Chief Communications Officer for @MayorBroome. Former TV reporter for @WXXV25. Once a machinist apprentice at #IngallsShipbuilding Pascagoula, Ms.
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Articles by Mark Armstrong
Beaumont City Council awards $3.5M street repair contract to Texas Materials Group Original
BEAUMONT, Texas — The City of Beaumont released Wednesday the roads included in the third phase of its citywide street pavement preservation program, one day after City Council approved a nearly $3.5 million construction contract. Council voted Tuesday to award the contract to Beaumont-based Texas Materials Group Inc. for $3,503,036.85. The project will cover approximately 8.5 miles of roadway. This story continues below.
TCEQ cites Beaumont after sewage was pumped into drinking water system Original
BEAUMONT, Texas — Texas environmental regulators have cited the City of Beaumont after sewage was pumped into part of the city’s drinking water system last month. That part of the system primarily serves federal and state prisons and the Jefferson County jail, along with industrial sites in south Beaumont. A new investigation report from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality gives the clearest picture yet of what happened.
Beaumont VFW makes plans to build tiny homes for homeless veterans Original
BEAUMONT, Texas — A Beaumont VFW post is working on a new plan to help homeless veterans get off the street and back on their feet. VFW Post 1806 Commander Marvin Cash says the post hopes to build a small tiny home community on its property along Park Street in Beaumont. The goal is to eventually have eight to 10 homes on site, giving the post the ability to help several veterans. The idea came out of a recent meeting with attorney Brent Coon and is still in the very early stages, says Cash.
Court filings suggest possible settlement in deadly 2025 Port Arthur LNG scaffold collapse case Original
SABINE PASS, Texas — New court filings suggest a possible settlement has been reached in one of the lawsuits tied to the deadly Port Arthur LNG construction collapse. Documents filed in Jefferson County show the family of Reginald Magee, one of the three workers killed in the April 29, 2025 accident in Sabine Pass, may have reached an agreement with the companies involved in the case.
Beaumont denies release of police punching video again despite prosecutors declining case
BEAUMONT, Texas — More than a year after a Beaumont police punching video went viral, the City of Beaumont is still withholding taxpayer owned body camera footage by relying on an old Attorney General ruling from when the case was still active. That contradiction is now fueling new transparency questions because the city later acknowledged the case was declined, yet the public still cannot see the video.
Two more residents move to join Valero explosion lawsuit as case expands in Jefferson County Original
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — A week after an explosion and fire at Valero's Port Arthur refinery, a class action lawsuit filed by attorney Brent Coon is now expanding, with two more Jefferson County residents moving to join the case.
Wrong-way driver caught on video before head-on crash on US 69 in Lumberton
LUMBERTON, Texas — Dramatic cellphone video posted to Facebook appears to show a driver speeding the wrong way down U.S. 69 in Lumberton toward Beaumont before crashing head on into a tanker truck. The video, posted by Facebook user Greg “G-Wagg” Waggoner, shows an SUV traveling south in the northbound lanes at a high rate of speed for at least 45 seconds as oncoming drivers swerve out of the way to avoid a collision.
Valero says process fluid release sparked Port Arthur refinery fire as state report details emissions event Original
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — A state report filed Tuesday evening gives the clearest explanation yet for the explosion and fire people across Port Arthur experienced Monday night. In an initial emissions event report filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Valero says an “unforeseeable release of process fluid in Complex 2” led to an ignition event and multiple process unit upsets.
Port Neches pipeline leak spilled 100 barrels, records show Original
PORT NECHES, Texas — A newly obtained state document is giving the clearest picture yet of a crude oil pipeline leak near Spur 136 in Port Neches, showing how much oil spilled, where it went, and how crews contained it. The incident was first reported March 9 and initially described as a moderate leak on an unused pipeline, prompting crews to move in and begin containment.
Port Arthur mayor details Mardi Gras plan in Facebook Live Original
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Port Arthur Mayor Charlotte Moses says she is excited about a plan to bring Mardi Gras back to the city, calling it a priority she has been working on for months. She shared new details in a Facebook Live Wednesday evening, hours after 12News first reported the plan during Daybreak after discovering city documents online.
Port Arthur Mardi Gras comeback? City documents reveal plan for 2027
Mark Armstrong After two years of underwhelming turnout at Doggett Ford Park and growing calls from the public to bring the celebration back to its roots, new city documents show Port Arthur leaders are now taking steps to revive Mardi Gras in the city. A resolution posted on the City of Port Arthur's website for the Tuesday March 24 council meeting outlines a plan to bring Mardi Gras back under the direction of the Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau as early as 2027.
Port Arthur Mardi Gras Comeback? City Documents Reveal Plan for 2027
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — After two years of underwhelming turnout at Doggett Ford Park and growing calls from the public to bring the celebration back to its roots, new city documents show Port Arthur leaders are now taking steps to revive Mardi Gras in the city. A resolution posted on the City of Port Arthur’s website for the Tuesday March 24 council meeting outlines a plan to bring Mardi Gras back under the direction of the Port Arthur Convention and Visitors Bureau as early as 2027.
Beaumont police seek to withhold bodycam footage from 2024 officer punching incident, citing lack of redaction technology
BEAUMONT, Texas — More than a year after a Beaumont police officer was recorded on video repeatedly punching a man pinned to the ground, the Beaumont Police Department has formally asked Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office for permission to keep the officer's body camera footage from the public — arguing in part that the department lacks the technology to redact sensitive information from the video.
Beaumont police seek to withhold bodycam footage from 2024 officer punching incident, citing lack of redaction technology
The Beaumont Police Department has requested permission to withhold body camera footage of an officer repeatedly punching a man pinned to the ground, citing lack of technology to redact sensitive information. The department argued that the case falls under a section of Texas law allowing records to be withheld when an investigation ends without a conviction, and that the video contains confidential information such as medical details and a visible date of birth.
State Panel keeps Port Arthur LNG collapse cases in Jefferson County
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The lawsuits tied to the deadly Port Arthur LNG construction collapse are now moving forward again and they will all be handled together in Jefferson County. The Texas Multidistrict Litigation Panel has designated the 172nd District Court in Jefferson County as the court that will manage all pretrial matters connected to the April 29, 2025 construction accident in Sabine Pass.
Motiva and Newtron Seek Confidentiality Order in Refinery Death Lawsuit
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — A legal fight is underway in Jefferson County over whether documents in a fatal refinery accident lawsuit should be kept confidential. Motiva Enterprises and Newtron Electrical Services have filed a joint motion asking Judge Kent Walston to enter a confidentiality and protective order in the wrongful death case involving Hayden Christopher, a 32-year-old lineman from Buna who was electrocuted at the Motiva refinery in Port Arthur in October.
Goddaughter speaks about death of Port Arthur man found in wheelchair during freeze, as autopsy results are pending
As investigators continue working to determine how James Ellis Rouly died after he was found in a wheelchair during last weeks hard freeze, his goddaughter is now telling 12News about the man behind the headlines and asking for help to lay him to rest.Rouly, 61, was found early Tuesday, January 27, outside convenience store near Turtle Creek Dr and 9th Ave while temperatures dropped into the low 20s.
Goddaughter speaks about death of Port Arthur man found in wheelchair during freeze, as autopsy results are pending
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — As investigators continue working to determine how James Ellis Rouly died after he was found in a wheelchair during last week’s hard freeze, his goddaughter is now telling 12News about the man behind the headlines and asking for help to lay him to rest. Rouly, 61, was found early Tuesday, January 27, outside convenience store near Turtle Creek Dr and 9th Ave while temperatures dropped into the low 20s.
Man found dead in wheelchair outside Port Arthur convenience store during freeze
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Police are investigating after a man was found dead in a wheelchair outside a Port Arthur business early Tuesday morning as Southeast Texas experienced freezing temperatures. The man was discovered near a dumpster along the outside wall of a convenience store at the intersection of Turtle Creek Drive and 9th Avenue. Overnight temperatures had dropped to the low 20s that morning.
Man found dead in wheelchair outside Port Arthur convenience store during freeze
A man found dead in a wheelchair wearing a hospital gown outside a Port Arthur store during freezing temperatures has prompted an investigation. PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Police are investigating after a man was found dead in a wheelchair outside a Port Arthur business early Tuesday morning as Southeast Texas experienced freezing temperatures. The man was discovered near a dumpster along the outside wall of a convenience store at the intersection of Turtle Creek Drive and 9th Avenue.
Man found dead in wheelchair outside Port Arthur convenience store during freeze
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Police are investigating after a man was found dead in a wheelchair outside a Port Arthur business early Tuesday morning as Southeast Texas experienced freezing temperatures. The man was discovered near a dumpster along the outside wall of a convenience store at the intersection of Turtle Creek Drive and 9th Avenue. Overnight temperatures had dropped to the low 20s that morning.
Does Doggett Ford Park really pay off for Jefferson County? The numbers are in
Just how much does Doggett Ford Park really benefit the community? And just how busy is it?County leaders got some clear answers Tuesday morning.During a workshop at Jefferson County Commissioners Court, officials reviewed a new economic impact study showing Doggett Ford Park is a major driver of jobs, visitors, and spending across the county.The study, done in partnership with the Jefferson County Tourism Commission, focused on the parks performance in 2024.
Does Doggett Ford Park really pay off for Jefferson County? The numbers are in
BEAUMONT, Texas — Just how much does Doggett Ford Park really benefit the community? And just how busy is it? County leaders got some clear answers Tuesday morning. During a workshop at Jefferson County Commissioners Court, officials reviewed a new economic impact study showing Doggett Ford Park is a major driver of jobs, visitors, and spending across the county. The study, done in partnership with the Jefferson County Tourism Commission, focused on the park’s performance in 2024.
Wrongful death lawsuit against Motiva moves into discovery as contractor denies allegations
More than three months after 32-year-old journeyman electrician Hayden Christopher of Buna was killed while working at the Motiva oil refinery, his familys wrongful death lawsuit is moving deeper into the discovery phase, with new filings at the Jefferson County courthouse this month focusing on records created in the aftermath of the fatal industrial incident.The Port Arthur facility is among the largest oil refineries in the United States and a critical hub in the nations fuel supply,...
Visitors raise concerns over payment system issues at Village Creek State Park
A visit to Village Creek State Park is meant to be a quiet escape into nature, but some visitors say problems with the online payment system are creating confusion and frustration.Earlier this week, 12News visited the park and attempted to purchase a day pass using the QR code posted at the entrance and self-pay station.
Golden Triangle violent crime | Beaumont and Port Arthur down in 2025 YTD, Orange essentially flat
Two shootings in the past 24 hours underscore the reality that violent crime remains a serious concern across Southeast Texas.
Golden Triangle violent crime | Beaumont and Port Arthur down in 2025 YTD, Orange essentially flat
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Texas — Two shootings in the past 24 hours underscore the reality that violent crime remains a serious concern across Southeast Texas. But when incidents are viewed over a longer time frame, new FBI data shows violent crime in 2025 is trending down in Beaumont and Port Arthur, while remaining essentially flat in Orange, according to a 12News analysis of federal crime statistics.
Motiva argues worker caused his own death in refinery lawsuit
BEAUMONT, Texas — A month after a Buna contractor was electrocuted at Motiva’s Port Arthur refinery, new court filings show the company is mounting an aggressive defense, arguing the worker’s own actions played a key role in the incident.
Letter to Beaumont restaurants sparks tense exchange over fee changes
BEAUMONT, Texas — A notice recently sent to local restaurants set off a tense debate at Tuesday’s Beaumont City Council meeting, after Councilman Cory Crenshaw objected to a Health Department letter that he said stated the City Council had approved new fees. Crenshaw said he started getting calls from small restaurant owners after they received the notice, which explained that their annual costs were going up under a new fee structure unanimously approved by council at its September 16 meeting.
State panel consolidates Port Arthur LNG scaffold collapse lawsuits into one court; Arbitration push still pending
SABINE PASS, Texas — A major legal shift is underway in the wrongful death lawsuits tied to the April 29 scaffolding collapse at the Port Arthur LNG construction site, where three workers were killed and two others were seriously injured. Earlier this month, the Texas Multidistrict Litigation Panel approved a request by energy corporations ConocoPhillips and Sempra to move all pre-trial matters from these cases into a single court.
Fire at Dow’s Freeport plant released thousands of pounds of gases; EPA data shows ongoing compliance issues, elevated cancer risks nearby
FREEPORT, Texas — The Dow Texas Operations plant in Freeport, the company’s largest U.S. manufacturing site, reported releasing thousands of pounds of gases during a fire that broke out Monday, according to documents filed with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The company says the fire, which began the evening of October 6 at Plant B, was contained within the facility and caused no injuries or offsite impacts.
Tax hike ahead? Orange City budget clears first hurdle
BEAUMONT, Texas — The City of Orange is moving toward a city tax hike and many homeowners could see bigger bills. Orange is on track to set the city tax rate at $0.867 per $100 of property value for next year and with county appraisals rising many residents should expect larger city tax bills. After a long debate Wednesday, the council approved the first reading of a revised budget and the companion tax rate. The proposed budget lists a $30,301,893 General Fund.
House Speaker Mike Johnson channels his inner Trump to celebrate “voice of the tigers”
BATON ROUGE, La. — Politics can be serious business… but this time, Louisiana leaders were all laughs. A Baton Rouge lawmaker’s new gig just got a presidential-sized shoutout. State Rep. Dixon McMakin, recently named the next stadium announcer for LSU football, was congratulated in unusual fashion by none other than Louisiana’s U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson.
Defendants double down to consolidate Port Arthur LNG scaffolding collapse lawsuits, Jefferson County venue still in play
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The companies sued over April’s deadly Port Arthur LNG scaffolding collapse in Sabine Pass are ramping up their legal push — with multiple moves that could shape where, and how, the pretrial matters for the cases are heard. The April 29 industrial accident killed three workers during construction of a massive concrete LNG tank.
Jefferson County approves ExxonMobil grants for public safety
BEAUMONT, Texas — Jefferson County Commissioners have approved three $5,000 grants from ExxonMobil to support public safety and health initiatives. The funding will go to the Office of Emergency Management, the Sheriff's Department, and the Public Health Department. All three agencies recently participated in a community safety fair hosted in Precinct 4 on June 7.
Public input sought for Jefferson County carbon storage plan
BEAUMONT, Texas — ExxonMobil is moving forward with plans for a large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in western Jefferson County, a proposal that has been in development for more than a year.
All wrongful death lawsuits over Port Arthur LNG collapse put on hold
PORT ARTHUR, Texas — All wrongful death lawsuits tied to the deadly scaffolding collapse at the Port Arthur LNG construction site have been put on hold by a panel of Texas judges. The April 29 collapse killed three workers—Reginald Magee, Felipe Mendez, and Felix Lopez. Two lawsuits were filed: one in Jefferson County for Magee, and another in Harris County for Mendez and Lopez.
Beaumont ISD urges parents to register students before August 13 first day of school
BEAUMONT, Texas — With the first day of school just a month away, Beaumont ISD is ramping up efforts to get students registered for the 2025-26 school year. As of July 8, just over 6,000 of the district’s approximately 15,000 returning students have completed registration, which is less than 50%. Dr. Anita Frank, BISD Associate Superintendent for Elementary Administration, says registering now is critical to ensure proper staffing, smooth scheduling, and a great first day for students.
Beaumont considers $313M bond package: public input window extended after flood
BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont leaders are asking the public to weigh in on the city’s first bond proposal in more than four decades—one that could fund several major projects and raise local property taxes. On Saturday, dozens of residents attended an in-person open house at the Lakeside Center Auditorium to learn more about the proposed projects and speak directly with city staff and members of the Citizen Bond Advisory Committee.
Beaumont council members respond to citizen concerns over masked ICE agents in city
BEAUMONT, Texas — Concerns over federal immigration enforcement stirred some debate during this week’s Beaumont City Council meeting, following emotional public comments from a resident worried about the lack of accountability from ICE officers operating in the community. Rose Reindel, of Beaumont, speaking during the public comment period, described an incident witnessed by friends in which a masked man in plain clothes grabbed a woman from a Beaumont grocery store parking lot last Friday night.
City of Beaumont invites public input on first bond election in 43 years that could raise property tax
BEAUMONT, Texas — The City of Beaumont is asking residents to help shape a major decision: whether to move forward with the city’s first bond election in over four decades — a proposal that could come with a property tax increase.
Beaumont Mayor proposes veterans commission
BEAUMONT, Texas — Mayor Roy West announced plans Tuesday to create a veterans commission aimed at giving local veterans a stronger voice in city government. The proposal was shared during the groundbreaking ceremony for the city’s new VA clinic. Still in the planning phase, the commission would be composed of veterans from the community.
New VA clinic in Beaumont to double facility size by 2027
BEAUMONT, Texas — A new chapter began today for veterans in Southeast Texas as officials broke ground on a brand-new VA outpatient clinic in Beaumont. The future clinic will replace the current facility located at Plaza Circle near Interstate 10 and Laurel Avenue. Located at College Street near I-10, the new 55,000-square-foot facility will nearly double the size of the existing clinic and provide a wider range of services to more than 10,000 Veterans currently enrolled in the Beaumont VA system.
Beaumont officials: drainage system strained by intense rainfall, moving water to canals remains key challenge
BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont city officials are assessing the impacts of the recent series of heavy rain events, which underscored a key challenge in the city’s drainage system—quickly moving stormwater from city streets into the larger canals maintained by Jefferson County Drainage District Six.
Beaumont aims to make streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, bus riders
BEAUMONT, Texas — Imagine safer crosswalks, better sidewalks, and more protection for people walking, biking, or riding the bus in Beaumont. That vision could take a big step forward today as City Council considers applying for federal funding to create a citywide safety plan. The goal? Prevent deadly crashes and protect everyone who uses Beaumont’s streets. “Everybody has the right to be safe,” said Amalia Villareal, Beaumont’s Public Works Director. “My hope is to focus on pedestrian safety.
Bechtel Formally Responds to Port Arthur LNG scaffolding collapse lawsuit; Court ends restraining order
BEAUMONT, Texas — Bechtel Energy has formally filed its response to a wrongful death lawsuit tied to the April 29 scaffolding collapse at the Port Arthur LNG construction site, which claimed the lives of three workers. (EDITOR'S NOTE: The above video first aired on May 22, 2025.) The accident happened during overnight work while crews were building a large concrete LNG tank using a special type of scaffolding, known as jump form, that suddenly collapsed.
New subpoena targets Zachry Group in Port Arthur LNG scaffold collapse lawsuit
BEAUMONT, Texas — Lawyers representing the family of a worker killed in the Port Arthur LNG construction collapse are now seeking records from Zachry Group, a major contractor on the project. The notice, filed June 4, requests documents related to Reginald Magee, one of three men killed when a scaffold collapsed on April 29. All three victims were Bechtel employees, and it's unclear at this point why Zachry is being deposed.
One year after Gilbert Building Fire: Investigation continues, building's fate in limbo
BEAUMONT, Texas — One year after a massive fire engulfed the Gilbert Building in downtown Beaumont, the property remains at the center of an ongoing arson investigation and a contentious legal battle between the city and building owner Tom Flanagan that could result in demolition. The fire, which happened a year ago on June 6, 2024, required more than 24 hours and millions of gallons of water to extinguish.
Lawsuit filed against Downtown Beaumont developer Tom Flanagan over injury at 'unsafe' building
BEAUMONT, Texas — A woman is suing prominent developer Tom Flanagan and several business entities after she says she was severely injured at a downtown building that was previously flagged by the City of Beaumont as unsafe and showing no progress. The civil lawsuit was filed in the 136th Judicial District Court by Nina Huckabay, an employee of Jani-Cor. According to court documents, Huckabay slipped on a leaking substance at 460 Orleans Street on July 25, 2024, while cleaning the property.
Calvin Walker seeking jobs in Louisiana, complying with court monitoring
BEAUMONT, Texas — A newly obtained court memo reveals former BISD electrician Calvin Walker is actively applying for jobs—while remaining under strict supervision as he appeals a 9.5-year prison sentence for probation violations tied to a $1.17 million fraud case. The memo, dated May 30, 2025, was sent by Community Supervision Officer Denise Hunter to Judge John Stevens and details Walker’s compliance with conditions of his appeal bond.
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