Tornado damages about 100 homes in northwest Harris County, officials say
A tornadic storm moved through northwest Harris County on Monday, causing property damage and power outages, officials said.
A tornadic storm moved through northwest Harris County on Monday, causing property damage and power outages, officials said.
Under the new rules, individuals must present a state driver’s license, passport, or other approved photo identification when registering or renewing a vehicle. The DMV informed county tax offices of the change on Nov. 18, and licensed vehicle dealers were notified on Nov. 19.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has authorized the deployment of Texas National Guard members to Illinois and Oregon to assist federal immigration enforcement, a move that contrasts with his previous statements defending state authority over National Guard units.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.