March 2026

Statement by Senator César J. Blanco on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Leadership Change.

Letter to the Editor Recently, the Department of Homeland Security has moved forward with plans for the construction of a physical border wall through Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. So, why no wall? Here are my questions: Why does it matter to me? It is unnecessary because immigration through the Big Bend section of the border is 1% of the total for the southern border and constitutes ¼ of its length, 517 miles.

Nearly 4.5 million Texans voted in the Democratic and Republican primaries, according to The Texas Tribune, surpassing recent turnout numbers. A total of 2.3 million ballots were cast in the Democratic primary and 2.2 million in the Republican primary, marking the first time Democratic turnout was higher since 2020. Texas has approximately 18.7 million registered voters, so turnout was just under 25%.

I have a certain fondness for springtime (I like cutting back on propane usage and I cherish my wife’s pre-spring ritual of photographing our son in front of our daffodils), but I don’t go hog wild and pig crazy. For instance, some folks are selfishly focused on their kiteflying and quaint festivals as the weather grows milder.

GARDENER’S MAILBAG Dear Neil: For years we have been told weed-and-feed products are not a good idea. Now the “big box” stores sell all three in one sack (insecticide also included) and don’t even appear to sell pre-emergents.

The Fort Stockton Prowlers continued their steady progress through the early portion of the track and field season at the Big Spring Relays on March 5, as both the varsity and junior varsity squads delivered competitive performances against a strong field.

The Fort Stockton Panthers continued their early- season track campaign with another competitive outing at the Big Spring Relays on March 5, finishing fourth overall with 92 team points as the program continues building momentum toward district competition.

The Fort Stockton Panthers and Prowlers golf teams wrapped up competition before the Spring Break holiday with a busy stretch of tournament play, highlighted by a dominant individual performance from Panther golfer Bradye Barragan and continued development from both the varsity and junior varsity programs.

The Fort Stockton Prowlers opened District play in emphatic fashion Monday morning, securing a hard-fought 14-11 road victory over Seminole to start the district schedule 1-0. The win followed an offensive explosion just days earlier, when Fort Stockton defeated Alpine 17-1 on Friday, March 6.

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