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Texas State Emergency Response Resources Activated Ahead of Severe Weather Threat

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Texas State Emergency Response Resources Activated Ahead of Severe Weather Threat
Governor Greg Abbott announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of a severe weather threat expected to impact portions of Texas beginning today and continuing through the weekend. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of a severe weather threat expected to impact portions of Texas beginning today and continuing through the weekend. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott announced that he directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) to activate state emergency response resources ahead of a severe weather threat expected to impact portions of Texas beginning today and continuing through the weekend.

“Texas stands ready to deploy all necessary resources to help local officials respond to potential severe weather across the state,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans are urged to remain weather-aware, regularly check road conditions, and heed the guidance of state and local officials to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones. The State of Texas will continue to closely monitor weather conditions to protect the well-being of communities across our state.”

According to the National Weather Service, multiple storm systems are expected to bring strong to severe thunderstorms across large portions of the state beginning later today across North Texas. As the week progresses, the storm risk shifts to the West to include parts of Northwest Texas such as the Panhandle, South Plains, Permian Basin, Big Country, and Concho Valley. Later in the week, the severe weather threat is expected to shift back towards North, Northeast, and Central Texas. Conditions are anticipated to continue into early next week. Hazards include large hail, damaging wind, heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding, and possible tornadoes. Texans are urged to monitor local forecast information as conditions develop.

At the direction of Governor Abbott, the following state emergency response resources are available to support severe weather local response operations:

  • Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2): Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads and Urban Search & Rescue Teams to assist with flood rescues
  • Texas Division of Emergency Management: The State of Texas Incident Management Team and All-Hazards Group responders to support deployed emergency response resources across the state
  • Texas National Guard: Personnel and high-profile vehicles to assist stranded motorists; Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters to assist with flood rescues
  • Texas Department of Transportation: Personnel monitoring road conditions statewide
  • Texas A&M Forest Service: Saw Crews to assist with clearing of roadways; Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS) Strike Teams to support local emergency services
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Wardens, rescue boat teams, and helicopters with hoist capability to assist with flood rescues
  • Texas Department of Public Safety: Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, helicopters with hoist capability, Tactical Marine Unit
  • Texas Department of State Health Services (Texas Emergency Medical Task Force): Severe Weather Support Packages consisting of medics, ambulances, and all-terrain vehicles
  • Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Disaster Assessment and Recovery Agents, as well as County Extension Agents to support agricultural and livestock needs
  • Public Utility Commission of Texas: Power outage monitoring and coordination with utility providers
  • Railroad Commission of Texas: Monitoring of the state’s natural gas supply and communication with the oil and gas industry
  • Texas Commission on Environmental Quality: Air/water/wastewater monitoring

Additionally, the Texas State Emergency Operations Center remains activated at Level III (Increased Readiness) to support severe weather and ongoing wildfire operations, amid continued fire weather conditions in some parts of the state.

Texans are encouraged to proactively prepare for severe weather by packing an emergency supply kit, making an emergency plan, and following guidance from local officials.

Texans can find flood and severe weather safety information at TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and access all-hazards preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare.

STC’s Cross‑Border Vision Strengthens Student Success Through Collaboration

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STC’s Cross‑Border Vision Strengthens Student Success Through Collaboration
A partnership between three faculty members at South Texas College including Business Administration Chair Jose Olivares, Economics faculty member Dr. Kevin Peek and Chair of STC’s Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree (BAT) in Operations Management. Dr. Ruben Flores has enabled the creation of the college’s signature Binational Education Symposium that is enabling students to share their ideas, build connections and start their futures on an international scale. STC image
A partnership between three faculty members at South Texas College including Business Administration Chair Jose Olivares, Economics faculty member Dr. Kevin Peek and Chair of STC’s Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree (BAT) in Operations Management. Dr. Ruben Flores has enabled the creation of the college’s signature Binational Education Symposium that is enabling students to share their ideas, build connections and start their futures on an international scale. STC image

Texas Border Business

By Joey Gomez

McALLEN, Texas – A shared vision for students and a passion for collaboration has created a partnership among three South Texas College faculty members with the goal to open doors across borders.

Through years of teamwork and a commitment to student success, STC Business Administration Chair Jose Olivares, along with Economics faculty member Kevin Peek, Ph.D. and Ruben Flores, Ph.D., who is currently leading STC’s Bachelor of Applied Technology Degree (BAT) in Operations Management agree that their unique partnership has helped transform one of the college’s signature events into a platform that is connecting students, educators and industry leaders on an international scale.

Now the partnership looks ahead to its most popular event, welcoming the start of STC’s 6th annual Binational Educational Symposium, March 5-6 at the college’s Pecan Campus, focused on artificial intelligence and its impact across industries.

“The contacts, the networks that have been brought to the table has facilitated a tremendous amount of success for the college,” Peek said of the partnership. “With Jose (Olivares) on the Mexican side and Ruben (Flores) locally, there has been a tremendous level of expertise that has been brought together.”

Pooling their unique talents and expertise together, from international economics and industry partnerships to community engagement, the faculty all agree that the symposium has emerged into a forum that is enabling students to share their ideas, build connections and start their futures beyond the classroom.

“When I came in about eight years ago, I brought my contacts in industry and those opened doors for us,” Olivares said. “That led to partnerships with universities in Mexico and eventually to combining our efforts into one symposium. It became a way to connect our students with international students and businesses.”

What began as a modest collaboration has now grown into an event that highlights innovation, entrepreneurship and the unique opportunities found in the region.

Hosted by STC in collaboration with institutions including Texas A&M University and Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas (UAT), the event features a wide range of faculty and student presentations, academic competitions and entrepreneurial showcases.

Created in 2020 as a collaborative effort between STC, UAT and INDEX Reynosa, the Symposium grew from a number of separate events including the college’s New Innovations, New Opportunities (INNO) Conference on the U.S. side and the Foro Educativo de Commercio International, which was an event held by UAT in Mexico.

Both events then merged into a single binational initiative that Olivares said fulfilled a vision to unite academic institutions with industry partners into one dynamic event.

What once drew 200 attendees in separate events has grown into thousands of participants from across the United States and abroad, Olivares said.

Since its launch in 2020, the symposium has reached more than 2,000 attendees including participants in New York, Chile and across Mexico. Speakers have included faculty from New York University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, East Carolina University as well as entrepreneurs and experts in international trade. 

“We recently had more than 2,000 individual links clicked on the virtual portion of the Symposium,” Olivares said. “It has just grown exponentially since then.”

Peek, an Economics faculty member whose background includes international trade research and documentary work, said expanding participation beyond local institutions helped elevate the Symposium’s reach and impact.

“We expanded our audience beyond STC and our collaborators in Mexico to include the general public and institutions from other regions,” Peek said. “It’s not just academic, it’s public and private sector participation as well.”

Flores said he has focused on strengthening connections with community leaders, public agencies and employers across the region for more than 40 years. His longstanding ties to the Valley, and his experience in both the public and private sectors have helped broaden recruitment and collaboration.

“We need to bring together all sectors, including education, business and public service, because that is how we make a difference for our students,” Flores said. “When students interact with industry leaders and community partners, they begin to see what’s possible for their futures.”

Flores said the event also reflects STC’s broader mission of empowering students to pursue degrees, careers and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“Education can be the portal to opportunity,” Flores said. “This symposium shows students that they not only can earn a degree, but they can also build businesses and create generational change.”

For more information on STC’s Binational Educational Symposium visit southtexascollege.edu/info/bes/.

Information source: STC

Democratic Primary for Texas House District 41 Heads to Runoff

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Democratic Primary for Texas House District 41 Heads to Runoff
Victor “Seby” Haddad, and Julio Salinas. Images by Roberto Hugo González. Bgd. for illustration purposes
Victor “Seby” Haddad, and Julio Salinas. Images by Roberto Hugo González. Gbd for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

McALLEN, Texas — The Democratic primary for Texas House District 41 is headed to a runoff after no candidate secured a majority of votes in the March 3 primary election.

The race drew significant attention after longtime state Rep. R.D. “Bobby” Guerra announced he would not seek reelection, opening the seat for the first time in more than a decade in the Rio Grande Valley.

Three candidates competed in the Democratic primary: Victor “Seby” Haddad, Eric Holguin, and Julio Salinas.

According to unofficial election results, Salinas received about 38.6% of the vote, followed closely by Haddad with roughly 37.3%. Holguin finished third with about 24% of the vote.

Because no candidate surpassed the 50% threshold required under Texas election law, the top two finishers — Salinas and Haddad — will advance to a primary runoff election to determine the Democratic nominee.

Haddad campaigned on his experience in local government, emphasizing economic development, infrastructure investment, and education initiatives in the Rio Grande Valley.

The Democratic primary runoff election is scheduled for May 26, 2026. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election to determine who will represent District 41 in the Texas House of Representatives.

The dates included came from official Texas election calendars and county election schedules, primarily the Texas Secretary of State election law calendar and county election calendars that list the statewide primary runoff schedule.

U.S. and Global Partners Dismantle LeakBase, Major Cybercrime Forum

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U.S. and Global Partners Dismantle LeakBase, Major Cybercrime Forum
LeakBase Splash Page. Courtesy of US DOJ
LeakBase Splash Page. Courtesy of US DOJ

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U.S. Department of Justice

The Department of Justice announced today the seizure of the LeakBase database, one of the world’s largest online forums for cybercriminals to buy and sell stolen data and cybercrime tools.

According to an affidavit unsealed on March 3, the LeakBase forum had over 142,000 members and more than 215,000 messages between members. Available on the open web and in English, the forum had an enormous and continuously updated archive of hacked databases including many from high profile attacks, including hundreds of millions of account credentials. LeakBase allowed forum users to sell the information from stolen databases, including data illegally obtained from U.S. corporations and individuals, and offered credit and debit card numbers, banking account and routing information, usernames and associated passwords which could facilitate additional account takeovers, as well as other sensitive business and personally identifiable information.

LeakBase Splash Page. Courtesy of US DOJ

On March 3 and 4, law enforcement agents and officers in 14 countries including the United States took synchronized actions against LeakBase and its users in a coordinated effort hosted by Europol in The Hague. Specifically, the United States and other countries shut down LeakBase, seized its data and two of the domains used by the forum, posted seizure banners on the LeakBase sites, sent prevention messages to LeakBase members, and collected additional evidence. Law enforcement also executed search warrants, arrests, and conducted interviews in the United States, Australia, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom.  

“The takedown of this cyber forum disrupts a major international platform that cybercriminals use to obtain and profit from the theft of sensitive personal, banking and account credentials,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This operation illustrates the strength of the United States and our international partners working across the globe to dismantle a critical cybercriminal forum. The Criminal Division will continue to leverage our international relationships to protect victim personal and account information from falling into the hands of transnational criminal organizations.”

“This 14-country operation demonstrates the extraordinary cooperation with our international partners,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “Working with our partners, we can take down even the most sophisticated cyber criminals and networks. My office remains steadfast in our commitment to investigate and seek justice for Americans who are targeted by individuals attempting to hide behind foreign borders.”

“The FBI, Europol, and law enforcement agencies from around the world executed a takedown of LeakBase, one of the largest online cybercriminal platforms, seizing users’ accounts, posts, credit details, private messages, and IP logs for evidentiary purposes,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “Together with our partners, we are sending a message that no criminal is truly anonymous online and removing an easy point of access to stolen information on American businesses and individuals. The FBI will continue to defend the homeland by dismantling the key services that cybercriminals use to facilitate their attacks.”

“Hiding behind a screen does not shield cybercriminals from accountability,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office. “This international operation demonstrates the strength of our global alliances and our shared commitment to disrupting platforms that facilitate the theft of data and the victimization of innocent people and organizations worldwide. Together, we will continue to identify, dismantle, and hold accountable those who seek to profit from cybercrime, no matter where they operate.”

The announcement today follows the disruption of predecessor cybercrime marketplaces RaidForums in 2022 and BreachForums in 2023, in addition to the conviction and subsequent sentencing of the founder of BreachForums in 2025.

The FBI Salt Lake City Field Office is investigating the case. The FBI San Diego Field Office, Utah Department of Public Safety, and Provo Police Department also participated in the operation domestically.

Senior Counsel Matthew A. Lamberti of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brent L. Andrus and Carl D. LeSueur for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, Europol, and numerous law enforcement authorities in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Greece, Kosovo, Malaysia, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, and the United Kingdom provided significant assistance.

CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.

Anyone that has any information regarding LeakBase should contact the FBI at FBI-SU-Leakbase@fbi.gov.

Updated March 4, 2026

Dog Grooming Program Helps STC Alumna Build Her Own Business

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Dog Grooming Program Helps STC Alumna Build Her Own Business
For Selenia Gonzalez, success isn’t just measured in business growth, it’s also measured in wagging tails and the opportunity to be present for her children. STC image
For Selenia Gonzalez, success isn’t just measured in business growth, it’s also measured in wagging tails and the opportunity to be present for her children. STC image

Texas Border Business

By Veronica Salinas

For Selenia Gonzalez, success isn’t just measured in business growth, it’s also measured in wagging tails and the opportunity to be present for her children. 

The returning South Texas College (STC) Interdisciplinary Studies alumna, through STC’s new Continuing Education Dog Grooming course, has transformed her love for dogs into a home-based grooming business, proving that it is never too late to reinvent yourself and build a career that aligns with both passion and family.

After years of working in federal, state and community roles, Gonzalez made the bold decision at 40-years-old to pursue a new path, one that would allow her to work independently while serving pets and their owners with personalized care. 

“I needed something where I could work for myself, make my own schedule while also providing and being present for my children,” she said.

Her love for dogs and admiration for the grooming process inspired her to take the leap.

“I always admired the grooming process when I would take my dog to the groomers and thought it was such a cool career,” she said. “I thought, how cool would it be if I could do something like that?”

After completing the program, Gonzalez initially considered working under another groomer to gain experience. However, she quickly realized that doing so would defeat her goal of becoming her own boss. Instead, she began grooming from home, charging basic bath prices while she refined her skills and built her clientele. 

“I decided I would fix up my workspace and work on my own instead and it has been an awesome experience ever since,” she said. 

Operating a small, home-based salon allows Gonzalez to provide personalized, one-on-one care. She works individually with each dog from start to finish and keeps pet owners or “paw-rents,” updated throughout the process with texts and photos.

“I personally like to give the “paw-rent” updates on the grooming process,” she said. “I am a small salon and do not house many dogs at a time, which allows me to concentrate on each one.”

For Gonzalez, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing both pets and their owners happy.

“There’s personal satisfaction in helping doggies with matting, fleas or nails, that are so long they can’t walk correctly, get a restart to their well-being,” she said. “And seeing the ‘paw-rent’ satisfied with the groom makes it all worth it.”

Her children have also become part of the experience, often peeking through the door to watch her work and offering to help entertain dogs while they wait to be picked up. 

“They enjoy seeing the doggies that stop by,” she said. “It’s special to have them witness what I do and be apart of it in their own little way.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Gonzalez has faced challenges. Learning how to properly price services, managing aggressive dogs and working alone in case of injury have all required growth and resilience. 

“Believing in my ability to do the work and referring back to what I’ve learned has helped me overcome challenges,” she said.

Gonzalez credits STC for preparing her with foundational skills beyond grooming techniques, including customer service, phone etiquette, proper animal handling, kennel safety and cleanliness. She said hands-on training with industry professionals helped her apply what she learned in online modules to real-world situations.

“Every dog is different and every “paw-rent” has different expectations, so it’s a continuous learning process,” she said.

Starting her business required significant sacrifices, including investing time and money into program costs, tools, equipment and building a functional workspace. Many weekends are dedicated to growing her craft.

“It has all paid off because I love what I do,” she said. “Being able to work from home, stay present for my children and control my schedule for me is priceless.”

Looking ahead, Gonzalez hopes to attend workshops to continue expanding her skills while serving the dogs and families in her community. Above all, she wants pet owners to know their companions are cared for with compassion and attention.

“I want them to feel that I care about their pet, that I’ve tried my best to meet their expectations and that I’ve taken the best care of their doggie while under my care,” she said.

Through determination, training and a heart for animals, Gonzalez has created not just a business, but a meaningful balance between family, passion and purpose.

“I want to encourage others to not be afraid to try something new,” she says. “I was 40 when I decided to give myself a chance to change careers and I believe it was the best decision I could’ve made.”

For more information on STC’s Dog Grooming program, visit: southtexascollege.edu/cpit/courses/career/dog-grooming/. 

Information source: STC

STC Celebrates 20 Years of STEM Excellence at Annual Science Olympiad

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STC Celebrates 20 Years of STEM Excellence at Annual Science Olympiad
South Texas College hosted the 20th Annual Regional Science Olympiad, bringing hundreds of middle school and high school students from across the state to its Pecan Campus to compete in a wide-range of STEM-focused events. STC image
South Texas College hosted the 20th Annual Regional Science Olympiad, bringing hundreds of middle school and high school students from across the state to its Pecan Campus to compete in a wide-range of STEM-focused events. STC image

Texas Border Business

By Joey Gomez 

McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College welcomed hundreds of middle school and high school students from across the state for the 20th Annual Regional Science Olympiad.

The Olympiad is a signature event for STC, celebrating two decades of academic competition in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Hosted by STC’s Math and Science divisions, the Olympiad brought teams from throughout the Rio Grande Valley as well as from San Antonio, Corpus Christi and for the first time in its history brought students from Houston, to compete in a wide range of STEM-focused challenges and compete for a chance to advance to state and national competitions.

Participants competed in events ranging from robotics and engineering challenges to biology-based competitions including genetics, entomology and disease detection. Returning favorites like the popular robot tour with new obstacles and the bungee drop also drew enthusiastic crowds. STC image

“What’s new this year is we have more middle schools than ever participating, which is amazing,” said Ludivina Avila, Ph.D., chemistry faculty member at STC and event director for Olympiad, which was held at STC’s Pecan Campus. “We have the usual schools from San Antonio who are attending and now we even have teams from Houston joining us for the first time, which just shows you the reach we are having across the state.”

The Olympiad at STC was comprised of 18 events tailored for both middle and high school students.

Participants competed in events ranging from robotics and engineering challenges to biology-based competitions including genetics, entomology and disease detection. Returning favorites like the popular robot tour with new obstacles and the bungee drop also drew enthusiastic crowds.

Sarah Wagoner, Science Olympiad coach and physical education teacher at Seashore Middle Academy in Corpus Christi, said bringing her 14 students to the Valley for the first time proved to be a memorable experience.

The Olympiad is a signature event for STC, celebrating two decades of academic competition in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STC image

“This just exceeds our regional competition back home,” Wagoner said. “These individualized events allow students to dive deeper into subjects they may not fully explore in the classroom. It prepares them for future competitions and gives them a chance to experience college campuses and imagine themselves here one day.”

The students echoed this excitement. Isabella Landeros, a competitor from Travis Middle School in McAllen said participating in the Olympiad is both challenging and rewarding.

“It’s a very fun learning experience because it teaches us a lot about engineering, which is something that I am very interested in,” Landeros said. “Sometimes you can feel nervous competing sometimes, but it’s also very exciting.”

The Olympiad at STC was comprised of 18 events tailored for both middle and high school students. STC image

At the high school level, Anthony Ha, a senior at Lamar Academy in McAllen and Olympiad team captain, said the competition helps students discover potential career paths within science.

“Competing is the best way to learn more about the sciences and dive into niche topics that help us become passionate about what we want to do in the future,” Ha said. “There are events for every field, from engineering to physiology, so it’s a great way to explore what you want to pursue.”

In the high school division, Lamar Academy claimed first place overall, followed by San Antonio-based Alamo Heights in second place and Harmony School of Discovery from Houston in third. 

In the middle school division, Alamo Heights earned first place with McAllen’s Fossum Middle School taking second and Travis Middle School placing third.

As teams earned their medals, Avila encouraged students to embrace both the challenge and the opportunity the annual Olympiad provides.    

“Give it your all,” Avila said. “Do it for your school, aim for that state championship and remember that experiences like this can shape your future and inspire what comes next.”

Information source: STC

2026 Texas Primary Election Unofficial Results

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2026 Texas Primary Election Unofficial Results
The Texas primary elections took place on March 3, 2026, with early voting from February 17–27. Image for illustration purposes
The Texas primary elections took place on March 3, 2026, with early voting from February 17–27. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

The Texas primary elections took place on March 3, 2026, with early voting from February 17–27. The primary determined party nominees for major federal, statewide, and legislative offices, with runoffs scheduled for May 26, 2026 where no candidate surpassed 50% of the vote.

See the documents below for Texas Primary election unofficial results:

Republican Results courtesy of Hidalgo County below:

Democratic Results courtesy of Hidalgo County below:

Republican Results courtesy of Cameron County below:

Democratic Results courtesy of Cameron County:

Results courtesy of Willacy County below:

Republican Results courtesy of Starr County below:

Democratic Results courtesy of Starr County below:

Results courtesy of Webb County below:

Energy Markets Face New Strains Amid Iran Conflict

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Energy Markets Face New Strains Amid Iran Conflict
The ongoing military action in Iran involves myriad complex issues, with economic, political, social, and other costs and risks that bear careful watching. Image for illustration purposes
The ongoing military action in Iran involves myriad complex issues, with economic, political, social, and other costs and risks that bear careful watching. Image for illustration purposes

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Dr. M. Ray Perryman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group. Courtesy Image

The ongoing military action in Iran involves myriad complex issues, with economic, political, social, and other costs and risks that bear careful watching. It is much too early to know or appreciate the full panoply, but some initial thoughts are in order. Let’s look briefly at energy markets. 

The issue is not really that Iran’s production is curtailed, even though the country contains some very significant oil reserves. Decades of underinvestment in necessary infrastructure have dramatically reduced output, and most of the Western world wasn’t buying Iranian crude before the recent events (though China and others have been purchasing it and are definitely impacted). A larger source of concern (as I am writing) is that Iran has fired on Qatar’s LNG facilities causing a shutdown, damaged a Saudi Arabian refinery, and caused other damage to energy resources. That pattern will likely continue in the immediate future. Natural gas prices in Europe are up sharply due to the Qatar LNG facility stoppage, but fortunately US LNG can help to mitigate the shock relatively quickly.

The biggest effect on energy markets is that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed dramatically due to its proximity to the attacks and the risks associated with the conflict. Most production from the Middle East – about 20% of the world’s oil supply – moves through this narrow shipping lane, and thousands of vessels are waiting in Persian Gulf ports for the threat to lessen. 

Oil prices have risen significantly, up from below $60 per barrel early this year to about $76 (at least as I’m writing this; prices will fluctuate with each day’s headlines). While a notable jump, that’s still well below prices in the recent past such as above $90 per barrel in fall 2023 or over $120 per barrel during the summer of 2022. 

From a practical perspective for consumers, effects will be somewhat mitigated for a while due to the fact that companies hedged and made purchases of crude ahead in anticipation of the hostilities. Nonetheless, there has already been some upward movement of gasoline prices and pressure will intensify if the situation persists. 

The longer the conflict goes on, the more challenging it will be for energy markets. Not only is production capacity in the Middle East being disrupted, but there is also no way to get products to market until the Strait is secured. If the major disruptions ebb in a short period of time, the market will rapidly readjust. The longer they persist, the greater the long-term implications. Higher prices, even temporarily, will bring benefits to domestic producers.

This situation is constantly evolving, and it’s impossible at this moment to gauge the ultimate effects. Stay tuned – and stay safe! 

___________________________

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.

Texas U.S. House Primary Results (2026): Districts 15, 28, and 34

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Texas U.S. House Primary Results (2026): Districts 15, 28, and 34
Early results from the 2026 Texas primary elections have determined the major party nominees in several South Texas congressional races, setting up key matchups for the November general election. Images: Texas Border Business file photos for illustration purposes. Bgd for illustration purposes
Early results from the 2026 Texas primary elections have determined the major party nominees in several South Texas congressional races, setting up key matchups for the November general election. Images: Texas Border Business file photos for illustration purposes. Bgd for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

Early results from the 2026 Texas primary elections have determined the major party nominees in several South Texas congressional races, setting up key matchups for the November general election. The following outcomes are based on unofficial vote totals, which remain subject to final certification by election authorities.

Texas’ 28th Congressional District

In the Democratic primary for Texas’s 28th Congressional District, incumbent Henry Cuellar secured the nomination with approximately 58 percent of the vote, avoiding a runoff and maintaining his position as the party’s candidate for the seat.

On the Republican side, Tano Tijerina, the Webb County judge, won the GOP primary with roughly 74 percent of the vote, defeating challenger Eileen Day.

The results set up a general election contest between Cuellar and Tijerina in a district that stretches across South Texas and includes the city of Laredo.

Texas’ 34th Congressional District

In the neighboring 34th Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Vicente Gonzalez won the Democratic primary with about 62.7 percent of the vote, defeating Etienne Rosas.

The Republican nomination went to Eric Flores, who defeated a field that included former congresswoman Mayra Flores.

Gonzalez and Flores will face each other in the November general election for the district, which covers portions of the Rio Grande Valley.

Texas’ 15th Congressional District

Incumbent Republican Monica De La Cruz ran unopposed in the GOP primary in Texas’s 15th Congressional District, earning the party’s nomination for the November election.

The Democratic nomination went to Tejano singer Bobby Pulido, who defeated Ada Cuellar in the party’s primary contest.

The general election will therefore feature a matchup between De La Cruz and Pulido in another closely watched South Texas district.

With nominees now determined in Districts 15, 28, and 34, attention will turn toward the November general election campaign season. While the outcomes of these primaries clarify which candidates represent each major party, all results remain unofficial until the state’s canvassing and certification process is complete.

San Benito Man Man Sentenced for Price‑Fixing and Extortion in Border Trade Sector

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San Benito Man Man Sentenced for Price‑Fixing and Extortion in Border Trade Sector
The U.S. Department of Justice today announced that Roberto Garcia Villarreal, 59, of San Benito, Texas, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 criminal fine for his role in a long-running and violent conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante forwarding agency industry in the Los Indios, Texas, border region, located near Harlingen and Brownsville, Texas. Image for illustration purposes
The U.S. Department of Justice today announced that Roberto Garcia Villarreal, 59, of San Benito, Texas, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 criminal fine for his role in a long-running and violent conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante forwarding agency industry in the Los Indios, Texas, border region, located near Harlingen and Brownsville, Texas. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

U.S. Department of Justice

The U.S. Department of Justice today announced that Roberto Garcia Villarreal, 59, of San Benito, Texas, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay a $50,000 criminal fine for his role in a long-running and violent conspiracy to monopolize the transmigrante forwarding agency industry in the Los Indios, Texas, border region, located near Harlingen and Brownsville, Texas. Villarreal and his co-defendants controlled the transmigrante industry through monopolization and by extorting competitors. The Court remanded Villareal into custody to begin his sentence immediately.

“Antitrust criminals deserve lengthy sentences for the economic — and in this case physical — violence they sow, said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel W. Glad of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division is proud to have worked with our law enforcement colleagues on this long-running investigation that will restore competition and punish violent criminals at the U.S.-Mexico border. We will continue working to incarcerate antitrust criminals and hold accountable the remaining co-defendants in this scheme.”

“Roberto Garcia chose to join a criminal enterprise that seized control of an industry through threats and violence, rigged prices against legitimate businesses, and laundered its proceeds — and now, he is headed to federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei of the Southern District of Texas. “Today’s sentence serves as proof that no participant of this conspiracy will walk away without consequence. Although, the conspiracy may be finished, the Southern District of Texas is just getting started.”

“The use of violence and intimidation to threaten and remove competition will not be tolerated,” said Acting Assistant Director Gregory Heeb of the FBI Criminal Division. “Today’s sentencing shows the FBI’s commitment to investigating and holding accountable those responsible for price fixing and extortion schemes.”

“This case highlights the significant danger posed by transnational criminal organizations operating near our borders,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge John A. Pasciucco of the HSI San Antonio Field Office. “As an accomplice in carrying out a violent operation that targeted small businesses for extortion, manipulated market prices, and concealed millions of dollars in illicit funds—undermining the security and fairness of lawful trade — HSI will relentlessly seek out those who harm legitimate industries through dishonest actions and intimidation. Our dedication to protecting our communities and economic stability remains firm.”

Transmigrantes arrange for and transport used vehicles and other goods from the United States through Mexico for resale in Central America. There are only a few locations where transmigrantes can cross from the United States into Mexico, one of those being the Los Indios Bridge in Texas.

Transmigrante forwarding agencies are U.S.-based businesses that provide services to transmigrante clients, including helping those clients complete the customs paperwork required to export vehicles into Mexico. According to court documents and statements made in court, Villarreal and his co-defendants fixed prices for transmigrante forwarding agency services and created a centralized entity known as the “Pool” to collect and divide revenues among the co-conspirators, limit competition from other agencies and increase prices for their services.

Forwarding agencies who were not part of the conspiracy had to join and pay into the Pool. Villarreal and other Pool members enforced the rules of the Pool by monitoring whether forwarding agencies were charging the agreed-upon prices and making payments to the Pool. Forwarding agencies were also required to pay other extortion fees, including a “piso” for every transaction processed in the industry.

Villarreal pleaded guilty to conspiracy to illegally fix prices and allocate the market for transmigrante forwarding agency services; conspiracy to monopolize the same market; and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion.

To date, eight others have been convicted, seven of whom have already been sentenced in the case, including the leader – Carlos Martinez, 39, McAllen, who received an 11-year prison term.

Three others – Rigoberto Brown, Miguel Hipolito Caballero Aupart and Diego Ceballos-Soto were also charged in the superseding indictment and remain fugitives. Anyone with information about their whereabouts or with information in connection with this investigation is asked to contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI investigated the case.

Senior Litigation Attorney John Davis and Trial Attorneys Brittany E. McClure, Anne Veldhuis and Michael G. Lepage of the Antitrust Division; Deputy Chief Kelly Pearson of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander L. Alum for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case.

Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the HSI Tip Line at 866-347-2423; the FBI Tip Line at tips.fbi.gov or by contacting the FBI San Antonio Field Office at 210-225-6741; or the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations. Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. Whistleblower awards can range from 15 to 30 percent of the money collected. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, including a link to submit reports, visit https://www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards.

Updated March 3, 2026

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