On March 1, McAllen Border Patrol agents rescued a civilian from a burning vehicle and a migrant from drowning in the river near Abram, Texas. USCBP Image
Texas Border Business
ABRAM, TEXAS – On March 1, McAllen Border Patrol agents rescued a civilian from a burning vehicle and a migrant from drowning in the river near Abram, Texas.
McAllen agents, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Peñitas Fire Department responded to the vehicle accident. Upon approach, the vehicle was smoking, and the driver was still inside. The vehicle burst into flames as authorities safely extracted the driver. The driver was transported via ambulance to a local hospital for further medical screening.
Later that afternoon, a McAllen Riverine Unit responded to a call from an Air and Marine Operations helicopter concerning a subject who appeared to be in distress, attempting to swim back to Mexico. The crew located the subject struggling to stay afloat and safely extracted him from the water. The subject was medically evaluated and treated by a Border Patrol Medical Emergency Technician.
“While executing our border security mission, within our area of responsibility, Border Patrol Agents frequently encounter emergency situations involving members of the public. In these incidents, our agents immediately acted as first responders to save the lives of a civilian and a migrant, preventing any further injury or death,” stated Rio Grande Valley Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gloria I. Chavez. “I’m so extremely proud of them.”
On February 27, Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector Chief Patrol Agent (CPA) Gloria I. Chavez received a proclamation from the Brownsville City Commission and Mayor Juan Trey Mendez III. Courtesy Image
Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – On February 27, Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Sector Chief Patrol Agent (CPA) Gloria I. Chavez received a proclamation from the Brownsville City Commission and Mayor Juan Trey Mendez III.
CPA Chavez was recognized in her hometown for her 27 years of experience and service with the United States Border Patrol. The city of Brownsville highlighted her illustrious career and spoke of her dedication to community service which earned her the honors for the proclamation. CPA Chavez has served in a variety of senior leadership positions in multiple sectors and stations along the Southern and Northern borders of the United States. CPA Chavez has reached the senior executive status, the highest position in federal government an employee can obtain and is currently amongst the highest-ranking females in the agency.
Chief Chavez, City Officials, and Border Patrol Agents. Courtesy Image
Since her arrival in October 2022, CPA Chavez has worked alongside an incredible workforce which focuses on operations, administrative functions that support border security with a priority to keep our community safe.
“We [the City of Brownsville] celebrate(s) Chief Gloria Chavez for making history for our city, our community, and the Rio Grande Valley,” said Brownsville Mayor Trey Mendez. “It is an outstanding accomplishment for her to be the first Hispanic female Border Patrol Sector Chief for the Rio Grande Valley. She is a Brownsville native and a Porter High School graduate who has worked hard to achieve all she set her mind to accomplish. Brownsville is proud of Chief Chavez. She is an inspiration to all and a testament that you can accomplish any goal through hard work, honesty, and determination”.
Last year, the Fraud Unit at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) got more than 16,000 reports of possible fraud. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE – Do you think insurance fraud rarely happens or mostly on TV dramas?
Think again.
Last year, the Fraud Unit at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) got more than 16,000 reports of possible fraud. The unit, which has officers around the state, worked on nearly 400 criminal investigations. It currently has more than 170 ongoing investigations in 40 Texas counties.
Tips to protect yourself from fraud:
When shopping for insurance, check that the agent you’re working with has a state license. You can call the TDI Help Line at 800-252-3439 or look up the agent on TDI’s website, www.tdi.texas.gov/agent/agent-lookup.html.
Be wary of buying a policy from anyone who only accepts cash or who wants to meet you only at your home or in a parking lot.
If someone tells you that you must act today or you’ll lose the offer, that’s usually a bad sign. Legitimate insurance plans won’t have purchase deadlines. Don’t be rushed when shopping for insurance.
After you buy a policy, call the insurance company to confirm that the policy is in your name.
If you’re asked to cash in an annuity or some other life insurance policy to buy a different annuity or policy, don’t take the bait. Annuities and life insurance products are generally worth more the longer you hold onto them.
Listen to more on stopping insurance fraud in Texas in The Texas Insurance Podcast, featuring Chris Davis of TDI’s Fraud Unit.
Robbie Mesa, director of dual enrollment at TSTC’s Harlingen campus, speaks during a recent recruitment presentation to some high school students of South Texas ISD’s Science Academy and their parents about the Computer Programming Technology classes that will be offered online through a dual enrollment P-TECH partnership in the fall 2023 semester. (Photo courtesy of TSTC.)
Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, Texas – A new dual enrollment partnership between Texas State Technical College and South Texas Independent School District will offer online Computer Programming Technology classes for Science Academy high school students through the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) program next fall.
Vanessa Rivera, Career and Technical Education director for South Texas ISD, said STISD is excited about the partnership.
“This dual enrollment P-TECH partnership is an opportunity for our students to earn a level one TSTC certificate as a sophomore and have an option to complete a level two certificate prior to graduation,” she said. “Our district anticipates a freshman cohort of 50 students to participate in the Science Academy Computer Programming Technology P-TECH program.”
Robbie Mesa, TSTC’s director of dual enrollment in Harlingen, said TSTC’s Computer Programming Technology program will give the participating students an advantage.
“STISD students will take the online courses at their high school campus,” he said. “They will gain college credit, certificates and a great college experience as high school students. Registration for the students will begin on March 20.”
Recently TSTC and STISD representatives invited families to a parent information session held at the district’s Science Academy to learn more about the partnership and the P-TECH program.
Mesa said the parents were intrigued by the presentation.
“One parent asked if their teenager will receive an associate degree,” he said. “All Science Academy students that are enrolled in Computer Programming Technology will receive a certificate (upon successful completion).”
TSTC has a commitment to provide dual enrollment pathways for high school students who wish to elevate their potential in college-level courses.
Precinct 3 announced the launch of its Precinct 3 Heroes campaign, a new initiative aimed at recognizing and honoring individuals who have demonstrated acts of heroism in the Precinct 3 community. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
MISSION, Texas – Precinct 3 announced the launch of its Precinct 3 Heroes campaign, a new initiative aimed at recognizing and honoring individuals who have demonstrated acts of heroism in the Precinct 3 community.
The past 2 years have been marked by unprecedented challenges and hardships for many in our community. Despite these difficulties, there are countless individuals who have stepped up to the plate to help others in need. From healthcare workers on the front lines of the pandemic to community organizers and volunteers working tirelessly to support our most vulnerable, these everyday heroes have shown us that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience can prevail.
The Precinct 3 Heroes campaign is an opportunity for community members to nominate someone who has made a positive impact in our community – this could include anyone from a first responder who risked his or her life to save others or a neighbor who went out of his or her way to help someone in need.
To participate, individuals need to visit our website and fill out a brief nomination form. Precinct 3 will select a monthly hero starting March 2023. The campaign is scheduled to run until December 2023.
Nominees must reside in Precinct 3.
Selected heroes will be celebrated on our social media channels, and in December 2023, every Precinct 3 Hero will be invited to a Precinct 3 Heroes Luncheon.
“We are thrilled to launch our Precinct 3 Heroes campaign and shine a spotlight on the random acts of kindness, bravery, and selflessness that often go unnoticed in our community. We hope that this campaign will not only recognize and celebrate the heroes among us but also inspire others to take action and make a positive difference in their own communities,” said Commissioner Everardo “Ever” Villarreal.
“We want to make sure that the impact these heroes are having on our Precinct doesn’t go unnoticed,” said Villarreal. “We want to give them something to smile about and reward them for their heroics by highlighting their stories. That’s what our ‘Precinct 3 Heroes’ campaign is all about.”
For more information on how to nominate a hero or to learn more about the campaign, call (956) 585- 4509 or follow Commissioner Everardo “Ever” Villarreal on social media.
“This is a big win for taxpayers and another achievement as we transform the IRS to improve taxpayer experiences,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Doug O’Donnell. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Anyone filing electronic amended returns Form 1040-X now has the option to select direct deposit for quicker delivery of refunds. As part of the funding for the Inflation Reduction Act, this is the latest step the IRS is taking to improve service this filing season.
“This is a big win for taxpayers and another achievement as we transform the IRS to improve taxpayer experiences,” said IRS Acting Commissioner Doug O’Donnell. “This important update will cut refund time and reduce inconvenience for people who file amended returns. We always encourage direct deposit whenever possible. Getting tax refunds into taxpayers’ hands quickly without worry of a lost or stolen paper check just makes sense.”
Governor Abbott highlighted the scope of legislative priorities he is working with the Texas Legislature to accomplish this session during the opening keynote address at the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s (TPPF) annual Texas Policy Summit in Austin. Photo: Office of the Governor
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Abbott highlighted the scope of legislative priorities he is working with the Texas Legislature to accomplish this session during the opening keynote address at the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s (TPPF) annual Texas Policy Summit in Austin.
“Texas is the undisputed economic juggernaut of America, and we will remain an unflinching force in the world by expanding opportunities for everyone this session,” said Governor Abbott. “I look forward to working with the Texas House and Senate to prevent a patchwork regulation regime that makes it hard to do business in our state. We are also working on other policy issues to make Texas even greater, including providing the largest property tax cut in Texas history, doing more than any other state to ensure our southern border is secure, classifying fentanyl poisonings as murder, and ending revolving-door bail policies that kill innocent Texans. One of the most consequential policies this session is to empower all parents with the ability to choose the best education option for their child. One hundred and eighty-seven years after Texas was founded, there has never been a better time to be a Texan. Working together, we will keep it that way.”
Speaking to a crowd of over 400/ Photo: Office of the Governor
Speaking to a crowd of more than 400, Governor Abbott emphasized education freedom through state-funded Education Savings Accounts for all Texas students to provide parents the ability to choose the best education option for their child. The Governor also discussed the need to rein in local business regulations contrary to Texas values to ensure our state remains a national leader in economic opportunity.
At the Policy Summit. Photo; Office of the Governor
For the past two decades, TPPF’s Texas Policy Summit has brought together a diverse constituency of legislators and staff, activists, media, and stakeholders to discuss the most pressing state and national issues impacting Texans and Americans.
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas won Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup for a record-shattering 11th consecutive year and 19th win overall—records unmatched by any other state. Photo: Office of the Governor
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas won Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup for a record-shattering 11th consecutive year and 19th win overall—records unmatched by any other state.
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas won Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup for a record-shattering 11th consecutive year and 19th win overall—records unmatched by any other state. Photo: Office of the Governor
“I am proud to again accept the Governor’s Cup recognizing Texas as the nation’s leader in attracting job-creating business investments,” said Governor Abbott. “Texas truly is America’s economic engine, and we stand apart as a model for the nation. When choosing where to relocate or expand their businesses, more and more innovative industry leaders find themselves at home in our state. I congratulate the exceptional economic development teams at the local, regional, and state level who have worked so diligently to attract and retain these growing businesses and the jobs they create in diverse communities across this great state. Today, as we celebrate 11 years of excellence with another Governor’s Cup win, we look to the future. Working together, we continue to build the Texas of tomorrow.”
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas won Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup for a record-shattering 11th consecutive year and 19th win overall—records unmatched by any other state. Photo: Office of the Governor
The Governor was joined for the announcement at a press conference on the front steps of the Governor’s Mansion by Site Selection Magazine Editor-in-Chief Mark Arend, Texarkana Mayor Bob Bruggeman, Plano Mayor John Muns, members of the Texas Legislature, and other business and economic development leaders.
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas won Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup for a record-shattering 11th consecutive year and 19th win overall—records unmatched by any other state. Photo: Office of the Governor
Awarded annually by Site Selection since 1978, the Governor’s Cup recognizes the nation’s top-performing state for job-creating business relocations and expansions. Site Selection publishes information for expansion-planning decision-makers, including CEOs, corporate real estate executives, facility planners, human resource managers, and consultants to corporations.
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas won Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup for a record-shattering 11th consecutive year and 19th win overall—records unmatched by any other state. Photo: Office of the Governor
The Texas State Chamber Praises Governor Abbott and the Texas Legislature for Winning Its 11th Governor’s Cup
AUSTIN, Texas — As the Texas State Chamber, TAB released the following statement praising Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature for winning Site Selection Magazine’s Governor’s Cup for an astounding 11th year in a row.
“Texas is the undisputed leader of job creation and capital investment thanks to the pro-business policies championed by Governor Greg Abbott and the Legislature,” said TAB CEO Glenn Hamer. “The Lone Star State continues to win awards like these because we have a Governor and Legislature who understand that when businesses succeed, Texas succeeds. TAB will continue working with our state leaders to protect and strengthen the economic climate this session and keep our trophy case full.”
Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station halted a human smuggling attempt involving a vehicle collision in Laredo, Texas. USCBP image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – Laredo Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Laredo South Station halted a human smuggling attempt involving a vehicle collision in Laredo, Texas.
On Feb. 28, Border Patrol agents while working their assigned duties, observed several individuals getting into a black SUV near the Rio Grande in South Laredo. The driver fled the area and traveled east toward U.S. Highway 83. Border Patrol agents successfully deployed a Vehicle Immobilization Device (VID). The driver was still able to turn onto the highway before colliding with two other vehicles, including a Border Patrol vehicle.
There were no injuries and Border Patrol agents took into custody the driver, a U.S. citizen, along with four individuals. After transporting the individuals to the Laredo South Station, Border Patrol agents conducted record checks on the individuals. The individuals were found to be illegally in the United States from the country of Mexico. All subjects were taken into custody and processed accordingly.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the U.S. Border Patrol while remaining anonymous by calling 1-800-343-1994.
EDINBURG, Texas – When UTRGV started in 2015, one of its founding priorities was to conduct research that would have an impact on the Rio Grande Valley, the state of Texas and beyond.
Eight years later, UTRGV is making good on that promise by producing record-breaking research expenditures,and by moving up in national research rankings.
TheNational Science Foundation (NSF) measures research productivity through its Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) survey and ranks universities by total research expenditures. Between fiscal year 2016 (UTRGV’s first year) and FY22, UTRGV’s total research expenditures more than tripled, going from $20.7 million to $64.4 million, an all-time high for the university.
In FY15, the year before UTRGV opened to students, the combined NSF research ranking of legacy institutions UT-Brownsville and UT Pan American was 279th of 625 universities. In NSF’s most recent rankings (for FY20), UTRGV was 194th – an improvement of 85 positions in six years. (Graphic by UTRGV Creative Services)
As a result, UTRGV’s NSF research rankings also have skyrocketed. In FY15, the year before UTRGV opened to students, the combined NSF research ranking of legacy institutions UT-Brownsville and UT Pan American was 279th of 625 universities. However, in NSF’s most recent rankings (for FY20), UTRGV was 194th – an improvement of 85 positions in six years. UTRGV ranked 12th among Texas general academic institutions and ahead of long-established universities like Southern Methodist, Baylor, and Texas Christian.
UTRGV President Guy Bailey said he is impressed with the remarkable growth in research and the solid foundation on which to build and progress toward R1 (universities with the highest research activity) and Emerging Research University status.
“This is really just the tip of the iceberg for UTRGV,” Bailey said. “As we continue to implement our research strategy and build our research infrastructure, both our research expenditures and rankings should continue their dramatic improvement. The impact our research is having and will have on the Rio Grande Valley is immeasurable.”
Between fiscal year 2016 (UTRGV’s first year) and FY22, UTRGV’s total research expenditures more than tripled, going from $20.7 million to $64.4 million, an all-time high for the university. (Graphic by UTRGV Creative Services)
UTRGV’s MOST RECENT RESEARCH ACHIEVEMENTS
Over the past several weeks, UTRGV has been awarded multiple research grants and accolades, including:
A $10 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the University Transportation Center for Railway Safety.
A $6 million grant from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas to the UTRGV South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research.
A $5.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to address the shortage of mental health service professionals in schools.
Election of Dr. Karen Lozano, professor of Mechanical Engineering and Julia Beecherl Endowed Professor, into this year’s class of the prestigious National Academy of Engineering for her contributions to nanofiber research and commercialization, and her mentoring of undergraduate students from underserved populations.
Hosting Heidi Shyu, the U.S. Department of Defense under secretary for research and engineering, as part of the 2023 National Manufacturing Expo held at UTRGV. During her visit, the undersecretary met with UTRGV leaders, community partners and representatives from a range of manufacturing organizations to discuss key topics that included UTRGV’s research and development (R&D) portfolio, engineering programs, student success and workforce, and economic development.
Dr. Can (“John”) Saygin, senior vice president for Research at UTRGV and dean of the Graduate College, said he is excited about what the future holds for UTRGV’s research enterprise.
“For such a young institution, these research metrics are solid indicators of a strong foundation,” Saygin said. “We are committed to further developing and building upon our research enterprise to take UTRGV toward becoming an Emerging Research University on our path to an R1 institution.”
