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TEA: Make Texas Public Schools Safer

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TEA: Make Texas Public Schools Safer
Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Commissioner Mike Morath directing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to ensure existing school facilities are held to heightened safety standards following the recent tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Image for illustration purposes
Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Commissioner Mike Morath directing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to ensure existing school facilities are held to heightened safety standards following the recent tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Commissioner Mike Morath directing the Texas Education Agency (TEA) to ensure existing school facilities are held to heightened safety standards following the recent tragedy at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. 

“In the wake of this devastating crime, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that our schools provide a safe and secure environment for the children of Texas,” reads the letter. “You should immediately prepare additional rules to ensure that existing school facilities are also held to heightened safety standards. We must do everything possible to protect children and safeguard our schools.”

Governor Abbott specifically requested TEA to:

  • instruct school districts to identify actions they can take prior to the start of the new school year that will make their campuses more secure
  • instruct all school districts to conduct weekly inspections of exterior doors to verify they are secure during school hours
  • develop strategies to encourage school districts to increase the presence of trained law enforcement officers and school marshals on campuses

Read the full letter. 

Governor Abbott has taken significant action to provide all available resources to support the Uvalde community following the tragic shooting at Robb Elementary School. Those actions include:

  • Initiating the State of Texas’ comprehensive plan to assist and support members of the community, including co-locating state agency representatives to the Family Assistance Center for on-hand assistance in finding benefits.
  • Issuing a disaster declaration at the request of local leaders to accelerate all available state and local resources to assist the Uvalde community.
  • Requesting Texas legislative leaders convene special legislative committees to begin examining and developing legislative recommendations on school safety, mental health, social media, police training, firearm safety, and more. 
  • Directing the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) to begin immediately conducting comprehensive school safety reviews to ensure all Texas public schools are following the appropriate procedures to maximize school safety.
  • Investing an initial $5 million into establishing a long-term Family Resiliency Center (FRC) in Uvalde County to serve as a hub for community services, including access to the critical mental health resources.
  • Working with the OneStar Foundation to create a one-stop webpage for donations to support the victims’ families, teachers, and the Uvalde community.

OPERATION SLOWDOWN June 7-21

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OPERATION SLOWDOWN June 7-21
Drive Smart.” campaign is urgently reminding motorists to slow down and drive a safe speed. Image for illustration purposes
“Drive Smart.” campaign is urgently reminding motorists to slow down and drive a safe speed. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN – Last year the number of people killed in vehicle crashes in Texas reached a level not seen since 1981, and 34% of those deaths involved speed. In 2021, speed was the main reason we saw 163,756 traffic crashes in Texas, resulting in 6,493 serious injuries and 1,532 fatalities. That’s why TxDOT’s “Be Safe.

Drive Smart.” campaign is urgently reminding motorists to slow down and drive a safe speed.

“Speed is the number one factor in roadway crashes in our state, causing 1 out of every 3 traffic deaths,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “When you speed, you increase the risk of death and serious injury in a collision. By observing the speed limit and driving to specific weather and road conditions, Texans can make our roads safer for everyone.”

To reinforce that driving too fast can be dangerous and expensive, TxDOT is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the Lone Star State as they step up their efforts to enforce speed limits during Operation Slowdown June 7–21. In addition to writing citations, law enforcement vehicles will spend extra time driving on roads reminding motorists what a safe speed looks like.

Driving a safe speed often means more than following the posted speed limit. TxDOT has these safety tips for motorists:

  • Match your speed to road conditions if there’s bad weather or you’re driving through a work zone.
  • Slow down and allow for more distance to stop when traffic is heavy.
  • Watch for signs alerting you of reduced speed limits ahead.

This month Texas drivers can expect to see the campaign’s speed messages on TV, radio, billboards, gas pumps, and social media. Community events featuring an interactive exhibit of safety quizzes and video displays will be held at Buc-ee’s locations along major travel corridors. TxDOT’s HERO trucks that assist motorists in need and clear minor crashes on state highways will also be enlisted to prompt speeding drivers to slow down.

The “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving and never driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. November 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.

Toros Sign Two RGV Teens to USL Academy Contracts

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Toros Sign Two RGV Teens to USL Academy Contracts
The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros announced today the addition of midfielders Aner Gael Gonzalez and Jose Angel Luna to the 2022 USL Championship roster as USL Academy signings, pending league and federation approval. Courtesy Image
The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros announced today the addition of midfielders Aner Gael Gonzalez and Jose Angel Luna to the 2022 USL Championship roster as USL Academy signings, pending league and federation approval. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros announced today the addition of midfielders Aner Gael Gonzalez and Jose Angel Luna to the 2022 USL Championship roster as USL Academy signings, pending league and federation approval.
 
As USL Academy signings, both players will be available for selection by the Toros in USL Championship play throughout the 2022 season while retaining their NCAA eligibility.
  
Both Gonzalez and Luna saw hail out of the RGV FC Academy ranks and have trained with the first team throughout the 2022 season as extra training squad pieces, ultimately earning the official roster offer from Sporting Director and Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera due to their standout performances.
 
Gonzalez (18-year-old) is a dual national born in Reynosa, MX who now resides in Palmview, TX. He is a physical midfielder with the ability to open the field and create chances rapidly. Sporting Director and Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera spoke on his attributes; “Aner is a very strong and talented young midfielder who has played and developed his soccer skills in the Academy and now he is ready for a new challenge. We believe he has the mentality to play at this level.”
 
Luna (16-year-old) was born in San Antonio, TX but was raised in the Rio Grande Valley in nearby Weslaco, TX since the age of two. Jose Angel Luna becomes the youngest player signed to a USL Academy contract in RGV FC history. His size and speed combine well to create a dynamic attacking piece on the wings for RGV FC. “Angel is a very young talent with wonderful skills that stand out as soon as he is on the field, and he is someone who has impressed the staff and teammates with his qualities and personality despite his youth.”
 
Wilmer Cabrera praised the signings and the bar they have set for youth talent locally in the Rio Grande Valley; “We are proud and happy for them, and we believe they can pave the paths for soccer talent in The Valley as they continue developing with hope of finding a spot in the RGVFC Toros professional team”
 
The honor of youngest USL Academy player was previously held by Duilio Herrera (17-year-old), of Edinburg, TX, who was the first player signed by the Toros to a USL Academy contract since the restructuring of the club’s partnership agreement with Major League Soccer’s Houston Dynamo FC.
 
With the two new additions, RGV FC now totals 27 rostered players.
 
RGV FC continues USL Championship play as they face LA Galaxy ll at H-E-B Park on June 4th.
 
Season tickets are now available at www.rgvfc.com or at the H-E-B Park box office.
 
TRANSACTION: Rio Grande Valley FC signs midfielders Aner Gael Gonzalez and Jose Angel Luna.
 
PLAYER PROFILE 
FULL NAME: Aner Gael Gonzalez
DATE OF BIRTH: September. 12, 2003 
HEIGHT: 5’10” 
WEIGHT: 173
BIRTHPLACE: Reynosa, MX
HOMETOWN: Palmview, TX
PREVIOUS CLUB: RGV FC Academy (MLS Next)   
FIFA NATIONALITY: USA
 
PLAYER PROFILE 
FULL NAME: Jose Angel Luna
DATE OF BIRTH: November 29, 2005 
HEIGHT: 5’6” 
WEIGHT: 130
BIRTHPLACE: San Antonio, TX
HOMETOWN: Weslaco, TX
PREVIOUS CLUB: RGV FC Academy (MLS Next)   
FIFA NATIONALITY: USA

Jandova Set to Play Professionally in Belgium

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Jandova Set to Play Professionally in Belgium
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday that Veronika Jandova, who played for the volleyball team from 2017-21, has signed a contract to play with Charlerol Volley, which competes in the first division of the Belgian Volleyball League. Courtesy Image
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday that Veronika Jandova, who played for the volleyball team from 2017-21, has signed a contract to play with Charlerol Volley, which competes in the first division of the Belgian Volleyball League. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Thursday that Veronika Jandova, who played for the volleyball team from 2017-21, has signed a contract to play with Charlerol Volley, which competes in the first division of the Belgian Volleyball League.

Charlerol Volley is expected to open the 2022 season in October.

Jandova finished her career at UTRGV ranked third in program history in hitting (.279) and blocks per set (0.83), fourth in block assists (264), and seventh in total blocks (309). She led UTRGV in blocks 33 times and kills nine times over her final three seasons.

This past season, Jandova averaged 2.16 kills on .293 hitting, the second-highest hitting percentage in program history, and 0.77 blocks in 107 sets across 28 matches. Primarily a middle blocker throughout her career, Jandova saw some time at right side down the stretch as well, showing her versatility.

In 2020-21, Jandova averaged a career-high 2.41 kills and a career-high 0.71 digs per set.

As a junior in 2019, Jandova posted 104 blocks, including 87 block assists the sixth and seventh-highest single-season totals in program history, respectively. She averaged 0.92 blocks per set, the eighth-highest single-season total in program history, while hitting .270, tied for the sixth-highest single-season total in program history.

Jandova graduated from UTRGV in May 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a minor in health. She is currently working toward a Master of Arts in Communication.

CBP Officers Arrest Fugitive Sought for Sexual Assault of a Child

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CBP Officers Arrest Fugitive Sought for Sexual Assault of a Child
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Ysleta border crossing apprehended a man with an outstanding warrant for sexual assault of a child out of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado. USCBP Image for illustration purposes
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Ysleta border crossing apprehended a man with an outstanding warrant for sexual assault of a child out of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado. USCBP Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

EL PASO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Ysleta border crossing apprehended a man with an outstanding warrant for sexual assault of a child out of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado.

“This arrest is representative of the great work the men and women of CBP do on a daily basis and illustrates our commitment to keeping our nation and communities safe,” said Port Director Arnoldo Gomez.

On May 29, CBP officers encountered a 45-year-old male Mexican national arriving from Mexico via vehicle lanes. Primary system queries by CBP officers revealed an outstanding warrant for sexual assault of a child. The individual was secured and escorted to secondary for further inspection where biometric verification confirmed his identity along with the active warrant out of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado.

The individual was arrested by CBP officers and turned over to local authorities pending extradition to the originating agency.

Brownsville, IDEA Student Artwork Inspired by Uncovered Spaces at IMAS

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Brownsville, IDEA Student Artwork Inspired by Uncovered Spaces at IMAS
Student artists from IDEA Public Schools and Brownsville ISD celebrate the opening of “Student Crossroads: Contemplating Uncovered Spaces” at the IMAS, on exhibit in the Welcome Pavilion Community Gallery through July 10, 2022. Courtesy Image
Student artists from IDEA Public Schools and Brownsville ISD celebrate the opening of “Student Crossroads: Contemplating Uncovered Spaces” at the IMAS, on exhibit in the Welcome Pavilion Community Gallery through July 10, 2022. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

McALLEN, Texas – The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) presents an exhibition curated by UTRGV MFA Alumnae Cristina Correa and Fatima Lai presenting works by high school art students from IDEA Public Schools San Juan and Brownsville ISD’s Rivera High School. The exhibit entitled Student Crossroads: Contemplating Uncovered Spaces will be exhibited at the IMAS through July 10, 2022. 

This student exhibit showcasing a series of painting, sculpture, and other mixed media was inspired by Uncovered Spaces, an exhibition organized by Dr. Katherine McAllen and curated by Raheleh Filsoofi, featuring nationally recognized artists including Maria Magdalena Campos-Pons, Wendy Red Star, Margarita Cabrera, Erika Diamond among others. The project serves as space for women and female-identifying artists and scholars to discuss their art practice related to gender, identity, and social norms. This exhibition seeks to connect the creative process, shared knowledge, and feminine solidarity in a collaborative and community-based arts research project in South Texas. 

Dr. Katherine McAllen and Cristina Correa along with student artists celebrate “Student Crossroads: Contemplating Uncovered Spaces” at the IMAS, on exhibit May 19 through July 10, 2022. Courtesy Image

According to Fatima Lai, MFA Visual Arts and AP Studio Instructor at Rivera High School Brownsville, Texas, “We all remember the past, look forward to the future, and hope that our present allows us the chance to learn. Through these ‘crossroads’ we are given the opportunity to decide what to do, what to stop, and what we must change to become the person we are meant to be.” 

Student Crossroads contributes to a growing program of regional student art exhibitions at IMAS where secondary art teachers guide young artists to explore their creativity and communication through artistic expression, often focused on a theme, topic or in conjunction with an exhibit at the museum. IMAS Executive Director Ann Fortescue stated, “It is an honor to be able to showcase these talented young artists at the IMAS, an accredited museum and affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, and to provide opportunities for our community youth to present their artwork to a comprehensive regional audience.” 

Visitors can view Student Crossroads: Contemplating Uncovered Spaces in the Welcome Pavilion Community Gallery at the IMAS. This exhibit is supported in part by H-E-B and the UTRGV Center for Latin American Arts. 

CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted for Sexual Assault 

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CBP Officers Apprehend Fugitive Wanted for Sexual Assault 
CBP officers escort a wanted person at a U.S. port of entry. USCBP Image
CBP officers escort a wanted person at a U.S. port of entry. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

HIDALGO, Texas—U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (OFO) at the Hidalgo International Bridge apprehended Emiliano Perales Gonzalez, a male Mexican citizen and lawful permanent U.S. resident from Pharr, Texas wanted for sexual assault. 

“CBP is committed to bringing those wanted individuals in to face their day in court, especially those wanted for heinous crimes such as sexual offenses,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas.

On May 31, 2022, 19-year-old Emiliano Perales Gonzalez, arrived from Mexico at the Hidalgo International Bridge and a CBP officer immediately secured him after discovering Gonzalez was a possible match to an arrest warrant. Once in secondary, biometric verification confirmed his identity along with the active arrest warrant from McAllen Police Department. Gonzalez had this outstanding warrant stemming from allegations from an incident in December of 2021. He is charged with a first-degree felony for alleged sexual assault.

A McAllen police officer arrived to take custody of Gonzalez and transported him to the county jail.

Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Agencies shut down stash houses

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Agencies shut down stash houses
U.S. Border Patrol agents working with local law enforcement agencies successfully shut down two stash houses within hours of each other in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image
U.S. Border Patrol agents working with local law enforcement agencies successfully shut down two stash houses within hours of each other in Laredo, Texas. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Border Patrol agents working with local law enforcement agencies successfully shut down two stash houses within hours of each other and apprehended several undocumented individuals in Laredo, Texas.

The first incident began shortly after 6 p.m. on June 1, when agents from the Laredo South Station acted on a request for assistance from the Laredo Police Department with a residential welfare check on Cielo Drive. Over 40 undocumented individuals from the countries of Guatemala and Mexico were taken into custody.  Later that morning, agents from the Laredo North Station assisted Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) with over 20 undocumented individuals at a hotel on San Bernardo Avenue. The individuals were from the countries of Mexico, Honduras, and El Salvador.  All were medically screened before being processed accordingly.

Help take a stand against criminal organizations and their potentially dangerous acts by reporting suspicious activity.  To report suspicious activity such as human and/or drug smuggling, contact the Laredo Sector Border Patrol toll free at 1-800-343-1994.

RGV Large Group Encounters Continue

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RGV Large Group Encounters Continue
In recent days, Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents encountered 414 migrants in three large groups. USCBP Image
In recent days, Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents encountered 414 migrants in three large groups. USCBP Image

Texas Border Business

EDINBURG, Texas – In recent days, Rio Grande Valley Sector Border Patrol agents encountered 414 migrants in three large groups. 

USCBP Image

Rio Grande City Border Patrol Station agents encountered two separate large groups near Roma and Rio Grande City. On June 1, agents, with the assistance of the Texas Military Department, apprehended 176 migrants illegally present in the U.S. The next day, agents apprehended another 136 migrants. The groups were comprised of 78 unaccompanied children, 153 family members and 81 single adults. The migrants were from Cuba and various Central and South American countries.

USCBP Image

Also on June 1, McAllen Border Patrol Station agents apprehended 102 migrants near Mission. The groups were comprised of 26 unaccompanied children, 35 family members and 41 single adults. The migrants were from Central and South American countries.

Border Patrol processed all subjects accordingly. 

Lady Wolverine Wrestler signs with Schreiner University 

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Lady Wolverine Wrestler signs with Schreiner University 
PSJA Memorial Early College High School Senior Lorena Torres signed a letter of intent on June 1 to continue her wrestling career at the collegiate level at Schreiner University. Courtesy Image
PSJA Memorial Early College High School Senior Lorena Torres signed a letter of intent on June 1 to continue her wrestling career at the collegiate level at Schreiner University. Courtesy Image

Texas Border Business

ALAMO, Texas – PSJA Memorial Early College High School Senior Lorena Torres signed a letter of intent on June 1 to continue her wrestling career at the collegiate level at Schreiner University. 

Courtesy Image

“Never underestimate the heart of a champion… that’s what has kept me going and being passionate about my sport,” said the Senior. 

Lorena has been a part of the PSJA Memorial ECHS Lady Wolverines Varsity Wrestling team for 3 years and has been the Varsity Wrestling team captain for 2 years. 

The following are some of her accomplishments in the sport during her tenure at PSJA Memorial Early College High School.

Courtesy Image
  • 3x District Champion
  • Region 4 Champion
  • 3x State Qualifier 
  • 2x All Star Placer (6th and 3rd) 
  • 2x Female Wrestler of the Year
  • Most Pins in the history of PSJA Memorial Wrestling 
  • Recognized by “The Monitor” as a member of the Magnificent 7 in Wrestling 

Lorena plans on pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Forensic Science while at Schreiner University. 

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