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STC Opens Door for Construction Students to Earn Bachelor’s Degree Online

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STC Opens Door for Construction Students to Earn Bachelor’s Degree Online
South Texas College’s Construction Management program has signed its first-ever articulation agreement with National American University (NAU), creating a pathway for STC students seeking to earn a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. STC image
South Texas College’s Construction Management program has signed its first-ever articulation agreement with National American University (NAU), creating a pathway for STC students seeking to earn a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. STC image

Texas Border Business

By Joey Gomez

McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College’s Construction Management program has signed its first-ever articulation agreement with National American University (NAU) that creates a pathway for students seeking to earn a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management.

The partnership between STC and NAU now allows students to complete the college’s Construction Management associate degree, formerly Construction Supervision, to transfer directly into NAU’s fully online bachelor’s program as a college junior.

Signed in January, leadership in the Construction Management program at STC expects the articulation agreement to strengthen workforce development efforts across the Rio Grande Valley by providing students with a seamless bridge from technical training to bachelor’s level credentials.

Signed in January, leadership in the Construction Management program at STC expects the articulation agreement to strengthen workforce development efforts across the Rio Grande Valley by providing students with a seamless bridge from technical training to bachelor’s level credentials. SYC Image

Samuel Saldana, department chair of STC’s Construction Management program, said the agreement reflects the college’s commitment to expanding opportunities for students in high-demand fields.

“This partnership gives our students a clear and affordable pathway to continue their education without leaving the workforce,” Saldana said. “Construction Management is growing across Texas, and our students are already gaining hands-on technical skills here at STC. Now they can build on that foundation and step into leadership roles.”

NAU representatives said the bachelor’s degree prepares students for a wide range of careers in Texas’ booming infrastructure and commercial development sectors.

Graduates from this bachelor’s program can find careers as infrastructure program managers, transportation and roadway project coordinators, port infrastructure project managers, industrial construction coordinators and power and utilities operations managers.

NAU Chief Operating and Marketing Officer Brent Passey said students in the program range from younger professionals seeking to transition into management roles to “yellow hat” trade professionals with several years of field experience and finally “white hat” leaders such as a foremen or construction superintendents. 

“This partnership with STC highlights the commitment of both institutions towards serving the community,” said Passey, who visited STC recently to present the new pathway to students. “STC is long established in the Rio Grande Valley. For me as a resident of Harlingen and a member of the NAU team, I look forward to helping bring positive impact to south Texas. There is a lot of potential for these students, and this partnership helps set clear pathways for them to advance their personal and professional lives.”

Under the agreement, students from STC’s Construction Management associate degree can transfer up to 75 credits into NAU’s bachelor’s program, which is comprised of 23 courses, equivalent to two and a half years, required to graduate.

Courses with NAU are delivered fully online in 11-week terms with 12 start dates annually, offering flexibility for working professionals.

NAU’s program includes core coursework in construction estimating, safety planning and scheduling, mechanical and electrical systems, project management and a capstone course.

Students can also complete business-focused support courses such as financial accounting, principles of management and human resource management.

With major infrastructure investments and industrial expansion underway on a statewide level, Saldana said the timing of the articulation agreement couldn’t be better.

“Our region is seeing growth in transportation, ports, utilities and industrial development,” he said. “We want our students to be positioned not only to participate in that growth, but to lead it.”

For more information on STC’s Construction Management program visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/construction/. 

Information Source: STC

South Texas College Introduces AI Associate Degree to Meet Workforce Demand

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South Texas College Introduces AI Associate Degree to Meet Workforce Demand
STC is on the way to launching a first-of-its-kind Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI) created to meet a growing demand for AI-skilled workers in the region by 2026. STC image

Texas Border Business

By Joey Gomez 

McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College is launching a first-of-its-kind Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence (AI) created to meet a growing demand for AI-skilled workers in the region.

The new degree program is expected to open in the fall of 2026.

Over the next year, STC’s Cybersecurity program will finalize the new AI associate degree with direct input from industry and will align it with local workforce needs, according to program faculty who said the degree aims to prepare students for a rapidly growing job market.

“There are no templates for AI in the workforce catalog, so we designed every course from scratch based on industry needs,” said Cybersecurity Assistant Professor and Department Chair Francisco Salinas. “Our goal is to give students the skills, hands-on experience and certifications to qualify for the jobs of today and tomorrow. So, whether you go into healthcare, IT, cybersecurity or manufacturing, AI knowledge is becoming a must.”

The upcoming AI degree has already received initial approval including clearance from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) and STC advisory committees, which represent local industry partners, and have been instrumental in guiding what skills and knowledge the program will deliver, ensuring it is tailored to the region’s workforce demands, according to Salinas. 

Students will have two options in the program – a one-year certificate track totaling about 16-30 credits or an associate degree requiring 60 credits. The certificate serves as the first half of the two-year degree, allowing students to continue seamlessly into the second year to complete an associate degree.

“I see real potential for growth, especially with this planned AI curriculum,” said Cybersecurity expert and current STC adjunct faculty Dirce Hernandez, who is already set to be among those full-time faculty starting with the new AI associate degree. “My background will always be cybersecurity, but I’m excited to eventually teach in STC’s AI program.”

Coursework will cover topics such as machine learning, Python programming, operating systems and database integration. Salinas emphasized that while programming like Python is already taught for Cybersecurity, the focus on AI will be on applying coding to build intelligent applications and robotics.

Salinas is also looking at partnerships with leading technology companies including Intel and Google to embed industry certifications into the degree. These certifications are highly valued by employers and serve as external validation of student skills.

“When students earn Google or Intel certifications, industry leaders recognize their abilities,” Salinas said.

While academic transfer pathways to universities may be limited because of the technical nature of the degree, STC has ensured students can transition into the college’s bachelor’s programs, particularly the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Computer Information Technology (BAT-CIT).

Similar to the existing Cybersecurity track, this pathway keeps all credits intact, allowing students to move directly into a bachelor’s degree without losing time.

By building the program with direct input from employers and aligning it with local needs, STC’s new AI associate degree aims to prepare students to adapt to exciting changes in the workforce as a result of AI, according to industry leaders. 

“If you don’t get on board with AI, you’re going to be left behind. That’s true not just in IT or cybersecurity, but in marketing, HR, manufacturing and every other sector,” said Hernandez. “AI is already becoming a minimum requirement in job descriptions. Students who ignore it will struggle to compete in the job market. The smart students will use AI to enhance their skills and make themselves more efficient and attractive to employers.”

Salinas stressed that AI is already mainstream and students who do not learn it risk being left behind in the workforce.

“It doesn’t matter if you embrace AI or not because industries already expect you to know it,” Salinas said. “Whether you go into healthcare, IT, Cybersecurity or manufacturing, AI knowledge is becoming a must.”

For more information on STC’s AI program, visit www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/cybersecurity/or call 956-872-3461.

Information source: STC

McAllen Deputy City Manager Receives TCMA Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award

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McAllen Deputy City Manager Receives TCMA Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award
With more than 30 years of dedicated service in local government, McAllen Deputy City Manager Michelle Rivera has been honored with the Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award from the Texas City Management Association (TCMA). Courtesy image.
With more than 30 years of dedicated service in local government, McAllen Deputy City Manager Michelle Rivera has been honored with the Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award from the Texas City Management Association (TCMA). Courtesy image.

Texas Border Business

McALLEN, Texas – With more than 30 years of dedicated service in local government, McAllen Deputy City Manager Michelle Rivera has been honored with the Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award from the Texas City Management Association (TCMA). The recognition reflects a distinguished career defined by ethical courage, servant leadership, and an unwavering commitment to strengthening governance, mentoring future municipal leaders, and serving the community with dignity and integrity.

Directly overseeing Development Services, Office of Communications, City Secretary, Grants Administration, and Health and Code for one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in South Texas, Rivera balances transparency and public trust. 

Her leadership style prioritizes principled decision making, listening, and fairness, while also emphasizing mentorship. She has personally guided six emerging professionals who have each advanced in their careers. Rivera was also instrumental in the development of a Youth Advisory Council, engaging high school students in a nine-month leadership program focused on civic responsibility and real-world decision-making in municipal government.

And, for more than a decade, Rivera has served as a TCMA “Train the Trainer” for Region 10, equipping municipal leaders with the tools and guidance necessary to uphold the highest ethical standards. She regularly presents ethics sessions at state and regional conferences, helping professionals meet continuing education requirements while reinforcing the core tenets of integrity and accountability.

“I am immensely proud of Michelle Rivera, who sets the standard for public service by challenging herself and those around her, leading with integrity and the highest ethical expectations, and fostering a culture where transparency, accountability, and servant leadership are practiced daily,” said McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. He went on to say that Rivera models balance, resilience, and community engagement through her unwavering dedication to health, wellness, and civic causes.

The TCMA Excellence in Ethics and Integrity Award honors Rivera’s distinguished career; with a workforce of 2,600, each team member takes pride in her efforts as she sets a standard of accountability that inspires colleagues locally and her peers across Texas.

Lone Star National Bank Offers $1,000 Reward in Fraud Investigation

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Lone Star National Bank Offers $1,000 Reward in Fraud Investigation
Authorities say the individual was captured on surveillance video in the San Antonio area and are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that community cooperation is often key to successfully resolving cases. Poster courtesy of Lone Star National Bank.
Authorities say the individual was captured on surveillance video in the San Antonio area and are urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that community cooperation is often key to successfully resolving cases. Poster courtesy of Lone Star National Bank.

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Bank officials say the individual was captured on surveillance video in the San Antonio area and are urging the public to come forward with confidential tips.

Texas Border Business

San Antonio, TX — Lone Star National Bank is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an individual captured on surveillance video in connection with suspected fraudulent activity in the San Antonio area.

According to bank officials, the individual was recorded engaging in what investigators believe to be fraudulent transactions. The bank has released a photo of the person and is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to a positive identification.

The image, taken from surveillance footage, shows an individual inside what appears to be a bank branch or financial institution. Authorities have not released additional details about the nature of the suspected activity but emphasize that the matter remains under investigation.

Lone Star National Bank is urging anyone who recognizes the individual or may have relevant information to come forward. Tips can be provided confidentially.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Lone Star National Bank or local law enforcement at (800) 580-0322.

Bank representatives expressed appreciation for the community’s cooperation, noting that public assistance can play a critical role in resolving financial crime cases.

Robins AFB Develops Next‑Gen Laser Eye Protection for Aircrews

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Robins AFB Develops Next‑Gen Laser Eye Protection for Aircrews
Three devices of the six Block 3 family of aircrew laser eye protection products sit at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., Jan. 21, 2026. The Block 3 products were designed to filter a wider range of light wavelengths, increasing protection for aircrews. Photo Credit: Lauren Boggs, Air Force via Us Department of War

Three devices of the six Block 3 family of aircrew laser eye protection products sit at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., Jan. 21, 2026. The Block 3 products were designed to filter a wider range of light wavelengths, increasing protection for aircrews. Photo Credit: Lauren Boggs, Air Force via Us Department of War

Texas Border Business

 By Lauren Boggs, 78th Air Base Wing  / US Department of War

Airmen at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, are helping solve a growing problem among American pilots and aircrews worldwide.

The Federal Aviation Administration says laser strikes on aircraft have increased by almost 48% since 2020, with more than 10,000 incidents reported in 2025 alone. 


Air Force Master Sgt. Miguel Gibson, a flight safety manager assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, demonstrates how pointing a laser at an HH-60 Pave Hawk can illuminate the cockpit at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 12, 2023. Laser strikes on aircraft, often referred to as “lasing,” have become a growing concern for aviation safety in recent years, as it can cause blindness, distraction and potential long-term eye damage to pilots and crew members. Pointing a laser at an aircraft became a federal crime in 2012 and can result in up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Photo Credit: Air Force Airman 1st Class Hannah Stubblef via US Department of War


 
Pointing a laser at an aircraft became a federal crime in 2012 and can result in up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Violators can also face FAA fines in addition to local and state criminal penalties. 
 
“These strikes can cause serious and, in some cases, permanent eye damage, with health concerns ranging from temporary flash blindness to severe retinal injuries,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Bridgette Brzezinski, a bioenvironmental engineering flight chief assigned to the 78th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron. “Laser exposures can severely disrupt critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing, and can have significant psychological effects on aircrew even at distances where ocular damage is unlikely.”
 
To combat this threat, the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Human Systems Division is pioneering the next generation of protective technology. 
 
The AFLCMC/ROU, based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is working with its operations and support team at Robins Air Force Base on the Aircrew Laser Eye Protection – Technology Insertion program. This evolutionary acquisition program replaces and upgrades laser protection eyewear every five to seven years. 
 
Kevin Frost, AFLCMC/ROU operation and support mechanical engineer, and Eric Miltner, AFLCMC/ROU operations and support equipment specialist, are providing vital sustainment considerations to help develop improved eyewear that reduce the dangerous impacts of laser attacks on aircrews. 
 
They are now working to field a new family of products, the Block 3. It consists of six modular devices, each worn under specific conditions during takeoffs and landings. The kit includes separate day, night and ballistics spectacles, and visors that provide peripheral protection while wearing night vision goggles.

Frost and Miltner say the latest changes include a new dye that can filter a wider range of light wavelengths and a new version of the night spectacles that allows more natural light through the lens, increasing visibility for aircrews. 
 
“The main difference is that the Block 3s filter more wavelengths of light and provide more protection than the Block 2s,” Miltner said. 
 
The duo also collaborates with technicians and airmen in the field to ensure that their technical orders and manuals are easily understood by the people who use the equipment every day. 
 
“We go to an actual base where people are going to be using this equipment,” Miltner said. “We show them the manual, and we let them walk through the steps without us assisting just to make sure it all makes sense.” 
 
Frost and Miltner see thousands of airmen using ALEP and the equipment they maintain, which gives meaning to their work, Frost said.


Air Force Master Sgt. Miguel Gibson, a flight safety manager assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing, demonstrates how pointing a laser at an HH-60 Pave Hawk can illuminate the cockpit at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Oct. 12, 2023. The Federal Aviation Administration says laser strikes on aircraft have increased by almost 48% since 2020, with more than 10,000 incidents reported in 2025 alone Photo Credit: Air Force Airman 1st Class Hannah Stubblef via US Department of War

“It helps us make sure that they have everything they need, because a lot of this stuff is critical safety equipment and we want to keep our airmen and aircraft safe while they’re in the air,” he said. 
 
AFLCMC/ROU plans to field more than 45,000 devices to Air Force units by 2029.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Intervenes in Case Involving Dr. Mary Talley Bowden and Texas Medical Board

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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton Intervenes in Case Involving Dr. Mary Talley Bowden and Texas Medical Board
Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action to support Mary Talley Bowden, M.D., in her case against the Texas Medical Board (“TMB”). Image for illustration purposes
Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action to support Mary Talley Bowden, M.D., in her case against the Texas Medical Board (“TMB”). Image for illustration purposes

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Texas Border Business

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X

Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action to support Mary Talley Bowden, M.D., in her case against the Texas Medical Board (“TMB”). 

In 2021, the family of a hospitalized first responder sought a court order directing Dr. Bowden, or a nurse under her supervision, to administer Ivermectin to the patient, who was on a ventilator and in a medically induced coma due to severe COVID-19 complications. A state district court granted the order. However, shortly before Dr. Bowden’s nurse was set to arrive at the hospital, an appeals court blocked the district court’s order. Dr. Bowden was not aware of this stay. Dr. Bowden continued efforts to prescribe Ivermectin, and when the nurse appeared at the hospital, hospital staff refused entry and law enforcement was called.

However, despite acting in good faith to provide medical care to a potentially dying patient at the request of the patient’s family—and while under the assumption that she was acting in full accordance with the law—the Texas Medical Board issued an administrative penalty and public reprimand of Dr. Bowden. Dr. Bowden has now sued the TMB to reverse the reprimand. Attorney General Paxton is not only declining to represent TMB in the case, but he has now filed an intervention in the case in support of Dr. Bowden. Further, Attorney General Paxton—in support of Mary Talley Bowden—is also declining to represent TMB in another case brought by Dr. Bowden. 

“I will not stand by as Dr. Bowden has her Constitutional rights trampled and ability to serve her patients impeded with an illegal reprimand,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Dr. Bowden has been a champion for health freedom, selflessly served her patients, and acted in full accordance with the law. That’s why I’ve filed this intervention in support of Dr. Bowden and to ensure administrative agencies don’t violate the rights of licensed professionals in Texas.” 

The intervention notes that TMB’s reprimand was issued without consideration of medical expert testimony, ignored that Dr. Bowden was acting in reliance on both a court order and advice of counsel, and disregarded due process during the hearing on the reprimand.

To read the intervention supporting Dr. Bowden, click here.

The “Blood Moon” Will Light Up the Skies of South Texas on March 3, 2026

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The “Blood Moon” Will Light Up the Skies of South Texas on March 3, 2026
The skies over South Texas will offer an unforgettable spectacle in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, when a total lunar eclipse transforms the full Moon into a striking “Blood Moon.” Image for illustration purposes
The skies over South Texas will offer an unforgettable spectacle in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, when a total lunar eclipse transforms the full Moon into a striking “Blood Moon.” Image for illustration purposes

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Texas Border Business

The Rio Grande Valley will be able to observe the total lunar eclipse during the early morning hours, just before sunrise.

The skies over South Texas will offer an unforgettable spectacle in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3, 2026, when a total lunar eclipse transforms the full Moon into a striking “Blood Moon.”

Residents of McAllen and Brownsville, along with those in the entire Rio Grande Valley (RGV), will be able to watch the full event, weather permitting.

What Time to Look Up

The event will take place before dawn. Here are the approximate times in local time (CST) for South Texas:

🌘 2:44 a.m. — Penumbral eclipse begins
🌗 3:50 a.m. — Partial eclipse begins
🔴 5:04 a.m. — Totality begins (the Moon turns red)
🌕 5:33 a.m. — Maximum eclipse
🌑 6:02 a.m. — Totality ends
🌙 6:54 a.m. — Moonset

The total phase — when the Moon takes on its characteristic reddish color — will last about one hour.

Where to Look from the RGV During totality (between 5:04 and 6:02 a.m.):

The Moon will appear in the western sky. As sunrise approaches, it will descend toward the west-southwest horizon.

Observers should find a location with a clear view of the western horizon, such as open fields or areas away from tall buildings.

Sunrise shortly afterward may create a dramatic contrast between the brightening sky and the red-tinted Moon.

Why Does It Turn Red? The reddish hue occurs because Earth moves directly between the Sun and the Moon. Earth’s atmosphere filters sunlight, scattering blue wavelengths and allowing red and orange tones to reach the lunar surface.

Unlike a solar eclipse, no special eye protection is needed to safely observe a lunar eclipse. It can be viewed with the naked eye without risk.

Viewing Tips: Choose a location with minimal light pollution.

Check the weather forecast the day before.

Use binoculars or a small telescope for enhanced detail.

Arrive at your viewing spot at least 20 minutes before totality begins.

The early morning of March 3 promises to be one of the most memorable astronomical moments of 2026 for South Texas. As Earth’s shadow fully covers the Moon, the skies over the Rio Grande Valley will glow red — a powerful reminder of the precision and beauty of our universe.

Mild Growth Expected for Texas Economy in 2026

Roberto H. Gonzalez
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Mild Growth Expected for Texas Economy in 2026
Economist Luis Torres of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Photo by By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Economist Luis Torres of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Photo by By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business presents a four-part series featuring economic briefings from Luis Torres of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, offering business and community leaders a data-driven view of the forces shaping Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. The presentations, shared during the RioPlex Leadership event organized by RioPlex and executed by its Executive Director, Mario Reyna, explore key trends including stalled job growth, rising artificial intelligence investment, the strength of trade with Mexico, and the outlook for 2026, helping regional stakeholders better understand the economic conditions influencing workforce demand, investment, and long-term competitiveness across South Texas.

By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business

Texas is expected to return to employment growth in 2026, though at a slower pace than the state’s historical average, according to economist Luis Torres of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. His outlook suggests a year of gradual improvement shaped by productivity gains, investment, and continued uncertainty.

Torres said job growth should resume following a year of flat employment, but it is unlikely to reach the long-term trend of roughly 2 percent annual growth. “It’ll pick up from that zero growth in 2025,” he said, “but probably will not get to that historical average.”

Mario Reyna. Image: Roberto Hugo González

The forecast was shared during the RioPlex Leadership event, where regional stakeholders examined economic signals affecting South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. The gathering was organized by RioPlex and executed by its Executive Director and Board Secretary, Mario Reyna.

Torres said several forces are expected to support activity in 2026. Investment tied to artificial intelligence, data centers, and infrastructure is likely to remain strong, continuing to bolster economic output. Easier financial conditions and federal fiscal measures could also provide additional momentum.

At the same time, productivity gains are expected to keep labor demand in check. Torres noted that innovation allows firms to expand without hiring at the same pace seen in previous growth cycles. “Productivity gains are keeping labor demand in check,” he said.

Labor supply constraints remain another limiting factor. Torres pointed to slower domestic and international migration into Texas, which has reduced the pool of available workers. As a result, even as demand improves, hiring may remain restrained.

Several headwinds could weigh on growth. Torres identified weakness in residential construction as an ongoing concern, noting that the housing market has yet to fully recover. Lower oil prices may also dampen activity in the energy sector, which has traditionally provided an added boost to the state economy.

Federal funding decisions present additional uncertainty. Torres said potential reductions in support for healthcare and education could affect both employment and services, particularly in regions that already lag behind national averages in those areas.

Business sentiment, however, remains cautiously optimistic. Surveys conducted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas show that while firms continue to cite slowing demand as their top concern, expectations for future business activity and capital spending have improved.

Torres also highlighted the role of international events and trade. Large-scale global events are expected to provide a temporary lift to economic activity, while continued trade with Mexico remains a source of stability for Texas exports and manufacturing.

Summarizing the outlook, Torres described 2026 as a year of modest recovery rather than rapid expansion. Employment is expected to grow, but gradually, shaped by technology, productivity, and structural changes in the economy.

For regional leaders, the forecast reinforces the need for long-term planning. As the Texas economy evolves, preparing workers for technology-driven industries, supporting infrastructure, and strengthening cross-border ties will be central to sustaining growth in South Texas and beyond.

See related Stories:

Texas Records Zero Job Growth in 2025
AI Investment Drives Texas Economy as Hiring Growth Remains Limited
Trade With Mexico Remains a Key Driver of Texas Economic Strength

Trade With Mexico Remains a Key Driver of Texas Economic Strength

Roberto H. Gonzalez
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Trade With Mexico Remains a Key Driver of Texas Economic Strength
Economist Luis Torres of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. Photo by By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business presents a four-part series featuring economic briefings from Luis Torres of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, offering business and community leaders a data-driven view of the forces shaping Texas and the Rio Grande Valley. The presentations, shared during the RioPlex Leadership event organized by RioPlex and executed by its Executive Director, Mario Reyna, explore key trends including stalled job growth, rising artificial intelligence investment, the strength of trade with Mexico, and the outlook for 2026, helping regional stakeholders better understand the economic conditions influencing workforce demand, investment, and long-term competitiveness across South Texas.

By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business

Trade continues to anchor the Texas economy, with cross-border commerce providing stability even as other sectors face uncertainty. Economist Luis Torres of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas said the state’s relationship with Mexico remains a major source of economic support.

“People don’t know this, but Texas is the number one export state in the nation,” Torres said, emphasizing the scale of the state’s global reach. “We’re a country by ourselves. I think we’re like eighth in the world in exports.” He added that the relationship with Mexico is particularly important because trade directly supports industry, investment, and regional growth.

Torres delivered the update during the RioPlex Leadership event, where economic development leaders reviewed trends affecting the Rio Grande Valley and South Texas. The gathering was organized by RioPlex and executed by its Executive Director and Board Secretary, Mario Reyna.

Recent data show that imports from several global partners, including Canada and China, have declined, but Mexico remains an exception. “Mexico is still positive,” Torres said, noting that the composition of trade is evolving.

Automotive manufacturing has long dominated cross-border shipments, but Torres explained that growth is now concentrated in computer and electronic products. Many of these goods support servers and digital infrastructure linked to artificial intelligence, reflecting broader technological investment across North America.

Changes in trade policy are also influencing business behavior. Torres said more companies are now operating under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to reduce tariff exposure. “The majority of trade now is under USMCA,” he said, describing the shift as a significant change from prior years when many firms did not fully utilize the agreement.

Energy trade further illustrates the depth of economic integration. Torres reported that about 30 percent of the natural gas consumed in Mexico comes from the United States, largely supplied by Texas. The flow provides what he described as “a cheap supply of reliable energy that fuels those industries and the rest of the country.”

The connection extends beyond fuel. Manufacturing processes often move products across borders multiple times before completion, highlighting the role of logistics networks and border infrastructure in supporting production.

Trade patterns also affected national economic data earlier in the year. Torres noted that many companies increased imports ahead of expected tariff changes, building inventories in a strategy often referred to as front-running. The surge temporarily weighed on U.S. GDP calculations because imports subtract from overall output.

Even with policy uncertainty, Texas businesses report steady expectations for trade activity. Cross-border demand, combined with the state’s transportation capacity and industrial base, continues to position Texas as a central hub for North American commerce.

For South Texas, the implications are direct. Border communities benefit from the movement of goods, the expansion of supplier networks, and the infrastructure required to sustain high trade volumes.

Torres encouraged business leaders to closely monitor policy developments that could affect tariffs, compliance requirements, and supply chains, noting that trade remains one of the most influential factors shaping the state’s economic trajectory.

The discussion emphasized a consistent message for regional planners and industry leaders: while economic cycles change, the partnership between Texas and Mexico continues to provide a durable foundation for growth.

See related stories:

Texas Records Zero Job Growth in 2025
AI Investment Drives Texas Economy as Hiring Growth Remains Limited
Mild Growth Expected for Texas Economy in 2026

Judge Says McAllen Campaign Donation Limits Are Unconstitutional

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Judge Says McAllen Campaign Donation Limits Are Unconstitutional
A Hidalgo County judge on February 10, 2026, ruled that McAllen’s voter-approved campaign contribution limits are unconstitutional, eliminating the $500 donation cap that had been added to the city charter after the 2024 general election. Image for illustration purposes
A Hidalgo County judge on February 10, 2026, ruled that McAllen’s voter-approved campaign contribution limits are unconstitutional, eliminating the $500 donation cap that had been added to the city charter after the 2024 general election. Image for illustration purposes

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Texas Border Business

A Hidalgo County judge on February 10, 2026, ruled that McAllen’s voter-approved campaign contribution limits are unconstitutional, eliminating the $500 donation cap that had been added to the city charter after the 2024 general election.

In the case of Efren Barajas v. City of McAllen, Cause No. CL-25-5597-B, Judge Jaime Palacios of Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 2 found that the charter amendment violated the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects political speech and association. The provision, commonly referred to as the McAllen Anti-Corruption Act, limited individual campaign contributions to $500 per candidate per election.

The contribution limits were placed on the ballot and promoted by the civic organization Ground Game Texas, which advocates for local government reforms across the state. The group led a petition drive to qualify the measure for the ballot and supported Proposition A as part of an effort to reduce the perceived influence of large campaign donors in municipal elections.

The limits were adopted after McAllen voters approved Proposition A in November 2024. The measure was promoted as a way to reduce the influence of large donors in local elections. However, opposition to the charter amendments was vocal during the campaign.

“These reforms are a solution looking for a problem,” McAllen City Commissioner Joaquin “J.J.” Zamora said in opposition to the measures on October 23, 2024, emphasizing that the issues the propositions sought to address did not actually exist in McAllen.

Community members also raised concerns about the origin and intent of the proposed reforms. “I’m very concerned about these proposed amendments because the people who came down from Austin, not McAllen, not the Valley, came down from Austin; they may mean well, but they have told us that McAllen is a corrupt city,” said Nedra Kinerk (RIP) on October 29, 2024.

Questions were also raised about how the measures were presented to voters during the petition process. “Many people got tricked into signing those petitions because they discussed anti-corruption,” Commissioner Pepe Cabeza de Vaca said on October 31, 2024, arguing that the initial framing of the measures misled residents about their intent.

Opponents argued during the campaign that the cap was too restrictive and would not withstand constitutional scrutiny — a concern that ultimately became central to the legal challenge.

The lawsuit was filed by McAllen resident Efren Barajas, who challenged the legality of the contribution cap. In his decision, Judge Palacios concluded that the restriction infringed on constitutionally protected political expression. By declaring the provision unconstitutional, the court rendered it void and unenforceable.

Under the American legal system, courts have the authority to review laws passed by voters or legislative bodies and determine whether they comply with the Constitution. When a court finds a law unconstitutional, it cannot be enforced. Judge Palacios’ ruling exercised that judicial authority and removed the campaign finance limits from McAllen’s charter.

The ruling ends enforcement of the $500 cap and leaves McAllen without the voter-approved campaign contribution restriction that had been in place since the 2024 election.

Related Reports

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