Texas Judge Files Federal Suit Over Same-Sex Wedding Refusals
A Texas justice of the peace has filed a federal lawsuit challenging state officials over discipline tied to her refusal to officiate same-sex wedding ceremonies based on religious belief. The case, filed in the Western District of Texas, revives a years-long dispute over judicial ethics, free exercise of religion, and whether state regulators may restrict a judge’s ability to perform opposite-sex weddings while declining same-sex ceremonies. The lawsuit follows a recent revision to the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct that expressly permits judges to refrain from officiating weddings for religious reasons, setting the stage for a broader legal fight over how far state discipline can go after that change.
Hays County Records Raise Questions About Public Office and Private Entities
In 2025, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra publicly dismissed reporting that raised questions about private business and nonprofit entities connected to his household and urged residents not to engage with it. Those questions trace back more than a decade and are supported by public records, including lease arrangements involving a local news outlet and the use of county property for events tied to those entities—records that continue to raise issues of disclosure, transparency, and the public’s right to know in Hays County.
Abby Gibson Runs for Hays County Commissioner as County Growth Accelerates
As Hays County continues to grow, Abby Gibson has entered the race for County Commissioner, Precinct 2, citing a results-driven approach to local government rooted in operational experience, civic leadership, and long-term planning rather than political distraction.
Texas Meme Case Ends at Examining Trial, Now Heads to Federal Court
A Granbury Navy veteran is asking a federal judge to halt further prosecution after a Texas court found no probable cause to support a felony charge tied to a satirical political meme posted during a local school board election.
New Braunfels Traffic Stop Lawsuit Survives Early Court Challenge
A federal judge has ruled on a civil-rights lawsuit previously reported by The Hawk’s Eye stemming from a 2023 New Braunfels traffic stop, allowing key constitutional claims against police officers to move forward while dismissing claims against the city for now. The decision outlines why the case survives an early dismissal attempt, what limits the court faced at this stage, and what comes next as the lawsuit heads toward a possible appeal or discovery phase.
Records Show Caldwell County Corrections Officer Discussed Homicide With Inmates
Internal jail records show that in the weeks following Lockhart’s first homicide of 2025, sensitive details of the case were discussed in a place they were never meant to surface, inside the Caldwell County Jail. Surveillance reviews and disciplinary findings describe a corrections officer sharing information from an active murder investigation with inmates, conduct supervisors later warned could have put the accused at risk and compromised jail safety.
Seguin Officer Counseled After Eagle Pass Police Issue Trespass Warning
Internal affairs records show a Seguin police officer was counseled after an off-duty, late-night encounter in Eagle Pass resulted in a criminal trespass warning, though no criminal charges were filed.
Uhland City Council Faces Critical Test After Mayor’s Arrest
The Hawk’s Eye CN reached out to Councilmember Ronald Merrill for comment regarding the residency and homestead questions described above. As of publication, Merrill had not responded.
TABC Agent Collected Education Stipend Based on Degree He Did Not Hold
A Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission enforcement agent was fired after internal investigators concluded he falsely claimed a graduate degree to qualify for an education stipend, according to agency records. The dismissal followed an Office of Inspector General investigation and years of documented disciplinary actions.
Weimar Police Chief Resigns Weeks After City Manager Departure
The City of Weimar announced that Police Chief David Socha has resigned from his position, just weeks after the resignation of former City Manager Donald Dixson, following questions related to hiring, licensing, and background review practices within city government.