CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 37-year-old South Texan has been ordered to federal prison for illegally smuggling 43 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Image for illustration purposes
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U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 37-year-old South Texan has been ordered to federal prison for illegally smuggling 43 kilograms of cocaine into the United States.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered him to serve 48 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On June 7, 2024, Sustaita approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint in a Chevrolet Silverado. He claimed he was heading to Houston to work on solar panels. However, authorities did not observe any luggage or tools in the vehicle.
An x-ray scan then revealed anomalies in the areas of the vehicle’s frame. A K-9 also alerted to odor of drugs. A subsequent search resulted in the seizure of 36 bundles of cocaine wrapped in cellophane and tape. Five were located inside the dashboard, another five were inside the rear door and 26 inside a hidden compartment near the truck bed.
The cocaine had a gross weight of 43.04 kilograms with an estimated street value of over $3 million.
Previously released on bond, Sustaita was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker prosecuted the case.
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), joined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, on Thursday conducted a series of events focused on unleashing American energy. Courtesy image
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MIDLAND, Texas – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), joined by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, on Thursday conducted a series of events focused on unleashing American energy, including visiting a Permian Basin oil and gas rig, conducting a roundtable with energy industry leaders and workers, and hosting a press conference on the issue.
Sen. Cruz said,“The Biden administration waged war against oil and gas jobs, especially in Texas. President Trump and the new Republican Congress are committed to returning America to a position of energy dominance, and I fully expect and will work to ensure that Texas leads the way. I’m proud to continue championing the oil and gas industry here in the Lone Star State.”
Admin. Zeldin said, “When I was going through my confirmation process, I made a commitment to Senator Cruz that I would travel down to Midland, tour an oil rig, and reaffirm my support to achieve energy dominance. The oil and gas industry and its hard-working employees help power our nation and we must do more to produce right here in America to compete on the world stage. The Trump EPA does not believe in regulating this industry out of existence. Instead, we want to partner with leaders to keep producing American energy using the cleanest and safest practices on the planet.”
The individual, identified as Elmor Leonel RAMOS-Aburcia, will face multiple federal charges, including three counts of Assaulting a Federal Officer (18 USC 111).
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Brownsville, Texas – On April 15, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents assigned to the Brownsville Station apprehended a Honduran national following a violent encounter near the B&M International Bridge. The individual, identified as Elmor Leonel RAMOS-Aburcia, will face multiple federal charges, including three counts of Assaulting a Federal Officer (18 USC 111).
RAMOS-Aburcia was initially observed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempting to scale the border fence near the port of entry. Upon arrival, Border Pas.trol agents attempted to take him into custody when a physical struggle ensued. During the incident, RAMOS-Aburcia forced his way into a marked Border Patrol vehicle, attempted to gain control of an agent’s service weapon, and bit the agent on the forearm.
With the support of CBP officers and the Texas Department of Public Safety, agents successfully subdued and arrested the subject without further injury to the agent or the public. He was transported to the Brownsville Border Patrol Station for processing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has assumed the lead in the ongoing criminal investigation.
“This was a highly volatile and dangerous situation that could have resulted in serious harm to the public and our agents,” stated RGV Sector Chief Gloria I. Chavez. “I commend the professionalism and restraint shown by our agents in bringing this individual under control. Let it be clear, assaults on our personnel will not be tolerated, and we will pursue full accountability under the law.”
The safety of the community and federal personnel remains a top priority for U.S. Border Patrol and its law enforcement partners.
“Joe Biden and ‘Border Czar’ Kamala Harris are singlehandedly responsible for the worst border crisis in history. USCBP image for illustration purposes
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Senator John Cornyn
AUSTIN – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement on Senate Democrats’ latest actions to undermine President Trump’s border security efforts:
“Joe Biden and ‘Border Czar’ Kamala Harris are singlehandedly responsible for the worst border crisis in history. Senator Van Hollen’s sham trip to El Salvador to meet with an alleged MS-13 gang member and man who conceded to entering our country illegally is the latest in a long string of political stunts by Democrats, who are trying to undermine President Trump at every turn.
“The Left has become the party who laugh in the face of law and order and pander to the most progressive wing of their base. They have time and again prioritized politics over the safety and security of Americans. It is utterly divorced from reality.
“Thankfully, with President Trump at the helm, we will right this ship and secure our border, restore the rule of law, and make America safe again.”
Carolina De Anda-Treviño, a teacher at Carmen Anaya Elementary in Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, was surprised with the news that she had been selected as the statewide recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) during a special announcement ceremony held in the school library on April 11, 2025. Courtesy image
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PHARR, Texas – Carolina De Anda-Treviño, a teacher at Carmen Anaya Elementary in Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD, was surprised with the news that she had been selected as the statewide recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) during a special announcement ceremony held in the school library on April 11, 2025.
Photo Courtesy of PSJA ISD
De Anda-Treviño was celebrated by campus and district leadership, TEA representatives, her family, and her students for earning this prestigious recognition as part of the upcoming 2025 Title III Symposium.
Presented annually by TEA, the Rising Star Award recognizes one outstanding new educator from across the state of Texas who demonstrates exceptional promise, commitment, and impact in Bilingual and ESL education. To be eligible, the recipient must be a certified ESL/Bilingual teacher with less than three years of work experience and currently serve a Title-III funded school.
Photo Courtesy of PSJA ISD
“I’m truly honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” said De Anda-Treviño. “Being named the Rising Star Award winner is a reminder of why I chose this profession: to make a difference in the lives of my students. I’m proud to be part of PSJA, where I’m supported in everything I do.”
The Title III Symposium, hosted annually by the TEA, brings educators from across Texas to share best practices, tools, and strategies to support emergent bilingual students in attaining English proficiency and academic success. De Anda will be formally recognized during this summer’s statewide symposium.
PSJA ISD congratulates De Anda for this outstanding achievement and thanks her for her inspiring dedication to her students and the PSJA Family.
Thanks to a unique collaboration between South Texas College’s Culinary and Advanced Manufacturing Technology programs, AMT students are able to receive hands-on experience by repairing 11 malfunctioning KitchenAid mixers previously used by students in the culinary program. STC image
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By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, TEXAS – South Texas College Culinary Arts and Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) have begun a unique collaboration that is bringing broken kitchen equipment back to life while promoting student learning.
Robotics and Mechatronics students, who are part of a Computer Engineering Technology internship course, are in their last semester before graduating this May.
Now thanks to the partnership between AMT and Culinary Arts, the students are able to receive hands-on experience by having the opportunity to repair 11 KitchenAid mixers previously utilized by culinary students.
“In past years, whenever we our mixers and equipment that have gone down we would send them to auction because there really aren’t too many people in the Valley who can repair them for us,” said Culinary Arts faculty member Larissa Reinitz, who is the point person between the two programs. “Reaching out to the Advance Manufacturing Technology Department, we thought that it was a great idea to give their students that mechanic experience and maybe inspire them to one day start their own business that can help culinary professionals in the industry like our bakers who are always looking for the most cost-effective way to keep their equipment running. If we can repair instead of replacing, I think that’s a good thing for everyone involved.”
When broken down equipment is received, students itemize the components and begin repairs. From bearings to gaskets, to the equipment’s motor assembly and gears, students have spent most of the semester diagnosing and then repairing the equipment for reuse by the culinary department.
“Our students have had no problem taking them apart and diagnosing all the electrical components step by step so we can repair these items for our culinary department,” said AMT faculty member Kranzth Esparza. “The internship class that these students are a part of is ensuring the students get hands-on training before they graduate. We have a number of projects that they work on throughout the semester as they look ahead to careers in industry.”
STC student Diego Cruz, who will be graduating with his Robotics and Mechatronics certificate this May, said he appreciates the hands-on experience as he looks ahead to a career in industrial maintenance or robotics.
“I think the Mechatronics track here at STC has really prepared me to work with different systems and components,” Cruz said. “I have appreciated having the opportunity to get experience for my future career, and I encourage anyone who appreciates learning with a more a hands-on kind of approach to look into this and get into the workforce.”
Eric Senteno, will also be receiving a Robotics and Mechatronics certificate as well as with a Precision Manufacturing Technology certificate this May, said he is eyeing a career in industry after he graduates.
“This is a great program that really helps you with a lot of knowledge before you enter a career. Not only do we learn about the operation of machines, but we’re learning about robots and their electrical components for example. This has given me the opportunity to just have a higher-level knowledge about how things operate in general, and I plan to hopefully help at home with what I have learned because STC has helped me to become a well-rounded student since I have been here.”
Culinary faculty member Reinitz said she looks ahead to partnering not just with AMT, but with other technical programs in the future that all play a role in their industry.
“We try to teach students that while our focus is culinary, it’s also important for them to understand how our industries work hand-in-hand with each other, down to our plumbers and electricians. They all play a big role in our kitchens and in the life cycle of our businesses,” she said. “We have always tried to assist where we can. Many departments like to showcase their skills just like we do, and we would like to spread that opportunity and use it to enable students to get the experience they need because we know when that happens, everybody wins.”
Washington, D.C. — In a striking shift of transparency in federal messaging, the White House officially replaced the federal COVID-19 information website on Friday, April 18, 2025, with a new page dedicated to the pandemic’s origins. The page cites a Chinese laboratory leak as the primary source of the virus and includes allegations of mishandling by former health officials, most notably Dr. Anthony Fauci.
The update marks the Biden administration’s most definitive public stance on the pandemic’s origin. The newly launched page claims the virus emerged from a laboratory in Wuhan, China. It asserts that early efforts to investigate or mitigate the outbreak were hindered by both foreign obstruction and domestic mismanagement.
A clemency letter issued by President Biden, alongside a photo of Dr. Anthony Fauci, was published on the White House website. The accompanying text raises the question: Why did Fauci need a pardon? Image the White House. (See Website)
In a surprising addition to the page, an image of a presidential pardon for Dr. Fauci is prominently featured. The document, dated January 18, 2025, preemptively absolves the former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director of any legal consequences of his role in the federal pandemic response. (See Website)
A White House spokesperson stated that the change aims to “promote transparency and historical accountability,” emphasizing that the administration is “committed to learning from past mistakes.”
The archived resources previously available on the COVID-19 website—including vaccine information, testing locations, and prevention tips—have been moved to a secondary government domain, with a redirect notice on the new origins page.
President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14176, Declassification of Records Concerning the Assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on January 23, 2025. Image National Archives
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Washington, D.C. — The U.S. government has released approximately 10,000 pages of documents related to the 1968 assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, offering a rare and detailed glimpse into one of the most controversial political killings of the 20th century.
The records, made public on Friday, April 18, 2025, through the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), include investigative files, internal memos, and — most notably — handwritten notes from Sirhan Sirhan, the man convicted of Kennedy’s murder.
Sirhan, a Palestinian immigrant, was arrested at the scene of the shooting at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968. He was later convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. For decades, the case has been the subject of intense scrutiny and speculation, including alternative theories and calls for further investigation from some members of the Kennedy family.
Among the newly disclosed documents are pages from Sirhan’s notebooks, which prosecutors previously cited as evidence of premeditation. The notes include cryptic phrases and references to Kennedy’s support for Israel — a possible motive that shaped the prosecution’s case.
Researchers and public members can now access the full archive via the National Archives’ official website under the section labeled “Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Records Collection.” The files are also available for in-person review at the National Archives facility in College Park, Maryland.
While many of the documents reaffirm established accounts, some entries are expected to fuel renewed debate over whether Sirhan acted alone or was part of a conspiracy — a theory long floated by skeptics of the official narrative.
Historians and transparency advocates have welcomed the release. “This is an important step toward fuller public understanding,” said Dr. Andrea Cullen, a political historian at Georgetown University. “The Kennedy assassination, like his brother’s, remains a wound in American memory. Greater access to these records helps clear the fog of speculation.”
The release comes during ongoing efforts to declassify historic government records, spurred in part by public demand for greater transparency in high-profile cases involving political violence and intelligence operations.
The latest report from Constant Contact, Small Business Now: Growth in Motion, reveals insights from over 1,600 small business owners across the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Despite dealing with economic uncertainty, these early-stage businesses are not just surviving—they’re setting themselves up for success by embracing technology, refining marketing strategies, and focusing on building lasting customer relationships. Dave Charest. Courtesy image
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By Dave Charest, Director of Small Business Success at Constant Contact
The world of small business is always evolving, but in 2025, the latest wave of new entrepreneurs is navigating a particularly tough landscape with a mix of optimism and resilience. The latest report from Constant Contact, Small Business Now: Growth in Motion, reveals insights from over 1,600 small business owners across the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Despite dealing with economic uncertainty, these early-stage businesses are not just surviving—they’re setting themselves up for success by embracing technology, refining marketing strategies, and focusing on building lasting customer relationships.
Thriving Through Tough Times
It’s no secret that the economic climate right now is anything but easy. With external challenges like inflation and shifting consumer habits, it’s a tough world for any business owner. Yet, new entrepreneurs aren’t backing down. Instead, they’re diving headfirst into the challenge, and their focus is clear: Customer relationships.
According to the report, 63% of new entrepreneurs are turning to social media as their go-to marketing tool. But, here’s the interesting part: Even though social media is a top choice when getting started, a surprising 33% of these business owners today see email marketing as an untapped goldmine for conversions and customer loyalty. As these businesses mature, they’re broadening their marketing with channels like email and SMS, which are coming up strong as powerful tools to nurture those all-important customer relationships.
And, when it comes to tech, the numbers speak for themselves: 91% of business owners say that technology has played a crucial role in their success, and a whopping 72% plan to use AI for marketing this year. Technology isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a survival tool for small businesses—one that’s essential for growth.
Optimistic, But Realistic: The Small and Medium-sized Business (SMB) Mindset for 2025
Entrepreneurs are feeling positive but cautious. Nearly half (45%) of small business owners believe their business will grow in the coming year, but many (55%) are also acknowledging the hurdles they’ll face. Rising costs, customer acquisition struggles, and shifting consumer preferences have a solid 35% of entrepreneurs seeing economic factors as a big potential roadblock. But, not to worry—small businesses are determined and resilient.
And, people are still choosing to start new businesses every day. Even though 52% of these business owners admitted that getting their business off the ground was tough, there’s a ton of excitement and pride in the air. A remarkable 95% of entrepreneurs said they’d do it all over again if given the chance—71% said they’re excited about the future, and 57% proud of what they’ve accomplished.
Going Beyond Social Media: SMBs Expand Their Marketing Reach
Social media may dominate the marketing space for new businesses, but there’s a growing trend toward diversifying strategies. The majority of these entrepreneurs may still rely on social media as their main marketing tool, but many are branching out into channels like email and SMS to connect with their audience.
In fact, 33% of SMB owners view email marketing as an underutilized tool that could be key to turning leads into loyal customers. While social media gets all the attention—likely for its ease of use, accessibility, and affordability—email marketing can be a powerful revenue driver to support growth. Plus, email’s secret superpower is its ability to help build lasting relationships and customer loyalty. And, don’t forget SMS! Only 15% of SMBs are investing in it, even though SMS has proven to be one of the most engaging marketing channels available.
AI and Tech: The Secret Weapons for SMB Growth
Let’s talk tech—it’s a game-changer for small businesses. Early-stage small businesses are embracing technology like never before, with 91% agreeing that tech has been a growth driver for their businesses. And, AI is also leading the charge… Nearly two-thirds (72%) of SMB owners plan to use AI in their marketing efforts this year, and the areas they’re focusing on are pretty exciting.
• 37% are using AI for content creation
• 32% are diving into customer data analysis
• 31% are leveraging AI to create personalized marketing experiences.
This isn’t just about automating tasks—it’s about making smarter, more data-driven decisions and connecting with customers in more meaningful ways. With this, 38% of business owners are planning to learn new marketing strategies, and over a quarter (28%) will use AI and automation to overcome challenges like customer acquisition and sales growth.
It’s clear that technology is becoming a key part of their competitive advantage, growth prospects, and overall success. Consider this: New small business owners who have the most confidence in their business growth this year are embracing AI more than others—indicating that confidence in business growth and the adoption of AI are closely linked. Of this high-confidence group, 41% plan to use AI for data analysis, and 39% will use it to personalize customer experiences, compared to just 25% of all others.
Looking Ahead: Innovating for Success in 2025
As these new and early-stage entrepreneurs continue into this year, their direction is clear: Reassess and refine strategies, embrace new technologies, and stay customer-centric and highly adaptable. By focusing on these areas, new small businesses are setting themselves up for long-term success—even in the face of an unpredictable market.
If you’re a small business owner yourself, the message is simple: Stay adaptable, keep innovating, and never stop connecting with your customers. The entrepreneurs who thrive in 2025 will be those who stick to sound business fundamentals, keep refining their marketing approach, and embrace new tools and technologies to stay ahead.
Assistant City Manager, Visionary Leader, Champion of South Texas, Joe Vera, age 69, was called to be with the Lord on April 16, 2025, during Holy Week. Courtesy image. Bgd for illustration purposes
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ALAMO — Assistant City Manager, Visionary Leader, Champion of South Texas, Joe Vera, age 69, was called to be with the Lord on April 16, 2025, during Holy Week.
Joe was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, whose life was marked by faith, vision, and resilience. Born and raised in Pharr, Texas, he was a transformative leader in public service and cultural development.
He left a significant impact at just six years old by shining shoes at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and over four decades, significantly contributing to its growth and new construction. His dedication to his church community exemplified his lifelong devotion to service and spiritual leadership.
A visionary leader and pioneer in the festival and events industry, Joe most recently served as Assistant City Manager for Culture, Recreation, and Special Events for the City of McAllen—a role he cherished deeply, often calling it his dream job and proudly stating he would “sprint to work every day.” Under his meticulous attention to detail and relentless drive, McAllen flourished into a national and international destination. Joe spearheaded the creation and expansion of landmark events, including the McAllen Holiday Parades, South Pole Illuminated Festival, and McAllen Marathon. He repeatedly quoted Walt Disney, saying, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible”—a principle he exemplified throughout his career.
Before joining McAllen in 2014, Joe profoundly impacted the City of Hidalgo, leading its transformation from a small town into a bustling cultural and entertainment destination. He was instrumental in launching the BorderFest, overseeing the development of Dodge Arena (now Payne Arena), and curating historic revitalization and economic initiatives.
Joe’s influence extended far beyond South Texas. In 2025, he proudly served as World Board Chair of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA), earning McAllen—and the greater South Texas region—a prominent place on the global stage. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the IFEA Hall of Fame and the Texas Festivals & Events Association Hall of Honor.
Throughout his distinguished career, Joe built not just events but experiences. One of his cherished philosophies was, “There is no limit to what a man can do, if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit,” and true to this, Joe’s humble spirit touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Joe served his family without reservation. He is survived by his loving wife, Alma Vera; his treasured children, Thais Garza and Homer Garza (Sonya); cherished grandchildren, Ryan and Reena; beloved sisters, Joann Watts (George Sr.) and Linda Casas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his esteemed parents Inez Vera Jr. and Gloria.
Joe Vera built the impossible with pride, purpose, and a love for his community. His spirit should profoundly, not just be put to live on in every parade, every celebration, and every act of public service inspired by his extraordinary life. Let us honor his life by living ours with the same grace and compassion for others as he recited in his favorite quote, “The noblest art is that of making others happy.”
The family would like to thank the City of McAllen, his esteemed work team, medical team and lifelong physician Dr. Leonel Moreno and staff for their endless care and support.
Civil Services for Joe Vera will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., with the Rosary following at 6:00 p.m. at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 208 E Camelia Ave, Hidalgo, TX., on Tuesday, April 22, at 10:00 a.m. Funeral internment will follow at Palm Valley Memorial Gardens, 2607 N Sugar Rd, Pharr, TX 78577.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United Way of South Texas and Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hidalgo, TX.
