Legal News
Latest updates from Houston & Texas
probate News
Legal and political developments related to probate, analyzed from a civil rights perspective.
Articles tagged "probate"
Texas Primaries Reveal Key Legal Fights and Public Policy Crossroads
New poll numbers for the 2026 Texas primaries show critical legal and public policy implications, with U.S. Senate and Attorney General races likely heading to runoffs. These elections will determine who shapes state legal strategy and federal legislation, directly impacting Texans' constitutional rights and everyday lives.
Houston Legal Experts Tackle Social Media Addiction & Shifting Political Landscape
A landmark trial in Houston is questioning if social media platforms are intentionally addictive for young users, potentially setting new legal precedents for corporate responsibility. Concurrently, the rising influence of social media personalities in Texas politics is reshaping political discourse and raising public policy concerns about election fairness.
Texas Legal Battles: Social Media, Elections, and Public Safety Face Scrutiny
Houston and Texas are grappling with significant legal challenges ranging from corporate accountability in social media addiction to government oversight in public safety. Courts are examining tech company responsibilities to users and state officials' duties to citizens, alongside emerging legal questions in election integrity and autonomous vehicle liability. These cases stand to redefine consumer protection, election rules, and regulatory frameworks across the state.
Texas Court Orders Xcel to Replace Faulty Power Poles After Deadly Wildfires
A Texas district court issued an order requiring electric utility Xcel to replace damaged power poles in high-risk wildfire areas. This action follows Attorney General Ken Paxton's lawsuit against Xcel, which admitted one of its poles sparked the devastating 2024 Smokehouse Creek fire. The injunction underscores legal responsibility for public safety and corporate accountability in preventing future disasters.
Federal SNAP Rule Changes Hit Older Texans: What It Means for Your Benefits
New federal law expands SNAP work requirements for adults aged 55-64, demanding 80 hours of monthly work, training, or volunteering to maintain eligibility. This policy change also removes key exemptions for vulnerable populations like veterans and the homeless, impacting over 60,000 older Americans and raising concerns about due process and public policy for the social safety net.
Supreme Court Rules Trump Tariffs Illegal, Leaving Businesses Billions in Refunds and Years of Legal Battles Ahead
The Supreme Court ruled the Trump administration illegally collected emergency tariffs, ordering up to $175 billion in refunds to businesses. This decision significantly limits executive power to impose tariffs for revenue, but legal experts warn refunds could take years of litigation. The government plans to explore other tariff authorities, though some come with built-in congressional oversight.
Texas College Prep: Are We Misleading Students on the Path to Success?
A new study reveals that some Texas high school college prep courses don't effectively prepare students for college, despite state incentives for districts. This raises public policy and equity concerns as these pathways offer a false signal of readiness, potentially leading to increased student debt and delayed degree completion, while more rigorous programs like dual credit show better outcomes.
Federal Policies Hit Home: UNT Faces $45 Million Shortfall as International Enrollment Declines
The University of North Texas faces a $45 million budget deficit due to a sharp decline in international student enrollment, a situation significantly impacted by federal immigration policies and increased scrutiny. This deficit highlights the vulnerability of state university funding, which often relies on full-pay international students and state appropriations tied to enrollment, pushing a public policy debate around funding reform and due process concerns for students.
Texas U.S. Senate Primaries: Unpacking the Legal Labyrinth of Dark Money
This legal analysis reveals how "dark money" – undisclosed political spending – is heavily influencing Texas' U.S. Senate primaries. Federal campaign finance laws, especially post-Citizens United, allow Super PACs to be funded by anonymous nonprofits, creating a transparency challenge for voters. This system raises significant questions about electoral integrity and public accountability in political advertising.
Texas Senate Candidate's $2 Million Donation Sparks Legal Questions
A Texas state Senate candidate received a substantial $2 million donation, prompting legal and public policy discussions about campaign finance transparency. While the candidate asserts 'no strings attached,' the contribution raises questions about donor influence and election integrity, impacting voter trust.
Texas Regulators Restrict Classroom Topics, Sparking Academic Freedom Debate
The University of Texas System Board of Regents has approved a new policy limiting 'controversial topics' in classrooms, sparking concerns over academic freedom and free speech. This move is part of a broader trend in Texas higher education to increase state control over curriculum, with vague definitions posing potential challenges for faculty and students.