A major apartment fire in Universal City, Texas, displaced residents from 64 units and prompted a coordinated emergency response. Firefighters evacuated families, aid groups provided shelter and supplies, and investigators began examining the cause of the blaze. Local nonprofits, schools, and city officials organized housing assistance, donations, and support services while structural assessments continued at the damaged complex.
The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed Texas to use a Republican-drawn congressional map that a lower court found likely unconstitutional, clearing the way for boundaries that could help the GOP gain up to five additional U.S. House seats in the 2026 midterm elections. The unsigned order pauses a ruling from a three-judge federal district court panel that concluded the map likely dilutes the voting power of certain groups of voters. Litigation over the legality of the Texas redistricting plan will continue in the lower court while the map remains in effect for upcoming elections.
A Texas judge denied Klein ISD’s request to dismiss a federal Title IX lawsuit tied to former Klein Cain High School teacher Kedria Grigsby, who faces child trafficking and compelling prostitution charges in Harris County. The ruling keeps the civil case active and allows plaintiffs to pursue claims that the district failed to respond adequately to alleged misconduct, while Grigsby’s separate criminal case proceeds in state court.
Voters across Houston will choose a new at-large city council member in a runoff election on Saturday, Dec. 13, after the previous officeholder stepped down to run for Harris County Judge. Early voting runs through Tuesday, Dec. 9, at locations across the city administered by Harris County election officials. The at-large seat represents all Houston residents and plays a key role in decisions on budget, infrastructure, and public safety. Election authorities will release unofficial results on election night and certify final totals after counting all eligible ballots.
Houston City Councilwoman Abbie Kamin announced her candidacy for Harris County Attorney, a move that will require her to vacate her current council seat under Texas’ resign-to-run rules. Her decision sets up an open seat on Houston’s largest legislative body and adds a new contender to the race for Harris County’s top civil legal office. Local and state election authorities will manage the process for filling her council vacancy and administering the Harris County Attorney election, while Harris County voters will ultimately choose the next official to lead the office.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas is considering a campaign for the U.S. Senate and has confirmed she has spoken with potential opponents as she evaluates a run. Party officials, strategists, and rival contenders are closely watching her deliberations, which could reshape the Democratic primary field in a Republican-leaning state. The developing race is drawing national attention as Democrats assess their chances in Texas and weigh the impact of Crockett’s possible candidacy on fundraising, messaging, and statewide electoral strategy.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has proposed a state program that would give every Texas newborn $1,000 at birth, in addition to a separate federal plan that will provide American babies $1,000 to invest in the stock market. The Texas Legislature will review the proposal, its funding sources and its coordination with the upcoming federal newborn investment initiative. Lawmakers, budget analysts and state agencies will evaluate costs, oversight and implementation details before any launch of the state program.
Texas officials have proposed dramatic increases in licensing fees for summer camps, part of a broader effort to improve safety and oversight following the deadly July 4 Central Texas floods that claimed 27 lives at Camp Mystic.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has formally requested the suspension of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)’s 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, sending a letter on Tuesday to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Texas state troopers discovered 23 people suspected of being in the U.S. illegally hidden in the sleeper compartment of a truck tractor during a traffic stop on Interstate 35 in La Salle County, authorities said.