Home Blog Page 219

Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant Awarded to Coherent

TBB
-
0
Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund Grant Awarded to Coherent
Governor Greg Abbott announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $14,076,031 has been extended to Coherent Corp. to accelerate scaled production of Indium Phosphide (InP) wafers in Sherman. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $14,076,031 has been extended to Coherent Corp. to accelerate scaled production of Indium Phosphide (InP) wafers in Sherman. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $14,076,031 has been extended to Coherent Corp. to accelerate scaled production of Indium Phosphide (InP) wafers in Sherman. The project represents more than $154 million in capital investment.

“Texas is the new frontier for technological innovation,” said Governor Abbott. “This $154 million investment by Coherent to establish the world’s first 6-inch InP wafer fabrication plant in Sherman is testament to Texas’ leadership in semiconductor manufacturing and the technologies of tomorrow. With our skilled and growing workforce and the best business climate in the nation, Texas is where the future is building.”

InP technology is essential for enabling next-generation photonics and high-speed connectivity solutions such as data communications, telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI) interconnects, advanced sensing, and 6G wireless and satellite communications networks. Coherent’s Sherman facility will serve as a strategic consolidation point for the company’s North American semiconductor operations, streamlining activities currently spread across the U.S. and scaling InP wafer production.

“Coherent Corp. is honored to receive this grant from the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund and appreciates the support of Governor Abbott, the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, and the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium Executive Committee,” said Coherent Corp. Semiconductor Devices Executive Vice President Beck Mason. “This grant accelerates the establishment of the world’s first 6-inch Indium Phosphide wafer factory in Texas — a major milestone as we scale operations, grow our Texas workforce, and strengthen the U.S. supply chain for photonics technologies powering data centers, AI, telecommunications, and other advanced connectivity applications. Coherent is proud to invest in Texas and to advance the state’s leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.”

“This positions Sherman as a hub for advanced photonics and AI technologies,” said Representative Shelley Luther. “With Texas leading the nation in semiconductor innovation, we’re building a brighter future for our families, local workforce, and the global supply chain right here at home.”

View more information about Coherent.

Governor Abbott signed the Texas CHIPS Act into law in 2023 to establish the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF), a grant program to continue Texas’ leadership in semiconductor research, design, and manufacturing, as well as the Texas Semiconductor Innovation Consortium (TSIC). These programs, administered by the Texas CHIPS Office, a division within the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, are designed to leverage Texas’ investments in the semiconductor industry, encourage semiconductor-related companies to expand in the state, further develop the expertise and capacity of Texas institutions of higher education, and maintain the state’s position as the nation’s leader in semiconductor manufacturing.

Food Safety Tips for a Healthy Super Bowl Sunday

TBB
-
0
Food Safety Tips for a Healthy Super Bowl Sunday
Many Super Bowl favorites including pizza, chicken wings, hamburger sliders, and chili should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, what USDA calls the Danger Zone (temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees F). Image for illustration purposes
Many Super Bowl favorites including pizza, chicken wings, hamburger sliders, and chili should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, what USDA calls the Danger Zone (temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees F). Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

WASHINGTON, DC – Super Bowl parties often feature takeout, delivery and foods that are served over several hours. To help prevent foodborne illness, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is reminding fans to keep food safety in play on game day.

“When food is served throughout the Super Bowl, it can be easy to lose track of how long it’s been sitting out,” said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Mindy Brashears. “As Americans gather to enjoy the game, keeping food hot or cold and serving it promptly helps protect family, friends, and guests from foodborne illness.”

Many Super Bowl favorites including pizza, chicken wings, hamburger sliders, and chili should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours, what USDA calls the Danger Zone (temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees F). If perishable food is left out without hot or cold sources for too long, bacteria will multiply to unsafe levels that can cause foodborne illness.

FSIS encourages hosts to follow these food safety tips:

#1 Handle Takeout and Delivery Safely

Transport takeout in insulated bags if travel time exceeds one hour.
Serve food promptly or divide into smaller portions and refrigerate until ready to reheat and serve.
Keep food hot at 140 degrees F or above using a preheated oven, warming tray, chafing dish or slow cooker.
Reheat food containing meat or poultry to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F as measured by a food thermometer.
If reheating in the microwave, spread food evenly, stir thoroughly, and check for cold spots to ensure a safe internal temperature is reached throughout.
Reheat liquid foods like soups and sauces to a boil.

#2 Keep Food out of the Danger Zone

Serve food in smaller batches. Bring out one round of food during the first half of the game and another during the second to ensure your food doesn’t stay out for more than two hours.
Discard perishable foods left out for longer than two hours. To prevent food waste and enjoy leftovers after the game, refrigerate or freeze perishable items within two hours.
If food will be out for more than two hours:
Keep cold foods at a temperature of 40 degrees F or below by nestling in ice.
Keep hot foods at a temperature of 140 degrees F or above by placing food in a preheated oven, warming trays, chafing dishes or slow cookers.

#3 Use a Food Thermometer

Ensure your food reaches a safe minimum internal temperature when cooking at home:

Meat (whole beef, pork and lamb) 145 degrees F with a 3-minute rest
Ground meats 160 degrees F
Poultry (ground and whole) 165 degrees F
Eggs 160 degrees F
Fish and shellfish 145 degrees F
Leftovers and casseroles 165 degrees F

If serving chicken wings, use a food thermometer on several wings to gauge the doneness of the entire batch. If one is under 165 degrees F, continue cooking all wings until they reach the safe internal temperature.

#4 Follow the Four Steps to Food Safety

Clean: Wash hands for 20 seconds before and after handling your takeout or delivered food, as well as any raw meat or poultry you prepare at home. Clean hands, surfaces and utensils with soap and water before and after meal prep. Sanitize any surfaces that may have come in contact with food using a commercial or homemade solution (1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water).
Separate: Use separate cutting boards, plates and utensils to avoid cross-contamination between your takeout or delivery foods and any raw meat or poultry you are preparing at home.
Cook: Confirm foods are cooked or reheated to a safe internal temperature by using a food thermometer.
Chill: Chill foods promptly if not consuming immediately after cooking.

For food safety questions, contact the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.

Information source: USDA

Two PSJA ISD Educators Earn Statewide Honors

TBB
-
0
Two PSJA ISD Educators Earn Statewide Honors
Two Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) educators have been named state finalists for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. Image for illustration purposes
Two Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) educators have been named state finalists for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

PHARR – Two Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) educators have been named state finalists for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. Carolina De Anda-Treviño of Carmen Anaya Elementary was selected as a finalist in the Rising Star Elementary category, while Tami Bhadai of Cesar Chavez Elementary was named a finalist in the Lifetime Achievement Elementary category. 

Courtesy image

The H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards recognizes exceptional public school educators, schools, and districts across Texas for their commitment to innovation, leadership, and student success. Since launching in 2002, the program has invested nearly $14 million in public education statewide. Finalists are honored for their achievements, and the winners, together with their schools, receive cash awards and matching grants to support continued educational excellence.   

De Anda- Treviño is a 5th grade Gifted and Talented Dual Language teacher at Anaya Elementary where she places a strong emphasis on language and culture. Through her teaching, she is intentional about uplifting student voices. 

“I hope my students know that they don’t have to choose between who they are and who they’re becoming to be successful—they can be both, “said De Anda-Treviño.  “I want them to leave my classroom believing they already have everything they need to accomplish anything, as long as they believe in who they are and work hard.” 

Bhadai, an educator with 22 years of classroom experience, serves as the Science Lab teacher for 4th and 5th grade students at Chavez Elementary. She is also the school’s Junior Master Gardening sponsor. 

“Before my students leave my room, I want them to know they were loved, they were cared for, and they were my everything that year,” said Bhadai. “I hope they carry those memories with them into adulthood and grow into responsible, confident citizens who understand their impact on the world.” 

PSJA Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias highlighted the lasting influence educators have on students’ lives. 

“We are honored to have two educators recognized as State Finalist for the H-E-B Excellence in Education Award,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias. “This recognition reflects the dedication of our educators, staff, and school leaders who work tirelessly to serve our students. I am sincerely grateful to our PSJA Family and community partners for their trust, collaboration, and shared commitment to ensuring success for every child.” 

Serving more than 29,000 students across three cities, PSJA ISD provides comprehensive and rigorous academic programs from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The district is nationally recognized for its commitment to college readiness, with a high school completion rate exceeding 97 percent and one of the only wall-to-wall Early College Programs in Texas and the nation.  

For more information about the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, visit HEBLovesTeachers.com 

John Quiñones to Headline 2026 MXLAN International Economic Summit, March 6th

TBB
-
0
John Quiñones to Headline 2026 MXLAN International Economic Summit, March 6th
The McAllen Economic Development Corporation, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the City of McAllen are excited to announce the keynote speaker for the 2nd annual MXLAN International Economic Summit: Emmy award-winning journalist and host of What Would You Do? John Quiñones. Image courtesy of The City of McAllen
The McAllen Economic Development Corporation, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the City of McAllen are excited to announce the keynote speaker for the 2nd annual MXLAN International Economic Summit: Emmy award-winning journalist and host of What Would You Do? John Quiñones. Image courtesy of The City of McAllen

Texas Border Business

The McAllen Economic Development Corporation, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and the City of McAllen are excited to announce the keynote speaker for the 2nd annual MXLAN International Economic Summit: Emmy award-winning journalist and host of What Would You Do? John Quiñones.

The theme for this year’s summit is Technology, Innovation & the Future of Economic Development. A sampling of topics and speakers on the agenda for the day include: 

State-Level Perspectives on Workforce & Technology with Texas Workforce Commissioner, Albert Trevino and Texas Economic Development Corporation President and CEO, Aaron Demerson

Workforce Transformation in a Changing Economy with Dr. Joanne Wang of Vanderbilt University

What Would You Do? AI Era Business Edition: Ethics, Trust, & Accountability with journalist and television host, John Quiñones

Watch the video from the City of McAllen below:

Mr. Quinones’ keynote speech will be an inspiring address on values, leadership, and ethical decision-making in a fast-moving technological world, reflecting on personal stories and challenging attendees to lead with purpose.

“As technology and AI continue to shape our economy, leadership and ethics cannot be an afterthought. John Quiñones brings that perspective to the MXLAN International Economic Summit,” said, Elizabeth Suarez, President and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and McAllen Economic Development Corporation. 

The summit takes place March 6, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center, on the first day of MXLAN. MXLAN is a three-day event celebrating art, culture, and history in the City of McAllen. 

Event sponsors include Hidalgo County, McAllen International Airport, and AEP. 

For Sponsorship or tables, contact Blanca Cardenas, Sr. Vice President of Corporate Relations at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce at bcardenas@mcallenchamber.com or 956-682-2871

Read the documents below for more information and schedules:

KIDS TALK ABOUT GOD: Why Do Some People Hate Jesus and Christians?

TBB
-
0
KIDS TALK ABOUT GOD: Why Do Some People Hate Jesus and Christians?
The idea of needing a savior goes against everything in us that wants control. Yet, it should be obvious we’re not in control. The daily barrage of bad news from the media verifies this. Image for illustration purposes
The idea of needing a savior goes against everything in us that wants control. Yet, it should be obvious we’re not in control. The daily barrage of bad news from the media verifies this. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

By Carey Kinsolving and Friends

“People hate Jesus because they want to be their own god,” says Jaiden, 8.

The idea of needing a savior goes against everything in us that wants control. Yet, it should be obvious we’re not in control. The daily barrage of bad news from the media verifies this.

Statistics show that one of the most dangerous things we do every day is to get into a car. My stepdad died in a head-on collision. In another auto accident, my sister suffered permanent brain-stem damage that left her totally helpless for more than 35 years. The illusion of control quickly passes when death or injury unexpectedly intrude.

“People hate Jesus and Christians because they’re on the dark side of the world,” says Artemio, 9.

Many people associate darkness with human trafficking, drug addiction, murder and other heinous sins. But there’s another side of darkness that doesn’t get much attention.

During Jesus’ ministry, he reserved his harshest language for religious leaders of his day. He called them “whitewashed tombs,” beautiful on the outside, but full of hypocrisy on the inside (Matthew 23:27-28). They had a veneer of righteousness, but their hearts were empty. They lacked the righteousness that only God can give to those who trust Jesus as their savior.

“The reason why people hate me and Jesus is because I don’t belong to this world,” says Sara, 7. “I belong to God. God protects me from death.”

When Jesus warned his disciples about the world, he didn’t speak of the soil, trees and sky. Jesus warned his disciples and us about a system of thinking that is independent from God or even openly hostile against him.

Sara has adopted Jesus’ view of her as not belonging to this world. With the assurance of eternal life with God in heaven, Christians should view themselves as sojourners through this world with heaven as their true home. They have dual citizenship in that they’re citizens of their country while at the same time citizens of heaven.

The Bible says Christians are ambassadors for Christ. Why? Because believers don’t belong to this world. Christ’s ambassadors carry the good news that Jesus paid the price by his death on the cross to purchase everyone’s passage to heaven.

Immediately after the Apostle Paul wrote that Christians are ambassadors for Jesus, he wrote this famous salvation passage: “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (II Corinthians 5:21).

In other words, Jesus took everyone’s sins on himself when he died on the cross. For all who place their faith in him as their savior, he credits his righteousness to them. In contrast to the religious leaders of Jesus’ day, righteousness is a gift to be received from God, not a reward to be earned.

If you want to make people mad, give them a list of religious rules. If you want to make them fighting mad or even hateful, tell them there’s nothing they can do to earn salvation. The righteousness needed to reside in heaven is a gift to be received by faith alone in Christ alone.

Think about this: Religious people who try to earn favor with God by keeping rules will always hate those who say that salvation is by God’s grace through faith in Christ apart from any good works or rule keeping.

Memorize this truth: II Corinthians 5:21 previously quoted.

Ask this question: Is this world your home, or are you passing through to your heavenly residence?

================

Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God twice a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email. 

Justice Department Discloses Jack Smith Deputy Roster After Judicial Watch Legal Challenge

TBB
-
0
Justice Department Discloses Jack Smith Deputy Roster After Judicial Watch Legal Challenge
Judicial Watch announced that it secured the release of rosters identifying the names of top deputies who worked for former Special Counsel Jack Smith. Image: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. Bgd for illustration purposes
Judicial Watch announced that it secured the release of rosters identifying the names of top deputies who worked for former Special Counsel Jack Smith. Image: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons. Bgd for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Judicial Watch

WASHINGTON, DC – Judicial Watch announced that it secured the release of rosters identifying the names of top deputies who worked for former Special Counsel Jack Smith.

The names were released after Judicial Watch filed a May 2023 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit challenging the Biden Justice Department’s rejection of Judicial Watch’s request for “staff rosters, phone lists, or similar records depicting all employees hired by or detailed to the office of Special Counsel Jack Smith” (Judicial Watch Inc. v U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:23-cv-01485)).

The names on the rosters released to Judicial Watch are:
Ahmed M. Baset
Greg D. Bernstein
Jay I. Bratt
Matthew B. Burke
Joseph P. “J.P.” Cooney
Karen Y. Drolet
Timothy “Tad” A. Duree
Julie A. Edelstein
Karen E. Gilbert
Jonathan W. Haray
David V. Harbach
Ray N. Hulser
Myron L. Marlin
Stephen J. Marzen
Ariel C. McIntyre
Anne P. McNamara
James I. Pearce
John M. Pellettieri
David A. Raskin
Brett C. Reynolds
David M. Rody
Michael E. Thakur
Maria K. Vento
Brooke C. Watson
Thomas P. Windom

Judicial Watch earlier obtained a similar roster for top staffers working for former Special Counsel Robert Mueller, but a federal court upheld the Biden Justice Department’s extraordinary claim that the rosters had to be kept secret because they were “compiled for law enforcement purposes” and implicated the staffers’ privacy interests.” 

“Judicial Watch overcame a wall of resistance to get the names of the attorneys helping rogue prosecutor Jack Smith in his attempt to upend our Republic. We are pleased that the Bondi Justice Department finally stopped defending the indefensible and turned over the rosters to Judicial Watch and the American people,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton.

Judicial Watch is a national leader in exposing the lawfare and abuse targeting President Trump and other American citizens.

Judicial Watch recently sued the Justice Department for records regarding the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Public Corruption Unit’s investigation of Donald Trump codenamed “Arctic Frost.” The investigation was part of an unprecedented effort by the Biden administration to prosecute and jail Trump for questioning Biden’s controversial election victory (Judicial Watch Inc. v. U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:26-cv-00163)). 

In January 2026, Judicial Watch sued the Justice Department for communications of FBI agents regarding the prosecution of former Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro (Judicial Watch Inc. v. U.S. Department of Justice (No.1:26-cv-00079)).

In September 2025, Judicial Watch sued the Justice Department for communications between former Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Thibault and the anti-Trump organization American Oversight (Judicial Watch Inc. v. U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:25-cv–02556)). 

In July 2025, Judicial Watch sued the Justice Department for records about the FBI’s “Arctic Frost,” investigation (Judicial Watch, Inc. v. U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:25-cv-02011)). 

In June 2025, Judicial Watch sued Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for her communications with Smith (Judicial Watch v. Kristin Mayes and Arizona Department of Law (CV 2025-020674).

In March 2025, Judicial Watch sued the Justice Department for details of any investigations, inquiries, or referrals concerning potential misconduct of any person working for Smith (Judicial Watch Inc. v U.S. Department of Justice (No. 1:25-cv-00801)).

Also in March, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis was ordered to turn over 212 pages of records to a state court judge. The court also ordered Willis to detail how the records were found and the reason for withholding them from the public. The records were belatedly found in response to a Judicial Watch request and lawsuit for communications with Smith and the House January 6 Committee (Judicial Watch Inc. v. Fani Willis et al. (No. 24-CV-002805)).

STC Dual Credit Student Prepares for National Manufacturing Challenge

TBB
-
0
STC Dual Credit Student Prepares for National Manufacturing Challenge
 South Texas College Dual Credit Program student Jonathan Gutierrez has earned second place in Project MFG’s Advanced Manufacturing competition and is now headed to nationals in Illinois this March. STC image
 South Texas College Dual Credit Program student Jonathan Gutierrez has earned second place in Project MFG’s Advanced Manufacturing competition and is now headed to nationals in Illinois this March. STC image

Tecas Border Business

By Joey Gomez 

McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College Dual Credit Programs student Jonathan Gutierrez is headed to the national stage after earning second place in the high school division of Project MFG’s Advanced Manufacturing Competition.

Project MFG is a national collaborative effort between communities, educators and industry leaders with the goal to raise the next generation of skilled trade professions by accelerating the manufacturing trade workforce.  

Gutierrez, a senior at Weslaco East High School enrolled in STC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program, said while the recognition feels surreal it also highlights the strength of the partnership between STC and Weslaco ISD.

“I’m honestly shocked that I got second,” Gutierrez said. “There were multiple states competing, multiple high schoolers, and I got second out of the whole group. It doesn’t feel real, but my instructors both at STC and in my high school made sure I had the skills to get here.”

Now, Gutierrez is preparing to compete at a national level March 3-6 in Granite City, Ill. at Southwestern Illinois College, where he will face 15 students from across the country in a four-day advanced manufacturing challenge.

“I feel very nervous but very excited,” he said. “I’m going to give it my all at nationals and we’ll see where we go from there.”

The competition, organized by Project MFG, tests students in blueprint reading, 3D modeling, toolpath development and G-code creation for Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining. While most competitors prepare for weeks, national finalists must complete similar tasks within four days while being observed by judges and cameras in a reality show-style format.

According to STC Precision Manufacturing faculty member Alberto Farias, Gutierrez’s journey began last summer when he was introduced to the competition.

“Jonathan always likes to jump in with both feet and do his best,” Farias said. “He’s really good at what he does. When we spoke about it, he said, ‘Yes, I’d love to do it.’ That’s his personality.”

Farias said Gutierrez competed in the dual enrollment high school division.

“There were a lot of late nights and weekends in the shop,” Farias said. “Sometimes we just had pizzas at the shop because we were working long hours. But all of our students took on the challenge wholeheartedly.”

Gutierrez said much of his preparation extended beyond the classroom. He brought blueprints and his laptop to family gatherings and birthday parties and made multiple trips from Weslaco to STC’s Technology Campus in McAllen to refine his project.

“I just put in a lot of hours,” he said. “If you have the drive and you put in the effort you still might not succeed, but it’s still worth trying. How do you know how far you can go if you don’t try?”

Weslaco ISD Director of Career and Technical Education Eliza Gomez praised Gutierrez’s dedication and the partnership with STC.

“I’m so proud of him. He is such a well-spoken, respectable young man,” Gomez said. “He is proof that putting in the hard work pays off. Employers are looking for employees willing to go the extra mile, and that work ethic will take  him a long way.”

Juan Armando Sierra, Precision Manufacturing instructor with Weslaco ISD, echoed those sentiments.

“He has always demonstrated the drive to learn more,” Sierra said. “It’s all through hard work and dedication. If you put the work in and the effort, you can achieve great things.”

At nationals, Gutierrez will also have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and peers from across the country, with prize money awarded to the top three finalists.

 Beyond the competition, Gutierrez said the experience represents something bigger.

“I feel very honored to meet other people from the industry,” he said. “Even though I am competing against them, I know I can also learn something from them and hopefully grow better in this industry…and maybe as a person.”

For more information on STC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/manufacturing/.

Felida Villarreal Opens District 5 Campaign with McAllen Kickoff

Roberto H. Gonzalez
-
0
Felida Villarreal Opens District 5 Campaign with McAllen Kickoff
Felida Villarreal. Photo Texas Border Business
Felida Villarreal. Photo Texas Border Business

Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business

McALLEN, Texas — Felida Villarreal formally opened her campaign for McAllen City Commissioner District 5 at a kickoff event attended by community leaders, business representatives, elected officials, and residents, offering voters a detailed look at her experience and policy priorities ahead of the May special election.

Felida, a certified public accountant and president and CEO of the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA), a nonprofit focused on workforce and economic development in the Rio Grande Valley, said her decision to seek office is driven by a commitment to public service.

“I am not running against anyone in this campaign. I am running for our community and for the residents of District 5,” Felida said. “This decision came from a place of wanting to give back to a wonderful city that has given me so much.”

The event marked the formal start of her campaign following her announcement in recent weeks. Speakers described Felida as an experienced nonprofit executive with longstanding ties to the community.

Rubén Cavazos. Photo Texas Border Business

Rocio Villalobos, who emceed the event, referred to Felida as a civic leader recognized for her work on nonprofit boards and community initiatives.

District 5 business owner Ruben Cavazos said Felida stressed the importance of hearing residents’ concerns. “The first thing she told me was, ‘I’m here to listen,’” Cavazos said. “You’re not going to make everybody happy, but listening is the beginning.”

Priscilla Alvarez. Courtesy image

Priscilla Alvarez, former executive director of VIDA, outlined Felida’s advancement within the organization. Alvarez said Felida joined VIDA as finance director in 2020 and later assumed leadership responsibilities at age 27, overseeing growth that expanded the nonprofit’s annual budget from nearly $2 million to approximately $6 million.

“Leadership isn’t about the years on your birth certificate — it’s about the results you deliver,” Alvarez said.

Cynthia Sakulenzki, president and CEO of the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said Felida has remained active in the regional business community and understands the challenges facing employers and workers.

Cynthia Sakulenzki. Photo Texas Border Business

“She understands that economic development isn’t just about numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about creating pathways for families to thrive,” Sakulenzki said.

A third-generation McAllen resident raising the fourth generation in the city, Felida outlined five campaign priorities: economic development, infrastructure investment, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and community engagement.

She said attracting high-wage jobs and expanding workforce training opportunities would be central to her economic approach. Felida also called for continued infrastructure planning to address growth, including traffic improvements, road maintenance, and pedestrian safety measures.

Providing law enforcement officers and firefighters with adequate staffing, equipment, and resources is another priority, along with maintaining financial transparency and pursuing grant funding to help reduce the burden on taxpayers.

Felida’s Mom. Photo Texas Border Business

Felida identified community engagement as central to her approach to public office and said she intends to remain accessible to residents.

“This position is not about titles. It’s not about politics — it’s about the people,” she said. “Whatever is important to you is important to me.”

Family members also addressed attendees. Her mother described her as “a woman of integrity, humility, and courage.” Her daughter, Amairani, said, “I see how hard she works every day and how much she cares about our city and how much she always listens and wants to help people.”

The campaign is centered on the slogan “Leading with Heart, Building with Vision,” which Felida said reflects a leadership style focused on service and collaboration.

Amairani DeLeo. Photo Texas Border Business

Early voting for the District 5 special election is scheduled for April 20 through April 28, with Election Day set for May 2.

The race takes place as McAllen continues to grow, with infrastructure capacity, economic development, and public safety expected to remain key issues for city leadership.

“This is about serving the residents of District 5,” Felida said. “I am ready to listen, and I am ready to work.”

Governor Abbott Meets With Laredo Business Leaders to Discuss Texas Economy

TBB
-
0
Governor Abbott Meets With Laredo Business Leaders to Discuss Texas Economy
Governor Greg Abbott held a roundtable with local Southwest Texas business owners to discuss the strength of the Texas economy and the important role small businesses play in our statewide success. Photo: Office of The Governor
Governor Greg Abbott held a roundtable with local Southwest Texas business owners to discuss the strength of the Texas economy and the important role small businesses play in our statewide success. Photo: Office of The Governor

Texas Border Business

LAREDO — Governor Greg Abbott held a roundtable with local Southwest Texas business owners to discuss the strength of the Texas economy and the important role small businesses play in our statewide success.

“Small businesses truly are the very heartbeat of the Texas economy,” said Governor Abbott. “Small businesses right here are an essential part of Port Laredo being the No. 1 port in the U.S. for international trade. To ensure that economic prosperity continues requires vigilance. More Texans have a job today and their wages are higher than ever before in the history of our state thanks to our business-friendly regulatory environment.” 

Roundtable discussion in Laredo. Photo: Office of the Governor

“We are thankful Governor Abbott is coming to Webb County to sit down with business leaders and local elected officials to talk about jobs and the economy in our community,” said Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina. “Work, opportunity, and growth are not partisan issues, they’re everyday concerns for South Texas families. We appreciate the Governor making South Texas a priority and being here to engage directly with our community.” 

“I’m honored to welcome Governor Abbott to this roundtable and grateful for his willingness to bring statewide attention to the infrastructure, workforce, and economic development needs of this region,” said Representative Don McLaughlin. “If we want to keep Texas strong, we have to keep Laredo growing — and that starts by recognizing the critical role it plays as a true economic powerhouse for our state.”

The Governor was joined at the roundtable by Brittingham Construction and Development Managing Principal Andrew Brittingham, RE Signature Homes Owner Ramin Emami, FARO Wealth Co-founder Rafael Gutierrez, Laredo Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Monica Martinez, International Bank of Commerce CEO Dennis Nixon, and other local officials and business leaders. 

Following the roundtable, the Governor held a press conference alongside Judge Tijerina and Representative McLaughlin. 

At the press conference, Governor Abbott highlighted the tenacity and ingenuity of small business owners across the state, especially in Southwest Texas. Additionally, Governor Abbott highlighted that Texas is the blueprint for America’s economic success thanks to the state’s limited regulations, noting the state’s continued investment in our young and diverse workforce through career and technical education. 

Judicial Watch Files FOIA Lawsuit Seeking Images From 2025 Attack on Texas ICE Facility

TBB
-
0
Judicial Watch Files FOIA Lawsuit Seeking Images From 2025 Attack on Texas ICE Facility
Judicial Watch filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia after Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a component of the Department of Homeland Security, failed to respond to a July 10, 2025. Image for illustration purposes
Judicial Watch filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia after Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a component of the Department of Homeland Security, failed to respond to a July 10, 2025. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Judicial Watch

WASHINGTON, DC – Judicial Watch announced today it filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for video footage and photographs of the attack on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Prairieland Detention Facility in Alvarado, TX, on July 4, 2025 (Judicial Watch v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (No.1:26-cv-0331)).

Judicial Watch filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia after Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a component of the Department of Homeland Security, failed to respond to a July 10, 2025, FOIA request for:

  1. All video surveillance footage depicting the attack on the Prairieland ICE detention facility in Alvarado, Texas on or about July 4, 2025
  2. All body worn camera footage depicting the attack on the Prairieland ICE detention facility in Alvarado, Texas on or about July 4, 2025
  3. All photographs depicting the attack on the Prairieland ICE detention facility in Alvarado, Texas on or about July 4, 2025

Immigration and Customs Enforcement described the incident at its Prairieland detention facility in Alvarado, Texas, as a “planned ambush.” A group of suspects began shooting fireworks at the facility while others damaged vehicles and sprayed graffiti, apparently to lure officers outside. When officers responded, one was shot in the neck. Attackers fired 20 to 30 rounds at unarmed detention officers. Authorities say the suspects intended to kill corrections officers.

A federal grand jury indicted nine individuals identified by prosecutors as members of Antifa, and charged seven additional people “with offenses including rioting, using weapons and explosives, providing material support to terrorists, obstruction, and attempted murder of an Alvarado police officer and unarmed correctional officers at the Prairieland Detention Center.”

President Trump in September 2025 issued an executive order designating Antifa as “a militarist, anarchist enterprise that explicitly calls for the overthrow of the United States Government, law enforcement authorities, and our system of law.” He designated it a “domestic terrorist organization,” and directed federal law enforcement to “utilize all applicable authorities to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle any and all [Antifa-aligned] illegal operations.”

“The ambush on the Prairieland ICE facility was a predictable outcome of years of anti-ICE and anti-border-security rhetoric from Democrat officials,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “The media, and the radical Left repeatedly label ICE agents as ‘racists’ and ‘kidnappers’ and are creating a climate conducive to domestic terrorist attacks.”

In December 2025, Judicial Watch sued the Department of Homeland Security for records on migrants who entered the United States from 2020–2025, using arrest warrants and removal orders as proof of identification.

In November 2025, Judicial Watch sued Evanston, IL, Mayor Daniel Biss for records related to obstruction of federal immigration enforcement, as well as Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs for records regarding her office reportedly ordering state police and the National Guard to withhold cooperation from federal immigration enforcement authorities.

Judicial Watch in December 2025 pointed out that in just two states with “sanctuary” policies, nearly 9,000 criminal aliens were released from jails and prisons since January 20, defying Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers to deport them.

In October 2025, Judicial Watch reported on a Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), established by President Trump on the day of his inauguration to tackle a pandemic of transnational organized crime created by the Biden administration’s “disgraceful” open border policies, had made thousands of arrests and seized over 1,000 illegal firearms, 91 tons of drugs and $3 million in currency.

Information source: Judicial Watch

1...218219220...2,441Page 219 of 2,441