Texas / South Central News

Neighbors Sue Exxon Over Homes Damaged by Texas Refinery Fire

Exxon Mobil Corp. said on Monday its Baytown, Texas, refinery continued to operate at reduced rates following a fire on Dec. 23, and the unit involved remained shut down. The company has not yet determined the cause of the fire, …

Fire at Texas ExxonMobil Refinery Injures 4

Crews extinguished a large fire at a Houston-area refinery that broke out early Dec. 23, injuring four people. The fire started at about 1 a.m. at ExxonMobil’s refinery in Baytown, which is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Houston. …

Congressional Panel to Investigate Astroworld Concert

A congressional committee has launched an investigation into the promoter of the Astroworld music festival in Houston, in which 10 people were killed during a massive crowd surge and attendees were packed so tightly that many could not breathe or …

Federal Relief Funding Available in Five Arkansas Counties Following Tornadoes

President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in Arkansas, making federal relief funding available in five north eastern counties hit by tornadoes that ripped through the Midwest and South this month. The declaration opens grants for temporary housing, home …

New Orleans-Based Oil Company Agrees to $475M Settlement over Oil Spill

A New Orleans-based oil company has agreed to turn over a $432 million cleanup trust fund and pay an additional $43 million to settle a federal lawsuit over cleaning up abandoned wells leaking since 2004, federal prosecutors said. “This settlement …

World Insurance Associates Acquires Total Coverage Insurance in Texas

World Insurance Associates LLC has acquired Total Coverage Insurance of Irving, Texas. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. TCI offers all-encompassing services to their customers. They provide commercial and personal insurance, in addition to professional liability, life and health …

Texas Pharmacy and Pain Clinic Operators Arrested for Illegally Dispensing Opioid Pills

Three Houston-area pharmacists, a doctor, and a pharmacy technician have been arrested for allegedly running three pharmacies and two clinics as “pill mills;” distributing hydrocodone, oxycodone, and other controlled drugs without a legitimate medical purpose, according to the U.S. Department …

People Moves: Despot Joins Insurance Office of America; Alliant Adds Wightman

Insurance Office of America Adds Chris Despot Insurance Office of America had Chris Despot to its team as a risk management consultant. While serving all states, Despot brings a new IOA presence in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Prior to …

Officials: Astroworld Victims Died from Compression Asphyxia

The 10 people who lost their lives in a massive crowd surge at the Astroworld music festival in Houston died from compression asphyxia, officials announced. Medical examiners with the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences in Houston had to wait …

Fire Truck Tire Explosion Kills Louisiana Firefighter

A northwest Louisiana firefighter died Saturday after a tire he was maintaining on a fire truck exploded. The South Bossier Parish Fire District No. 2 said 28-year-old Jessie Henry died at one the district’s stations around 9 a.m. on Dec. …

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