Texas News | Page 2 of 88

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

LAWIN.newsNovember 21, 2025016 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, 2025015 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, 2025034 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, 2025015 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, 2025020 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, 2025014 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.

Texas takes fight over congressional maps to Supreme Court

LAWIN.newsNovember 19, 2025018 views

Texas officials appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court hours after federal judges blocked the state’s newly drawn Congressional map. The ruling halted use of the map in upcoming elections over concerns about compliance with federal voting laws and constitutional protections. State leaders argue the map is lawful and are asking the Supreme Court to overturn the lower court’s decision. The case affects how Texas allocates political power following population changes and could shape which district boundaries are used when voters select U.S. House representatives.

Email reveals Harris County DA’s office reviewing HISD bond spending

LAWIN.newsNovember 18, 2025019 views

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.

UH shuts Pi Kappa Phi chapter as hazing probe concludes

LAWIN.newsNovember 18, 2025019 views

The University of Houston has closed the Beta Nu chapter of Pi Kappa Phi after the fraternity’s national office reported hazing and risk-management violations. The chapter voted to surrender its charter on November 14. University officials and the University of Houston Police Department are conducting parallel investigations into alleged physical abuse, forced consumption and public humiliation. A non-university student was hospitalized following the reported hazing and later released. Students found responsible may face expulsion and possible criminal charges.

Ex–Alamo Trust president Kate Rogers files lawsuit over exit

LAWIN.newsNovember 18, 2025021 views

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.