Pag. 12
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 FREE
10 years of counting campus trees – and growing
Research calculates ecological, economic and emotional value of UTRGV’s urban forest at more than $5M
By Karen Villarreal
Every five years, UTRGV students in hard hats and neon yellow vests hug trees for the sake of science. As they wrap their arms and measuring tapes around the trunks, they transform the campus grounds into their classroom and lab.
Their professor encourages them to enjoy this bonding moment with nature – and to ensure they collect accurate data for future generations of arboreal-minded students. Dr. Alex Racelis, director for the Agroecology program at UTRGV, focuses on the knowledge and care of trees in this Community Forestry course.
“We’re trying to get students to experience both,” Racelis said. “You care about what you know.”
He noted classes like this foster the innate sense of social responsibility of many UTRGV students.
“Some of them come from a culture of care where you are required to be responsible for your home, siblings and elders,” he said. “We try to extend it into their community and to their region’s natural resources – in particular, an appreciation of trees.”
The group of 20 undergraduate and graduate students get to know and appreciate UTRGV’s urban forest very well. One of their first exams involves identifying the 15 most common trees on campus, while a later exam focuses on pruning and maintenance. As part of their “homework,” they are tasked, in teams, with measuring 40 of the nearly 2,000 trees on the Edinburg campus.
Racelis stated the students’ work has produced valuable information, leading to a 10-year streak of recognition by the Arbor Day Foundation.
“The research informed the Office for Sustainability in drafting UTRGV’s inaugural Tree Care Plan and fulfilled one of the requirements for the university earning its first Tree Campus USA designation in 2014,” Racelis said.
The latest survey will contribute to an updated Tree Care Plan, and re-submission to Tree Campus USA.
THE VALUE OF TREES
Working with Texas A&M Forest Service, Racelis trains students to measure tree dimensions, like height and canopy volume, and to conduct an evaluation of tree health and maintenance needs. They log the measurements in a program called I-Tree Eco,
which analyzes the data and quantifies environmental effects.
“Our research shows that when you increase tree canopy, land surface temperatures go down – so trees also help with the reduction of energy use,” Racelis said. “We can calculate the energy saved from shade cast on nearby buildings.”
I-Tree Eco similarly allows Racelis and the forestry students to calculate carbon sequestration, rainwater retention and airborne particulate sequestration.
In 2014, the last complete tree survey calculated these ‘ecosystem services’ and the trees’ standing value at more than $5,735,000.
Although the current assessment isn’t complete, Racelis said that they have already observed significant growth over the last 10 years, which contributes to the campus forest’s ecosystem.
For example, Live Oaks, the most common type of tree on campus, have increased in volume by more than 60 percent since the last assessment.
“According to our preliminary calculations, mature oak trees on campus absorbed nearly 6,000 pounds of CO2 over the last 10 years, absorbed more than 45,000 gallons of stormwater and removed pollution from the air equivalent in weight of 100 smartphones,” Racelis said.
Additionally, Racelis explained the beautification of the campus with an urban forest has aesthetic, spiritual and emotional benefits that are substantial – though a little bit more difficult to evaluate.
Racelis mentioned that former graduate students started asking questions about the campus’s cultural ecosystem services as part of their research.
Their surveys, conducted 10 years ago,
revealed that students overwhelmingly appreciate the campus trees and their cooling shade. One favored campus spot was the tree-lined walkway to the Sundial where the canopies arch overhead.
“And our campus urban forest provides educational benefits, like the unique learning experience the students are getting right now,” Racelis said.
CONTINUING A LEGACY OF CARE
Juliete Gonzalez, a graduate student in her first semester of the Master of Science (MS) in Agricultural, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences (AESS) program, wears a silver hard hat and carries a laptop instead of measuring tools.
Along with Racelis, she supervises to ensure students are collecting data from the correct tree; each tree is identified with a metal tag, which can fall off over time.
She plans to use the decade-long data for her thesis on the role of urban forests in mitigating climate change factors such as carbon pollutants, stormwater and extreme heat.
“I’m really appreciative of the team that took the initiative to carry out this project here on campus,” Gonzalez said. “Based on their work, I’m able to continue on and learn about the ecosystem benefits of trees.”
Although it will take time to see the cumulative impact of the trees, Gonzalez said she knows they are worth the wait and effort.
“Just because they’re stationary, people don’t make the connection that they are contributing to the ecosystem too,” she said. “These are living beings that we need to take care of.”
FOOTBALL SIGNS SIX FOR 2025
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) head football coach Travis Bush announced on Wednesday the addition of six student-athletes for the 2025 season, including athlete Jaxon Baize, wide receiver Corey Holmes, offensive lineman Gannon Lauer, defensive end David Nwabuoku, tight end Brendon Ray, and running back Broderick Taylor
Former South Texas Health System Children’s Patient
Hosting Special Toy Drive & Zumbathon as he Celebrates 20 Years of Donating Gifts to Hospitalized Children
Community members are invited to donate a new, unwrapped & non-violent toy to participate in the special event and help spread holiday cheer to pediatric patients across the Rio Grande Valley.
Former Children’s Patient Hosting Special Toy Drive & Zumbathon as he Celebrates 20 Years of Donating Gifts to Hospitalized Children
Community members are invited to donate a new, unwrapped & non-violent toy to participate in the special event and help spread holiday cheer to pediatric patients across the Rio Grande Valley.
It’s the Christmas season, a special time of year meant to be merry and bright. But spending the holidays in a hospital room makes it hard to be festive, especially for children for whom the magic of Christmas rests in the ability to celebrate the traditions of the season.
To help ensure hospitalized children have the opportunity to celebrate the holidays, South Texas Health System Children’s has partnered with the Angel Quintanilla Foundation for the last 20 years to host a
holiday toy drive every December.
Benefitting pediatric patients across the Rio Grande Valley, including those in the care of STHS Children’s, the initiative has grown in recent years to include a special Zumbathon aimed at helping participants feel the burn as they give back to the community.
This year’s Angel Quintanilla’s Toy Drive & Zumbathon stems from a desire to pay it forward.
Angel, a former patient at STHS Children’s, was born with cerebral palsy and spent several years in and out of the hospital throughout his childhood for treatment related to the congenital disorder.
“I would get sick a lot during the holidays and always had a fear of not being able
to spend the holidays with my family,” says Angel, who during one of his first hospital stays had an unforgettable experience that changed his outlook.
“A group of college students came into my room and handed me a couple of toys,” recalls Angel, who is now 27, of that fateful visit when he was 7. “That changed my entire mood. The experience showed me that changing your perspective can make a significant difference. And it inspired me to pay it forward and launch my annual toy drive.”
In the early years of his toy drives, Angel sold handmade bracelets to raise money for the gifts he would donate. But for the last eight years, after meeting local Zumba instructor Veronica B. Ruiz, he has collab-
orated closely with her to host an annual Zumbathon, which has helped him collect more toy donations than he ever imagined possible.
In recent years, Angel and Veronica have hosted the Zumbathon at STHS Children’s, which has allowed facility staff to get involved in the noble cause.
“There’s no doubt that Angel has become part of the STHS Children’s family, and we’re forever indebted to him for the kindness he’s bestowed on the littlest kids in our care over the years,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System. “In the last 19 years, he’s donated tens of thousands of It’s the Christmas season, a special time of year meant to be merry
feel the burn as they give back to the community.
This year’s Angel Quintanilla’s Toy Drive & Zumbathon stems from a desire to pay it forward.
Angel, a former patient at STHS Children’s, was born with cerebral palsy and spent several years in and out of the hospital throughout his childhood for treatment related to the congenital disorder.
“I would get sick a lot during the holidays and always had a fear of not being able to spend the holidays with my family,” says Angel, who during one of his first hospital stays had an unforgettable experience that changed his outlook.
“A group of college students came into my room and handed me a couple of toys,” recalls Angel, who is now 27, of that fateful visit when he was 7. “That changed my
Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Main Parking Lot
South Texas Health System
Children’s
1102 W. Trenton Rd. Edinburg, TX. 78539
entire mood. The experience showed me that changing your perspective can make a significant difference. And it inspired me to pay it forward and launch my annual toy drive.”
In the early years of his toy drives, Angel sold handmade bracelets to raise money for the gifts he would donate. But for the last eight years, after meeting local Zumba instructor Veronica B. Ruiz, he has collaborated closely with her to host an annual Zumbathon, which has helped him collect more toy donations than he ever imagined possible.
In recent years, Angel and Veronica have hosted the Zumbathon at STHS Children’s, which has allowed facility staff to get involved in the noble cause.
“There’s no doubt that Angel has become part of the STHS Children’s family, and we’re forever indebted to him for the kindness he’s bestowed on the littlest kids in our care over the years,” says Tom Castañeda, System Director of Marketing & Public Relations, South Texas Health System. “In the last 19 years, he’s donated tens of thousands of toys to our facility alone as part of his annual toy drive. Each year, Angel has helped our Child Life Department dole out toys to our pediatric patients long after the holiday season is over!”
This year’s Zumbathon and toy drive will take place in the main parking lot of STHS Children’s on Saturday, December 14 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The event will feature Veronica and a handful of other local Zumba instructors leading classes for attendees.
Participation in the Zumbathon is free, but attendees are asked to bring at least one new, unwrapped and non-violent toy for the donation drive. All the collected items will be delivered to hospitals across the region, including STHS Children’s, in the days leading up to Christmas.
For complete details, visit the STHS Children’s Facebook events page. If you’re unable to attend the event but would still like to donate, please contact Angel Quintanilla via his public Facebook page at facebook.com/angelqofficial.
Exciting Job Opportunities Across Brownsville Departments
The City of Brownsville is excited to announce various job openings, allowing residents to pursue meaningful careers while serving their community. These positions span multiple departments, offering something for individuals with diverse skills and interests.
Current openings include:
• Cannery Manager
• Senior Veterinarian
• Administrative Coordinator
• Equipment Operator
• Records and Information Management Coordinator
• Fiscal Clerk
• Creative Service Specialist
These roles not only provide stable employment but also allow team members to make a direct impact on Brownsville’s growth and success.
The City of Brownsville is dedicated to fostering a workplace where employees thrive. Full-time positions come with competitive benefits, designed to ensure a supportive and rewarding environment. Interested applicants can explore all available positions and apply online at: https://careers.brownsvilletx.gov/ jobs/search/non-civil
Join the One City Team today and help shape the future of Brownsville!
Laredo professor charged
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas | Press Release
A36-year-old Laredo resident has been charged with producing videos involving the sexual exploitation of minors, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Carlos Jobany Castaneda Lechuga is expected to appear for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos at 10 a.m.
The complaint, filed Dec. 2, alleges authorities learned of videos that appeared to be produced in the United States and distributed on the dark web. The videos allegedly include an adult male seen with what appears to be different minor children in at least three different videos.
The charges allege law enforcement identified the male as Lechuga. He had been a private teacher in Phoenix, Arizona, and a professor in Laredo. The investigation also revealed Lechuga offers private music lessons targeted toward minors, according to the charges.
On Dec. 1, authorities executed a search warrant on Lechuga’s residence in Laredo. The charges allege a person familiar with the house had identified Lechuga’s residence as the location where at least one of the videos was produced.
If convicted, Lechuga faces up to 30
years in federal prison for production of child pornography as well as a maximum of 20 years for each count of distributing it. All charges also carry as possible penalty a $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation. If you have any information about possible victims or believe you have been victimized, please contact the FBI at 210-225-6741.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tory Sailer and Michael Makens are prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing
Office of Public Affairs | U.S. Department of Justice | Press Release
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the recipients of the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing. This prestigious award recognizes law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to strengthening trust, promoting community engagement, and enhancing public safety.
“All 21 of today’s awardees have demonstrated what community-oriented policing looks like in practice,” said Attorney General Garland. “They come from all different parts of the country. They represent communities of all shapes and sizes. Their typical days might not all look the same. But they are united by a deep commitment to protecting their communities.”
The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and Tribal sworn officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded individuals have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing.
“Today, we stand in the presence of extraordinary individuals who exemplify
the very best of what it means to protect and serve,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “We celebrate a remarkable truth: the profound and positive impact that law enforcement officers and deputies have on the communities they serve every single day. These awards honor those who exemplify the very best of the profession and showcases these individuals as pillars of trust, empathy, and unity.”
The 2024 award recipients are:
Category: Criminal Investigations
Detective Matthew Newbold of the Polk County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office;
Detective Liz Grant of the Kennewick, Washington, Police Department;
Detective Tyler Norman of the Salt Lake City, Utah, Police Department; and Police Officer Reece Walno of the Spearfish, South Dakota, Police Department.
Category: Field Operations
Deputy Sheriff Jahmar Robinson of the Palm Beach County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office; Lance Corporal Justin Boyd of the Columbia, South Carolina, Police Department; and Detective/Community Policing Officer Stephen Leacroy of the La Marque, Texas, Police Department.
Category: Innovations in Community Policing
Corporal Adrian Maldonado, Deputy James Mackey, Deputy Jason Coker, Deputy Tammy Fox, and Deputy Yanick Exceus of the Palm Beach County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office; Detective Edwin Hugh and Police Officer Thomas Joy of the Suffolk County, New York, Police Department; Officer Stephen Malandro, Officer Trevor Stamper, and Specialist Todd Nutbrown of the Largo, Florida, Police Department; Officer Wesley Griffith and Officer Bill Koehn of the Overland Park, Kansas, Police
Department;
Master Police Officer Thomas Rodriquez of the Manassas City, Virginia, Police Department; and Master Officer Shauna Moller of the Manassas City Police Department.
“It is an honor to share the stage with these recipients,” said Director Hugh T. Clements Jr. of the Justice Department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS). “I am inspired by their actions and service.”
The awardees were selected from a nationwide pool of nominees for their outstanding achievements in fostering safer, more inclusive communities.
The Justice Department commends these officers for their service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their communities. For more information about the awards, visit www.justice.gov.
The COPS Office is the federal component of the Justice Department responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. The only Justice Department agency with policing in its name, the COPS Office was established in 1994 and has been the cornerstone of the nation’s crime fighting strategy with grants, a variety of knowledge resource products, and training and technical assistance. Through the years, the COPS Office has become the go-to organization for law enforcement agencies across the country and continues to listen to the field and provide the resources that are needed to reduce crime and build trust between law enforcement and the communities served. The COPS Office has been appropriated more than $20 billion to advance community policing, including grants awarded to more than 13,000 state, local, territorial, and Tribal law enforcement agencies to fund the hiring and redeployment of approximately 138,000 officers.
OPINION
BY ANDRES OPPENHEIMER
Trump’s tariffs threat to Mexico, Canada is likely a bluff. If it’s not, he’s nuts
Afteran extensive interview with one of the people who best knows President-elect Trump’s negotiating tactics, I’m more convinced than ever that the former president’s threat to impose huge tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods — even if it means driving up U.S. consumer prices — should not be taken too seriously.
I called Ildefonso Guajardo, Mexico’s former secretary of economy and top trade negotiator, a few days after Trump announced he will impose a 25% tax on Mexican and Canadian products “on day one” of his presidency unless the two countries stop the flow of migrants and fentanyl to the United States. Trump’s salvo triggered immediate fears of a trade war, because Mexico and Canada are the biggest U.S. trading partners in the world.
But Guajardo, who headed the Mexican team that negotiated a revision of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement in 2018, does not seem to be losing much sleep
over a trade Armageddon in North America. To him, Trump’s newest tariff threat looks like a movie he has seen before, and from a front row seat.
Trump has a long history of empty threats. On June 16, 2016, Trump said that “I will build a great, great wall on our southern border, and I will make Mexico pay for that wall. Mark my words.” But Trump never built his wall, nor did Mexico pay for it.
During his four years in office, Trump only extended the wall along the 2,000-mile border by three miles, from 654 to 656 miles, according to the Politifact fact-checking site. Most of what was done during the Trump administration was renewing existing parts of the wall.
“Trump has shown in his first term in office that he uses these kinds of threats as a negotiating tactic,” Guajardo told me.
Mexico’s former top trade negotiator says that Trump’s negotiating strategies have not changed since the former president wrote his book, “The Art of the Deal.”
“In that book, Trump says that when he confronts his rival in a negotiation, he first makes a threat. If his adversary bows, Trump runs over him. If his adversary defends himself, Trump sits down and negotiates,” Guajardo says.
While Mexico would have more to lose than the United States from a trade war, it has powerful tools to respond to Trump, Guajardo told me.
“Mexico is the No. 1 buyer of U.S. yellow corn and fructose, and a major buyer of U.S. poultry, pork and several other products. And we buy most of these products from U.S. rural areas that voted for Trump,” he
said. “We have a way to respond directly to these threats.”
Mexico has another powerful tool in its box, which is China’s growing presence in North America. That’s a U.S. national security issue, and if Trump becomes too aggressive on raising tariffs, Mexico could increase its ties with China, he suggested.
When I mentioned to Guajardo that Trump may be more radical in his second administration, given his control of both houses of Congress and the boost from winning the popular vote, Guajardo responded, “Yes, it’s true that we may see a ‘Trump reloaded’ version of the former president. But, essentially, he’s the same character who wrote ‘The Art of the Deal.’”
I agree. But perhaps the biggest reason Trump won’t start a trade war in the Ameri-
cas is that he would shoot himself in the foot by doing so. Mexico’s government has said that the U.S. will lose 400,000 jobs if Trump enacts his tariffs, and that there would be significant increases in U.S. prices of food, clothing and cars.
U.S. inflation would increase immediately, economists say. Mexico supplies much of the fresh fruits and vegetables imported by the United States. And it was precisely the high prices of food that may have led to Trump’s Nov. 5 election victory.
Granted, Trump may increase tariffs on a few not too significant imports so as to be able to claim later that he’s a master negotiator who got what he wanted. That’s what he did last time with Mexico. But most likely, he’s bluffing. And if he’s not bluffing, he’s crazy.
Speer Can’t Stop Reading!
Facebook Live Book Reviews
Date: December 18, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 5:15 PM
Location: Facebook Live! (Visit Speer Memorial Library’s page)
Calling all middle and high school readers! Join Speer Memorial Library’s Teen Department on Facebook Live for a quick and exciting book review session. Discover the latest must-reads and hidden gems perfect for young readers.
What to Expect:
Engaging book discussions Recommendations tailored to teens A chance to interact live and share your thoughts!
Live Location: Speer Memorial Library 801 E. 12th St., Mission, Texas
Mark your calendars and don’t miss this literary treat!
MHM Lecture Series
Be part of history at the Mission Historical Museum on December 14, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM as we kick off the first installment of our exciting Lecture Series.V
In this session, Professor Isaac Pietrzak will delve into the remarkable life and legacy of Alfonso Ramirez, Edinburg’s first Hispanic mayor and a trailblazer for bilingual education. Discover how his
vision and leadership shaped our community and continues to inspire today. Stay after the lecture for free lotería games, where you’ll have the chance to win prizes from our museum gift shop.
Join us at the Mission Historical Museum, located at 900 Doherty Ave, Mission, Texas. For more information, call (956) 580-8646.
Football Signs Six for 2025
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) head football coach Travis Bush announced on Wednesday the addition of six student-athletes for the 2025 season, including athlete Jaxon Baize, wide receiver Corey Holmes, offensive lineman Gannon Lauer, defensive end David Nwabuoku, tight end Brendon Ray, and running back Broderick Taylor
Baize, Lauer and Nwabuoku are graduating this month and will join the Vaqueros in the spring.
Baize (Boerne High School) will face Holmes and Taylor (Roy Miller High School) in the 5A Division ll State Quarterfinal Friday night at the Alamodome.
This is the beginning of UTRGV’s second-ever signing class, as these student-athletes are committing to the Vaqueros during the early signing period, which runs through Friday.
UTRGV will be able to add student-athletes during the regular signing period, which beings on Feb. 5., and via the transfer portal, which opens Dec. 9 for the fall periods and April 16 for the spring period.
Jaxon Baize ATH 6-0 190 Fr. Boerne, Texas Boerne HS
2021-24 (Boerne High School): Has thrown for 60 touchdowns while rushing for seven and posting a 122.4 QB rating during career for head coach Che Hendrix … Has completed 64.7% of his passes (321-496) while throwing for 4,590 yards … Has added 214 rushing yards … Career accolades include District 14-4A DI Offensive MVP, Padilla Poll First Team All-State, Texas Sports Writers Association Second Team
All-State Quarterback, Texas High School Coaches Association 4A Super Elite Team Quarterback, SBLive All Central-Texas Offensive MVP, and District 14-4A First Team All-District honors.
Personal: Son of Tobi and Brian Blaze … Has one brother, Braden, who plays football at Oklahoma State … Chose UTRGV because of the coaches, the culture, and the desire to be part of the foundation of a new program … Planning to major in business management … Hobbies include hunting, fishing, golf, and spending time with family and friends.
Corey Holmes WR 6-2 185 Fr. Corpus Christi, Texas Roy Miller HS
2021-24 (Roy Miller High School): In 13 games as a senior, has made 33 receptions for 917 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 27.8 yards per catch and 70.5 yards per game for head coach Justen Evans … Has also rushed for 260 yards on 21 carries while scoring four touchdowns … In three years spanning 37 games at the varsity level, has made 87 catches for 1,967 yards while scoring 30 touchdowns and averaging 22.6 yards per reception and 53.2 yards per game … Has also totaled 183 carries for 1,786 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns … Also plays basketball, averaging 12.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.6 steals in 25 games as a junior.
Personal: Son of Neysha Holmes … Has one sister, Hailey, and one brother, Jeremy … Chose UTRGV because it’s the best fit for him … Hobbies include working out.
Gannon Lauer OL 6-4
315 R-Jr.Koloa, Hawai’i Saint Louis School/NM State/ Garden City CC
2024 (Redshirt Sophomore, Garden City CC): Earned All-KJCAA honors by not allowing a sack all season.
2023 (Redshirt Freshman, New Mexico State): Did not appear in any games.
2022 (Freshman, New Mexico State): Redshirted without appearing in a game … Part of team that won Quick Lane Bowl Championship.
2018-21 (Saint Louis School): Led team to Interscholastic League of Honolulu title as a senior under head coach Ron Lee … Helped team to Kauai Island Championship … Also played basketball.
Personal: Son of Sherry and Mark Lauer … Has one brother, Griffin … Chose UTRGV because he wants to make history … Planning to major in business … Goal is to be a logistics manager for Pepsi Hawai’i … Hobbies include surfing, fishing, and hunting … Volunteered at Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital during the summer of 2020 … Born in Ohio but grew up in Hawai’i.
David Nwabuoku DE 6-3 213 Fr. Plano, Texas Plano Senior HS
2021-24 (Plano Senior High School): As a senior, recorded 103 tackles (57 solo), 20 tackles for a loss, 32 quarterback pressures, six sacks and two passes broken up
en route to First Team All-District honors for head coach Cody White.
Personal: Son of Kate Nwabuoku … Has one sister, Daniella, and one brother, Daniel … Chose UTRGV to pursue dream of playing in the NFL … Planning to major in business … Hobbies include golfing, bowling, fishing, and swimming.
Brendon Ray TE 6-3
230 Fr. Bishop, Texas Bishop HS
2021-24 (Bishop High School): As a senior, made 16 receptions for 169 yards while recording 55 tackles for head coach Rigo Morales … Finished career with 46 receptions for 576 yards … Earned defensive lineman of the year honors as a senior … Unanimous First Team All-District Tight End selection all four years … Unanimous First Team All-District Defensive End selection final three years … Also competed in track & field and golf.
Personal: Son of Lori Morales and Glenn Ray … Has one sister, Vivian, and one brother, Ryan … Planning to major in health sciences … Goal is to work in medical sales … Hobbies include fishing, hunting, and playing games … Served community at Share Kingsville Fall Festival.
Broderick Taylor RB 5-9 175 Fr. Corpus Christi, Texas Roy Miller HS
2021-24 (Roy Miller High School): In 13 games as a senior, has rushed for 32 touchdowns and 1,890 yards on 214 carries, an average of 8.8 yards per carry and 145.4 yards per game for head coach Justen Evans … Posted nine 100-yard rushing games … Has also made 23 catches for five touchdowns and 331 yards, an average of 14.4 yards per reception and 25.5 yards per game … In 41 games at the Varsity level over a four-year career, has scored 70 touchdowns while rushing for 5,034 yards on 589 carries, an average of 8.5 yards per carry and 122.8 yards per game … Posted 25 100-yard rushing games … Has also made 47 receptions for nine touchdowns and 749 yards, an average of 15.9 yards per catch and 18.3 yards per game … Earned First Team All-State, Whataburger Super Team All-State, and District 14-5A Division I MVP honors as a junior after rushing for 29 touchdowns and 2,333 yards on 248 carries in 14 games, during 13 of which he rushed for 100+ yards.
Personal: Son of JoShalane Mascorro and Roderick Taylor … Has four sisters, Aryjanae, Rosharia, RaNaejia, and Cashmere, and three brothers, Roderick, Tayshun, and Rayvon. Chose UTRGV because running backs coach Marco Regalado made it feel like home … Planning to major in business and minor in kinesiology … Hobbies include playing video games.
Team Gray Wins Track & Field’s Orange & Gray Intrasquad Meet
The weather may have been gloomy, but the effort was far from it Friday as The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros track & field student-athletes competed in the Orange & Gray intrasquad meet, won 279-239 by Team Gray, at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex.
Team Gray picked up field wins in the women’s long jump by junior Nayla Harris, men’s weight throw by freshman Rio Grande City alum Dante Barrera, and women’s triple jump by graduate student Gabrielle Thomas. The gray unit had big success in distance events, taking three of four titles, as sophomore Kailey Salazar won the women’s 800-meter run, junior Abraham Morales won the men’s 3K, and freshman PSJA Memorial alum Diego Pina took first in the men’s 800-meter run.
Harris won the women’s 60-meter dash in 7.37, setting an intrasquad meet record. Senior Zoe Adams took the women’s 400-meter dash victory and junior Cerrone Thompson was first in the men’s race to pick up crucial points for Team Gray. Freshman Krystan Bright added a win in the women’s 60-meter hurdles.
Junior Hannah Hilding powered Team Orange with a dominant day in field events as she won the women’s shot put, weight throw and discus. Hilding set an intrasquad meet record with her weight throw mark of
17.30 meters and her discus mark of 47.10 meters. Junior Jedidiah Udunna also picked up a win for Team Orange as he jumped 7.37 meters in the men’s long jump.
Another star for Team Orange was junior Corin Burns, who shined bright in his first day competing as a Vaquero. Burns won the men’s 60-meter dash and 200-meter dash. Junior PSJA High alum Faith Cruz added a win in the women’s mile. Freshman Jizzale Davis took first in a competitive women’s 200-meter dash in 24.92.
Junior Aaron Cooper competed neutrally but set an intrasquad meet record in the men’s triple jump with a mark of 15.46 meters. Sophomore Rio Grande City alum Tristan Solis won the men’s discus for the neutral Team White.
Results
Women’s shot put
1. Hannah Hilding, 13.56m
2. Efe Latham, 13.08m
3. Evalyn Pena, 11.20m
4. Lauryn Menchaca, 10.52m
Men’s shot put
1. Dante Barrera, 14.17m
Men’s long jump
1. Jedidiah Udunna, 7.37m
2. Keamonie Archie, 7.35m
3. Zaire Cunningham, 6.43m
Women’s long jump
1. Nayla Harris, 5.78m
T2. Saniyah Richardson, 5.63m
T2. Aja Johnson, 5.63m
4. Kailah Gilmore, 5.50m
5. Michaela Mitchell, 5.00m
Women’s weight throw
1. Hannah Hilding, 17.30m
2. Efe Latham, 15.25m
3. Evalyn Pena, 12.26m
4. Lauryn Menchaca, 10.98m
Men’s weight throw
1. Dante Barrera, 13.86m
2. Artemio Belmontes IV, 12.21m
Men’s triple jump
1. Aaron Cooper, 15.46m
Women’s triple jump
1. Gabrielle Thomas, 12.22m
2. La’Zariah Bethany, 12.05m
3. Rayja’nae Pettit, 11.59m
Women’s discus
1. Hannah Hilding, 47.10m
2. Adelaide Fleischmann, 43.56m
3. Efe Latham, 34.16m
4. Lauryn Menchaca, 35.75m
Evalyn Pena, DNS
Men’s discus
1. Tristan Solis, 41.50m
2. Dante Barrera, 41.08m
3. Artemio Belmontes IV, 36.53m
Women’s 800-meter run
1. Kailey Salazar, 2:19.88
2. Estrella Medellin, 2:22
3. Lilliana Guerrero, 2:23
4. Mia Picazo, 2:24
5. Azayla Smith, 2:31
Men’s 3K
1. Abraham Morales, 9:09
2. Mario Cantarero, 9:26
3. Kevin Cardenas, 9:26
4. Mario Guzman, 9:55
Women’s 60-meter hurdles
1. Krystan Bright, 8.73
2. Trezur Connley, 8.87
December 11, 2024
3. Herminia Corado, 9.87
4. Michaela Mitchell, 10.61
Men’s 60-meter hurdles
1. Jaylen Critton, 8.38
James Voss, DNF
Women’s 60-meter dash
1. Nayla Harris, 7.37
2. Jizzale Davis, 7.78
3. Saniyah Richardson, 7.79
4. Winisha Steele Michael, 8.15
Men’s 60-meter dash
1. Corin Burns, 6.73
2. Diego Rodriguez, 6.88
3. Alejandro Arellano, 6.90
4. Gael Romo, 6.94
5. Jedidiah Udunna, 6.94
6. Keamonie Archie, 7.01
Women’s 200-meter dash
1. Jizzale Davis, 24.92
2. Zoe Adams, 25.42
3. Trinity Kirk, 25.51
4. Aliyah Castillo, 25.61
5. Saniyah Richardson, 25.85
6. Teryn Green, 25.86
7. Winisha Steele Michael, 26.52
8. Lani Brewer, 26.78
Men’s 200-meter dash
1. Corin Burns, 21.39
2. Jamari Harts, 21.92
3. Cerrone Thompson, 21.99
4. Ricky Young, 22.12
5. Alejandro Arellano, 22.14
6. Gael Romo, 22.15
7. Diego Rodriguez, 22.58
8. Jaylen Critton, 22.65
Women’s mile
1. Faith Cruz, 5:13
2. Kailey Salazar, 5:16
3. Mia Picazo, 5:27
4. Selissa Gonzales, 5:27.44
5. Lilliana Guerrero, 5:35
6. Alexis Fonseca, 5:37
7. Ana Hernandez, 5:38
8. Daira Rojas Vasquez, 5:41
9. Morgan Ramos, 5:46
Men’s 800-meter run
1. Diego Pina, 1:59
2. Emmanuel Wanga, 2:07
Women’s 400-meter dash
1. Zoe Adams, 58.66
2. Aliyah Castillo, 59.06
3. Trinity Kirk, 59.13
4. Teryn Green, 1:00.52
5. Lani Brewer, 1:00.63
6. Krystan Bright, 1:01.46
7. Herminia Corado, 1:04.26
Men’s 400-meter dash
1. Cerrone Thompson, 48.62
2. Jamari Harts, 48.88
3. Derrius Henry, 48.91
4. Daniel Siaffa, 54.13
Ricky Young, DNS
Losing muscle may increase risk of developing dementia
by Tim Newman
Sarcopenia describes the muscle loss that often occurs in older age. Individuals with higher levels of muscle loss are more at risk of adverse health outcomes, including falls and fractures.
The latest study concludes that sarcopenia is also linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
A new study involving researchers at multiple Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions investigated muscle loss and dementia risk. They found that the relative size of one specific muscle — which they used as
a proxy for sarcopenia — was associated with increased dementia risk and cognitive decline.
The results will be presented at this year’s Radiology Conference and Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL.
Aging and sarcopenia
As we age, our overall muscle mass tends to decline. After age 50, we lose an average of 1–2% of our muscle mass each year. Experts estimate that 5–13% of individuals aged 60–70 have sarcopenia. In those ages 80 or older, this rises to 11–50%.
This downward trend makes it more
difficult to navigate daily life and can impact an individual’s ability to care for themselves.
Sarcopenia also significantly increases the risk of falls and fractures. Aside from issues of strength and balance, muscle loss can also impact other body systems. Skeletal muscle is an endocrine organ, meaning that it releases hormones. These hormones called myokines — enter the blood and have wide-ranging effects.
For instance, they can influence how glucose is metabolized in the liver, how insulin-producing cells in the pancreas function, and how well nerve cells work.
Myokines also help keep inflammation in check, which is important: As people age,
they tend to experience long-term inflammation, which can start to damage cells and tissues. Inflammaging is the term experts use to describe this persistent low-level inflammation with age.
There are a few factors that increase the risk of sarcopenia, which include:
• Physical inactivity.
• Inadequate protein intake.
• Ongoing medical conditions, like cancer or diabetes.
• The natural process of aging.
Diagnosing sarcopenia is not straightforward, but may involve physical tests. These can include testing hand grip strength, measuring walking speed, or using the chair stand test, in which the individual stands up and sits down as many times as possible within 30 seconds.
In the latest study, the scientists utilized a relatively new approach. They used magnetic resonance imagery (MRI) scans to measure the size of a muscle in the head called the temporalis muscle.
This muscle is responsible for closing the jaw, and earlier studies have found that its size strongly correlates with sarcopenia — people with a smaller temporalis tend to have reduced muscle mass throughout their entire body.
The study’s lead author, Kamyar Moradi, MD, explains why this approach is useful:
“Measuring temporalis muscle size as a potential indicator for generalized skeletal muscle status offers an opportunity for skeletal muscle quantification without additional cost or burden in older adults who already have brain MRIs for any neurological condition, such as mild dementia.”
Muscle strength linked to dementia risk
In the latest study, the researchers recruited 621 participants without dementia with an average age of 77.3 years.
Using MRI scans, they measured participants’ temporalis muscles and split them into either large or small. In total, 131 had
a large temporalis. In counted role in education and APOE-E4 with dementia. During years, temporalis oping Further a smaller poorer Also, overall brain the hippocampus
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a large and 488 participants had a small temporalis.
In their analysis, the researchers accounted for other variables that can play a role in dementia risk. This included age, sex, education level, marital status, brain size, and APOE-E4 status — a gene associated with dementia.
During an average follow-up of 5.8 years, they found that those with a smaller temporalis had an increased risk of developing dementia.
Further analyses showed that having a smaller temporalis was associated with poorer performance on cognitive tests. Also, this group had greater decreases in overall brain size, and the size of certain brain regions important for memory, like the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex.
“We found that older adults with smaller skeletal muscles are about 60% more likely to develop dementia when adjusted for other known risk factors,” explains co-senior author Prof. Marilyn Albert, Ph.D.
The good news is that there are ways to manage sarcopenia. So, by intervening during the aging process, medical professionals may be able to reduce dementia risk.
As co-author Prof. Shadpour Demehri explains, “These interventions may help prevent or slow down muscle loss and subsequently reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.”
How to stay strong as you age
Medical News Today contacted Kaleigh Ray, an exercise physiologist with a Masters in biomechanics, who has worked as a personal trainer for many years. We asked what exercises older adults can do to help maintain muscle mass.
“I am a huge fan of chair workouts for older adults trying to build muscle at home,” she said. “These exercises are great for older adults because they can be done with no other equipment besides a chair and provide extra support for adults with balance issues.”
“My favorite chair exercises include
chair rises, seated leg lifts, and side bends.” For instructions on how to complete these exercises, MNT has an in-depth guide to chair exercises for older adults.
“With a pair of lightweight dumbbells, senior adults can also do bicep curls, shoulder presses, front to lateral raises, and more,” continues Ray.
Maintaining adequate protein levels important Alongside physical activity, it is important to consume enough protein — the building blocks of muscle.
Most adults in the United States meet the recommended amount of protein, but some people may need more than the recommended amount.
MNT contacted Maddie Gallivan, a registered dietitian about the importance of protein intake.
“Our appetite naturally declines as we age, so meeting these higher protein needs can be more challenging. But there are lots of ways to incorporate protein as part of a balanced meal or snack,” she told Medical News Today.
“When we think of rich protein sources, people typically think of meat, fish, dairy, and eggs, but it is possible to get all the essential amino acids you need from a plantbased diet,” she said.
Gallivan advocates a food-first approach, “focusing on nourishing, high quality protein sources like lentils, chickpeas, beans, whole grains, such as quinoa and barley, and a variety of nuts and seeds. These are not only fantastic protein sources but they’re also rich in fiber — a nutrient most of us could benefit from consuming more of.”
Gallivan also said that the texture of high protein foods can sometimes be challenging for older adults, particularly those with dentures, but there are many ways to adapt meals.
“For example,” she told MNT, “stirring a spoonful of ground nuts and seeds into porridge is an excellent way to boost protein at breakfast while keeping the meal easy to eat, and yogurt is another great option.”
Lenacapavir Injection Lowers HIV Risk by 96%
HIVremains a significant global public health challenge. Despite advancements in treatment, the virus continues to affect millions, and prevention remains a critical focus for research.
A recent breakthrough study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlights the potential of lenacapavir, a long-acting antiretroviral drug, to revolutionize pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) strategies.
How Lenacapavir Works for HIV Prevention
Lenacapavir, previously approved for treating multidrug-resistant HIV, has now shown promising results in preventing HIV infections. Administered via subcutaneous injections every six months, it provides an alternative to the daily oral PrEP regimen (emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, also known as Truvada). The study revealed that lenacapavir injections achieved over 96% efficacy in preventing HIV among at-risk individuals, demonstrating superior effectiveness compared to daily oral PrEP.
Key Findings of the Study
Trial Design: A phase 3, double-blind, randomized, multicenter trial included 3,265 participants from diverse backgrounds. Researchers specifically focused on cisgender men, transgender individuals, and nonbinary participants engaging in high-risk activities.
Efficacy: Among the 2,179 participants receiving lenacapavir, only two contracted HIV, compared to nine in the Truvada group. This translates to a 96% risk reduction compared to the estimated background HIV incidence rate.
Adherence: The lenacapavir group exhibited higher adherence rates compared to the daily PrEP group, highlighting the convenience and practicality of biannual injections.
Dr. Moupali Das, Vice President of
Clinical Development at Gilead Sciences, emphasized the transformative potential of lenacapavir, noting its ability to address adherence challenges and enhance prevention strategies.
Advantages and Challenges
Lenacapavir offers several benefits:
Ease of Use: Biannual injections eliminate the need for daily medication, reducing adherence-related failures.
Discretion: The injectable format is less stigmatizing and more convenient for individuals facing challenges with daily regimens.
Potential as a Vaccine Alternative: Its efficacy approaches that of a vaccine, making it a critical tool in HIV prevention.
However, challenges remain:
Regulatory Approvals: Currently approved for limited use, broader authorization is needed for widespread application. Access and Affordability: Ensuring availability in low- and middle-income countries, where most new HIV infections occur, remains a significant hurdle.
Future Implications
Lenacapavir represents a paradigm shift in HIV prevention, particularly for underserved populations. The findings underscore the importance of integrating long-acting PrEP options into global HIV prevention strategies, aligning with the UNAIDS 2030 targets.
As research continues, the focus will include expanding access, monitoring longterm efficacy, and addressing potential resistance concerns. With its transformative potential, lenacapavir could bring the world closer to ending the HIV epidemic. You can find more information about this by following this link.
Federal Protections for Service Members Reinforced
Office of Public Affairs | U.S. Department of Justice | Press Release
TheJustice Department and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a joint letter today reiterating financial services providers of their responsibility to recognize interest rate protections that exist for servicemembers, recent veterans and their spouses under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
Under the SCRA, servicemembers have additional rights and protections because of the unique financial challenges that often emerge as a result of their service. One provision of the SCRA limits the amount of interest that banks, credit cards and other financial services providers may charge on certain financial obligations that the servicemember incurred before military service to
no more than 6% per year, including most fees.
“Servicemembers make great sacrifices to serve our nation and protect our democracy,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Financial services providers must ensure that servicemembers are afforded their rights and benefits under the law.”
“Many military families have been hit hard by high interest rates on credit cards, mortgages and auto loans, even though they are entitled to an interest rate cap,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “Financial firms shouldn’t be price gouging those who serve in uniform.”
Recently, the CFPB has published reports on the rising interest rates in both the credit card and mortgage markets. The CFPB’s 2022 analysis estimated that less
than 10% of eligible auto loans and 6% of personal loans to activated members of the National Guard and Reserves were receiving interest rate reductions, resulting in nearly $10 million a year in estimated lost savings. With current interest rates on car loans and even mortgages well above 6% for many borrowers, more servicemembers would now benefit from a reduction than in prior years.
Today’s letter ensures that financial services providers are aware of the provision within the SCRA that protects servicemembers against violations of interest rate benefits. If servicemembers make a proper request, a creditor must forgive and not defer any interest greater than 6%. The letter also includes recommendations for financial services providers to further help servicemembers, such as automatically applying
the interest rate cap to all eligible accounts held at that institution if a servicemember invokes protections for a single account.
The Justice Department’s Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative coordinates federal resources to build a comprehensive legal support and protection network focused on serving servicemembers, veterans and their families. Since 2011, the department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/ servicemembers.
Servicemembers who are covered by this law are likely eligible for military legal assistance and can contact their local legal assistance office for help. See legalassistance. law.af.mil/ for a list of office locations. If servicemembers are not eligible for military legal assistance services, they may request that the Justice Department review their claim by submitting a complaint at civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
The CFPB provides educational resources to military families, monitors complaints and coordinates with federal partners on matters related to consumer protection for the military community. Additionally, the CFPB has authority to enforce the Military Lending Act, as well as the ability to take legal action to address unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices related to consumer financial products or services for all members of the public, including servicemembers, under the Consumer Financial Protection Act.
Consumers encountering problems with interest rates can submit a complaint with the CFPB online or by calling (855) 411-CFPB (2372). The CFPB encourages employees who believe their companies have violated federal consumer financial protection laws to send information about what they know to whistleblower@cfpb. gov.
An Afternoon of Jazz: Experience the Magic of Music
Date: Sunday, December 15, 2024
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Location: International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)
Indulge in an enchanting afternoon filled with the soulful rhythms and melodies of jazz at An Afternoon of Jazz. Join us on Sunday, December 15, 2024, as the immensely talented Marco Guerra takes the stage to deliver a performance that promises to captivate music enthusiasts of all ages. This event is part of the UTRGV Concert Series at IMAS, highlighting the rich cultural tapestry and musical brilliance in our community.
Admission Information:
Free for UTRGV Patron of the Arts Members
Free for IMAS Members
Included with general museum admission
Whether you’re a seasoned jazz lover or a curious newcomer, this is a perfect way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon surrounded by the beauty of art and the magic of live music.
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of jazz while supporting the arts in our community.
See you there!
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Justice Department’s 2024 John Sherman Award Violent Crime Reduction Steering Committee Meeting
Office of Public Affairs | Press Release
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division will present the Honorable William J. Baer with the John Sherman Award for his lifetime contributions to the substantive development of antitrust law and the preservation of economic liberty. The John Sherman Award is the division’s highest honor.
Mr. Baer will deliver remarks and receive the award during a ceremony at 3:30 pm on Dec. 12 in the Great Hall of the Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building. The ceremony will mark the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the John Sherman Award. The public is invited to watch the ceremony livestream at www. justice.gov/live.
“Few living Americans have contributed more meaningfully or substantially to the life and enforcement mission of our federal antitrust agencies than Bill Baer,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “His storied career was characterized by a deep sense of professionalism, sharp intellect and kindness that propelled Bill to reshape competition law enforcement to better serve the American people, and we are all the beneficiaries. Bill is a generational talent and visionary who could not be more deserving of the John Sherman Award.”
Mr. Baer is the only individual to have served as the top antitrust enforcer at both U.S. antitrust agencies — first as the Director of the Bureau of Competition at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from 1995 to 1999 and later as the Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division from 2013 to 2016.
During his tenure as Assistant Attorney General, Mr. Baer promoted robust antitrust enforcement by successfully prosecuting civil and criminal violations of the antitrust laws, including by dusting off long-dormant theories of harm and investing in the division’s litigation prowess. Under his lead -
ership, the division halted anticompetitive mergers in a variety of markets, including health insurance and beverages, and secured an unprecedented number of fines from companies engaging in illegal cartel activity. He also served as Acting Associate Attorney General, where he oversaw the work of the department’s civil litigating and grant-making components. In that role, he successfully led the effort to hold financial institutions accountable in the Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities crisis, securing record penalties and consumer redress.
Mr. Baer’s storied antitrust career began in 1975 as a Trial Attorney in the FTC’s Bureau of Competition. He later served as Attorney Advisor to the Chair and Assistant General Counsel for Legislation and Relations. After a successful stint in private practice, he returned to the FTC to serve as Director of the Bureau of Competition from 1995 and 1999. During this time, Mr. Baer led the Commission to an unprecedented string of litigation victories and set records for the number of mergers reviewed and challenged. The FTC honored Mr. Baer with the Miles W. Kirkpatrick Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015. When not in public service, he practiced at Arnold & Porter where for many years he headed the antitrust group. Mr. Baer is currently a visiting fellow in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution.
Mr. Baer received his B.A. from Lawrence University, which would later award him its Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award, and his J.D. from Stanford Law School, where he served as senior article editor of the Stanford Law Review.
Created in 1994, the John Sherman Award is presented by the department’s Antitrust Division to a person or persons for outstanding contributions to the field of antitrust law, the protection of American consumers and the preservation of economic liberty. It is named for Senator John Sherman of Ohio, the author of the Sherman Act of 1890, the nation’s first and foremost antitrust law. Sherman, a former congressman and senator, also served as Secretary of the Treasury from 1877 to 1881 and as Secretary of State from 1897 to 1898.
Previous recipients include Judge Douglas H. Ginsburg (2020), Judge Diane P. Wood (2015), James F. Rill (2012), Robert Pitofsky (2010), Herbert Hovenkamp (2008), Robert H. Bork (2005), Judge Richard A. Posner (2003), Milton Handler (1998), Thomas Kauper and William Baxter (1996), Phillip Areeda (1995) and Howard Metzenbaum (1994).
Office of Public Affairs | Press Release
TheJustice Department’s Violent Crime Reduction Steering Committee met yesterday to discuss the significant efforts undertaken by the Department to combat violent crime and the result of those efforts. The Steering Committee is chaired by Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General (PADAG) Marshall Miller and composed of leadership and representatives from across the Department, including law enforcement, prosecutorial, and grantmaking components.
After PADAG Miller called the meeting to order, the committee was briefed on the latest violent-crime statistics. Preliminary data from 85 cities showed that violent crime has continued to decline considerably in 2024, including a 17.5% decline in murder, 7.1% decrease in rape, 3.6% decrease in aggravated assault, and 7.8% decline in robbery over the first three quarters of the year.
“Over the past two years, we have turned the tide against the violent crime that spiked during the pandemic,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Additional data from 85 cities released today indicates that between January and September of this year, violent crime again declined, and murders dropped 17.5%. This builds on last year’s historic drop in homicides nationwide and one of the lowest levels of violent crime in 50 years. I am extremely grateful to the Justice Department’s law enforcement agents, prosecutors, and grantmaking experts, as well as our state and local law enforcement and community partners, for their difficult and life-saving work to combat violent crime.”
The committee received an update from the Criminal Division on the continued success of its Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which works with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and federal, state, and local law enforce-
ment in Hartford, Connecticut; Houston; Jackson, Mississippi; St. Louis; and Memphis, Tennessee, and surged federal law enforcement resources to Washington, D.C. The briefing specifically highlighted VCI achievements in Houston and Memphis, where crime rates have fallen significantly since the launch of the VCI initiative in those cities.
The committee received updates from the co-chairs of the Department’s Action Network to Terminate Illegal Machinegun Conversion Devices (ANTI-MCD) Committee; U.S. Attorney Robert Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Deputy Assistant Director Timothy Jones, on the efforts of the ANTI-MCD Committee to address the proliferation of MCDs, including the development of district-specific initiatives targeting MCDs in every federal district across the nation, as well as additional trainings and resources for prosecutors, law enforcement agents, and officers.
The committee also heard from ATF representatives regarding ATF’s recent tracking efforts using e-Trace — an internet-based system that allows authorized law enforcement agencies to submit and receive firearm traces to the ATF National Tracing Center — and ATF’s ongoing intelligence and technology outreach efforts. Finally, the committee heard from FBI regarding the establishment and implementation of carjacking task forces in districts around the country.
At the conclusion of the meeting, PADAG Miller indicated that the Steering Committee will report to Department leadership on developments from the Department’s violent crime reduction initiatives and provide recommendations regarding additional policy and enforcement strategies.
DHR Health Hosts Recognition Event for Trauma Survivors
DHR Health’s Level I Trauma Center hosted a heartfelt and inspiring luncheon to honor trauma survivors and recognize the first responders and healthcare professionals who have played a pivotal role in saving lives and providing care in the face of life-threatening injuries. The event took place at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance, with trauma survivors, their family members and caregivers, community first responders, firefighters, police officers, and the dedicated Level I Trauma Center team members of DHR Health in attendance.
A video message was played at the event from the Trauma Survivors Network, a support community for survivors and their families, who graciously thanked the Level I Trauma Center team members for hosting the event and staying connected
with individuals as they rebuild their lives after traumatic injuries. Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Dr. Brian Moriarty, an orthopedic surgery resident at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. Moriarty, a polytrauma survivor himself, shared his inspiring recovery journey and his decision to become an orthopedic surgeon.
“While we have monthly Trauma Survivors Network meetings where patients can receive support, this annual event is something we hold very near and dear to our hearts,” said Dr. Jeffrey Skubic, Medical Director of DHR Health’s Level I Trauma Center. “To be able to see these patients return to a normal life after being severely injured, and knowing that we played a role in their healing process, is truly rewarding. I am so grateful that these patients trust us with their lives in critical situations and give us the chance to perform at our best.”
A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of six trauma survivors who were treated at DHR Health’s Level I Trauma Center after surviving life-threatening
injuries. They were honored for their bravery, recovery, and resilience. Among the honorees were:
Amanda Gaylord: a trauma survivor who was a paramedic working in Laredo when an 18-wheeler crashed into her unit, after which she was airlifted to DHR Health’s Level I Trauma Center;
Isamar Kay Trevino: a trauma survivor of a motor vehicle collision who also benefitted from the hospital’s ECMO program, or Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation program;
Ruben Gonzalez: a trauma survivor of a penetrating stab wound;
Stephen Rogers: a trauma survivor who was a pedestrian involved in an auto accident;
City of Edinburg Police Officer Juan Hernandez: a trauma survivor who was injured when his police unit was struck by a drunk driver; and
Each survivor was presented with a token of appreciation, and photos were taken to commemorate the occasion with DHR Health Level I Trauma Care team members.
“Gatherings such as this one offer survivors the space to connect, share their stories, and witness the strength that comes from knowing they are not alone. These events remind us all of the importance of empathy, support, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity,” said Jennifer Volcy, DHR Health Trauma Program Director.
At the end of the event, Marissa Castaneda, DHR Health Senior Executive Vice President, reinforced the importance of community as well as DHR Health’s continuous commitment to providing a worldclass health system that maximizes care for all residents of the Rio Grande Valley.
Mario Gonzalez: a trauma survivor of a fire caused by an 18-wheeler.