Packages containing nearly 18 pounds of cocaine seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry. USCBP Image
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Veterans International Bridge intercepted a load of alleged cocaine valued at approximately $239,314 hidden within a 2003 Jeep.
“Our officers are relentless in their efforts to keep our borders secure and used available tools to intercept these dangerous drugs,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry.
The seizure took place on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at the Veterans International Bridge when a 26-year-old male United States citizen who resides in Brownsville, Texas, attempted entry into the United States driving a 2003 Jeep. The vehicle was referred to CBP secondary for further examination after a primary inspection. While in the secondary inspection area, with the aid of a non-intrusive inspection system (NII) and a canine unit, CBP officers discovered eight packages hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers removed the packages which contained a total of 17.9 pounds of alleged cocaine.
The estimated street value of the cocaine from the seizure is approximately $239,314.
CBP officers seized the narcotics along with the vehicle, arrested the driver and turned him over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents for further investigation.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $21,246,509.00 in federal grant funding to the State of Texas. Image for illustration purposes
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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded $21,246,509.00 in federal grant funding to the State of Texas. The funding comes from the DOJ’s Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP), which was recently authorized by Sen. Cornyn’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that was signed into law on June 25, 2022. This SCIP grant was awarded to Governor Abbott’s Public Safety Office to support state and local crisis intervention programs, including the expansion of behavioral health crisis response initiatives and specialized court-based programs to address risk factors that lead to violence.
“Following the tragedy in Uvalde, I fought to ensure every state would receive funding to administer effective crisis response programs that uphold due process and improve public safety,” said Sen. Cornyn. “I applaud this significant investment for Texas to strengthen its existing intervention programs and ensure individuals in crisis receive meaningful help as our state continues to prioritize safe and healthy communities.”
Background:
The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act is targeted legislation addressing specific concerns that have led to recent mass shootings, including the need for additional mental health services and crisis intervention resources. In the legislation, Sen. Cornyn ensured there was no federal mandate, incentive, penalty, or set-asides for states to have or create a so-called ‘red-flag law’ in order to receive federal funding. Every state is eligible for equal funding based on an existing formula that grants states the flexibility to implement the appropriate crisis intervention programs such as mental health courts, drug courts, Veterans’ Courts, and Assisted Out Patient Treatment (AOT) programs. Any state that uses this funding to enforce a ‘red-flag law’ must conform to strict and robust due process requirements put in place by this legislation.
The new law also includes:
Support for State Crisis Intervention Programs
Provides resources to states to implement crisis intervention court programs, which could include mental health courts, drug courts, Veterans’ Courts, and Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) programs.
Every state would receive funding based on an existing formula and have the flexibility to choose whichever crisis intervention programs would work best for them. There are no mandates, incentives, penalties, or set-asides.
If a state chooses to use any of this funding to implement an extreme risk protection order program, it would be required to meet strict and expansive due process, evidentiary, and standard of proof requirements.
Investments in Children and Family Mental Health Services
Expands the community behavioral health center model nationwide and makes major investments to increase access to mental health and suicide prevention programs and other support services available in the community, including crisis and trauma intervention.
Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence
Updates the definition of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to include those who have or have had a current or recent continuing serious relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with their victim.
Individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence against a person with whom they have or have had a current or recent continuing serious relationship of a romantic or intimate nature would have their right to purchase and possess firearms automatically restored after five years elapsed from the end of their criminal sentence if they had committed no further crimes of violence.
Funding for School-Based Mental Health and Supportive Services
Invests in programs to expand mental health and supportive services in schools, including early identification and intervention.
Funding for School Safety Resources
Invests in programs to help institute safety measures in and around primary and secondary schools, supports school violence prevention efforts and provides training to school personnel and students.
Clarification of the Definition of Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer
Cracks down on criminals who illegally evade licensing requirements.
Telehealth Investments
Invests in programs that increase access to mental and behavioral health services for youth and families in crisis via telehealth.
Under-21 Enhanced Review Process
For buyers under 21 years of age whose background checks are flagged for cause, the bill allows up to seven additional days for the FBI to conduct an enhanced review into the possibly disqualifying juvenile and mental health adjudication records.
Penalties for Straw Purchasing
Cracks down on criminals, cartel members, and terrorists who illegally straw purchase and traffic guns.
The Senators’ Bipartisan Safer Communities Act was fully offset and was supported by the Fraternal Order of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National District Attorneys Association, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, the National Association of Police Organizations, the National Association of School Psychologists, the American Psychological Association, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the National Association of School Psychologists, the National Rural Health Association, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Electronic Security Association, and the Security Industry Association, along with other national and state domestic violence, mental health, and education organizations.
Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Intelligence, and Judiciary Committees.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently proposed a rule that would mean higher costs and fewer benefits for existing credit card users who pay their bills on time and fewer options for those looking for a new credit card. Image for illustration purposes
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U. S. Chamber of Commerce
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently proposed a rule that would mean higher costs and fewer benefits for existing credit card users who pay their bills on time and fewer options for those looking for a new credit card.
Why it matters: 75% of credit card users pay their bills on time. These consumers have come to rely on low costs from their financial service providers and more choices in their banking.
Be smart: If this rule goes into effect consumers – including small business owners – will have fewer credit card options and benefits
· The rule will likely cause a reduction in popular perks such as cashback rewards, discounts on groceries and gas, and travel perks with airline and hotel partners.
Bottom line: If the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants to protect consumers, it shouldn’t disincentivize on-time payments.
The global air travel industry is projected to finally return to profitability this year. Image for illustration purposes.
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group
It’s been about three years since COVID-19 and measures taken to slow its spread brought the world to a screeching halt. One of the hardest hit industries was airlines. The numbers of travelers through TSA checkpoints fell from over two million most days in February 2020 to fewer than 100,000 per day through part of April (a drop of more than 95%).
Even with government infusions to keep the system intact, the financial losses were massive. Airlines and all travel-related industries were left with the same (or even higher) fixed expenses and almost no revenue. Companies were forced to lay off workers. Investments were delayed, and expenses were slashed to try to stay afloat.
Through most of 2020, passenger volumes remained a fraction of what they had been, though they began to edge up from the April 2020 lows. Many restrictions remained in place, and some people were naturally reluctant to travel even where it was officially allowed.
When things began to somewhat normalize, travel trended upward. The level of pent-up demand was high, and trips canceled during the pandemic were rescheduled. At the same time, people had money to spend, with several federal stimulus packages sending cash payments to much of the US population plus savings due to not being able to venture out and do things during the shutdowns. Restrictions were eased over time, with significant variations by country hampering recovery in international traveler levels.
The most recent numbers of passengers through TSA checkpoints indicates that the pre-pandemic levels are being reached on some days, though averages aren’t quite there yet. The total available capacity on US airlines is well below pre-pandemic levels, with schedules pared down. Ticket prices are relatively high and are likely to remain so, with fuel cost being a significant culprit.
The global air travel industry is projected to finally return to profitability this year. North America is expected to lead the way, with other areas hampered by issues such as the slower pace of China’s reopening. Industry experts indicate that many of the worst problems with high-profile meltdowns, cancellations, long lines, and other issues are likely behind us. (Let’s hope so!) The inability to invest in technology and upgrades through the pandemic years, however, could continue to cause issues (and, of course, there is always the threat of weather disruptions).
Going forward, one of the biggest challenges will be labor shortages. It’s an economywide problem, and even though air travel industry involves high average wages, it will still be difficult to find enough workers (including pilots, which are among the most highly trained professionals anywhere). It will take time to fully recover, but things are looking up, up, and away! Stay safe!
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 3,000 clients over the past four decades.
As part of the new partnership, the Texas A&M Advanced Manufacturing Hub will provide training to students, school district staff and teachers in applied engineering, manufacturing, cybersecurity, robotics and other programsto develop a highly skilled workforce development pipeline for the local advanced manufacturing industry. Image for illustration purposes. Bgd. googlemaps
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EDINBURG, Texas – On Monday, Feb. 13, the Texas A&M RGV Advanced Manufacturing Hub andEdinburg CISD signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at a signing ceremony in McAllen.
As part of the new partnership, the Texas A&M Advanced Manufacturing Hub will provide training to students, school district staff and teachers in applied engineering, manufacturing, cybersecurity, robotics and other programsto develop a highly skilled workforce development pipeline for the local advanced manufacturing industry.
Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp described the possibilities in South Texas as “limitless” and said he looked forward to much more to come.
“We are going to guide these students as they get ready to lead and take on new roles here in South Texas. They’ll learn about Cybersecurity, they’ll learn about robotics, advanced manufacturing and other industries. Ourinstructors from A&M will offer them all the tools they are going to need to be successful in all of these fields, especially in this part of South Texas where the growth is limitless in my opinion,” said Sharp.
We are very proud to be here with Edinburg CISD to sign this MOU.”
Texas A&M and ECISD officials discussed the importance of this partnership and the resources it will provide for ECISD students and staff.
“It’s not only going to be teaching our kids, but our teachers will have the opportunity to learn more as well. It’s agreat opportunity to give all of our students to get into the tech world and to work directly with manufacturingcompanies. It’s a great partnership, I see it going a long way and I’m excited to see what the future holds, said ECISD Board President Miguel “Mike” Farias.
The signing was held at South Texas College and is the first of its kind between Edinburg CISD and Texas A&M. Edinburg CISD hopes the collaboration will give teachers resources to inspire the next generation of advancedmanufacturing engineers and technicians.
“This is a historic day,” said Dr. Mario Salinas Superintendent for Edinburg CISD. “
Texas A&M as everybody knows is a world class institution and when the opportunity to partner with them came up we knew it would be good for our students and that’s the idea, providing more opportunities for our students. It willalso be good for our staff, they will be introduced to newer technologies that they can teach our students. These technologies are in high demand so students have a pathway to college and a future job,” Salinas said.
The district hopes the workforce that is developed by partnering with Texas A&M and other institutions of higher learning will show companies and businesses the kind of potential and industry that exists here in South Texas.
ECISD also has a partnership with the University of Texas system and is currently constructing a Collegiate High School.
The City of McAllen officially broke ground on the Quince Avenue and 27th St. Drainage Improvement Project, which will serve an area of approximately 38 acres, bounded by Tamarack Avenue to the north, Quince Avenue to the south, 27th St. to the west, and 24th St. to the east. The area covered encompasses three small subdivisions and the proposed drainage improvements will increase the surface water run-off collection, reducing stagnation and ponding of surface water in the streets.
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) Edith & Ethel Carman Elementary School Counselor Violeta Cantu has been nominated for the 2022-23 National LifeChanger of the Year award. Courtesy image for illustration purposes
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SAN JUAN, Texas – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD)Edith & Ethel Carman Elementary School Counselor Violeta Cantu has been nominated for the 2022-23 National LifeChanger of the Year award. Sponsored by the National Life Group Foundation, LifeChanger of the Year recognizes and rewards the very best K-12 educators and school district employees across the United States who are making a difference in the lives of students by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership.
Each school year, LifeChanger of the Year receives hundreds of nominations from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Eighteen individual LifeChanger of the Year awards will be given during the 2022-2023 school year.
Cantu was nominated by her principal, Gisela Salinas Ramirez, for her consistent social and emotional support toward students, teachers, and staff throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Mrs. Violeta Cantu is the heart of Carman Elementary,” said Principal Gisela Salinas Ramirez. “She gives so much of herself day in and day out to ensure that our students, parents, and staff members have the social and emotional support necessary to navigate any situation and encourages us to find the light on even the darkest days.”
Winners are chosen by a selection committee comprised of former winners and education professionals and will be announced in early 2023. Nominees must be K-12 teachers or school district employees. To be considered for an award, nominees must
Make a positive impact in the lives of students
Enhance their school or district’s atmosphere, culture, and pride
Demonstrate exemplary leadership at the school and/or district level
Possess a proven record of professional excellence
Show commitment to building a nurturing environment that supports learning
Adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards
“It is an honor to be nominated for the National Life Changer of the Year Award. I feel extremely blessed to be able to pursue my passion as a school counselor with PSJA ISD,” said Cantu. “I would like to thank my Principal Gisela Salinas Ramirez for her continuous support as I plan and develop self-care activities for our students and staff. I would also like to thank the School Board and PSJA ISD for always supporting our counseling team, and most importantly our Carman Elementary Families for entrusting me with your children.”
To view Violeta Cantu’s LifeChanger of the Year nominee profile, visit: https://bit.ly/3YmPUv6
This ranking only highlights what those of us in our community have always known: McAllen is a safe city. Image for illustration purposes. Bgd. googlemaps
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McAllen once again received recognition for something many in the community already know, ranking third on its list of Top 10 Safest Cities in the United States by SmartAsset.com. The financial website analyzed a core set of common safety factors to identify and rank the safest cities in America, looking at data from 200 of the largest cities across the following five metrics: violent crime, property crime, vehicular mortality rate, drug poisoning mortality rate and the percentage of the population engaging in excessive drinking to determine the 2023 ranking. Since the last study, crime in the U.S. has continued its upward trend. As McAllen’s crime rate continues to decrease, the city moved up three spots from 2022, when it was ranked #6.
“This ranking only highlights what those of us in our community have always known: McAllen is a safe city. This is because of our law-abiding community and brave, hardworking McAllen Police Officers who, not only protect and serve our community, its residents and countless visitors on a daily basis, but also, have kept our crime rate dropping each year to the lowest it has ever been in the past 38 years,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos.
Safety is one of the top concerns for many families when picking a place to live. Many Americans have usually looked for low crime and other low-risk factors in order to determine whether a new neighborhood, or even a new community or city, is safe for them.
“McAllen’s continued ranking as a safe city and continuous decline in its crime rate for the past 38 years is in sharp contrast to rhetoric that tends to paint all border cities as unsafe communities,” concluded Mayor Villalobos.
To find the safest cities, SmartAsset compared 200 of the largest U.S. cities across the following metrics:
· Violent crime rate. The number of violent crimes per 100,000 residents. Data comes from the FBI’s 2021 Uniform Crime Reporting Database.
· Property crime rate. The number of property crimes per 100,000 residents. Data comes from the FBI’s 2021Uniform Crime Reporting Database.
· Vehicular mortality rate. The number of deaths due to traffic accidents per 100,000 residents. Data comes from countyhealthrankings.org and is for 2022.
· Drug poisoning mortality rate. The number of drug poisoning deaths per 100,000 residents. Data comes from countyhealthrankings.org and is for 2022.
· Percentage of the population engaging in excessive drinking. The percentage of adults who consumed more than four drinks of alcohol for women or five drinks of alcohol for men on a single occasion over a 30-day period, or who engage in heavy drinking, which is defined as drinking more than one drink per day for women or two drinks a day for men on average. Data comes from countyhealthrankings.org and is for 2022.
The vehicular mortality rate, drug poisoning mortality rate and percentage of the population engaging in excessive drinking are all measured at the county level. Both violent and property crime rates are at the city level.
To find the final rankings, SmartAsset.com first ranked each city in each metric. Then, they found the average ranking for every city, giving each metric an equal weight. The metro area with the best average ranking places first in our study while the area with the lowest average ranking places last.
According to SmartAsset.com,McAllen, with a population of nearly 144,000 people and the surrounding Hidalgo County, have the second-lowest drug poisoning mortality rate (five deaths for every 100,000 residents) in the study and the seventh-lowest percentage of people engaging in excessive drinking (15.27%). The city records 179 violent crimes for every 100,000 residents, which is the 18th-lowest violent crime rate.
“McAllen is a great place to live, work and play because of the investment in our McAllen police officers and our quality of life initiatives and amenities,” said McAllen City Manager Roel “Roy” Rodriguez, P.E. “This leads to a dynamic, vibrant city and community who take ownership in keeping their community safe, as well.
McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez credits the low crime rate to the unwavering support of the McAllen community; its elected officials, and the dedicated work of all McAllen Police Officers and Support Personnel.
“Our community strives to prevent crime, to promote public safety and to participate in the investigation of crime when it does occur. At the end of 2022, the City of McAllen recorded its 13th consecutive annual crime reduction and its lowest crime rate in 38 years. To this end, the McAllen Police Department expresses sincere appreciation to all members of our community and to the McAllen City Commission for their diligence and dedication to making public safety the top priority. The McAllen Police Department administration expresses special thanks to the men and women of the McAllen Police Department for their hard work and successful outcomes,” concluded Chief Rodriguez.
One key finding from the study is that cities in the Lone Star State rank safest. Texas is home to several of the nation’s safest cities according to their metrics. Four out of the top five cities with the highest safety ratings are located in Texas. All four have violent crime rates lower than 90% of the cities across the study.
Joining McAllen on the list are Texas cities of Frisco at #1; McKinney at #2; Plano at #5; Laredo at #7 and El Paso at #12.
As part of this study, SmartAsset also set out to determine which of the safest cities are most affordable. To do this, they ranked the 35 safest cities according to a home affordability metric: median annual housing costs as a percentage of median household income. Among the safest cities in America, McAllen was ranked #6 overall for affordability this year.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is receiving an increase in reports of scams targeting clients who use Lone Star Cards and is urging Texans who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits to monitor purchases on their Lone Star Card through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app. Image Sources: hhs.texas.gov for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is receiving an increase in reports of scams targeting clients who use Lone Star Cards and is urging Texans who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits to monitor purchases on their Lone Star Card through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
HHSC recently released an updated version of the Your Texas Benefits mobile app that helps clients manage their benefits. Using the app, available for Apple and Android mobile phones, card holders can monitor card purchases, freeze and unfreeze their card, and change their PIN.
“We hope these resources and outreach efforts will minimize the fraud we’re seeing in Texas,” said Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter. “We encourage clients to take immediate action to secure their benefits.”
Scammers are primarily using “skimming” and “phishing” to obtain Lone Star Card numbers and personal identification numbers (PIN). “Skimming” is where devices are placed on card readers to capture information, and “phishing” is when a text message or email is sent to trick people into clicking a link or calling a number to share card information.
The HHSC Office of Inspector General, which operates the OIG Fraud Hotline, has initiated 32 investigations in the 2023 fiscal year involving Lone Star Card skimming. This is compared to 108 cases in the prior fiscal year, which ended Aug. 31, 2022.
HHSC is helping clients keep their benefits safe by sharing tips and encouraging them to use the new features included in the Your Texas Benefits mobile app. Clients should protect themselves by checking their balance frequently and changing their PIN on a regular basis. Clients should also note that HHSC will never reach out by phone, text or email to ask for their card number and PIN.
A new EBT fraud web page in English and Spanish has tips and resources for clients to learn how to protect themselves against fraud. Those affected by Lone Star Card fraud should take immediate action by calling the Lone Star Help Desk (800-777-7328) and reporting it to the HHSC Office of Inspector General (800-436-6184) and local law enforcement. If clients need assistance with food, they should contact a local food bank or food pantry. They can find one in their area by calling 2-1-1 and selecting option 1, or by visiting 211Texas.org.
The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) announced on Monday the freshman guard Adante’ Holiman of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is the WAC Men’s Basketball Freshman of the Week for the third time this season. UTRGV Image
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EDINBURG, Texas – The Western Athletic Conference (WAC) announced on Monday the freshman guard Adante’ Holiman of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is the WAC Men’s Basketball Freshman of the Week for the third time this season.
Holiman averaged 10.5 points on 43.8% shooting (7-for-16) from the field, including 42.9% (3-for-7) from behind the arc, plus 80% (4-for-5) from the line with 2.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
Holiman opened the week with 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting, including 3-of-4 from behind the arc, with a career-high tying four rebounds and six assists in a career-high 31 minutes against UT Arlington on Thursday.
He then scored 10 points with five assists and a career-high three steals against Stephen F. Austin on Saturday.
UTRGV visits Grand Canyon on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Fans can watch domestically on ESPN+ or internationally via WAC International.
