Friday, March 20

Texas

Texas

Wrong-way driver enters fatal crash scene and smoke pours from car as deputies begin to search it
Harris County

Wrong-way driver enters fatal crash scene and smoke pours from car as deputies begin to search it

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – A driver was detained Friday night after entering the scene of a fatal motorcycle crash on FM 1960 East near Moonshine Hill by driving the wrong way past a roadblock. https://youtu.be/FIsyjqaG4_U The vehicle bypassed barricades and continued into the active investigation area. As deputies opened the car door, smoke poured from the vehicle, prompting them to detain the driver at the scene. No additional details have been released about the driver or possible charges at this time.
Motorcyclist killed in single-vehicle crash on FM 1960 East
Harris County

Motorcyclist killed in single-vehicle crash on FM 1960 East

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – A motorcyclist was killed in a crash Friday night in a construction zone along FM 1960 East near Moonshine Hill. https://youtu.be/2Yi3Q_wg8Uc Deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office District 2 responded to the scene around 9:00 p.m. and found a male lying in the roadway. Medical personnel pronounced the man deceased from his injuries. Investigators believe speed and lighting may have contributed to the crash. No other vehicles are believed to have been involved. An autopsy will determine whether intoxication played a role. The man's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Houston Airports advises early arrival ahead of reduced TSA operations
Texas

Houston Airports advises early arrival ahead of reduced TSA operations

HOUSTON, TX – Houston Airports is urging passengers to arrive early and allow extra time for security screening at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). File Photo (December 2021) According to airport officials, TSA wait times may exceed 30 minutes. Beginning at 4 a.m. Saturday, only the TSA checkpoints at Terminals A and E will operate at Bush Airport. At Hobby Airport, passengers may experience fewer screening lanes, potentially leading to extended wait times starting the same day. United Airlines is directing passengers to check luggage at Terminal C before proceeding to Terminal E by walking or using the Subway for security screening. For inquiries regarding TSA staffing or screening procedures, passengers are advised to contact the ...
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo leads trade mission to Taiwan and Japan to attract foreign investment
Texas

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo leads trade mission to Taiwan and Japan to attract foreign investment

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is leading a trade mission to Taiwan and Japan alongside representatives from the Greater Houston Partnership, Houston First, the Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Houston, and the Japan America Society of Houston. The delegation aims to strengthen international partnerships and attract foreign business investments in technology and advanced manufacturing to Harris County File Photo (August 2025) Judge Hidalgo stated that the trip seeks to position Harris County as a global hub for innovation and economic growth. “Japan and Taiwan are home to leading businesses on the cutting edge of innovation, from Inventec to Foxconn. Those companies have a choice of where they can invest, and I want to ensure that they invest in Harris C...
15-year-old suspect arrested in fatal shooting of teen at Circle K gas station on North Braeswood
Houston

15-year-old suspect arrested in fatal shooting of teen at Circle K gas station on North Braeswood

HOUSTON, TX – A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a teenage male at a Circle K gas station in the 5400 block of North Braeswood Boulevard. The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. on September 19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GLvkk-tIV4&t=454s According to the Houston Police Department, two groups met in the parking lot when a physical altercation broke out. The fight escalated, resulting in gunfire. The victim, identified as 15-year-old Kenneth Payne, was struck once in the chest and transported by private vehicle to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Today, HPD announced that the 15-year-old male suspect has also been charged with murder and was referred to the Harris County Juvenile Probation Authorities. His name or ph...
Governor Abbott directs Texas Rangers to investigate City of Elgin over funding allegations
Texas

Governor Abbott directs Texas Rangers to investigate City of Elgin over funding allegations

AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Rangers to open an investigation into the City of Elgin following allegations of financial mismanagement and possible violations of state law. File Photo (September 2025) “There have been serious and potentially criminal accusations made against the City of Elgin that need to be investigated,” Governor Abbott said. “Texans expect their elected officials to be honest stewards of taxpayer dollars and conduct the people’s business openly, and in compliance with Texas law.” Abbott cited concerns of “chronic financial mismanagement,” including inconsistent accounting practices and unreconciled bank accounts that may violate multiple state laws. Under the Governor’s direction, the Texas Rangers will review the city’s budgeting ...
Texas Secretary of State opposes GOP and Attorney General’s joint motion to close primaries
Texas

Texas Secretary of State opposes GOP and Attorney General’s joint motion to close primaries

AMARILLO, TX – The Texas Secretary of State’s Office filed an opposition brief arguing that a joint motion by the Republican Party of Texas and Attorney General Ken Paxton to close the state’s primary elections is unconstitutional and procedurally improper. File Photo (September 2025) Filed in the Northern District of Texas on October 30, 2025, the 31-page brief contends that the proposed “consent judgment” lacks jurisdiction, violates Article III’s requirement for adversity between parties, and infringes on the state’s sovereign immunity. The filing asserts that the motion, brought less than an hour after notifying the Secretary of State, is “collusive” and represents “a fundamental assault on Article III’s case-or-controversy requirement.” The Secretary of State’s counsel argued...
Two men shot during PlayStation sale at Cranbrook Forest Apartments
Harris County

Two men shot during PlayStation sale at Cranbrook Forest Apartments

HARRIS COUNTY, TX – Deputies with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office responded to a shooting around 6:15 p.m. Thursday evening at the Cranbrook Forest Apartments located at 13875 Ella Blvd. https://youtu.be/nU0rb5a6J-c Upon arrival, deputies discovered two males suffering from gunshot wounds. A 38-year-old male was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A second male, believed to be about 20 years old, was pronounced deceased at the scene. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation indicates that the shooting occurred during a meeting to sell a PlayStation. During the exchange, a third male arrived, and an argument broke out that led to gunfire. The third male fled the scene and has not been identified. The Har...
Ignite Community School – Beaumont to host celebration honoring TEA A-rating
Texas

Ignite Community School – Beaumont to host celebration honoring TEA A-rating

BEAUMONT, TX – Ignite Community School – Beaumont will host a community-wide block party to celebrate its recent A-rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). The event will take place October 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 10255 Eastex Freeway, Suite 100, in Beaumont. Families and community members are invited to attend and enjoy food, music, games, and giveaways. According to school leaders, guests will have an opportunity to meet the faculty and learn more about Ignite’s personalized approach to education, small class sizes, and commitment to student success. Representatives from Ignite Community Schools’ senior leadership team will also be on-site to discuss the school’s A-rating, academic achievements, and initiatives focused on supporting Beaumont students.
Baytown Police investigating self-inflicted gunshot wound during welfare check at Bayland Park
Baytown

Baytown Police investigating self-inflicted gunshot wound during welfare check at Bayland Park

BAYTOWN, TX – The Baytown Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding a self-inflicted gunshot wound that occurred at Bayland Park in the 2600 block of Business Highway 146. https://youtu.be/HebbudNg1a8 According to police, officers were conducting a welfare check requested by a neighboring law enforcement agency in connection with a mental health concern. When officers arrived, they made contact with the subject, who then sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers provided immediate lifesaving medical aid until Baytown Fire Department personnel arrived. The individual was later transported to a Houston-area hospital for further treatment. Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Due to the sensitive nature of the incident, the department is...