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New Cavender’s Boot City Store Coming to Edinburg in 2026

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New Cavender’s Boot City Store Coming to Edinburg in 2026
Cavender's Boot City and Whitco PGP Properties A, L.P. have purchased the property at 2820 W. University Drive, the former CVS location, to develop the new Cavender's Boot City store. Rendering courtesy of the City of Edinburg
Cavender’s Boot City and Whitco PGP Properties A, L.P. have purchased the property at 2820 W. University Drive, the former CVS location, to develop the new Cavender’s Boot City store. Rendering courtesy of the City of Edinburg

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EDINBURG, Texas — The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) announced that Cavender’s Boot City will open a new store in Edinburg, bringing new jobs and a multi-million dollar investment to the community.

Cavender’s Boot City and Whitco PGP Properties A, L.P. have purchased the property at 2820 W. University Drive, the former CVS location, to develop the new Cavender’s Boot City store. The project represents approximately $5 million in total investment for facility improvements and infrastructure upgrades, and will create around 15 full-time jobs for local residents.

Located on one of Edinburg’s busiest commercial corridors near UTRGV, the new store is expected to generate more than $4 million in annual retail sales during its first five years of operation. This revenue will boost the city’s sales tax base, supporting essential services and programs that benefit the entire community.

Located on one of Edinburg’s busiest commercial corridors near UTRGV, the new store is expected to generate more than $4 million in annual retail sales during its first five years of operation. This revenue will boost the city’s sales tax base, supporting essential services and programs that benefit the entire community. Rendering courtesy of The City of Edinburg.

“We’re excited to welcome Cavender’s Boot City to Edinburg,” said Aaron Rivera, Edinburg EDC Board President. “This investment shows the confidence that major retailers have in our community’s growth and potential. The project will create good jobs, expand shopping options for residents, and generate revenue that supports our city. We’re grateful to the Cavender family for choosing Edinburg as their newest Rio Grande Valley location.”

Cavender’s Boot City, a family-owned Texas business since 1965, operates more than 120 stores across Texas and in 18 states. The company specializes in western wear, boots, and outdoor apparel, and is known for its commitment to quality products and customer service.

“We’re thrilled to enter the Edinburg market and become part of this growing community,” said Mike Cavender, Owner of Cavender Stores LP. “The Rio Grande Valley has a strong western heritage, and we look forward to serving families in Edinburg and surrounding areas with the same quality and service that Cavender’s has been known for more than 60 years.”

The new store adds to Edinburg’s growing retail sector along the W. University Drive corridor, one of the most active commercial areas in Hidalgo County. The development will attract additional shoppers to the area, supporting surrounding businesses and strengthening Edinburg’s position as a leading retail destination in South Texas.

Construction and facility improvements will begin in the coming months, with a grand opening expected in 2026. For more information about business opportunities in Edinburg, visit www.edinburgedc.com or contact the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation.

About Edinburg Economic Development Corporation
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation works to attract, retain, and expand businesses in Edinburg, Texas. Located in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg offers a strategic location, diverse economy, and strong quality of life that makes it an ideal place for business growth.

About Cavender’s Boot City
In 1965, in the quiet Texas town of Pittsburg, James and Patricia “Pat” Cavender took a leap of faith, opening a small Western store with a big dream. What started as a single storefront has grown into America’s go-to destination for the finest Western boots, jeans, and hats for the whole family. James built Cavender’s Boot City on grit, integrity, and a deep love for the Western way of life.These core values have fortified and supported Cavender’s expansion to over 120 stores in more than 18 states. Likewise, Cavender’s offers top brands including Ariat, Wrangler, Stetson, and Resistol, Anderson Bean and its exclusive lines: Rafter C, Rockin C, and JRC & Sons. This extensive selection ensures customers’ wardrobes are as authentic and enduring as their lifestyles. As the Cavender family puts it: “We will always remain true to wh

Legislation Proposed to Require Proof of Citizenship and Photo ID for Federal Elections

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Legislation Proposed to Require Proof of Citizenship and Photo ID for Federal Elections
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) in introducing the SAVE America Act, which would require individuals to present proof of citizenship when registering to vote as well as photo identification before voting in a federal election. Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) in introducing the SAVE America Act, which would require individuals to present proof of citizenship when registering to vote as well as photo identification before voting in a federal election. Image for illustration purposes

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Senator John Cornyn

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) joined Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) in introducing the SAVE America Act, which would require individuals to present proof of citizenship when registering to vote as well as photo identification before voting in a federal election. The legislation would also ensure states appropriately maintain voter rolls by removing non-citizens from existing voter rolls.

“It is ridiculous that we need to pass a bill to ensure that Americans alone are the ones voting in our federal elections, but thanks to Joe Biden’s reckless open-border policies and Democrat-run sanctuary cities, this is the reality we live in,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This commonsense legislation requires an individual to show proof of citizenship when registering to vote as well as a photo ID before casting a ballot to ensure our elections are secure and solely determined by American citizens, and I’m proud to support it.”

Background:

Sen. Cornyn is an original cosponsor of the SAVE Act, which would require individuals to present proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and states to appropriately maintain voter rolls, and has supported it in multiple Congresses. The SAVE America Act builds on this legislation by also requiring individuals to present a photo ID to vote in a federal election. Texas already requires individuals to present a photo ID to vote, and this legislation would ensure other states follow Texas’ example.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, at least ten million illegal aliens poured into communities nationwide. In many states, these illegal aliens are eligible for driver’s licenses and other benefits, providing ample opportunities to illegally register to vote in federal elections. In some jurisdictions, non-citizens are even able to vote in local elections. While only U.S. citizens can legally vote in federal elections, Democrats have resisted any effort to enforce the law via ID requirements.

The SAVE America Act would protect and preserve the right of American citizens to vote in federal elections by requiring:

  • Individuals to present an eligible photo identification document before voting;
  • States to obtain proof of citizenship in-person when registering an individual to vote;
  • And states to remove non-citizens from existing voter rolls. 

New Braunfels Woman Sentenced to 30 Months for $1.25M Wire Fraud Scheme

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New Braunfels Woman Sentenced to 30 Months for $1.25M Wire Fraud Scheme
A New Braunfels woman was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $1.25 million in restitution for wire fraud. Image for illustration purposes
A New Braunfels woman was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $1.25 million in restitution for wire fraud. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas

SAN ANTONIO – A New Braunfels woman was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 30 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $1.25 million in restitution for wire fraud.

According to court documents, Telise Marie Armke, 56, befriended an elderly couple in 2019 and falsely claimed that she was going to receive funds from FEMA due to her home being in a flood zone. As part of her fraud scheme, Armke convinced the couple to “lend” her money to pay property taxes, pay off liens on her home, and pay insurance premiums for her home, as well as various filing fees, attorney’s fees and non-descript contract fees. Armke falsely told the couple that once the payments were made, FEMA would release the funds to her, and she would then pay back any money she received from the victims. In reality, Armke spent the majority of the funds at gas station casinos in and around New Braunfels.

Armke was arrested on March 24, 2023, and charged with four counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She pleaded guilty on July 17, 2025. U.S. District Court Judge Orlando Garcia sentenced Armke to 30 months in federal prison and ordered her to pay the victims’ total loss of $1,251,206 in restitution.

“Telise Armke is a predator, plain and simple,” said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “She pestered and harangued her way into the lives of her victims and conned them into giving her money they spent a lifetime earning. In the Western District, we’re committed to holding predators like Telise Armke accountable for their actions and to doing what we can to give their victims some sense of justice.”

“The defendant exploited a relationship of trust to obtain money from an elderly couple by falsely presenting the theft as a disaster-related loan, abusing their kindness and good faith for personal gain,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alex Doran of the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “The FBI will continue to pursue fraudsters who exploit trust. We encourage the reporting of elder fraud to help identify patterns, stop offenders, and protect others, even when losses occur through personal relationships or informal loans.”

The FBI investigated the case.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Porier prosecuted the case.

Over 200 New Federal Immigration Cases Filed in Western District of Texas

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Over 200 New Federal Immigration Cases Filed in Western District of Texas
Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 209 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from Jan. 16 to Jan. 22. Image for illustration purposes
Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 209 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from Jan. 16 to Jan. 22. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Texas

SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 209 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from Jan. 16 to Jan. 22. Charges were brought against human smugglers and illegal aliens with past convictions for violent crimes, DWIs, and multiple prior removals.

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

These cases are 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 (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Sheriff Martin Cuellar Indicted for Allegedly Misappropriating Funds

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Sheriff Martin Cuellar Indicted for Allegedly Misappropriating Funds
A federal grand jury returned the now unsealed five-count indictment Nov. 19, 2025. It alleges that between 2020 and 2022, Cuellar and Gutierrez conspired with others to misappropriate WCSO funds. Image source: X
A federal grand jury returned the now unsealed five-count indictment Nov. 19, 2025. It alleges that between 2020 and 2022, Cuellar and Gutierrez conspired with others to misappropriate WCSO funds. Image source: X

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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas

HOUSTON – The current Webb County sheriff and his assistant chief have appeared in federal court for their alleged involvement in a scheme to defraud the Webb County Sheriff’s Office during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Laredo residents Martin Cuellar Jr., 67, and Alejandro Gutierrez, 47, have turned themselves in to authorities and have now made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan in Houston.    

A federal grand jury returned the now unsealed five-count indictment Nov. 19, 2025. It alleges that between 2020 and 2022, Cuellar and Gutierrez conspired with others to misappropriate WCSO funds.

According to the indictment, Cuellar, Gutierrez and former assistant chief Ricardo Rodriguez used WCSO staff and resources to run a for-profit disinfecting business during the COVID-19 pandemic. They allegedly opened Disinfect Pro Master in April 2020 and entered into service agreements with local businesses and restaurants despite having no employees or supplies of their own. The indictment alleges WCSO employees handled the company’s day-to-day operations from the sheriff’s office where they picked up schedules and equipment to conduct disinfecting services both on and off the clock with the county.

The charges also allege Disinfect Pro Master secured a $500,000 contract to clean United Independent School District schools in Laredo and completed the work using WCSO staff and resources. For more than two years, the business allegedly operated almost entirely with county employees and supplies, incurring minimal overhead.

Cuellar, Gutierrez and Rodriguez each received approximately $175,000 – one third of the profits, according to the charges. Cuellar allegedly used part of his proceeds to purchase property in Laredo. 

If convicted, Cuellar and Gutierrez both face up to 10 years in federal prison, as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Cuellar is additionally charged with money laundering, which carries an additional 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of property involved in the real estate transaction.

Rodriguez, 65, Laredo, previously pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing March 16. He is currently on bond pending that hearing.

FBI – San Antonio and Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation as part of the Laredo Border Corruption Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Winter and Robert Johnson are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

Hidalgo County’s $1 Million HOME-ARP Funding Grant with NEWLY REVISED Application, Now Open to Government Entities

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Hidalgo County’s $1 Million HOME-ARP Funding Grant with NEWLY REVISED Application, Now Open to Government Entities
Through this funding, Hidalgo County UCP will support a wide range of supportive services delivered by qualified local providers. Image for illustration purposes
The Hidalgo County Urban County Program (UCP) has released a newly revised HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) application for its federal funding opportunity, which is now open to eligible community service providers and government entities as well. Image for illustration purposes

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EDINBURG, Texas – The Hidalgo County Urban County Program (UCP) has released a newly revised HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) application for its federal funding opportunity, which is now open to eligible community service providers and government entities as well. More than $1 million in funds are available for government entities and local organizations that provide critical services to individuals and families impacted by homelessness and housing instability.

The HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) is a one-time grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this funding, Hidalgo County UCP will support a wide range of supportive services delivered by qualified local providers.

Courtesy image

The newly updated application includes clear instructions on how and where to submit materials. Applicants are also required to sign and include the NOFA Addendum acknowledgement page with their application. 

All applicants must complete and submit the new application in order to be eligible for the grant. If you previously submitted an application, you must re-submit with the signed addendum acknowledgement page.

The deadline to submit a complete application is 3 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026.

This funding opportunity is designed for eligible service providers and government entities. Hidalgo County will award funds to eligible entities that will deliver supportive services directly to qualifying individuals and families.

Eligible supportive services include, but are not limited to, child care, education services, employment assistance, food assistance, legal services, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, case management, transportation, utility assistance, and short- and medium-term rental assistance.

Organizations awarded HOME-ARP funds must serve individuals and families who meet HUD’s HOME-ARP Qualifying Populations. These include people experiencing homelessness, those at risk of homelessness, individuals or families fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking, and households at the greatest risk of housing instability as defined by HUD income and housing burden criteria.

For more information about the HOME-ARP Supportive Services NOFA, eligible activities, or application requirements, visit our website or contact the Hidalgo County Urban County Program at (956) 787-8127 or email homearp@co.hidalgo.tx.us

See the document below for more information on the new application:

Commissioner Buckingham Announces Statewide Observance of Military Heroes Week

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Commissioner Buckingham Announces Statewide Observance of Military Heroes Week
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is encouraging all Texans to honor our military heroes, both those who have sacrificed everything in the name of freedom and served on behalf of the Lone Star State, during Texas Military Heroes Week, Monday, February 2 to February 6, 2026. Image courtesy of Texas GLO
Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is encouraging all Texans to honor our military heroes, both those who have sacrificed everything in the name of freedom and served on behalf of the Lone Star State, during Texas Military Heroes Week, Monday, February 2 to February 6, 2026. Image courtesy of Texas GLO

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AUSTIN – Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is encouraging all Texans to honor our military heroes, both those who have sacrificed everything in the name of freedom and served on behalf of the Lone Star State, during Texas Military Heroes Week, Monday, February 2 to February 6, 2026.

“As Chairwoman of the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB), I am reminded every day of the cost of service to our nation and the sacrifices made by those who have and continue to fight for our freedoms,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “From the earliest battles, like the Alamo right here in Texas, to conflicts overseas, please join me in honoring all who have helped secure our freedom throughout the years and those who are defending it still. We truly are the land of the free because of the brave.”

Texans have always played a historic role in the defense of liberty, and that spirit of sacrifice is alive to this day. The freedoms we enjoy come at a cost, which is why the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB) works hard every day to serve those who took an oath to serve our nation. The VLB proudly operates 10 state-of-the-art long-term care facilities and four Texas State Veterans Cemeteries (TSVC). Later this year, the VLB will hold a Grand Opening for its fifth TSVC in Lubbock.

Additionally, the VLB is passionate about capturing the stories of our Texas heroes through our Voices of Veterans Oral History Program. This year, we are expanding that program to include video stories of our Veterans as they discuss their service to our great nation. The VLB also offers low-interest loans to Veterans to buy a home, land, or renovate a home.

“During Texas Military Heroes Week, we come together to honor the incredible bravery and sacrifice of our Veterans. Their unwavering commitment to our nation and their selfless acts of courage inspire us all,” said Tony Dale, Executive Secretary of the VLB. “Let us take this time to recognize and celebrate the heroes among us, and to express our deepest gratitude for their service. Texas stands proud and united in our commitment to support our Veterans, today and always.”

The Veteran population in Texas continues to grow, and the VLB is positioned to provide the best service possible. Texas is home to 15 military installations, including Fort Hood, Joint Base San Antonio, and Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. We will continue to honor and serve our Military Members and Veterans through the VLB with more benefits than any other state. If you are a Veteran living in Texas, please contact the Texas Veterans Call Center at 1-800-252-8387 to learn more about the benefits you have earned. We stand ready to answer your questions and honor your service to our country.

2025 Brings 65 Major Arrests Under Texas Most Wanted Initiative

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2025 Brings 65 Major Arrests Under Texas Most Wanted Initiative
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces a successful year for Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Program – with DPS and partner agencies arresting 65 of Texas’ Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants in 2025. Photo: Texas DPS
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces a successful year for Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Program – with DPS and partner agencies arresting 65 of Texas’ Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants in 2025. Photo: Texas DPS

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AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces a successful year for Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Program – with DPS and partner agencies arresting 65 of Texas’ Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants in 2025. 

“Texas is a law-and-order state, and the Texas Department of Public Safety is committed to working with our law enforcement partners and the public to keep it that way,” said Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Chief Floyd Goodwin. “That commitment is what helped Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Program bring dozens of the state’s top criminals back into custody last year – and DPS looks forward to partnering with the public and law enforcement at the local, state, federal and international level to keep that momentum going in 2026.” 

Photo: Texas DPS

In addition to the 65 captures, a total of $41,000 in reward money was paid to 11 anonymous tipsters for information that led to the arrests. The 65 criminals captured in 2025 included 28 convicted sex offenders and 13 criminal illegal immigrants. 62 arrests occurred in Texas, one in Louisiana, one in Oklahoma and another in Mexico. 

The 13 criminal illegal immigrants captured had nationalities from six different countries, including five from Mexico, three from Honduras, two from El Salvador, one from Iraq, one from Cuba and one from Cameroon. 

For more information on the fugitives captured in 2025 as part of the Texas 10 Most Wanted program, visit the captured fugitive archive.

Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Crime Stoppers offers rewards to any person who provides information that leads to the arrest of one of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders or Criminal Illegal Immigrants. 

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives, Sex Offenders and Criminal Illegal Immigrants lists who pose the most significant threat to public safety in the state. You can find the current lists — with photos — on the DPS website.

To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods:

Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477).

Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about then clicking on the link under their picture.

Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).

All tips are anonymous — regardless of how they are submitted — and tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name.

*The partner agencies involved in the 65 captures in 2025 included the DPS Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Rangers, DPS Aircraft Operations Division, DPS Homeland Security Division, Austin Police Department, Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office (Louisiana), Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee Nation Marshal Service – Special Applications Branch (SAB), City of Dallas Fire Marshal’s Office, Corsicana Police Department, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas County Marshal’s Office, Dallas Police Department, DeSoto Police Department, Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas, Fort Worth Police Department, Garland Police Department, Grimes County Sheriff’s Office, Haltom City Police Department, Harris County Constable’s Office Pct 1, Harris County Constable’s Office Pct 4, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Henderson County SWAT, Houston Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Hutchins Police Department, Irving Police Department, Jacksonville Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office, Kaufman County SWAT, Lancaster Police Department, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Lorenzo Police Department, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, Mansfield Police Department, Mesquite Police Department, Mexican Law Enforcement, Milam County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Constable’s Office Pct. 3, Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, Palmview Police Department, Pasadena Police Department, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, San Angelo Police Department, San Antonio Police Department, Stilwell Police Department (Oklahoma), TDCJ-Office of Inspector General (OIG), Texas Attorney General’s Office, Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force, U.S. Marshals Service Northern Oklahoma Violent Crimes Task Force and the Waller County Sheriff’s Office.

New Proposal Would Incentivize Ranchers to Retain Heifers and Grow National Herd

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New Proposal Would Incentivize Ranchers to Retain Heifers and Grow National Herd
“The way we lower beef prices and restore affordability is by putting American beef first. That starts with rebuilding our cattle herd." --Comsioner Sid Miller. Image for illustration purposes
“The way we lower beef prices and restore affordability is by putting American beef first. That starts with rebuilding our cattle herd.” –Comsioner Sid Miller. Image for illustration purposes

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AUSTIN – Commissioner Sid Miller is responding to a recent USDA report that listed the national cattle herd at its lowest level in 75 years. This trend is alarming, but an effective beef policy, including heifer tax credits, will help producers to be more competitive and meet the nation’s food supply demands.

The following statement may be attributed to Commissioner Sid Miller

“The way we lower beef prices and restore affordability is by putting American beef first. That starts with rebuilding our cattle herd. I’m calling for a Heifer Retention Tax Credit, modeled after the Child Tax Credit, that would allow cow-calf operators to receive a tax credit for retaining heifers and expanding their herds. This policy would be the most direct way to help rebuild our national herd, increase beef production, and ultimately bring relief to American families at the grocery store.

This needs to be treated like the crisis it is, and we need immediate action. Chief among those should be creating a federal tax credit to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd. Congress has a key opportunity for our next Farm Bill to send a clear message that America has our producers’ backs. We need to treat American beef like the precious, life-giving resource it is, and do everything we can to promote a strong supply, fueled by our great beef producers.”

PSJA ISD Tops Region With $96M in Tuition Savings Through STC Dual Credit

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PSJA ISD Tops Region With $96M in Tuition Savings Through STC Dual Credit
Newly released data from South Texas College (STC) shows PSJA ISD families have saved more than $96 million in college tuition costs since 2013—the highest total savings of any school district in the RGV. Image for illustration purposes

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Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) continues to lead the Rio Grande Valley in expanding access to higher education, as newly released data from South Texas College (STC) shows PSJA ISD families have saved more than $96 million in college tuition costs since 2013—the highest total savings of any school district in the RGV.

The milestone was highlighted during STC’s annual Dual Credit School Board Member Appreciation Dinner, an event celebrating more than two decades of partnerships that have transformed educational opportunities for students across the region.

Since the inception of STC’s Dual Credit Programs in 2000, families across its 21 partnering school districts have collectively saved more than $464 million in tuition. PSJA ISD’s contribution represents a significant share of that impact, underscoring the district’s long-standing commitment to college access, affordability, and student success.

“Saving PSJA families more than $96 million is about more than dollars—it represents opportunity, equity, and futures changed,” said Dr. Alejandro Elias, Superintendent of PSJA ISD. “Through our strong partnership with South Texas College, our students are earning college credit, graduating with confidence, and beginning their postsecondary journeys ahead of schedule and without the burden of college debt.”

STC Associate Vice President of Dual Credit Programs and School District Partnerships Rebecca De Leon recognized the collective impact of district partnerships during the event, which brought together nearly 200 superintendents and school board members.

“For the past 26 years, everyone in this room has worked together to transform our communities through education,” De Leon said in a press release. “Serving more than 150,000 students would not be possible without these partnerships, and the success we celebrate today demonstrates our shared commitment to students and families.”

STC’s Dual Credit Program is nationally recognized and remains the only dual credit program in Texas accredited by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), ensuring rigorous academic standards and transferable college coursework.

At PSJA ISD, dual credit is a cornerstone of the district’s nationally recognized wall to wall model, which provides students with multiple pathways to earn college credit, certificates, and associate degrees—often at no cost to families.

“This achievement reflects the vision and support of our PSJA School Board, the dedication of our educators, and the determination of our students,” Dr. Elias added. “We are proud to lead the region in creating meaningful, life-changing opportunities for all.”

For more information about PSJA ISD’s dual credit and college readiness program, visit www.psjaisd.us/whypsja

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