Governor Greg Abbott lauded the $100 million investment by The University of Texas (UT) Board of Regents to the UT School of Civic Leadership that will help the school become a national leader in civic education. Photo: Office of The Governor
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott lauded the $100 million investment by The University of Texas (UT) Board of Regents to the UT School of Civic Leadership that will help the school become a national leader in civic education.
Photo: Office of The Governor
“We need to get back on the pathway of ensuring that we’re educating our students with the leading concepts that have led to the great country we are today,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, we restore classical civics and leadership education at The University of Texas at Austin. The issues that will be the defining issues of the next century are issues that the United States dominates in, such as artificial intelligence and space. The University of Texas has laid the groundwork to ensure that it is educating the next generation that will inherit complex issues and lead the way forward to make sure Texas remains the greatest state in the greatest country in the history of the world.”
Photo: Office of The Governor
The Governor was joined at the press announcement by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, UT System Chairman Kevin Eltife, UT Interim President Jim Davis, and UT Dean of the School of Civic Leadership Justin Dyer.
Sony Rego, co-owner of Santa Fe Steakhouse, stands alongside renowned Chef Jorge Gonzales to celebrate the restaurant’s 2025 OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award—an honor driven by guest praise, culinary excellence, and a shared passion for unforgettable dining experiences. Photo by Roberto Hugo González
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Santa Fe Steakhouse & Cantina, a staple of fine dining in McAllen, Texas, has once again earned the prestigious OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award for 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive year the restaurant has received the honor, solidifying its reputation for exceptional food, service, and atmosphere, all recognized directly by its guests.
The OpenTable Diners’ Choice Award is not based on nominations or applications but on verified reviews from diners booked through the OpenTable platform. As co-owner, Sony Rego explains, “It’s a people’s choice award. It comes from our guests—the people who dine with us, celebrate life’s special moments, and take the time to share their experience.”
Founded in 1993, Santa Fe Steakhouse has become synonymous with excellence in the Rio Grande Valley. Known for its perfectly grilled steaks, fresh seafood like the signature Orange Roughy, and an award-winning wine list, the restaurant is also cherished for its ambiance, enhanced by live piano music and a welcoming staff. Guest comments frequently praise the attentive service, celebratory atmosphere, and personalized touches for birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
“Many guests leave personal notes,” said Rego. “‘My steak was fabulous.’ ‘The ambience made our anniversary unforgettable.’ That feedback means the world to us because it’s honest and reflects everything we work for—hospitality, quality, and care.”
But Santa Fe’s contributions extend far beyond the dining room. The restaurant gives back to the community through the Santa Fe Steakhouse Foundation, co-founded by Rego and partners Albert Rego and Fred Harms. Its annual Wine Classic event has raised substantial funds for local education initiatives, including scholarships for students in the culinary arts and the International Baccalaureate program.
The Diners’ Choice Award takes into account several key factors, all driven by diner feedback:
1. Verified Reviews: Only guests who dine through OpenTable are eligible to review.
2. High Ratings: Restaurants must earn consistently strong marks in food, service, ambiance, and value.
3. Timeliness and Volume: A steady stream of positive, recent reviews boosts eligibility.
4. Regional Excellence: Awards are granted in specific categories and locations, such as “Best Romantic” or “Best Steakhouse” in a given region.
5. Automatic Participation: All OpenTable-listed restaurants are considered automatically.
For Santa Fe Steakhouse, the award reflects deep community roots and a relentless commitment to quality. “We tailor our service to our guests,” said Rego. “Whether they’re celebrating something or just want a great night out, we try to make every visit memorable from start to finish.”
With its blend of culinary excellence, live music, and heartfelt hospitality, Santa Fe Steakhouse continues to raise the bar—not just in McAllen, but in the entire Rio Grande Valley. And with four Diners’ Choice Awards under its belt, the community agrees.
The criminal complaint filed May 6 alleges authorities learned Lira was carrying a firearm on school property. The investigation revealed Lira allegedly had a Glock 9mm pistol and a loaded magazine in his backpack, according to the charges. Image: Facebook
Texas Border Business
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
McALLEN, Texas – A 18-year-old Edinburg resident has been charged with possession a firearm on school property.
Kinzey Lira is expected to made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano
The criminal complaint filed May 6 alleges authorities learned Lira was carrying a firearm on school property. The investigation revealed Lira allegedly had a Glock 9mm pistol and a loaded magazine in his backpack, according to the charges.
If convicted, Lira faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Guerra is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Natalie Arredondo, 18, said she began taking courses in Diesel Technology as a freshman through South Texas College’s Dual Credit Program at Weslaco East High School in 2021. She is now set to graduate with her associate degree during STC commencement May 9-10. STC image
Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – Growing up, Natalie Arredondo said it was only a matter of time before she found herself under the hood of a diesel truck.
Becoming fascinated by mechanic work early on through her father, a truck driver, Arredondo, 18, said she began taking courses in Diesel Technology as a freshman through South Texas College’s Dual Credit Programs at Weslaco East High School in 2021.
It was through STC that Arredondo said she saw an opportunity not just to learn, but to challenge the norms of a male-dominated industry.
Now several years later, Arredondo said she looks forward to receiving her Diesel Technology Associate of Applied Science degree from STC during commencement May 9-10.
She will be among the 3,715 students receiving their degrees during five ceremonies at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg.
“I have always loved cars and engines thanks to my dad, but really the thing that inspired me the most was proving myself as a woman in this male-dominated field. I was encouraged because I felt like I was being told not to,” Arredondo said. “So, what motivates me to keep going is just pushing myself and realizing that as a female I can do this. Now that I am graduating, I proved I could.”
Throughout her journey in the Diesel Tech program, Arredondo said she was the only student in her high school taking the courses, which enabled her to attend STC’s Technology Campus with traditional students, she said.
Now with graduation close, Arredondo said she recalls the goals and the positive mindset she developed as a young teen that enabled her success.
“I was 14 or 15 when I knew I had to push myself to do something really great in life and I feel I’m just getting started,” she said. “There have been struggles and obstacles so far, of course, but it just goes to show that if you are really looking to accomplish something you must make sure you follow through. For me, working through my dual credit classes to receive this degree has been so worth it in the end.”
The City of McAllen Public Works Department reminds residents to stay informed about their monthly Brush and Bulky Trash Collection Schedule, now available online at www.mcallenpublicworks.net/brush. “The collection schedule is divided into four zones across the city, each defined by street boundaries and assigned a specific week of the month for pickup. For example, Zone 1 includes areas north of Nolana Avenue and west of 10th Street and is collected the first full week of the month.
See the documents blow for more information:
To ensure efficient and timely collection, residents are encouraged to follow these important placement guidelines:
Place items at assigned location no earlier than one week before scheduled collection date.
All brush and bulky items must be placed at least three feet away from mailboxes, fences, water meters, fire hydrants, low-hanging wires, parked vehicles, or any other obstacles.
Do not place items in alleyways or on vacant lots—they will not be collected.
Separate brush and bulky items into two distinct piles. Brush should consist of tree limbs, trimmings, and other organic yard waste. Bulky items may include furniture, mattresses, and other large household items.
Hazardous materials, construction debris, tires, or electronics will not be collected during brush and bulky pickup.
“Following these simple guidelines helps us keep McAllen clean, safe, and beautiful while ensuring our crews can operate efficiently and protect our infrastructure,” said McAllen Public Works Director Elvira Alonzo.
Residents can easily find their collection dates and receive reminders by visiting the website or contacting the City of McAllen through the following convenient options:
Call McAllen 3-1-1 at (956) 681-3111.
Use the McAllen 3-1-1 mobile app, available for download for either Android or Apple.
Submit inquiries through Ask McAllen, by simply texting Hello to 62311.
Pope Leo XIV stands before the majestic backdrop of St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the beginning of his historic papacy as the first American-born pontiff. Pope Image: Vatican Press Release. Bg. Thomas Dahlstrøm Nielsen, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
May 8, 2025- Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost on September 14, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, is the 267th pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. His election on May 8, 2025, marks the first time an American has ascended to the papacy.
Opposes same-sex family structures and gender education in schools
He was born to Louis Marius Prevost, of French and Italian descent, and Mildred Martínez, of Spanish descent. He has two brothers. He earned a degree in mathematics from Villanova University in 1977 and later received a Master of Divinity from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He also earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of Saint Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) in Rome.
Pope Leo XIV entered the Order of Saint Augustine in 1977 and made his solemn vows in 1981. He was ordained a priest on June 19, 1982, by Archbishop Jean Jadot. He spent many years in Peru serving in various roles including parish pastor, diocesan official, seminary teacher, and bishop of the Diocese of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. He was elected Prior General of the Augustinian Order twice, serving from 2001 to 2013, and was later appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops by Pope Francis in 2023.
He was elected pope following the death of Pope Francis and chose the name Leo XIV, becoming the first Augustinian pope since the 12th century. In his first public address from St. Peter’s, he stated: “God loves everyone. Evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. So, we go forward without fear, united hand in hand—with God and one another. May we all be bridges through dialogue and encounter, so that we can become one people, all in peace.” His papal motto is “In illo Uno unum,” meaning “In the One, one,” which reflects a commitment to unity in Christ.
Pope Leo XIV holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese, and proficient in Latin and German. A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and former baseball player, he once worked as a pizza delivery driver in his youth.
He has been recognized for his work in social justice and advocacy for the poor, particularly during his missionary service in Peru. He has publicly emphasized the importance of humility, the cross, and the love of God. He has supported reforms initiated by Pope Francis, such as involving women in the bishop selection process. At the same time, he maintains traditional positions on gender and sexuality, opposing same-sex family structures and gender education in schools.
Pope Leo XIV is a registered Republican who has voted in U.S. elections while residing in the country. He has been publicly critical of the current U.S. administration on issues such as immigration, which aligns with his pastoral experiences and theological priorities.
His election has prompted significant reaction in his hometown of Chicago and beyond. Despite his American origins, he did not speak English during his first public address; instead, he chose a universal tone by speaking other languages. This approach aligns with his international ministry background and his emphasis on unity across diverse communities.
During a live broadcast, Bishop Warren Sullivan of the Diocese of Chicago commented that Pope Leo XIV brings a perspective shaped by family, education, and his faith life in Chicago. Sullivan emphasized that the new Pope understands the importance of living a life centered on faith, a value he believes will guide his leadership of the global Church.
On March 1, the Treviño family was stunned by the unexpected loss of their son and brother Alexandro Treviño. He was only two months shy of graduating from South Texas College with an associate degree in Information Systems, an achievement that will be honored this Saturday, May 10, posthumously during the college’s commencement ceremony. Image courtesy of STC
Texas Border Business
By Amanda Sotelo
On March 1, the Treviño family was stunned by the unexpected loss of their son and brother Alexandro Treviño. He was only two months shy of graduating from South Texas College with an associate degree in Information Systems, an achievement that will be honored this Saturday, May 10, posthumously during the college’s commencement ceremony.
Image courtesy of STC
“He was so excited to graduate. He couldn’t stop talking about it,” said his mother Andrea Treviño. “He was full of life, had a bright future ahead and was our ‘Theodore’ from Alvin and the Chipmunks. He always had a fun fact to share. There were no signs our days with him were limited.”
Treviño, before his passing, communicated to his family how passionate he was about his future career and continuing his education at a four-year university.
“He left us,” I don’t know if I’ll ever understand why. He seemed happy. He had a heart of gold. He loved going to the gym and working out, he loved to flex his muscles and show off his arms. He had already made plans with his best friends to go on their annual camping trip to Colorado in June. Our son was truly living his best life, and we miss him dearly,” said Andrea.
The 22-year-old was the middle sibling among five and is described as the go-getter, the one that always made sure his brothers and sister were following the right track. He was the outdoors enthusiast and animal rights advocate.
Faculty at STC said it takes a person like Treviño, with a lot of determination, to earn an Information Systems degree entirely online, and so that speaks volumes as to what kind of student he was.
“He never missed a discussion or a deadline. His work and projects were always top-notch,” said STC Information Technology faculty member Norma Zaragoza, who had Treviño for multiple classes. “He was a responsible student with a bright future. He was on his way to success. He would have been a great asset to our profession. He is gone too soon.”
In his discussions for class, Treviño mentioned that one day he aspired to be part of an information technology (IT) team, and he had just taken on less hours at his job at Office Depot to focus solely on his last semester of college.
“When I graduate, I want to pursue a systems administration role since technology has always been an interest of mine. I’m not picky, as long as it’s IT-related,” he wrote in one essay.
He also gave students advice on how to find success as an online learner.
“I keep a small journal in front of my PC just for writing down assignments for the week and due dates. I intentionally leave this by my desk because it serves as an obvious reminder of what needs to be done to stay on top of the workload,” he wrote.
In addition to working toward his career at STC, he also nurtured and healed the family’s German Shephard dogs and meticulously cared for a coral reef salt water fish tank, yet another one of his unique passions.
“He was steadfast, reliable, dependable, considerate and thoughtful…what can I say, I’m a proud mom,” said Andrea. “I was excited for his future and I’m so thankful STC is giving us the opportunity to honor him – what a blessing.”
The National Library of Medicine reports that in colleges and universities in the United States, suicide is one of the most common causes of death among students. Each year, approximately 24,000 college students attempt suicide and 1,100 end up deceased, making suicide the second-leading cause of death among U.S. college students.
“Violent predators who enter our country illegally and brutally murder American citizens should be subject to the death penalty as a consequence of their heinous actions,” said Sen. Cornyn. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
Senator John Cornyn
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Tim Scott (R-SC), Jim Banks (R-IN), Jim Justice (R-WV), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) today introduced the Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act, which would codify President Trump’s Executive Order subjecting illegal immigrants who kill American citizens to the death penalty:
“Violent predators who enter our country illegally and brutally murder American citizens should be subject to the death penalty as a consequence of their heinous actions,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By enshrining President Trump’s Executive Order into law, this legislation would protect the American people, make our country safe again, and ensure no future President can singlehandedly undo this consequence for taking innocent lives.”
“This legislation sends a strong message across the globe: we will not tolerate the senseless murder of innocent Americans at the hands of illegal immigrants any longer,” said Sen. Daines. “I’m proud to join Senator Cornyn to take decisive action and support President Trump’s efforts to make our communities safe again.”
“When criminal illegal aliens murder American citizens, they should receive the harshest penalties,” said Sen. Ricketts. “After four years of Biden’s open border policies, measures must be taken to secure our communities. This bill will deter criminals and punish illegal aliens who callously take American lives.”
“Over the past four years, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris welcomed more than 10 million illegal immigrants into this country with open arms,” said Sen. Tuberville. “As a direct result, innocent Americans like Laken Riley and Rachel Morin have lost their lives. It’s simple: if you’re in this country illegally and you murder an American citizen, you should face the death penalty. President Trump has essentially stopped the crisis at our southern border. Republicans in Congress must do our part to ensure no more American blood is shed at the hands of criminals who shouldn’t be here in the first place.”
“Illegal immigrants who murder American citizens deserve the death penalty,” said Sen. Banks. “I fully support codifying President Trump’s executive order to ensure these monsters face justice.”
“Under the Biden administration’s open-border agenda, illegal immigration surged—and with it, a horrifying rise in violent crimes committed by those who should never have been here in the first place,” said Sen. Tim Scott. “This legislation will help restore the rule of law, protect our communities, and ensure that no more families suffer the kind of unimaginable loss that so many already have. We owe it to the victims and their families to hold these criminals fully accountable.”
“If you come into this country illegally and murder an American citizen, you should absolutely face the full force of the judicial system,” said Sen. Justice. “There is no gray area, no excuse, and zero tolerance for this kind of evil. I am proud to support this bill because it puts American lives first and ensures the most brutal crimes committed by illegal aliens are met with the strongest punishment under law.”
Background:
Under the Biden administration’s reckless open-border policy and failure to enforce the law, millions of illegal immigrants flooded into the United States, creating the worst immigration crisis in history. After entering the U.S., many illegal immigrants subsequently committed crimes, including violent felonies and murder. For example:
August 5, 2023 – An illegal immigrant from El Salvador attacked, raped, and murdered 37-year old Rachel Morin, a mother of five, in Bel Air, Maryland. The perpetrator had previously attacked a 9-year old girl and her mother in Los Angeles.
December 4, 2023 – An illegal immigrant from Mexico stabbed 16-year old Lizbeth Medina to death and left her body in a bath tub in Edna, Texas.
February 22, 2024 – An illegal immigrant from Venezuela murdered 22-year old Laken Riley as she went for a run in Athens, Georgia.
March 22, 2024 – An illegal immigrant from Mexico shot and killed 25-year old Ruby Garcia while in her car, then left her body on the side of a highway in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
June 17, 2024 – Two illegal immigrants from Venezuela kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and strangled 12-year old Jocelyn Nungaray to death in Houston, Texas.
January 26, 2025 – Two illegal immigrants, one from Ecuador and the other from Venezuela, bound, gagged, and beat 63-year old George Levin to death in Chicago, Illinois.
March 12, 2025 – An illegal immigrant from Honduras choked 52-year old Camillia Williams, a mother of five and grandmother, to death, then dumped her body in the woods in Marietta, Georgia.
As President Trump highlighted, since America’s founding, capital punishment has been an essential tool for deterring and punishing murder. When illegal immigrants come into the United States and murder law-abiding American citizens, they should face the death penalty. The Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act would ensure that this deterrent is applied to predators illegally crossing our border and committing violent crimes here.
The Justice for American Victims of Illegal Aliens Act would:
Amend the Criminal Code to create a new aggravating factor for illegal immigrants who murder U.S. citizens;
Help direct juries to administer the death penalty when an illegal immigrant murders a U.S. citizen;
And fully implement and permanently codify President Trump’s Jan. 20, 2025 Executive Order, “Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety,” specifically Section 3(b)(i) of the Executive Order, which states that the “Attorney General shall, where consistent with applicable law, pursue Federal jurisdiction and seek the death penalty regardless of other factors for every federal capital crime involving … [a] capital crime committed by an alien illegally present in this country.”
Burns Brothers Development will be holding a grand opening ceremony at a later date, Waterlily for their fourth location that will be opening at 1004 E. Water Lily St., Edinburg, TX 78542. Courtesy image
Texas Border Business
Due to the inclement weather, the Grand Opening scheduled for Thursday, May 8th, has been postponed and new date will be announced soon.
Edinburg, TX – Burns Brothers Development will be holding a grand opening ceremony on aa later date at Waterlily for their fourth location that will be opening at 1004 E. Water Lily St., Edinburg, TX 78542. The construction of the model home, completed in January 2025, prioritizes luxury and community, showcasing waterfront features and a thoughtfully designed home that appeals to an upscale lifestyle.
Developer Kent Burns, “Our vision is to create a serene waterfront community where residents enjoy an upscale lifestyle surrounded by modern amenities, nature, and tranquility. We strive to provide a place where people can reconnect with nature, escape the hustle of everyday life, and find peace in their surroundings. ”
A special thank you to the City of Edinburg, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
About Burns Brothers Development
With over fifty years of experience in the Rio Grande Valley, Burns Brothers Development is adept at crafting communities that truly resonate with local residents, striking a balance between exclusivity and a friendly atmosphere. Their meticulous attention to detail in both amenities and design underscores their commitment to developing spaces that inspire and rejuvenate.
The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
