Taryn Phaneuf News
Appeals court dismisses utility company's suit against Fort Bend Independent School District
TYLER — A utility company can’t force a school district to settle an outstanding invoice for services because a state law grants the district immunity from lawsuits.
BP takes oil and gas lease arguments to Texas Supreme Court
AUSTIN — In oral arguments set for this week before the Texas Supreme Court, BP will make another attempt to hold onto an oil and gas lease for a well it shut in more than four years ago.
Bankrupt hospital company accuses Texas tribe of fraud
The owner of a Texas hospital has accused the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas of fraud and violating a federal labor law when its health plan and plan administrators refused to pay more than $2 million in medical benefits for services provided to an employee covered in the health plan.
Report gives Texas a 'D' in court diversity
WASHINGTON – New data on the makeup of state courts reveals that white men fill most judicial seats in Texas.
Texas has ninth-best economy among U.S. states, WalletHub analysis reports
AUSTIN – Texas boasts one of the top-10 best economies among the states, according to an analysis by personal-finance website, WalletHub.
Survey shows Texas is still the best state for business
AUSTIN — Texas continues its reign as the best state for business, according to Chief Executive magazine’s latest survey.
Homeowners sue Sabine River Authority over flood damage
ORANGE — Homeowners looking to force a state agency pay for the flood damage done to their homes in March could have a claim, but arguing the case will likely be a challenge, one law professor said.
Court reduces attorneys fees awarded to whistleblower
More than 18 months after a hospital operator agreed to pay $98 million to settle False Claim Act allegations with the federal government, an appeals court reduced the attorneys fees that should be awarded to one of the whistleblowers.
27 students earn scholarships for demonstrating potential in insurance business
AUSTIN — More than two dozen insurance and risk management students at six Texas universities were awarded scholarships by the Insurance Council of Texas Education Foundation.
Texas AG makes 'clumsy, awkward' defense against civil charges, political scientist says
Civil securities fraud charges filed Monday bring everything back to the surface over Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s relationship with a Texas tech company that includes allegedly accepting a commission in exchange for recruiting investors.
SCOTUS says states may base voter districts on total population
AUSTIN — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton declared victory following the U.S. Supreme Court’s unanimous decision that states may base election districts on the total population, rather than just eligible voters.