Dr. Valerie G. Segovia, Vice President of Investor Relations at the Texas Economic Development Corporation, joins Steve Ahlenius of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce and Aaron Demerson, President and CEO of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, during a recent meeting in Austin focused on statewide business growth and investment. Courtesy image. Bgd for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Economic Development Corporation brought together local economic development leaders, business executives, and investors this week at its Austin office to discuss growth opportunities across the state.
According to the Texas Economic Development Corporation, the organization “frequently hosts TxEDC investors, potential investors, and guests who are excited about the vast opportunities that exist here in Texas.” The group described the visiting leaders as the “boots on the ground” at the local level, working closely with the Governor’s Texas Economic Development and Tourism team to support business expansion and job creation.
Recent visitors included Steve Ahlenius of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce; Ali Khataw of Encotech Engineering Consultants, Inc.; Chris Park of iMarketAmerica, Inc.; Mayor Rodney Taylor of the City of Balch Springs; Alvester Gibson Jr. of the Balch Springs Chamber of Commerce; Chris Dyser of the City of Balch Springs; Tom Long of Temple Economic Development Corporation; and Sean Blakeley of PwC. The meeting was joined by Eric Andresen, a TxEDC board member and Sales Development Manager at Loop Payments.
Dr. Valerie G. Segovia, Vice President of Investor Relations at the Texas Economic Development Corporation, was present. In her role, Segovia oversees investor engagement and partnership development efforts for the organization in Austin. The corporation states that it works to connect businesses and communities with opportunities across Texas.
Aaron Demerson serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Texas Economic Development Corporation. The organization positions itself as a statewide partner that promotes Texas as a destination for business investment and expansion.
In a public statement, the corporation said that with each visit, participants “walk away much more knowledgeable, aware, encouraged, and extremely excited to charge forward with a Texas ‘Can Do’ attitude and mindset,” adding that its office is “Wide Open for Business.”
Packages containing 65 pounds of methamphetamine seized by CBP officers at Laredo Port of Entry. USCBP image
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LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Laredo Port of Entry seized methamphetamine that totaled over $602,000.
“This methamphetamine seizure at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge demonstrates the keen instincts and outstanding targeting abilities of our officers,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “Their commitment and alertness remain essential in preventing dangerous drugs from reaching our communities.”
The seizure occurred on Sunday, Feb. 8, at the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge, when a CBP officer referred a 45-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a 2017 Nissan Sentra for secondary inspection. Following a canine and nonintrusive inspection system examination, CBP officers discovered a total of 58 packages containing 65 pounds of alleged methamphetamine within the vehicle. The meth likely represents more than 100,000 lethal doses.
CBP seized the narcotics and the vehicle. The driver was arrested. Homeland Security Investigations special agents are investigating the seizure.
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened an investigation into Portland Public Schools (PPS) in Portland, Oregon over its Center for Black Student Excellence (CBSE), which allegedly discriminates on the basis of race in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI). Image for illustration purposes
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The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) opened an investigation into Portland Public Schools (PPS) in Portland, Oregon over its Center for Black Student Excellence (CBSE), which allegedly discriminates on the basis of race in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI). According to a complaint filed with OCR, a recent $1.2 billion bond includes tens of millions allocated for academic interventions, wraparound support, facilities, and family programs exclusively for black students, despite PPS data showing other student groups face similar or greater challenges.
CBSE’s guiding principles pledge to “center Blackness unapologetically” by offering black students year-round academic interventions in math and literacy, tutoring, food assistance, and transportation support. Yet PPS data from 2021–2022 shows widespread academic struggles: only 17% of Black students meet third-grade reading proficiency levels, with similarly low rates for Native American students (17.6%) and Pacific Islanders (16.7%). Graduation rates tell a similar story: in 2021-2022, 79.4% of PPS black students graduated from high school, compared to 61.5% of Native Americans and 73.7% of “Latinx” students. Despite these disparities, the PPS school board rejected a proposal to allocate $40 million to a Native Student Success Center.
“Civil rights law—and basic fairness—demand that every student, regardless of race, has equal access to educational programs and support. Although students of many races are falling behind, PPS is reserving academic interventions and essential resourcesexclusively for Black students. Discrimination disguised as ‘equity’ is still discrimination,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. “OCR is committed to vigorously enforcing Title VI to ensure that excellence—not exclusion—defines schools so every child has an opportunity to succeed.”
Background
Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in education programs and activities receiving federal funding.
A 39-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to federal prison after illegally reentering the United States under an assumed identity. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to federal prison after illegally reentering the United States under an assumed identity.
Following a two-day-trial, a federal jury found Jose Martin Valdez-Galvan guilty May 29, 2025, after approximately four hours of deliberation.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo sentenced Valdez-Galvan to 41 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is once again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
On June 11, 2024, authorities encountered Valdez-Galvan in Laredo. During the encounter, he provided a false name and claimed to be a U.S. citizen. Authorities later determined Valdez-Galvan was an illegal alien who had previously been removed from the United States and had returned without permission.
Court records reflect Valdez-Galvan assumed the false identity in 2015 following his second removal from the United States.
Law enforcement positively identified Valdez-Galvan through fingerprint analysis. At trial, Valdez-Galvan disputed his identity, and his mother testified that her son’s name was different, despite having previously identified him as Valdez-Galvan.
The defense challenged the reliability of the evidence, but the jury found Valdez-Galvan guilty as charged.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Cortez, Jay Hileman and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Oliver prosecuted the case.
t the start of early voting, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced Texas has 18,657,918 registered voters for the March 3 Primary Election. Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson
AUSTIN — At the start of early voting, Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson announced Texas has 18,657,918 registered voters for the March 3 Primary Election.
“Nearly 19 million Texans are registered to vote, and my office and election officials across the state are working to make sure all Texas voters who want to participate in the primary election are confident in the process and ready to cast a ballot,” said Secretary Nelson.
In-person, early voting for the primary elections begins today, Tuesday, Feb. 17 and runs through Friday, Feb. 27. During early voting, Texans may cast a ballot at any polling location in their county of registration.
“Early voting is a convenient way to cast your ballot and avoid the rush of Election Day,” said Secretary Nelson. “Now is a good time to plan when you will vote and decide what form of ID you will bring to the polls.”
ID Required
When casting a ballot in person, voters are required to show ID. For a full list of approved IDs visit VoteTexas.gov.
Cell Phones Prohibited
Under Texas law, persons are not allowed to use wireless communications devices—including cell phones—within a room in which voting is taking place. Voters can bring written notes and printed sample ballots into the polling location for reference.
Party Selection
During the primary elections, voters will need to indicate in which party primary they want to vote. Texas law does not require voters to register with a party before casting a ballot in a primary election. However, voters who signed a petition for a candidate from the Libertarian or Green Parties are not eligible to vote in a party’s primary.
For more information on ID requirements and voting deadlines, please visit VoteTexas.gov for official information or call 1-800-252-VOTE.
This milestone reflects continued growth as a premier shopping, trade, and business hub, surpassing the previous high of $11.9 million. Image for illustration purposes
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McALLEN, Texas – The City of McAllen has shattered its all-time sales tax record, receiving an unprecedented $12.6 million in February’s allocation for December collections, (2025 vs 2024) a 5.31% increase over the same period last year. This milestone reflects continued growth as a premier shopping, trade, and business hub, surpassing the previous high of $11.9 million.
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. Courtesy image
“McAllen is no longer simply participating in regional growth. We are defining it,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “As more people choose to visit, invest and shop here, the numbers tell a larger story of confidence in our vision, our connectivity to international markets and our emergence as one of Texas’ most dynamic destination cities.”
McAllen remains a powerful retail draw for shoppers across South Texas, northern Mexico, and beyond. In 2025, the city generated $99.9 million in sales tax revenue (vs. $96.8 million in 2024 for a 3.23% YOY increase) compared to $96.8 million in 2024, representing a 3.23 percent year-over-year increase and stemming from approximately $5 billion in taxable sales. McAllen ranked No. 1 in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) for total sales tax allocation, No. 16 statewide and third in sales tax per capita among Texas cities with populations exceeding 100,000.
Sales tax revenue in McAllen is derived from the city’s 2% rate on taxable goods and services, including retail and wholesale trade, construction, manufacturing, accommodations, food, and entertainment.
McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. Courtesy image
“Historic revenue growth reflects a simple truth. People are choosing McAllen,” said City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “They are coming here to shop, to invest and to experience a community that continues to shine as a true gem of the RGV. That momentum allows us to deliver exceptional quality-of-life services, maintain one of the lowest property tax rates in the region and keep building a city recognized far beyond South Texas.”
Year to date sales tax allocation is up 5.46% from last year. Since 2020, the city’s sales tax allocation has increased 49.7%, representing $33.2 million in growth.
December shopping is a signature event which welcomes international shoppers. Seasonal tourism, a thriving local mall and boutiques and vibrant holiday markets contribute to a powerful retail environment, with Mexican shoppers estimated to drive up to 30 percent of the local economy.
This is where retail, leisure and business travel naturally intersect, creating a market defined by volume, diversity, and stability. Strong consumer and investor confidence continues to attract global brands seeking strategic growth opportunities. Primark has chosen McAllen for expansion, while Nordstrom Rack is slated to open in the region soon, further elevating the city’s appeal to value and fashion driven shoppers. These developments reflect a market delivering measurable performance and drawing increasing national attention.
Midterm elections take place every two years in the United States, occurring halfway through a president’s four-year term. They are called “midterms” because they fall in the middle of a presidential term. Image for illustration purposes
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Midterm elections take place every two years in the United States, occurring halfway through a president’s four-year term. They are called “midterms” because they fall in the middle of a presidential term.
During midterm elections, voters choose all 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Members of the House serve two-year terms, which means every seat is on the ballot. Voters also elect about one-third of the 100 members of the U.S. Senate. Senators serve six-year terms, and their elections are staggered so that roughly a third of the chamber is chosen every two years.
In addition to federal offices, many states hold elections for governor during midterm years. Numerous state legislators, county officials, judges, and city leaders may also appear on the ballot, depending on the state and local election calendar.
Midterm elections are significant because they can change which political party controls Congress. If one party wins a majority in the House of Representatives or the Senate, it gains the ability to control the legislative agenda in that chamber. This includes deciding which bills receive votes, overseeing committee investigations, and, in the Senate, confirming or rejecting presidential nominations.
Political analysts often describe midterm elections as a public assessment of the sitting president’s performance. Historically, the president’s party has frequently lost seats in Congress during midterm elections. Because of this pattern, midterms are closely watched as an indicator of public satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the current administration.
The level of attention surrounding midterm elections has increased in recent years as political divisions have deepened. When control of Congress is closely divided, even a small number of seats can determine which party holds the majority. That majority can influence national policy on issues such as taxes, federal spending, immigration, healthcare, and other legislative priorities.
Midterm elections are held on Election Day in even-numbered years, on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November. Although they do not include a presidential race, the outcomes can significantly affect the balance of power in Washington and across state governments for the remainder of a president’s term.
“Texas oil and natural gas have proven to be the power behind Texas’ progress” — Todd Staples, President, Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA). Courtesy image. Bgd. for illustration purposes
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By Todd Staples, President, Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA)
As Texas enters 2026 amid global volatility, persistent inflation pressures, and renewed political debate over how we power our economy, one fact remains clear: progress in Texas is driven by results, not rhetoric. After more than 20 years in public service and over a decade representing Texas’ oil and natural gas industry, I can tell you that talk does not grow jobs, stabilize energy markets, or keep the lights on and houses warm during times of uncertainty. Performance does. Investment does. Innovation does.
And once again, Texas oil and natural gas have proven to be the power behind Texas’ progress.
According to TXOGA’s 2025 Energy & Economic Impact Report, despite lower oil prices and ongoing market headwinds in 2025, the industry remains a stabilizing force for the Texas economy – supporting millions of high-paying jobs, strengthening energy security at home and abroad, and generating historic revenues for schools, roads, first responders, and essential public services across the state.
In fiscal year 2025 (FY25), the Texas oil and natural gas industry paid $27 billion in state and local taxes and state royalties – the second highest total in Texas history. The industry is the single largest generator of tax-like revenues per employee, paying 7.5 times more per employee than the rest of the private sector. Twenty-several billion dollars exceeds the entire tax revenues of 34 states and translates to nearly $74 million every day to fund what Texans rely on, whether you live in the oil patch or not.
Since 2007 when TXOGA first started compiling these data, the Texas oil and natural gas industry has paid more than a quarter of a trillion dollars in state and local taxes and state royalties. This figure does not include the hundreds of billions of dollars paid annually in payroll for some of the state’s highest paying jobs, the royalties paid directly to Texas families, or the taxes paid on office buildings and personal property–nor does it capture the enormous economic ripple effects across the broader economy.
Nearly 500,000 Texans have a direct job in oil and natural gas, earning an average of $133,000 dollars per year – 68 percent more than the average paid by the rest of Texas’ private sector. Conservatively, these jobs generate approximately two more jobs, with 1.4 million total jobs supported across the Texas economy.
In FY25, Texas school districts received $2.6 billion in property taxes from mineral properties producing oil and natural gas, pipelines, and natural gas utilities, while counties received an additional $1 billion.
Oil and natural gas revenues also remain the primary source of new capital for the Permanent School Fund and Permanent University Fund, which received $1.4 billion and $1.72 billion, respectively, in FY25. Together, these education endowments now exceed $100 billion. The Permanent School Fund alone is larger than Harvard’s endowment and is the largest educational endowment in the nation.
That same year, Texas’ Rainy Day Fund and State Highway Fund each received $2.7 billion dollars from oil and natural gas production taxes.
Despite market challenges, the oil and natural gas industry shattered another string of performance records in FY25 including record production of crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGLs). This production “triplet” – combined with increased direct use of NGLs in petrochemicals, refining inputs, and record-low crude oil imports – demonstrates how Texas continues to adapt by increasingly utilizing resources produced here at home. Continued expansion of pipeline and LNG export infrastructure further strengthened U.S. energy security and supported global energy stability.
This performance is no accident. It reflects Texas’ long-standing commitment to reliability over rhetoric and pragmatism over politics. Policymakers recognize that science-based rules and free-market principles deliver affordable energy and broad-based economic opportunity. Sustaining this progress requires policies that build on success and encourage investment in innovation and infrastructure of all kinds.
At a time when energy debates are often driven by competing narratives, the industry’s continued strong performance and unmatched economic impact underscore a simple truth: Texas runs on oil and natural gas – made possible by hundreds of thousands of skilled men and women who rise before the sun to keep our economy moving and our communities secure. By building on what works, we can ensure that this progress continues for every Texan, well into the future.
February at South Texas College means hundreds of education professionals from across the nation gather at South Padre Island for the college’s annual Dual Credit Summit, in collaboration with the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP). STC image
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By Amanda Sotelo
McALLEN, Texas – February at South Texas College means hundreds of education professionals from across the nation gather at South Padre Island for the college’s annual Dual Credit Summit, in collaboration with the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP).
This year, nearly 300 K-12 and post-secondary education leaders, advisors and counselors attended the three-day event that included keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities.
Rebecca De Leon, Ed.D., STC associate vice president of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships and NACEP board of directors, president-elect, said the summit continues to grow, and each year, it helps expand the accessibility of college for thousands of students across the country.
“Together, through NACEP, we are creating a college-going culture by providing dual credit opportunities for students while still in high school. For some, this is the gateway to believing in themselves and many achieving a college certificate or degree,” she said. “By hosting the dual credit summit, presenters from across the country share best practices, policies and curriculum that can help K-12 schools, colleges and universities create or expand dual credit and improve student outcomes.”
STC, a national leader in dual credit, has served more than 150,000 students since 2000, saving students and families more than $464 million in tuition.
With keynote speakers like John Fink, senior research associate and program lead at the Community College Research Center at Teacher’s College in Columbia University and Danny Goldberg, culture expert, acclaimed speaker and award-winning entrepreneur, covering topics such as a “Deep Dive into Dual Credit Data” or “Putting Care in Front of Leadership,” respectively, provided attendees with a shared eye-opening experience.
Those in attendance, like first-time attendee and presenter Katie Grimes, college and career counselor from GEO Next Generation High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, said she is excited to gain new knowledge and return with a new outlook on dual credit and how it can continue to benefit her students.
Grimes also hosted a breakout session to discuss bridging the gap with wraparound support with a focus on K-12.
“A lot of the work I do centers on dual credit and overall support, so I want to share my knowledge and help others who may need or want more information in this area,” she said. “I’ve learned so much about collaboration and how to improve partnerships. I can’t wait to attend more of these summits and conferences to expand my knowledge and take home information that is vital to our students’ success, especially those underrepresented in our communities.”
Dianne Laffai Parker, deputy executive director in Program and Policy Strategy for NACEP, said it’s an honor to be a cosponsor of the annual summit alongside STC.
“Our partnership with STC and working with the college has been amazing. Their dual credit program is an exemplary model to follow,” Parker said. “With over 34 different states represented at the conference this week, we are providing enriching content and in-depth conversations about quality programming that you can’t get anywhere else. This summit is always a great opportunity to sit back, relax at the beautiful beach and share best practices because dual credit is a unique space within education.”
NACEP Program Manager Carla Yorke shares Parker’s sentiment and added that although this year’s summit was her first, she is excited that she plays a part in supporting NACEP’s dual credit partners.
“Everyone plays such an important role in developing, enhancing and shaping dual credit programs that impact academic and workforce development,” said Yorke. “It’s partners like STC, that have such excellent leadership and are doing a great job bringing everyone together to continue impacting academic and workforce development. Preparing students for the workforce is the next phase in dual credit.”
STC offers more than 20 dual credit Career and Technical Education certificates in programs such as Welding, Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair, Electrician Assistant, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and Precision Manufacturing Technology.
Ricardo J. Solis, Ph.D., STC president, whose career has also focused on workforce and economic development, said it’s crucial for community colleges and K-12 schools to recognize that the demand for short-term certificates and two-year degrees is on the rise and it’s important to create pathways through dual credit that also focuses in this area.
“Not every student is made for a four-year degree, and that’s okay, but we need to give them options too,” said Solis. “Our Dual Credit Programs offer technical education pathways that can provide students with industry certifications right out of high school, allowing them to begin their careers. This is a huge opportunity for our students, especially those right here in the RGV who live along the U.S./Mexico border. It’s an honor to share this with the rest of the country.”
Governor Greg Abbott announced that an NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) electric power generation plant to be constructed at the existing NRG Greens Bayou facility in Harris County has been designated as a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. The new 455-megawatt natural gas facility represents $617 million in capital investment. Image for illustration purposes
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AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott announced that an NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) electric power generation plant to be constructed at the existing NRG Greens Bayou facility in Harris County has been designated as a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. The new 455-megawatt natural gas facility represents $617 million in capital investment.
“Texas is America’s energy leader,” said Governor Abbott. “This $617 million investment by NRG in Harris County will add more power to Texas’ energy infrastructure and help meet energy needs of Texas homes and businesses in the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the nation. Smart investments like these will power and sustain an even brighter future in Texas for generations to come.”
In November 2025, a Texas Energy Fund loan agreement between NRG and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) was announced for the plant, which is expected to begin generating power for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power region in 2028.
“Moving Texas forward to meet rising energy demand involves public-private partnership, and NRG is grateful the Greens Bayou new build project is part of Governor Abbott’s innovative JETI program,” said NRG President Robert Gaudette. “Our new 455-megawatt facility at the Greens Bayou power plant will enhance grid stability, create job opportunities, and help make power more affordable for homes and businesses in Texas. We thank Governor Abbott, the Texas Legislature, the PUC, and the Galena Park Independent School District (ISD) for being excellent partners.”
“Galena Park ISD recognizes the potential of NRG’s investment in the Greens Bayou project and the positive impact it may bring to our community,” said Galena Park ISD Superintendent of Schools John Moore, Ed.D. “Projects like this support local economic development while helping ensure long-term stability for public education.”
