The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is warning about a fake memo circulating online and through media outlets announcing temporary 10-day road closures in the El Paso area. Photo: Texas DPS
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AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is warning about a fake memo circulating online and through media outlets announcing temporary 10-day road closures in the El Paso area. This is a fake memo, and DPS is NOT closing the major highways – or any roads – in or out of the area over the next 10 days.
At this time, it is unclear where the memo originated. No additional information is currently available.
As a reminder, all official DPS communications will be issued by the DPS Media and Communications Office, designated PIOs and on official DPS social media channels.
“I commend USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for formalizing this important Memorandum of Understanding to advance the National Farm Security Action Plan.” — Commissioner Miller
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of War signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) addressing the sharing of information regarding security vulnerabilities in agriculture, collaboration to develop novel technological solutions to American agriculture’s biggest challenges, and the exchange of personnel to ensure both departments are well equipped to protect American agriculture.
The following statement may be attributed to Commissioner Miller:
“I commend USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for formalizing this important Memorandum of Understanding to advance the National Farm Security Action Plan. This move prioritizes national efforts to defend American farmers and agricultural land from security threats.
For years, I have fought to make sure our farm and rural lands do not fall into the hands of America’s enemies. Our agricultural land is critical to national security, food security, and economic stability. Protecting it is simply common sense.
Texas has led on farm security, banning sales of farm land to foreign adversaries, and it is great to see our federal partners strengthen and expand these protections across the nation.
Today’s action is a major step forward in ensuring American land, resources, and our food supply remain in the hands of the proud Americans who work it, steward it, and defend it.”
To view USDA’s livestream of the MOU signing, click here.
Information source: Texas Department of Agriculture
Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz’s (TX-15) Bringing the Discount Window into the 21st Century Act passed the House floor. Image: Screengrab from YouTube video
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WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz’s (TX-15) Bringing the Discount Window into the 21st Century Act passed the House floor.
The legislation addresses needed improvements for the Federal Reserve’s discount window operations and technology to better equip the mechanism to serve depository institutions, including community banks. This is De La Cruz’s 8th bill passed off the House floor.
De La Cruz spoke on the floor to urge her colleagues to support the bill. Watch the full clip below:
“By improving efficiencies in the U.S. banking system, we are ensuring homeowners, small businesses, and farmers can access the capital they need. House passage is just the first step toward starting a comprehensive review and implementing improvements for the discount window. Next stop: the Senate!” – Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz
Over the five-year period studied, the percentage of violent crimes within domestic relationships increased. Law enforcement reported more than 11,000 domestic violence murder victims and an additional 1.1 million victims of domestic violence. Nearly 75 percent of the victims were female. Image for illustration purposes
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WASHINGTON, DC – The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program released the “Domestic Relationships and Violent Crimes, 2020-2024” special report on the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer (CDE).
This report focuses on violent crimes of murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault where the victim-to-offender relationship meets the UCR Program’s domestic and family violence definition. The crimes were reported to the FBI’s UCR Program by participating law enforcement agencies via the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).
Over the five-year period studied, the percentage of violent crimes within domestic relationships increased. Law enforcement reported more than 11,000 domestic violence murder victims and an additional 1.1 million victims of domestic violence. Nearly 75 percent of the victims were female.
In addition to the domestic violence special report, the UCR Program also released an analysis of teen relationship violence in 2024. The reported data show there were more than 70,500 incidents of teen relationship violence in one year. Find more on the victims, relationships, and offenses on the CDE.
One of the main goals of the FBI’s UCR Program is to provide reliable data to be used in law enforcement administration, operation, and management. When agencies report detailed data to the FBI, this data can be analyzed by law enforcement and the greater criminal justice community to form strategies to reduce and impede similar offenses in the future.
Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Snap, Inc. (“Snapchat”) for failing to adequately warn parents and consumers about inappropriate material on the platform and the app’s addictive design. Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Image: X
Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Snap, Inc. (“Snapchat”) for failing to adequately warn parents and consumers about inappropriate material on the platform and the app’s addictive design.
The lawsuit alleges that creators of Snapchat knowingly misrepresented the app’s safety to parents and consumers by promoting it as safe for children and with “12+” age ratings on app stores. This was done while simultaneously frequently exposing users to dangerous and mature content that includes profanity, sexual content, nudity, and drug use. The lawsuit cites that multiple other features of the app, including “Snapstreaks” or other incentives to use the app daily, also cause harm to young minds due to the addictive nature of the features.
“I will not allow Snapchat to harm our kids by running a business designed to get Texas children addicted to a platform filled with obscene and destructive content,” said Attorney General Paxton. “Parents have a fundamental right to know the dangers of the apps their kids are using and not be lied to by Big Tech companies. This lawsuit will hold Snapchat accountable for illegally undermining parental rights, deceiving consumers, and for putting children in danger.”
This lawsuit follows legal actions that Attorney General Paxton has taken against several Big Tech and social media companies, as well as similar suits against TikTok and Roblox.
A 52-year-old Customs and Border Protection supervisor has been charged with harboring an illegal alien. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
LAREDO, Texas – A 52-year-old Customs and Border Protection supervisor has been charged with harboring an illegal alien.
Andres Wilkinson has made his initial appearance and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing.
Wilkinson has served with CBP since 2001 and was promoted to a supervisory position in 2021. In that role, his duties included overseeing the enforcement of customs and immigration laws.
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement learned that an illegal alien was residing at Wilkinson’s residence without legal authorization. The complaint further alleges that Wilkinson was aware of her unlawful immigration status yet maintained a romantic relationship with her.
Court records allege the illegal alien initially entered the United States on a nonimmigrant visa in August 2023 and later overstayed authorized travel.
From June through November 2025, law enforcement conducted surveillance at Wilkinson’s residence and observed the illegal alien living there with Wilkinson and her minor child, according to the charges. Investigators also observed the alien using vehicles registered to Wilkinson, court documents allege.
In February 2026, investigators interviewed the illegal alien, according to court records. The criminal complaint alleges she had been residing with Wilkinson since August 2024. Court documents further allege Wilkinson provided financial support, including housing, credit cards, assistance with financial obligations and access to vehicle registered in his name. The complaint also alleges Wilkinson knowingly transported the illegal alien through U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints.
The complaint further alleges Wilkinson traveled with the illegal alien to San Antonio and that messages indicated she and her child resided with him.
If convicted, Wilkinson faces up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
CBP – Office of Professional Responsibility – Laredo conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Manuel Cardenas is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
CATA is set to launch the next cohort of its Construction Superintendent Apprenticeship Program Feb. 23. Classes will be held on Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m. offering flexibility for working professionals. STC image
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The Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships (CATA) at South Texas College continues its workforce-driven initiative designed to help construction professionals “earn while they learn” as they advance into leadership roles.
CATA is set to launch the next cohort of its Construction Superintendent Apprenticeship Program Feb. 23. Classes will be held on Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m. offering flexibility for working professionals.
“We are going to have a new apprenticeship for construction superintendents starting this month and then we will have cohorts ongoing almost every two to three months after that,” said Marisol Chavez, CATA manager at STC. “This is for people who are already employed in the construction sector who are looking to upskill for leadership roles. It’s a refresher on everything they need to better manage projects on the job.”
The hybrid apprenticeship, developed through a partnership between CATA, the Associated General Contractors of America – Rio Grande Valley Chapter and regional industry partners provides employees already working in construction the opportunity to complete a four to six-month instructional certificate while accumulating 2,000 hours of on-the-job training required for a journeyman certificate by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Since its launch in 2022, the program has partnered with more than 40 construction companies across the Rio Grande Valley. Approximately 280 participants have completed the instructional component, and 113 apprentices have fully completed both classroom instruction and required job hours to receive their certificate of apprenticeship.
An additional 100 participants are currently working toward completing their on-the-job requirements, according to Chavez, who said the apprenticeship model benefits both employees and employers by strengthening retention and creating structured pathways for advancement.
“Apprenticeships create retention because employees feel that companies are investing in them and their growth,” Chavez said. “Companies can pair entry-level workers or those ready to move up with experienced mentors. That transfer of knowledge builds leadership from within.”
The apprenticeship is currently supported by a grant from the Department of Labor that covers tuition, textbooks and required resources for eligible participants. Apprentices must also be employed in a construction-related field.
Companies new to CATA partnerships are welcome to participate.
Instruction is led by industry professionals like Lydia Rodriguez, a project manager who brings real-world experience into the classroom.
“The Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships has tailored a specialized cohort designed for individuals committed to growing and advancing their careers in construction,” Rodriguez said. “This program focuses specifically on preparing participants to become construction superintendents.”
Coursework in the program includes blueprint reading, construction management and leadership. Students receive in-depth training on critical project documentation, learning what documents are required and specific project manuals necessary to successfully complete a project.
“The information taught isn’t just theory,” Chavez said. “It’s practical and immediately applicable in the field.”
While the next cohort begins this month, Chavez said that CATA maintains continuous start dates throughout the year.
“This is a great opportunity for companies and employees looking to elevate their knowledge,” she said. “We work closely with employers to create a curriculum that meets industry standards and provides the resources needed for long-term success.”
“In Texas, not everyone can vote by mail,” said Secretary Nelson. “If you do qualify, mail-in ballots are not automatic. You must request them from your county.” — Secretary Jane Nelson. Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson
AUSTIN —Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson reminds Texans that mail ballot applications for the March 3 Primary must be received by early voting clerks on or before Feb. 20.
“In Texas, not everyone can vote by mail,” said Secretary Nelson. “If you do qualify, mail-in ballots are not automatic. You must request them from your county.”
The application for ballot by mail must be received by the early voting clerk in your county on or before the deadline. A postmark is not enough.
If you are voting in a political party’s primary election, you must check which party’s primary you are voting in to receive the correct primary ballot.
Voting by mail is limited to Texans in the following categories:
65 years of age or older
Sick or disabled
Expecting to give birth within three weeks before or after Election Day
Absent from the county of registration during the Early Voting period and on Election Day
If you are voting by mail because you are disabled or are 65 years of age or older, you may use a single application to request ballots by mail for all county elections in the calendar year. To do so, simply mark annual application on your application for a ballot by mail when selecting the election for which you are applying.
Applications to vote by mail and more information can be found at VoteTexas.gov.See related story:
U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson, left, and Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban “Steve” Guerra are pictured at the Port of Brownsville Administrative Office on Feb. 10. Courtesy image
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On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Port of Brownsville welcomed U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson for a tour of the port with Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban “Steve” Guerra. The visit spotlighted the port’s critical role as a gateway for U.S.–Mexico trade and its strong, longstanding partnership with Mexico.
Joining Ambassador Johnson were Mary Virginia Hantsch, Consul General at the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros; Carlos J. Guizar, Assistant to the Ambassador and Strategic Communications Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico; and Jake Stevens, Political and Economic Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros.
Together, the delegation discussed cross-border commerce, supply chain connectivity, and the Port of Brownsville’s continued role in supporting secure, efficient international trade and economic growth on both sides of the border.
Despite a wealth of natural resources, Venezuela has been facing prolonged upheaval, punctuated by hyperinflation, corruption, and a resultant humanitarian crisis. Recent developments, including the US removal of Nicolas Maduro, offer hope for meaningful improvement, though the situation is still evolving. Image for illustration purposes
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group. Courtesy Image
Despite a wealth of natural resources, Venezuela has been facing prolonged upheaval, punctuated by hyperinflation, corruption, and a resultant humanitarian crisis. Recent developments, including the US removal of Nicolas Maduro, offer hope for meaningful improvement, though the situation is still evolving. Given the country’s vast oil reserves, the changing dynamics have also naturally raised questions related to the implications for global energy markets.
With more resources than any other country—some 300 billion barrels—Venezuela represents an important potential source of future oil and gas. There are various ways to measure reserves, and Venezuela tops them all.
However, significant challenges must be confronted before production can meaningfully increase, and it will take years to overcome a variety of issues. One problem is that the necessary infrastructure is insufficient, outdated, and extensively damaged. Substantial capital investments would be required, and energy-related infrastructure is but one of many aspects of the economy and society requiring immediate attention.
The government also remains somewhat unstable, with various factions attempting to gain power. In addition, critical structural aspects of the economy are currently problematic, particularly currency and the banking system. This substantial uncertainty will deter major long-term private investments for any type of meaningful infrastructure.
Drilling and production outlays (including by US oil companies) will also take time to implement due to difficulties with property rights and the legal environment. Major energy firms have extensive and adverse prior experiences in Venezuela, including the loss of billions in private assets as fields and production were nationalized. Until confidence rises that the commitments will be protected, such activity remains unlikely. The risk-adjusted shareholder returns are not yet sufficient to attract resources as compared to other deployment alternatives.
The situation is evolving, and it is unclear whether it will be possible to substantially enhance oil and gas activity in the immediate horizon. Over time, it is possible that obstacles can be resolved and resources can be tapped, but given the measured pace of increase, major market reactions appear unlikely. Particularly relevant to the Texas energy sector, the crude in Venezuela is largely of the “heavy” variety, which is not a viable substitute for the oil produced in the Permian Basin and most other areas in the state. It could be beneficial to refineries in Texas, however, as many of them are designed to use this type of oil as one part of their mix.
There are pressing needs in Venezuela to address shortages of basic necessities, and developing oil and gas reserves can provide much-needed capital inflows. However, it will be a long and likely bumpy process to ramp up production, and major effects on oil markets will tend to be muted in the near future. Stay safe!
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 3,000 clients over the past four decades.
