🔇Texas Students with Immigrant Parents Miss Out on College Aid Due to FAFSA Glitch
Community Grieves as Flood Sweeps Away Plant Workers in Tennessee Tragedy * Tragic Shooting by Mexican Army Claims Lives of Two Egyptian Sisters
Students walk nearby the Albert B. Allen Library on Texas State University in San Marcos on Jan. 31, 2018. Credit: Laura Skelding for The Texas Tribune
Community Grieves as Flood Sweeps Away Plant Workers in Tennessee Tragedy
By Leah Willingham, Associated Press.- In Erwin, Tennessee, a community is engulfed in grief after six workers were swept away by floodwaters from Hurricane Helene at a local plastics factory. Daniel Delgado mourns the loss of his wife, Monica Hernandez, and their son, Angel, alongside other devastated families. The Mexican American community, forming a significant part of the factory's workforce, is particularly affected, with four of the victims coming from this group. The tragic event has sparked two state investigations into the factory's safety measures during the storm. At vigils and gatherings, prayers and tears mingle, reflecting the profound impact on the tight-knit community as they seek answers and solace amidst the tragedy.
Ted Cruz Goes Quiet on Abortion in Tight Senate Race Amid Election Pressures
by Kayla Guo, The Texas Tribune.- In the heat of a competitive reelection bid, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, known for his firm anti-abortion stance, has noticeably reduced his public comments on abortion. This strategic silence comes as the issue becomes increasingly contentious, with opponent U.S. Senator Colin Allred leveraging Cruz's record to rally support. Amidst broader state restrictions following Roe v. Wade's overturn, Cruz has nuanced his approach, focusing on state-level decision-making and advocating for in vitro fertilization without directly engaging with his history of supporting a national abortion ban. This shift reflects a broader Republican ambiguity in battleground states, where direct anti-abortion positions may alienate moderate voters critical for securing electoral victories.
El Paso mayoral race attracts diverse group of candidates aiming for transformative leadership
by Elida S. Perez, El Paso Matters
El Paso's mayoral race this year features a dynamic group of eight candidates, each bringing unique visions for the city's future. The candidates include three city representatives, Cassandra Hernandez, Brian Kennedy, and Isabel Salcido, and five other community figures, ranging from a businessman to a restaurateur. They aim to succeed the outgoing Mayor Oscar Leeser. With the city council also seeing significant changes, the election could dramatically reshape El Paso's political landscape. Each candidate offers distinct priorities, from economic development to public safety and governance, reflecting their diverse backgrounds and experiences. The mayoral election, set for November 5, could head to a runoff if no candidate secures a majority, making this a critical election for El Paso's direction in the coming years.
Texas Students with Immigrant Parents Miss Out on College Aid Due to FAFSA Glitch
By Sneha Dey, The Texas Tribune.- A FAFSA system glitch significantly impacted Texas students from immigrant families, delaying their financial aid applications and causing them to miss crucial state grant opportunities. The malfunction hindered parents without Social Security numbers from entering their financial details online, postponing form completion for months. Given Texas’s first-come, first-served policy on state aid distribution, these delays placed such students at the end of the line for financial support this academic year. Despite eventual access to federal aid like Pell Grants, the absence of timely state aid jeopardizes essential educational funding for affected students, potentially altering their college experiences and futures.
Texas A&M International University Mourns Unexpected Loss of President Pablo Arenaz
By Kate McGee, The Texas Tribune.- The university announced that Pablo Arenaz, the esteemed president of Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in Laredo, passed away unexpectedly Thursday night. As president since 2016, Arenaz, aged 74, was pivotal in the university's development, fostering significant growth in STEM and health sciences during his tenure. His previous roles included eight years as TAMIU's provost and various administrative positions at the University of Texas at El Paso. Arenaz's educational background includes a bachelor's in education from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a doctorate in genetics and cell biology from Washington State University. John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, praised Arenaz as one of the nation's top university presidents, highlighting the difficulty of replacing his leadership and friendship. The university community, led by Provost Claudia San Miguel, expressed profound sadness and admiration for Arenaz's generous and impactful leadership. The Vice President of Finance and Administration, Juan Castillo, will oversee day-to-day operations until the Chancellor appoints an acting president, pending a Board of Regents decision.
Tragic Shooting by Mexican Army Claims Lives of Two Egyptian Sisters
By Edgar H. Clemente, Associated Press.- In a harrowing incident this week in Chiapas, Mexico, two Egyptian sisters, aged 11 and 18, were fatally shot when Mexican army troops opened fire on a truck carrying migrants. The shooting, which also resulted in the death of four other migrants from countries like Peru and Honduras, occurred under circumstances that are still being closely investigated. While officials initially denied that army gunfire was the cause, evidence and subsequent actions suggest otherwise, as two soldiers have now been suspended and face inquiries. This tragic event unfolded on the first day in office for Mexico's new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, who has promised that human rights will be a priority under her administration. The incident raises significant concerns about military engagement policies and the treatment of migrants in the region.