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36th Infantry Division Bids Farewell at Camp Mabry Before Middle East Mission

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36th Infantry Division Bids Farewell at Camp Mabry Before Middle East Mission
The ceremony marked an important milestone in the division’s deployment process, recognizing the dedication of service members and the sacrifices of their families. Photo by Staff Sgt. Christina Clardy via Texas Military Department
The ceremony marked an important milestone in the division’s deployment process, recognizing the dedication of service members and the sacrifices of their families. Photo by Staff Sgt. Christina Clardy via Texas Military Department

Texas Border Business

By 1st Lt. Zalkari Thornton 
36th Infantry Division (TXARNG) / Texas Military Department

AUSTIN, Texas — Arrowhead Soldiers assigned to the 36th Infantry Division gathered with family members, friends, and community leaders, Jan. 31, at Camp Mabry for a farewell ceremony as they prepare to deploy to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

The ceremony marked an important milestone in the division’s deployment process, recognizing the dedication of service members and the sacrifices of their families. Following the farewell at Camp Mabry, the division will continue readiness training and final mission validation prior to deployment.

Maj. Gen. John “Brad” Bowlin, commander of the 36th Infantry Division, addressed service members and families during the ceremony, emphasizing readiness, leadership, and the critical role families play throughout the deployment cycle.

“As we prepare to deploy, we do so grounded in a legacy that began in 1917 and continues today,” said Bowlin. “This moment reflects months of preparation and the unwavering commitment of our service members and their families as we move forward ready, disciplined, and focused on the mission ahead.”

Beyond marking a milestone in the deployment process, the ceremony underscored the people behind the formation — the service members preparing to deploy and the families who support them.

“This deployment gives me the opportunity to contribute in a way that directly supports national defense initiatives and strengthens partnerships with host nations,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joshua Caldwell, a senior intelligence analyst with the 36th Infantry Division. “Working across staff sections to support commanders and the mission is something I take pride in, especially as a first-generation service member.”

Family members in attendance reflected on the significance of the moment and the support required throughout the deployment.

“This deployment brings a mix of emotions, but I know it will be a meaningful season of growth for both of us,” said Katrina Bondoc, wife of 2nd Lt. James Bondoc. “It gives him the opportunity to grow, serve his country, and step into the leader he is becoming.”

The 36th Infantry Division will deploy as part of Task Force Spartan, supporting U.S. Army Central’s enduring mission to strengthen regional security, reassure allies and partners, and maintain a ready and forward-postured force in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

For the division, this deployment continues a long history of overseas service, following its most recent mobilization in 2020 in support of Operation Spartan Shield.

Created in 1917, the 36th Infantry Division first saw combat during World War I. During World War II, its amphibious assault at Salerno, Italy, made it the first American division to land on the European continent. Throughout the Cold War, the division maintained a constant overseas presence, followed by peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and Kosovo and multiple deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, and most recently, Spartan Shield.

Operation Spartan Shield promotes stability across the region and reinforces the United States’ enduring commitment to its allies and partners in the Middle East. The deployment highlights the National Guard’s ability to provide trained and ready forces in support of global operational requirements.

An official casing of the colors ceremony is scheduled for March and will formally mark the division’s deployment following completion of training and readiness validation at Fort Hood.

“We are Texans, we are Guardsmen, and we are ready,” said Bowlin. “We go as a team, we serve as a team, and we will all come home as a team.”

Information source: Texas Military department

A New Era Begins as SpaceX Integrates xAI to Power Humanity’s Expansion to the Stars

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A New Era Begins as SpaceX Integrates xAI to Power Humanity’s Expansion to the Stars
This marks not just the next chapter, but the next book in SpaceX and xAI's mission: scaling to make a sentient sun to understand the Universe and extend the light of consciousness to the stars! Image courtesy of SpaceX
This marks not just the next chapter, but the next book in SpaceX and xAI’s mission: scaling to make a sentient sun to understand the Universe and extend the light of consciousness to the stars! Image courtesy of SpaceX

Texas Border Business

By Elon Musk

SpaceX has acquired xAI to form the most ambitious, vertically-integrated innovation engine on (and off) Earth, with AI, rockets, space-based internet, direct-to-mobile device communications and the world’s foremost real-time information and free speech platform. This marks not just the next chapter, but the next book in SpaceX and xAI’s mission: scaling to make a sentient sun to understand the Universe and extend the light of consciousness to the stars!

Current advances in AI are dependent on large terrestrial data centers, which require immense amounts of power and cooling. Global electricity demand for AI simply cannot be met with terrestrial solutions, even in the near term, without imposing hardship on communities and the environment.

In the long term, space-based AI is obviously the only way to scale. To harness even a millionth of our Sun’s energy would require over a million times more energy than our civilization currently uses! 

The only logical solution therefore is to transport these resource-intensive efforts to a location with vast power and space. I mean, space is called “space” for a reason. 😂

By directly harnessing near-constant solar power with little operating or maintenance costs, these satellites will transform our ability to scale compute. It’s always sunny in space! Launching a constellation of a million satellites that operate as orbital data centers is a first step towards becoming a Kardashev II-level civilization, one that can harness the Sun’s full power, while supporting AI-driven applications for billions of people today and ensuring humanity’s multi-planetary future.

In the history of spaceflight, there has never been a vehicle capable of launching the megatons of mass that space-based data centers or permanent bases on the Moon and cities on Mars require. Even in 2025, the most prolific year in history in terms of the number of orbital launches, only about 3000 tons of payload was launched into orbit, primarily consisting of Starlink satellites carried by our Falcon rocket.

The requirement to launch thousands of satellites to orbit became a forcing function for the Falcon program, driving recursive improvements to reach the unprecedented flight rates necessary to make space-based internet a reality. This year, Starship will begin delivering the much more powerful V3 Starlink satellites to orbit, with each launch adding more than 20 times the capacity to the constellation as the current Falcon launches of the V2 Starlink satellites. Starship will also launch the next generation of direct-to-mobile satellites, which will deliver full cellular coverage everywhere on Earth.

The basic math is that launching a million tons per year of satellites generating 100 kW of compute power per ton would add 100 gigawatts of AI compute capacity annually, with no ongoing operational or maintenance needs. Ultimately, there is a path to launching 1 TW/year from Earth. Image courtesy of SpaceX

While the need to launch these satellites will act as a similar forcing function to drive Starship improvements and launch rates, the sheer number of satellites that will be needed for space-based data centers will push Starship to even greater heights. With launches every hour carrying 200 tons per flight, Starship will deliver millions of tons to orbit and beyond per year, enabling an exciting future where humanity is out exploring amongst the stars.

The basic math is that launching a million tons per year of satellites generating 100 kW of compute power per ton would add 100 gigawatts of AI compute capacity annually, with no ongoing operational or maintenance needs. Ultimately, there is a path to launching 1 TW/year from Earth. 

My estimate is that within 2 to 3 years, the lowest cost way to generate AI compute will be in space. This cost-efficiency alone will enable innovative companies to forge ahead in training their AI models and processing data at unprecedented speeds and scales, accelerating breakthroughs in our understanding of physics and invention of technologies to benefit humanity. 

This new constellation will build upon the well-established space sustainability design and operational strategies, including end-of-life disposal, that have proven successful for SpaceX’s existing broadband satellite systems.

While launching AI satellites from Earth is the immediate focus, Starship’s capabilities will also enable operations on other worlds. Thanks to advancements like in-space propellant transfer, Starship will be capable of landing massive amounts of cargo on the Moon. Once there, it will be possible to establish a permanent presence for scientific and manufacturing pursuits. Factories on the Moon can take advantage of lunar resources to manufacture satellites and deploy them further into space. By using an electromagnetic mass driver and lunar manufacturing, it is possible to put 500 to 1000 TW/year of AI satellites into deep space, meaningfully ascend the Kardashev scale and harness a non-trivial percentage of the Sun’s power. 

The capabilities we unlock by making space-based data centers a reality will fund and enable self-growing bases on the Moon, an entire civilization on Mars and ultimately expansion to the Universe.

Thank you for everything you have done and will do for the light cone of consciousness. 

Ad Astra!
Elon

Information source: SpaceX

Second Key Handoff of 2026 Marks Another Rebuilt Home for Edinburg Resident

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Second Key Handoff of 2026 Marks Another Rebuilt Home for Edinburg Resident
The home was fully rebuilt following the demolition of a substandard structure, ensuring the homeowner now has housing that is safe, sanitary, and affordable. Courtesy image

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas — Hidalgo County Commissioner Precinct 4 Ellie Torres, in partnership with the Hidalgo County Urban County Program (UCP), commemorated the second Key Handoff Ceremony of the year for a newly reconstructed home in Edinburg completed through the HOME Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program.

The home was fully rebuilt following the demolition of a substandard structure, ensuring the homeowner now has housing that is safe, sanitary, and affordable. This milestone reflects Hidalgo County’s continued commitment to strengthening neighborhoods, preserving housing stock, and supporting families in need across Precinct 4.

The Edinburg home prior to demolition and reconstruction, Courtesy image

The HOME Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program, administered by the Hidalgo County Urban County Program, provides rehabilitation and reconstruction assistance to eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners. The program’s objective is to halt the deterioration of substandard housing by working collaboratively with qualified homeowners and contractors to maintain decent and secure living conditions throughout the county.

The reconstruction of this home was completed with assistance from Quality Investments, a trusted partner contractor with the Urban County Program.

“Celebrating our second key handoff this year shows that our work is not just happening, it is making real, measurable progress for our residents,” said Commissioner Ellie Torres. “Every rebuilt home is a renewed foundation for a family’s future. I am grateful for our Urban County team, our contractor partners, and most importantly, for the homeowners who place their trust in us as we work together to improve quality of life in Precinct 4.”

“This second key handoff is a testament to the momentum of our housing efforts and the strong partnerships that make these projects possible,” said Joel Rivera, Director of the Hidalgo County Urban County Program. “Our goal is not only to rebuild homes, but to rebuild stability for families across Hidalgo County. We remain dedicated to expanding access to safe and affordable housing while preserving the integrity of our communities.”

The Key Handoff Ceremony formally recognizes the completion of this reconstruction and the coordinated efforts that brought the project to fruition.

For more information about the HOME Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program or future housing assistance opportunities, please contact the Hidalgo County Urban County Program at (956) 787-8127.

Starbucks Plans Major U.S. Expansion with Hundreds of New Stores and More Seating

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Starbucks Plans Major U.S. Expansion with Hundreds of New Stores and More Seating
The strategy was outlined during a recent investor presentation, in which the coffee giant said it expects to open as many as 175 new U.S. stores this year and projects roughly 400 additional openings by 2028 as it works to increase its national footprint. Image for illustration purposes. Bgd image: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

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Texas Border Business

Starbucks is preparing for a significant phase of domestic growth, with plans to open hundreds of new locations across the United States while enhancing the in-store experience with additional seating, according to the Associated Press.

The strategy was outlined during a recent investor presentation, in which the coffee giant said it expects to open as many as 175 new U.S. stores this year and projects roughly 400 additional openings by 2028 as it works to increase its national footprint.

Leadership signaled confidence in long-term demand for café spaces that encourage customers to gather, work, and socialize. While drive-thru and mobile ordering remain central to Starbucks’ business, the company is placing renewed emphasis on stores designed to function as community hubs.

The expansion includes smaller-format cafés that are estimated to cost about 20 percent less to build than traditional locations, the Associated Press reported. Despite their reduced size, the stores are expected to retain key features such as seating areas, drive-thru access, and mobile pickup capabilities.

Starbucks also plans to increase seating capacity across its existing portfolio, targeting approximately 25,000 additional seats in U.S. stores by the end of its fiscal year. The effort is already underway, with hundreds of locations updated and a modernization initiative scheduled to continue through 2028.

Executives see considerable room for future growth, noting the potential for thousands more cafés nationwide. Expansion efforts are expected to focus on the country’s central, southern, and northeastern regions, according to the report.

Alongside physical growth, Starbucks is pursuing operational improvements and menu innovation, including customizable energy drinks and updates to its loyalty program. The company reported its strongest U.S. quarterly sales performance in two years and anticipates continued gains in both revenue and same-store sales.

Source: The Associated Press, Jan. 29, 2026.

Daycare Manager Arrested as Edinburg PD Probes Child Injury Case

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Daycare Manager Arrested as Edinburg PD Probes Child Injury Case
On Monday, February 2, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m., investigators took 58-year-old Alma Enriquez Garza, the manager of the daycare, into custody. Image courtesy of The City of Edinburg
On Monday, February 2, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m., investigators took 58-year-old Alma Enriquez Garza, the manager of the daycare, into custody. Image courtesy of The City of Edinburg

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EDINBURG, Texas — The Edinburg Police Department is actively investigating an Injury to a Child case involving an incident at a local daycare facility.

On Monday, February 2, 2026, at approximately 11:00 a.m., investigators took 58-year-old Alma Enriquez Garza, the manager of the daycare, into custody. Garza has been charged with Tampering with Evidence, a third-degree felony under Texas law.

Following her arrest, Garza was arraigned and released on a $15,000 personal recognizance bond.

This case remains under active investigation. Additional details will be released as they become available.

The Edinburg Police Department encourages anyone with information relevant to this case to contact the Edinburg PD Criminal Investigations Division.

See related story:

Edinburg Police Investigate Injury to One‑Year‑Old at Local Daycare

A Life Dedicated to Youth, Sports, and Community

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A Life Dedicated to Youth, Sports, and Community
Juan Jose “JJ” Gomez. Courtesy image
Juan Jose “JJ” Gomez. Courtesy image

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Texas Border Business

Juan Jose “JJ” Gomez Jr., a longtime educator, coach, and Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Laredo, died unexpectedly on December 23, 2025. City officials confirmed his passing and described him as a dedicated public servant whose work touched generations of young athletes and families across Laredo. Gomez was 61 years old.

Gomez was born and raised in Laredo and spent most of his professional life serving the community where he grew up. Before entering city government, he spent nearly three decades in education and coaching with the United Independent School District. He spent 19 years at United High School, where he served as an assistant coach in multiple sports before becoming the head baseball coach. Over 10 seasons as head coach, his teams compiled a 251-88-5 record, won five district championships, and advanced to the playoffs every year, according to records cited in local reporting and his published obituary.

Former players and colleagues frequently described Gomez as a coach who emphasized discipline, teamwork, and personal growth. While wins and championships marked his career, those who worked with him noted that his focus remained on student development both on and off the field. After 29 years in education and coaching, Gomez retired from the classroom in 2016.

That same year, Gomez began a new chapter in public service by joining the City of Laredo Parks and Recreation Department. He initially served as athletic superintendent, overseeing city sports leagues and facilities. After three years in that role, he was appointed interim director and was officially named Parks and Recreation Director in November 2019. As director, Gomez led a department responsible for more than 90 parks, as well as multiple recreation centers, sports fields, swimming pools, tennis courts, and other public amenities throughout the city.

City officials said Gomez brought the same passion and organization he displayed as a coach to his work in municipal government. His leadership coincided with a period of significant expansion and planning within the Parks and Recreation Department, including upgrades to neighborhood parks and the development of large-scale projects intended to serve the city’s growing population.

Among those projects, the Buena Vista Sports Complex became one of the most prominent. Gomez played a central role in advancing the multi-million-dollar development, which city leaders described as one of the most ambitious sports and recreation investments in Laredo’s history. Although the project faced delays over several years, colleagues said Gomez remained committed to completing it and worked closely with city management, elected officials, and community stakeholders.

Following his death, city leaders honored his contributions by naming the championship field at the Buena Vista Sports Complex the Juan Jose “JJ” Gomez Championship Field. During the complex’s grand opening ceremony, officials publicly recognized his leadership and vision, stating that his legacy would continue through the facility and the thousands of children and families who will use it in the years ahead.

In official statements and public remarks, colleagues consistently highlighted Gomez’s character as much as his professional achievements. City leaders described him as approachable, dedicated, and deeply invested in the well-being of Laredo’s youth. His work was often characterized as service-driven, guided by the belief that access to safe, high-quality recreational spaces plays a critical role in community health and opportunity.

Gomez is survived by his wife, Michelle Gomez, and other family members, who were frequently acknowledged by city officials for their support of his public service career. Those who worked closely with him said his family was central to his life and that he often spoke about them with pride.

The City of Laredo said Gomez’s impact will continue to be felt across parks, ballfields, and recreation centers throughout the community. While his position will eventually be filled, officials emphasized that his influence on local sports, youth development, and public recreation cannot be easily replaced. Through decades of coaching and public service, Juan Jose “JJ” Gomez helped shape the lives of countless young people and left a permanent mark on the city he served.

Nearly $150M Returned to Victims and Taxpayers

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Nearly $150M Returned to Victims and Taxpayers
Across all criminal matters, the Southern District of Texas collected $21,572,847.34 in restitution for crime victims and recovered an additional $85,932,764.13 through civil enforcement actions for the American taxpayer. Image for illustration purposes
Across all criminal matters, the Southern District of Texas collected $21,572,847.34 in restitution for crime victims and recovered an additional $85,932,764.13 through civil enforcement actions for the American taxpayer. Image for illustration purposes

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

HOUSTON – A total of $148,149,674.47 has been collected in combined criminal, civil and asset forfeiture actions in calendar year 2025.

Across all criminal matters, the Southern District of Texas collected $21,572,847.34 in restitution for crime victims and recovered an additional $85,932,764.13 through civil enforcement actions for the American taxpayer. Working with partner agencies and divisions, the Southern District also collected $40,644,063 through asset forfeiture. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

“The Southern District of Texas’ mission is not only to protect the physical safety of our fellow citizens, but also to safeguard the taxpayer from fraud and abuse. Over the past year, my office has pursued an aggressive enforcement strategy to recover debts owed to crime victims and the American people. Those efforts have proven successful. The funds we recovered represent the delivery of justice and concrete results for taxpayers,” said Ganjei. “By imposing considerable financial penalties on offenders, my office will continue to make crime more costly and less profitable. Our case results send a loud and unequivocal message to would-be offenders: crime doesn’t pay.”

One matter that has led to some of the significant collections includes the case against Emylee Thai. She allegedly owned and operated a lab which submitted claims to Medicare for genetic testing that were medically unnecessary, induced by kickbacks and included false statements as to dates of service and diagnosis codes, all designed to improperly inflate reimbursements. She fled the country, which paused the criminal prosecution. However, the Southern District of Texas filed a civil forfeiture action seeking approximately $5 million in real property tied to the scheme. The court entered a default judgment, and the properties were successfully forfeited. The case is being prosecuted in partnership with the Criminal Division’s Texas Health Care Fraud Strike Force.

The district has ongoing proceedings and is also seeking forfeiture in other significant matters to include a Medicare fraud scheme involving $90 million in fraudulent billing. A podiatrist and self-proclaimed CEO of a local medical clinic, David Jenson and Nestor Rafael Romero Magallanes, both of Spring, allegedly conspired to fraudulently bill Medicare for skin substitute products for patients who did not have qualifying wounds – or any wounds at all – and falsified medical records to support these fraudulent claims. SDTX has seized approximately $83 million in alleged fraud proceeds, with nearly $70 million of it in cryptocurrency, and is seeking forfeiture of those monies as part of the prosecution and parallel civil forfeiture matter.

A case out of South Texas charging two family members with illicit oil importation, money laundering and material support to a Mexican cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization, has also led to significant forfeiture seizures and restraints. Maxwell Sterling Jensen, Draper, Utah, and James Lael Jensen, Sandy, Utah, allegedly funneled U.S. currency to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion and facilitated illicit crude oil shipments into the United States. The pending criminal case seeks the imposition of an estimated $300 million money judgment as well as the forfeiture of funds, vehicles, oil barges and real properties.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the federal government and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. Restitution is paid to the victim; criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which then distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and assistance programs.

The Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.

Updated February 2, 2026

Mexican National Sentenced to 51 Months for Smuggling Drugs with Family in Vehicle

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Mexican National Sentenced to 51 Months for Smuggling Drugs with Family in Vehicle
On Feb. 14, 2025, Cusi approached the International Bridge No. 2 in a sedan with his wife and minor son as passengers. An x-ray of his vehicle revealed anomalies in the center of the car, prompting further inspection. Authorities drilled into the undercarriage and discovered an aftermarket compartment containing six bundles with 4.02 kilograms of fentanyl and 2.05 kilograms of cocaine. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

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

LAREDO, Texas – A 50-year-old resident of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison after admitting to conspiring to import four kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of cocaine from Mexico.

Erik Villegas Cusi pleaded guilty Sept. 29, 2025. 

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now ordered Cusi to serve 51 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence Jan. 29, the court noted the toxic nature of this drug and the effect it currently has on the population of the United States. 

On Feb. 14, 2025, Cusi approached the International Bridge No. 2 in a sedan with his wife and minor son as passengers. An x-ray of his vehicle revealed anomalies in the center of the car, prompting further inspection. Authorities drilled into the undercarriage and discovered an aftermarket compartment containing six bundles with 4.02 kilograms of fentanyl and 2.05 kilograms of cocaine. 

Cusi initially denied knowledge of the drugs and claimed a mechanic in Mexico may have been responsible. In the presence of law enforcement, he contacted the mechanic who confirmed he had only performed brake work. 

Further investigation revealed significant underbody modifications to create the hidden compartment. The muffler and catalytic converter had been removed, reshaped and rewelded before installation. There were also cuts beneath the center console and additional insulation used to seal the compartment after the drugs were placed there. 

As part of his plea, Cusi admitted he had conspired with others in Mexico to smuggle the drugs into the United States during the family trip. According to documents filed with the court, Cusi knew he was transporting the drugs from Mexico into the United States at Laredo and was then supposed to deliver the drug-laden vehicle to other people in the United States.

Cusi has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, its Laredo Evidence Collection Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration Southwest Regional Laboratory. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez prosecuted 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. 

New STC Clinic Prepares Next Generation of Cyber Defenders

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New STC Clinic Prepares Next Generation of Cyber Defenders
“This has been a long journey,” said Nicholas Hinojosa, assistant professor of Computer Science and principal investigator for the project. STC image
“This has been a long journey,” said Nicholas Hinojosa, assistant professor of Computer Science and principal investigator for the project. STC image

Texas Border Business

By Joey Gomez

McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College has officially launched its Cybersecurity Clinic designed to help local businesses in cyber defense planning.

STC’s Cybersecurity Program held an orientation for its first-ever cohort of 12 students selected from the college’s bachelor’s program in Computer and Information Technologies (CIT) as well as its cybersecurity associate and certificate degree programs.

STC’s Cybersecurity Program held an orientation for its first-ever cohort of 12 students that kicks off the region’s first Cybersecurity Clinic for local businesses. STC image

“This has been a long journey,” said Nicholas Hinojosa, assistant professor of Computer Science and principal investigator for the project. “From writing the proposal to getting it approved and planning everything out, it’s exciting to finally see it happening.”

Backed by a $467,000 Advanced Technological Education grant from the National Science Foundation, the three-year initiative marks the Rio Grande Valley’s first cybersecurity clinic to provide free services to small businesses and nonprofit organizations while preparing students to make an immediate impact in the region’s growing digital workforce.

Working in teams, students will visit participating organizations to assess risk, perform vulnerability analyses and provide cybersecurity awareness training. Students will perform the work supervised by their instructors.

Students are set to gain hands-on experience in areas such as incident response planning, penetration testing and cyber defense strategies, which are skills in demand as cybersecurity attacks are on the rise, according to Hinojosa.

“A lot of small businesses may feel that they are not targets, but they actually are,” Hinojosa said. “They are often under-resourced and very vulnerable. Our goal is to help them prepare so they are not the next business in the news after a cyber incident.”

Through the clinic, STC also becomes a member of the International Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, joining universities across the nation and abroad to provide community-based cybersecurity services.

Francisco Salinas, STC Cybersecurity assistant professor, department chair and co-principal investigator, said the orientation is the culmination of months of planning and collaboration to see it come to fruition.

STC’s Cybersecurity labs already mirror real-world networks with independent firewalls, switches and infrastructure, but working directly with businesses introduces new challenges for students, he said.

“In the classroom, it’s a controlled environment, but out there in the real-world, things don’t always work out the way you expect,” Salinas said. “This is how the industry really works, and that experience is invaluable for our students.”

One student, Marc Cardenas, who is working towards his bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Technologies, was among those selected to join the clinic’s first cohort.

Cardenas said the opportunity will help him build the required experience employers are looking for in a competitive job market.

“Many IT jobs require experience,” Cardenas said. “Now I will be able to say I worked with real businesses through STC and that will help me in the future. I believe businesses should have the best security possible and being able to assist with that is a great first step into my professional career.”

For those like Hinojosa and Salinas who are leading the project, the clinic reflects a broader effort to meet the region’s growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals while strengthening the local economy.

By working in partnership with businesses, STC is not just teaching theory – the college is developing the talent to protect businesses, support economic growth and keep the region competitive for generations.

“The Rio Grande Valley needs this workforce,” Hinojosa said. “Companies need people who are trained, prepared and ready to protect critical systems from day one.”  

Measure Seeks Penalties for Transporting Minors for Abortions

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Measure Seeks Penalties for Transporting Minors for Abortions
“Too often, minors are trafficked across state lines in an attempt to evade state laws and undermine the rights of parents,” said Sen. Cornyn. Image for illustration purposes

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Senator John Cornyn

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) cosponsored the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act, which would make it a crime to knowingly transport a minor across state lines for an abortion if parental consent or notification requirements of the state of residence are not met:

“Too often, minors are trafficked across state lines in an attempt to evade state laws and undermine the rights of parents,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By making it illegal to transport a minor to another state for an abortion without abiding by the relevant laws and parental consent requirements, this legislation would honor the rights of parents, protect children, and save our most vulnerable lives.”

The legislation is being led by U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-FL) and is also cosponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Jim Risch (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), John Kennedy (R-LA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), James Lankford (R-OK), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE).

Background:

The Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act would amend federal law to make it illegal to knowingly transport a minor across state lines in order to obtain an abortion by evading a state’s parental consent and notification requirements. This legislation would also make it a crime to knowingly perform an abortion on a minor who was taken across state lines in violation of these state requirements. The bill would strengthen protections for parents and families by ensuring state parental notification and consent laws apply even when a minor is taken out of state for an abortion.

This legislation is endorsed by National Right to Life, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, Students for Life Action, National Right to Life, Priests for Life, Americans United for Life, and March for Life Action.

Information source: Office of Senator Cornyn

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