From left: BND Secretary John Reed, BND Commissioner Ernesto Gutierrez, BND Chairman Esteban “Steve” Guerra, BND Commissioner John Wood and BND Vice Chairman Sergio Tito Lopez stand united for the announcement of the America First Refinery Project at the Port of Brownsville Administration Office on Wednesday, Mar. 11. Image courtesy of The Port of Brownsville
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas —The Port of Brownsville today held a press conference at its administrative office to announce the America First Refining project, which will be the first new U.S. Gulf Coast oil refinery in nearly 50 years. The project announcement was first shared by President Donald J. Trump on Mar. 10, on social media.
The refinery, to be built on more than 240 acres within the port, will process 100 percent domestic shale oil using advanced, hydrogen-powered systems to produce ultra‑low‑carbon fuels. According to America First Refining, the project will create 500 direct full-time jobs, with projected annual salaries ranging from $80,000 to $100,000. Thousands more indirect jobs are expected across construction, logistics and long-term operational support industries, representing one of the most significant industrial investments in South Texas history.
“This announcement is a defining moment for our region,” said Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban “Steve” Guerra. “America First Refining chose us because we have the land, the infrastructure, the workforce and the commitment to get it done. This is exactly the kind of transformative investment that strengthens our economy and creates real opportunity for South Texas families.”
The Port of Brownsville provides America First Refining with deepwater channel access, direct dock and rail connectivity, world‑class cargo-handling capabilities and foreign trade zone status advantages that have positioned the port as one of the fastest-growing industrial corridors on the Gulf Coast.
“This project strengthens the Port of Brownsville as a critical U.S. energy logistics hub and elevates the entire Rio Grande Valley on the national and international stage,” said Port Director and CEO William Dietrich. “We are proud to support America First Refining and to build stronger foundations for the future of this region.”
America First Refining emphasized its environmental commitments as a central component of the project. The facility will integrate hydrogen-powered technologies and advanced clean-fuel systems designed to minimize emissions and meet or exceed all federal and state regulatory standards. The company is currently working with federal, state and local agencies to secure the necessary environmental permits, a process the port is uniquely positioned to support.
The Port of Brownsville has extensive experience guiding major industrial developments through complex permitting and environmental review, including two LNG projects that required rigorous federal oversight. That expertise, combined with the port’s long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, provides a strong foundation for oversight, transparency and community engagement.
The port and America First Refining reaffirm that protecting regional waterways, coastal ecosystems and community health will remain top priorities throughout the project’s development. Both organizations will provide regular updates as permitting milestones and construction phases progress. For more information about America First Refining visit www.americafirstrefining.com.
About the Port of Brownsville The Port of Brownsville is the only deep-water seaport directly on the U.S.-Mexico border and encompasses 40,000 acres – the largest land-owning public port authority in the country. The port transships more steel into Mexico than any other U.S. port and is home to premier energy, shipbuilding, and ship recycling industries. It ranks No. 41 among the Top 150 U.S. maritime ports for waterborne cargo, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As the major multimodal transportation hub serving the Rio Grande Valley and northern Mexico, the Port of Brownsville supports investment opportunities and jobs. Activity at the port is responsible for adding more than $1 billion to the Rio Grande Valley regional economy and more than $12 billion to the Texas economy, and the creation of more than 100,000 jobs statewide. For more information visit www.portofbrownsville.com
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to issue an Emergency Use Authorization for F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide, a topical treatment designed to help prevent and treat infestations of the devastating New World screwworm. Image: USDA. and Public Domain
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AUSTIN – Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller today applauded the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to issue an Emergency Use Authorization for F10 Antiseptic Wound Spray with Insecticide, a topical treatment designed to help prevent and treat infestations of the devastating New World screwworm.
“This is exactly the kind of proactive action we need from our federal partners as we continue to respond to the New World screwworm threat,” Commissioner Miller said. “This is one of the most destructive parasites livestock producers can face. If it ever gains a foothold in the United States again, the economic damage to Texas ranchers and our food supply could be enormous, so we need the entire toolbox ready to protect against it.”
The authorization allows the product to be used in cattle, horses, sheep, goats, deer, raptors and other wild birds, pet birds, and captive wild and exotic mammals. Federal officials determined that available scientific evidence shows the product may be effective in preventing and treating screwworm myiasis, and that its potential benefits outweigh the risks when used as directed.
Commissioner Miller said the decision provides livestock producers and veterinarians with another valuable line of defense against one of the most destructive parasites to threaten livestock and wildlife.
Texas, with its vast livestock industry and relative proximity to screwworm infested areas, remains particularly vigilant against the potential spread of the parasite.
Commissioner Miller noted that Texas has been sounding the alarm about screwworm threats for years and has consistently pushed for aggressive preparedness, surveillance, and treatment options to protect American livestock.
“Texas ranchers know this threat well. We fought hard to eradicate screwworm once, and we’re not about to let our guard down now,” Miller said. “Our goal is simple: protecting livestock protects our food supply, our rural economy, and our national security, Texas will continue working with federal partners, veterinarians, and producers to keep this pest out of our herds and off our land.”
The Texas Department of Agriculture encourages livestock owners, veterinarians, and animal caretakers to remain alert for unusual wound infestations in animals and report suspected cases to animal health officials immediately.
For more information on the New World screwworm from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, visit www.screwworm.gov.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently hosted the 2026 Texas Preventing Targeted Violence Conference in Fort Worth. The four-day conference brought together more than 380 stakeholders from across the nation and Canada to focus on preventing targeted violence, mass attacks and terrorism through collaboration and early intervention. Photo: Texas DPS
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AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently hosted the 2026 Texas Preventing Targeted Violence Conference in Fort Worth. The four-day conference brought together more than 380 stakeholders from across the nation and Canada to focus on preventing targeted violence, mass attacks and terrorism through collaboration and early intervention.
“Preventing targeted violence requires awareness, preparation and a commitment to proactive action,” said Chief Gerald Brown of the DPS’ Homeland Security Division. “This conference brings together experts and community members from across the country to share knowledge, strengthen prevention strategies and keep our communities safe.”
Conference attendees included local, state, federal, and tribal officials; law enforcement personnel; mental health professionals; legal and academic professionals; and representatives from faith-based organizations, non-profits, private businesses, and local and regional government agencies. In addition to participants from across Texas, attendees traveled from Pennsylvania, Florida, South Carolina, Nevada, Louisiana, New Mexico, Virginia, Washington state, Washington, D.C. and Canada.
“Targeted violence prevention cannot be accomplished by a single agency or profession alone,” said Chief Floyd Goodwin of the DPS’ Criminal Investigation Division. “Bringing together law enforcement, mental health professionals, educators, faith leaders, business partners and community organizations allows us to identify risks earlier, share critical information and intervene before violence occurs. Collaboration is essential to building effective threat management efforts and protecting the people we serve.”
Throughout the conference, attendees participated in keynote presentations, panel discussions and breakout sessions led by subject-matter experts from DPS and partner organizations, including the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, Texas Education Agency and the Texas School Safety Center. Sessions emphasized behavioral threat assessment and management, identifying pre-attack indicators and strategies for intervention before violence occurs.
Additional discussions focused on strengthening multidisciplinary threat management teams and addressing specific risks facing faith-based organizations and academic institutions. Speakers also highlighted the importance of community-wide partnerships in preventing targeted violence and supporting individuals who may be on a pathway to harm.
Attendees had the opportunity to earn Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) and Texas Behavioral Health continuing education credits while engaging in practical, prevention-focused training designed to enhance safety across communities.
The importance of that monumental event to the world as we know it today was heightened by something else that occurred a few months earlier. March 9, 1776, saw the original publication of Scottish philosopher Adam Smith’s seminal work, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. Book image: Public Domain via wikimedia Commons. Adam Smith. Image: Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group. Courtesy Image
In a few months, we will celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The importance of that monumental event to the world as we know it today was heightened by something else that occurred a few months earlier. March 9, 1776, saw the original publication of Scottish philosopher Adam Smith’s seminal work, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations.
This treatise was a weighty tome, difficult to slog through and inclusive of digressions that seemed interminable. It was not greeted with any particular fanfare, yet it provided a framework for the notion of organizing an entire economy around markets. Drawing heavily on the tenets of Natural Law that dominated thinking at the time, it described the market as an “Invisible Hand” acting as a guiding force in the decisions of producers, workers, and other economic actors through basic incentives. The idea is that by acting in their own self interest and informed by signals such as prices and wages, individuals simultaneously promote the good of society. There have been myriad refinements over time, but the basic precepts remain intact.
Although markets as places of commerce date back to ancient civilizations, this book was one of the first explanations of how they could also function as the organizing mechanism for economies. It also set forth frameworks for new ways of thinking about key topics such as the division of labor, where production is broken down into specific tasks to increase productivity.
As you may remember from Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson “missed the eighties,” having lived in France between 1784 and 1789. While there, he became engrossed in the notions of The Enlightenment and acquired a three-volume set of The Wealth of Nations, which he later described as the best book about money and commerce that existed. (He later acquired a second set, and I have been fortunate enough to hold both of his copies in my hands.) Jefferson often quoted from the book, and it clearly influenced his ideas surrounding the structure of the new United States.
As the government was being formed in the late 1780s, that influence resulted in the formation of not only a republic, but one based on the notions of markets and capitalism being the driving force in the fledgling economy. It was a unique structure at the time, and it has made all the difference.
The combination of those two things—an independent republic and a market-based economy—and the freedoms that they brought have allowed the United States to become the most prosperous country in the history of the world. Dr. Smith’s epistle deserves its own moment of celebration! 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.
The FBI Philadelphia Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced the addition of Trung Duc Lu to the Bureau’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List.
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U.S. Department of Justice
The FBI Philadelphia Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced the addition of Trung Duc Lu to the Bureau’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List.
Lu is wanted in connection with the August 2014 torture, kidnapping, and murder of two Vietnamese brothers who’d engaged in drug dealing in Philadelphia. Lu also allegedly took part in the torture and attempted murder of a third victim—the brothers’ friend and fellow dealer who the case team calls Sonny—who worked with the authorities after surviving the incident.
Image courtesy of FBI
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $1 million for tips that lead directly to Lu’s arrest. Lu, a U.S. permanent resident who never pursued U.S. citizenship, is believed to have fled the United States for his home country of Vietnam.
“Adding Trung Lu to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list reflects the seriousness of his alleged crimes and our unwavering commitment to bringing him to justice,” said FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs. “The FBI and our partners will continue to leverage every available resource—both here at home and abroad—to locate and apprehend him. No matter how much time passes or where he attempts to hide, the FBI will continue pursuing him until he is found and taken into custody.”
Lu’s apprehension would end a 12-year quest for justice for his alleged victims—who, FBI Philadelphia Special Agent Scott Baber notes, had wives, friends, and jobs beyond their criminal activity. “They were people who, in many ways, were trying to live the American dream,” said Baber, the lead investigator on Lu’s case. “They were certainly flawed characters and broke the law, but their transgressions should not have resulted in them meeting the kind of end that they did.”
The case at the heart of the announcement is rooted in large-scale marijuana distribution between New York City and Philadelphia.
Three Philadelphia drug dealers—two brothers and their friend—would get large amounts of the drug from a large, New York-based distributor on consignment. The idea was that they could resell the marijuana at a higher price than what they owed the distributor and still turn a profit once they paid them back.
The trio soon started gambling the money they owed their source up north. This led their suppliers to deploy individuals to recoup the stolen funds.
In August 2014, Trung Duc Lu and others were allegedly sent from New York City to Philadelphia to find the dealers and recoup the debt, which Baber said exceeded $100,000. When the men reached Philadelphia, they reportedly met up with Tam Le, a local point of contact who knew the victims from the drug business.
Tam Le then reportedly lured each of the men to a house in Southwest Philadelphia, one by one.
“When they arrived at his residence in Southwest Philadelphia, each one was attacked, tied up, and savagely beaten in an attempt to extract the money,” Baber said. “And each person was forced to call the next person. Ultimately, all three victims were tied up inside this family’s garage in Southwest Philadelphia.”
“No matter how much time passes or where he attempts to hide, the FBI will continue pursuing him until he is found and taken into custody.”
Wayne Jacobs, special agent in charge, FBI Philadelphia
Lu and his co-conspirators collected some of the missing money but ultimately decided to kill the three men. The men allegedly left the house and transported the three victims in a van.
“They then arrived at a parking lot on the Schuylkill River, pulled each victim out of the van, stabbed each one viciously, tied them down with weighted buckets, and threw them into the river,” Baber recalled.
Miraculously, after being mistaken for dead, Sonny escaped the river and flagged down a motorist who dialed 9-1-1 and triggered a police response.
The statement Sonny provided to the Philadelphia Police Department enabled the authorities to obtain a search warrant for Tam Le’s residence. The ensuing search turned up evidence of torture, and a later search of the river led to the recovery of the other victims’ bodies.
Le was eventually indicted in Philadelphia, captured by the U.S. Marshals Service in 2015, convicted in 2016, and sentenced to death.
The FBI opened an investigation into the incident around 2018, since the Bureau believed the circumstances of the alleged crime and evidence recovered suggested a nexus with organized crime, Baber said.
But Sonny hadn’t been able to identify any of his other attackers, since they’d been hidden behind masks, and “there was also no forensic evidence left behind that could be attributed to the subjects,” Baber said. And Le refused to cooperate with the U.S. government’s investigation until his death behind bars in February 2025.
The case team analyzed phone and toll records, using Le’s phone number as a starting point. They discovered that the subjects bought burner phones from a store owned by a relative of Le’s explicitly for use as part of their efforts to recover the stolen drug money. Investigators traced one number to Trung Duc Lu.
In May 2017, Baber and his co-case agent traveled to New York City and interviewed someone who confirmed that Lu owned that phone number. Records indicated that Lu fled the country soon after on a flight to Vietnam. “We believe that he’s there today,” Baber said.
The agents didn’t give up, though. They pursued additional phone-record analysis, conducted interviews, and chased what Baber referred to as “a lot of dead ends” before convincing a co-conspirator to flip and work with the FBI out of concern for his personal safety.
“He was on the run from a drug cartel and had been involved in massive drug trafficking,” Baber explained, so he hoped to trade assistance for protection. The co-conspirator signed a plea agreement with the FBI, and his cooperation resulted in the federal indictment of the remaining subjects, including Lu.
“Lu is the only person who’s not been held accountable for his involvement in the crime, and that’s where we are today,” Baber said.
About the fugitive
Trung Duc Lu was born in Vietnam. He and his mother came to the U.S. as refugees when he was a teen, settling in New York City’s Queens borough. However, his criminal record began soon after.
He is also a suspected member of the Born to Kill (BTK) Street Gang. “BTK had its origins in New York City, in the Chinatown area, going all the way back to the 1980s and ’90s,” Baber said. “A series of large federal indictments really crippled the organization.” However, one of Lu’s BTK associates is believed to have dispatched him to Philadelphia to commit his alleged crimes.
Lu is 5’7” tall, with black hair and brown eyes. He’s also extensively tattooed on his back, both of his arms, and the left side of his chest.
He’s a nail technician, by profession, and speaks English and Vietnamese.
Although he’s believed to be in Vietnam, Baber explained, Lu still has ties to the U.S.—including children he had with a woman here.
And as a Vietnamese national, his status as a U.S. permanent resident still entitles him to due process rights under American law.
How you can submit tips
Anyone with information about Lu and/or his whereabouts should contact their nearest FBI field office. If you’re located out of the United States, you can also contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You can also submit tips by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or online at tips.fbi.gov.
If you see Lu, contact the authorities immediately and do not attempt to approach him, since he should be considered armed and dangerous. Lu is also considered an international flight risk.
“I would encourage any family member or friend—or anyone who has any information at all—to reach out to us so that we can try to work with that person to encourage Trung Lu to self-surrender so that his rights are fully met,” Baber said. “He would then have access to a lawyer and discovery and have the opportunity to contest these charges, if he so chooses, in a court of law.”
But since the U.S. can’t provide physical or legal protections for U.S. persons on foreign soil, Baber said, anyone with a vested interest in Lu’s welfare should want to come forward.
“Once it is known that he is a fugitive and listed on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives List, we have no control over what another country would choose to do if they located him,” he said.
First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards, today announced the recipients of the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards, honoring individuals, groups, and organizations whose volunteer service is strengthening communities and inspiring others across Texas. Image fr illustration purposes.
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AUSTIN — First Lady Cecilia Abbott, Honorary Chair of the Governor’s Volunteer Awards, today announced the recipients of the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards, honoring individuals, groups, and organizations whose volunteer service is strengthening communities and inspiring others across Texas. Presented in collaboration with OneStar Foundation, the awards recognize exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact through service over the past year.
“I am honored to recognize this year’s Governor’s Volunteer Awards recipients as Texans whose commitment to service is making a lasting difference,” said First Lady Cecilia Abbott. “Their dedication reminds us that service has the power to unite communities, uplift neighbors, and inspire others to step forward. It is a privilege to celebrate these individuals, families, and organizations whose commitment to service reflects the very best of the Texas spirit.”
“These awardees demonstrate the extraordinary impact that service can have not only on communities, but on the people who serve alongside one another,” said Chris Bugbee, President and CEO of OneStar Foundation. “By sharing their stories, we hope to encourage more Texans to get involved, build connections across differences, and take action to strengthen their communities through service.”
Across Texas, volunteers play a vital role in bringing people together, addressing critical community needs, and empowering individuals to take action on issues they care about. The Governor’s Volunteer Awards elevate these stories of service, highlighting how volunteering bridges divides, creates meaningful change, and strengthens the fabric of communities statewide.
Administered by the OneStar Foundation, the Governor’s Volunteer Awards serve as the state’s highest recognition for volunteer service, shining a spotlight on the many ways Texans give back through their time, talents, and leadership.
Award recipients will be recognized during National Volunteer Month in April at a special reception hosted at the Texas Governor’s Mansion.
The recipients of the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards are:
Larry Dolan (Dallas): Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Larry Dolan. Courtesy image
For nearly three decades, Larry Dolan has been a steady voice for children in Dallas’ child welfare system. As Dallas CASA’s longest-serving volunteer since 1997, he has advocated for more than one hundred children, ensuring their needs and wishes are heard in court and helping secure safe, permanent homes. Larry also mentors new volunteers, generously sharing his experience and compassion. One of his most powerful impacts came full circle when a former child he supported returned as a CASA volunteer—still remembering Larry by name. His dedication continues to shape young lives and inspire others to serve.
Dave Freriks (Lubbock): Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Dave Freriks. Courtesy image
Since retiring in 1995 after over 30 years with the U.S. Secret Service, Dave Freriks has served nearly three decades as the volunteer Disaster Services Coordinator for The Salvation Army in the Texas South Plains. He has built and trained a network of responders who have supported almost 700,000 people affected by fires, floods, tornadoes, and emergencies in Texas and throughout the South. Dave has also contributed 30 years of service as a Salvation Army board member and is a key leader in Lubbock’s Lions Club and Red Kettle Campaign, helping raise more than $5 million. His steady leadership, compassion, and presence have made him a trusted force for good in West Texas.
Darrell Rodenbaugh (Plano): Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Courtesy image
Darrell Rodenbaugh started volunteering with North Texas Performing Arts 19 years ago and has devoted over a decade of full-time service to the organization, leading its transformation into the nation’s largest youth theatre organization. Under his volunteer leadership, NTPA has grown twelvefold, expanded to five locations, and now serves more than 11,000 students annually. Darrell has developed innovative programs in youth protection, character leadership, and artist employment and he has led teams raising millions in philanthropic support. His hands-on commitment ranges from designing curricula to constructing light rigging and seating systems in new theaters. Darrell’s work has created lasting opportunities for young performers and strengthened arts communities across North Texas.
Timothy Stroud (Houston): Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Timothy Stroud. Courtesy image
Motivated by the loss of his father, a police officer killed in the line of duty, Timothy Stroud founded the Killeen Police Department Law Enforcement Assistance Fund in 2006. The entirely volunteer-run fund has provided over $1.4 million in direct support to officers, civilian staff, and families facing crisis. Tim also leads impactful programs for veterans through Stay Tuned for Vets, offering arts-based mental health support, equine therapy, and large-scale community resource events. His leadership with Operation Turkey Houston helps deliver more than 11,000 Thanksgiving meals annually. Tim’s compassion and service continue to strengthen and uplift vulnerable families across Texas.
Asvini Thivakaran (Round Rock): First Lady’s Rising Star Award
Asvini Thivakaran Courtesy image
A nationally recognized youth environmental leader, Asvini Thivakaran began advocating for battery recycling in second grade, collecting more than 65,000 batteries and inspiring the City of Round Rock to adopt a permanent program that has now diverted over 100,000 batteries from landfills. She later founded Electrify Your Thoughts to expand STEM opportunities for underserved students, partnering with Title I schools to reach more than 1,000 young people and mentor over 100 science fair participants. Her students have advanced to regional competitions with high honors. Asvini’s work blends environmental stewardship, education, and youth empowerment, shaping the next generation of scientists and leaders.
John R. Dunn, Jr. (Kerrville): Volunteer of the Year Award
John R. Dunn, Jr. Courtesy image
After the July 4 flood devastated Hunt and western Kerr County, John Dunn became a central leader driving the region’s recovery. As President of Hunt Preservation Society and Board Chair of Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Group, John organized relief operations and, working alongside the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and other partners, secured over $10 million in private and foundation funding to support home repairs, emergency aid, and water system restoration. John convened local, state, and federal partners and mobilized builders, volunteers, and case managers to accelerate rebuilding of homes and businesses. John’s thousands of hours of service have restored hope and helped revitalize the community, and his leadership continues to shape a stronger, more resilient Hill Country community.
Oscar, Yolanda & Adrian Cisneros (El Paso): Volunteer Family of the Year Award
Oscar, Yolanda & Adrian Cisnero. Courtesy image
After losing their young son Alex to cancer, the Cisneros family transformed their grief into service. Inspired by the joy Alex found in Creative Kids’ hospital art program, Yolanda, Oscar, and Adrian started to volunteer weekly with Project RAP, supporting children affected by trauma in El Paso. For the last 18 years, through patient guidance and creative expression, they help young people process fear, rebuild confidence, and experience moments of healing. Their presence offers comfort drawn from lived experience, and every child they support carries forward Alex’s spirit. The family’s compassion has become a powerful source of hope.
TeamCITGO (Houston): Corporate Champion Award
TeamCITGO (Houston). Courtesy image
For more than 30 years, CITGO has embedded volunteerism into its company culture through TeamCITGO, mobilizing employees, retirees, and contractors to strengthen communities across Houston and the Coastal Bend. In 2025 alone, volunteers contributed 9,074 hours with 135 causes and financially contributed to 846 causes. CITGO leads major initiatives in hunger relief, education, environmental stewardship, and community wellness. Programs include its long-running Caring for the Coast program, which has generated over 200,000 volunteer hours, 40% of which occurred in Texas and the Gulf Coast. Additional contributions in Texas supported more than 2.3 million pounds of food redistribution in Houston and 140,000 meals in South Texas. CITGO’s sustained, collaborative service reflects its deep Texas roots and commitment to community partnership.
Kendra Scott (Austin): Corporate Champion Award
Kendra Scott. Courtesy image
Kendra Scott has built a company where philanthropy and giving back are core pillars of the brand. Through a dedicated philanthropy department and the Kendra Scott Foundation, the company empowers women and youth in health and wellness, education, and entrepreneurship. Signature programs such as Kendra Cares have brought the magic of the Color Bar to pediatric hospitals for over 10 years, while the Yellow Library program has supported 24 Title I elementary schools across Texas, expanding access to books and literacy resources. In 2025 alone, more than 12,000 Kendra Gives Back events were held in partnership with local nonprofits nationwide, and employees contributed over 9,000 volunteer hours in their communities. Following the July 4 floods in Central Texas, Kendra Scott raised more than $500,000 and collected essential supplies across the state to support immediate relief and long-term rebuilding efforts. The company continues to champion meaningful, sustained impact in the communities it serves.
KENS 5, San Antonio’s Own (San Antonio): Corporate Champion Award
For a decade, KENS 5 has been an anchor of mentorship and community service in San Antonio. Through its partnership with Communities In Schools of San Antonio, station staff mentor high school students through the InspireU Workplace Mentors program, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and a clear vision for their futures. KENS 5 also plays a pivotal role in the annual Stuff The Bus School Supply Drive, using its platform to inspire generosity across the city. In 2024, the station delivered more than 5.9 million impressions through coverage that helped equip students in 140 schools with the supplies they need to succeed.
NiHao Food Bank Initiative (Keller): Community Champion Award Founded in 2021 as a cultural affinity group of the North Texas Food Bank, the NiHao Food Bank Initiative has delivered nearly 3 million meals to neighbors facing hunger. The volunteer-driven group unites families, youth, and community partners to strengthen food security through monthly packing events, cultural fundraisers, restaurant collaborations, and civic advocacy. In 2025, NiHao volunteers supported the passage of HB 26 (“Food Is Medicine”) and raised the equivalent of 120,000 meals through its 2026 Community Meal Reward Card. Creative events such as its annual charity concert further elevate awareness and engage diverse supporters across Dallas–Fort Worth.
Ark of Highland Lakes (Marble Falls): Community Champion Award Ark of Highland Lakes is a faith-driven organization uniting churches, agencies, and volunteers to serve families in crisis across the Highland Lakes region. Born after the 2018 floods, Ark provides disaster relief, food, hygiene, dental care, donated goods, and long-term transformation. In 2025, Ark launched Valley View Village, a self-sustaining community that combines housing with income-generating opportunities and Christ-centered support to help families break generational cycles of poverty. Ark has also led the long-term recovery for Burnet and Llano County after the July 4th, 2025 flood, recruiting and training 840 volunteers. Ark works to unite hands in serving, heal hearts who are hurting and vulnerable, and transform communities through love and resilience.
Lifelong Learning with Friends (Austin): Education Champion Award Lifelong Learning with Friends expands the University of Texas experience to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering inclusive classes where each participant learns alongside a UT student volunteer. Since 2010, more than 700 adult learners and 1,600 university students have taken part in courses spanning science, arts, culture, and life skills. The program fosters confidence, friendships, and intellectual growth for adults with disabilities while cultivating civic responsibility among college students. Through thoughtful curriculum design and meaningful relationships, Lifelong Learning with Friends creates a campus community where people of all abilities learn and grow together.
BOUNCE Student Disaster Recovery (Statewide): Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact Award BOUNCE mobilizes middle school, high school, and college students to support disaster recovery across Texas and beyond. Working with local partners, for the last 12 years, the organization has deployed youth volunteers to repair homes, rebuild community spaces, and support families recovering from storms and flooding. Teams come fully equipped with their own tools, transportation, and supplies, easing the burden on recovery organizations. Students perform significant tasks including roofing, demolition, flooring, painting, and home repair. After Hurricane Beryl, BOUNCE sent 82 volunteers to Jefferson County to assist impacted families and helped remodel a donated warehouse for recovery use. Since 2022, more than 880 students have served with remarkable dedication and teamwork.
Nicole Gabler (Houston): AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award Nicole Gabler turned her AmeriCorps service with SWIFT in Schulenburg and Weimar in 2013 to 2015 into a lifelong commitment to community. After earning her master’s degree in Nonprofit Management with her education award, she went on to support families at Texas Children’s Hospital and now serves children with critical illnesses through Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. Nicole is also a deeply engaged volunteer. As President of the Junior League of Galveston County, she launched a Juneteenth book initiative that has reached thousands of children. She also helped create Adaptive Access Tours at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and serves as a dedicated Girl Scout leader.
Pictured, from left to right: Dr. Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., STISD Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Reynaldo Rodriguez, Rising Scholars Academy principal; Marco Zamora, Preparatory Academy principal; Dr. Michele Guajardo, Health Professions principal; Jose Lucio, Medical Professions principal; and Henry LeVrier, STISD Board President. Courtesy image
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MERCEDES, Texas – Educational Results Partnership (ERP) has released its 2025 Texas Honor Roll, recognizing the state’s highest performing schools. South Texas Independent School District (STISD) earned a place on the Honor Roll Districts list, while four STISD campuses were named to the Honor Roll Schools list.
The ERP Honor Roll identifies schools and districts that have outperformed their peers in student achievement, improvement overtime, and closing achievement gaps—particularly among higher-poverty and historically underserved student populations. This marks the eleventh year ERP has published the Honor Roll.
The four STISD campuses recognized in 2025 are STISD Health Professions in Mercedes, STISD Medical Professions in Olmito,STISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg, and STISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito.
Statewide, 1,076 schools and 84 school districts earned Honor Roll recognition this year—representing approximately 15 percent of all Texas schools and 14.5 percent of districts. The full list of Honor Roll schools and districts is available on ERP’s website.
“We are proud of our district and campus communities for achieving this recognition,” said Marco Antonio Lara, Jr., Ed.D., superintendent of schools for STISD. “This honor reflects our continued commitment to preparing every student for college, career, and life.”
The Honor Roll program is part of a national effort to engage business leaders in recognizing effective schools and promoting best practices that improve student outcomes. The 2025 Honor Roll is presented in collaboration with the Texas Business Leadership Council.
“Texas Business Leadership Council is proud to recognize higher performing schools in our state that are preparing students with theskills needed to be successful in a globally competitive workforce,” said Justin Yancy, president and CEO of the Texas Business Leadership Council.
“Many educators across Texas are already delivering rigorous instruction that equips students with the fundamentalsthey need to succeed in the workforce and in life,” said ERP’s Board Chair James Lanich, Ph.D. “The Honor Roll recognizes that work—identifying schools in a diversity of ZIP codes where students of all backgrounds are masteringthe core academic skills that will help them thrive in a rapidly changing world of work.”
“Across Texas, there are schools and systems delivering strong results for students of all backgrounds,” said Alex Barrios, President& CEO of ERP. “The Honor Roll recognizes these schools because they are doing something essential—preparing students withdurable, foundational skills that
remain valuable in any economy, particularly as artificial intelligence continues to transform the nature
of work.”
About Educational Results Partnership
Educational Results Partnership (ERP) is a nonprofit organization that applies data science and predictive analytics to identify successful public education systems, practices, programs, and policies that are delivering the best results for students. ERP hasaccumulated the nation’s largest database on student achievement from kindergarten into the labor market. In partnership with educators and employers, ERP charts the pathways that lead to academic success and living-wage jobs. ERP’s goal is to ensure that more students are equipped to enter the workforce with the skills today’s global economy demands.
About Campaign for Business and Education Excellence
The Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) aims to improve economic mobility for the next generation of learners by matching talent to jobs and career opportunities. Aligning academic achievements with job market needs, the campaign engages employers while helping learners pursue careers matched to their existing skills and abilities. Learners across the United States can discover how their education opens doors to immediate career opportunities.
About South Texas ISD
STISD is comprised of four magnet high schools – South Texas ISD Health Professions in Mercedes, South Texas ISD Medical Professions in Olmito, South Texas ISD Science Academy in Mercedes, and South Texas ISD World Scholars in Edinburg – as well as two middle schools – South Texas ISD Preparatory Academy in Edinburg and South Texas ISD Rising Scholars Academy in San Benito, and one stand-alone virtual campus, South Texas ISD Virtual Academy, which serves students in grades 6-
12. All campuses are tuition-free and serve students from Cameron, Hidalgo and Willacy Counties. For more information, call 1-800-21STUDY or visit www.stisd.net.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) seized nearly 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine during an Operation Lone Star traffic stop on a commercial motor vehicle in Live Oak Co. this week. The drugs were being transported to Dallas. Photo: Texas DPS
Texas Border Business
WESLACO, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) seized nearly 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine during an Operation Lone Star traffic stop on a commercial motor vehicle in Live Oak Co. this week. The drugs were being transported to Dallas.
On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, just after 3:30 p.m., a DPS Trooper stopped a blue 2020 Kenworth truck tractor semi-trailer for a traffic violation on US 281 near George West. During the stop, the Trooper noticed signs of possible criminal activity, prompting further investigation. A Live Oak Co. Sheriff’s Office K-9 was called in to assist and positively alerted to the trailer, which led the Trooper and Special Agents with DPS’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) to locate and seize 479 black tape-wrapped bundles of methamphetamine hidden in a false floor compartment beneath the trailer. The bundles weighed a total of 1,980 pounds and had an estimated street value of $3.4 million.
The driver, Diego Mendez, 32, of Alton, Texas, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance over 400 grams, a first-degree felony. He was booked into the Live Oak Co. Jail.
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) touted the pro-family and childcare provisions Republicans delivered in the Working Families Tax Cuts to alleviate the costs Texas parents face, including by doubling the Child Tax Credit, lowering the cost of childcare, and strengthening the Paid Family and Medical Leave Credit. Image: Screenshot from YouTube Cornyn video
Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) touted the pro-family and childcare provisions Republicans delivered in the Working Families Tax Cuts to alleviate the costs Texas parents face, including by doubling the Child Tax Credit, lowering the cost of childcare, and strengthening the Paid Family and Medical Leave Credit. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.
“While there’s no silver bullet that can magically make the cost of raising a family go away, Republicans have delivered provisions in the Working Families Tax Cuts that will attempt to lessen that burden.”
“In 2017, Republicans doubled the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000. In 2025, that was scheduled to go back to $1,000, but Senate Republicans built on their prior success and permanently increased the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 and $2,200 per child.”
“In addition to expanding the Child Tax Credit, Republicans took steps to alleviate what is perhaps one of the most commonly cited concerns that parents face and that is the increasing cost of childcare.”
“The Paid Family and Medical Leave Credit is a general business credit that’s now offered to employers who provide paid family and medical leave to qualifying employees.”
“This provision would reward businesses that offer these valuable benefits to their employees, allowing mothers to recover from childbirth, and allowing both mothers and fathers the time they want to bond with their newborns in the first important months of their lives. We also built on these successes by bolstering the Employer Provided Child Tax Credit. This credit rewards businesses that provide childcare to employees.”
“We increased the Dependent Care Assistance exclusion up to $7,500 from $5,000, and we increased the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, which will help millions of families offset the cost of childcare by nearly $1,000 on average.”
“While none of us are looking forward to filing our income tax returns come April 5, I hope that working parents will see a little bit of well-deserved relief in their pocketbooks as a result of these provisions that Republicans provided in the Working Families Tax Cuts, and which President Trump signed into law.”
The man whom law enforcement believes raped two different women in Texas and Oklahoma in 2021 has been taken into custody. Hunter Mackey, 27, was arrested by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) for first-degree rape in McLoud, Okla. on Feb. 17. Photo: Texas DPS
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – The man whom law enforcement believes raped two different women in Texas and Oklahoma in 2021 has been taken into custody. Hunter Mackey, 27, was arrested by the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) for first-degree rape in McLoud, Okla. on Feb. 17.
On Oct. 10, 2021, a female victim was sexually assaulted by a male suspect — now identified as Mackey — in North Texas. The victim told Fannin Co. Sheriff’s Office investigators that she had met the man through social media. The suspect had picked her up in a sedan with Oklahoma registration, driven her to a location and sexually assaulted her. DNA collected during the investigation was submitted to the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) – a national database to check for possible DNA matches between arrestees and unsolved cases nationwide – by the DPS Crime Laboratory in Garland.
Two months later, investigators were notified of a possible CODIS match between the Fannin Co. case and another similar sexual assault case out of Ardmore, Okla., being investigated by the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) and the Ardmore Police Department. The Texas Rangers began coordinating with law enforcement in Oklahoma to conduct a familial search of the DNA samples from the Ardmore case through DPS’ Crime Laboratory Division. Unfortunately, the familial search yielded no matches, and no arrests were made.
Then, in August 2024, evidence from the Ardmore, Okla. case was sent for testing and comparison through DPS’ Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) program. The program is funded by the Department of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance (DOJ/BJA), which provides investigative funding for agencies across the United States to further unsolved sexual assaults and sexually related homicides, aiming to bring justice to the victims and their families.
Using SAKI grant funds, the sample was sent to BODE Technologies for DNA testing and genealogy research, which ultimately led to the identification of three brothers as potential suspects in September 2025. Upon further investigation and DNA comparison between the two sexual assault kits collected in the Fannin Co. and Ardmore, Okla. cases, law enforcement identified a positive match: Hunter Mackey. On Feb. 17, 2026, the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) located and arrested Mackey in McLoud, Okla. He is currently being held in the Pottawatomie Co. Jail in Oklahoma.
Cases like these highlight the importance of collaborative investigative work between the Texas Rangers and our partner law enforcement agencies to bring justice and closure to victims and their families in unsolved crimes. The department would like to specifically thank the Ardmore Police Department, Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), Fannin Co. Sheriff’s Office, DPS’ Crime Laboratory in Garland and BODE Technologies for their dedication that ultimately led to the identification and arrest of the suspect.
