Texas - Houston Stringer

Paxton expands Discord investigation after platform used by reported assassin of Charlie Kirk

9Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Breaking News, Texas, U.S.

Paxton expands Discord investigation after platform used by reported assassin of Charlie Kirk

AUSTIN, TX – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has expanded his investigation into the online chat platform Discord following revelations that the reported assassin of Charlie Kirk used the service, along with ongoing concerns over the platform’s alleged role in exposing minors to sexual exploitation, extremist content, and addictive features. File Photo (September 2025) The move comes under the authority of the Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment (SCOPE) Act, which allows the Attorney General to investigate digital platforms that may pose risks to minors. “I’m standing shoulder to shoulder with the Trump Administration to root out and defeat nihilistic violent extremism in all its forms,” Paxton stated. “Discord has chosen to allow extremist content, sexual expl...

Eight indicted alongside Houston woman accused of running illegal abortion clinics without licenses

9Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Texas

Eight indicted alongside Houston woman accused of running illegal abortion clinics without licenses

AUSTIN, TX – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the indictment and arrest of eight individuals, including several foreign nationals, in connection with illegal abortion clinics in the Houston area allegedly operated by Maria Rojas. File Photo (September 2025) The arrests are part of a broader criminal investigation into Rojas, 49, of Houston, who is accused of unlawfully posing as a physician while operating clinics in Waller, Cypress, Spring, and Katy. A Waller County grand jury previously indicted Rojas on 15 felony counts, including the illegal performance of an abortion and 12 counts of practicing medicine without a license. According to the Attorney General’s Office, the eight individuals indicted for practicing medicine without a license under Rojas are: Yaimara...

Suspect arrested after trying to pay water bill with meth and forged check

9Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Texas

Suspect arrested after trying to pay water bill with meth and forged check

TRINITY COUNTY, TX – Deputies with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office arrested one person and are pursuing charges against another after a suspicious package was found in the overnight drop box at the Westwood Shores Municipal Utility District Office. According to the sheriff’s office, the package included a water shutoff notice, a check, and a small plastic bag containing a white powdery substance. Upon investigation, deputies confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine. The check included in the envelope was also determined to be forged. Deputies executed a search warrant at the associated residence early the following morning and located additional methamphetamine. One suspect was arrested on charges of felony forgery and felony possession of a controlled substance. A secon...

Four dead after shooting spree across southwest Houston and Sugar Land

8Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Houston, National

Four dead after shooting spree across southwest Houston and Sugar Land

HOUSTON, TX – A gunman went on a shooting spree across Sugar Land and southwest Houston Wednesday, leaving four people dead. https://youtu.be/lCYRqAH_huQ The first shooting occurred shortly before 1 p.m. in the 12900 block of Dairy Ashford Road near US 90 in Sugar Land. A woman was found shot inside her vehicle and later died at a hospital. The suspect fled the scene. Around 1:45 p.m., the gunman arrived at a mechanic shop in the 13000 block of Fondren Road in southwest Houston. After an argument and a witness recording him, he opened fire and killed two men, including the shop owner. A few miles away, at approximately 2 p.m., police responded to another shooting in the 8000 block of Creekbend Drive, where the gunman was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Poli...

Armed robbery crew shoots at officers while fleeing robbery

8Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Houston

Armed robbery crew shoots at officers while fleeing robbery

HOUSTON, TX – According to Captain Ryan Watson, an armed robbery crew fired at police while fleeing a robbery, leading to a pursuit and crash near Canino and West Hardy Road. https://youtu.be/n4TbVqQXBgQ The robbery began about 11:15 a.m. when three suspects reportedly robbed the WSS clothing store in the 500 block of East Tidwell. Patrol officers obtained a description and surveillance photos of the suspects’ vehicle. The North Division’s patrol and crime suppression teams started to search the area and located the vehicle about 12:55 p.m. in front of the Advance Auto Parts at Airline and Tidwell, where the suspects were reportedly committing another robbery. As undercover officers attempted to watch the suspects, the suspects opened fire at police, striking no one. The suspect...

Governor Abbott orders TxDOT to enforce roadway safety, remove political markings

8Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Texas

Governor Abbott orders TxDOT to enforce roadway safety, remove political markings

AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to enforce compliance with federal and state roadway safety guidelines, emphasizing the removal of political or ideological markings from Texas roadways. File Photo (September 2025) “Texans expect their taxpayer dollars to be used wisely, not advance political agendas on Texas roadways,” said Governor Abbott. He instructed TxDOT to ensure that counties and cities eliminate all non-standard symbols, signs, or markings conveying political or ideological messages. According to the Governor’s Office, failure to comply may result in penalties, including denial of state and federal road funding and suspension of existing agreements with TxDOT. Federal and state guidelines prohibit surface ma...

Governor Abbott appoints Neyma Figueroa to Texas Energy Reliability Council

8Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Texas

Governor Abbott appoints Neyma Figueroa to Texas Energy Reliability Council

AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Neyma Figueroa of San Antonio to the Texas Energy Reliability Council, with her term to expire at the pleasure of the Governor. File Photo (September 2025) The Council was established to ensure that the state’s energy and electric industries meet high-priority human needs, address critical infrastructure concerns, and enhance coordination and communication across sectors. Figueroa is an attorney and senior counsel at Valero Energy Corporation. She is a member of the State Bar of Texas and The William N. Sessions American Inn of Court. Her volunteer work includes involvement with the Valero Texas Open, San Antonio Academy, and First Presbyterian Church of San Antonio. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy...

Governor Abbott announces Leakey as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community

8Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Texas

Governor Abbott announces Leakey as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community

AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott announced that the City of Leakey has officially been designated as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community by the Texas Music Office (TMO) after completing the program’s multi-step certification process. File Photo (September 2025) “Congratulations to the City of Leakey on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” said Governor Abbott. “With support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry accounts for more than 196,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generates over $31 billion in annual economic activity statewide. Together, we will continue to work alongside communities in every region of our state to create good-paying jobs and boost economic growth.” Launched in 2016, the Music Friendly Texas pr...

Governor Abbott directs DPS to increase enforcement on illegal vape and smoke shops

8Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Texas

Governor Abbott directs DPS to increase enforcement on illegal vape and smoke shops

AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to intensify enforcement efforts targeting vape and smoke shops that violate state laws and regulations, with a focus on protecting children from dangerous hemp-derived products. File Photo (June 2024) "Texas will protect children from dangerous hemp products," said Governor Abbott. "Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to increase surveillance and enforcement of any vape and smoke shop violating Texas law. Texas will prioritize protecting our children." Under the Governor’s directive: DPS Criminal Investigations Division (CID) will carry out targeted operations to identify problematic vape and smoke shops and coordinate with state, local, and federal partners to inspe...

Governor Abbott announces 7th Annual Texas Sounds & Cities Conference in Corpus Christi

8Oct

By Houston StringerNo Comments

Texas

Governor Abbott announces 7th Annual Texas Sounds & Cities Conference in Corpus Christi

AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Music Office have announced that the Seventh Annual Texas Sounds & Cities Conference will be held this year in Corpus Christi on November 5 and 6. File Photo (September 2025) “Texas is where live music lives,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas’ vibrant music industry supports local job creation while drawing visitors from around the globe, attracting a talented workforce across industries, and supporting business recruitment and expansion efforts throughout the state. I thank the Texas Music Office for helping communities large and small develop creative partnerships and grow new jobs.” Co-hosted by the Texas Music Office, the City of Corpus Christi, Visit Corpus Christi, and the Corpus Christi Film & Music Commission, the confere...