Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), challenging rules that he says prevent religious organizations from receiving public funding.
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.
While some kids sell lemonade, 9-year-old Millie Benjamin is giving out something far sweeter: compliments.
Officials on Friday celebrated the completion of the Alamo Promenade, a revitalized walkway stretching from East Commerce Street to the Alamo chapel, as part of the ongoing $550 million Alamo Plan.
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.
Authorities in Newton County, Texas, arrested 45 people and seized $73,858 during a raid on an alleged dog fighting ring under Operation Pitbull. Deputies, assisted by state agencies, intervened while a fight was in progress, rescued two injured dogs and transported them for emergency veterinary care. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office said the case began after months of community complaints and remains under active investigation, with additional charges possible.
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.
Austin Public Health reports that Austin-Travis County has recorded more than 130 whooping cough (pertussis) cases so far this year, marking a 58% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Health officials say the rise spans multiple age groups and neighborhoods and emphasize vaccination, early diagnosis, and isolation during the contagious period as key steps to limit spread. The department continues to monitor case data, coordinate with state health authorities, and provide guidance to schools, childcare facilities, and healthcare providers across the county.
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.
The Defense Health Agency has launched an internal review of its protocols and procedures after allegations that an Army gynecologist sexually exploited patients at a military medical facility. The agency is examining patient safety measures, use of chaperones, complaint handling, provider oversight and training on professional conduct across the military health system. Officials say the review will assess whether existing safeguards are sufficient and may lead to policy and procedure changes in Army, Navy and Air Force medical facilities.