Texas News | Page 12 of 98

$10M lawsuit targets UH, fraternity over alleged hazing

LAWIN.newsNovember 22, 2025060 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, 2025069 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.

$3 billion dementia fund in Texas paused after lawsuit

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025050 views

A lawsuit challenging Texas’ November 4 election has halted implementation of a $3 billion dementia research and care fund. Plaintiffs allege that voting machines malfunctioned and compromised the ballot measure that authorized the program. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticizes the case and defends the voter-approved fund. The court will review claims about machine reliability, election procedures, and the validity of the statewide vote before any dementia funding moves forward.

Houston council proposal on HPD ICE warrants meets union pushback

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025056 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.

Texas flags aggressive equine virus traced to World Championship Barrel Racing finals

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025046 views

Texas agricultural officials issued an urgent alert after veterinarians confirmed an aggressive Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 outbreak in horses linked to the World Championship Barrel Racing finals in Waco. The Texas Department of Agriculture detailed clinical signs, transmission risks, and strict biosecurity measures for owners, trainers, and facilities. The department urged isolation of exposed horses, disinfection of equipment, temperature monitoring, and close coordination with veterinarians to limit spread and protect the state’s equine population and industry.

Houston imposes citywide curfew on scooters, ATVs

LAWIN.newsNovember 20, 2025056 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, 2025068 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, 2025057 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.

Texas schools ordered to remove classroom Ten Commandments

LAWIN.newsNovember 19, 2025053 views

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.

Salvation Army to distribute over 21,000 free holiday meals in Houston

LAWIN.newsNovember 19, 2025047 views

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.