Nation IN BRIEF : TEXAS : Shoplifting Scandal Is Coda for Band

Texas Southern University in Houston disbanded its Ocean of Soul Marching Band after at least a dozen band members were involved in a shoplifting scandal during a trip to Japan. “TSU students have marched for the last time under that once proud name,” University President William H. Harris said. Harris said disciplinary action had been taken against at least 12 band members for shoplifting $22,000 worth of electronics items during a Tokyo shopping trip Dec. 7. He did not elaborate. The band was in Tokyo to perform during the halftime of the football game between the University of Nebraska and Kansas State University. Japanese police said most of the shoplifted items were returned when authorities threatened to detain the band.