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Texas Tribune: Thousands of Foster Children Languish in Hotels and Offices as State Struggles to Find Placements
An investigation by the Texas Tribune reveals that more than 3,000 Texas foster children spent at least one night in a hotel room, state office, or emergency shelter in the past year because the state could not find licensed placements for them.
Texas Tribune: State Lawmakers Quietly Gut Environmental Oversight of Petrochemical Plants Along Gulf Coast
A Texas Tribune investigation finds that the Legislature stripped the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality of key enforcement powers over Gulf Coast petrochemical facilities, leaving communities in Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Texas City with fewer protections against toxic air releases.
Houston Chronicle: Harris County Flood Control District Warns 80,000 Homes Still at High Risk Despite $2.5B in Harvey Repairs
The Harris County Flood Control District released a sobering assessment warning that 80,000 homes remain at significant flood risk even after $2.5 billion in post-Harvey drainage improvements.
Dallas Morning News: Texas Power Grid Faces Its Earliest Stress Test on Record as April Heat Tops 100°F
ERCOT issued a conservation advisory as record-breaking April heat pushed demand to levels not seen until July in previous years. Grid operators said the system was stable but warned that the combination of early heat and delayed maintenance could create vulnerabilities heading into summer.
Texas Tribune: Abbott Signs Bill Allowing Permitless Carry in More Public Spaces — Critics Warn of Safety Risks
Governor Greg Abbott signed legislation expanding permitless carry to additional public spaces including state parks, rest areas, and certain government buildings. Gun safety advocates immediately filed a legal challenge.
San Antonio Express-News: Bexar County Declares Water Emergency as Drought Drains Edwards Aquifer to 30-Year Low
Bexar County officials declared a water emergency after the Edwards Aquifer dropped to its lowest level since 1996, triggering Stage 3 water restrictions for San Antonio and surrounding communities.
Galveston Island Braces for Rip Current Danger as Gulf Swells Reach 8 Feet This Weekend
The National Weather Service has issued a high rip current risk advisory for all Galveston Island beaches through Sunday as a distant tropical disturbance pushes 6-to-8-foot swells toward the Texas coast. Galveston Beach Patrol has doubled lifeguard staffing and is urging swimmers to stay within flagged zones.
Gulf Coast Auto Crimes Task Force and Texas City Police Department Offer Free Catalytic Converter Etching to Combat Auto Theft
The Gulf Coast Auto Crimes Task Force has partnered with the Texas City Police Department to provide free catalytic converter etching services for residents. The event is Friday, June 5th, 2026 from 8am to close at SABA Motors, 3225 Magnolia Avenue, Texas City. Etching your converter with a unique VIN significantly reduces its resale value and deters theft. Call 409-948-2525 for more information.
Texas City Man Arrested After High-Speed Chase Ends on Galveston Causeway
A Texas City man led Galveston County Sheriff's deputies on a high-speed chase that reached 110 mph on I-45 before ending when the suspect's vehicle struck a concrete barrier on the Galveston Causeway. The driver, 28-year-old Devon Castillo, was taken into custody and faces felony evading arrest and DWI charges. No other vehicles were involved.
UTMB Galveston Launches First-in-Nation AI-Powered Stroke Detection Program
The University of Texas Medical Branch announced a first-in-the-nation partnership with a Houston AI startup to deploy real-time stroke detection software in its emergency department. The system analyzes CT scans in under 60 seconds and has already helped identify three stroke patients who may have otherwise been missed during the pilot phase.
Galveston City Council Approves $14M Seawall Lighting and Beautification Project
Galveston City Council voted 6-1 Thursday to approve a $14 million Seawall Boulevard beautification project that will install new LED lighting, decorative palm tree planters, upgraded pedestrian crosswalks, and public art installations along the 10-mile seawall. Construction is expected to begin in January 2027 and be complete by summer 2028.
League City Police Bust Organized Retail Theft Ring; $220K in Stolen Merchandise Recovered
League City Police Department announced the arrest of five individuals connected to an organized retail theft ring that targeted big-box stores across Galveston and Harris counties. Detectives recovered more than $220,000 in stolen merchandise from a storage unit on FM 518. The ring is believed to have been operating for at least 18 months.
Galveston County Commissioners Approve $42M Road Widening on FM 646 in Santa Fe
Galveston County Commissioners Court approved a $42 million project to widen FM 646 from two to four lanes between Highway 6 and Highway 87 in Santa Fe, addressing one of the county's most congested corridors. The project is funded through a combination of county road bonds and TxDOT cost-sharing and is expected to break ground in spring 2027.
Galveston Island Historic Homes Tour Draws Record 12,000 Visitors Over Spring Weekend
The Galveston Historical Foundation's annual Historic Homes Tour drew a record 12,000 visitors over the weekend, surpassing last year's attendance by 22%. This year's tour featured 14 Victorian-era homes in the East End Historic District, including three properties that had never been open to the public before. Proceeds fund preservation grants for historic Galveston properties.
Galveston Bay Foundation Reports Seagrass Recovery at Highest Level in 30 Years
The Galveston Bay Foundation released its annual bay health report showing seagrass coverage in West Galveston Bay has reached its highest level since 1994, a sign that water quality improvement efforts are working. The foundation credited reduced nutrient runoff from improved wastewater treatment plants and a decade of volunteer seagrass restoration planting.
Dickinson High School Senior Signs with University of Texas; First D1 Signing in School History
Dickinson High School senior pitcher Aaliyah Reyes signed a National Letter of Intent with the University of Texas softball program Wednesday, becoming the first Dickinson athlete in any sport to sign with a Division I program in the school's 60-year history. Reyes, ranked No. 6 nationally among softball pitchers by ESPN, had offers from 14 programs.
New $18M Galveston County Animal Shelter Opens in La Marque; Largest in Gulf Coast Region
Galveston County officially opened its new $18 million animal shelter in La Marque on Thursday, replacing the 40-year-old facility in Hitchcock. The new shelter features kennels for 500 dogs and 300 cats, a full veterinary clinic, a spay/neuter suite, adoption suites, and a pet food pantry. It is the largest county animal shelter on the Gulf Coast.
Galveston Police Warn of Phone Scam Targeting Elderly Residents; 14 Victims Lose $380K
The Galveston Police Department issued a public warning after 14 elderly residents reported losing a combined $380,000 to a phone scam in which callers impersonated GPD officers and told victims their grandchildren had been arrested and needed bail money. Police say the scam has been active for three weeks and is being run from outside the United States.
Port of Galveston Sets Single-Day Passenger Record With 28,000 Cruise Guests
The Port of Galveston set a new single-day passenger record Thursday when four cruise ships — Carnival Breeze, Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas, Norwegian Getaway, and Disney Wonder — all departed on the same day carrying a combined 28,000 passengers, surpassing the previous record of 24,200 set in 2024.
Galveston ISD Celebrates 100% Graduation Rate at Ball High School for First Time Ever
Ball High School in Galveston achieved a 100% graduation rate for the Class of 2026, the first time in the school's 130-year history that every enrolled senior received a diploma. Principal Dr. Marcus Williams credited a new attendance intervention program, expanded tutoring, and a senior mentorship initiative launched three years ago.
Galveston County DA Charges Former League City Council Member With Bribery
Galveston County District Attorney Jack Roady announced bribery charges against former League City Council Member Brian Holloway, alleging he accepted $85,000 in payments from a developer in exchange for his vote to approve a controversial mixed-use development on Clear Creek. Holloway turned himself in Wednesday and was released on $150,000 bond.
Galveston's Historic Strand District Gets $6M Streetscape Makeover; Work Begins Monday
The City of Galveston will begin a $6 million streetscape renovation of the historic Strand District on Monday, installing new brick pavers, period-appropriate lighting, expanded outdoor dining areas, and improved ADA accessibility along a six-block stretch. The project is expected to take eight months and will keep businesses open throughout construction.
Galveston County Health District Confirms Hepatitis A Outbreak Linked to Local Restaurant
The Galveston County Health District confirmed a hepatitis A outbreak linked to a Galveston Island restaurant, with 11 confirmed cases identified so far. Health officials are urging anyone who dined at Pier 21 Seafood House between March 28 and April 6 to contact their healthcare provider. Free hepatitis A vaccinations are available at all county health clinics through April 20.
Friendswood Ranked No. 1 Safest City in Texas for Third Consecutive Year
Friendswood was ranked the safest city in Texas for the third year in a row by SafeWise's annual Texas Safety Report, which analyzed FBI crime data, traffic fatality rates, and emergency response times for all Texas cities with populations over 25,000. Friendswood's violent crime rate of 0.4 per 1,000 residents is the lowest of any city in the state.
Galveston Wharves Breaks Ground on New $220M Cruise Terminal 3
The Port of Galveston broke ground Thursday on a $220 million cruise terminal expansion that will make it the largest cruise homeport on the Gulf Coast. The new Terminal 3 will accommodate next-generation mega-ships carrying up to 7,000 passengers and is expected to open in 2029, adding an estimated $180 million annually to the local economy.
TxDOT Announces $680M I-45 Interchange Rebuild at League City Parkway
The Texas Department of Transportation announced a $680 million project to rebuild the I-45 interchange at League City Parkway, one of the most congested intersections in Galveston County. The project will add direct connectors, collector-distributor roads, and a new frontage road system. Environmental review begins this summer with construction expected to start in 2028.
Galveston Island State Park Reopens After $8M Renovation; New Cabins and Kayak Launch Added
Galveston Island State Park reopened Thursday after a six-month, $8 million renovation that added 12 new waterfront cabins, a kayak and paddleboard launch on the bay side, an expanded nature center, and a new 2-mile hiking trail through the park's coastal prairie habitat. Texas Parks and Wildlife expects the improvements to increase annual visitation from 180,000 to 250,000.
Unlicensed Contractors Targeting Storm-Damaged Homes Across Jefferson County
KGCT 8 Investigates exposes a network of fraudulent contractors exploiting homeowners after last week's historic flooding in Jefferson County, accepting large deposits then disappearing before completing repairs. Our team documented 47 complaints filed with the state licensing board in the past 72 hours.
Jefferson County Drainage Projects: Where Did the Harvey Recovery Funds Go?
An exclusive KGCT 8 investigation into three stalled flood control projects in Mid-County that were funded with $42 million in Hurricane Harvey recovery money finds evidence of contractor overruns, missed deadlines, and a lack of oversight. Residents are still flooding in the same neighborhoods Harvey hit in 2017.
Insurance Companies Delaying Flood Claim Payouts to Jefferson County Homeowners
KGCT 8 Investigates has collected testimony from 200 Jefferson County homeowners who say their insurance companies have delayed, underpaid, or denied flood claims from last week's disaster. Texas Insurance Commissioner has opened a formal inquiry.
Beaumont ISD Financial Irregularities: What the State Auditors Found
Months before the superintendent's resignation, a KGCT 8 analysis of Beaumont ISD budget records revealed millions in payments to vendors without competitive bidding, inflated consultant contracts, and discrepancies between reported and actual enrollment numbers used to calculate state funding.
Port Arthur Refinery Emissions: Are Residents Getting the Full Story?
A KGCT 8 review of TCEQ filings and independent air monitoring data from Port Arthur neighborhoods near the refinery row finds that reported emissions from at least two facilities may significantly undercount actual releases, particularly during flaring events. Residents report persistent health complaints.
Southeast Texas Nursing Homes: Staffing Shortages Compromise Patient Safety
An undercover KGCT 8 investigation documents chronic understaffing at area nursing facilities, with some shifts operating at 50% of minimum required staffing levels. Families of residents describe falls, medication errors, and delayed care. State inspection records reveal repeat violations with minimal penalties.
Beaumont Auto Repair Shops Caught Charging for Work Never Done
A KGCT 8 hidden camera sting operation at six Beaumont-area auto repair shops finds three facilities charging customers for parts and services that were never performed. Our test vehicle — which had no mechanical issues — was quoted $1,400 in unnecessary repairs at one facility.
Gas Station Price Gouging Complaints Surge After Southeast Texas Flooding
The Texas Attorney General's office has received more than 300 price gouging complaints from Southeast Texas consumers following last week's disaster declaration, with some gas stations and hardware stores charging two to three times normal prices for fuel, generators, and building materials.
Tariff Impact on Southeast Texas: Small Businesses Sound the Alarm
KGCT 8 interviewed 40 small business owners across Jefferson, Orange, and Hardin counties about the impact of new federal tariffs on imported goods. From restaurant equipment and HVAC parts to construction materials, owners say costs are up 15-40% with no relief in sight — and they're being forced to pass costs to customers.
Southeast Texas Gas Prices Drop to $2.89 — Lowest Since January
Drivers across the Beaumont-Port Arthur metro are seeing the lowest gas prices since the start of the year. Analysts explain why prices are falling and how long it might last as summer driving season approaches.
Texas Homeowners Can Now Get Free Solar Panel Assessments Through New State Program
A new state program offers free home energy audits and solar feasibility studies. Qualifying homeowners could save thousands on installation costs through expanded federal tax credits.
H-E-B and Kroger Loyalty Programs Now Stack for Maximum Grocery Savings
Major Southeast Texas grocery chains now allow customers to combine digital coupons with loyalty rewards. Savvy shoppers are saving 30-40% on weekly bills using the new stacking strategy.
Spring AC Tune-Up Deals Could Save You $200 on Summer Repairs
HVAC companies across Southeast Texas are offering deep discounts on pre-season maintenance. Experts say a $79 tune-up now can prevent costly emergency repairs in July and August when demand peaks.
Free Financial Literacy Workshops Coming to Beaumont and Port Arthur Libraries
The Southeast Texas library system launches a spring series of free workshops covering budgeting, investing, and debt management for all skill levels. Sessions begin April 14.
Beaumont Restaurant Week Returns with 80+ Participating Locations
Beaumont Restaurant Week kicks off next month with three-course meals at fixed prices. All proceeds benefit the Southeast Texas Food Bank, which is serving a record 85,000 families monthly.
URGENT: Popular Sunscreen Brand Recalled Over Benzene Contamination
The FDA has issued an urgent recall for multiple batches of a widely-used sunscreen after testing revealed dangerous levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. Consumers are urged to stop using the product immediately.
Electric Scooters Recalled After Battery Fire Reports in Three States
A popular electric scooter brand is recalling 180,000 units sold nationwide after multiple reports of lithium batteries overheating and catching fire during charging. Consumers should stop charging immediately.
Frozen Chicken Products Recalled Due to Listeria Risk at Major Retailers
Over 300,000 pounds of frozen chicken products sold at H-E-B, Walmart, and Kroger are being recalled after routine testing detected possible listeria contamination. Check your freezer now.
Infant Sleep Positioners Recalled Over Suffocation Hazard
The CPSC warns parents to immediately stop using certain infant sleep positioners after reports of babies becoming trapped and suffocating. The recall affects 95,000 units sold at major baby retailers.
Pressure Cookers Recalled After Lid Detachment Injuries Reported
A defective locking mechanism in certain pressure cooker models may allow the lid to detach during use, causing burns. Over 400,000 units are affected. Stop using immediately and contact the manufacturer.
Popular Diabetes Test Strips May Give Inaccurate Readings
A manufacturing defect in certain batches of blood glucose test strips could provide false readings, potentially leading to improper insulin dosing. Patients should contact their pharmacist immediately.
Fake Utility Disconnection Calls Targeting Southeast Texas Residents
Scammers impersonating Entergy Texas are threatening immediate power shutoffs unless victims pay via gift cards or wire transfer. Entergy says it never demands immediate payment this way. Report suspicious calls to 1-800-ENTERGY.
Fake Job Offers on Social Media Steal Personal Information from Beaumont Residents
Criminals are posting fake remote job listings on Facebook and Instagram targeting Southeast Texas residents, collecting Social Security numbers and banking details during the fake application process.
QR Code Parking Meter Scams Spread Across Beaumont and Port Arthur
Scammers are placing fake QR code stickers over legitimate parking meter payment codes in downtown Beaumont and Port Arthur, redirecting payments to fraudulent accounts instead of the city.
Fake Charity Scams Exploit Recent Southeast Texas Storm Damage
After severe weather hit Southeast Texas, fraudulent charity websites are collecting donations that never reach victims. The BBB urges residents to verify charities at give.org before donating.
Rental Property Scams Increase as Spring Moving Season Begins in Southeast Texas
Scammers are listing fake rental properties at below-market prices in Beaumont, Galveston, and the Houston suburbs, collecting deposits from multiple victims before disappearing. Never send money before viewing in person.
Tech Support Scam Targets Southeast Texas Small Business Owners
Fake Microsoft and Apple support representatives are cold-calling Southeast Texas businesses, gaining remote access to computers and stealing financial data. The FBI has received 340 reports from Texas businesses this quarter.