Governor Greg Abbott met with Chihuahua Governor María Eugenia Campos Galván at the Governor’s Mansion to discuss ongoing border security coordination and expanding economic opportunities between Texas and Chihuahua. Photo: Office of The Governor
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AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott met with Chihuahua Governor María Eugenia Campos Galván at the Governor’s Mansion to discuss ongoing border security coordination and expanding economic opportunities between Texas and Chihuahua.
Governor Abbott kicked off the meeting touting the work of Texas law enforcement who continue to work with the Trump Administration to arrest, jail, and deport illegal immigrants, human and drug smugglers, and vicious criminals. Governor Campos emphasized the shared values of Texas and Chihuahua to ensure public safety and the implementation of strong border security measures to stop illegal immigration. Governor Abbott highlighted the success of the Trump Administration’s strong border policies, noting that border crossings have decreased by 99.99% since President Donald J. Trump took office in January. The Governors talked about ways for the two states to partner together to protect their peoples from the former Biden Administration’s reckless open border policies.
Additionally, Governor Abbott and Governor Campos discussed the cross-border production of goods, noting mentioning that Mexico is Texas’ largest and most important trading partner. The Governors also explored opportunities for Texas and Chihuahua to work together to increase investment in critical economic drivers like semiconductor and technology manufacturing industries.
U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the Reaffirming Every Servicemember’s Trust Over Religious Exemptions (RESTORE) Act. This bill would require the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a Special Review Board to audit the service-wide handling of religious accommodation requests related to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Image for illustration purposes
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah) introduced the Reaffirming Every Servicemember’s Trust Over Religious Exemptions (RESTORE) Act. This bill would require the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a Special Review Board to audit the service-wide handling of religious accommodation requests related to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. The Board would be charged with identifying those who were unjustly penalized, and correcting the career and personnel records of affected servicemembers.
Sen. Cruz said, “American servicemembers are still facing unjust consequences for personal religious decisions that caused them to reject the Biden administration’s coercive COVID-19 vaccine mandates, including being denied promotions and receiving negative performance reviews. Under the RESTORE Act, these wrongs would be corrected for the men and women in uniform.”
Sen. Scott said, “Biden’s DOD placed a ridiculous vaccine mandate on the great men and women who served our nation, kicking American heroes out of our service for refusing to comply for health or religious reasons. President Trump is already working to right these wrongs, but we must make sure every service member who lost their livelihood due to this overreaching mandate has the chance to serve their nation once again. I’m proud to support the RESTORE Act and will always be grateful to those willing to serve our nation.”
Sen. Britt said, “I’m proud to support the RESTORE Act, which directly addresses the previous administration’s mishandling of religious accommodation requests and aims to remedy the unjust consequences experienced by thousands of dedicated men and women in uniform. This legislation builds upon the AMERICANS Act, of which I am also a proud cosponsor. I’m honored to stand with Senator Cruz and my colleagues in our continued efforts to restore fairness and justice for military service members harmed by the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.”
Sen. Lee said, “Thousands of military service members were punished for declining the COVID-19 vaccine – some for religious reasons that are protected by the Constitution. The RESTORE Act corrects these injustices by awarding the promotions and pay stolen from our courageous men and women in uniform by the Biden administration.”
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-Texas-13).
Rep. Jackson said, “President Trump and Secretary Hegseth are on a mission to fix what Joe Biden and Lloyd Austin did to our brave men and women in uniform. This bill gives the Trump Administration the authority to investigate and finally deliver justice to the thousands of servicemembers who stood their ground and stayed in uniform after filing Religious Accommodation Requests from the COVID-19 vaccine. These heroes were wrongfully punished for their religious convictions—passed over for promotions, slapped with unfair evaluations, and pressured to cave. Those actions were absolutely wrong, and Congress must provide Secretary Hegseth with the authorities and tools he needs to make it right!”
BACKGROUND
On August 24, 2021, the DoD implemented a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all U.S. service members. While exemptions were permitted for religious, medical, or administrative reasons, the process for religious accommodation requests (RARs) was applied inconsistently and with overwhelming rejection.
Approximately 28,000 RARs were submitted across all branches and fewer than 400 were approved, representing less than 2% of the total requests. An estimated 18,000–20,000 service members who had submitted religious exemption requests remained in service and were denied promotions, received negative performance evaluations, or coerced into vaccination despite acting in good faith under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
This bill would:
Require the Secretary of Defense to establish a Special Review Board under the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to audit all religious accommodation requests and outcomes related to the COVID-19 vaccine;
Mandate a DoD-wide review of career impacts caused by denial or retaliation following religious accommodation requests, including stalled promotions, negative evaluations, and restricted assignments;
Authorize corrective action such as backdated promotions, restoration of Date of Rank (DOR), lost pay and retirement contributions, and expungement of adverse actions from personnel records;
Require compensation and remedies to be delivered within 60 days of case resolution;
Ensure transparency and congressional oversight through quarterly reporting to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees and a final Inspector General audit.
The 2025 Hurricane season is from June 1st – Nov. 30th. Image for illustration purposes
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The 2025 Hurricane Season has once again arrived. The season lasts from June 1st thru November 30th. We urge you to stay safe and be prepared. Never forget that it is always better to be safe than sorry. The things you prepare for today could save your life tomorrow.
Please take time to view the documents below and print them out in case of an emergency.
Follow the link below to the National Hurricane Center in case of Emergency:
House Bill 186, introduced in the Texas House of Representatives, proposes restricting access to social media platforms for individuals under 18. Image for illustration purposes
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Texas Border Business
House Bill 186, introduced in the Texas House of Representatives, proposes restricting access to social media platforms for individuals under 18. The bill requires that social media companies verify each user’s age through a commercial age verification system. Only users who are 18 or older will be permitted to create or maintain accounts.
House Bill 186 was filed in the Texas House of Representatives on November 12, 2024, by Representative Jared Patterson (R-Frisco). The bill passed the House on April 30, 2025, with a vote of 116-25. As of May 5, 2025, it has been referred to the Senate Committee on State Affairs.
Under the bill, companies operating social media platforms must implement systems capable of confirming the user’s age using commercially available methods. The bill defines a social media platform as an online forum that allows users to create a public profile, interact with content, and communicate with others. Exemptions are provided for platforms that serve primarily educational or professional networking purposes.
The legislation prohibits minors from establishing accounts with social media companies. It further authorizes parents or legal guardians to submit written requests to companies to terminate accounts believed to belong to their minor children. Companies must comply with such requests within ten business days.
The bill outlines enforcement mechanisms and authorizes the Texas Attorney General to bring legal action against companies that violate the provisions. Civil penalties may be imposed, and companies found in violation could face fines of up to $10,000 per offense.
House Bill 186 is part of the Texas Legislature’s initiative to regulate online activity involving minors. It is currently under consideration and subject to further legislative action.
Full text and legislative updates are available at
Dr. Javier Flores of Texas Woman’s University and Dr. Ricardo Solis of South Texas College proudly stand with Valerie Serrano as she holds a ceremonial check representing her full-ride Chancellor’s Endowed Scholarship to TWU, awarded in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement and leadership. Photo by Noah Mangum González
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By Roberto Hugo González
PSJA Memorial Early College High School hosted a formal recognition ceremony on May 7, 2025, in honor of senior student Valerie Serrano. The event celebrated her selection as the Chancellor’s Endowed Scholarship recipient from Texas Woman’s University (TWU), one of the institution’s most prestigious academic honors. Valued at approximately $60,000, the full-ride scholarship is awarded annually to one Texas high school graduate who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and community service.
Held at Gym “A” on the PSJA Memorial campus in Alamo, Texas, the event drew a large audience, including PSJA ISD leaders, faculty, family, friends, and representatives from South Texas College (STC) and Texas Woman’s University. Among the notable attendees were PSJA Memorial Principal Dr. Raquel Garcia, College Transition Director Carlos Garcia, Early College Director Rene Garcia, Dean of Instruction Mr. Treviño, Counselor Dominique Caro, and instructors including Clarisa Gonzalez and Aaron Lozano.
The program opened with appreciation for the school’s cheerleaders, band, mariachi, and other contributors who helped create a memorable and celebratory atmosphere. Special guests from STC, a key partner in the district’s dual credit programs, also participated in the ceremony. Representing STC were President Dr. Ricardo Solis, Vice President Dr. Rodney Rodriguez, and Associate Vice President Dr. Rebecca De Leon. Valerie was recognized for earning an Associate of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Math and Science from STC in December 2024, graduating with Collegiate Honors and a Distinguished Level of Achievement.
Texas Woman’s University Vice President of Enrollment Management Dr. Javier Flores presented the Chancellor’s Endowed Scholarship on behalf of TWU Chancellor and President Dr. Carine M. Feyten. Dr. Flores introduced TWU admissions and outreach team members and emphasized the university’s mission to empower students through access, leadership, and educational opportunity. He noted that TWU is the largest university system in the nation with a woman-focused mission and praised Valerie as a perfect match for the institution’s legacy and future.
“This scholarship is what many call a full-ride,” said Dr. Flores. “It will cover your tuition, fees, housing, and board—and perhaps some other expenses. You are the only student receiving this award this year.”
Dr. Flores highlighted Valerie’s academic record and community involvement, adding that TWU looks forward to supporting her goal of earning a Master of Business Administration and eventually a doctorate in international business. He also announced that Chancellor Feyten will mentor Valerie throughout her academic journey.
Valerie’s accomplishments include serving as class president, regional president of the South Texas Association of Student Councils, and president of the National Honor Society. She founded a student tutoring business, led the school yearbook as editor-in-chief, participated in UIL journalism and speech, and has accumulated over 183 community service hours. She currently ranks 12th in a graduating class of 488.
In an emotional speech, Valerie shared the personal significance of this milestone. “First, I want to thank everyone for coming out today. This is such an incredible moment—truly surreal. I want to give a special thank you to PSJA Memorial for giving me all the opportunities that have led me to where I am today, and to South Texas College as well for guiding me through my associate degree journey. Because of these opportunities, I became a first-generation college student,” she said.
“Now, I will be the first in my family to continue my academic journey at Texas Woman’s University in Denton. I will also be the first in my family to leave the Rio Grande Valley to pursue my education, and that means so much to me,” she continued. “This senior year has been a very challenging one. Being a first-generation college student means having to figure a lot of things out on your own. My biggest motivation has been my younger brother and sister. I want to show them what’s possible—that they don’t have to settle for what’s close or easy and can dream big and chase their goals beyond our hometown.”
“Thank you again to Texas Woman’s University for helping me realize this dream. This is an amazing opportunity, and I am truly grateful,” Valerie finalized.
City officials and partners welcomed sixteen travel professionals who will tour the city and experience MXLAN 2025. Image courtesy of The City of McAllen
Texas Border Business
McAllen, TX – Today, city officials and partners welcomed sixteen travel professionals who will tour the city and experience MXLAN 2025. This project aims to promote McAllen as a welcoming community, drive economic impact, and establish McAllen as a multicultural hub. Additionally, MXLAN offers a unique opportunity to showcase the city’s exceptional hospitality and travel industry.
“We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to our visitors from Mexico City to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of McAllen and the unique experience of MXLAN. This exceptional opportunity not only fosters strong partnerships but also allows them to share their stories and invite others to discover the charm of our beloved city” said McAllen Mayor, Javier Villalobos.
See more images from the event in the galley below: All images courtesy of The City of McAllen
The MXLAN International Immersive Experience gathers international travel agents, specialized media, bloggers, and regional leaders to connect and raise awareness about the destination. This collaboration enhances McAllen’s visibility in international markets and positions the city as a prime location for international visitors.
“With summer vacation on the horizon, initiatives like this one help increase consumer awareness, promote the destination, and build consumer confidence. McAllen has so much to offer, and we are confident that this influential group will spread the word about our city and the great options available when they visit,” said McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil.
International visitors boost the local economy and contribute to the success of our airport, retail, border crossings, restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions. As more travelers choose McAllen as one of their favorite destinations, our local hospitality industry continues to thrive and expand. In 2023, an additional 150 hotel rooms were added, bringing the total to 4,100. Furthermore, McAllen International Airport achieved a record of over 1 million passengers in a calendar year thanks to its enhanced domestic and international non-stops. For the third time, McAllen was also recognized as an “Event City” by the International Festival & Events Association.
The MXLAN International Immersive Experience is supported by: Aeromexico-Delta Airlines | City of McAllen: International Relations, Retail and Business Development, McAllen International Airport, MXLAN, Convention Center, Metro McAllen, McAllen Parks and Recreation & Quinta Mazatlán | Visit McAllen – McAllen Chamber of Commerce | IMAS and McAllen Heritage Center.
The five-day program will also feature McAllen’s hotels, shops, and restaurants. For more details about this anticipated MXLAN International Immersive Experience, follow @ExploreMcAllen @VisitMcAllen @McAllenInternationalAirport @MXLAN.
Arrayed on an inspection table are a bag of more than 100 live chinch bugs, plus hog plums, mangos and mamey seized by CBP agriculture specialists at Laredo Port of Entry, and an animal carrier holds two live chickens intercepted by CBP agriculture specialists at Laredo Port of Entry. USCBP image
Texas Border Business
LAREDO, Texas – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers and agriculture specialists discovered live poultry and live insects in two separate enforcement actions this week at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge.
“These seizures of live poultry and insects underscore the important role our CBP agriculture specialists play in preventing pests and animal diseases from entering the U.S. and potentially inflicting economic harm to the U.S. agriculture industry,” said Port Director, Albert Flores, Laredo Port of Entry.
Arrayed on an inspection table are a bag of more than 100 live chinch bugs, plus hog plums, mangos and mamey seized by CBP agriculture specialists at Laredo Port of Entry.
The first seizure occurred on May 4 when CBP agriculture specialists assigned to the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge referred a Chevrolet Suburban to secondary inspection. During the examination, agriculture specialists encountered two live chickens and 30 eggs within the vehicle. CBP agriculture specialists issued a $300 penalty for failure to declare prohibited agriculture items.
The second incident occurred on May 6, when CBP officers referred a taxi to secondary inspection for a bag check. During examination of the vehicle, a CBP Agriculture Quarantine Inspection canine alerted officers and agriculture specialists to the passenger’s luggage. Further examination of the baggage revealed a bag with over 100 live chinch bugs. Agriculture specialists also seized other prohibited agriculture items, including mangos, hog plums and mamey. CBP agriculture specialists issued a $300 civil penalty.
Live poultry and raw eggs are prohibited from Mexico because of virulent Newcastle disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Live insects can carry disease or be harmful plant pests and are not allowed into the U.S.
CBP agriculture specialists enforce United States Department of Agriculture quarantines to prevent the entry of pests and plant & animal diseases that could damage the agriculture industry in the U.S. Attempting to bring in prohibited agricultural items could lead to traveler delays and may result in a fine ranging from $300 to $1,000.
CBP employees work diligently to fulfill CBP’s agriculture mission by excluding harmful pests and diseases from becoming established in the U.S. Read more about CBP’s agriculture mission.
MXLAN is the 3-day art & music festival celebrating young Latino culture. See artists create and catch rising artists on the Breakthrough Music Stage. Courtesy image
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MXLAN is the 3-day art & music festival celebrating young Latino culture. See artists create and catch rising artists on the Breakthrough Music Stage. Eat and drink at culinary events, shop an artisan mercado, walk in street parades, and more. Join us.
MAY 9-11, 2025McALLEN CONVENTION CENTER | McALLEN, TXFRIDAY: FREE GENERAL ADMISSION! SAT – SUN: $10 GENERAL ADMISSION; FREE ADMISSION FOR KIDS 12 & UNDER
Join us for the Sabor & Spirits: Food, Tequila & Mezcal Festival presented by L & F Distributors. This event features craft cocktails from RGV restaurants, mezcal & tequila tastings, live music, and more. PLUS, you’ll get to vote for the best craft drink of MXLAN!$45.00 Per Ticket.
Daniel Rodriguez-Martinez created a fictitious company to conceal the proceeds of an electricity theft scheme. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
McALLEN, Texas – A 51-year-old Houston resident has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Daniel Rodriguez-Martinez created a fictitious company to conceal the proceeds of an electricity theft scheme.
From March 2021 to May 2024, Rodriguez-Martinez and others ran the scheme by creating a fake utility company to conceal profits. They used stolen personal information, including Social Security numbers, to open electricity accounts with real providers. The stolen identities were linked to actual service addresses, allowing customers to receive power while the billing responsibility fell on unsuspecting victims.
When providers shut off service for nonpayment, the group reopened accounts under new fake identities. In exchange for uninterrupted electricity, customers paid a flat fee of $80 per month to the fraudulent company. The operation allowed participants to avoid legitimate charges while the organizers profited from the deception.
Rodriguez-Martinez admitted to creating a fake electricity services company solely to conceal the theft scheme. He received payments from clients through peer-to-peer apps such as CashApp and Zelle, then transferred the funds into a business account to mask their origin.
Rodriguez-Martinez received at least $1.4 million as a result of the scheme.
As a part of his plea, he agreed to forfeit $456,859.76 in U.S. currency as well as his interest in multiple properties.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for July 15. At that time, Rodriguez-Martinez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, announced the outcome of a weeklong, multi-agency enforcement operation targeting one of the largest drug trafficking organizations responsible for flooding communities with fentanyl and other illicit narcotics. YouTube image
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Attorney General Pamela Bondi, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, announced the outcome of a weeklong, multi-agency enforcement operation targeting one of the largest drug trafficking organizations responsible for flooding communities with fentanyl and other illicit narcotics.
