Author Archives: VBR

Mercedes ISD, Progreso ISD, Santa Rosa ISD and Vanguard Academy recently received a combined $1,940,000 in state funding through the Texas Education Agency’s Community Partnerships Grant. According to TEA, the funding supports significant improvements in educational and developmental outcomes for children by expanding access to wraparound services, strengthening family and community partnerships, and increasing access to academic supports. “Communities will soon have access to local and regional resources that will…

RGV Startup Week Announces Lineup

April 16, 2026

VBR

Business Advice Community e-Brief Features News Comments

RGV Startup Week has announced its lineup, featuring six flagship programs scheduled across the week of April 24 through May 2, with events hosted in Brownsville and partner cities throughout the Rio Grande Valley. More premiere events will be announced. In addition, dozens of panels, workshops, networking sessions, and community-driven programming will be held throughout the week across Brownsville and partner cities. Keynote: Ramón Soler Mallet, Commercial Director of Dr.…

TWC Announces Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 16, 2026

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments

The Texas Workforce Commission is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a…

Free STEAM Learning Coming to RGV’s Youngest Minds

April 2, 2026

VBR

Community News Comments

The International Museum of Art & Science has received a grant from the PNC Foundation, allowing the museum to bring hands-on STEAM learning experiences directly to young community members at no cost to their families. The grant recognizes the museum’s commitment to providing unique, educational experiences for preschool-aged children and their families. This milestone investment culminates in two initiatives: the ongoing Young Adventurers STEAM workshop series and PNC Adventure Day,…

Film Commission Designates Mercedes as Film Friendly

April 2, 2026

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

The Texas Film Commission has designated the City of Mercedes as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step training and certification process. “Congratulations to Mercedes on joining more than 200 Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The Texas Film Commission partners with communities in every region of the state to market their unique appeal and attract new investments in media production. Through ongoing Film…

Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Wins Best Patient Experience Award

April 2, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Healthcare News Comments

VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System in Harlingen has been awarded the 2025 Veterans Health Administration Customer Experience Award for Best Patient Experience Award for facility complexity level 2. This national recognition honors VATVCBHCS demonstrating the Under Secretary for Health’s Veterans First priority by delivering exceptional patient experiences and exemplifying VHA’s mission to build trust, improve access and provide high‑quality, veteran‑centered care. The VHA CX Awards recognize facilities that…

Event Inspires Girls To Dream Big

April 1, 2026

VBR

Education News Comments

Educators and community leaders across the country are working to encourage young girls to explore opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematic fields. The acronym for these fields is known as STEM and it is in these fields where women have historically been underrepresented. Nationally, women make up only about 28 percent of the STEM workforce. This underrepresentation is most pronounced in engineering and computer science and highlights the…

Pharr Honors Women’s Leadership and Impact

March 26, 2026

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

The City of Pharr recently recognized International Women’s Day with its annual Women’s Day Celebration, embracing this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” and honoring the invaluable contributions of women across the city and community. The celebration began with a meaningful act of service, as City of Pharr employees donated women’s clothing to support members of the local community. This initiative reflected the spirit of giving and unity that continues to define…

Manufacturing Investment Coming to McAllen

March 26, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Featured Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

Valeo, a global automotive technology leader, will establish new U.S. manufacturing operations in McAllen. This announcement came recently through the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the City of McAllen and Hidalgo County. Headquartered in Paris, France, Valeo is a leading automotive technology company with operations in more than 30 countries worldwide, serving major automakers with advanced technologies that support vehicle safety, electrification, connectivity and next-generation mobility. Valeo’s decision…

Port of Brownsville Celebrates 90 Years

March 12, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

Celebrating 90 years of progress in 2026, the Port of Brownsville has transformed a bold vision into an economic powerhouse, securing billions in private investment and anchoring one of the fastest-growing manufacturing and logistics hubs in Texas. Established by voters in 1928 and officially opened in 1936, the port reshaped the southernmost tip of Texas from an agriculture-based economy into a global trade gateway. The construction of the Brownsville Ship…