The report covers October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025 and reflects a year of strong momentum and measurable impact for Brownsville. Courtesy images
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Greater Brownsville EDC’s Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Impact Report is now available. The report covers October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025 and reflects a year of strong momentum and measurable impact for Brownsville.
Some key highlights from FY 2025 include:
$183,716,759 in investment attraction, demonstrating continued confidence in Brownsville as a destination for business growth.
31,798,800 total square feet under development, reflecting significant industrial expansion across our community.
A 20-to-1 capital investment leverage ratio, meaning for every $1 invested by Greater Brownsville EDC, $20 in private capital was generated. A strong return for our community.
Valley Promise powered by South Texas College has been chosen as one of 10 promise programs nationwide to be a part of the newly launched College Promise Learning Community (CPLC): Advancing Impact through Compelling Communication, a nationwide community of practice designed to support promise program teams. STC image
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By Amanda Sotelo
Valley Promise powered by South Texas College has been chosen as one of 10 promise programs nationwide to be a part of the newly launched College Promise Learning Community (CPLC): Advancing Impact through Compelling Communication, a nationwide community of practice designed to support promise program teams.
As a team selected through a competitive application process with nationwide interest, STC Valley Promise, as part of this community, will have the opportunity to strengthen its communication impact, results and return on investment to funders, policymakers, students and community stakeholders through biweekly meetings and workshops hosted by College Promise.
STC President Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., said the idea behind launching Valley Promise nearly two years ago came from a collective leadership effort of making college accessible and affordable for all students.
“Our mission at STC is giving every student in our region and beyond, the opportunity at a higher education; one that will provide a successful career that results in generational change,” he said. “Valley Promise is our commitment to giving students a lifechanging resource that can change the trajectory of their lives and that of their families. We are honored to have been one of only 10 institutions chosen for this amazing opportunity through College Promise and we look forward to collaborating with our peers across the country to enhance, strengthen and amplify our program.”
Since the program’s inception, Valley Promise has served nearly 2,800 students, increasing its pledges annually, with nearly half of those pledges enrolling and registering, according to Valley Promise Director Melissa Peña.
Valley Promise is a last-dollar initiative that is applied to tuition after all financial aid has been used. Through this promise program, students also receive dedicated coaching and mentoring and are tracked throughout their college journey to provide resources and assistance, such as tutoring or counseling, to ensure student success.
“This is truly an honor. We are one of the youngest programs to have been chosen for this opportunity,” said Peña. “Being a part of this community is going to help us elevate what we are doing for our students and region to expand access to a higher education especially for many of our first-generation, underserved and low socioeconomic students who count on our support.”
The Pledge form for the next Valley Promise cohort is now open. Deadline to take the Valley Promise Pledge is July 1.
For more information on STC’s Valley Promise program, visit valleypromise.org.
Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a major lawsuit against Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC (“Sanofi”) for providing illegal kickbacks to providers to incentivize them to prescribe Sanofi’s drugs over alternatives. Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X
AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a major lawsuit against Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC (“Sanofi”) for providing illegal kickbacks to providers to incentivize them to prescribe Sanofi’s drugs over alternatives.
Sanofi is a multibillion-dollar company that makes drugs that treat diabetes, multiple sclerosis, auto-immune disorders, and hemophilia, among others. To entice providers to prescribe these drugs, Sanofi created a “Free Nurse Program” and “Support Services Program”—services that constituted in-kind remuneration to providers in violation of the Texas Health Care Program Fraud Prevention Act (“THFPA”).
The unlawful scheme to offer providers with nurse services and reimbursement support services were intentionally done to influence which drugs Texans receive. Because some of the Sanofi drugs are used to treat chronic illnesses, these kickbacks have established years-long sources of revenue for Sanofi even if the drugs prescribed weren’t the best option for the patient.
“The quality of Texans’ healthcare should never be determined by Big Pharma bribery,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Sanofi is in clear violation of Texas law that prohibits the exact type of kickback scheme that the company is actively engaging in. The people of Texas deserve to know that the drugs they’re being prescribed are being given to them to best address their medical needs.”
Attorney General Paxton is seeking monetary relief of over $1,000,000, including civil penalties, and seeking an injunction to stop any further unlawful acts. Attorney General Paxton has previously sued Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb for failing to disclose that their drug Plavix did not work effectively for certain patients. Attorney General Paxton has also sued Eli Lilly for providing illegal kickbacks.
Jorge A. Torres, President and CEO of Interlink Trade Services. Courtesy image
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By Roberto Hugo González
McALLEN, Texas – Jorge A. Torres, President and CEO of Interlink Trade Services, has been appointed to the South Texas College Foundation Board of Directors, according to a letter issued by the Foundation in February 2026.
In the appointment letter, Foundation leadership stated, “Your appointment to the Foundation Board reflects our confidence in your leadership, your commitment to education, and your belief in the transformative power of philanthropy.” The letter was signed by Dr. Rodney H. Rodriguez, Vice President of Institutional Advancement & External Affairs; Dr. Marcos Silva, Executive Director of the South Texas College Foundation & External Affairs; Ms. Marcela Beas, Director of the South Texas College Foundation & Fundraising; and Ms. Laura Warren, President of the South Texas College Foundation Board of Directors.
Torres is a U.S.-licensed customs broker and international trade expert who founded Interlink Trade Services, a McAllen-based firm specializing in customs brokerage, trade compliance, logistics, and cross-border consulting between the United States and Mexico. With more than 30 years of experience, he has worked with companies on import and export operations, tariff compliance, and supply chain challenges.
In an interview on February 20, 2026, Torres told Texas Border Business he was “honored to be selected and invited to participate, and I proudly accepted.” He emphasized the importance of his industry to the Rio Grande Valley, stating, “International trade and logistics are vital to our region, and my goal is to help develop programs and job opportunities in these industries.”
The South Texas College Foundation supports scholarships, Promise programs, and workforce initiatives. Asked which priorities he plans to champion, Torres said, “As a board member, my goal is to help develop programs in international trade and logistics and to assist students in obtaining jobs in these industries.”
Torres also outlined how he intends to use his professional network to support students. “I am committed to working very hard with my peers and industry partners to ensure they have adequate human resources to fill positions in international trade and logistics, and to develop solid programs that equip students with the best possible skills to fill these positions,” he said.
He described his motivation for serving as rooted in education and mentorship. “I am a true believer in developing and uplifting our future generations,” Torres said. “We need to provide better opportunities in our region, and we can accomplish this by education, mentoring, and providing all the necessary support, including financial support.” He added, “We will raise funds to provide scholarships and financial aid to those students who want to pursue careers in international trade and logistics.”
Reflecting on his appointment, Torres said, “I am very proud and honored to be a part of this distinguished group of professionals and community leaders.” He added that a diverse board “will provide many opportunities for students and help them succeed and overcome challenges, including financial ones and job opportunities.”
The Foundation stated that board members play a vital role in strengthening its culture of philanthropy and securing resources to expand access and opportunity for students across South Texas College.
When small business owners and entrepreneurs look for a place to start and build their dream business, Texas is always a prime location. Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Association of Business (TAB)
When small business owners and entrepreneurs look for a place to start and build their dream business, Texas is always a prime location. In fact, according to a recent analysis from WalletHub, Texas is ranked as the top business environment in the nation, thanks to a “low corporate tax rate, strong economies, an abundance of reliable workers, and easy access to financing and affordable real estate.”
With Texas’ booming population and employment growth, state lawmakers have been focused on crafting policies that have made the process of starting a business here easier, cheaper, and more streamlined than ever before. From cutting red tape to modernizing and simplifying how businesses interact with government entities, the 89th Texas Legislative session brought historic reforms that have made Texas the standout winner in attracting new, emerging enterprises that can quickly scale, reach new markets across the world, and create new jobs for our ever-growing talented workforce.
Among the most impactful reforms last session was the reduction of the business ‘inventory tax’ burden. The $125,000 tax exemption was formally approved by voters through the passage of Proposition 9 on the November 2025 Constitutional Amendment ballot. This was a top priority for the Governor’s Small Business Freedom Council, which TAB co-chaired with the Texas Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) to develop recommendations for the elimination of rules, fees and regulations that have created unnecessary barriers to small business success.
In October, the Texas Secretary of State – the first state agency that any new business encounters when forming a new entity in Texas – announced a new, streamlined set of services for expedited business filings through Texas Express, with Secretary Jane Nelson affirming that the new tool ensures Texas will “move at the speed of business.”
As home to more than 3.5 million small businesses, Texas has a responsibility to continuously improve the experience for new and emerging enterprises and ensure regulations do not stand in the way of their success. To help navigate requirements for new and existing business owners, the Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance and the Business Permit Office provide critical resources entrepreneurial support, education and technical assistance.
At the beginning of this year, the Business Permit Office issued a new, comprehensive Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide with the latest regulatory requirements across every business type imaginable – from auto body shops to woodworking and everywhere in between. For new businesses, or current business owners who are launching new services, this resource is a crucial one-stop-shop for creating a ‘checklist’ on licensing, permitting, and other requirements businesses need to fulfill to get up and running quickly.
“Texas prides itself on being the best state to start and run a small business, where entrepreneurs can follow their vision and achieve the American dream. Our team remains eager to assist entrepreneurs every step of the way as they achieve their dream of a thriving small business here in Texas.”
Jarvis Brewer, Small Business Advocate, Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office
If you’re a new or existing small business owner seeking assistance in complying with requirements, we encourage you to visit the Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal, which provides step-by-step guides from planning to formation to filing the necessary tax paperwork and obtaining the proper licenses and permits to move your business forward.
For more information on starting and growing your small business in Texas, please visit or contact the Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance below:
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the addition of Jamie Nicholas Wilson – a confirmed Black Gangster Disciple Nations gang member – to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. Photo: Texas DPS
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AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the addition of Jamie Nicholas Wilson – a confirmed Black Gangster Disciple Nations gang member – to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. Texas Crime Stoppers is now offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.
Jamie Nicholas Wilson, 36, from San Antonio,has been wanted for a parole violation by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles since June 10, 2025. Two days later, another warrant was issued for his arrest out of Bexar Co. for tampering with an electronic monitoring device.
In 2017 and 2019, Wilson received multiple convictions for possession of a controlled substance. In 2021, he was convicted of assaulting a pregnant woman and subsequently received four years of probation. In November 2022, Wilson’s probation was revoked, and he was sentenced to four years of confinement in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) facility.
Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. In 2025, DPS and other agencies arrested 65 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants, including 28 sex offenders and 13 criminal illegal immigrants – with $41,000 in rewards being paid for tips that yielded arrests.
To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:
Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).
Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.
Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
All tips are anonymous — regardless of how they are submitted — and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed suit against PDD Holdings, Inc. and WhaleCo Inc., doing business as the global online shopping platform “Temu,” for unlawfully deceiving consumers while covertly harvesting Texans’ personal data and exposing it to the Chinese Communist Party (“CCP”). Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X
AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed suit against PDD Holdings, Inc. and WhaleCo Inc., doing business as the global online shopping platform “Temu,” for unlawfully deceiving consumers while covertly harvesting Texans’ personal data and exposing it to the Chinese Communist Party (“CCP”).
Temu operates under PDD Holdings Inc., a company founded in China that relocated its principal executive offices from Shanghai to Dublin, Ireland, but continues to maintain significant operations in China. As of May 2023, the United States accounted for over 40% of Temu downloads worldwide, with 82.4 million active users in the United States as of September 2023.
When operating on the Temu site or app, consumers are exposed to a digital security threat. Temu utilizes dangerous software functions that are completely inappropriate for a simple e-commerce retailer. These functions expose the Temu app for what it is—a trojan horse that allows the app to bypass security protocols and create a backdoor into user’s private data. While Temu represents to consumers that it offers “affordable great products,” it is simultaneously turning the consumer into the product and harvesting vast swaths of data to be stored on servers in China.
“Temu is Chinese Communist spyware disguised as a shopping app. Texans deserve transparency, privacy, and protection from foreign adversaries that exploit their personal data,” said Attorney General Paxton. “I will not allow foreign corporations to lie to Texas consumers with misleading marketing and then steal their data with the intent to hand it over to our nation’s enemies.”
The lawsuit seeks relief under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (“DTPA”) and monetary relief for the state, including the recovery of up to $10,000 for each violation of the DTPA—with as much as a $250,000 per violation of the DTPA when the illegal action targeted consumers who were 65 years of age or older.
This action is the fourth one announced by Attorney General Paxton this week that is part of a coordinated effort to hold China accountable under Texas law. The OAG has filed lawsuits against TP Link, Anzu Robotics, and Lorex.
The City of Brownsville is actively enforcing its Electioneering Ordinance, No. 2024-1751, to ensure safe, accessible, and orderly voting at all City-owned polling locations. Image for illustration uprises. Bgd image courtesy o the City of Brownsville.
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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville is actively enforcing its Electioneering Ordinance, No. 2024-1751, to ensure safe, accessible, and orderly voting at all City-owned polling locations. The regulations are designed to keep entrances clear, protect pedestrians and motorists, and provide equal access for all voters and candidates.
The ordinance was approved by the Brownsville City Commission on second and final reading on August 20, 2024. The measure aligns with Texas Election Code requirements, including Section 259.003, and governs electioneering activities at City-owned polling facilities such as the Brownsville Public Library and the Southmost Public Library.
Enforcement efforts have increased during Early Voting following observed congestion, improperly placed signage, and obstructions affecting voter access and traffic flow. Through coordinated efforts by the Office of the City Secretary, Code Compliance, and law enforcement personnel, the City is monitoring compliance to ensure that entrances remain clear, emergency access is maintained, and voters can safely enter and exit polling locations.
“The City of Brownsville fully supports the democratic process and the rights of candidates and residents to participate in elections,” said Alan Guard, CGFO, Interim Brownsville City Manager. “At the same time, we have a responsibility to ensure that polling locations remain safe and accessible. This ordinance allows us to maintain order, protect motorists and pedestrians, and prevent traffic hazards during voting periods.”
The ordinance reinforces the existing 100-foot buffer zone prohibiting electioneering near polling place entrances, consistent with Texas Election Code §61.003. It also limits the number and size of political signs at City-controlled polling sites, restricts placement within public rights-of-way (ROW) and areas that may obstruct traffic visibility, and requires responsible contact information on signage. Additionally, signs, literature, and canopies are not permitted on City property beginning 24 hours before voting starts and continuing through 24 hours after voting concludes.
Further provisions prohibit trailers, booths, food trucks, and food distribution at City-owned polling locations during voting periods. The use of amplified sound devices within 1,000 feet of a polling place is also prohibited to prevent distractions and reduce the risk of traffic-related incidents. Canopies must meet size limitations and may only be placed in designated areas without interfering with vehicular or pedestrian movement.
Our responsibility is to ensure that every voter has safe and unobstructed access to the polls while applying the same rules consistently to all candidates,” said Mayra Rios, TRMC, Brownsville City Secretary. “These regulations support fairness, accessibility, and an orderly voting environment for our community.”
Violations of the ordinance are subject to enforcement measures. A first violation may result in a warning, while subsequent violations may lead to fines of up to $500, or up to $2,000 if related to public health and safety concerns.
A 24-year-old legal permanent resident has pleaded guilty to conspiring to straw purchase a firearm. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 24-year-old legal permanent resident has pleaded guilty to conspiring to straw purchase a firearm.
Javier Sebastian Vazquez-Ponce admitted he recruited another individual to purchase a .50-caliber semi-automatic rifle on his behalf, knowing the firearm was intended for trafficking and use by a drug trafficking organization in Mexico.
On Dec. 2, 2025, authorities identified a suspicious attempt to purchase a .50-caliber rifle using approximately $10,000 in cash.
They determined Vasquez-Ponce and others crossed into Mexico shortly after placing the order and returned approximately two days later to retrieve the firearm. Law enforcement immediately took them into custody at that time.
The investigation also recovered text messages detailing the scheme and referencing additional firearm trafficking activity.
As part of his plea, Vasquez-Ponce admitted the money for the purchase originated from the Gulf Cartel in Mexico.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos will impose sentencing May 13. At that time, Ramos faces up to 25 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Vazquez-Ponce remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Bird and Izaak Bruce are prosecuting the case.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action and Federal Rights joined Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights and Chris Coons (D-Del.) in introducing the Count the Crimes to Cut Act. Senator images: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. Bgd Image for illustration purposes
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Federal Courts, Oversight, Agency Action and Federal Rights joined Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy, and Consumer Rights and Chris Coons (D-Del.) in introducing the Count the Crimes to Cut Act. The bill requires the Attorney General and the heads of other agencies to create and make available to the public lists of all federal criminal statutory offenses, including the elements for each offense.
Sen. Cruz said, “Criminal laws are opaque and scattered across thousands of pages of statutes and regulations, preventing Americans from understanding when they might be crossing into criminal conduct. Congress has a responsibility to make the criminal code knowable and accessible to enhance transparency, accountability, and clarity in federal criminal law. I’m proud to join Senators Lee and Coons in introducing this bipartisan bill.”
Sen. Lee said, “Our federal criminal code is massively over-inflated, with thousands of crimes making it impossible for anyone to fully understand the criminal liability they face. We cannot fix what we refuse to measure, and this bill ensures Congress and the public have the facts necessary to make smarter, safer policy decisions.”
Sen. Coons said, “We need to reexamine the sprawling system of federal crimes and penalties tucked into new laws and inserted into old ones that Congress has created over decades. This bipartisan, commonsense bill will create a database of all federal crimes, so lawmakers can determine the reforms needed to make the law fairer, saner, and more effective.”
The bill is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).
The federal code includes thousands of offenses, but there is currently no complete, accessible list of all federal crimes, preventing citizens, businesses, and lawmakers from understanding the full scope of criminal liability. The House version of this bill, H.R. 2159, passed the House of Representatives by voice vote.
Under the Count the Crimes to Cut Act:
The Attorney General must report a list of all federal criminal statutory offenses, including the elements for each offense, the potential criminal penalties, prosecution data from the past 15 years, and mens rea requirements.
Heads of key federal agencies must also conduct a report with the same requirements as the Attorney General on criminal regulatory offenses enforceable by their departments.
Both the Department of Justice and agencies must establish publicly accessible online indexes of these offenses for easy reference.
