Prominent Houston attorney Tony Buzbee faces a lawsuit from former client Jose Bermudez, who alleges being overcharged in interest from a settlement fund. This marks the fourth such claim against Buzbee, drawing further scrutiny into the law firm’s handling of client settlements.
North Texas could face freezing temperatures next week as a cold front moves in, following strong winds on Friday. Residents are advised to prepare for potential weather changes and stay informed of local forecasts for updates.
The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program resumes first-time applications after a court ruling, but new Texas applicants will not receive work permits. This decision affects many undocumented residents in Texas despite DACA’s protection from deportation. Advocates urge caution, anticipating possible legal challenges to the mandate. Yolanda Batz, a University of Houston graduate, voices concerns over the ruling’s limitation on her career opportunities without a work permit. Local leaders emphasize the economic contributions of DACA-eligible individuals, advocating for legal work avenues. As applicants weigh risks, seeking legal advice remains a priority.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire offers a voluntary retirement incentive to 2,700 city workers to address a projected $330 million budget deficit. The program aims to reduce payroll expenses amid financial strain, following a hiring freeze. The city’s leadership is focused on balancing fiscal responsibility with maintaining essential public services, considering additional cost-saving measures. Efforts include reassessing departmental budgets and exploring revenue opportunities while prioritizing transparency and public welfare. This initiative represents a significant move towards achieving financial stability and sustainable resource management for Houston.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued an opinion deeming it unlawful for transgender individuals to change the sex on their identification documents. According to Paxton, court orders to alter the sex designation on driver’s licenses and birth certificates are invalid, and any such modified documents must revert to their original state.
A Tarrant County judge has called on the University of Texas System to ban drag shows, echoing a recent decision by the Texas A&M University system. The move follows concerns about the portrayal of women in drag performances. This development is part of a broader discussion about drag events on college campuses, including a legal challenge from an LGBTQ student group at Texas A&M. The judge’s request emphasizes a focus on academic priorities over such events. Historical contexts of drag culture and its presence in Texas universities add layers to this ongoing debate.
In Houston, tensions rise between city officials and advocates over the allocation of $314 million in federal disaster funding. The Housing and Community Development Department proposes spending on homelessness and power generators, while advocates push for more affordable housing. This debate highlights the challenge of balancing immediate needs and long-term solutions. The outcome could impact future urban development and disaster preparedness in Houston.
An explosion at a manhole on the Texas Tech University campus has caused power outages and prompted evacuations, according to the university’s police department.
The blast, which primarily affected the university and Health Sciences Center, led to the evacuation of the Engineering Key area due to a reported gas odor leak.
The Texas Senate has approved Senate Bill 494, establishing a task force to tackle petroleum theft. Led by Senator Kevin Sparks, the statewide task force will analyze the issue and develop strategies to prevent organized oil field theft, safeguarding Texas’s energy resources and interests.
The number of measles cases in Texas has surpassed 200, an increase from 159 cases reported last week.
Health authorities in Texas have confirmed the increase, noting that it mirrors trends in other states.