Houston

A federal judge in Texas has ordered 14 public school districts to remove Ten Commandments displays from classrooms and blocked enforcement of a 2023 state law requiring the biblical text in every classroom. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed in September by 15 families of diverse faith backgrounds who argue the law violates the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause. The preliminary injunction halts the law statewide while the case proceeds in federal court and directs districts to remove existing displays and stop new installations.

The Salvation Army of Greater Houston and the CMA CGM Foundation will distribute more than 21,000 free holiday meals on November 19, 2024, at the Aldine Westfield Corps in Houston. Over 50 volunteers from CMA CGM and CEVA Logistics will hand out non-perishable food boxes, available on a first-come, first-served basis to anyone in the community. The initiative is part of the CMA CGM Foundation’s “Giving Across North America Initiative,” which supports families facing economic challenges during the holiday season.

Harris County prosecutors are continuing their investigation into the Houston Independent School District’s use of taxpayer funds tied to a $4.4 billion bond campaign. An email from the public integrity division confirms the probe remains active after the district attorney’s office received additional information from HISD and consulting firm Outreach Strategists. Parents who filed criminal complaints allege more than $1.5 million in public funds supported bond advocacy, which Texas law forbids. The DA’s office is reviewing new materials to determine whether any of the evidence is actionable.

Former Alamo Trust President Kate Rogers has filed a lawsuit in Texas against Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham and Alamo-related entities, alleging wrongful termination, violation of her First Amendment rights and loss of severance pay after her 2023 resignation. The suit centers on criticism of Rogers’ 2023 dissertation highlighting Indigenous history at the Alamo and a social media post recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day. The case details a conflict over how the Alamo’s history should be presented and claims political pressure forced her exit.

This is Houston, a nonprofit animal rescue, will open a free vaccine clinic in Splendora, TX, providing low-cost spay and neuter services. The facility will cater to Cleveland residents, with possible expansion.