building needs, enrollment trends and campus conditions before considering any consolidations in later years. The update comes as Houston ISD expands Sunrise Center services, deepens collaboration with the Houston Food Bank and rolls out new district-managed AI tools for teachers, while maintaining a focus on safe, well-equipped campuses and consistent instructional quality.

Houston imposes citywide curfew on scooters, ATVs

LAWIN.newsNovember 20, 2025015 views

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.

Houston food insecurity rising sharply, survey links it to worsening health

LAWIN.newsNovember 20, 2025034 views

A spring 2024 survey by Rice University’s Kinder Institute Center for Community and Public Health reports that two in five households in Houston and Harris County face food insecurity. The study links limited access to nutritious food with higher rates of chronic illness, lack of insurance, and delayed medical care, especially among lower-income and Hispanic residents. More than 640,000 Harris County residents rely on SNAP, while local organizations expand food assistance to meet rising need.

Court halts Texas’ new congressional map ahead of 2026 elections

LAWIN.newsNovember 19, 2025015 views

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.