Byron Frankland was sworn in Thursday as La Marque’s new police chief after a nationwide search; council confirmed him and the contract lists a $141,000 salary.

President Trump and Texas officials hailed a plan for a new refinery at the Port of Brownsville. Company claims a $300B impact but partner confirmations and permits are still pending.

State House Republicans launched a 'Sharia Free Texas' caucus in Austin, echoing a federal effort and drawing swift criticism from civil‑rights groups. The move follows heightened security concerns in the state.

A new TelevisaUnivision/Harris Poll of 526 Texas Hispanic voters finds inflation, health care and housing top concerns — and many say politicians take them for granted.

City records show the inspector general closed an inquiry into Controller Chris Hollins’ investor‑conference sponsorship solicitations as “not sustained.” The dispute began after Mayor Whitmire flagged sponsorship perks that some banks found troubling.

The Texas Supreme Court heard oral arguments March 5 in Edinburg over whether Starbase can close Boca Chica Beach and State Highway 4 for SpaceX launches.

The City Controller says Houston will spend more than $131 million on electricity this fiscal year — about a 40% jump — after a contract renewal left the city exposed to market prices.

After nearly 25 years leading the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dr. Luis Sanchez will retire at the end of March, leaving a leadership gap at the county lab.

Texas regulators want WaterBridge to reimburse nearly $7M after a Ward County well blowout; the company says it will contest the commission's claim.

John Messinger won the Place 9 Republican primary for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals; Alison Fox and Thomas Smith will face a May runoff for Place 3.

Jon Bonck and Shelly deZevallos advanced to a May 26 GOP runoff in Texas’s 38th District after neither won a majority in the March primary. The open Houston-area seat will be decided over the summer.

Austin state Rep. Gina Hinojosa won the Democratic primary and will challenge Gov. Greg Abbott in November. Her campaign ran on schools, health care and anti-corruption themes.

HISD's campus maintenance costs jumped nearly 50% in fiscal 2025, driven by emergency HVAC and roof work at dozens of campuses after a failed bond. Records show $44 million spent districtwide.