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exas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed several lawsuits against Texas businesses that allegedly gouged consumers who needed food, shelter, fuel and other essentials during Hurricane Harvey. One of the businesses based in North Texas was caught allegedly charging drivers $6.99 for a gallon of regular unleaded gas on Aug. 31, the day many drivers reported shortages at the pumps. According to a release from attorney general’s office, state law prohibits businesses from charging exorbitant amounts during a declared disaster. The Bains Brothers, who own Texaco-branded gas station in Arlington, Carrollton and Richardson, were accused of charging the higher price even while displaying signs with prices in the...

Workers are needed from across the state to assist in the recovery effort from Hurricane Harvey. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it is partnering with the state of Texas to hire administrative, logistical and technical jobs related to the recovery. Those hired will join recovery teams already in place, and recent job postings will pay $14-34 per hour.   FEMA and the state are looking for people to multiple positions including civil engineers, communication specialists, couriers, graphics specialists, nurses and crisis counselors. Those interested must register with the Texas Workforce Commission’s website. FEMA added it will announce more jobs in...

Houston homeowners hard-hit from Hurricane Harvey flooding may now have an alternative to participate in a buyout program. Harris County Ed Emmett said that the county has approved the application for a FEMA grant to buy out certain homes that have repeatedly flooded. The Harris County Flood Control District sponsor the FEMA voluntary buyout program. Decisions on key Houston-area neighborhoods are made through state and local leaders. Grant funded buyouts of property must have a current flood insurance policy. Harris County property considerations include: 1. Source of flooding2. Location and depth within the floodplain 3. Cost effectiveness as a solution to the property's flooding problem4. Potential for...

Houston billionaire Tillman Fertitta has reached agreement to purchase the Houston Rockets from Leslie Alexander. The $2.2 billion sale price to break the NBA record sale of $2 billion from when the Clippers were sold to Steve Ballmer, according to the person familiar with the terms of the deal. "I am truly honored to have been chosen as the next owner of the Houston Rockets," Fertitta said in a statement. "This is a life-long dream come true." "Leslie Alexander has been one of the best owners in all of sports, and I thank him immensely for this opportunity. He has...

 A change.org petition to make Aug. 26 “Mattress Mack Day” in Houston already has more than 100,000 signatures. “It's time, Houston it's time, that Mattress Mack deserves his own Houston's day/ key to the city,” William Philips posted on the petition. “During Hurricane Harvey he turned the key to his locations and opened them up as Shelters. This man is a Houston icon that deserves to be remembered forever. Signing this petition will help us get what he deserves August 26 is to be declared as Mattress Mack Day in Houston.” After reaching its goal of 150,000 signatures the petition will...