Fair Oaks Ranch officials are inviting the community to learn about the achievements of 2025 and projects slated to begin in 2026.

The overview: A state of the city event is planned for Jan. 29, with a reception beginning at 5 p.m. and an address led by Mayor Greg Maxton planned for 6:30 p.m.

According to a Jan. 20 news release, the presentation will provide insights on city priorities, accomplishments and plans for sustainable growth and development.

A portion of the address will focus on infrastructure projects, including Dietz Elkhorn Road, Ammann Road, Rolling Acres Trail and Texas Department of Transportation projects. The state of the city is open to the public, and residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about the accomplishments and future of Fair Oaks Ranch.

The details

• Jan. 29, 5 p.m. (reception), 6:30 p.m. (address)
• Spring Creek United Methodist Church, 9200 Dietz Elkhorn Road, Fair Oaks Ranch

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

More upgrades are coming soon to this popular park in North San Antonio, from new trails to a new community garden.

What we know: A new pollinator garden is on its way to McAllister Park, according to Friends of McAllister Park President Marjesca Brown.

FOMP is a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization that helps to preserve and maintain the park, according to its website.

Brown told Community Impact the new space could open sometime this spring, although a final date is still up in the air.

Not only will the garden boast a habitat for the migratory monarch butterfly, but it will also feature a variety of native plants and shrubs.

Brown said the garden was installed to help preserve and protect the native biodiversity found throughout McAllister Park.

• 13102 Jones Maltsberger Road, San Antonio

After 26 years in business, Houston-based clothing retail chain Francesca’s started the process of liquidating all merchandise and closing all stores in mid-January, according to a letter from company officials to the Texas Workforce Commission.

The company operates more than 450 stores in over 45 states, with 52 of those stores being in Texas, according to the company website.

What happened: In early January, the company received a notice of default from its lender that required the company to permanently shut down, according to the letter.

“After assessing options, the Company concluded, in its business judgment, that it had no alternative but to immediately cut costs, sell existing inventory, and ultimately cease operations,” the letter states.

• Began liquidating Jan. 14

Three Republicans are running for Texas attorney general in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The overview: After three terms as Texas' top lawyer, incumbent Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate, leaving his office open. Joan Huffman, Mayes Middleton, Aaron Reitz and Chip Roy are seeking the Republican nomination for attorney general.

Stay tuned: The winner of the Republican primary will face the winning Democratic candidate in November. The winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.

Three Democrats are running for Texas attorney general in the upcoming March 3 primary election.

The big picture: After three terms as Texas' top lawyer, incumbent Ken Paxton is running for the U.S. Senate, leaving his office open. Anthony “Tony” Box, Joe Jaworski and Nathan Johnson are vying for the Democratic nomination to succeed Paxton as attorney general.

Looking ahead: The winning Democratic candidate will face the winner of the Republican nomination in November; the winner of that election will be sworn in for a four-year term in January 2027.