Posted on · It's jury appreciation week in Harris County, as officials work to educate the public on the importance of showing up for jury service. As Gail Delaughter reports — the county hopes to make the process easier for the thousands of prospective jurors called every week.
Posted on · 17 people in Texas, including some in the Houston area, are charged with mortgage fraud as part of a nationwide crackdown by the Justice Department. Federal investigators have made nearly 500 arrests since March. It is the largest collective enforcement effort aimed at confronting the problem of mortgage fraud. Pat Hernandez has the story.
Posted on · A judge in Austin says the state attorney general can 'not' intervene in a same-sex divorce case in Travis County. A Houston constitutional law expert believes the ruling, which lets the divorce stand, probably won't have much bearing on 'another' same-sex divorce case scheduled to be heard in a state appeals court later this month. David Pitman has more.
Posted on · A Houston judge who ruled the death penalty is unconstitutional has rescinded that ruling. His decision allows attorneys on both sides of a death penalty case to present briefings on the validity of capital punishment. Laurie Johnson reports.
Posted on · Harris County Commissioners unanimously approve creation of a public defenders office. The move will change the way indigent defendants receive legal representation in the county. Rod Rice reports that an advocate for the change calls it a "big step in the right direction."
Posted on · Members of the Harris County Sheriff's Office take part in a religious service at Sacred Heart co-cathedral downtown. The "blue mass" is a tradition in many dioceses around the country for law enforcement officers to gather in celebration and blessing for their work on behalf of the community. Pat Hernandez has more.
Posted on · The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled elected judges must step aside from cases involving people who've made big donations to their campaigns. A former Texas Supreme Court judge says this won't have much impact in Texas, as Jim Bell reports.
Posted on · Texas has a new law that requires children under eight to be in a car safety seat unless they're taller than four-feet nine-inches. Rod Rice reports.
Posted on · Four debt settlement companies are being sued by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott. They're accused of misleading their customers with claims to eliminate or reduce their debt. Pat Hernandez has the story.
Posted on · The City of Houston Municipal Court will conduct another of its periodic "amnesty" periods for two weeks starting tomorrow. It's a chance for people to clear up their "unfinished business" with the city's traffic courts. Jim Bell reports.
Posted on · Houston's red light camera system just became even more controversial. Under a new plan the city is considering, if you ignore that red light ticket — you might not be able to renew your vehicle registration. Laurie Johnson explains.
Posted on · Harris County commissioners are confronted with an issue of inadequate security at the county's Juvenile Justice Center. Judges say there aren't enough bailiffs on duty to maintain order and safety in the courtrooms. Houston Public Radio's Laurie Johnson reports.