The Northside ISD board of trustees received an update on its proposed virtual high school program Jan. 20, including the intended launch of its website and preregistration.

What you need to know: Known as the Northside Virtual Academy, Carrie Squyres, NISD director of academic technology, said the new online program will allow students with unconventional schedules to complete coursework while also giving them the opportunity to stay on track to earn their high school diploma.

What’s new: Squyres said the district has already issued a request for proposal and that a recommendation for the vendor who will run the site is expected to be brought to the board by the end of March.

Looking ahead: NISD will eventually expand the hybrid program from ninth to 11th grade to include kindergarten through 12th grade.

This iconic San Antonio-born Tex-Mex chain is celebrating a big milestone this year, serving the Alamo City for decades.

What’s happening? Las Palapas is celebrating its 45th anniversary in business in San Antonio throughout 2026. The chain first opened in the city back in 1981 by founder Ron Acosta, and now has over 20 locations throughout San Antonio, Boerne and New Braunfels.

A celebration recognizing the milestone was held on Jan. 13 and featured 45 cent tacos, according to a Facebook post from the chain.

Current situation: One of the chain’s original locations at 11860 Blanco Road in North San Antonio was recently listed for sale, according to a news release from Barlowe Daly Realty, the company’s commercial realtor.

• Locations throughout South Central Texas

Incumbent Peter Sakai and former San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg are running for Bexar County judge in the March 3 Democratic primary.

The details: Community Impact reached out to the six candidates who will be on the ballot.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines or for style and clarity.

• 14 additional critical care beds
• 64 new medical surgical beds
• A new kitchen
• A larger eating area

Four Republican candidates are running for Texas comptroller in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The big picture: Michael Berlanga, Christi Craddick, Kelly Hancock and Don Huffines are seeking the Republican nomination to be Texas' next chief financial officer. The Republican nominee will face the winner of the Democratic primary in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.

The background: The comptroller's office is open after former state comptroller Glenn Hegar stepped down in July to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Former state Sen. Kelly Hancock currently serves as acting state comptroller and is running in the Republican primary, although he is not considered the incumbent in the race.

The comptroller is tasked with overseeing government spending, projecting Texas' biennial budget for state legislators, reporting on statewide economic issues, and managing the state treasury and unclaimed property programs. Hancock's office also recently launched the state’s new education savings account program, as mandated by the Texas Legislature.

Three Democrats are running to be Texas' next chief financial officer in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: Sarah Eckhardt, Michael Lange and Savant Moore are seeking the Democratic nomination for Texas comptroller. The winning Democratic candidate will face the Republican nominee in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.

The context: The comptroller's office is open after former state comptroller Glenn Hegar stepped down in July to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Former state Sen. Kelly Hancock currently serves as acting state comptroller and is running in the Republican primary, although he is not considered the incumbent in the race.

The comptroller is tasked with overseeing government spending, projecting Texas' biennial budget for state legislators, reporting on statewide economic issues, and managing the state treasury and unclaimed property programs. Hancock's office also recently launched the state’s new education savings account program, as mandated by the Texas Legislature.