Faster Filings for Texas Entrepreneurs as Secretary of State Grows Express Options

The Office of the Texas Secretary of State today announced the expansion of Texas Express, the agency’s expedited business filing service, to include business formations and other registration services.

Cementing Tech Leadership with $20 Million Grant to Applied Optoelectronics

Texas Border Business AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott announced that a Texas Semiconductor Innovation Fund (TSIF) grant of $20,852,518 has been extended to Applied Optoelectronics, Inc. (AOI) for an expansion of their manufacturing capacity in Sugar Land. The expansion represents more than $279 million in capital investment and is expected to create 500 jobs. “Texas is

Interlink Trade Services adopts AI to address customs complexity

Texas Border Business By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business Jorge Torres, President and Licensed Customs Broker at Interlink Trade Services, said his company is integrating artificial intelligence into its operations to address the increasing complexity in the customs industry. In an interview with Omar Abuhashish, Co-Founder & CEO of Reform, based in San

Costco Makes a Change to Its Iconic $1.50 Hot Dog Combo

Costco is making a change to its famous $1.50 hot dog combo, which has maintained the same price for decades — but don't worry, the food won't be more expensive. The $1.50 combo is one of the most iconic items at Costco's food courts, with the company keeping its price unchanged since the 1980s despite inflation. Instead, the modification affects what customers can choose to accompany their meal. For over 40 years, the combo has been served with a 20-ounce soda, including free refills. Now, the chain is allowing customers to opt for a new choice: a 16.9-ounce Kirkland Signature bottled water. The traditional hot dog combo with soda remains available.

Traveling This Summer? TSA Offers Special Deal for PreCheck Enrollment

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has launched a limited-time promotion aimed at new TSA PreCheck applicants aged 30 or younger. From May 1 to May 31, eligible travelers can save $20 on their first five-year membership. The offer is available through TSA PreCheck’s three authorized enrollment providers: CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos. Travelers can sign up at any of the 1,300 TSA PreCheck locations nationwide, including community retail stores, not just airports.

Gasoline Prices Reach $4.23 Per Gallon, Setting a New Annual High

Gasoline prices in the United States have hit a new record since the start of the conflict with Iran, rising to a national average of $4.23 per gallon this Wednesday, according to AAA. This milestone comes as oil prices have surged significantly over the past week amid a dual blockade — by the United States and Iran — of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint in the region for the transit of crude oil and petroleum products from the Persian Gulf. Brent crude oil, the international benchmark that influences U.S. gasoline prices, is now priced at $114.60, marking an increase of nearly 25% from its recent low on April 17 and just a few dollars shy of its recent peak of $118.

Data center boom strains Texas homebuilder need for electricians

Strengthening the Local Economy: Join the Pharr City Official Roundtable, May 7th

he Pharr Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC), will host Doing Business in Pharr, an upcoming business roundtable.

Desalination Project Proposed for South Texas Gains Momentum

During an interview conducted by Sergio Sanchez on KURV 710 AM, Mark M. Ellison outlined details of a proposed billion-dollar desalination project for South Texas, describing it as a long-term solution to regional water shortages.

Capital One Reaches $425 Million Settlement: Here's How You Can Claim Your Share

A federal judge has approved a $425 million settlement with Capital One in a class-action lawsuit concerning its savings accounts. The approval was granted on April 20, and if no appeals are filed, payments from the settlement are expected to be distributed around July 27, 2026. If an appeal is filed, payments will be delayed until the case is resolved. The $425 million settlement involves the bank's popular 360 Savings accounts, which were allegedly marketed deceptively, costing millions of customers over $2 billion in lost interest. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) accused Capital One of keeping interest rates on its 360 Savings accounts artificially low while rates were rising nationwide. Capital One denied the allegations but agreed to settle. Anyone who held a 360 Savings account between September 18, 2019, and June 16, 2025, is eligible to participate in the settlement. Payments will be calculated based on the difference in interest earned between the 360 Savings account and the higher-paying 360 Performance Savings account during that period. Attorney fees and administrative costs, which could total up to $63.75 million, will be deducted from the settlement fund before distribution.

RGV Startup Week underway with events across the Valley

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas (ValleyCentral) — If you are an inspiring entrepreneur or a current small business owner, now's your time to gain connections and wisdom in the business. The third annual Rio Grande Valley Startup Week is underway in partnership between the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley's

Here's what new at SpaceX with LabPadre: April 27

STARBASE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Late Friday afternoon, we were given a rare treat as SpaceX posted a long-form video hyping the upcoming 12th integrated flight test of the Starship program. The video included a brief overview of the path to this third version of Starship and Super Heavy, and some never-before-seen footage of the rapid unscheduled

Port Laredo Slips to Third as Commodity Spikes Temporarily Shift U.S. Trade Rankings

Port of Laredo ranked third among U.S. trade gateways in 2025 after holding the top position for two consecutive years, as sharp increases in specific commodities at major airports altered national rankings.

$1 Billion Desalination Plant Planned for South Padre Island to Bolster Water Supply

Texas Border Business Texas Border Business A $1 billion seawater desalination plant is planned for South Padre Island as part of an effort to provide a “drought-proof” water source for the Rio Grande Valley, according to a joint announcement by US Desalination and IDE Technologies. The project will be developed through a joint venture called

Workforce Solutions Jobs Update, 4-27-23

Texas Border Business Below you will find our Hot Jobs for this week, all these jobs and many more are available on www.workintexas.com. U.S. Border Patrol Information Session  Tuesday, April 28, 2026 9 am – 12 pm Workforce Solutions Edinburg 2719 W. University Dr. Edinburg, TX 78539 https://www.facebook.com/share/1CS4Mb6QYr Pathways To Success Job Fair  Thursday, April 30,

Honoring Texas bankers whose lasting impact shapes the industry and their communities

A. Ford Sasser III of Rio Bank was inducted into the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame as part of its 2026 class, an honor recognizing bankers who have made lasting contributions to the industry and their communities.

What to Know if Your Flight is Canceled Due to Rising Aviation Fuel Costs

Airlines worldwide have begun canceling flights as the war in the Middle East strains aviation fuel supplies and drives up prices, but the challenges don't end there. For travelers, this could mean navigating a confusing web of passenger protections that vary widely depending on the destination. Timing is amplifying the impact. 'These pressures are hitting at a time when summer travel demand is increasing, and major events like the World Cup are expected to put additional strain on airports,' said Eric Napoli, legal director at AirHelp, a company that assists travelers in obtaining compensation for flight disruptions and advocates for passenger rights. Are last-minute cancellations happening? In most cases, no. For now, fuel-related cuts are typically made days or weeks in advance. Lufthansa Group, for example, announced this week that it will cut 20,000 short-haul flights across its network through October. This gives travelers more time to adjust plans compared to weather-related disruptions, which often result in last-minute cancellations. What should I do first if my flight is canceled? Check the airline's app or website immediately for rebooking options. For U.S.-based airlines, this is often the fastest and easiest way to secure a new seat, according to Tyler Hosford, security director at International SOS, a global travel risk and safety management company. Airlines outside the U.S. may have fewer digital tools, so it's worth trying multiple channels, including customer service lines or airport counters. Am I entitled to a refund or a new flight? In most cases, yes. Airlines typically offer either a refund or rebooking on the next available flight. Exact rules vary by country, but these are the basic options travelers can expect. In the U.S., for instance, if your flight is canceled and you choose not to travel, the airline must refund your ticket cost regardless of the reason. Airlines may offer travel credits instead, but you are entitled to a full refund for the ticket and any unused services, such as baggage fees or seat upgrades. Are passenger rights the same everywhere? No, protections vary significantly by region, from the Montreal Convention, which governs airline liability in over 140 countries, to specific consumer protection laws in the U.S., Canada, the European Union, the UK, Turkey, and Brazil. Europe has some of the strongest protections, including compensation in certain cases. These apply to any flight departing from an EU airport, regardless of the airline, and to passengers flying with EU-based airlines to the EU, even if the journey starts outside Europe. The UK has a similar framework. The U.S. and Canada offer more limited protections. Policies vary greatly in Asia, where travelers may need to rely more on airline policies than formal regulations. Experts recommend researching 'passenger rights' for the departure country before traveling. What protections apply? It depends. Airlines may cite fuel shortages or price increases as reasons for cancellations, but compensation rights often depend on whether the disruption is considered within the airline's control under local laws. Regardless of the cause, Napoli explained that airlines in the EU, for example, still have a 'duty of care,' meaning they must provide necessary support to travelers, including rebooking. 'Even though airlines are citing fuel shortages as reasons for upcoming cancellations, travelers should know this does not automatically void their rights under EU laws,' he added. How can I prepare for a trip to avoid issues? A few steps can make disruptions easier to handle. Sign up for flight alerts to stay informed, and whenever possible, book directly with the airline—it’s much easier to resolve issues directly than through third-party booking sites. Knowing your options in advance and having alternatives can make a big difference if plans change. What do I need to file a claim or complaint? Documentation is key. Save everything: boarding passes, receipts, cancellation notices, and any communication from the airline. Take screenshots of updates on the app or website and any online communications, and note key details from phone calls. Napoli also recommends asking the airline for written confirmation of the flight disruption, including the stated reason. Should I accept the first alternative flight offered by the airline? Not necessarily. Experts say one of the most common mistakes travelers make is accepting the first option without reviewing alternatives. Check other flights, routes, or even nearby airports—you might find a faster or more convenient way to reach your destination. Can I book a different flight myself? Yes, but proceed carefully. If the airline's rebooking option doesn’t meet your needs—especially if the new flight is days away—you can look for alternatives and request a refund instead. Keep in mind you may need to pay upfront for any fare differences, and reimbursement may not be guaranteed later. Any other tips to avoid being stranded? — Book flights early in the day to have more rebooking options if something goes wrong. — Set up flight alerts through tracking apps like Flighty to get early notifications of cancellations or delays. In some cases, Hosford noted, these alerts arrive before the airline’s own notifications. — Consider nearby airports as alternative options. — Be polite. Airline agents may be more willing to assist when interactions are calm and respectful. 'Ultimately, the shortage is impacting the entire system, from travelers to airlines, and it’s something to keep in mind as the industry seeks solutions ahead of the summer travel season,' Napoli concluded.

IS Compliance LLC DOT Consulting Service hosts DOT audit training in Pharr

A training session, sponsored by IS Compliance LLC DOT Consulting Service in collaboration with North American Compliance Services, brought trucking industry participants together on April 23 for DOT audit training and a compliance update at the Pharr Global Business Hub.

SBA Offers Low-Interest Disaster Loans to Texas Businesses, Nonprofits Impacted by Drought

Texas Border Business WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)  announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Texas to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Nov. 1, 2025. The declaration covers the Texas counties of Anderson, Andrews, Angelina, Aransas, Archer, Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Baylor,