A split 5th Circuit panel halted Texas’ monitoring-and-filtering mandate in the SCOPE Act while leaving age‑verification rules intact.

A Lightcast-backed analysis finds Texas Southern University drives about $1.6 billion in annual regional activity and supports 15,676 jobs across four Houston-area counties.

A Houston dog walker says he called 911 while held at gunpoint during a two‑mile carjacking that ended in a crash on Washington Avenue. The suspect was arrested and faces kidnapping and robbery charges.

A flood advisory covers northwest Harris County until 9:45 p.m.; officials warn drivers to avoid flooded streets and check live gage readings.

A Galleria‑area shoplifting call led to a police chase on US‑59 Thursday night. Two women were struck and killed while crossing the freeway; two others were detained.

A contractor died when the ground collapsed at the Minglewood Wastewater Project in Liberty. City officials say an investigation is underway and the worker's name is being withheld.

At least one person was killed Thursday on Highway 288 at Elgin, and police say the crash came after a police engagement. Lanes were restricted and delays followed.

Detectives released surveillance images and clothing descriptions for two masked men wanted in a May 27 aggravated robbery. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $5,000 for tips.

HPD's Bomb Squad was called after deputies executing an ICAC warrant found a suspected homemade explosive in southeast Houston.

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience plays Houston on Aug. 7 at the Wortham Center, pairing Delta‑blues stars with a live orchestra and Freeman’s narration.

An Exxon convenience store in Porter partially collapsed Wednesday; three people inside escaped without injuries and crews cordoned the scene. Officials are investigating.

NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Harris County through 7:15 p.m.; officials warned of damaging winds, heavy rain and frequent lightning.

A Rice University working paper shows wide gaps in municipal pay across Texas; Houston pays the highest per police employee while Austin leads overall personnel spending.