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Applications For Hotel Occupancy Tax Funding Open

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Applications For Hotel Occupancy Tax Funding Open
Local non-profit entities invited to apply for Hote/ Occupancy Tax funding to promote tourism in Brownsville. Image courtesy of The City of Brownsville
Local non-profit entities invited to apply for Hote/ Occupancy Tax funding to promote tourism in Brownsville. Image courtesy of The City of Brownsville

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The City of Brownsville’s Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) and Office of Space Commerce is now accepting applications from local non-profit organizations in need of financial support to promote tourism in Brownsville. This is part of the CVB’s annual collaboration with local organizations to market and promote Brownsville as a visitor’s destination.

In accordance with the Texas State Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funds, every dollar awarded to an organization under this program must directly enhance and promote tourism and the convention and hotel industry within the City. Recipients of these funds must have a project that falls under one of the nine statutorily provided categories for expenditures.

These categories include:
Funding the establishment, improvement, or maintenance of a convention center or visitor information center.
Paying the administrative costs for facilitating convention registration.
Paying for advertising, solicitations, and promotions that attract tourists and convention delegates to the City or its vicinity.
Expenditures that promote the arts.
Funding historical restoration or preservation programs.
Funding certain expenses, including promotional expenses, directly related to a sporting event within counties with a population of under 1 million.
Funding the enhancement or upgrading of existing sports facilities or sports fields for certain municipalities.
Funding transportation systems for tourists.
Signage directing tourists to sights and attractions that are visited frequently by hotel guests in the municipality.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau will host two Hotel Occupancy Tax Educational Workshops. Those interested in applying for HOT Funds are encouraged to attend. The workshops are scheduled as follows:

Monday, June 9, 2025
CMD/CVB Complex
1312 E. Adams St. Brownsville
9:00AM – 11:00AM
2:00PM – 4:00PM|
The deadline to apply for HOT Funds is Sunday, June 22, 2025.

For more information on the workshops, please contact the Brownsville Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at visitbtx@brownsvilletx.gov or at (956) 564-3721. Interested parties may access the HOT Funds application at: https://visitbtx.com/hotfundsrequests/

Federal Red Snapper Season Opens June 1st

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Federal Red Snapper Season Opens June 1st
The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal waters opens June 1. Red snapper fishing is open year-round in Texas state waters. Bag and size limits for federal and state waters will remain unchanged. Image for illustration purposes
The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal waters opens June 1. Red snapper fishing is open year-round in Texas state waters. Bag and size limits for federal and state waters will remain unchanged. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN — The private recreational angler red snapper season in federal waters opens June 1. Red snapper fishing is open year-round in Texas state waters. Bag and size limits for federal and state waters will remain unchanged.

Regulations for red snapper in federal waters consist of:
Two fish per person per day with a 16-inch minimum size limit.
Red snapper caught in federal waters count as part of the state bag limit of four fish.
No more than two red snapper per person can be in possession while in federal waters.
Regulations for red snapper in state waters:
Four fish per person per day with a 15-inch minimum size limit.
No more than four red snapper per person can be in possession in state waters while fishing.

“As always, our goal is to give Texas anglers as many days as possible to fish in federal waters for red snapper while still maintaining our traditional yearlong fishery in Texas state waters,” said Robin Riechers, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) Coastal Fisheries Division Director. “State management in recent years has allowed us to have longer seasons as well as greater fishing opportunities.”

Per the 2022 DESCEND Act, all commercial and recreational anglers must possess a venting tool or a rigged descending device on their boat while fishing for reef fish in federal waters. Research shows that properly releasing reef fish, such as red snapper, helps reduce mortality. In 2023,Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted rules inspired by the DESCEND Act. These regulations apply to all commercial and recreational anglers fishing in state waters and require the use of a venting tool or rigged descending device for reef fish exhibiting signs of barotrauma.

Texas anglers are a crucial aspect of successful fisheries management in Texas and are encouraged to use the Texas Hunt & Fish app (formerly My Texas Hunt Harvest) to log their red snapper catches. Anglers can also use the app to log harvested game species, view harvest history, save photos and share harvests on social media. For more information about the Texas Hunt & Fish Appand how to use it, please visit: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/hunt-and-fish-app/

The TPWD Coastal Fisheries Division will provide public notice of the private recreational season closing date before the state’s allotted catch limit has been reached. TPWD will update all communication platforms, including the Outdoor Annual, website and social media accounts, when it determines that closing date.

Information source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Governor Sends Letter To Secretary Rollins Requesting Waiver To Prohibit Unhealthy SNAP Purchases

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Governor Sends Letter To Secretary Rollins Requesting Waiver To Prohibit Unhealthy SNAP Purchases
"SNAP was created to increase access to nutritious food; however, many SNAP purchases are for food with little to no nutritious value," Governor Abbott writes in the letter. Image for illustration purposes
“SNAP was created to increase access to nutritious food; however, many SNAP purchases are for food with little to no nutritious value,” Governor Abbott writes in the letter. Image for illustration purposes

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott today sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins requesting a waiver from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service to prohibit unhealthy foods from being purchased using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. 

“SNAP was created to increase access to nutritious food; however, many SNAP purchases are for food with little to no nutritious value,” Governor Abbott writes in the letter. “Under the Trump administration, for the first time since the program was authorized, states can take steps to eliminate the opportunity to buy junk food with SNAP benefits and assure that taxpayer dollars are used only to purchase healthy, nutritious food. I look forward to the opportunities this approach will bring to improve the health and quality of life for low-income Texans.” 

Read the Governor’s letter to Secretary Rollins. 

PSJA ISD Librarians Awarded $5k Laura Bush Foundation Grants 

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PSJA ISD Librarians Awarded $5k Laura Bush Foundation Grants 
Librarians from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) have been awarded $5,000 grants each to enhance their school libraries through the prestigious Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. PSJA ISD is among 220 schools nationwide, spanning 38 states, to receive funding to support the expansion of library resources. Images courtesy of PSJA ISD
Librarians from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) have been awarded $5,000 grants each to enhance their school libraries through the prestigious Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. PSJA ISD is among 220 schools nationwide, spanning 38 states, to receive funding to support the expansion of library resources. Images courtesy of PSJA ISD

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PHARR, Texas – Six librarians from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) have been awarded $5,000 grants each to enhance their school libraries through the prestigious Laura Bush Foundation for America’s Libraries. PSJA ISD is among 220 schools nationwide, spanning 38 states, to receive funding to support the expansion of library resources. 

The six librarians include: 
Veronica Frias, Doedyns Elementary 
Carmen Noyola, Garza-Pena Elementary 
Linda Martinez, Buell DAEP 
Lisa Ybarra, Ramirez Elementary 
Melissa Robles, Dr. Long Elementary 
Laura Rodriguez, Carman Elementary 

“We are incredibly proud of our librarians and the entire PSJA ISD community for their commitment to fostering literacy and enriching the student learning experience,” said Amy Marquez, Director of Library Services at PSJA ISD. “This grant reflects the transformative power of school libraries and the dedication of our librarians, who are passionate about bringing exciting, diverse resources to their students every day.” 

These grants will allow PSJA ISD librarians to refresh and diversify their collections, creating an even more engaging learning environment for students. The funds will support the acquisition of new books and digital resources, to inspire a love of reading and learning across the district. 

“Books have the power to ignite curiosity and inspire a lifelong love of learning,” said Mrs. Laura Bush in a press release. “We are excited to support school libraries and provide resources that encourage students to discover new interests and embark on countless adventures through reading.” This grant is part of the Laura Bush Foundation’s ongoing effort to enhance school libraries nationwide. For more information about the Laura Bush Foundation and future grant opportunities, visit 

FBI Honors Fallen Law Enforcement ‘Brothers & Sisters’ & Two of its Own

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FBI Honors Fallen Law Enforcement ‘Brothers & Sisters’ & Two of its Own
Director Kash Patel, right, and Assistant Director Robert Contee pause for a moment after laying a wreath in honor of fallen FBI personnel on May 13, 2025, at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of FBI
Director Kash Patel, right, and Assistant Director Robert Contee pause for a moment after laying a wreath in honor of fallen FBI personnel on May 13, 2025, at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Image courtesy of FBI

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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

As the names of fallen law enforcement officers are read aloud in solemn gatherings for National Police Week, the FBI paused to honor its law enforcement partners and remember two of its own who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“It’s an important time to honor the extraordinary courage and commitment of our brothers and sisters in law enforcement and to recognize those who have laid down their lives protecting the communities they served,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a video commemorating Police Week.

The annual observance dates to 1962 when President John F. Kennedy signed a proclamation designating May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which the date falls as Police Week.

In his brief time as Director, Patel said, he has called police chiefs and sheriffs when their departments have lost an officer in adversarial action in the line of duty.

“Although I’ve been in this position for less than three months, I’ve already made far too many of those calls,” Patel said.

Earlier this week, Director Patel led a memorial service at FBI Headquarters as the names of a special agent and an evidence technician were added to the FBI’s Wall of Honor to recognize their sacrifices.

Special Agent Donald Kleber and evidence technician Melica Sanders both supported rescue and recovery efforts in New York following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. Kleber worked at Ground Zero sorting through debris from the fallen towers of the World Trade Center. Sanders deployed to the Fresh Kills Landfill where she sifted through crime scene materials collecting and documenting evidence. Both developed illnesses after exposure to carcinogens and died as a result.

“Sadly, far too many who made the ultimate sacrifice have been our own FBI colleagues,” Patel said in a May 12 message to FBI personnel. “They were our friends and colleagues, and their legacy of courage and commitment to duty inspires all of us.”

The inherent dangers of law enforcement and public safety work were front and center early this week when the FBI issued a report on the number of law enforcement officers killed and assaulted in the line of duty. 

Last year, 64 officers were feloniously killed in the line of duty; another 85,730 were assaulted, according to the “Officers Killed and Assaulted in the Line of Duty, 2024 Special Report.” The annual report, compiled by the Bureau’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division, is based on data voluntarily provided by law enforcement agencies to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Report Program.

Edinburg’s Culture Fest 2025, May 17th 

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Edinburg’s Culture Fest 2025, May 17th 
This free, family-friendly event invites guests of all ages to experience an evening filled with traditional music, dance, and rich cultural expression from around the world, including performances representing Filipino, African American, Korean, Indian, and Mexican heritage. Courtesy image
This free, family-friendly event invites guests of all ages to experience an evening filled with traditional music, dance, and rich cultural expression from around the world, including performances representing Filipino, African American, Korean, Indian, and Mexican heritage. Courtesy image

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The City of Edinburg proudly present Culture Fest 2025—a vibrant celebration of the diverse cultures that make up our community. This free, family-friendly event invites guests of all ages to experience an evening filled with traditional music, dance, and rich cultural expression from around the world, including performances representing Filipino, African American, Korean, Indian, and Mexican heritage.

Courtesy image
Enjoy an evening of:
A variety of cultural food vendors offering global flavors
Unique artisan and ethnically inspired merchandise
A live DJ and energizing drum circles
Colorful traditional attire and dynamic stage performances

Culture Fest 2025 is more than an event—it’s a celebration of unity through culture, connection, and community. Join us for an unforgettable evening of rhythm, flavor, and pride in the heart of Edinburg.

Event Details
Saturday, May 17 | 5:00 PM | Promenade Park Amphitheater
201 W. McIntyre St, Edinburg, TX

City of McAllen Cuts Ribbon For Fire Station #8

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City of McAllen Cuts Ribbon For Fire Station #8
The land was donated by Rhodes Enterprises. The final construction cost was $4,633,500. The architects for the project were Gignac & Associates, LLP and the fire station was built by NM Contracting LLC
The land was donated by Rhodes Enterprises. The final construction cost was $4,633,500. The architects for the project were Gignac & Associates, LLP and the fire station was built by NM Contracting LLC

Texas Border Business

With an initial investment over $4.6 million approved by the McAllen City Commission, the newest McAllen Fire Station is ready to serve the residents in McAllen’s Tres Lagos area, the largest and fastest growing area of the city. The station is 10,547 square feet, which includes a kitchen, dining room, dayroom, dispatch area, fitness room, dorms, office space, equipment storage, and utility rooms. It will house one fire truck and four firefighters, with provisions for one additional fire truck and personnel when the need arises. 

The land was donated by Rhodes Enterprises. The final construction cost was $4,633,500. The architects for the project were Gignac & Associates, LLP and the fire station was built by NM Contracting LLC

Seat Belts Only Work If You Wear Them

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Seat Belts Only Work If You Wear Them
– It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter what you do. Everyone needs to buckle up. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is working with law enforcement to remind Texas drivers to wear their seat belt every ride, every time. Image courtesy of TxDOT

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN – It doesn’t matter who you are. It doesn’t matter what you do. Everyone needs to buckle up. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is working with law enforcement to remind Texas drivers to wear their seat belt every ride, every time. 

First responder learns life lesson

In May 2023, Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Boyer rushed to the scene of an emergency without pausing to buckle his seat belt. He was responding to a call. He swerved to avoid hitting a pickup truck pulling an unlit trailer and that’s when his car went off the highway, goingairborne and rolling over twice. Not buckled in, he was ejected several feet from his patrol vehicle. He lost his left leg and almost lost his life.

“This experience has definitely changed my perspective. No one is invincible,” Boyer said. “Now, every time I get in any vehicle, I always make sure to buckle up. And I’ve taught my 9-year-old son to do the same.”

Seat belts save lives

Most Texans buckle up, yet too many crashes turn deadly because someone wasn’t wearing a seat belt. In 2024, 1,069 people who died in collisions on Texas roads were not buckled up.Nearly 60% of these fatalities occurred at night.

“We all think a crash will never happen to us, but it can happen any time we get in a vehicle,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “A seat belt can save your life or prevent a serious injury, but only if you’re wearing it. Take those quick seconds to buckle your seat belt everytime, day and night.”

What TxDOT is doing

TxDOT’s annual Click It or Ticket campaign aims to save lives by getting drivers and passengers to wear their seat belt 100% of the time. To reach that goal, TxDOT is conducting a statewide public education campaign and partnering with law enforcement agencies to step up enforcement of seat belt laws from May 19 through June 1. This includes focusing efforts on ticketing drivers who fail to buckle up or secure their kids in car seats.

Texas law requires everyone in a vehicle to buckle up or face fines and court costs up to $200. Children younger than 8 years old must be in a child safety seat or booster seat unless they’re taller than 4 feet 9 inches. If they aren’t properly restrained, the driver faces fines up to $250plus court costs.

Image courtesy of TxDOT

The results

No one wants to be pulled over, but the objective is to save lives and prevent injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that the Click It or Ticket initiative in Texas has saved more than 8,200 lives, prevented 148,000 serious injuries and resulted in $33 billion in economic savings since its inception in 2002.

The Click It or Ticket campaign is an important part of TxDOT’sDrive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative.Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com. 

STC Construction Supervision Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in Program History

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STC Construction Supervision Celebrates Largest Graduating Class in Program History
More than 25 students from South Texas College’s Construction Supervision program received certificates and associate degrees on May 10, according to faculty who say the program has more than doubled its course sections and has seen an 187% increase in growth over the same time period in 2024. STC image
More than 25 students from South Texas College’s Construction Supervision program received certificates and associate degrees on May 10, according to faculty who say the program has more than doubled its course sections and has seen an 187% increase in growth over the same time period in 2024. STC image

Texas Border Business

By Joey Gomez

McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College’s Construction Supervision program graduated its largest group of students during STC’s May commencement ceremony thanks in part to the continued efforts of faculty and the support of its partners in industry.

More than 25 students from the program received certificates and associate degrees earlier this month according to Construction faculty who say the program has more than doubled its course sections and has seen an 187% increase in growth over the same time period in 2024.

“This milestone is a testament to the strength and relevance of the Construction Supervision program. Graduating our largest class to date reflects not only the hard work of our students, but also the dedication of our faculty and the growing confidence of industry partners in the quality of our graduates,” said Construction Supervision Department Chair Javier Reyes. “These students are stepping into critical roles in the field, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished.”

Construction Supervision faculty also recently celebrated 20 of its students who received more than $7,000 in scholarships and tools.

LP Building Solutions awarded $5,000 to 14 students and Brex Commercial Door awarded eight tool kits, worth $250 each for a total of $2,000, to students earning their associate or certificate in the program.

 “The Construction Supervision program has done such a great job and it’s evident that the program does everything it can for students,” said Ruby Melgoza, office manager with Brex. 
“We like that we can be a part of that and to witness the increase of students who are looking to join this industry. It’s growing and we are glad to see that, and we look forward to seeing it continue to expand.” 

Israel Medrano, faculty with STC’s Construction Supervision program said its partnerships with companies like Brex have led to more support for the program which in turn has led to an increase in apprenticeships as well as scholarships for students, which has piqued interest in the program.

“We’re working to continue the progress and meeting with our advisory partners to allow us to visit their job sites and enable internships for our students, which can then lead to full-time careers,” Medrano said. “This has led to more support for the program including scholarships for students. We continue to grow, and I have a lot of people who are still calling to partner with us, which is what the students need. It’s the students who need the help.”

STC student Jasson Alvarez said he graduated with a certificate in the Construction Supervision Program and looks forward to entering the industry with knowledge on running a job site.

“This program has become a great resource that has helped me learn how to run a job site and construction project as well as how to manage the people,” Alvarez said. “It’s all about where to go, how to build it and address mistakes, and most importantly learning how to work as a team to build something great.”

Another graduate, Jan Mireles said he will now takes his knowledge outside of the Valley in order to gain experience in the field before returning to STC in the future in order to learn how to establish his own roofing company.

“This program has helped me network as well as meet new people and learn new things that will help me in the field. I’ve had the opportunity to build while I was here, which has been the greatest thing as I look into what’s ahead in the future. We help each other in this program to get better,” Mireles said. “I prefer working in roofing because that’s what I’m good at. I would love to come back to STC in the future and continue my education. I would just like some experience in the field first. I would like to learn more about all the safety regulations that will help me with the roofing company I plan to start in the future.”

For more information on STC’s Construction Supervision program visit www.southtexascollege.edu/academics/construction/.

Abbott Signs Pro-Growth Business Legislation into Law

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Abbott Signs Pro-Growth Business Legislation into Law
Governor Greg Abbott signed three critical pieces of pro-growth, business-friendly legislation into law, including Senate Bill 29 that codifies the business judgment rule in Texas, during a bill signing ceremony at the Texas Capitol. Photo: Office of The Governor
Governor Greg Abbott signed three critical pieces of pro-growth, business-friendly legislation into law, including Senate Bill 29 that codifies the business judgment rule in Texas, during a bill signing ceremony at the Texas Capitol. Photo: Office of The Governor

Texas Border Business

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott signed three critical pieces of pro-growth, business-friendly legislation into law, including Senate Bill 29 that codifies the business judgment rule in Texas, during a bill signing ceremony at the Texas Capitol. Passed during the 89th Regular Legislative Session, these new laws will boost Texas’ capital market environment and cement Texas as the Best State for Business. 

“Texas is the reigning and undisputed champion for doing business in the United States of America,” said Governor Abbott. “There is a difference between becoming a champion and repeating as a national champion year after year. To remain at the highest level requires constant innovation and improvement, and that is what we constantly work at to keep Texas as the best business climate in America. Senate Bill 29 provides business decision makers the certainty that sound business judgments made in the best interest of shareholders will not be second-guessed by courts. Business decisions are to be made by the elected officers and shareholders, not by unelected judges. These three laws will solidify our status as the best state for doing business for many years to come.”

The Governor was joined by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, TXSE Group Inc. Founder, Chairman and CEO James Lee, Texas Association of Business (TAB) President and CEO Glenn Hamer, and other business and legislative leaders.

Governor Abbott signs the bills into law. Photo: Office of The Governor

Watch the Governor’s full bill signing here. 

“The Texas economy is stronger than ever because our conservative, pro-growth policies provide a predictable low-regulation environment for companies to do business,” said Lieutenant Governor Patrick. “Senate Bill 29, which the Senate and I prioritized, continues the Texas Miracle by attracting new companies to our state. Senate Bill 29 and the other bills Governor Abbott signed into law today solidify Texas’ dominant position in the global economy and will bring even more prosperity to Texans.”

“Texas is globally renowned for innovation and economic opportunities, and with these new measures, we are solidifying our place as America’s premier business destination,” said Speaker Burrows. “This session, the Texas Legislature worked to bolster our state’s business-friendly reputation by providing certainty for businesses and investors so that every Texan feels the benefit of our thriving economy. I look forward to seeing these new laws attract more investments and opportunities to Texas and thank Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick and my colleagues in the legislature for securing a promising financial future for Texans.”

“Thanks to the dedication of our state leadership and legislators, Texas will now be the No. 1 choice for corporate registrations and relocations, as well as the premier destination for securities listings,” said Mr. Lee. “Our state is truly becoming the center of gravity for American capitalism.”

“This is the trifecta,” said Mr. Hamer. “These bills that are being signed today will absolutely keep Texas as the best state in the nation for jobs and to invest. We should be proud as Texans today, that we have more finance jobs than the state of New York. It is an honor to be in the best place in the world for job creation on this festive day.” 

Senate Bill 29 (Hughes/Meyer) codifies the business judgment rule and reforms derivative claims processes. It also creates a mechanism to pre-assess corporate director independence. 

Senate Bill 1058 (Parker/Capriglione) creates a franchise tax exemption for stock exchanges operating in Texas for certain tax liabilities. 

House Joint Resolution 4 (Meyer/Parker) is a constitutional ban on a stock exchange transaction tax and an occupations tax. 

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