Houston | Page 2 of 79

Federal THC ban threatens Texas hemp businesses

LAWIN.newsDecember 17, 2025023 views

A pending federal THC ban in the next Farm Bill could force more than 6,000 Texas smoke shops and hemp-related businesses to shut down or overhaul operations by November 2025. The measure would prohibit most hemp-derived THC products, including popular delta-8 items, that currently operate under the 2018 Farm Bill. Texas hemp retailers, manufacturers, and trade groups are mounting a lobbying push to persuade Congress to replace the blanket ban with a regulated framework that sets potency limits, age rules, labeling, and testing standards.

Houston oil and gas industry expected to cut 3,200 jobs in 2026 as prices pressure drilling

Mae De Vera, LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025027 views

A Greater Houston Partnership forecast says upstream oil and gas companies are likely to cut about 3,200 jobs in 2026 as lower crude prices slow drilling, with manufacturing and administrative support sectors also losing thousands of positions. Even so, the region is projected to add nearly 31,000 net jobs overall, led by health care, construction, education and professional services.

Texas immigrant families flee into hiding amid new Trump policy

LAWIN.newsDecember 16, 2025024 views

Immigrant families in Texas from 19 affected nations have gone into hiding after a Trump administration policy change last month made them ineligible for certain paths to legal immigration status. Attorneys, schools and advocacy groups across Houston and other Texas cities report that many parents now avoid public places, cancel legal appointments and limit participation in services because they fear enforcement. Legal aid organizations and community workers say they have shifted to more discreet outreach and remote consultations as they track federal guidance and advise families on the implications of the new rules.

Harris County Democrats call out Mayor Whitmire, hold off on endorsement

LAWIN.newsDecember 15, 2025016 views

The Harris County Democratic Party on Monday passed a resolution reprimanding Houston Mayor John Whitmire, barring him from receiving the party’s endorsement in future elections, in response to his attendance at a Republican fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales in 2023.

AI helps Texas universities examine, revise race and gender content in classes

LAWIN.newsDecember 15, 2025022 views

Texas A&M University and Texas State University used artificial intelligence tools to review and revise how some courses address race, gender and related topics, according to records obtained by The Texas Tribune. Emails and internal documents show administrators deployed AI to scan syllabi and course descriptions for flagged terms, generate reports and suggest alternative language, as the schools responded to political pressure from state leaders and governing boards. Faculty messages in the records document questions about the accuracy of AI assessments and the implications of AI-guided revisions for academic freedom and departmental control over curricula.

Texas warns residents as new pest expands rapidly across multiple counties

LAWIN.newsDecember 12, 2025022 views

Texas agriculture officials have issued an urgent alert after confirming the spread of a newly detected invasive mealybug in more than 20 counties. The Texas Department of Agriculture is urging producers to inspect fields and report suspected infestations. State and local experts are monitoring the pest’s distribution, evaluating control options and coordinating with federal partners. Extension services are providing identification guides, management advice and updated maps to help farmers respond to the threat and limit potential crop damage across affected regions.

Group urges Texas to raise age limit for THC hemp product purchases

LAWIN.newsDecember 12, 2025042 views

A youth drug awareness group in Austin, Texas, is urging state officials to raise the legal age to purchase hemp products containing THC. The organization seeks tighter age restrictions for sales at vape shops, smoke shops, convenience stores and online retailers statewide. Group members plan to gather support from parents, educators and community leaders, monitor retail sales practices and present their findings to lawmakers and regulators. The initiative aims to place an age-limit review for hemp-derived THC products on the agenda of upcoming Texas legislative and regulatory discussions.

Houston-area Afghans alarmed as Trump administration restricts immigration pathways

LAWIN.newsDecember 12, 2025021 views

Houston-area Afghans report rising fear as federal immigration authorities halt some Afghan immigration processing and conduct home arrests following a Thanksgiving week attack that killed one National Guard member. Local attorneys, advocates, and service organizations in Houston describe a shift in how agencies handle Afghan cases, including stalled applications, intensified background checks, and increased enforcement at residences. Community leaders respond with legal clinics, rights education, and outreach to help families navigate arrests, detention, and uncertainty over their immigration status, while Afghan residents limit public activities and closely track policy developments.

Whitmire administration may face new rules on savings, infrastructure transparency

LAWIN.newsDecember 11, 2025024 views

Houston city officials advanced measures that would require Mayor John Whitmire’s administration to bolster city savings and increase transparency on infrastructure project changes. A key Houston City Council committee recommended policies to raise minimum reserve levels and mandate detailed public reporting when the administration alters the capital improvement plan. The proposals respond to warnings about a shrinking fund balance and concerns over sudden revisions to major projects. The full City Council must approve the measures before they take effect.

Grand Lux Cafe to close only Houston restaurant in Galleria after 21 years

Mae De Vera, LAWIN.newsDecember 10, 2025043 views

Grand Lux Cafe will close its only Houston restaurant at 5000 Westheimer Road on Jan. 24, 2026, after 21 years in the Galleria area, as parent company The Cheesecake Factory Inc. shifts staff to other concepts and the district prepares for the arrival of Eataly and other new tenants.