Governor Greg Abbott championed Texas’ innovation during a fireside chat at the Forward Fort Worth mobility innovation summit. Photo: Office of The Governor
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FORT WORTH — Governor Greg Abbott championed Texas’ innovation during a fireside chat at the Forward Fort Worth mobility innovation summit.
The discussion was moderated by The Perot Group Chairman Ross Perot Jr. The Governor was also joined by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Hillwood President Mike Berry. Photo: Office of the Governor
“We are really leading the way in a diversified economy, making sure we will be able to have the most self-sustainable state economy in the country,” said Governor Abbott. “Almost any industry that you can think of, Texas is already leading in, and more importantly, we are attracting even more of those businesses to the state. If you are not in Texas, this is the safest place to build your business and to raise a family. If you are not here yet, get here quickly.”
During the fireside chat, Governor Abbott emphasized the number of job-creating corporate relocation and expansion projects in Texas, driven by the state’s pro-business mindset and an environment where free enterprise can flourish. Photo: Office of the Governor
The discussion was moderated by The Perot Group Chairman Ross Perot Jr. The Governor was also joined by Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Hillwood President Mike Berry.
During the fireside chat, Governor Abbott emphasized the number of job-creating corporate relocation and expansion projects in Texas, driven by the state’s pro-business mindset and an environment where free enterprise can flourish. The Governor also highlighted that Texas is attracting innovative industry leaders in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotech, nuclear, and advanced manufacturing. The Governor added that the State of Texas continues to evolve to maintain its position as a global economic leader while making it easier for businesses to succeed.
A San Antonio woman pleaded guilty Thursday for her role in a Ponzi scheme. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman pleaded guilty Thursday for her role in a Ponzi scheme.
According to court documents, Brooklynn Chandler Willy, 46, was the owner of a San Antonio based company named Queen B Advisors LLC, doing business as Texas Financial Advisory (TFA), and Chandler Capital Holdings. Among other services, TFA purported to provide asset management and financial planning services.
At Willy’s recommendation, a married couple invested money into an investment company named Ferrum Capital in March 2018. Ferrum Capital was one of four investment companies allegedly run by co-defendants Joshua Allen and Michael Cox. In May of 2021, Willy again advised the victim couple to invest $500,000 with another Ferrum entity, using Chandler Capital Holdings as the agent to execute and deliver contracts. Rather than investing the funds as intended, Willy used the $500,000 for her own purposes, including personal credit card payments, payments to other investors, and payments to another business owned and controlled by Willy.
Willy continued her scheme with additional victims. As set forth in court documents, Willy convinced a separate married couple to invest approximately $2 million dollars in an associate’s company by promising that the investment would be used for the purchase of bad debt and other legitimate investments. In truth, Willy used the money for her own benefit, such as payments to herself, payments to her associate, and payments to other investors. Willy also convinced two other investors to invest $75,000 and $600,000 respectively into what Willy claimed were legitimate business investments. In truth, Willy, again, used their investments for her own benefit. During the course of the federal investigation, Willy forged the signatures of various victims on documents and provided those documents to federal agents for the purpose of misleading those agents.
Court documents further indicate Willy conspired with Allen and Cox by giving false information to investors concerning their investment in entities owned and controlled by Allen and Cox. Working with Cox and Allen, Willy convinced numerous investors to invest into a Cox and Allen controlled entity by falsely stating those investments were investments into legitimate business activities. In truth, much of that money went to the benefit of Cox, Allen, and Willy.
Willy pleaded guilty to 10 counts of an information filed on Feb. 25. She faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the six wire fraud charges, on the one wire fraud conspiracy charge, and on the one money laundering conspiracy charge. She also faces up to 10 years for engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from the wire fraud scheme and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, which, by statute, would run consecutive to any other punishment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Allen and Cox are scheduled for a jury trial in August.
The FBI and IRS-CI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Blackwell is prosecuting the case.
A 26-year-old man who was in the United States on a Green Card has been sentenced for laundering fraud proceeds through an unlicensed money transmitting business. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – A 26-year-old man who was in the United States on a Green Card has been sentenced for laundering fraud proceeds through an unlicensed money transmitting business.
Ayobami Omoniyi pleaded guilty Aug. 19, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen has now ordered Omoniyi to serve 32 months in federal prison and pay $202,273.80 in restitution. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to be removed from the country following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional information that Omoniyi had been committing crimes since arriving in the United States and that he had been a recruiter for the scheme.
In 2021, Omoniyi and others operated an unlicensed money transmitting business that received and transferred funds from business email compromise victims, including a fishing company in Australia. Victims received spoofed emails that appeared to come from legitimate businesses and were tricked into sending payments to accounts conspirators controlled.
As part of his plea, Omoniyi admitted he moved money through multiple bank accounts. The funds originated from fraudsters involved in a business email compromise wire fraud scheme.
Omoniyi also acknowledged receiving victims’ funds and, for a fee, transmitting the fraud proceeds to others.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the hear future.
FBI-Bryan Resident Agency and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Australian Federal Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek prosecuted the case.
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) high school art students showcased their talent at the Texas Art Education Association’s Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE) held March 7, 2026 at McAllen Nickki Rowe High School, earning 75 medals. Image for illustration purposes
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McALLEN – Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) high school art students showcased their talent at the Texas Art Education Association’s Visual Art Scholastic Event (VASE) held March 7, 2026 at McAllen Nickki Rowe High School, earning 75 medals.
Five students advanced to the State VASE Competition to be held in San Marcos in April.
Jonathan Alamilla – PSJA T. Jefferson T-STEM ECHS
Jocelyn Guevera – PSJA Early College High School
Sophia Rodriguez – PSJA Early College High School
Natalia Torres – PSJA Southwest Early College High School
Alyssa Trevino – PSJA North Early College High School
To learn more about the Fine Arts Programs PSJA ISD has to offer, visit: www.psjaisd.us/finearts
To help address these challenges and equip clinicians with the latest evidence-based resources, the DHR Health Continuing Medical Education Department will host the Headache Symposium on Saturday, March 28, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, located at 118 Paseo del Prado. Courtesy image
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EDINBURG, Texas – In the United States, headaches remain a common health concern, affecting approximately one in six Americans. Migraines, a type of headache, are the second leading cause of years lived with disability nationwide. In the Rio Grande Valley, limited availability of headache specialists, combined with a lack of resources for diagnosis and management, contributes to underdiagnosis and undertreatment of this important pathology. In these cases, primary care providers play a critical role in recognizing symptoms, initiating treatment, and connecting patients with specialized care when needed.
To help address these challenges and equip clinicians with the latest evidence-based resources, the DHR Health Continuing Medical Education Department will host the Headache Symposium on Saturday, March 28, at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, located at 118 Paseo del Prado. The symposium will run from 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is open to a wide range of healthcare professionals, including physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, allied health professionals, medical residents, as well as medical and nursing students. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
David Simon, chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Simon Property Group, died March 22, 2026, at the age of 64 after a battle with cancer, according to company statements and multiple media reports. Image Courtesy of Simon Property Group via Facebook. Bgd for illustration purposes
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David Simon, chairman, chief executive officer, and president of Simon Property Group, died March 22, 2026, at the age of 64 after a battle with cancer, according to company statements and multiple media reports.
Simon Property Group announced that he died peacefully surrounded by family, according to PR Newswire. The cause of death has been widely reported as cancer, including pancreatic cancer, by outlets such as the New York Post and People.
Simon led Simon Property Group for decades, transforming it into the largest retail real estate company in the United States. According to People, he became CEO in 1995 at age 33 and expanded the company into a global leader with hundreds of shopping centers and premium outlets.
His leadership spanned major disruptions in the retail industry, including the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. According to People, Simon played a key role in navigating those challenges and maintaining the company’s position in a rapidly changing market.
Simon was widely known as the “Mall King,” reflecting his influence in the U.S. shopping mall sector, according to the New York Post. His tenure included large-scale acquisitions and strategic investments that reshaped the retail real estate landscape.
Following his death, leadership of the company has passed to his son, Eli Simon, who has been appointed chief executive officer and president, according to media reports.
Simon is survived by his wife, Jackie, five children, and seven grandchildren, according to People.
His death marks a significant moment for the retail real estate industry, where he was regarded as a central figure for more than three decades, overseeing the growth of one of the most influential property portfolios in the country.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn has cosponsored legislation that would prevent members of Congress from receiving pay during a federal government shutdown, as lawmakers continue to clash over funding measures that have led to repeated disruptions in government operations. Image for illustration purposes
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Senator John Cornyn
U.S. Senator John Cornyn has cosponsored legislation that would prevent members of Congress from receiving pay during a federal government shutdown, as lawmakers continue to clash over funding measures that have led to repeated disruptions in government operations.
The proposal, known as the No Shutdown Paychecks to Politicians Act, is led by John Kennedy and seeks to ensure that lawmakers do not receive compensation during any lapse in federal funding. According to Cornyn, “If an everyday American fails to meet the requirements of their job, they don’t earn a paycheck. If Representatives and Senators can’t perform a fundamental duty of Congress that Americans elected them to do – funding the government – they shouldn’t earn a paycheck either.”
The bill defines a shutdown as any lapse in funding affecting one or more federal agencies. It advanced unanimously out of the Senate Rules Committee but was later blocked from full Senate passage by Democratic lawmakers.
Government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass appropriations or continuing resolutions to fund federal agencies. During these periods, large portions of the federal workforce are furloughed, while essential employees continue working without immediate pay. Federal services may be delayed or suspended, affecting everything from national parks and permitting offices to administrative processing and regulatory functions.
Contractors often face halted payments, small businesses that rely on government activity experience disruptions, and consumer confidence can weaken amid uncertainty. Previous shutdowns have also delayed benefits processing and slowed economic output.
The political standoff over funding has contributed to ongoing uncertainty in Washington, raising concerns about fiscal management and governance. While the proposed legislation targets congressional accountability, it does not address the bigger structural challenges that lead to shutdowns.
Dr. Jonathan B. Flores holds the National Public Service Award, a glass eagle presented by the American Society for Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration in recognition of his leadership and service. Courtesy image
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City Manager Dr. Jonathan B. Flores has received the National Public Service Award from the American Society for Public Administration, a recognition described by the organization as one of the highest honors in public service.
The award, presented in partnership with the National Academy of Public Administration, recognizes individuals who demonstrate sustained excellence in leadership, public service, and governance. According to the American Society for Public Administration, the honor acknowledges those who “make a meaningful impact through innovation and effective governance.”
Dr. Jonathan B. Flores addresses attendees at the 2026 ASPA Annual Conference in Hollywood, California, following his recognition with the National Public Service Award, highlighting leadership and innovation in local government. Courtesy image
Flores brings more than 20 years of municipal government experience, including leading large-scale city operations, strategic planning, and community-based governance. The City of Pharr stated that its work has focused on financial strengthening, infrastructure development, and long-term planning initiatives.
As city manager of Pharr, Flores has led financial reforms that increased the city’s reserve funds from $700,000 to $20.9 million in two years, according to the City of Pharr. Officials also report that he addressed employee compensation by raising the city’s minimum wage from $9 per hour to $12.50 per hour and standardizing compensation across the organization.
The City of Pharr credits Flores with modernizing municipal operations and positioning the city as a national model. According to the city, he established an internal affairs department to reinforce ethics and accountability and implemented employee surveys that reflect improvements in morale and organizational culture. His administration has also included oversight of multi-million-dollar capital initiatives and efforts to strengthen organizational accountability and professional development.
The National Public Service Award is not limited by geography or position, and recipients are selected from across federal, state, and local government, as well as the nonprofit sector. The American Society for Public Administration notes that the award emphasizes long-term contributions rather than single achievements.
Officials said the recognition places both Flores and the City of Pharr among a select group of public service leaders nationwide. The city described his leadership as contributing to organizational improvements and community outcomes.
The American Society for Public Administration identifies leadership, integrity, and commitment to public service as central criteria for the award, highlighting individuals whose work advances the effectiveness of government and public institutions.
The U.S. Department of Education (the Department)’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened two new investigations into Harvard University (Harvard) amid allegations that it continues to discriminate against students on the basis of race, color, and national origin in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI). Image: ” Sdkb, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education (the Department)’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened two new investigations into Harvard University (Harvard) amid allegations that it continues to discriminate against students on the basis of race, color, and national origin in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI).
OCR will investigate whether Harvard continues to use illegal race-based preferences in admissions despite the Supreme Court’s definitive ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. OCR will also investigate alleged ongoing antisemitic harassment on Harvard’s campus and the institution’s purported failure to protect Jewish students. The Trump Administration will evaluate both complaints and, if continued discrimination is found, take action to hold Harvard accountable for any illegal policies or actions.
OCR also issued a Letter of Impending Enforcement Action to Harvard today for its continued refusal to provide requested information relating to its admissions process. In May 2025, OCR opened a review to determine if Harvard is still using racial stereotypes and preferences in undergraduate admissions. Despite OCR’s repeated requests for data, Harvard has refused to provide responsive information, which is necessary for OCR to make a compliance determination. Harvard has 20 calendar days to comply with OCR’s information requests or the school will face enforcement actions, including referral to the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Harvard University should know better. Its name will always be tied to the landmark Supreme Court case that found sweeping racial discrimination in admissions and the campus has been in the spotlight for tolerating egregious antisemitic harassment for years now. OCR will investigate these complaints thoroughly,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “No one – not even Harvard – is above the law. If Harvard continues to stonewall as we try to verify its basic compliance with antidiscrimination statutes, we will vigorously hold them to account to ensure students’ rights are protected.”
Background
In Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (2023), the Supreme Court ruled that racial preferencing in college and university admissions is illegal under Title VI and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
The regulation implementing Title VI, at 34 C.F.R. § 100.6(b) and (c), requires that a recipient of federal financial assistance make available to OCR information that may be pertinent to reaching a compliance determination. By refusing to respond adequately to OCR’s interrogatories and documents requests, Harvard is violating its legal obligation. In September 2025, OCR issued a denial of access letter.
Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.
Surveillance video captured by a Tesla vehicle shows the suspected truck moments after the crash as it turns and continues driving away from the scene. Screengrab from Edinburg PD video
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The Edinburg Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a driver involved in a hit-and-run crash that left a cyclist on life support.
According to police, the incident occurred on March 20, 2026, at approximately 9:03 p.m. in the 700 block of East Chapin Road. Investigators say the cyclist, identified as Eric Lee Flores, sustained severe injuries and remains on life support.
Police said Flores was riding a bicycle westbound in the eastbound lanes when he was struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound. The driver did not stop and continued east after the collision.
Watch the video from Edinburg Police Department Below:
As part of the ongoing investigation, the Edinburg Police Department has released video footage to help identify the suspect. The footage, captured by a nearby Tesla camera, shows the vehicle believed to be involved in the crash.
Investigators previously shared images of the suspected vehicle and are now providing video evidence to further assist the public. Authorities believe the vehicle is a dark-colored 1990s Chevrolet Silverado, possibly a single-cab stepside model.
Police said the vehicle may have a chrome front bumper, gray rims, a light colored patch on the driver’s door, and a light colored tailgate. Investigators also noted possible damage to the front-right headlight. A broken orange turn signal lens recovered at the scene is believed to be from the suspect vehicle.
The case remains active, and the driver has not been identified.
Authorities are urging residents to review the video released by the City of Edinburg and the Edinburg Police Department and report any information that could help identify the vehicle or driver.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Edinburg Police Department or Edinburg Crime Stoppers.
Police said public assistance may be critical in locating the driver involved in the crash.
