McAllen Public Library (MPL) has received the 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association.. Image courtesy of The City of McAllen
Texas Border Business
McAllen Public Library (MPL) has received the 2025 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association. This marks the 12th consecutive year MPL has earned this statewide recognition for service, innovation and community-focused programming. As one of the largest and most active systems in the region, it continues to set the standard for modern public libraries.
Out of more than 500 public libraries across Texas, only 101 earned this distinction, placing MPL among the top 20 percent of libraries. The award recognizes excellence across multiple service areas, including outreach to underserved populations, innovative programming, digital inclusion, workforce support, and community partnerships.
Serving thousands of residents at our three branches, MPL offers early childhood and teen programming, digital literacy classes, workforce partnerships, and large-scale cultural and literacy events that meet the community’s evolving needs.
“This recognition reflects the everyday work happening inside our libraries,” said McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil. “McAllen Public Library continues to respond to real community needs, whether that means expanding access to technology, supporting families and students, or creating welcoming spaces and that is what sets us apart.”
“This award speaks to the care, creativity, and commitment our staff bring to work every day,” said Kate Horan, Library Director. “Our focus is listening to the community and building services that are practical, welcoming, and meaningful.”
“Libraries play an essential role in how a city supports its people,” said McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. “McAllen Public Library shows what it looks like to invest in learning, access, and community and this award reflects the care and effort behind the services our residents rely on every day.”
For more information about McAllen Public Library programs and services, visit www.mcallenlibrary.net
For South Texas College (STC) alumna Amanda Thompson, 28, fitness has always been more than a passion, it’s a pathway to building confidence, community and connection for women navigating motherhood. STC image
Texas Border Business
By Veronica Salinas
For South Texas College (STC) alumna Amanda Thompson, 28, fitness has always been more than a passion, it’s a pathway to building confidence, community and connection for women navigating motherhood.
Thompson is a McAllen native, mother of three and owner of FIT4MOM McAllen, a local fitness studio designed specifically for pregnant and postpartum mothers. She graduated from STC in 2018 with a degree in Kinesiology, which laid the foundation for her work today.
Amanda Thompson. STC image
“I chose South Texas College because of its affordability and its strong sense of community,” she said. “I loved that my classes weren’t overwhelmingly large, so I never felt like just a number. I was able to build meaningful relationships with my peers and instructors, and those connections helped me grow both personally and professionally while creating very valuable networking opportunities. Plus, my whole family went through STC, so it was a no-brainer to carry on the Jaguar tradition.”
Thompson’s interest in Kinesiology stemmed from her lifelong love of dance and curiosity about how the body moves and performs. After becoming a mother, her career path shifted.
“Initially, I envisioned working with dancers in a gym setting to help improve their strength, stability, endurance and balance,” she said. “Once I became a mom, I noticed there wasn’t much for pregnant moms or new moms to get a workout in with their baby by their side. “I switched gears and pursued my pre and postnatal fitness journey. My education in Kinesiology gave me a strong foundation in human movement, exercise science and injury prevention, which I now apply daily when creating safe, effective workouts.”
While working in the fitness industry after graduation, Thompson recognized a gap in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) for inclusive, supportive fitness programs tailored to women in different stages of motherhood. So, in 2021, she took the leap and launched FIT4MOM McAllen.
FIT4MOM McAllen is part of a national fitness franchise designed specifically for mothers. Thompson discovered the brand and immediately connected with its mission. However, the nearest location was in San Antonio.
“What stood out to me was that the closest location was in San Antonio, which showed me there was a real gap in our local community,” she said. “I knew moms here deserved the same level of support, safe fitness and community, so I brought FIT4MOM to McAllen to create a space where moms feel seen, supported and empowered while navigating motherhood.”
Since opening, Thompson has witnessed powerful transformations in the women she serves.
“I’ve seen women gain confidence, strength and a true sense of belonging,” she said. “Many moms come in feeling isolated, overwhelmed or disconnected from themselves, and over time they build friendships, improve their physical and mental health and rediscover their confidence. This mission is important to me because when moms feel supported and empowered, it positively impacts their families and the entire community.”
She said starting a business came with uncertainty, especially not knowing whether the community would embrace her vision.
“The hardest part was taking the risk and not knowing if moms would actually show up or connect with what I was creating,” she said. “Putting yourself out there and offering something so personal comes with a lot of uncertainty. The most rewarding part has been seeing moms show up consistently and truly embrace the community. Watching women find strength, confidence and support in this space makes every doubt worth it, and it’s so incredibly fulfilling to know that something I believed in resonated with so many moms.”
Looking ahead, Thompson plans to expand FIT4MOM McAllen’s class offerings by adding evening and weekend classes to better serve working mothers. She also plans to continue growing community partnerships and involvement throughout the RGV.
“Most importantly, I want to keep building our village,” she said. “A supportive, welcoming community where moms feel seen, encouraged and never alone in their motherhood journey.”
Pictured above are rabies vaccine bait pouches used in the Oral Rabies Vaccination Program. Image courtesy of Hidalgo County
Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas — The Hidalgo County Health & Human Services Department’s Animal Control Services will be participating in the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Oral Rabies Vaccination Program (ORVP) as part of ongoing efforts to protect public health and control rabies in wildlife, particularly foxes and coyotes.
Beginning Monday, February 2, Animal Control Officers will begin distributing rabies vaccine bait pouches in unpopulated and rural areas of Hidalgo County. The bait will be dispersed in areas where wildlife activity is more common. It is small, coated in fishmeal, and designed to be consumed by foxes and coyotes. The vaccine helps protect wildlife from rabies, reducing the spread of the disease and the risk to people and pets.
“The goal of this initiative is to reduce the risk of rabies in wildlife, which in turn helps lower the risk of exposure for Hidalgo County residents and their pets,” said Diana Cortes-Baca, Program Manager for Public Health Environmental Services. “At the same time, keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations remains critical to protecting the health and safety of our community.”
The bait is placed in unpopulated and rural areas and is not intended for public handling. Residents who may come across a bait pouch are advised to leave it in place so it can be consumed by wildlife. In the unlikely event that a person or pet comes in contact with the bait or its contents, washing the affected area with soap and water is recommended.
For questions or to report finding a bait pouch in an unexpected area, residents may contact Hidalgo County Animal Control Services at 956-383-0111. For media inquiries, please contact Peter Salinas, Public Health Liaison, at peter.salinas@hchd.org.
Background on ORVP The Texas Department of State Health Services’ Oral Rabies Vaccination Program (ORVP) is a long-standing, statewide rabies prevention effort designed to control rabies in wildlife populations, particularly foxes and coyotes in South and West Texas along the US-Mexico border. The program was established in 1988 to prevent the spread of rabies into communities and reduce the risk of exposure for people and pets. ORVP uses a combination of aerial distribution and hand placement of rabies vaccine bait in targeted, unpopulated areas and has been used safely and effectively for decades as part of Texas’ broader public health and rabies prevention strategy. For more information, visit www.TexasORVP.org.
Mark Murray is a longtime resident of District #5. He first moved to McAllen in 2005 and has lived in District 5 for over 12 years. He believes in integrity, ethical behavior, and fiscal responsibility.
In 2019, saving Fire Station #2 first inspired Mark to run for District #5 City Commissioner. When Commissioner Haddad announced his bid for the Texas House District 41 seat, Markrecognized that he was the most qualified candidate to fill the unexpired term. He believes public safety should be a top priority of city government.
Mark is a firm believer in public service over personal ambition. He wants more transparency in city government. If elected, he wants to be the Commissioner who responds to constituents’ needs. Mark wants to work for the benefit of “All”, not just special interest groups. He wants to ensure that McAllen’s (and the RGV’s) water infrastructure and supply, as well as the electric grid, can meet the demands of continued growth. Mark also wants to continue the downtown revitalization projects to encourage increased downtown shopping.
Mark Murray has been employed as an Assistant Professor of Political Science at South Texas College (STC) for over 20 years, where he teaches American Government and Texas Politics.For 3 years, he has served as the Political Science Department Chair, where he manages a budget for the 7th largest academic department at STC.
His education is extensive. He attended the University of Kentucky from 1997 to 2002 as a Ph.D. candidate in political science where he specialized in Transnational Politics with emphases inInternational Political Economy and Latin American Politics. His research involved whether regional trading blocs were trade creating or trade diverting.
He also studied at the Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research (ICPSR) at the University of Michigan in the summer of 1998 focusing on Time-Series Analysis and Maximum Likelihood Estimation.
He received his master’s degree in political science from San Diego State University in 1997, where he specialized in Cross-national Politics with an emphasis in Latin American Politics. His master’s thesis is entitled “Privatization in Mexico and Russia: A Comparative Analysis”.
He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, Fullerton in 1993 and his associate’s degree from Saddleback College in 1990.
Mark Murray has been involved in various leadership positions at STC. He served as a Senator in the Faculty Senate from 2007 to 2009, President-Elect from 2009 to 2011, President from 2011 to 2013, and Past President from 2013 to 2015. He served again as Senator from 2016 to 2020 and as Parliamentarian from 2020 to 2024.
Mark is a member of the Texas Faculty Association (TFA), the National Education Association (NEA), and served in leadership positions for a statewide organization. He served as a member of the Texas Community College Teachers’ Association’s (TCCTA) Legislative Committee from 2015 to 2016 and the TCCTA Membership Services Committee from 2016 to 2019, where he served as the Committee Chair from 2017 to 2019. Mark is currently serving again as member of the TCCTA Legislative Committee.
Mark Murray is the President of Futuro RGV, a local, non-partisan social welfare organization.He has been active in local charitable organizations for many years, such as McAllen Citizens League, Operation Interdependence (for Veterans), and the McAllen Guns ‘N Hoses (McAllen Police and Firefighters) Benevolent Fund. Mark is also the Co-Captain for his Neighborhood Watch program.
Mark serves as Co-Chair of the McAllen Traffic Safety Commission and as a member of the McAllen Housing Finance Board. He is also the only McAllen resident who attends the City Commission Budget Workshops.
Mark Murray has always been passionate about his community and is eager to use his experience and skills to help the City of McAllen and its citizens continue to prosper.
He has been happily married to his wife, Irma (Moreno) Murray, for nearly 18 years. He has a daughter (Chrystale) and a grandson (Jasson).
Fabiola Urgel-Caporusso, Courtesy photo. Bgd for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
The Boys & Girls Club of McAllen has announced the appointment of Fabiola Urgel-Caporusso to its Board of Directors for 2026. The organization stated that it welcomed her “expertise, leadership, and commitment to community” as it continues its mission of supporting local youth and families.
Urgel-Caporusso currently serves as Senior Vice President for Commercial Lending at Vantage Bank, where she leads financial and commercial development. According to the organization, her professional background and community involvement align with the club’s goal of strengthening opportunities for young people in the McAllen area.
Born and raised in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, Urgel-Caporusso completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, graduating summa cum laude with a degree in economics and a minor in communication studies. She later earned a master’s degree in business administration. During her academic career, she held internships at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, San Antonio Branch, and the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability in Chicago. Her academic achievements also included a winning role in the national “Up To Us” competition.
Her research has contributed to the field of economics, including a published paper titled “The effect of disability income on retirement decisions and wealth” in the journal Applied Economics Letters. In 2025, her professional contributions were recognized by the Texas Bankers Association, which named her an Emerging Leader.
In addition to her professional work, Urgel-Caporusso is active in community service. She serves on several boards and committees, including Friends for Hope, Leadership McAllen, and Teach for America. She also advises her alma mater through the Graduate and Professional Programs Advisory Committee for the UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship.
The Boys & Girls Club of McAllen stated that her appointment reflects the organization’s continued focus on strong leadership and community engagement. Urgel-Caporusso lives in the Rio Grande Valley with her husband, Dr. Joseph Caporusso, and their children, Luciana and Joseph Mario.
The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, joined by local officials, project partners, and community members, marked the official groundbreaking of IMAS Fresh on Wednesday morning at 600 W. Anaya Road in the City of Pharr.
The ceremony signaled the start of construction on a new food-related facility that city leaders say will contribute to economic growth and job creation in the region. The project is part of Pharr’s broader effort to expand its role as a hub for food production, distribution, and logistics in South Texas.
Victor Perez. Courtesy photo
“Projects like IMAS Fresh demonstrate why Pharr continues to be a destination for business growth,” said Victor Perez, President and CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation. “We are proud to support developments that strengthen our local economy and create new opportunities for our residents.”
According to city officials, the facility is expected to enhance Pharr’s existing food and logistics ecosystem by leveraging the city’s strategic location and established workforce. The investment reflects continued private-sector confidence in the area and aligns with ongoing efforts to attract industries tied to trade, food processing, and distribution.
The project also highlights Pharr’s growing importance as a regional center for food-related industries in South Texas. Local leaders noted that developments such as IMAS Fresh help diversify the economy while generating new employment opportunities for residents.
Construction on the facility is expected to begin immediately following the groundbreaking. Completion is currently projected for the second quarter of 2026.
The Pharr EDC stated that it will continue working with partners and investors to support projects that promote long-term, sustainable economic growth for the City of Pharr and the surrounding region.
McAllen native, business leader, and longtime community advocate Michael Fallek announced his candidacy for the District 5 seat on the McAllen City Commission, recently vacated by Seby Haddad. The position will be decided in a special election on May 2, 2026. Courtesy image
Texas Border Business
Special to Texas Border Business
McAllen native, business leader, and longtime community advocate Michael Fallek announced his candidacy for the District 5 seat on the McAllen City Commission, recently vacated by Seby Haddad. The position will be decided in a special election on May 2, 2026.
“Seby Haddad provided tremendous leadership throughout his tenure, and our community owes him sincere gratitude for his years of dedicated service,” said Fallek. “He led with strength, responsibility, and a clear focus on McAllen’s needs. I intend to bring that same leadership and vision while building on our city’s many strengths to ensure an even stronger future.”
As District 5 Commissioner, Fallek will focus on responsible governance through sound policy decisions, strategic economic development, and fiscal oversight to support job creation and a strong local business climate. He is committed to thoughtful planning, infrastructure investment, and public safety initiatives that preserve McAllen’s role as the region’s economic leader. Fallek will work collaboratively with the Mayor and fellow Commissioners, city staff, and neighboring municipalities to ensure decisions are made in the best interest of McAllen’s residents, with a focus on the City’s long-term growth.
Fallek was born and raised in McAllen and has lived in District 5 for most of his life. Since returning to McAllen in 1998 after college and law school, Fallek has dedicated much of his free time by volunteering his knowledge and skills to be service to the City and the community as a whole. With the decades of professional and civic service, Fallek brings a strong understanding of the city’s challenges, opportunities, and future potential.
His career as an entrepreneur and community leader has reinforced his commitment to responsible growth, collaboration, and service.
Fallek has an extensive record of civic involvement, including:
Former Chairman and Board Member, McAllen Planning and Zoning Commission
Current Member, McAllen Economic Development Corporation
Former Chairman, Leadership McAllen, helping develop the city’s next generation of leaders
Former President and current Board Member, Temple Emanuel
Former Board and Executive Team Member, McAllen Chamber of Commerce
Former Chairman, McAllen Convention Center Advisory Board
Current Board Member of Valley Symphony Orchestra
Former Board Member of the American Heart Association
A third-generation McAllen resident, Fallek is a graduate of the McAllen public school system and was Salutatorian of his class at McAllen High School. He earned his undergraduate degree with highest honors from The University of Texas at Austin and later received his law degree from The University of Texas School of Law.
After completing his education, Fallek returned home to McAllen with his wife to raise their family in the community he loves. Over the past 20 years, he has helped launch and grow several successful McAllen-based businesses, primarily in hospitality and real estate, contributing to local investment and the creation of thousands of jobs throughout the Rio Grande Valley. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Texas Regional Bank for the past 15 years.
For additional information, please contact Michael Fallek at mfallek@castletx.com and follow his campaign at MichaelforMcAllen.com.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all state agencies and public universities to immediately stop filing new H-1B visa petitions and to review their current use of the program, citing concerns that the federal system has been misused at the expense of American workers. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered all state agencies and public universities to immediately stop filing new H-1B visa petitions and to review their current use of the program, citing concerns that the federal system has been misused at the expense of American workers. The directive was issued in a formal letter dated January 27, 2026, and applies to agencies led by gubernatorial appointees and to public institutions of higher education.
“The economy of Texas should work for the benefit of Texas workers and Texas employers,” Abbott wrote. He said the decision follows “recent reports of abuse in the federal H-1B visa program” and comes as the federal government reviews whether the program is being used as intended. Abbott said the H-1B system was designed to supplement the U.S. workforce, “not to replace it.”
The governor cited a proclamation issued by former President Donald Trump titled Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers, which stated that employers must make good-faith efforts to hire American workers before turning to foreign labor. Abbott wrote that in some cases employers have “fired American workers and replaced them with H-1B employees, often at lower wages,” and said the program has been used to fill jobs that “could — and should — have been filled by Texans.”
Under the order, no covered state agency or public university may submit a new H-1B petition without written approval from the Texas Workforce Commission until the end of the Texas Legislature’s 90th Regular Session on May 31, 2027. Abbott also directed agencies to submit a detailed report to the commission by March 27, 2026.
That report must list the number of new and renewed H-1B petitions filed in 2025, the number of visa holders currently employed, their countries of origin, job titles and descriptions, and visa expiration dates. Agencies must also provide documentation showing they attempted to recruit qualified Texas workers before seeking foreign labor.
Abbott said Texas has invested heavily in workforce development to ensure residents can fill high-skill jobs. He pointed to $5 billion in education and training investments approved in 2023, along with additional workforce funding in 2025, aimed at aligning education with in-demand skills. He said those efforts have helped make Texas “the best state in the nation to work” and that the state would not reverse that progress.
“State government must lead by example,” Abbott wrote, adding that jobs funded by taxpayers should be filled by Texans whenever possible. He said the pause will give lawmakers time to consider new state safeguards, allow Congress to revisit federal visa law, and give the federal administration an opportunity to reform the program.
The Texas Workforce Commission was instructed to issue any guidance needed to carry out the order.
The Commission’s action allows TxDOT to enter into an agreement with the City of Edinburg to fund important infrastructure improvements at the airport. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Senator Juan ‘Chuy’ Hinojosa
AUSTIN — The Texas Transportation Commission approved a $10 million award to the South Texas International Airport in Edinburg. These funds were allocated to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) through a budget amendment submitted by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Chairman Terry Canales during the 2025 legislative session. The Commission’s action allows TxDOT to enter into an agreement with the City of Edinburg to fund important infrastructure improvements at the airport.
Senator Hinojosa, Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, stated, “It has been a great week for the South Texas International Airport in Edinburg. Earlier this week, they held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a $10.9 million DPS hangar, and today, TxDOT formally awarded $10 million in grant funding that our RGV legislative delegation was able to secure for the airport.” He added, “This is a significant investment from the state, adding to the $10 million we secured during the 2023 session, bringing the total funding for the upcoming infrastructure project to $20 million.”
The South Texas International Airport in Edinburg serves not only as a hub for law enforcement and first responders, but also for other users. The goal of the city leadership is to expand commercial activity and enhance air cargo capabilities. The $10 million awarded in 2023 funded the design and engineering for the runway expansion project, which included replacing lighting and visual navigation aids, upgrading drainage systems, and preparing to extend the existing 5,000-foot runway to 6,000 feet. The funding awarded today will be used for the construction of the runway expansion and other key infrastructure improvements.
Senator Hinojosa emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “The investment will help boost the City of Edinburg and strengthen the airport. A longer runway will not only further help us meet our public safety needs but will also make the airport more competitive for air cargo companies, create new businesses and jobs, and promote economic development in this part of the city.”
With today’s approval, TxDOT expects the City of Edinburg to begin construction of the project soon. Senator Hinojosa concluded, “I appreciate the Texas Transportation Commission for taking quick action on this funding, TxDOT Aviation for their support of the Edinburg Airport, and the City of Edinburg’s leadership and staff for their advocacy and commitment to this project.”
Information source: The Office of Senator Hinojosa
U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar sits between Laredo City Councilmember Melissa R. Cigarroa and Pastor Mike Smith during a press conference at the Holding Community Center in Laredo, where officials discussed ICE’s release of detained families and the role of local organizations in providing humanitarian assistance. Courtesy Image.
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Pastor Mike Smith, director of the Holding Community Center in Laredo, said the recent release of immigrant families by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement marks a moment that calls for compassion and responsibility, as local organizations respond to an increase in families arriving from federal detention.
“And perhaps this is a shift in the moral compass of the current administration,” Smith said. “I don’t know, but if it is, I would call on them to err on the side of humanity and to do something that is without questioning — it’s just the right thing to do.”
Smith said his organization has recently seen families released from detention facilities arrive in Laredo with little more than the clothes they are wearing. He said the goal of the Holding Community Center is simple: provide food, shelter, and safety while families figure out their next steps.
“We’re talking about simple things,” Smith said. “Receiving people, providing food and shelter, and doing it in a safe way. We don’t want people on the streets, and we want to help as many people as we can.”
The comments came during a press conference at the Holding Community Center, where U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar confirmed that ICE has begun releasing families from the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley and transferring them to Laredo.
“I held a press conference to raise awareness about ICE transferring detained families from the Dilley facility to Laredo,” Cuellar said. “They are being released to local shelters and expected to make their way back to their communities.”
Cuellar said the releases began increasing in January and are expected to continue. He said the families include both recent border crossers and individuals who were already living in the United States and attending immigration court hearings.
“Some of them were picked up when they were going to immigration court,” Cuellar said. “They go to the facility, they spend time there, and then they’re released.”
He said the releases are tied to the Flores Settlement Agreement of 1997, which limits how long children can be held in immigration detention. “There’s still the Flores Settlement Agreement that says kids are not supposed to be held more than maybe 21 days,” Cuellar said. “So, they are released.”
According to Cuellar, the process is not new and has been used under multiple administrations. What has changed, he said, is the number of families being released and the strain it places on local nonprofit organizations.
Families released by ICE are taken to nonprofit shelters like the Holding Community Center, where they are given food, clothing, access to phones, and help arranging transportation to relatives or sponsors. If they arrive late at night, they may stay temporarily. If they arrive during the day, many leave within hours after contacting family members.
“They’re not staying for days,” Cuellar said. “They want to get back to their families as soon as they can.”
Cuellar said many of those released face uncertainty because their immigration cases effectively restart. “They go back not knowing what will happen next — whether they still have a job, a home, or a place to stay,” he said.
Cuellar also referenced the federal Humanitarian Relief Program, which he helped create during the Obama administration, to assist border communities dealing with the release of migrants. He said the program initially provided modest funding to help local governments and nonprofits cover basic needs such as food, shelter, and transportation. As migrant arrivals increased and other cities began requesting assistance, the program expanded significantly. “When it got to about $800 million, that’s when it was canceled,” Cuellar said, explaining that political opposition and misinformation about how the funds were being used led to its termination. He said the loss of the program has left local organizations to rely heavily on donations and volunteers to continue providing humanitarian aid.
Laredo City Council member Melissa R. Cigarroa praised local groups for continuing their work despite limited resources.
“I want to express my deep appreciation to the organizations here in the city of Laredo whose mission is to help people in a dignified way and to keep families together,” Cigarroa said. “The city will do everything possible to support organizations that are helping people through this process.”
Smith said, regardless of politics, the focus remains on helping people in need.
“This is about doing what’s right,” he said. “These are families, and they deserve to be treated with dignity.”
