A proposed constitutional referendum to allow casino gambling in Texas got a boost Monday when a Dallas-area senator announced that interest groups had united behind a measure he introduced at the Texas Legislature.

Republican Sen. John Carona said that big casinos and race tracks had agreed to support his proposed constitutional amendment. If approved by lawmakers and voters, it would allow 21 casinos statewide and create a gambling commission.

A project under way at the Waco Police Department could better arm responding officers with crucial information before arriving at a crime scene, upping the odds that a suspect will be caught quickly and improving safety for officers and residents, authorities say.

Administrators in the department are evaluating the costs and benefits of creating a Real Time Crime Center. The centers have been established in several metropolitan cities through the years, including Boston, New York, Houston and Austin.

Love her or loathe her, one thing’s beyond dispute: Margaret Thatcher transformed Britain.

The Iron Lady, who ruled for 11 remarkable years, imposed her will on a fractious, rundown nation — breaking the unions, triumphing in a far-off war, and selling off state industries at a record pace. She left behind a leaner government and more prosperous nation by the time a mutiny ousted her from No. 10 Downing Street.

Zeta Tau Alpha won Stompfest 2013, beating out six other contenders for the title. This is the fourth year in a row Zeta Tau Alpha has won Stompfest.