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Citizen Portal News Texas
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Key decisions were made at the City of Josephine council meeting, including the appointment of a new mayor pro tem and significant rezonings to boost local commerce.

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#JosephineCollinCounty #TX #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #JosephineCityCouncil #PublicSafety
At a glance: key votes and council actions from Josephine’s Dec. 8 meeting
A concise listing of formal motions and outcomes from the Dec. 8 City of Josephine council meeting, including appointments, rezonings, PID reimbursement agreements, and a lease approval for T‑Mobile.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 1:11 AM
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Robinson City Council just approved a game-changing ordinance that could see up to 530 new residential units and 94,000 square feet of commercial space transform the area!

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#RobinsonMcLennanCounty #TX #RobinsonCommunity #InfrastructurePlanning #ResidentialGrowth #CitizenPortal
Robinson council enacts Ordinance 2025‑047 to modify PDD at 1203 N. Old Robinson Road
The council enacted Ordinance 2025‑047, a PDD modification that increases allowed residential density (from 300 approved units to up to 400–530 units in the PDD text), adds commercial space, and establishes deviations and buffers; staff said infrastructure work would begin in a phased build beginning in 2026 pending preliminary plat and a traffic impact analysis.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 1:10 AM
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Robinson City Council has approved a significant cost-sharing agreement with Waco for the crucial Brazos Riverbank restoration project while saying goodbye to Planning & Zoning member Les Davis.

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#RobinsonMcLennanCounty #TX #CommunityPlanning #RobinsonRiverbank
Robinson council approves interlocal cost‑share for Brazos Riverbank restoration; accepts P&Z resignation
The Robinson City Council approved a consent agenda that included an interlocal cost‑sharing agreement with Waco for the Brazos Riverbank restoration (Robinson’s negotiated share about $498,000) and accepted Les Davis’s resignation from Planning & Zoning Place 5.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 1:09 AM
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The City of Josephine has taken a big step toward new housing developments by approving reimbursement agreements that pave the way for crucial bond financing!

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#JosephineCollinCounty #TX #PublicInfrastructure #TaxBaseGrowth #HousingDevelopment #CitizenPortal
Josephine council approves reimbursement agreements to clear path for two PIDs
The council authorized reimbursement agreements with Brightland Homes and Meritage Homes to enable bond financing for Josephine Public Improvement District No.1 (Morningside) and the Morgan Farms PID, allowing developers to file final plats and proceed toward assessment‑backed bonds.
citizenportal.ai
December 14, 2025 at 1:04 AM
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Keene is on the brink of a major economic boost with a potential deal that could bring 200 new jobs and a $70K-$100K median income!

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#KeeneJohnsonCounty #TX #EconomicDevelopment #ManufacturingGrowth #KeeneIndustrialPark #JobCreation #CitizenPortal
Keene staff say 'offer coming' from Metal Plate for 60‑acre industrial park site; city projects up to 200 jobs
City Manager Jonathan Seitz told the council an offer is imminent from 'Metal Plate' for 60 acres in the industrial park; staff said the initial facility would bring 80–100 jobs and a second phase could add another 80–100 jobs, with median incomes between $70,000 and $100,000.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 8:53 PM
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The Supreme Court of Texas is grappling with a pivotal case that could redefine how trial materials and testimony impact civil malpractice claims against attorneys.

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#TX #CitizenPortal #AttorneyConduct #TexasCivilJustice #MalpracticeClaims #LegalProcedure
Supreme Court of Texas hears argument on whether trial materials and testimony may be used in related malpractice suits
At oral argument the petitioners’ counsel urged the court to limit use of trial materials and testimony in later civil malpractice claims and disputed whether the pleadings establish an attorney-client relationship. The transcript supplied is partially garbled and several names and citations are unclear.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 8:33 PM
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A gripping trial has commenced in Texas, where the prosecution claims Duron Evans choked a complainant, while the defense questions the credibility of witnesses and the integrity of crucial video evidence.

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#TX #PublicSafety #TexasFamilyViolence #CitizenPortal #JusticeReform
Family-violence assault trial begins; defense raises missing-video and investigation concerns
Jury empaneled in State v. Duron Evans; prosecutor described evidence that the defendant choked the complainant, the defense attacked witness credibility and alleged missing or edited video evidence, and the state called officers to testify and to offer a recorded interview of the defendant.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 11:35 AM
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In a dramatic court session, multiple defendants faced significant decisions including a withdrawn appeal, a bond reinstatement, and various plea resolutions—what does this mean for their futures?

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#TX #TexasCourts #CriminalJustice #BondReinstatement #CitizenPortal
Docket roundup: appeal withdrawn, bond reinstated and multiple plea outcomes at district court
At the 187th Judicial District Court docket, a defendant withdrew an appeal, a prior bond forfeiture was set aside pending bondsman confirmation, and the court accepted plea agreements and imposed sentences in several cases, including revocation and a short jail term under a plea deal.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 11:33 AM
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The Lubbock City Council has made significant strides by unanimously approving key chair appointments and crucial zoning changes that will reshape the city's landscape!

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#LubbockLubbockCounty #TX #CommunityPlanning #UrbanDevelopment #TaxIncrementFinancing #CitizenPortal
Council approves four TIF chair appointments and unanimous zoning changes for multiple properties
The Lubbock City Council unanimously appointed chairpersons for four Tax Increment Financing boards for 2026 and approved four zoning changes (items 7.57) after a consolidated public hearing and presentations by planning staff and applicants.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 9:39 AM
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Lubbock's City Manager reveals a narrowing sales-tax shortfall, as strategic spending cuts pave the way for a balanced general fund ahead of the formal audit.

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#LubbockLubbockCounty #TX #LubbockCityCouncil #FiscalResponsibility #SalesTaxRecovery #CitizenPortal #BudgetAudit
Lubbock manager says FY2025 sales-tax shortfall narrowed; general fund expected balanced on unaudited basis
City Manager Matt Atkinson told the Lubbock City Council that an anticipated $5.4 million sales-tax shortfall narrowed to roughly $5.19 million in final unaudited numbers and that spending cuts and other savings should leave the general fund balanced before the formal audit in February.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 9:36 AM
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In a gripping courtroom showdown, family witnesses challenge the complainant's claims in the State of Texas v. Duran Evans trial, sparking a fierce debate over conflicting memories and alleged assaults.

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#TX #JusticeSystem #TexasCourtrooms #WitnessTestimony #LegalDefense
Family witnesses contradict complainant’s account as State v. Evans jury trial begins
The jury trial of State v. Duran Evans opened with family members called by the defense testifying that the defendant remained calm and that the complaining witness (her daughter) has a history of exaggeration; the prosecution and defense sharply disputed who observed physical contact in a movie‑theater parking lot.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 2:39 AM
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The 252nd District Court saw a whirlwind of guilty pleas, bond adjustments, and surprising dismissals that could change lives forever.

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#TX #TexasCourts #CriminalJustice #CitizenPortal #CommunityAccountability #ProbationReform
Docket roundup: multiple guilty pleas, dismissals and bond adjustments at 252nd District Court
At the 252nd District Court docket call judges accepted multiple guilty pleas, entered dismissals, reduced bonds and set trials or sentencings for several defendants, including probation terms, restitution and program conditions.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 2:38 AM
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Terry Rose has finally pleaded guilty to a murder charge dating back to 1999, setting the stage for a pivotal sentencing hearing that could change everything.

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#TX #TexasCourts #CriminalJustice #SentencingReform #LegalAccountability #CitizenPortal
Terry Rose pleads guilty to 1999 murder; sentencing set after pre-sentence report
Terry Rose pleaded guilty to a 1999 murder charge in the 252nd District Court and left punishment to the judge; the court found him competent, ordered a pre-sentence report and scheduled a multi-hour sentencing hearing for Tuesday the 16th.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 2:34 AM
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A gripping trial in Bexar County unfolds as a jury weighs conflicting witness accounts and police testimony in a shocking felony assault case.

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#TX #WitnessTestimony #CriminalJustice #BexarCounty #LegalInvestigation #CitizenPortal
Jury trial in Bexar County over alleged choking centers on inconsistent witness statements and investigative choices
At a jury trial in the 187th District, prosecutors presented testimony that a complainant was choked; defense counsel highlighted inconsistencies in accounts (hand used, number of hands, seat position) and cross-examined police on forms, bodycam footage and investigative follow-up. The jury was charged and sent to deliberate.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 2:23 AM
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Waco City Council just made big moves by approving major zoning changes and a new Public Arts Commission that will reshape the future of the city!

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#WacoMcLennanCounty #TX #WacoDevelopment #UrbanPlanning #CommunityGrowth #PublicPolicy #CitizenPortal
Council approves multiple zoning, annexation and ordinance items including West Village PUD and two voluntary annexations
On Dec. 2 the Waco City Council approved a package of zoning and ordinance items on second reading and individual consideration, including PUD zoning for West Village/Westlake, voluntary annexations, and multiple ordinance cleanups and code updates.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 2:11 AM
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Waco residents are rallying against a massive 500-acre data center, fearing it could threaten their long-standing way of life and the local environment.

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#WacoMcLennanCounty #TX #EnvironmentalImpact #PublicParticipation #WacoCommunity #CitizenPortal #WaterConservation
Residents urge Waco council to act as opposition grows to proposed 500‑acre data center in county ETJ
Multiple residents urged the Waco City Council to oppose or address a proposed ~500‑acre Infra Key data center planned in the county/ETJ, citing water use, noise, pollution and limited local benefits; the mayor noted those proposals are in extraterritorial jurisdiction and have not yet come before the council.
citizenportal.ai
December 13, 2025 at 1:55 AM
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Sweetwater City Council has greenlit up to $200,000 in performance-based funding for a new nonprofit childcare center set to open in 2026, but can it hit the enrollment targets?

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#SweetwaterNolanCounty #TX #EducationAccess #CommunitySupport #LocalGovernance #SweetwaterChildcare
Council OKs up to $200,000 in performance-based incentives for new nonprofit childcare center
The Sweetwater City Council authorized Seed MDD to provide up to $200,000 in enrollment-based incentives to Lone Star Learning Academy, a nonprofit childcare operator that plans to open in early 2026 at Emmanuel Fellowship; the council recorded one abstention tied to a disclosed family connection.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 6:05 PM
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Waco is reimagining its subdivisions into vibrant, walkable neighborhoods by proposing innovative design changes that prioritize connectivity and pedestrian access.

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#WacoMcLennanCounty #TX #WalkabilityInitiatives #UrbanDesign #AffordableHousing #CitizenPortal #WacoSubdivisions
Waco staff urge design changes to turn subdivisions into connected, walkable neighborhoods
City staff presented options to raise connectivity and pedestrian access in new Waco subdivisions, proposing a connectivity index, stronger stub-out and access rules, revised sidewalk timing, and a traffic-calming 'menu' to balance walkability with affordability concerns.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 5:27 PM
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The Supreme Court of Texas is faced with a pivotal argument that could redefine the boundaries of litigation by clarifying when a later suit should be blocked under the first-filed rule.

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#TX #LitigationGuidance #JudicialAccountability #TexasCourts #LegalReform #CitizenPortal
Texas high court hears argument on whether later suit is barred by first‑filed rule
At oral argument before the Supreme Court of Texas, counsel argued the court should clarify whether a later‑filed suit is barred by the first‑filed rule and urged adoption of a material‑elements test to avoid duplicative litigation; counsel cited filing dates and disputed whether alleged misconduct continued after 2012.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 1:07 PM
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La Marque is taking a bold step towards safer streets with a comprehensive plan to eliminate roadway fatalities and injuries, backed by crucial funding opportunities.

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#LaMarqueGalvestonCounty #TX #CommunityEngagement #LaMarqueRoadSafety #PublicSafety #CitizenPortal
HGAC updates La Marque on roadway safety plan after review of seven years of crash data
HGAC consultant Peyton Arons briefed council on a La Marque safety action plan aligned with USDOT’s Safe System approach, citing 24 fatal crashes and 113 serious-injury crashes from 2018–2024 and outlining public engagement and project prioritization steps for SS4A funding readiness.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 12:38 PM
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Residents are making explosive allegations against La Marque Councilman Joseph Lowry, claiming harassment, cyberstalking, and more during a heated public-comment session.

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#LaMarqueGalvestonCounty #TX #HarassmentAllegations #PublicComment #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability
Residents accuse La Marque councilmember of harassment; council reiterates free-speech protections
Multiple residents used public comment to accuse Councilman Joseph Lowry of online harassment, stalking and making false statements about deceased relatives; speakers said they have filed complaints and demanded action; city attorney advised council on public-comment protections and decorum.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 12:31 PM
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La Marque City Council is reshaping your water and sewer rates with a new five-year plan that could impact your monthly bill—find out how!

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#LaMarqueGalvestonCounty #TX #LaMarqueUtility #FiscalStability #CommunityTransparency #CitizenPortal #WaterRates
La Marque council advances first reading of five-year water and sewer rate plan
Council approved a first reading of a five-year water and sewer rate ordinance that raises the fixed monthly charge and restructures per-thousand-gallon tiers, citing the need to stabilize the utility fund and protect bond ratings.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 12:27 PM
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Judge Tammy Long Hayward navigated a bustling hybrid arraignment calendar, skillfully accepting pleas and managing cases while emphasizing the importance of communication for defendants.

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#TX #TexasCourtSystem #DefendantRights #JudicialProcess #ProbationGuidelines #CitizenPortal
Clayton County State Court handles large arraignment calendar; multiple pleas accepted and some cases dismissed
Judge Tammy Long Hayward ran a hybrid arraignment calendar in Courtroom 304 on Dec. 4, 2025, accepting negotiated pleas and first-offender pleas, issuing and recalling several bench warrants, and directing defendants to probation intake and payment procedures.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 12:26 PM
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A patient claims she was sexually assaulted by a surgeon during a post-operative visit, leading to a trial that will explore the complex definitions of consent and penetration.

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#TX #ForensicEvidence #LegalTerminology #SexualAssaultAwareness #TexasCosmeticSurgery
Port Arthur surgeon on trial after patient says he slipped fingers between her labia; SANE nurse and DNA tests discussed
On the first day of a criminal trial in Jefferson County, the prosecution presented testimony from the patient, her mother and a SANE nurse claiming the defendant touched and inserted a finger past the labia during a post‑operative visit; the defense focused on the legal meaning of 'penetration' and DNA evidence that did not show a male profile on labia swabs.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 11:34 AM
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In a heated La Marque City Council meeting, members voted 3-2 to extend interim city manager Barbara Holly’s contract amidst serious allegations of misconduct, sparking a contentious debate over transparency and stability.

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#LaMarqueGalvestonCounty #TX #GovernmentTransparency
La Marque council extends interim city manager’s contract after divided vote amid allegation review
The La Marque City Council voted 3–2 to extend interim city manager Barbara Holly’s contract six months (plus a 45‑day transition) and to begin a search for a permanent city manager; a councilmember asked to table action after saying an email alleged illegal conduct by the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office.
citizenportal.ai
December 12, 2025 at 10:35 AM