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Historic Flood Financing Bill Passes

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Historic Flood Financing Bill Passes
The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1) is pleased to announce the historic passage of S.B. 1967, which allows the Delta Region Water Management Project to qualify for funding under the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF). Image for illustration purposes
The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1) is pleased to announce the historic passage of S.B. 1967, which allows the Delta Region Water Management Project to qualify for funding under the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF). Image for illustration purposes

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Hidalgo County, Texas – The Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 (HCDD1) is pleased to announce the historic passage of S.B. 1967, which allows the Delta Region Water Management Project to qualify for funding under the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF). 

The legislation passed with the support of the local delegation, including Senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Adam Hinojosa, Representatives Armando “Mando” Martinez, Terry Canales, Oscar Longoria, R.D. “Bobby” Guerra and Sergio Muñoz. S.B. 1967 amends the state’s water code to expand the criteria for projects that are eligible for FIF funding, which is administered by the Texas Water Development Board. 

“The historic piece of legislation is the result of many people working together, including Sen. Charles Perry and Rep. Cody Harris, both chairmen of the respective Senate and House committees that the legislation coursed through,” Raul Sesin, General Manager of the HCCD1, said. 

The next step will be for the Senate to concur with any House changes and lastly the bill will be sent to the Governor for his signature. 

“I want to personally thank Chairman Charles Perry and Chairman Cody Harris, Sen. Chuy Hinojosa, Sen. Adam Hinojosa, Rep. Mando Martinez, Rep. Terry Canales, Rep. Oscar Longoria, Rep. Bobby Guerra and Rep. Sergio Muñoz, for all of their hard work on this critical piece of legislation,” David Fuentes, Hidalgo County Commissioner Pct. 1, said. “Today, we have reached a milestone that has been years in the making for the Delta Region Water Management Project. We will now be able to apply for funding under the FIF program and bring this project closer to fruition.”

The Delta Region Water Management Project is a first-of-its-kind regional water supply and flood mitigation project located in the northernmost areas of Hidalgo County and southern Willacy County. This forward-thinking reclamation project will capture and treat water from a major HCDD1 drainage outfall channel, alleviating floods while creating a new water source for the region. Waters captured include stormwater, agricultural runoff, and treated wastewater effluent discharges.

“I am proud to be part of the legislation providing a generational change for the Rio Grande Valley.  This legislation addresses the flooding issues that we have experienced over the past decades.  While addressing the flooding issues, the legislation will also create a new water source to address the water shortages we are facing now and in the future.  This legislation will allow us to create a new water source for residents in the Rio Grande Valley.  I am also proud of amending current State law to allow the reclamation project to progress. Without the changes in State law, the reclamation project would face challenges obtaining funding from the State of Texas. None of this would be possible without the hard work of County Commissioner David Fuentes, the Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, the elected officials from the Rio Grande Valley, and many others who joined together for this new and innovative project,” Rep. Martinez said.

The Delta Project is the first stormwater reclamation project by a drainage district in Texas. Current TWDB programs do not support this type of innovative project and sponsor (HCDD1). HCDD1 is a newly approved, wholesale water provider. With funding assistance, HCDD1 can construct the first water treatment plant, produce the much-needed potable water, establish a customer base, create a model for others to follow, and alleviate the dependence on the Rio Grande River. This will boost the local economy and give more water security to the Rio Grande Valley.

“Addressing water challenges across the state is a priority this session. I was proud to author SB 1967, which makes the Hidalgo County Drainage District Delta Project eligible for funding from the Flood Infrastructure Fund, managed by the Texas Water Development Board. This project has two main goals: 1. improving our drainage system and capturing water that would otherwise flow to the Gulf; and 2. treating the water for distribution to suppliers for both drinking and non-drinking use. Hidalgo County Commissioner David Fuentes played a key role in advocating for the statute change that makes this project eligible for state funds. I appreciate Rep. Mando Martinez for sponsoring this bill in the House and thank our colleagues in the Legislature for their support. I look forward to getting the bill to Governor Abbott’s desk soon,” Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa said.

With the Governor’s approval, the legislation will become effective on September 1, 2025, allowing the project to qualify during the next FIF funding cycle. 

About the FIF – Passed by the 86th Texas Legislature and approved by Texas voters through a constitutional amendment, the FIF program provides financial assistance in the form of loans and grants for flood control, flood mitigation, and drainage projects. 

2025 Travel & Tourism Week in Texas

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2025 Travel & Tourism Week in Texas
“Texas is a top travel destination for visitors from across the United States and around the world, attracting a record 62 million travelers and $97.5 billion in visitor spending to our great state last year,” said Governor Abbott. Image for illustration purposes
“Texas is a top travel destination for visitors from across the United States and around the world, attracting a record 62 million travelers and $97.5 billion in visitor spending to our great state last year,” said Governor Abbott. Image for illustration purposes

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AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has proclaimed May 4‒10, 2025 as Travel and Tourism Week in Texas and recognized the Texas travel and tourism industry as a critical economic driver and job creator across every region of the state.

“Texas is a top travel destination for visitors from across the United States and around the world, attracting a record 62 million travelers and $97.5 billion in visitor spending to our great state last year,” said Governor Abbott. “The travel industry drives almost $200 billion in economic opportunity for Texas businesses and supports 1.3 million jobs for hardworking Texans across our state. This Travel and Tourism Week, we celebrate the endless opportunities to experience the natural beauty, rich history, and true Texas hospitality and the positive economic impact on our communities. Together, we will continue to showcase what makes Texas the best state in the nation to live, work, and visit.”

A research study recently completed by Travel Texas shows a record-breaking 62 million travelers visited Texas in 2024 from across the country and around the world, alongside over 67 million Texas travelers visiting destinations within the state on overnight trips. With record visitor spending of $97.5 billion, the industry generated an economic impact of $199.5 billion and supported 1.3 million Texas jobs. Additionally, travel and tourism generated $9.2 billion in state and local taxes.

In Governor Abbott’s five-year statewide economic development strategic plan released earlier this year, the Hospitality, Tourism, and Culture Sector is one of 10 targeted industry sectors expected to drive continued economic growth and job creation across Texas regions. 

The mission of Travel Texas in the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office is to enhance and extend local economic development efforts by marketing Texas as a premier travel destination in out-of-state and international markets, generating non-Texan travel to Texas, and creating revenue and jobs for local communities and the state. Travelers can plan their next Texas trip by visiting TravelTexas.com.

Department of Education Reminds Colleges & Universities of Their Obligations to Help Struggling Borrowers 

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Department of Education Reminds Colleges & Universities of Their Obligations to Help Struggling Borrowers 
The U.S. Department of Education (Department) issued a ‘Dear Colleague Letter’ (DCL) to institutions of higher education reminding them of their shared responsibility under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to support student loan borrowers. Image for illustration purposes

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U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.

The U.S. Department of Education (Department) issued a ‘Dear Colleague Letter’ (DCL) to institutions of higher education reminding them of their shared responsibility under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) to support student loan borrowers. The Department issued the guidance on the same day it is resuming involuntary collections on student loans, which have been paused since the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Although borrowers have the primary responsibility for repaying their student loans, institutions play a key role in the Department’s ongoing efforts to improve loan repayment outcomes, especially as the cost of college set solely by colleges and universities continues to skyrocket. Universities can ensure that their former students understand their responsibility to repay their student loans and that they know how to access their StudentAid.gov accounts. 

“As we begin to help defaulted borrowers back into repayment, we must also fix a broken higher education finance system that has put upward pressure on tuition rates without ensuring that colleges and universities are delivering a high-value degree to students,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “For too long, insufficient transparency and accountability structures have allowed U.S. universities to saddle students with enormous debt loads without paying enough attention to whether their own graduates are truly prepared to succeed in the labor market.” 

In the DCL, the Secretary urges all institutions of higher education that receive federal funding assistance to reach out to all former students to remind them of their obligation to repay any federal student loan that is not in deferment or forbearance, and that they do so before June 30, 2025. The Department also notes that it maintains data on the repayment status of federal student loan borrowers and provides information in the College Scorecard about the status of each institution’s borrowers after they enter repayment. The Department plans to use the data to calculate rates of nonrepayment by institution and will publish the information on the Federal Aid Data Center later this month. 

The DCL also notes that, under Section 435 of the HEA, institutions are required to keep their cohort default rates (CDR) low or they could lose eligibility for federal student assistance, including Pell Grants and federal student loans. The Department urges all institutions to begin proactive and sustained outreach to former students who are delinquent or in default on their loans to ensure that such institutions will not face high CDRs next year and risk losing access to federal student aid. 

Involuntary Collections Efforts and Support for Struggling Borrowers 

Starting today, approximately 195,000 defaulted student loan borrowers will begin receiving an official 30-day notice from the U.S. Department of Treasury notifying them that their federal benefits will be subjected to the Treasury Offset Program. The first monthly benefit checks subject to offset are those scheduled for early June. Later this summer, all 5.3 million defaulted borrowers will receive a notice from Treasury that their earnings will be subject to administrative wage garnishment. 

All borrowers in default will continue to receive email communications from FSA making them aware of these developments and urging them to contact the Default Resolution Group to make a monthly payment, enroll in an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, or sign up for loan rehabilitation. FSA has increased customer service capacity and extended call center hours to ensure borrowers have access to the information and support they need to understand their repayment options, resume making payments on their loans, and rehabilitate defaulted loans when necessary. 

The Department has also authorized guaranty agencies to begin involuntary collections activities on loans under the Federal Family Education Loan Program. All FSA collection activities are required under the HEA and conducted only after student and parent borrowers have been provided sufficient notice and opportunity to repay their loans under the law. 

Detailed information to help borrowers get out of default is also available at StudentAid.gov/end-default.

Judicial Watch Sues IRS to Uncover Potential Targeting of January 6 Protesters and Supporters

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Judicial Watch Sues IRS to Uncover Potential Targeting of January 6 Protesters and Supporters
Judicial Watch announced it filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain records related to possible improper targeting of January 6, 2021, Capitol protesters, their supporters, and related nonprofits (Judicial Watch v. Internal Revenue Service(No. 1:25-cv-01290)). Image: TapTheForwardAssist, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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JUDCIAL WATCH

WASHINGTON, DC –  Judicial Watch announced it filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to obtain records related to possible improper targeting of January 6, 2021, Capitol protesters, their supporters, and related nonprofits (Judicial Watch v. Internal Revenue Service(No. 1:25-cv-01290)).

The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia after the IRS failed to respond to a January 22, 2025, FOIA request for the records of IRS officials, including former Commissioner Daniel Werfel, Acting Commissioner Douglas O’Donnell, Chief Tax Compliance Officer Heather Maloy and others that mention President Trump or his pardons of the Capitol protesters plus all records referring to plans for audits of the protesters, their supporters or related nonprofits.

On January 19, 2024, National Public Radio published “IRS is called to look into nonprofit for Jan. 6 rioters,” in which it reported:

Democratic Congress members are calling for the IRS to scrutinize a nonprofit that supports defendants charged in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and has close ties to the Trump campaign…. The Patriot Freedom Project provides financial help to January 6 defendants and describes them as, quote, “political prisoners.” The group is organized as a charity under section 501(c)(3) of the tax code.

Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) also sought a broad IRS investigation of groups allegedly associated with the January 6 protests.

“The IRS has a demonstrated record, as proven by Judicial Watch, of abusing taxpayers at the behest of politicians,” said Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton. “The IRS obviously has the January 6 documents – so, why the cover-up!”

In 2022, Judicial Watch obtained sealed court documents revealing that former IRS officials Lois Lerner and Holly Paz, who led efforts targeting Tea Party groups, acknowledged internally that most of those organizations were legally entitled to tax-exempt status in the lead-up to President Obama’s 2012 reelection.

In 2018, Judicial Watch obtained IRS records that contained material revealing that Sen. John McCain’s former staff director and chief counsel on the Senate Homeland Security Permanent Subcommittee, Henry Kerner, urged top IRS officials, including Lerner, to “audit so many [conservative groups] that it becomes financially ruinous.” Kerner was appointed by President Trump as special counsel for the United States Office of Special Counsel.

Judicial Watch had previously reported on the 2013 meeting. Senator McCain then issued a statement decrying “false reports claiming that his office was somehow involved in IRS targeting of conservative groups.” The IRS had blacked out the notes of the meeting but Judicial Watch found the notes among subsequent documents released by the agency.

Judicial Watch separately uncovered that Lerner was under significant pressure from both Democrats in Congress and the Obama DOJ and FBI to prosecute and jail the groups the IRS was already improperly targeting. In discussing pressure from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) to prosecute these “political groups,” Lerner admitted, “it is ALL about 501(c)(4) orgs and political activity.”

The April 2013 meeting came just under two weeks prior to Lerner’s admission during an American Bar Association (ABA) meeting that the IRS had “inappropriately” targeted conservative groups. In her May 2013 answer to a planted question, in which she admitted to the “absolutely incorrect, insensitive, and inappropriate” targeting of Tea Party and conservative groups, Lerner suggested the IRS targeting occurred due to an “uptick” in 501 (c)(4) applications to the IRS but in actuality, there had been a decrease in such applications in 2010.

In May 2013, a report by Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration revealed: “Early in Calendar Year 2010, the IRS began using inappropriate criteria to identify organizations applying for tax-exempt status” (e.g., lists of past and future donors). The illegal IRS reviews continued “for more than 18 months” and “delayed processing of targeted groups’ applications” in advance of the 2012 presidential election.

Cornyn Praises Texas DOGE, Discusses Musk’s Legacy

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Cornyn Praises Texas DOGE, Discusses Musk’s Legacy
“Mr. Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency should be applauded for their efforts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.” - Senator Cornyn. Image: YouTube
“Mr. Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency should be applauded for their efforts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.” – Senator Cornyn. Image: YouTube

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), a member of the Senate DOGE Caucus, highlighted the work President Trump and Elon Musk have done through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to eliminate wasteful government spending and save American taxpayer dollars and praised the creation of Texas DOGE. Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

“Mr. Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency should be applauded for their efforts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse.”

“Back home in Texas, Governor Abbott and the Texas legislature have also followed dozens of other states in paying a high compliment to the Department of Government Efficiency and Elon Musk by proposing a DOGE-like task force at the state level.”

“I’m sure even in a state as efficiently run with as low a tax is as Texas that you can find inefficiency that can be and should be rooted out.”

“Governor Abbott recently signed the first bill of this year’s legislative session into law to establish the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office, modeled after DOGE.”

“While some states are more fiscally responsible than others, state governments, as I said, are not immune from spending taxpayer money on outdated or inefficient programs. Texas is one of the most efficient. That shouldn’t surprise anyone.”

“I look forward to seeing the great work being done down in Austin by the Texas DOGE and what they can do to try to help make state government more efficient.”

“Elon’s status within the federal government is that of what’s called a special government employee. That means it’s for a period of time—130 days in this case. And with that date approaching soon, Mr. Musk indicates he plans to wrap up his work, but I must emphasize that the work of DOGE must go on.”

“I support Congress and the administration working together to codify these cost-cutting measures through rescissions.”

“I will be a willing and eager partner in their efforts.”

McAllen Public Utility Drive-Thru Reopens Following Renovations

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McAllen Public Utility Drive-Thru Reopens Following Renovations
After a period of renovations to improve service and enhance safety, the McAllen Public Utility (MPU) Drive-Thru, located on the east side of McAllen City Hall at 1300 W. Houston Ave., has officially reopened for full operations today, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Courtesy image
After a period of renovations to improve service and enhance safety, the McAllen Public Utility (MPU) Drive-Thru, located on the east side of McAllen City Hall at 1300 W. Houston Ave., has officially reopened for full operations today, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Courtesy image

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After a period of renovations to improve service and enhance safety, the McAllen Public Utility (MPU) Drive-Thru, located on the east side of McAllen City Hall at 1300 W. Houston Ave., has officially reopened for full operations today, Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

On Monday, the City of McAllen I.T. Department completed installation of essential drive-thru equipment, including new computers, receipt printers, monitors, and updated drawer and lane systems. A soft opening was conducted yesterday to test system performance in a live environment, with both lanes fully operational and no issues reported. MPU staff have confirmed the drive-thru is now ready to serve customers with a safer, more efficient, and enhanced experience.

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“These upgrades were necessary to improve safety, efficiency, and the overall customer experience,” said MPU General Manager Mark Vega, P.E. “We thank our customers for their patience and are excited to welcome them back to a better, more reliable drive-thru experience.”

Payment options now available:
·         Drive-Thru: Open as of today, May 6, during regular business hours.
·         Customer Service Window: Open inside McAllen City Hall.
·         Online Payments: Fast, secure payments at www.mcallen.net (click “Pay Your Water Bill”).
·         Other Options: Authorized payment locations or autopay enrollment.

$184K in Unreported U.S. Currency Seized at Brownsville/Matamoros International Bridge

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$184K in Unreported U.S. Currency Seized at Brownsville/Matamoros International Bridge
Bundles containing $184,095 in unreported currency seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry. USCBP image
Bundles containing $184,095 in unreported currency seized by CBP officers at Brownsville Port of Entry. USCBP image

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas — U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers working at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge Port of Entry seized $184,095 in bulk, unreported U.S. currency.

“Securing our borders is a responsibility our officers take seriously whether conducting inbound or outbound inspections,” said Port Director Tater Ortiz, Brownsville Port of Entry. “Their vigilance and attention to detail led to this significant currency seizure.”

The seizure took place on May 2, when CBP officers working at the Brownsville and Matamoros International Bridge encountered a 32-year-old male Mexican citizen driving a 2022 Fiat, and a 33-year-old female Mexican citizen as a passenger in the same vehicle who were selected for a routine outbound inspection. In secondary, CBP officers discovered packages containing bulk U.S. currency totaling $148,610 hidden within the vehicle. CBP officers also discovered $5,485 on the driver and $30,000 concealed on the body of the female passenger.

CBP officers seized the currency along with the vehicle. Homeland Security Investigations special agents arrested the driver and passenger and initiated a criminal investigation.

It is not a crime to carry more than $10,000, but it is a federal offense not to declare currency or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 or more to a CBP officer upon entry or exit from the U.S. or to conceal it with intent to evade reporting requirements. Failure to declare may result in seizure of the currency and/or arrest. An individual may petition for the return of currency seized by CBP officers, but the petitioner must prove that the source and intended use of the currency was legitimate.

Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. Elected Chair of South Texas Alliance of Cities

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Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. Elected Chair of South Texas Alliance of Cities
The South Texas Alliance of Cities (STAC) has unanimously elected Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. as its next Chair. The Alliance is composed of Mayors from across South Texas cities dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing shared priorities for the region. Courtesy image
The South Texas Alliance of Cities (STAC) has unanimously elected Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. as its next Chair. The Alliance is composed of Mayors from across South Texas cities dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing shared priorities for the region. Courtesy image

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BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The South Texas Alliance of Cities (STAC) has unanimously elected Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. as its next Chair. The Alliance is composed of Mayors from across South Texas cities dedicated to strengthening regional cooperation and advancing shared priorities for the region.

Mayor Cowen, who previously served as the Alliance’s Vice Chair, brings a forward-thinking approach and a deep commitment to regional growth, infrastructure, innovation, and quality of life. His leadership in Brownsville has focused on economic development, sustainability, and improving the quality of life for residents, positioning him as a key voice in shaping the future of South Texas.

Mayor Cowen’s focus areas, as identified by STAC, include:
 
Cross-Border Collaboration and Binational Relations
Economic Development and Infrastructure Investment
Regional Collaboration
Sustainable Transportation and Active Living
State and Federal Advocacy for Local Priorities

The South Texas Alliance of Cities serves as a forum where Mayors from cities including San Antonio, Laredo, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Weslaco, and Harlingen, can address regional concerns, advocate for legislative priorities, and foster partnerships that cross city boundaries.

The Alliance plays a crucial role in ensuring South Texas municipalities are aligned in addressing shared challenges and seizing opportunities for growth.

Mayor Cowen, who assumed office as Brownsville’s Mayor in 2023, is recognized for his commitment to fiscal responsibility, innovation in governance, and strategic investment in community infrastructure. Under his leadership, Brownsville has become a regional hub for emerging industries and cross-border collaboration.

Parents Sneak into School to Watch Their Children Win SPI Family Vacations

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Parents Sneak into School to Watch Their Children Win SPI Family Vacations
Elia Joseph & family - Elia Joseph, 10, holds winning art and writing at Harvest Christian Academy in Edinburg. Joseph won a vacation for her family at South Padre Island’s Isla Grand Beach Resort. She is one of two winners of the South Texas Children’s Arts Festival. Pictured from left to right: Luis Martinez (chief operating officer of Isla Grand Beach Resort), Joe Cruz (principal of Harvest Christian Academy), Erin Joseph, Elia Joseph, Bryan Joseph and Carey Kinsolving. Courtesy image
Elia Joseph & family – Elia Joseph, 10, holds winning art and writing at Harvest Christian Academy in Edinburg. Joseph won a vacation for her family at South Padre Island’s Isla Grand Beach Resort. She is one of two winners of the South Texas Children’s Arts Festival. Pictured from left to right: Luis Martinez (chief operating officer of Isla Grand Beach Resort), Joe Cruz (principal of Harvest Christian Academy), Erin Joseph, Elia Joseph, Bryan Joseph and Carey Kinsolving. Courtesy image

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Two Valley children came to school on Wednesday not knowing that their parents secretly came to watch them win South Padre Island vacations for their families. At Harvest Christian Academy in Edinburg, parents Bryan and Erin Joseph snuck into the gym and tried to be inconspicuous so their daughter Elia Joseph, 10, wouldn’t see thembefore the announcement was made. Arts festival co-chairman Carey Kinsolving called the names of finalists for the South Texas Children’s Arts Festival. 

After the six Harvest students who had made the finals stood in front of their peers in the gym, Kinsolving introduced Luis Martinez, the chief operating officer of South Padre Island’s Isla Grand Beach Resort.

“And the winner is Elia Joseph,” said Martinez, as Harvest students applauded. 

Elia Joseph already has an exciting summer ahead of her as she will travel to Mazatlán, Mexico. Her parents are missionaries in training at the Rio Grande Bible Institute in Edinburg.

Now that their daughter has won this vacation prize for the family, they will rearrange their schedule to spend a week at South Padre Island’s Isla Grand Beach Resort. With two large pools and $600 in Grand Bucks to spend at resort restaurants and snack bars, they will be well rested for their Mexico missionary adventure. 

“We’re really proud of Elia,” said Erin Joseph. “She works really hard, and everything she does is 110%.”

Later at Macedonian Christian Academy, parents Eduardo Aparicio and Nallely Reyna snuck into the student assembly to see their son win an SPI vacation for their family at Holiday Inn Beach Resort South Padre Island.

Narel Reyna & family: Narel Reyna, 8, holds picture of winning writing and artwork at Macedonian Christian Academy. Reyna won a beach vacation for his family at Holiday Inn Beach Resort South Padre Island. Through a resort credit, the Reyna family will dine at resort restaurants. Pictured from left to right: Eduardo Aparicio (father), Naylea Reyna (sister), Nallely Reyna (mother), Carey Kinsolving, Mrs. Hannah Wychopen (Narel Reyna’s teacher) and Narel Reyna.

After Kinsolving called nine student finalists to the front of the school assembly, he said, “The winner is Narel Reyna.” 

When Kinsolving asked Reyna, 8, how he drew the winning art, he said, “I imagined it in my head, and I just drew it.” Reyna said he’s looking forward to “being in the sand” at Holiday Inn Beach Resort South Padre Island. In addition to being “in the sand,” Reyna and his family will enjoy eating at restaurants on the property through credit that the resort has included as part of their vacation prize. 

When asked about her son winning the vacation prize, Nallely Reyna said, “He’s just a miracle from God, and I see God in him.”

To the question, “Why did Jesus say, ‘It is finished’ on the cross?” Narel Reyna wrote, “His job was done, and he defeated death and Satan.” 

Festival participants answered and illustrated questions from the Gospel of John. Kinsolving will consider all written answers from the festival for his weekly Kids Talk About God column and the art for his Kids Color Me Bible Gospel of John. All finalists’writing and art can be seen at www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/finals2025. 

This is the 13th consecutive year for the South Texas Children’s Arts Festival. Because of sponsors like DLC Pediatrics (Dr. Martin Garza), Bob & Karen Boggus Foundation and Melba’s Dance, there never has been an entry fee. 

Questions for the 2025-26 arts festival will be posted in August or September at www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/stx. 

Financial Literacy Month — LSNB Invests in Students, Schools, and Seminars for Success

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Financial Literacy Month — LSNB Invests in Students, Schools, and Seminars for Success
Over the last month, our banking center representatives visited schools from Brownsville to Roma and up to San Antonio. Courtesy image
Over the last month, our banking center representatives visited schools from Brownsville to Roma and up to San Antonio. Courtesy image

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Rio Grande Valley/San Antonio, TX — April was Financial Literacy Month, and Lone Star National Bank (LSNB) is proud to reaffirm its commitment to empowering South Texas through education, whether in classrooms, communities, or conference rooms. Over the last month, our banking center representatives visited schools from Brownsville to Roma and up to San Antonio. 

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LSNB delivers on a promise to return to where it all began. Many of our Banking Center Managers are proud products of the very communities they now serve. From childhood classrooms to careers in finance, they return to local schools not only to give back but to reach forward.

Our very own Lizeth Guajardo, Manager of the Alton Banking Center, recently visited Juan De Dios Salinas Middle School to teach financial literacy to young students. Lizeth grew up in Mission, graduated from Mission Veterans Memorial High School, and earned her degree in Organizational Leadership from South Texas College. With a decade of experience in finance and even a chapter as a 4th-grade math teacher, she understands just how impactful early money management lessons can be. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16RRMcFeEy/

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“Our employees help local families and businesses make confident financial choices every day. Stories like Lizeth’s reflect the heart of our mission: empowering people with knowledge to create lasting change,” said S. David Deanda, Jr., LSNB President. 

LSNB offers financial literacy presentations across South Texas to schools from elementary to college level. These sessions are engaging, age-appropriate, and aligned with standards to ensure students are building the tools they need for financial independence.

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Lunch & Learn Series Returns – May 21 Kickoff

In addition to student outreach, LSNB continues to support local business growth. 
We’re excited to announce the return of our LSNB Exclusive Lunch & Learn Series: Supporting Business Success beginning May 21 and running every third Wednesday through the summer. 
These in-person seminars offer small business owners and entrepreneurs’ essential insights on business banking, SBA loans, tax strategies, insurance preparedness, and retirement planning. The free events will take place at the LSNB Corporate Office, located at 520 E. Nolana Ave., McAllen. RSVP to CommunityRelations@lsnb.com or call (956) 414-2051. 

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Interested in bringing Cowboy Cash to your classroom? Email us at MarketingDept@lsnb.com to schedule a visit.

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Stay informed on promotions, company updates, accomplishments, events, financial information, and request sponsorships in just a few clicks by visiting: www.lsnb.com

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