Texa Border Business
TxDOT and the Interchange project contractor are currently assisting with a caliche spill on eastbound I-2, east of Veterans Blvd (I Road), in the Pharr/San Juan area.
Drivers should anticipate lane closures and slowing traffic while the cleanup efforts are underway.
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The McAllen Convention Center was alive with excitement as IDEA Public Schools celebrated College Signing Day 2025 in the Rio Grande Valley region, as the seniors announced for the first time to their family, friends and the community where they will be attending college. In all, the IDEA RGV Class of 2025, comprised of over 1,700 seniors, has racked up over 8,300 college acceptances, with 61% of seniors accepted into selective and highly selective different colleges and universities across the U.S. and beyond.
College Signing Day is the culmination of years of hard work and marks a momentous occasion in each IDEA scholar’s academic journey.
Students from this year’s graduating classes across the district accepted spots at Boston University, Colgate University, Brown University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Texas at Austin, John Hopkins University, Stanford University, Vanderbilt University, Yale University, and more. In addition, 80% of scholars are first-generation to attend college.
Participating campuses included IDEA Alamo College Prep, IDEA Donna College Prep, IDEA Elsa College Prep, IDEA Rio Grande City College Prep, IDEA Weslaco College Prep, IDEA Weslaco Pike College Prep, IDEA McAllen College Prep, IDEA North Mission College Prep, IDEA Quest College Prep, IDEA Toros College Prep, IDEA Brownsville College Prep, IDEA Frontier College Prep, IDEA Owassa College Prep IDEA Riverview College Prep, IDEA Sports Park College Prep, IDEA San Benito College Prep, IDEA Tres Lagos College Prep, IDEA Edinburg College Prep, IDEA San Juan College Prep, and IDEA Pharr College Prep. This year, IDEA Elsa and IDEA Owassa welcomed their first senior classes as they took part in the CSD events.
Special speakers who celebrated and honored the class of 2025 included Jeff Cottrill, Ed.D., IDEA Public Schools CEO & Superintendent, and Jill Dominguez, Area Superintendent of IDEA RGV.
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HIDALGO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations officers at the Hidalgo International Bridge intercepted $739,000 in alleged cocaine concealed within a vehicle.
“CBP officers used all tools and resources to thwart this smuggling attempt,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry.
On May 14, CBP officers conducting outbound enforcement operations at the Hidalgo International Bridge encountered a Chevrolet SUV driven by a 40-year-old male Mexican citizen attempting to depart the U.S. to Mexico. A CBP officer selected the vehicle for inspection, which included utilizing non-intrusive inspection (NII) equipment and a canine team. Physical inspection led to the discovery of 23 packages of alleged cocaine with a combined weight of 55.38 pounds (25.12 kg) concealed within the vehicle. The cocaine has an estimated street value of $739,742.
CBP OFO seized the narcotics and vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and initiated a criminal investigation.
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AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton has successfully stopped an enforcement guidance issued under former President Joe Biden that sought to redefine the definition of “discrimination” to include self-professed “gender identity.” This unlawful rewrite of federal law would have opened private and state employers to lawsuits if they did not adopt sweeping “transgender” inclusive policies.
“The Biden Administration unlawfully tried to twist federal law into a tool for advancing radical gender ideology by attempting to force employers to adopt ‘transgender’ policies or risk being sued,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The federal government has no right to force Texans to play along with delusions or ignore biological reality in our workplaces. This is a great victory for common sense and the rule of law.”
In August 2024, Attorney General Paxton and the Heritage Foundation jointly sued the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) and Biden Administration officials to halt an attempt to force employers, both state and private, to use so-called “preferred pronouns,” allow biological males into women’s facilities, and abolish sex-specific workplace dress codes. Now, a federal district court has ruled that the EEOC exceeded its statutory authority by issuing guidance that contradicts the law and violates the Administrative Procedure Act, nullifying the gender-identity provisions nationwide.
To read the order, click here.
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AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott recently held a meeting with the Taiwan Minister of Economic Affairs Jyh-Huei Kuo to discuss strengthening robust economic partnerships and new investments in technology between Texas and Taiwan.
During the meeting, Governor Abbott and Minister Kuo discussed opportunities for Texas and Taiwan to further collaborate in critical sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and energy resilience. Governor Abbott championed Texas as the Best State for Business, noting that businesses large and small can thrive in the state’s booming economy. The Governor and Minister spoke about Texas’ business-friendly economy, low taxes, and reasonable regulations as key factors for companies from around the globe to relocate to Texas.
Additionally, Governor Abbott and Minister Kuo explored new opportunities to address ways for technology and advanced manufacturing clusters to ensure both Texas and Taiwan build a resilient supply chain. Governor Abbott highlighted Texas’ highly skilled, growing, and diverse workforce, pointing to career training programs that help Texans advance in high-demand industries like manufacturing and technology development.
Last July, Governor Abbott announced the state’s plan to open a State of Texas Taiwan Office in Taipei during an economic development trip to Taiwan. During the economic development mission, Governor Abbott also signed an Economic Development Statement of Intent with Minister Kuo to further boost investment, expand trade, spur job creation, and increase innovation in critical industries between Texas and Taiwan.
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AMARILLO — Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the graduation of the Texas Tech University (TTU) School of Veterinary Medicine’s inaugural class during TTU’s 2025 Graduation Ceremony.
“It means something to be the first,” said Governor Abbott. “Most of this class will support veterinary needs in rural areas of Texas, where they are needed the most. Texas Tech is contributing to our statewide mission to produce qualified graduates who are ready to meet the challenges ahead and contribute to the needs of Texans. Creating a new veterinary school and investing in rural Texas is an important part of the bigger paycheck and better opportunities that our state provides. I congratulate you on your perseverance through difficult course work as you carry the mantle of being the first new Texas veterinary class in over a century.”
The Governor was joined at the ceremony by Speaker Dustin Burrows, former TTU System Chancellor Robert Duncan, TTU System Chancellor Dr. Tedd Mitchell, TTU President Dr. Lawrence Schovanec, TTU School of Veterinary Medicine Dean Dr. Guy Loneragan, members of the TTU System Board of Regents, and TTU School of Veterinary Medicine faculty and staff.
In 2017, Governor Abbott signed legislation to fund the creation of the TTU School of Veterinary Medicine. The TTU School of Veterinary Medicine is the first new veterinary school to open in Texas in over a century.
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The Texas Bar Foundation has awarded a grant to the Valley Nature Center in Weslaco to support its efforts in addressing juvenile delinquency and engaging at-risk youth through nature-based education. The initiative aims to inspire students through hands-on STEM learning and environmental projects, developed in collaboration with Weslaco Independent School District.
This funding will help expand the Center’s programming, using the outdoors as a dynamic classroom to encourage school retention, spark interest in new subjects, and introduce students to potential career pathways.
“The Valley Nature Center is a pillar in our community, collaborating with educators to bridge learning gaps and create meaningful opportunities for students to give back while learning,” said Josefina Ledesma, an educator at Weslaco East High School.
Executive Director Hollie Johnston expressed her enthusiasm for the grant’s impact: “We are deeply grateful to the Texas Bar Foundation for their generous support. This funding enables us to expand our programs for both youth and adults, providing them with valuable experiences, educational credits, and the skills necessary to achieve their goals. Thank you for investing in education, opportunity, and the future of our community!”
Founded in 1965, the Texas Bar Foundation is the largest charitably funded bar foundation in the nation. To date, it has awarded over $29 million in grants to support projects that strengthen the rule of law, promote legal ethics, support underserved populations, and foster legal education throughout the state of Texas.
The Valley Nature Center provides educational opportunities that promote understanding and appreciation of the unique flora and fauna of the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The Center is committed to serving local children, families, and preserving native habitats, with the vision that every child can thrive in a healthy, natural environment.
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. played a leading role in the South Texas Alliance of Cities’ inaugural Mayors’ Mission to Mexico, a four-day initiative held from May 11 to 14, 2025. The mission aimed to foster deeper collaboration between South Texas municipalities and Mexican government and business leaders on key issues, including trade, infrastructure, and regional economic development.
Mayor Cowen was joined by Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Treviño, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and other South Texas officials during meetings in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Together, they engaged in policy discussions with Nuevo León Governor Samuel García and U.S. Consul General Melissa A. Bishop. These talks, held at the Government Palace’s Salón Juárez on May 14, focused on enhancing trade logistics, modernizing border infrastructure, and coordinating efforts around the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Monterrey is set to host.
Mayor Cowen emphasized the importance of regional unity during the visit, stating, “Leaders in Nuevo León came together to advance a shared vision for economic strength and regional collaboration. I am proud to stand alongside Governor Samuel García, Mayor Victor Treviño of Laredo, and Mayor Ron Nirenberg of San Antonio as we build on South Texas’s role as a powerhouse for industry and innovation.”
In Monterrey, the delegation discussed key infrastructure projects, including the Colombia Bridge expansion and a new highway connection between Monterrey and Texas, both of which are critical to improving commercial flow and trade capacity. These discussions reinforced the strategic importance of Brownsville and other South Texas cities in the evolving U.S.-Mexico trade corridor.
The mission continued in Mexico City, where the mayor’s planned meetings with national government officials and private-sector leaders. Topics included migration, rail infrastructure, water resource agreements, and economic opportunities tied to international trade. Mayor Cowen’s participation highlighted Brownsville’s commitment to being an active player in shaping cross-border solutions and promoting regional prosperity.
Mayor Treviño of Laredo also highlighted the region’s role as a leading port of entry and discussed fair trade policies, immigration, and binational infrastructure. Mayor Nirenberg brought the perspective of one of Texas’s largest cities to the table, focusing on shared metropolitan challenges and growth strategies.
The Mayors’ Mission to Mexico, organized by the South Texas Alliance of Cities (STAC), marked a significant milestone in regional diplomacy. Mayor Cowen’s engagement throughout the mission demonstrated his administration’s focus on economic development and international cooperation. By working alongside fellow mayors and Mexican leaders, Cowen reaffirmed Brownsville’s role as a vital partner in building a stronger, more interconnected future for the South Texas-Mexico region.
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In 2022, Congress created the Tech Hubs Program to strengthen U.S. economic and national security by commercializing the technologies of the future. The investments made through this program can ensure that critical industries, companies, and jobs start, grow, and remain in the United States.
While these opportunities are exciting, all federal investment must be strategic, smart, and result in the best return for the taxpayer. Regrettably, on its way out the door, the prior Administration announced awards to six Tech Hubs, even though the funds were not yet available. Moreover, the process was rushed, opaque, and unfair- administration officials did not make prospective applicants aware of the competition and chose awardees using outdated applications submitted nearly a year earlier. A rushed process using outdated information is no way to invest taxpayer funds.
At my direction, the Commerce Department is revamping the Tech Hubs program to prioritize national security, project quality, benefit to the taxpayer, and a fair process. The EDA will release a new notice of funding opportunity this summer with the goal of announcing selections in early 2026. To be clear, this decision is not an indictment of the work that the previously selected Tech Hubs are doing. They can compete for funding alongside all other prospective applicants. This decision is about fairness and making prudent choices with hard earned taxpayer dollars. The process will be transparent, fair, and ensure that the American taxpayers are investing in the best technological advancements to bolster the growth of critical industries in the United States.
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ALAMO – Jenna Rivera, a high school senior at PSJA Memorial Early College High School, has made history by securing the largest scholarship ever awarded to a student within the district. Rivera’s impressive $362,466 full-ride scholarship to Southern Methodist University (SMU) sets a new standard for future generations of students.
Ranked in the top 1% of her class—7th overall out of 512—Rivera is graduating with an Associate Degree in Biology through the district’s Early College Program in partnership with South Texas College. She has also earned a Dental Certification through the Dental Assistant PSJA Academy Program, getting a jumpstart in the healthcare field.
Despite her rigorous academic schedule, Rivera actively participated in several extracurricular activities, including cheerleading, track and field, Future Farmers of America, and serving as a college ambassador for her high school. Her dedication to both academics and extracurriculars reflects her strong work ethic and discipline.
“That all comes from the way I was raised, and I am forever thankful,” said Rivera. “I’m also thankful for the people throughout this whole process, including my teachers, my friends, my coaches, and the amazing staff members here at PSJA Memorial.”
Rivera was honored at a special ceremony, where she was presented with the scholarship check, a PSJA Wolverine pin, and a plaque symbolizing the keys to her high school.
“You’ve done it with sacrifice, hard work, and passion,” said Dr. Raquel Garcia, principal at PSJA Memorial ECHS. “Your humility and grace have earned you the key to this school.”
Rivera plans to pursue a degree in Biological Sciences with a minor in Business Management at SMU, where she has also earned a place as a Hunt Leadership Scholar and a member of the Hilltop Honors Program. This prestigious honor is reserved for a select group of students who exemplify academic excellence, service, and leadership, qualities that Rivera has shown.
Rivera’s goal is to attend dental school and complete her residency to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. She will begin her journey at SMU in the fall of 2025.
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