Author Archives: VBR

Valley Regional Medical Center has been recognized as a top performing hospital in the 2026 Modern Healthcare 100 Top Hospitals program powered by Premier. “We are extremely proud of and grateful to our colleagues and clinicians on our medical staff whose dedication made this achievement possible,” said Joe Hernandez, CEO of Valley Regional Medical Center. “Our commitment to best practices helps us deliver high-quality care with our patients at the…

McAllen Accepting Teen Court Program Applications

May 7, 2026

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

The McAllen Municipal Court is continuing its long-standing Teen Court Program and is taking applications now through May 15. The Teen Court Program initiative has positively impacted local youth for years while helping shape the next generation of community leaders. It gives students hands-on courtroom experience, strengthening leadership, public speaking, and real-world skills that support both academic success and future career goals. It is one of the many ways the…

Search is On for Top Texas Nature Photographer

May 7, 2026

VBR

Arts e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

Wildlife in Focus is currently seeking its Texas Wildlife & Nature Photographer of the Year. The nonprofit conservation organization is accepting photography submissions statewide until June 7. “Our mission has always been to use photography as a bridge to conservation,” said Miles Phillips, photo contest director for Wildlife in Focus. “This new Photographer of the Year contest invites every Texan to tell the story of our state’s wildlife, from prairies…

Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth

April 23, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features News Comments

The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The…

Discover the Hidden World of Plants

April 23, 2026

VBR

Community Community Events News Comments

Quinta Mazatlán invites the community to deepen their understanding of the plant world during a special extended Thursday Night Live presentation, “Concrete Botany,” with naturalist, author, and educator Joey Santore on April 23, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. In this 90-minute program, participants will learn how to identify plants and their key features, recognize plant families, and discover why grouping plants this way reveals so much about their ecology…

UTRGV and South Texas ISD Expand Early College Pathways

April 23, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and South Texas ISD announced on Tuesday an enhanced partnership to explore the development of a new Collegiate High School. This collaboration expands on what began four years ago between UTRGV and South Texas ISD – the Expanded Collegiate Partnership, a dual-credit program developed to increase college accessibility for students across South Texas. Through the partnership, UTRGV has invested more than $6 million…

Four Local School Systems Awarded $1.9 Million Combined

April 16, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

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,…