Texas News

Buddhist monks set out on a 2,300-mile journey from Texas to Washington

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.

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Defense Health Agency investigates claims tied to Army gynecologist

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.

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$10M lawsuit targets UH, fraternity over alleged hazing

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.

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$3 billion dementia fund in Texas paused after lawsuit

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.

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Houston council proposal on HPD ICE warrants meets union pushback

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.

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

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.

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Houston imposes citywide curfew on scooters, ATVs

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.

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Houston food insecurity rising sharply, survey links it to worsening health

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.

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Court halts Texas’ new congressional map ahead of 2026 elections

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.

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