A 23-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for alien smuggling resulting in death. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
McALLEN, Texas – A 23-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for alien smuggling resulting in death.
Jose Guadalupe Antonio-Arredondo pleaded guilty April 3.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Antonio-Arredondo to serve 30 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
Antonio-Arredondo admitted to assisting in the smuggling of an illegal alien July 12, 2024, by acting as a river guide. He led the illegal alien and a brush guide across the river to the border wall, then returned to Mexico.
After crossing, the illegal alien had trouble breathing and collapsed. The brush guide fled to a nearby house to hide from law enforcement. Authorities found the alien and took him to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased July 17, 2024.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker is prosecuting 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The Terracon Foundation has awarded a community grant to Moody Clinic, a nonprofit pediatric therapy provider, to help improve treatment spaces for children with special needs. Located in Brownsville, Texas, the clinic serves children from birth through age 21 with developmental delays, disabilities, and acquired injuries. Courtesy image
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Texas Border Business
PHARR, TEXAS – The Terracon Foundation has awarded a community grant to Moody Clinic, a nonprofit pediatric therapy provider, to help improve treatment spaces for children with special needs. Located in Brownsville, Texas, the clinic serves children from birth through age 21 with developmental delays, disabilities, and acquired injuries.
With the help of the grant, Moody Clinic will upgrade therapy rooms across its speech, occupational, and physical therapy departments. Planned improvements include child-sized furniture for more comfortable therapy sessions, sensory tools to support emotional regulation, and equipment to help young children build strength, balance, and mobility in a safe and playful environment.
Stephanie Cardoza, principal and client development manager at Terracon’s Pharr office, advocated for the grant and also serves as past-president of the Moody Clinic Board of Directors. “Moody Clinic holds a special place in my heart,” said Cardoza. “As both a board member and a parent, I’ve seen the difference this place makes in the lives of so many families. I’m incredibly proud to see Terracon support a mission that means so much to me personally and to our community.”
For over 70 years, Moody Clinic has remained a lifeline for families seeking compassionate, high-quality care. This grant will help continue that legacy—creating brighter, more accessible spaces where children can thrive.
Terracon is an employee-owned, multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 7,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 180 locations nationwide. In 2025, we celebrate Terracon’s 60th anniversary with gratitude to our employees and clients and excitement for the future as Our Adventure Continues. Explore with us by visiting terracon.com.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Edwin L. Cox Jr. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) will welcome the public back July 1 for its grand re-opening following major renovations. Image courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
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Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
ATHENS – Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Edwin L. Cox Jr. Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) will welcome the public back July 1 for its grand re-opening following major renovations.
Renovations commenced in August 2023, updating nearly 300,000 gallons of aquariums, adding new large aquariums, renovating the Toyota Fishes of Texas theater and other existing exhibits and adding new exhibits. The project also enhanced recreational fishing ponds, like Lake Zebco and Strike King Pond. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) led the fundraising efforts, and the Friends of TFFC also helped raise dollars for the renovation. More than $7.5 million in private funding was raised for the project.
“TFFC has always been such a wonderful place for Texans and people across the country to connect to the fish, fishing and fisheries resources of Texas while learning of the important work the men and women of the TPWD Inland Fisheries Division conduct to conserve and manage these resources,” said Tom Lang, TFFC Director. “With this renewal of TFFC’s facilities, fishing ponds and piers, equipment, exhibits and educational programming, we again have a first-class facility to support the fisheries conservation journey of visitors for decades to come.”
The July 1 re-opening kicks off with a ribbon cutting ceremony with the Athens Chamber of Commerce and activities culminate July 6 with the annual City of Athens Independence Day event “Fireworks at the Fisheries,” a spectacular fireworks display over the hatchery ponds.
Admission for adults is $5.50 with spring and summer hours of operation through August with opening times from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m.–4 p.m. on Sunday. From September through February, the facility closes on Tuesdays.
About TFFC
TFFC has been delighting visitors for nearly 30 years, welcoming more than 1.1 million visitors to marvel at the schools of fish in the indoor and outdoor aquariums, study the exhibits and learn how Texas’ diverse inland waterways support and connect all living creatures. Well-stocked fishing ponds provide an opportunity for visitors of all ages to wet a line, and thousands of new anglers have caught their first fish there.
TFFC was the first major public-private partnership between TPWF and TPWD. Located in Athens, TFFC includes a working fish hatchery, 300,000 gallons of aquaria focusing on Texas fish and wildlife resources, recreational fishing ponds and fisheries science exhibits. The recent renovations were funded through TPWF, and generous donors included Kathie and Ed Cox, Toyota, The John M. O’Quinn Foundation , Bass Pro Shops , Joanie and Arch “Beaver” Aplin, III, The Austin Blake Howell Foundation, Friends of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center, The Cain Foundation, Rather Outdoors, and The Patrick Sands Family.
TFFC is the home of the Toyota ShareLunker Program, which invites anglers to donate largemouth bass weighing 13 pounds or more for research and breeding. It also houses the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, celebrating individuals and organizations that have advanced freshwater fishing in Texas. In addition, the American Fisheries Society’s Fisheries Management Hall of Excellence is located at TFFC, recognizing top fisheries scientists from around the world.
TFFC is home to the statewide Angler Recognition Program, which recognizes record fresh and saltwater catches. Additionally, TFFC facilitates the annual Fish Art Contest in Texas, which is part of a conservation education program designed to spark the imaginations of students while providing valuable lessons about fish and the importance of conserving Texas’ aquatic resources.
For additional information about TFFC, visit the TFFC website and Facebook page.
TIPRO’s new workforce data indicated strong job postings for the Texas oil and natural gas industry, although May data showed a decline in overall unique postings compared to the previous month. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas – Citing the latest Current Employment Statistics (CES) report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO) highlighted new employment figures showing an increase in upstream employment in Texas in the month of May. According to TIPRO’s analysis, direct Texas upstream employment for May totaled 208,200, an increase of 2,200 industry positions from April employment numbers, subject to revisions. This represented an increase of 600 jobs in the services sector and 1,600 jobs in oil and gas extraction.
TIPRO’s new workforce data indicated strong job postings for the Texas oil and natural gas industry, although May data showed a decline in overall unique postings compared to the previous month. According to the association, there were 8,157 active unique jobs postings for the Texas oil and natural gas industry last month, compared to 8,826 postings in April, and 3,050 new postings, compared to 3,919 in the previous month. In comparison, the state of New York had 2,661 unique job postings in May, followed by California (2,639), Florida (1,544) and Colorado (1,264). TIPRO reported a total of 49,798 unique job postings nationwide last month within the oil and natural gas sector, including 17,962 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 May with 1,972 postings, followed by Gasoline Stations with Convenience Stores (1,447) and Petroleum Refineries (824). The leading three cities by total unique oil and natural gas job postings were Houston (2,064), Midland (546) and Odessa (398), said TIPRO.
The top three companies ranked by unique job postings in May were Love’s (656), John Wood Group (268), and ExxonMobil (264), according to the association. Of the top ten companies listed by unique job postings last month, five companies were in the services sector, two midstream companies, one in the gasoline stations with convenience stores category, one petroleum refinery company and one oil and gas operator. Top posted industry occupations for May included retail salespersons (355), heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (285), and maintenace and repair workers, general (284). The top posted job titles for May included maintenance technicians (118), retail cashiers (77), and sales associates (70).
Top qualifications for unique job postings included valid driver’s license (1,613), CDL class a license (244) and transportation worker identification credential (TWIC) (137). TIPRO reports that 36 percent of unique job postings had no education requirement listed, 34 percent required a bachelor’s degree and 31 percent required a high school diploma or GED. There were 1,708 advertised salary observations (21 percent of the 8,157 matching postings) with a median salary of $58,200. The highest percentage of advertised salaries (28 percent) were in the $90,000 to $350,000 range.
Additional TIPRO workforce trends data:
A sample of industry job postings in Texas for May can be viewed here.
TIPRO also highlights strong tax contributions by the state’s oil and gas industry that continue to offer essential support of government coffers and provide important funding for public services. In May, Texas energy producers paid $411 million in oil production taxes, according to the Texas comptroller’s office. Producers last month also paid $227 million to the state in natural gas production taxes, up 26 percent from May 2024.
Additionally, TIPRO points to recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showing domestic crude oil production reached an all-time high of 13.5 million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2025. Oil production has jumped this year after hitting a record 13.2 million barrels per day in 2024, 2 percent more than the previous record set in 2023. Almost all of the production growth has come from the Permian Basin region. Due to market conditions and fluctuations in oil prices, U.S. oil production is forecasted to average 13.4 million barrels per day through the end of the year, and dip slightly below that amount in 2026, said EIA analysts.
“Despite a great deal of uncertainty in energy markets, driven in part by the financial impact of steel and aluminum tariffs, and more significantly from escalating geopolitical conflicts, the Texas oil and natural gas industry continues to maintain its focus on providing reliable energy to meet demand here and abroad,” said Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO. “If a resolution is not achieved in the conflict between Isarel and Iran, retaliatory actions could include closing the Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately 26 percent of global oil trade. TIPRO continues to monitor these factors closely, while working with U.S. policymakers to strengthen our position as the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas,” concluded Longanecker.
Information source: Texas Independent Producers & Royalty Owners Association (TIPRO)
“I don’t know if it was in ninth grade or 10th grade, but I dropped out because we couldn’t afford proper anything, so going to school was not a good thing because we always felt ashamed and embarrassed.” Sanders explained. Image courtesy of Texas GLO
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Land Commissioner and Veterans Land Board (VLB) Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, M.D., is proud to introduce the next installment of the series highlighting the VLB’s Voices of Veterans oral history program, highlighting the service of Master Sergeant (MSgt.) Edward Sanders, who served in the U.S. Air Force.
Sanders was born in Hawthorne, Mississippi and was one of eleven children in his family. When asked about graduating from high school, Sanders said he didn’t make it that far, choosing instead to support his family.
Image courtesy of Texas GLO
“I don’t know if it was in ninth grade or 10th grade, but I dropped out because we couldn’t afford proper anything, so going to school was not a good thing because we always felt ashamed and embarrassed.” Sanders explained. “I worked for awhile at a service station pumping gas and I did that for a couple of years, which was during the Korean War”
Sanders said it was not hard to get into the military at that time, adding that if you had a warm body, they would accept almost anyone. So, he took that as a sign to sign up and begin what would be a very long and successful career in the military.
“I still don’t know why to this day, but I chose the Air Force, I came upon an Air Force recruiter and I indicated I was interested in joining and they signed me up,” Sanders explained about how he enlisted. “If it hadn’t been for Korea and the Korean War was in full bloom, I probably would not have qualified for the military […] because I didn’t have a high school diploma.”
Sanders said over the next four years, he would work as a fabric, leather, and rubber products repairman, meaning he was responsible for exposure suits, parachutes and life rafts. If it could save someone’s life and was fabric, he helped to handle it. While the work was meaningful, he said he traveled a lot — from Okinawa to Korea to Japan and various stops along the way, it was a life he enjoyed and because of that, he chose to stay in the Air Force. “Whenever my discharge date would be getting close, I just chose to re-enlist rather than get out.”
Image courtesy of Texas GLO
During one of his re-enlistments, Sanders received orders to go back stateside to Kelly Air Force Base (AFB) in San Antonio, Texas where he would meet and marry his wife while stationed there. While their family grew, Sanders said he received more orders to go to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, a place he would call home for the next few years before being sent to Dyess AFB in Abilene, Texas just as the Vietnam War was getting started.
“When I got to Dyess in Abilene, I was told ‘we don’t see that you have a sea tour’ and now, a sea tour was in Southeast Asia, which translated to Vietnam,” Sanders said, “I was in San Antonio for a year and I got an assignment to go to Vietnam and I left my wife and five children in San Antonio and I went to Vietnam.”
Sanders said that while he was there for a support role, you were involved in combat in one way or another because the war was happening all around you, no matter where you were or where you went.
“One of the things I remember most is that I was terrified, my wife was terrified, and I spent a lot of time trying to convince her that I’m in the Air Force and you don’t have to worry about me, we don’t do combat,” he explained.
“Nine days after arriving in country, we came under a mortar attack. They started firing, the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese started firing mortars into the base, and during the time they were doing this, a Viet Cong suicide squad came down a drainage ditch […] they were all equipped with different types of charges.”
Image courtesy of Texas GLO
Sanders said the Viet Cong’s goal was to plant those charges in the airplanes, but a young airman on security detail became aware of the plan early on. “He had his dog with him, and the dog alerted him that something was happening, and he sounded the alarm. But earlier, when they were mortaring the base, they were trying to divert our attention […] but long story short, before it was said and done, there were 30 of them Viet Cong’s who got on the base, 28 of them were killed and two of them were captured.”
Nighttime milling, paving and striping work is scheduled for State Highway 336 (10th Street), in McAllen, from mid-June through October 2025, between Trenton Road and IH 2. Courtesy image. Bgd for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
McALLEN – Nighttime milling, paving and striping work is scheduled for State Highway 336 (10th Street), in McAllen, from mid-June through October 2025, between Trenton Road and IH 2.
To minimize impact on travel, the work will be performed weeknights between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.and segmented in two locations.
Location 1: Trenton Rd. to SH 495 (3.513 miles)
Location 2: SH 495 to IH 2 (1.899 miles)
Drivers should respect work zones by slowing down, avoiding distractions, and obeying posted signs.
“The most important measure of Texas’ economic momentum is the number of Texans working,” said Governor Abbott. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott touted Texas’ economic momentum as the state again surpassed all previous records for total jobs, the number of Texans working, and the size of the Texas labor force based on May employment data. With a gain of 213,300 nonfarm jobs over the last 12 months, Texas continues to outpace the national growth rate.
“The most important measure of Texas’ economic momentum is the number of Texans working,” said Governor Abbott. “Businesses invest with certainty and grow jobs in Texas thanks to the strength of our economy, the range of industries expanding here, and the depth of our skilled and growing workforce. We will build on this momentum to attract continued business investment and create even more good-paying jobs for hardworking Texans for decades to come.”
Texas reached a new high with the largest labor force ever in the state’s history at 15,839,400.
Texas reached a new high for Texans working, including self-employed, at 15,192,300.
Texas reached a new high for total nonfarm jobs at 14,340,800 after adding 28,100 jobs in May.
Texas added 213,300 nonfarm jobs from May 2024 to May 2025, growing at a faster annual rate than the nation as a whole
On Wednesday, Governor Abbott celebrated Texas being recognized with the state’s 12th Gold Shovel Award for outstanding achievement in job creation and capital investment. Also this week, the Governor signed into law lasting property tax relief for Texas homeowners and small business owners, four laws to accelerate business formations in Texas and cut unnecessary government regulations, and the largest generational investment in water infrastructure in Texas history.
After completing a single-engine static fire earlier this week, the vehicle was in the process of loading cryogenic propellant for a six-engine static fire when a sudden energetic event resulted in the complete loss of Starship and damage to the immediate area surrounding the stand. Image courtesy of SpaceX
Texas Border Business
SpaceX – On Wednesday, June 18 at approximately 11 p.m. CT, the Starship preparing for the tenth flight test experienced an anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase.
After completing a single-engine static fire earlier this week, the vehicle was in the process of loading cryogenic propellant for a six-engine static fire when a sudden energetic event resulted in the complete loss of Starship and damage to the immediate area surrounding the stand. The explosion ignited several fires at the test site which remains clear of personnel and will be assessed once it has been determined to be safe to approach. Individuals should not attempt to approach the area while safing operations continue.
As is the case before any test, a safety zone was established around the test site and was maintained throughout the operation. There are no reported injuries, and all personnel are safe and accounted for.
There are no hazards to the surrounding communities in the Rio Grande Valley. Previous independent tests conducted on materials inside Starship, including toxicity analyses, confirm they pose no chemical, biological, or toxicological risks. SpaceX is coordinating with local, state, and federal agencies, as appropriate, on matters concerning environmental and safety impacts.
Engineering teams are actively investigating the incident and will follow established procedures to determine root cause. Initial analysis indicates the potential failure of a pressurized tank known as a COPV, or composite overwrapped pressure vessel, containing gaseous nitrogen in Starship’s nosecone area, but the full data review is ongoing. There is no commonality between the COPVs used on Starship and SpaceX’s Falcon rockets.
The SpaceX team would like to thank officials and residents in the surrounding Rio Grande Valley communities for their support, particularly first responders who have assisted since shortly after the anomaly took place.
Guided by South Texas College faculty, but inspired by family, Izaiah Calderon said he is well on his way to becoming a machinist — and a role model for those who come after him. STC image
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McALLEN, Texas – Izaiah Calderon said he discovered his future inside a machine shop. Guided by South Texas College faculty, but inspired by family, the 19-year-old student believes he is well on his way to becoming a machinist and a role model for those who come after him.
Carrying on an STC family tradition, his mother earned a degree from the college in Accounting and his stepfather received certificates in Electrician Technology and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), Calderon plans to complete his certificate this summer in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, carrying a perfect 4.0 GPA and a clear vision for his future.
“It’s exciting. It motivates me,” Calderon said about earning his certificate. “Every day, I remind myself to make the most of this opportunity.”
That opportunity was brought further along thanks to a life-changing scholarship. Calderon is among the 27 students who collectively received more than $62,000 in scholarship support from GE Aerospace and the GE Aerospace Foundation for the spring 2025 semester.
This is part of a historic $165,000 investment into STC’s Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) program — the largest in the program’s history.
The financial support, Calderon said, made a real difference. “It has helped me stay focused on school,” he said. “I don’t have to stress about how I’m going to pay for everything.”
Calderon credits his family who inspired him from an early age — both in and out of the classroom.
As the middle child of six siblings, Calderon said education is becoming a family legacy. His younger sister, a fifth grader, recently attended one of STC’s open houses and told him she now dreams of going to college.
“My mom is my biggest motivator. She always tells me, ‘You can do anything.’ That’s what pushes me every day,” Calderon said. “I think we all inspire each other. Whether it’s college, trade school or starting a business — the goal is to succeed.”
While originally planning to study Cybersecurity, Calderon said he came across the manufacturing program while browsing STC’s website and after doing personal research and watching industry videos online, he realized he’d found the right fit.
Now, he dreams of becoming a machinist, working at a company like GE Aerospace, and continuing to grow from there.
His secret to success? Discipline and purpose.
“It’s easy to procrastinate,” he said. “But I just remind myself why I’m here. I want to work hard now so I can play hard later.”
He also credits STC faculty for their support and encouragement. “The professors feel like family,” he said. “They’re not just here to teach — they want to see you succeed.”
Calderon hopes his story encourages other students to believe in themselves and take the leap.
“Do your research, find what you love and don’t give up,” he said. “Anyone can do it. You just need the willpower. I’m grateful to STC, to my family and to everyone who helped me get here. This is just the beginning.”
Raudel Garza, Executive Director of Edinburg EDC, shares a moment with Suzannah Swanson at the Edinburg ACE Building on the eve of the SB250 ride — a heartfelt kickoff to a 250-mile journey in support of children with spina bifida. Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Cyclists pedal 250 miles over two days through the grueling South Texas heat from Edinburg to San Antonio on the last weekend of June. The ride consists of multiple speed groups kept together with lead and follow cars for a family-type atmosphere.
Raudel Garza. Photo archive
Raudel Garza, Executive Director of the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, is taking on the SB250 ride again this year, continuing a personal and civic commitment for over a decade. At age 60, Garza will ride the 250-mile journey from Edinburg to San Antonio, a two-day endurance event supporting Suzannah Smiles and Spina Bifida Texas.
The ride began early Friday, June 20, from Edinburg, with over 100 cyclists embarking on a 140-mile first leg to Freer. The second leg, scheduled for Saturday, June 21, covers an additional 110 miles, ending at Rancho El Chema in San Antonio. The event includes full logistical support, meals, hydration stops, and medical and mechanical assistance throughout both days.
Garza, now in his twelfth year participating in the SB250, explained his reasons for returning: “At 60 years old, I don’t know how many more of these I have in me. I like a challenge and believe in giving back, especially for kids facing medical challenges like spina bifida. If the Edinburg EDC is a sponsor, I must also do my part.”
2025 riding shirt. Photo by Roberto Hugo González
The SB250 supports Suzannah Smiles, a nonprofit named for Suzannah Swanson, who was born with spina bifida. Garza described Suzannah as “a very nice young lady who will not let a disability slow her down,” and praised her determination and positivity. He views the ride as a fundraiser and an expression of community solidarity with those with disabilities.
Physically, the ride is grueling. Riders face intense heat and long distances over two consecutive days. Garza recalled suffering cramps during last year’s ride around mile 85, but pushing through with the help of a support stop in Hebbronville. “It’s supposed to be hard,” he said. “That’s the point. But finishing is incredibly rewarding, especially when kids greet you in racing chairs and families cheering at the finish line.”
Support, both emotional and logistical, is critical. From hydration and nutrition stops to SAG vehicles and mobile mechanics, the event heavily relies on volunteers and local sponsors. “Bicycle World and Tracy Roberts do a fantastic job supporting riders,” Garza noted. “And my family and friends cheering along the way really make a difference.”
Garza emphasized that people can contribute in more ways than just financially. Volunteers are needed to help with logistics, food, clean-up, transportation, and more. “There are so many ways to give,” he said. “Time, talent, or treasure—everyone has something they can contribute.”
Training for the SB250 is a major undertaking. Garza rides five to six times a week, often starting before sunrise, and averages over 150 miles weekly. He supplements his rides with strength training and a careful diet to maintain stamina for the long haul.
He encourages others to find their passion and use it to help others. “I’m lucky to have five healthy kids and no major health challenges. Not everyone is as fortunate. If I can help just by riding and asking for donations, then I’ll do it again and again.”
Garza hopes to exceed last year’s personal fundraising total of $3,500 and raise greater awareness for families dealing with spina bifida. “You’re never too old to do something crazy for a good cause,” he said. “If you care enough, you’ll find a way.”
The City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, and Explore Edinburg all support the SB250. Their involvement reinforces the city’s deep connection to the event, from organizing meals to handling logistics at packet pick-up and departure.
As riders continue their journey toward San Antonio, their mission remains clear: to raise funds and awareness for those who need it most—and to show that endurance, compassion, and community go hand in hand.
