Terracon, a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals, announces the promotion of Tomas Cruz to group manager for environmental services in its Pharr office . Courtesy image. bgd for illustration purposes
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PHARR, Texas – Terracon, a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals, announces the promotion of Tomas Cruz to group manager for environmental services in its Pharr office .
Cruz has been instrumental in growing and managing environmental projects across the Rio Grande Valley, including subsurface investigations, regulatory compliance, indoor air quality, and Phase I Environmental Site Assessments. Since joining Terracon in 2019, he has also played a key role in mentoring staff and strengthening the team’s technical capabilities.
With more than 28 years of experience, Cruz specializes in asbestos and indoor air quality and is a certified Individual Asbestos Consultant and Mold Assessment Consultant. In his new role, he will oversee project execution, daily operations, and continued growth of environmental services in the region.
“Tomas brings a steady, hands-on approach to both his projects and leadership,” said Jorge A. Flores, operations manager. “He’s earned the trust of our clients and team, and we’re excited to see him continue growing our environmental services in Pharr.”
“The team at Terracon’s Pharr office is something to be proud of,” said Nava. “I’m incredibly grateful for how welcoming everyone has been, the opportunities they’ve given me, and the supportive way they’ve helped me learn and grow.”
Terracon is an employee-owned, multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Explore with us by visiting terracon.com.
An Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron taxis out of a hangar during the first F-35 aircraft arrival at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. The arrival of the F-35A enhances Misawa Air Base’s ability to rapidly generate combat airpower, advancing the 35th Fighter Wing’s mission to provide lethal and ready forces prepared to defend Japan and ensure peace through strength throughout the Indo-Pacific region. Photo credit: Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Boyle via US DOW
The F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron arrived at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 28, marking the beginning of the squadron’s transition to fifth-generation airpower and the permanent stationing of the joint force’s most advanced tactical aircraft in northern Japan.
The arrival supports the Department of the Air Force’s modernization efforts and demonstrates the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of Japan and sustaining peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific region.
Air Force Col. Jeremy Guinther, 35th Operations Group commander, delivers a speech in front of an Air Force F-35A Lightning II during the arrival of the first F-35 aircraft at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. Photo credit: Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Boyle via US DOW
“Bringing the F-35 to Misawa underscores our long-standing commitment to Japan and the region,” said Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander. “It strengthens our ability to respond quickly and operate seamlessly with our Japanese partners.”
Air Force Col. Jeromy Guinther, 35th Operations Group commander, welcomed the arriving pilots on behalf of Davidson.
“The ‘Wild Weasels’ stand ready to defeat any threat in our area of responsibility and beyond,” Guinther said. “As you lay the foundation for Misawa’s upgrade to a fighter integration wing, remember your Wild Weasel legacy, stay ready and lethal and continue to contribute to the [squadron]’s many generations of excellence.”
Misawa’s forward position makes it a critical hub for maintaining regional stability. The transition to the F-35 increases fighter capability, deepens interoperability with allies and partners and enhances deterrence across the region.
A statue of a panther, the 13th Fighter Squadron mascot, sits in front of an Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the fighter squadron during the first F-35 aircraft arrival at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. Photo credit: Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Boyle vis US DOW
“The F-35 was tailor made to be a [Wild] Weasel platform,” said Air Force Lt. Col. John Widmer, 13th Fighter Squadron commander. “Where legacy platforms performed the Wild Weasel mission with bolted-on sensors or weapons, the F-35 was built from the ground up as a sensor platform with the sensor fusion and quarterback capability we bring to the fight.”
The F-35 excels at operating and surviving in advanced threat environments. Its aerodynamic performance and fully integrated avionics deliver next-generation stealth, improved situational awareness and reduced vulnerability for U.S. and allied forces.
Airmen assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron and the 13th Fighter Generation Squadron pose for a group photo in front of an F-35A Lightning II during the arrival of the first F-35 aircraft at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. Photo credit: Air Force Senior Airman Patrick Boyle via US DOW
“As far as transitioning from the F-16 [Fighting Falcon] to the F-35, the stealth capability is obviously one of the biggest things,” Widmer said. “The sensor package we bring to the fight allows us to sense the threat and manage the entire spectrum of what the enemy is fielding at us right now. It’s constantly updating, constantly getting upgraded and as we continue forward, it’s the place I want to be if I need to go to war.”
Airmen across the wing completed months of preparation leading up to the aircraft’s arrival, including formal training, infrastructure updates and coordination to ensure the squadron can generate and sustain combat-ready aircraft.
The permanent stationing of the F-35s in northern Japan further multiplies the collective defense capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance and ensures the 35th Fighter Wing remains ready to defend Japan and deter aggression in the War Department’s largest area of responsibility.
A Waco man was sentenced in a federal court in Waco to 960 months in prison for three child pornography charges. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas
WACO, Texas – A Waco man was sentenced in a federal court in Waco to 960 months in prison for three child pornography charges.
According to court documents, Kevin Duane Pridemore, 41, made at least 50 posts on a child pornography website, leading law enforcement officers to execute a search warrant at his residence on March 24, 2025. An FBI agent reviewed an SD card seized during the search, which revealed a 15-minute video in which Pridemore engaged in sexual activities with a fully nude girl between the ages of five and seven years old. FBI examiners also viewed a series of videos produced in October 2024, which also showed Pridemore sexually abusing a minor female who was approximately five years old at the time.
A complete forensic examination revealed Pridemore possessed approximately 23,728 images and 155 videos of child sexual abuse material. The images included prepubescent images, including infants and toddlers. The FBI also discovered at least four known victims who were sexually abused and recorded by Pridemore at various times when he babysat the victims.
Pridemore was named in a two-count indictment on April 8, 2025. Prosecutors filed a superseding information on Nov. 24, 2025, charging Pridemore with one count of possession of visual depictions of sexual activities by minors and two counts of production of child pornography. He pleaded guilty to all three counts the following day.
U.S. District Judge Alan D. Albright sentenced Pridemore to 360 months for each production charge and 240 months for the possession count, totaling 960 consecutive months in federal prison. Judge Albright also ordered Pridemore pay $207,000 in restitution.
“While nothing makes up for the harm caused by this defendant, the 80-year sentence handed down by Judge Albright highlights the egregious nature of the abuse in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “Thanks to the FBI for vigilantly investigating this case. While we unfortunately cannot undo the harm this vile child predator brought to his many young victims and their families, we absolutely hope they find some peace in knowing he will surely spend the rest of his life behind bars and will never again be able to treat a child like he treated the children in this case.”
“The FBI has zero tolerance for those who commit these heinous crimes against children,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “This case is particularly egregious and represents a profound abuse of trust, as the defendant exploited hisposition as a babysitter to harm the very children he was entrusted to protect. Those who exploit children online or in our communities will be relentlessly pursued, and the FBI will use every available resource to hold child predators accountable and keep them from ever harming innocent children again.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Gloff prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
An Austin felon was sentenced in federal court to 235 months in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and possession of a firearm. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas
AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin felon was sentenced in federal court to 235 months in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Blane Spear aka Jonathan Garza, 32, was investigated in June 2024 for selling large amounts of methamphetamine in the Austin area. Austin Police executed a search warrant at Spear’s residence on Aug. 26, 2024, finding him to be in possession of two small bags containing methamphetamine. The search also resulted in the discovery of more than 1,291 grams of methamphetamine, 89 grams of fentanyl, 309 grams cocaine, 159 grams of heroin, and more than $10,000 in U.S. currency. APD also discovered Spear, who had multiple prior felony convictions, possessed 11 pistols, three of which had been reported stolen and one of which was equipped with a machine gun conversion device.
Spear was federally indicted on Oct. 15, 2024, and transferred into federal custody on Oct. 29. 2024. The two-count indictment charged Spear with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty to both counts on Dec. 4, 2025. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman sentenced Spear to 235 months in federal prison on the meth trafficking count and a concurrent 180 months in prison for the firearm possession.
“This case serves as yet another great example of the cohesiveness that makes our federal and local law enforcement partnerships work as well as they do,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “The Austin Police Department investigated a significant tip that, while rejected by the state, resulted in a great federal case and led to a career criminal being removed from our community for two decades.”
“This sentence sends a clear message that those who traffic dangerous drugs and illegally possess firearms will be held accountable,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “Acting on a referral from the Austin Police Department, we worked together to disrupt a major drug trafficking operation. Through the FBI Austin Safe Streets Task Force, dangerous offenders are brought to justice—helping keep our communities safe.”
The FBI and APD investigated the case with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Guess prosecuted the case.
Population growth slowed in a majority of the nation’s 3,143 counties and the District of Columbia between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, according to the Vintage 2025 population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau Image for illustration purposes
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By US Census Bureau
Population growth slowed in a majority of the nation’s 3,143 counties and the District of Columbia between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, according to the Vintage 2025 population estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Among the 2,066 counties that grew between 2023 and 2024, nearly 8 in 10 saw their growth slow or reverse direction in 2025. In many cases, counties already in decline saw losses accelerate.
Meanwhile, 310 of the 387 U.S. metropolitan statistical areas (metro areas) had slower growth between 2024 and 2025 than during the prior year. The three metro areas with the steepest percentage point declines in population growth rates were along the U.S.-Mexico border: Laredo, TX (from 3.2% in 2023-2024 to 0.2% from 2024 to 2025); Yuma, AZ (3.3% to 1.4%); and El Centro, CA (1.2% to -0.7%).
These shifts were largely due to lower levels of net international migration (NIM), which declined nationwide. Nine out of 10 U.S. counties experienced lower NIM levels between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, compared to the year prior. The one in 10 counties that did not see a drop in international migration did not see an increase either.
Some of the country’s most populous counties experienced the greatest impacts from lower NIM. These counties typically had more births than deaths (natural increase) as well as negative net domestic migration — more people moving out than moving in from other areas of the country. Coupled with reduced NIM, the result was slower growth or, in some cases, population decline.
“The nation’s largest counties like those in the New York metro area are often international migration hubs, gaining large numbers of international migrants and losing people that move to other parts of the country via domestic migration,” explained George M. Hayward, a Census Bureau demographer. “With fewer gains from international migration, these types of counties saw their population growth diminish or even turn into loss.”
The Population Estimates Program uses current data on births, deaths and migration to calculate population change since the most recent decennial census (2020 Census) and produce an annual time series of population estimates. Today’s release includes population totals and components of change for U.S. counties and metro areas and micropolitan statistical areas (micro areas), and total population for Puerto Rico municipios and metro/micro areas. Tables are available on census.gov/popest.
Key Takeaways
Geographically, many of the fastest-growing counties were in states along the southeast coast of the United States in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia.
Among some of the largest metro areas, the fastest-growing counties tended to be on the outer edges, a pattern especially pronounced in Texas.
Among counties with populations of 20,000 or more, nine of the top 10 fastest-growing counties were in the South, as were 45 out of the top 50.
Growth declined dramatically in metro areas — on average from 1.1% between 2023 and 2024 to 0.6% between 2024 and 2025.
This shift was largely due to NIM reductions, especially since net domestic migration losses waned and natural increase had no noticeable change.
County Highlights
The number of counties in 2025 with natural decrease (more deaths than births) was 2,055 or 65% — roughly the same level as the prior two years, but still lower than between 2021 and 2022 when around 75% of counties had natural decrease.
Domestic migration patterns continue to redistribute the population from the largest counties to less populous ones. Collectively, the 50 counties with 1 million or more people in 2025 had a net domestic migration loss of 637,634. In contrast, large counties (50,000-999,999 in population) had a combined net domestic migration gain of 533,766, and medium-sized counties (15,000-49,999) had a net domestic migration gain of 95,095. Even small counties (less than 15,000) had a slight net domestic migration gain of 8,773.
NIM dropped by 20,000 or more in 10 counties. These counties (0.3% of all counties) made up 25.5% of the nation’s total NIM reduction between 2024 and 2025.
Refer to the bottom of the release for tables on Population Change by County Size, Components of Population Change by County Size, Top 10 Most Populous Counties, Top 10 Counties by Numeric Growth: 2024 to 2025, Top 10 Counties by Percent Growth: 2024 to 2025, Top 10 Counties by Numeric Decline: 2024 to 2025, and Top 10 Counties by Percent Decline: 2024 to 2025.
Metro and Micro Areas
Between 2024 and 2025, metro areas grew faster (0.6%) than micro areas (0.2%) or the territory outside of metro/micro areas (0.1%). However, all three saw their growth reduced to about half of what it had been between 2023 and 2024 (1.1%, 0.5%, and 0.2%, respectively).
In their entirety, metro areas lost population between 2024 and 2025 through net domestic migration (-119,205). But those losses were offset by gains in both NIM (1,209,432) and natural increase (613,743), resulting in overall population increase (1,704,826; 0.6%).
Between 2024 and 2025, micro areas and the territory outside of metro/micro areas both lost population from natural decrease (-39,119 and -55,766, respectively) — losses that were balanced by gains from domestic migration (67,419 and 51,786) and NIM (36,655 and 16,155). As a result, micro areas grew by 64,867 (0.2%), and the territory outside of metro/micro areas grew by 11,367 (0.1%).
Refer to the bottom of the release for tables on Population Change by Metro/Micro Area Status, Components of Population Change by Metro/Micro Area Status, Top 10 U.S. Metro Areas by Numeric Growth: 2024 to 2025, Top 10 U.S. Metro Areas by Percent Growth: 2024 to 2025, Top 10 U.S. Micro Areas by Numeric Growth: 2024 to 2025, and Top 10 U.S. Micro Areas by Percent Growth: 2024 to 2025.
Technical Notes
The most recent net international migration estimates reflect methodological improvements, including the incorporation of additional administrative data at the subnational level. Details are available in the Random Samplings blog, “New Population Estimates Show Historic Decline in Net International Migration.”
The Census Bureau in June is scheduled to release July 1, 2025, population estimates by age, sex, race and Hispanic origin for the nation, states metro and micro areas and counties, and population by age and sex for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its municipios. Vintage 2025 incorporates the 2020 Census by full demographic detail (age, sex, race and Hispanic origin) into the April 1, 2020, estimates base for the first time. These data will be embargoed.
With each new release of annual estimates, the entire time series of estimates is revised for all years back to the date of the last census. All previously published estimates (i.e., old vintages) are superseded and archived on the FTP2 site. Due to periodic methodological updates, year-to-year comparisons in the estimates should only be done within the same vintage.
Select the tables below for more detailed information:
Wallace prepared false tax returns that included fraudulent Schedule A deductions and Schedule C business and education credits, which generated refunds her clients should not have received. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – A Houston woman has admitted to aiding or assisting in the preparation of false tax returns.
From 2017 to 2023, Jamie Nevid Wallace owned Donahue Tax Service and operated as a “ghost preparer” to conceal her involvement in the scheme. As such, she made it seem that clients were filing their own returns without the assistance of anyone else. Wallace was required to obtain and use a Provider Tax Identification Number on any returns she prepared but instead concealed her role by creating accounts for her clients using tax preparation software.
Wallace prepared false tax returns that included fraudulent Schedule A deductions and Schedule C business and education credits, which generated refunds her clients should not have received. She also charged fees for those returns.
As part of her plea, she admitted to filing a false 2021 income tax return that included $68,453 in false Schedule A deductions, $36,852 in false Schedule C losses for a business that did not exist and a false education credit showing expenses supposedly paid to a local university. These false entries resulted in $18,075 in tax loss.
Wallace has admitted responsibility for $244,824 in losses to the IRS and has agreed to pay that amount in restitution.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett will impose sentencing June 25. At that time, Wallace faces up to three years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce the winners of the 14thannual Javier Arana Jr. Top Trooper Competition: Top male Brody Telfer (Belton) and Top female Melanie Moreno (Seguin). Photo: Texas DPS
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AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce the winners of the 14th annual Javier Arana Jr. Top Trooper Competition: Top male Brody Telfer (Belton) and Top female Melanie Moreno (Seguin). The contest wrapped up on Friday after several days of intense competition at the DPS Tactical Training Center in Florence, Texas.
“This competition represents the very best of the Texas Department of Public Safety. These Troopers demonstrate not only elite skill and discipline, but an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving Texans,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “These men and women push themselves beyond the standard, and their performance reflects the highest level of training and readiness required to represent our agency with excellence.”
The Top Trooper Competition is named after DPS Trooper Javier Arana Jr., who participated in the inaugural competition in 2012 and passed away shortly after. This year, 140 DPS personnel from across the state competed in the multi-day competition, including 112 males and 28 females – the highest number of female competitors to ever take part in the event’s history. The competition tested Troopers on driving and firearms skills, physical conditioning, endurance and job knowledge through nine events.
Beyond the competition itself, events like the Top Trooper Competition play a critical role in strengthening partnerships across the state. Troopers from different regions come together, building relationships and trust that are essential when responding to large-scale incidents such as natural disasters, where personnel from across Texas must work side by side. At the same time, participants gain valuable, hands-on training that enhances their skills, readiness and ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations – ultimately making them stronger, more capable Troopers for the communities they serve.
As part of taking the title of Top Trooper, Telfer and Moreno received a custom Spartan sword, kettlebell, pistol slide and handcuffs, among other prizes. They also now qualify to represent Texas DPS in the National Top Trooper Competition, which will be held in Ohio in September, have the opportunity to compete in the National LawFit Challenge and attend the International Chiefs of Police Annual Conference and Exposition. Telfer and Moreno will be recognized at an upcoming Public Safety Commission Meeting at DPS Headquarters in Austin.
The Texas Legislature passed SB 17 during the 89th Legislative session, and the law took effect on September 1, 2025. The statute restricts the purchase or acquisition of real property by certain individuals and entities from designated adversarial nations, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It aims to mitigate national security risks and protect Texas land and critical infrastructure from foreign threats. Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X
AUSTIN, Texas – Attorney General Ken Paxton has proposed a formal set of rules to implement and administer Senate Bill 17 (89(R)), which prohibits certain designated foreign entities from owning land in Texas. This proposal begins the formal rulemaking process, which includes a public comment period before any rules may be finalized.
The Texas Legislature passed SB 17 during the 89th Legislative session, and the law took effect on September 1, 2025. The statute restricts the purchase or acquisition of real property by certain individuals and entities from designated adversarial nations, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It aims to mitigate national security risks and protect Texas land and critical infrastructure from foreign threats.
The Office of the Attorney General (“OAG”) has proposed comprehensive rules to guide future implementation. The proposed rules define key terms, outline the structure and authority of the OAG, and detail investigative procedures, including civil investigative demands and response requirements. The proposed rules also address reporting obligations, confidentiality protections, and include savings and severability clauses. The proposed rules were submitted to the Secretary of State on March 16, 2026, and published in the Texas Register today, Friday, March 27.
Under these rules, individuals and entities involved in facilitating real estate transactions such as a mortgage lender, title insurance company, property insurer, appraiser, or licensed real estate professional would be required to report any suspected violations of the law to the Office of the Attorney General. Complaints would be required to be submitted electronically through the OAG’s online complaint form found on the agency’s website or by mail to the address designated by the OAG for this purpose.
Under the proposed rules, all complaints, civil investigative demands, and related materials submitted to or issued by the OAG would be confidential and not subject to public disclosure, except as required by law.
“My office will use every tool available to prevent our nation’s enemies from gaining a foothold on Texas soil,” said Attorney General Paxton. “These proposed rules will strengthen the reporting of suspicious activity and better protect our state from hostile foreign actors.”
Pictured from L to R: The PossAble Dream Adult High School Superintendent Darcia Cuellar, students, The PossAble Dream Foundation Treasurer Julian Alvarez III and Founder and Board President Dr. Daniel P. King. Courtesy image
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PHARR, Texas – The PossAble Dream Adult High School hosted a certification ceremony Friday, March 27, 2026 in Pharr, recognizing 15 adult learners who successfully completed training in medical billing and coding. Family members gathered to celebrate the milestone as students took the next step toward career readiness.
The ceremony marked a first for the school, as this cohort became the first group of students to earn an industry certification while completing their high school diploma requirements.
The PossAble Dream Adult High School serves adults ages 18 to 50, offering a second-chance pathway to a high school diploma alongside career training at no cost to eligible students. These certifications allow adult learners to build practical, workforce-ready skills while continuing progress toward earning their diploma.
Through a partnership with RGV Vocational Services, students received hands-on instruction aligned with industry standards, preparing them to enter the workforce with an in-demand certification or continue their education.
“You are now certified in medical billing and coding,” Superintendent Darcia Cuellar said to students during the ceremony. “Be proud of yourself for changing and growing. That is powerful. Only six months ago, you were considering returning to school. Now, you are ready to continue your education or begin working.”
For students like Claudia De La O Hernandez, the achievement reflected both academic progress and personal growth.
“This school has made my dreams come true,” De La O Hernandez said. “I had always wanted to finish high school. Thanks to The PossAble Dream, I came to believe that it was possible, and I am capable.”
Enrollment is open for adults 18-50 seeking to complete their high school diploma and pursue career training. Get started at www.thepossabledream.net/interest.
![Terracon, a leading national consulting engineering firm comprised of engineers, scientists, architects, facilities experts, and field professionals, announces the promotion of Tomas Cruz to group manager for environmental services in its Pharr office[BK1] . Courtesy image. bgd for illustration purposes](https://texasborderbusiness.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Terracon-main.jpg)
