Landon Schott, the 41-year-old pastor of Mercy Culture Church in Fort Worth who repeatedly blasts Democrats as "godless" and "demonic," led an impromptu service in a Texas Capitol meeting room on Tuesday.

Texas’ 89th legislative session begins Tuesday – and as of Sunday night, state lawmakers had already filed more than 2,500 bills.

The 89th Texas Legislature will convene Tuesday. Here are some of the members who will help shape state policies.

Whoopi Goldberg showed some support to Carrie Underwood on “The View” (via Entertainment Weekly) amid backlash against the “American Idol” winner and country music star for her decision to perform “America the Beautiful” at Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan.

Dustin Burrows was elected house speaker, filling the role previously held by Dade Phelan.

The Texas Legislature convenes for its 89th regular session at noon today, kicking off 140 days of wrangling over the business of the state. Lawmakers will debate the future of public education, find ways to spend nearly $200 billion in tax money and wrestle over divisive issues like border security and abortion.

CBS News Texas political reporter Jack Fink spoke with Texas Rep. Carl Tepper before the House voted on a speaker.

Three nominees are vying for the Texas House speaker's gavel after the 89th Texas legislature was seated Tuesday.