Home Blog Page 456

Restaurant Industry Projected to Add 490,000 Summer Jobs

TBB
-
0
Restaurant Industry Projected to Add 490,000 Summer Jobs
A summer restaurant job isn’t just about earning a paycheck – it’s about building skills that last a lifetime. Image for illustration purposes
A summer restaurant job isn’t just about earning a paycheck – it’s about building skills that last a lifetime. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

National Restaurant Association

Washington, D.C. – A summer restaurant job isn’t just about earning a paycheck – it’s about building skills that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a teenager taking on their first job or a college student returning for another season, restaurants are where millions learn how to work with a team, solve problems, and stay cool under pressure. 

According to the National Restaurant Association’s 27th annual Eating and Drinking Place Summer Employment Forecast, restaurants are projected to add 490,000 jobs this summer. The increase is fueled by a stronger labor pool, especially teens and young adults, returning to the workforce in numbers not seen in years. 

“Restaurant jobs teach communication, adaptability, attention to detail, and teamwork – skills that set employees up for success, whether they stay in the restaurant industry or take these lessons into other professions,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. “With 6.2 million teens in the labor force this April – the highest level in over 15 years – restaurants are poised to benefit from a strong pipeline of talent heading into the summer season.” 

Restaurants are the largest employer of teens, providing jobs to 1.9 million 16-19-year-olds – about one-third of all working teens. That group grew to more than 6.2 million in the labor force this April, offering a key boost to seasonal hiring.   

For operators like Jeff Gosnear, President of Grotto Pizza, these summer hires are the backbone of the busy season. His company, which operates 22 locations across Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, grows from 900 employees in the off-season to about 1,600 during the summer. 

“A lot of our managers started as summer employees,” said Gosnear, who got his start in restaurants as a 16-year-old dishwasher. “Today, more than half of our management team began their careers at Grotto as teenagers. One of our vice presidents started as a pizza maker at 16 and has been with us for nearly four decades.” 

Gosnear says this year is shaping up to be Grotto Pizza’s first fully staffed summer since before the pandemic, a milestone that reflects both an improved labor pool and the ongoing draw of summer restaurant work. “We’re seeing people come back to the industry in a real way,” he added. “The intensity of summer service, the sense of camaraderie, the pace – for a lot of people, it’s addictive in the best way.” 

Summer hiring will be strongest in Northeastern states, including Maine, Alaska, Delaware, and Rhode Island, which are projected to see the largest proportional increases in restaurant employment. Restaurants remain the country’s second-largest source of seasonal jobs, behind only the construction industry. 

Read the full Summer Employment Forecast, including a state-by-state breakdown, here.

Working Together to Fight Antisemitic Terrorism

TBB
-
0
Working Together to Fight Antisemitic Terrorism
 Attorney General Ken Paxton and a coalition of attorneys general sent a multistate letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to continue working together with federal law enforcement to combat the rise in antisemitic terrorism. Image for illustration purposes
 Attorney General Ken Paxton and a coalition of attorneys general sent a multistate letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to continue working together with federal law enforcement to combat the rise in antisemitic terrorism. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton and a coalition of attorneys general sent a multistate letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel to continue working together with federal law enforcement to combat the rise in antisemitic terrorism.  

The tragic murders of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C. and the illegal immigrant who set victims on fire in Boulder, CO while they peacefully rallied on behalf of Israeli hostages held by Hamas are sober reminders of the alarming growth of antisemitic terrorism, which demands nothing less than a full force of government response.  

The South Carolina-led letter commends the work that the FBI and DOJ have been doing in the fight against antisemitic criminal activity and encourages further coordination between federal law enforcement and the states to stop antisemitic terrorism and hateful acts of violence.   

“Since the horrific October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attacks against the people of Israel, we’ve seen a rise in radical anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric on campuses and communities across our country,” said Attorney General Paxton. “We’ve also tragically seen an alarming and heartbreaking increase in domestic terrorism targeted at the Jewish community. I will not rest in working to stop these hateful, unconscionable acts of violence and defeating the rampant anti-Israel hatred and antisemitism growing in this country. I am proud to stand with Israel and will always do everything within my power to partner with federal law enforcement to root out domestic terrorism and antisemitism.”  

To read the letter, click here.  

Governor Sets Hurricane Preparedness Expectations with Texas Energy Providers

TBB
-
0
Governor Sets Hurricane Preparedness Expectations with Texas Energy Providers
During the meeting, Governor Abbott discussed the strength of Texas' power grid, highlighting Texas as the energy capital of the world. Photo: Office of The Governor
During the meeting, Governor Abbott discussed the strength of Texas’ power grid, highlighting Texas as the energy capital of the world. Photo: Office of The Governor

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott met with Texas energy providers to discuss preparedness expectations for this year’s hurricane season.

The Governor was joined in the meeting by CenterPoint Energy, Inc. President and CEO Jason Wells, CenterPoint Energy, Inc. Executive Vice President of Regulatory Services and Government Affairs Jason Ryan, American Electric Power Texas President and COO Judith Talavera, American Electric Power Texas Director of Government Affairs Isaac Albarado, Entergy Texas, Inc. President and CEO Eli Viamontes, and Entergy Texas, Inc. Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Ryland Ramos. 

During the meeting, Governor Abbott discussed the strength of Texas’ power grid, highlighting Texas as the energy capital of the world. The Governor received assurances from the energy executives that they are prepared for and ready to respond this hurricane season, including increased deployment of emergency linemen. The energy executives updated the Governor on their system resiliency investments, emergency preparedness plans, customer communications, and local emergency response coordination plans. The Governor concluded the meeting by reiterating the importance of having an effective and efficient restoration effort to protect the lives of Texans during hurricane season.

Global Economic Outlook

TBB
-
0
Global Economic Outlook
A new report on the global economic outlook has recently been released. The World Economic Forum regularly surveys chief economists, with the current information collected during the first half of April. Image for illustration purposes
A new report on the global economic outlook has recently been released. The World Economic Forum regularly surveys chief economists, with the current information collected during the first half of April. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Dr. M. Ray Perryman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group. Courtesy Image

A new report on the global economic outlook has recently been released. The World Economic Forum regularly surveys chief economists, with the current information collected during the first half of April. The findings are worthy of note.

I would like to say that the negative outlook pervading the new report is surprising, but unfortunately it is expected. The survey was conducted during the worst of the tariff turmoil (at least this far), which didn’t help matters, and hopefully some participants have become less negative in the hopes that much of the chaos will soon subside. Few lasting trade deals have been struck, however, and, although some levies have been paused, others have been implemented in a somewhat haphazard manner. Uncertainty causes new investments, hiring decisions, product introductions, and even consumer spending to stall until things become clearer, which impedes the path to progress. In fact, the World Bank released a subsequent forecast with the lowest projected expansion since the pandemic and a call to end the trade turmoil. 

Other factors negatively affecting the outlook include the multiple lingering wars – Russia-Ukraine and the Middle East – and tension in other areas. These conflicts further contribute to an underlying level of uncertainty, as any significant escalation could disrupt oil markets, shipping, and other crucial economic factors. Amidst these risks, the US tariff blitz hit particularly hard.  

Another set of questions concerned AI, which is adding both challenges and potential opportunities. Fewer than half of those surveyed anticipate that AI will be commercially disruptive this year. About 45% expect these new technologies to raise global GDP as much as five percentage points over the coming decade, and a third expect even larger gains. The prospects for job effects are mixed, with more of those surveyed expecting losses than gains due to AI (at least in the early stages of implementation). 

The survey responses also delved into the effects of growing national sentiment regarding economic matters, much of which dates back to disruptions occurring during the pandemic. Since that time, numerous countries have seen growing dissatisfaction with a variety of policies ranging from immigration to climate initiatives. As nations begin to follow divergent paths in these and other areas, we may well see less business integration. Working together is the optimal mechanism to ensure prosperity and security, and results are only optimized through international cooperation. 

The global economy is facing challenges from many fronts – trade policy, geopolitical tension and war, and sweeping technological change. At this time, the uncertainty associated with tariffs is taking a toll on expectations. However, once we are past this period of turmoil, major new advances should set the stage for stronger performance. Stay safe! 

_______________________

Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 3,000 clients over the past four decades.

Congresswoman De La Cruz Keeping You Updated in Hidalgo County

TBB
-
0
Congresswoman De La Cruz Keeping You Updated in Hidalgo County
Kicking off the summer with community fun, The Congresswoman's staff joined the City of Mission and Mission PD for Donuts with the Chief, alongside City Manager Perez and Police Chief Torres. Image courtesy of The Office of Congresswoman De La Cruz
Kicking off the summer with community fun, The Congresswoman’s staff joined the City of Mission and Mission PD for Donuts with the Chief, alongside City Manager Perez and Police Chief Torres. Image courtesy of The Office of Congresswoman De La Cruz

Texas Border Business

Congresswoman Monica De LA Cruz recently shared an update from cities and officials in Hidalgo County. She continues to serve her constituents on a daily basis and is always willing to listen and act in the best interest of everyone. 

Congresswoman De La Cruz joined the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce in welcoming NexPay Payroll & Financial at their ribbon cutting ceremony. Her staff was proud to support this locally owned business as they introduced their team and services to the community. Photo Courtesy: Edinburg Chamber of Commerce via The Office of Congresswoman De La Cruz
The congresswoman’s staff had the pleasure of attending Direct Insurance of Mission’s 22nd Anniversary Ribbon Cutting with the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce. They celebrated this local small business and its incredible milestone alongside fellow community leaders. Image courtesy of The Office of Congresswoman De La Cruz
At a recent ribbon cutting with Meadows Psychotherapy & Assessment and the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, her was proud to celebrate the arrival of this new mental wellness provider serving our region. Image courtesy of The Office of Congresswoman De La Cruz
A recent meeting with the City of Mission’s Executive Director of Grants and Director of Government Affairs to discuss upcoming projects and plans for future growth. Image courtesy of The Office of Congresswoman De La Cruz
At a recent luncheon with the City of McAllen honoring outgoing City Commissioner Omar Quintanilla. He was presented with a flag and certification in recognition of his eight years of dedicated service. Image courtesy of The Office of Congresswoman De La Cruz

Elon Musk Acknowledges Regret Over Trump Posts

TBB
-
0
Elon Musk Acknowledges Regret Over Trump Posts
Elon Musk publicly expressed regret over several recent posts directed at former President Donald Trump. In a brief but direct message on his X platform, Musk stated, “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.” Image: Public Domain. Bgd for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

Elon Musk publicly expressed regret over several recent posts directed at former President Donald Trump. In a brief but direct message on his X platform, Musk stated, “I regret some of my posts about President @realDonaldTrump last week. They went too far.”

Umage: X

The apology comes after days of highly visible online sparring, with Musk’s remarks drawing national media attention and contributing to heightened political discourse. His statement was widely reported within hours by major outlets such as Reuters, the Associated Press, Sky News, MarketWatch, and Texas Border Business, all noting the significance of the retraction given Musk’s prominence in political and business circles.

While Musk did not specify which posts he was referring to, the admission was interpreted as a notable change in tone, especially given his frequent use of social media to comment on political figures and policies. Observers noted the gesture as rare, coming from a figure often characterized by a confrontational or unapologetic online presence.

This move is clearly a step toward de-escalating tensions with Trump and possibly with the conservative audience that forms part of Musk’s following. It also comes at a time when Tesla, SpaceX, and his other ventures face increased regulatory and political scrutiny.

Musk may be seeking to realign his public image by publicly acknowledging a misstep, emphasizing accountability over provocation. Though brief, the apology reflects a willingness to correct course—a quality not always seen among high-profile tech leaders navigating political currents.

UTSA Expands Acclaimed Program for RGV Students

Roberto H. Gonzalez
-
0
UTSA Expands Acclaimed Program for RGV Students
Valley View School students. Image by Roberto Hugo González
Valley View School students. Image by Roberto Hugo González

Texas Border Business

By Roberto Hugo González

On April 17, 2025, a gathering at Malfitany Pasta Co. in McAllen highlighted the expansion of a nationally recognized dual-credit initiative coordinated by the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) in collaboration with regional educators, health professionals, and industry leaders. The event centered around the accomplishments of high-achieving Valley View High School students enrolled in the Spanish Minor program and efforts to grow the initiative’s reach and impact.

Paul Treviño, OPA-C; Dr. Glenn Martinez; and Mr. David De Leon are key leaders behind a nationally recognized dual-credit program that empowers high-achieving Valley students through early college access, mentorship, and a strong focus on community return. Image by Roberto Hugo González

Dr. Glenn Martinez, Dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts at UTSA, emphasized the origins and growth of the program. With deep ties to the Rio Grande Valley and a 25-year career in education, Martinez credited Valley View High School educator David De Leon for identifying a unique challenge in 2009: students excelling in Spanish language and literature exams had no further coursework available. In response, Martinez and De Leon partnered to launch an early college initiative allowing students to begin college-level Spanish classes in 10th grade, culminating in a minor by high school graduation.

The program has since grown to include dual-enrollment courses taught by UTSA faculty, summer residencies at the UTSA campus in San Antonio, and immersive cultural and academic experiences designed to strengthen student-university bonds. Martinez explained that the program is built on the philosophy that early success leads to future achievement. He credited this supportive structure for helping students complete bachelor’s degrees in less than three years and preparing them for impactful careers across fields.

Paul Treviño, OPA-C, an orthopedic physician assistant and founder of Real Health Medical Clinic, has served as a key supporter and mentor within the program, offering students hands-on exposure to the medical profession. Treviño spoke candidly about the Valley’s ongoing challenge in retaining local talent, particularly in medicine and specialized fields. He noted that while many students leave South Texas for education, few return to practice. He said his goal is to “spark interest early and bring them back.”

Treviño stressed the importance of meaningful career exploration and apprenticeships, pointing out that students often make costly decisions without understanding their long-term implications. Through clinic-based mentorships and leadership engagement, he hopes to guide students toward informed choices that serve personal and community goals. “These students represent the top 10% of the 10%. They need direction, not just ambition,” he said.

David De Leon, the longtime educator and program coordinator at Valley View, was widely credited by both Martinez and Treviño for his foundational work in creating and sustaining the program. De Leon noted that nearly 90 percent of the participating students rank in the top 10 percent of their class, and many have earned national recognition. Several alumni, including Paula Cardona, who now teaches science at her alma mater, returned to speak about the program’s influence on their lives.

The students at the center of this initiative reflected a wide range of interests, from music and teaching to medicine and engineering. They spoke of the life-changing experience of attending UTSA for immersive summer sessions, where they lived on campus, built academic confidence, and formed bonds with mentors and peers. Student Frida Montelongo, a state champion mariachi singer, shared her appreciation for the opportunities the program provided. Others, like Geraldo Medina and Ana Gudiño, explained how the program opened doors they hadn’t imagined and deepened their desire to give back to the region. Whether interpreting medical terms, teaching future generations, or pursuing careers in healthcare, the students expressed a strong sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to their community.

The UTSA initiative, supported partly by industry partnerships and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), plans to increase its cohort to 120 students next year and expand into additional school districts across South Texas. Organizers said the goal is academic excellence and cultivating future leaders who will return to and uplift their communities.

DPS Arrests Five During Capitol Protests 

TBB
-
0
DPS Arrests Five During Capitol Protests 
The protest began around seven Monday evening near the Texas State Capitol, which is part of the Capitol Complex—a 46 square-block area of Downtown Austin, which DPS protects. During the response, DPS personnel arrested five individuals on various charges, including felony criminal mischief and resisting arrest, among others. Photo: Texas DPS
The protest began around seven Monday evening near the Texas State Capitol, which is part of the Capitol Complex—a 46 square-block area of Downtown Austin, which DPS protects. During the response, DPS personnel arrested five individuals on various charges, including felony criminal mischief and resisting arrest, among others. Photo: Texas DPS

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN – On Monday, June 9, 2025, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) responded to a planned and well-publicized protest within the Texas State Capitol Complex, and working alongside our partners at the Austin Police Department (APD), made numerous arrests to keep demonstrators, the public and property safe. 

The protest began around seven Monday evening near the Texas State Capitol, which is part of the Capitol Complex—a 46 square-block area of Downtown Austin, which DPS protects. During the response, DPS personnel arrested five individuals on various charges, including felony criminal mischief and resisting arrest, among others.

The following individuals were arrested by DPS and booked into the Travis Co. Jail:
Alvin Jarret Talley (23) – felony criminal mischief and resisting arrest.
Hiram Gilberto Garcia (27) – resisting arrest. 
Zakk Wylde Bonham (22) – felony criminal mischief and resisting arrest.
Luis Davila (21) – felony criminal mischief. 
William Haraway (50) – assault by contact and public intoxication.

DPS personnel also deployed tear gas and pepper ball projectiles to ensure officer safety and maintain order during the response. While we will not discuss operational specifics, DPS collaborates with local, state and federal law enforcement partners—including APD—to ensure the safety of our citizens and state property, as well as to protect individuals exercising their constitutional rights to assembly and free speech. 

Texas is a law-and-order state, and the department has zero tolerance for individuals disrupting public order or endangering law enforcement officers. DPS will continue monitoring future events and their impact on public safety across the state and will adjust operations, including personnel and resources, as needed to address potential and emerging threats. Our men and women stand ready to protect and serve. 

Additional information and details about the eight arrests made by the Austin Police Department during the protest are available, here. 

###(HQ 2025-060)

CBP to public: Phone Scam Continues to Target Citizens

TBB
-
0
CBP to public: Phone Scam Continues to Target Citizens
Anyone receiving any type of call from someone claiming to be from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and seeking any type of personal information should just hang up. USCBP image
Anyone receiving any type of call from someone claiming to be from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and seeking any type of personal information should just hang up. USCBP image

Texas Border Business

Telephone scammers continue to target residents nationwide to gain personal information that would bypass financial security protocols.

Anyone receiving any type of call from someone claiming to be from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and seeking any type of personal information should just hang up.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection employees continue to receive numerous calls from people concerned about unsolicited calls from scammers posing as U.S. Border Patrol agents and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.

“If CBP suspects illegal activity, we will not call a suspect or a victim requesting money or Social Security numbers. To be clear, CBP will not make telephone calls threatening citizens that law enforcement is on the way or promising money for information,” said CBP Houston Acting Director of Field Operations Rod Hudson. “Anyone receiving a call from U.S. Customs and Border Protection about self-deportation, or a shipment of drugs or money should recognize that it is a scam regardless of how authentic the caller may sound.”

In many cases, would-be victims are reporting that the scammers are insistent that they must confirm certain details because CBP has intercepted a shipment of drugs with the “target’s” name and address and that cooperation is important to ensure the case is resolved.  If the target refuses to comply, the scammer threatens that the police will be arriving. When the scammer is asked for a name, he provides an actual CBP employee’s name and phone number available on the internet for the target to verify. Some scammers are even providing fake case numbers and badge numbers.  

A variation of this call is a pre-recorded message stating that a “shipment of drugs or money with your name on it and has been intercepted.” The target is then instructed to press #1 to speak with a CBP officer/agent.  When connected, the scammer then attempts to confirm the target’s banking information.

These calls, whether a pre-recorded message or live person, are phone scams/phishing attempts and residents are urged to not provide the caller with any information. The Department of Homeland Security and CBP does not solicit money over the phone.

If you get a call like this, here are a few things to keep in mind:
CBP won’t call you out of the blue with promises of money or threats. Is the caller asking you to pay a fee or share your Social Security, credit card, or bank account numbers over the phone? Hang up. It’s a scam.
CBP never uses gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers. If someone asks you to pay this way, it’s a scam. Always.
Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can make their phone numbers look real even if they’re not.
Check with CBP if you’re unsure about whether a call or email is real. Never call back phone numbers in caller ID, or left in voicemails, emails, or social media messages. Instead, type the agency name into a search bar and click on their webpage to find contact information.

Anyone receiving any type of call from someone claiming to be from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and seeking any type of personal information, should just hang up.  Phone scams can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online.

Information Source: USCBP

Public Meeting Scheduled for FM 1015 Widening Project, June 12th

TBB
-
0
Public Meeting Scheduled for FM 1015 Widening Project, June 12th
TxDOT is hosting a virtual public meeting with in-person option, to gather public input on the proposed widening of FM 1015 from SH 107 to Mile 12 Road in Hidalgo County on June 3, 2025. Image for illustration purposes
TxDOT is hosting a virtual public meeting with in-person option, to gather public input on the proposed widening of FM 1015 from SH 107 to Mile 12 Road in Hidalgo County on June 3, 2025. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

HIDALGO COUNTY, TX – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will conduct a virtual public meeting with in-person option regarding the proposed widening of FM 1015 from SH 107 to Mile 12 Road in Hidalgo County, TX. The in-person public meeting is scheduled for    5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Santiago Garcia Elementary School – Cafeteria, 101 E Santa Rosa Ave, Edcouch, TX 78538.

Courtesy image
WHEN:5 – 7 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2025
WHERE: Santiago Garcia Elementary School – Cafeteria, 101 E Santa Rosa Ave, Edcouch, TX 78538 

The virtual option is available from Wednesday, June 11, 2025, to Friday, June 27, 2025 To participate, visit www.txdot.gov, keyword search “FM 1015 Widening Project” 
MEDIA:TxDOT invites public input on the proposed widening of FM 1015
Image courtesy of TxDOT
1...455456457...2,441Page 456 of 2,441