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DPS Highlights its Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) Program

Jan 9, 2026

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is spotlighting its Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program ahead of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Sunday, Jan. 11. Photo: Texas DPS

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AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is spotlighting its Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) program ahead of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Sunday, Jan. 11. IPC is a human trafficking and crimes against children program that trains front-line officers to recognize indicators that a child may be a victim, at risk of victimization or missing.

“Protecting children from exploitation requires more than awareness — it requires trained officers who know what to look for and how to respond,” said Training Operations Division Chief Derek Prestridge. “Through the IPC program, DPS is equipping law enforcement with the tools to recognize the warning signs, take swift, victim-centered action and work across agencies to rescue children to hold offenders accountable.”

Throughout 2025, DPS’ IPC personnel delivered training across four states and conducted international training in Canada on two occasions with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The department taught 18 IPC basic courses and four Train-the-Trainer courses, training 695 students and certifying 38 new IPC instructors. IPC personnel also presented at 29 conferences, reaching more than 2,700 attendees.

In the field, IPC training continued to produce measurable results. In 2025, 57 DPS Troopers reported calling in IPC-related traffic stops, resulting in 23 child rescues.

Additional 2025 highlights include:

• IPC delivered three Texas Patrol Operation Briefings, including sessions for the South Texas • Human Trafficking Task Force in McAllen, Army Fort Hood leadership in Florence and Texas • Highway Patrol personnel in Canton. An IPC traffic enforcement initiative followed the Canton briefing.

• In February and September 2025, IPC conducted Train-the-Trainer courses in Canada, certifying 22 instructors within the RCMP.

• In March 2025, a Texas DPS Trooper initiated a traffic stop involving an adult male and a female child. Using IPC training, the Trooper recognized indicators that the child was at risk and coordinated with the Criminal Investigations Division and Texas Rangers. The child made an outcry, was placed into emergency protective custody and then safely returned to her legal guardian. Federal charges for enticement of a minor and production of child pornography were filed against the male suspect.

• In October 2025, IPC secured more than $174,000 in additional funding through a U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant to support continued program expansion.

• IPC formalized a partnership with the Human Trafficking Institute to enhance collaboration, investigative strategies, specialized training and victim-centered enforcement efforts across Texas.

• The Australian Institute of Criminology and the Australian Government recognized IPC with a Silver Award at the 2025 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.

• IPC partner Queensland Police Service trained more than 230 officers through eight IPC courses in 2025, leading to five child rescues and the submission of 106 IPC intelligence reports.

Since its inception, IPC training has contributed to the rescue of thousands of trafficking victims and the initiation of hundreds of criminal investigations nationwide. In Texas alone, more than 640 children have been rescued and more than 400 criminal investigations have been initiated.

More About IPC

DPS developed the IPC program to help front-line law enforcement officers identify and rescue endangered or exploited children and identify those who pose a high-risk threat to a child. While law enforcement officers are well-trained and highly proficient in making observations of suspicious behaviors leading to arrests and successful interdictions of illicit drugs, weapons and currency, this program works to expand their training and knowledge so they can take a victim-centered approach in working child victimization cases and identifying those who offend against children.

IPC is a comprehensive training course covering topics from understanding victims and offenders, legal issues and authority, working with children, the officer’s role to understanding indicators, intelligence reporting as well as identifying and working with local/state resources such as child and victim services.

As of November 2025, IPC has trained more than 15,000 law enforcement officers and child service professionals in over 40 states, U.S. territories and tribal nations. The program’s core message is to Stop Waiting for Children to Ask for Help.

Learn more about how to request IPC training, here.

###(HQ 2026-004) Texas DPS

Houston Man Sentenced to 5 years for $1.5M Immigration Fraud Scheme

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Jan 9, 2026

A 58-year-old local resident has been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud and stealing nearly $1.5 million. Image for illustration purposes

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

HOUSTON – A 58-year-old local resident has been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to commit mail and wire fraud and stealing nearly $1.5 million.

Jesus Carlos Silva pleaded guilty July 9, 2025, to defrauding individuals with false promises of legal status.

U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks has now ordered Silva to serve 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how Silva made false promises that he could help people obtain U.S. citizenship and/or other legal immigration status in under a year. The court also heard how Silva recruited individuals at churches and obtained payments between $10,000-15,000 yet offered nothing in return.

From March 2022 through December 2024, Silva pretended to be an immigration attorney affiliated with a Houston-based law firm. He charged thousands of dollars per person for his “assistance,” collecting payments through checks and money orders. He never provided legitimate immigration help and made excuses for delays before ultimately cutting off communication.

As part of the scheme, Silva also instructed several individuals to travel to Houston for what they thought were appointments with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. However, once they arrived, there were no such appointments.

He admitted to stealing more than $1,450,555 from over 100 people living in Texas, Illinois, Louisiana and Florida.

He was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Rodolfo Ramirez are prosecuting the case.

Updated January 8, 2026

Laredo Man Gets 11‑Year Sentence in Cartel‑Connected Human Smuggling Conspiracy

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Jan 9, 2026

A 35-year-old Laredo man has been ordered to prison for a multi-year conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens for financial gain. Image for illustration purposes

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

LAREDO, Texas – A 35-year-old Laredo man has been ordered to prison for a multi-year conspiracy to smuggle illegal aliens for financial gain.

Danny Nunez pleaded guilty Feb. 6, 2025.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now imposed a 120-month-term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. The court also ordered Nunez to serve 12 months for a supervised release violation following a prior federal felony conviction to be served consecutively for a total sentence of 132 months.

At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence as to the prolific scope of Nunez’s leadership of a large-scale human smuggling organization that served as a “one-stop shop” for all the necessary actions to harbor and smuggle illegal aliens on the United States side of the border. Nunez worked directly with Cartel del Noreste to smuggle over 1,900 aliens which resulted in a substantial amount of illicit profits for both the CDN and Nunez.

In handing down the sentence, the court noted the sophistication of the operation, commenting that this was the largest number of aliens smuggled and the most prolific smuggler she had seen.

The investigation tied Nunez to multiple smuggling events since March 2023, including one the following December when authorities observed several people being loaded into a white trailer at a warehouse.

A subsequent search uncovered 101 aliens, including 12 unaccompanied minors locked inside the trailer. Several of them reported having difficulty breathing and feared for their lives due to the trailer’s conditions.

At the time of Nunez’s arrest, authorities searched his home and found cellphones, ledgers documenting smuggling activity, more than $36,000 in proceeds and two illegal aliens on the premises.

He 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, FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, Laredo Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration and Webb County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling prosecuted the case.

Former McCreery Aviation Executive Gets 25‑Month Sentence in $1.2M Fraud Case

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Jan 9, 2026

Former McCreery Aviation Executive Gets 25‑Month Sentence in $1.2M Fraud Case

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Batten to serve 25 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Image for illustration purposes

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

McALLEN, Texas – A 57-year-old Mission resident has been ordered to federal prison after diverting company funds to pay for her personal expenses.

Elizabeth Batten pleaded guilty July 9, 2025.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Batten to serve 25 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Batten used company funds to pay her personal debt. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Batten abused a position of trust for her own benefit.

Batten was the director of financing at McCreery Aviation in the Rio Grande Valley from 2019 to 2023. Batten worked for the company for 16 years. As part of the plea, she admitted that during her tenure, she diverted company funds to pay for her personal expenses. Batten used signed blank company checks intended for legitimate business purposes to settle her personal credit card accounts.

She also used the U.S. Postal Service to conceal her behavior and actions by mailing her fraudulent payments to multiple credit card companies in different states.

The investigation began after a McCreery Aviation employee noticed irregularities in the handling of company checks in late 2023.

Ultimately, it revealed Batten had fraudulently diverted a total of $1.2 million as part of her scheme.

She was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.

Two RGV Men Sentenced in Federal Fentanyl Conspiracy

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Jan 9, 2026

Two RGV Men Sentenced in Federal Fentanyl Conspiracy

Two Rio Grande Valley men have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Image for illustration purposes

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

McALLEN, Texas – Two Rio Grande Valley men have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

James Queen, 41, McAllen, and Angel Valdez, 36, Alton, pleaded guilty Sept. 4 and Oct. 28, 2025, respectively.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now imposed a 60-month term of imprisonment for Queen, and Valdez received 27 months. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Tipton noted the dangers of fentanyl and its use in the community.

The investigation began in May 2025 when law enforcement discovered Valdez was selling fentanyl in the McAllen area. Over the next two months, authorities determined Queen supplied Valdez with fentanyl.

As part of an undercover operation, law enforcement purchased more than 50 grams of fentanyl directly from Valdez. During the investigation, authorities learned Valdez routinely met Queen at his residence to obtain the drugs.

On June 23, 2025, authorities executed a search warrant at Queen’s residence and seized an additional 15 baggies of fentanyl weighing more than 50 grams. They also discovered multiple firearms, a bulletproof vest, a large amount of currency and a money counter.

Queen later confessed that he distributed user-level amounts of fentanyl to approximately 30 repeat customers.

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

Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted the case.

Q4 Downturn: Texas Upstream Employment and Hiring Take a Significant Hit

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Jan 9, 2026

According to the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), employment in the Texas upstream sector declined between October and November 2025. Image for illustration purposes

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AUSTIN, Texas – Due to the federal government shutdown and suspension of related services last year, the Current Employment Statistics (CES) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) was delayed until the government resumed operations. CES data was released simultaneously for the months of October and November 2025. The analysis below corresponds with the latest CES report and provides additional insight on markets trends.

According to the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO), employment in the Texas upstream sector declined between October and November 2025, with oil and natural gas extraction jobs increasing modestly by 100 to 69,600 (+0.1 percent m/m), buoyed by Permian Basin efficiencies, while support activities employment fell by 3,600 to 131,600 (-2.7 percent m/m) amid rig count erosion (down 7.6 percent y/y) and service sector streamlining. Combined upstream employment decreased by 3,500 jobs to 201,200 (-1.7 percent m/m).

From January to November 2025, employment in the Texas upstream sector displayed early resilience followed by late-year softening, noted TIPRO. Oil and Gas Extraction added a net 1,400 jobs (+2.1 percent), peaking at 70,200 in June and July before a -400 dip from August to November, driven by robust Permian production but offset by layoffs and lower oil prices. Support Activities employment saw a net loss of 3,700 jobs (-2.7 percent), with a February–May surge (+2,800) undone by mid-year declines (-3,400 in June–July) and further erosion (-4,500 from August to November), reflecting rig count and services reductions. Combined, the sectors lost 2,300 jobs (-1.1 percent), reaching 201,200 by November, underscoring the industry’s critical yet volatile role in sustaining Texas’ energy workforce.

TIPRO’s workforce data continues to indicate strong job postings for the Texas oil and natural gas industry in November, but analysis revealed a decline in Q4 driven by lower oil prices, industry consolidation, and ongoing efficiency gains, which allow companies to maintain or increase production with reduced hiring activity. According to the association, there were 8,619 unique job postings during the month of November compared to 9,344 in October, and 3,434 new job postings added during the month. In comparison, the state of Pennsylvania had 2,840 unique job postings in November, followed by California 2,588, Ohio 2,346, and Illinois 2,200. TIPRO reported a total of 55,996 unique job postings nationwide during the month of November within the oil and natural gas industry, including 23,784 new postings.

Among the 19 specific industry sectors TIPRO uses to define the Texas oil and natural gas industry, Support Activities for Oil and Gas Operations led in the ranking for unique job listings in November with 2,095 postings, followed by Gasoline Stations with Convenience Stores (1,569), Petroleum Refineries (738), and Crude Petroleum Extraction (577). The leading four cities by total unique oil and natural gas job postings were Houston (2,178), Midland (570), Dallas (333) and Odessa (297), said TIPRO.

The top four companies ranked by unique job postings in November were Love’s (723), Energy Transfer (245), John Wood Group (236), and ExxonMobil (232), according to the association. Of the top ten companies listed by unique job postings in November, six companies were in the services sector, two in the gasoline stations with convenience stores category, one midstream company and one fully integrated oil and natural gas company. Top posted industry occupations for November included maintenance and repair workers general (300), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (293), and retail salespersons (263).

Top qualifications for unique job postings in November included valid driver’s license (1,478), commercial driver’s license (CDL) (210), and transportation worker identification credential (TWIC) card (207). TIPRO reports that 37 percent of unique job postings had no education requirement listed, 36 percent required a bachelor’s degree and 29 percent required a high school diploma or GED. There were 2,241 advertised salary observations (26 percent of the 8,619 matching postings) with a median salary of $53,100. The highest percentage of advertised salaries (26 percent) were in the $85,000 to $500,000 range.

Additional TIPRO workforce trends data:

A list of unique job postings by state in November can be viewed here.
A sample of industry job postings in Texas for November can be viewed here.
The top three posting sources in November included www.indeed.com (2,792), www.simplyhired.com (2,355) and www.dejobs.org (1,217).

Actuals for West Texas Intermediate (WTI) in late 2025 and early 2026 reflect a challenging market environment from an industry standpoint, notes TIPRO. Prices ended 2025 around $57 to $58 per barrel and are currently trading in the $57 to $58 range as of early January 2026, amid persistent global oversupply. EIA’s December 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook projected a 2025 annual average of approximately $65 per barrel for WTI, but actuals came in lower due to inventory builds and non-OPEC supply growth. For 2026, the EIA forecasts an annual average of about $51 per barrel for WTI (with Brent at $55), and Q1 2026 potentially averaging around $55 for Brent (with WTI tracking closely lower), though market consensus points to the high $50s to low $60s if demand stabilizes or geopolitical factors provide support. Optimistic scenarios suggest potential rebounds toward $58 to $60 early in the year from seasonal upticks or supply disruptions, while bearish outlooks warn of further declines to $50 or below if oversupply persists. The Permian Basin, driving nearly half of U.S. oil production at around 13.6 million barrels per day in 2025, is projected to see only marginal growth to about 6.56 million barrels per day in 2026 (with overall U.S. crude dipping slightly to 13.5 million b/d), underscoring efficiency gains but ongoing profitability pressures at sub-$60 prices that are driving cautious capital spending, workforce adjustments, and a pivot toward natural gas amid rising LNG and AI data center demand.

The following statement can be attributed to Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO:

“Texas producers continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience through operational efficiencies and innovation. These advancements, bolstered by supportive policies, enable the industry to effectively address current challenges while capitalizing on escalating demand from manufacturing, AI-driven data centers and international exports. Texas innovators stand prepared to meet this growing need, but a sustained focus on advancing pro-energy policy is indispensable to expedite critical projects, minimize unnecessary delays, safeguard jobs and reinforce the nation’s energy dominance.”

Information source: Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO)

19 Years Ago, Steve Jobs Introduced a Phone That Changed Technology

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Jan 9, 2026

Steve Jobs holds the original iPhone during its public debut at Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco in January 2007, demonstrating Apple’s new touchscreen smartphone on stage. Photo by Nobuyuki Hayashi, under CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

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It was January 9, 2007, when Steve Jobs, the co-founder and chief executive of Apple, stepped onto a stage in San Francisco and unveiled a product that would reshape the technology industry. Speaking at the Macworld Conference & Expo, Jobs introduced the first iPhone to the public.

“Today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone,” Jobs told the audience. He explained that Apple was introducing “three revolutionary products”: “a widescreen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet communications device.” After repeating the list, he clarified, “These are not three separate devices. This is one device. And we are calling it iPhone.”

The iPhone stood out immediately because it did not include a physical keyboard or stylus, both common features in mobile phones at the time. Instead, Jobs demonstrated a device controlled entirely by touch. “We’re born with ten fingers,” he said. “We’ve invented a new technology called multi-touch.” He emphasized that users could interact with the screen naturally, using taps and gestures.

Jobs also highlighted the iPhone’s software, which was based on a version of Apple’s desktop operating system. This allowed the phone to display full web pages rather than simplified mobile versions. “The real internet on your phone,” Jobs said, as he scrolled through web pages live on stage.

During the presentation, Jobs acknowledged the risks of the live demonstration. “We’ve got some amazing demos for you today,” he said, adding that the device was still new. Despite the technical challenges, the demonstrations showed features such as visual voicemail, music playback, and web browsing working together on a single device.

The original iPhone was scheduled to go on sale later in 2007 in the United States. Jobs announced it would be offered through AT&T and would cost $499 or $599, depending on storage capacity, with a service contract. “We want to make a phone that is far smarter than any mobile device and super easy to use,” he said.

The debut of the iPhone marked a turning point for the mobile phone industry. While smartphones existed before 2007, Jobs positioned Apple’s device as something different. “Every once in a while, a revolutionary product comes along that changes everything,” he said near the beginning of the keynote. Over time, the iPhone would influence how phones are designed, how software is distributed, and how people around the world communicate, work, and access information.

Garver Engineering Firm Begins $5M Harlingen Office Build

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Jan 9, 2026

Garver Engineering Firm Begins $5M Harlingen Office Build

The office will anchor a larger mixed-use development and signals Garver’s long-term investment in the region’s growth. Image: Courtesy of Garver via Harlingen EDC

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By Garver & Harlingen Economic Development Corporation

HARLINGEN, Texas – Garver, a leading multidisciplinary engineering firm, is reaffirming its commitment to the Harlingen community with the development of a new office facility, slated for completion in summer 2026. The office will anchor a larger mixed-use development and signals Garver’s long-term investment in the region’s growth.

“Breaking ground on this new facility is a major step forward for Garver in Harlingen. We’re building a space tailored to our growing team and the work we’re doing throughout the local region and across the nation,” said Ernie Flores, Garver’s Harlingen Water Design Center manager. “It’s a long-term investment in our people, our clients, and the future of engineering in the Rio Grande Valley. We’re proud to continue building here, expanding our impact across a community that has supported us every step of the way.”

Garver first established its presence in Harlingen in 2017 with the launch of its Water Design Center. Since then, the firm has grown to employ 49 professionals across multiple suites in the area. The new facility will consolidate operations and support continued expansion, including the creation of 50 new jobs, reflecting Garver’s deepening roots in the community.

Representing a $5 million investment in the community, the new office will be built on a 3.2-acre site and will include a one-story, 25,000-square-foot space designed to accommodate 100 to 130 employees. The property will feature 130 parking spaces and a 2,000-square-foot covered outdoor area for employee use and client events. The site is being developed by Brookwood Capital, with construction underway.

“We are incredibly enthusiastic about Garver continuing to choose Harlingen as the home for their regional office and future growth plans,” said Orlando Campos, CEO of the Harlingen EDC. “This expansion is a major milestone, both for the company and for the broader development it helps catalyze. Their investment here, and the success they’ve had in building a talented local team, speaks volumes about the strength of our workforce and the strategic opportunity this community offers.”

“Harlingen represents a strong vantage point for Garver,” added Mayor Norma Sepulveda. “Our city is well positioned for this company and other companies looking to benefit from the increasing opportunities throughout the Rio Grande Valley. We are excited by the growth potential this investment brings.”

Garver’s new office will be located within a planned mixed-use development at the southeast corner of Ed Carey Drive and Hale Avenue near Harlingen’s medical district. The completed 70-acre site is expected to include retail, high density residential, medical and professional office space, and about 312,000 square feet of commercial space.

About Garver

Founded in 1919, Garver is an employee-owned engineering, planning, and environmental services firm focused on aviation, transportation, buildings, federal, water and wastewater services; surveying; advisory services; and construction engineering and inspection.

In the top 100 of Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms list, with more than 1,400 employees, Garver provides an exceptional level of client service that reflects our people-first culture, which has achieved Zweig Group Best Firm to Work For Legacy Status. Learn how Garver invests in people and places they call home at GarverUSA.com.

About Harlingen Economic Development Corporation

The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (EDC) partners with businesses, investors, and local stakeholders to strengthen the economic vitality of Harlingen, Texas. Guided by a mission to enhance the quality of life for all residents, the Harlingen EDC delivers strategic, outcome-driven initiatives designed to attract and retain businesses, expand employment opportunities, and cultivate a vibrant, forward-thinking business climate. These collective efforts position Harlingen as a dynamic place to live, work, and do business.

Information source: Harlingen EDC

Show Off Your Pet’s Personality in Hidalgo County’s “Caught on Paw‑mara” Contest

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Jan 9, 2026

Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez is inviting residents to showcase their pets’ unique personalities in the “Caught on Paw-mara” Pet Photo Contest, a fun and engaging online photo competition taking place ahead of the upcoming Paws at the Park community event in February. Image for illustration purposes

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EDINBURG – Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez is inviting residents to showcase their pets’ unique personalities in the “Caught on Paw-mara” Pet Photo Contest, a fun and engaging online photo competition taking place ahead of the upcoming Paws at the Park community event in February.

The “Caught on Paw-mara” Pet Photo Contest encourages pet owners to capture real, unfiltered moments of their furry companions while helping promote awareness about responsible pet ownership, including proper care, training, health, and lifelong commitment.

Paw-rents may submit photos in one or more of the following four categories:

Pets at Work

Bad Hair Day

Caught Being Sneaky

Couch Potato

Photo submissions will be accepted from Friday, January 9 (9 a.m.) through Wednesday, January 14 (12 p.m.). Public voting will take place Thursday, January 15 (9 a.m.) through Thursday, January 22 (12 p.m.), on the @JudgeCortez Facebook Page, with winners determined by the highest number of Facebook reactions (“likes” and all other reactions). Comments and shares will not be included in the vote count. Using voting bots may disqualify your entry.

Winners from each category will be announced during the Paws at the Park event on February 7, 2026.

The contest is open to Hidalgo County residents age 18 and older, and pets of any age may be entered. Each photo must feature only one dog, be clear and unedited beyond minor color or lighting adjustments, and must not include text, artwork, watermarks, or copyrighted material. Dogs may be entered into multiple categories, provided a different photo is used for each entry.
For full contest rules, submission details, and event updates, residents are encouraged to visit the Paws at the Park page or see the images below:

Linda McMahon Outlines Education Overhaul Focused on States Skills and Literacy

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Jan 9, 2026

Linda McMahon Outlines Education Overhaul Focused on States Skills and Literacy

Data from the Office of Personnel Management cited during the interview shows the department has cut approximately 39 percent of its workforce, eliminating about 2,000 positions between January and November 2025. Image: US Department of Education, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. Bgd for illustration purposes — Data from the Office of Personnel Management cited during the interview shows the department has cut approximately 39 percent of its workforce, eliminating about 2,000 positions between January and November 2025. Image: US Department of Education, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Bgd for illustration purposes

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January 9, 2026 – U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said the Department of Education is intentionally reducing its size as part of an effort to shift authority over education back to states and local communities. McMahon made the comments during an interview earlier today with Maria Bartiromo on FOX Business.

Data from the Office of Personnel Management cited during the interview shows the department has cut approximately 39 percent of its workforce, eliminating about 2,000 positions between January and November 2025. McMahon said the reductions were planned. Asked whether the cuts were deliberate, she said they were “in keeping with returning education to the states.”

McMahon said President Donald Trump believes education decisions should be made as close to students as possible, rather than by federal officials in Washington. “The best education is that closest to the student, not from bureaucracy in Washington, D.C.,” she said. She added that the department is working to reduce regulatory costs so that funding approved by Congress can reach states and school districts more directly.

Despite the staff reductions, McMahon said the department continues to support targeted initiatives. She pointed to nearly $170 million in new grant awards aimed at encouraging what she described as the responsible use of artificial intelligence in schools, expanding short-term workforce training programs, promoting accreditation reform, and supporting civil discourse on college campuses.

“AI is here to stay. We need to embrace it,” McMahon said, while emphasizing the need for safeguards. “It needs to have guardrails around it, for sure.” She said she has seen artificial intelligence used in elementary and middle schools as a form of individualized tutoring, allowing students who need extra help to receive it while enabling others to move ahead at a faster pace.

McMahon acknowledged concerns that artificial intelligence could replace some jobs, but said technological change has historically created new opportunities. “Just as we’ve always seen when technology develops and some jobs are displaced, others are created,” she said. “AI is going to be a force for good as long as it has the proper guardrails around it.”

She also argued for a broader cultural shift in how education and career paths are viewed, urging greater recognition of trade schools and vocational training. “We need HVACs, we need electricians, we need plumbers, we need carpenters,” McMahon said, noting that millions of skilled trade positions remain unfilled. She said partnerships between high schools and community colleges are allowing students to graduate with both diplomas and trade certifications. “It’s really the wave of the future,” she said.

The secretary also addressed civics education and patriotism, saying schools have moved away from teaching what she described as a shared sense of national identity. “We don’t teach civics,” she said. “We don’t teach love of country. We don’t say the Pledge of Allegiance.” McMahon said the department is promoting civics education through efforts such as the “History Rocks” tour as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

Literacy, she said, remains her top priority. Citing national assessment data, McMahon said only about 30 percent of students are reading at grade-level proficiency. “My number one priority is literacy,” she said. She urged states to adopt the “science of reading,” an approach that emphasizes phonics and structured reading instruction. “If you cannot read proficiently by the end of third grade, you’re going to be left behind,” she said.

McMahon also highlighted waivers offered to states to reduce federal regulatory costs. Iowa, she said, was the first state to accept the waiver, saving about $8 million that can be redirected into classrooms. She said additional states are expected to follow.

Throughout the interview, McMahon emphasized that while the federal role in education is shrinking, the department’s stated goal remains improving student outcomes. “We’re going to continue doing what we’re doing,” she said, “as we take education back to the states.”

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