Harris

Harris County Judge Proposes Controversial Penny Tax to Fund Child Care Program Amid Budget Concerns

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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is set to present a proposal for a tax increase to the county commissioners during Thursday’s meeting at Commissioners Court. The plan, referred to as a penny tax, would impose an additional charge of $10 annually for every $100,000 of residential property value. Hidalgo noted that this increase aims to secure ongoing funding for the Early REACH program, which provides free child care for eligible children aged four and under, previously supported by federal COVID-19 relief funds. With those resources dwindling, Hidalgo indicated that alternative funding … Read more

T.I. and Tiny Harris Prepare for Round Four in Ongoing Battle Over $71 Million Doll Infringement Lawsuit

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A California jury awarded hip-hop artist T.I. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, a staggering $71.4 million in a civil case against MGA Entertainment, the company behind the popular L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls. The couple’s pop group, the OMG Girlz, claimed MGA copied their distinctive name, hairstyles, and fashion styles for its doll line, and jurors concluded that the infringement was willful. Tiny expressed her astonishment at the ruling, stating it exceeded her expectations. Just weeks later, T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, announced his retirement from live performances, indicating he no longer needed … Read more

Beware of Scam Calls in Harris County: Imposters Target Residents with Fake Jury Duty Threats

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Harris County, Texas, officials have issued a warning about scammers impersonating county employees and making fraudulent calls regarding jury duty. Residents have been targeted with alarming threats about arrest warrants that stem from missed jury service. One victim, a Houston resident who wishes to remain anonymous, reported losing $8,000 to these scammers. He recounted receiving a call from someone claiming to be with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, who alleged that there was a warrant for his arrest for failing to appear for jury duty in a federal case. During the conversation, the scammer offered … Read more

T.I. and Tiny Harris Win $71.5 Million in Copyright Lawsuit Over OMG Girlz Doll Likeness

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In a decisive turn of legal events, rapper T.I. and his wife Tameka “Tiny” Harris, along with the OMG Girlz—a girl group founded by Tiny—have won a significant lawsuit against toy giant MGA Entertainment. The couple and the girl group have been awarded a whopping $71.5 million in combined punitive and actual damages by a federal judge. This ruling marks a major milestone in a contentious legal battle over the unauthorized use of the OMG Girlz’s likeness to create MGA’s O.M.G. Dolls. The case, which captured public attention, highlighted issues around copyright infringement and the … Read more