Fort Bend Independent

01/14/2026

01/08/2026

10 Candidates Vie for Fort Bend County Judge Spot — Ballot Set for November —> https://fbindependent.com/running-for-fort-bend-county-judge-place-on-nov-ballot-p16420-1.htm

A crowded field of 10 candidates — five Republicans and five Democrats — have filed to run for Fort Bend County Judge, with the March 3, 2026 primary determining each party’s nominee and the November 3, 2026 general election to follow. Voters will have multiple forums ahead of the primaries to meet the candidates, and the winner will serve a four-year term as the next county judge.

01/06/2026

Sugar Land Breaks Ground on Pearl Lake Pointe — New Mixed-Use Project Begins --> https://fbindependent.com/groundbreaking-ceremony-held-for-pearl-lake-pointe-in-sugar-land-p16415-91.htm

City of Sugar Land officials and developers held a ceremonial groundbreaking for Pearl Lake Pointe, a new mixed-use development featuring residential units, retail space, and community amenities near Highway 6 and University Boulevard. The project is expected to enhance local economic growth and offer new housing options as part of the city’s ongoing strategic development plans.

01/04/2026

Sugar Land plastic surgeon Dr. Azul Shirazali Jaffer was arrested in December 2025 after being indicted for a charge of Performing Surgery While Intoxicated.

fbindependent.com

01/01/2026

Thank you for reading and supporting local journalism. Wishing our Fort Bend community a happy, healthy, and hopeful New Year.

12/30/2025

Jury Took Less Than an Hour: Fort Bend Case Ends With Life Sentence After Chilling Jail Calls --> fbindependent.com

12/30/2025

Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling in Tarrant County redistricting provides ample protection to Fort Bend County --> https://fbindependent.com/fifth-circuit-court-of-appeals-ruling-in-tarrant-county-redistricting-prov-p16414-1.htm

12/22/2025

Fort Bend County to Give Millions to FBISD for Sugar Land Memorial Park Improvements —-> https://fbindependent.com/fort-bend-isd-to-receive-m-from-the-county-for-the-sugar-land-memori-p16413-1.htm

Fort Bend County Commissioners Court approved allocating millions of dollars in county funding to Fort Bend ISD for upgrades to Sugar Land Memorial Park, including enhanced athletics facilities and infrastructure. The investment reflects the county’s commitment to supporting community recreation and education partnerships through targeted capital improvement projects.

12/12/2025

Walk With a Drink? Sugar Land Launches New Social District Allowing Alcohol To-Go —> fbindependent.com

Sugar Land has officially launched its new Social District, allowing visitors to carry alcoholic drinks in clearly marked cups while walking between participating bars and restaurants in Town Square and First Colony Mall. City officials say the district is designed to boost local businesses, enhance walkability, and prepare for increased tourism tied to upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 events, with strict rules in place for hours, boundaries, and public safety.

12/08/2025

Gov. Abbott Appoints Judges to Fort Bend’s Two Newly Created District Courts --> fbindependent.com

12/03/2025

Troy Nehls Won’t Seek Re-Election — His Twin Brother Jumps Into the Race --> https://fbindependent.com/us-rep-troy-nehls-will-not-run-for-reelection-twin-brother-announces-c-p16408-1.htm

U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls announced he will not run for a fourth term in 2026, saying he plans to finish his current term and return home to focus on family after decades in military, law enforcement, and congressional service. His twin brother, Trever Nehls, immediately declared his candidacy for Texas’ 22nd Congressional District, pledging to continue Troy’s “America First” leadership, with additional candidates now entering the race.

11/26/2025

Mysterious “Metal Suitcases” on Sugar Lakes Poles Leave Residents Asking: What Are These?! --> https://fbindependent.com/fort-bend-independent-p16400-1.htm

Residents in Sugar Lakes spotted chained metal boxes attached to tall poles near neighborhood intersections, sparking speculation about their purpose. Sugar Land officials confirmed the devices were temporary traffic-recording cameras placed after 311 complaints about pedestrian crossing concerns and have since been removed after data collection.