Author Archives: VBR

Otherwordly adventures await young readers with“13th Street,” the newest work by Dr. David Bowles, UTRGV associate professor of English. A series of books for children, it tells the tales of three Latinx youth in South Texas and their mysterious adventures filled with zombies, monsters, ghouls and skeletons. Bowles’s literary adventure began in 2018 with the approach of publishing giant HarperCollins with the concept of “13th Street,” a chapter book series for…

Harlingen HELP Still Available to Small Businesses

August 8, 2020

VBR

IMAS Celebrates Hubble Anniversary

August 7, 2020

VBR

Arts Community Community Events Featured Comments

On April 24, 2020, NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope celebrated the 30th anniversary of its launch aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. In honor of that occasion, a new Hubble image called “Cosmic Reef” was released virtually and will be on display at the International Museum of Art & Science beginning Aug. 7. The IMAS is one of 74 locations across the nation to unveil the Hubble 30th anniversary photo to the…

TSC Police Academy Graduates 35 Cadets

August 6, 2020

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

It was new. It was different. But taking the next step toward a lifelong goal and the sighs of relief were all the same when 35 Texas Southmost College Criminal Justice Institute cadets “walked the stage” on July 24 during TSC’s first-ever CJI Virtual Graduation Ceremony. Among the 35 graduates are nine female cadets, the most in any previous CJI class. “It took a little while to get here, but…

Census Bureau Moves Up Final Response Day

August 6, 2020

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Government News Comments

The U.S. Census Bureau is moving up the final day to respond to the 2020 Census by more than a month from their original deadline. Previously, residents could respond by Oct. 31. However the new date to complete the survey is now Sept. 30. According to U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham, the date change is in order to ensure their department has enough time to process the data by…

STC Enrollment Centers Open Every Saturday

August 5, 2020

VBR

Education Featured Comments

South Texas College’s enrollment centers at Starr, Mid Valley and Pecan campuses are open on all Saturdays throughout August to help students with registration for the fall semester. Both enrollment centers and financial aid areas will be open for students by appointment only. Students can sign up for an appointment online, or by downloading the Qless app and searching for South Texas College. Enrollment centers will be open from 10…

McAllen Library Offers Kid Book Bundles

August 4, 2020

VBR

Community Featured News Comments

MPLKids Book Bundles is a new curbside delivery service for children ages from birth to 10 years old. Parents and caregivers can now choose a curated book pack from a variety of themes based on their child’s age. The new service is available during the hours of Curbside Pick-Up at the McAllen Public Library, 4001 North 23rd Street. “MPLKids Book Bundles is a new and innovative way to provide customized services…

Hidalgo County Urges Reporting Disaster Scams

July 31, 2020

VBR

Community Featured News Comments

As residents work to rebuild their homes following Hurricane Hanna, the Office of Hidalgo County District Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez Jr. is urging the public to beware of disaster scams. After an emergency, residents may see an influx of door-to-door contractors in their neighborhood. While some may be reputable, others may not be and it is important to know where to report them. To report a scam, call your local law…

India Association Provides 42,000 Meals

July 30, 2020

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Giving Back News Comments

The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley has received a donation of $8,400 from the India Association of the Rio Grande Valley. The India Association launched their “Stop Hunger” campaign in June and then extended it through July. Their goal is to provide as many meals possible to families in need amid the global pandemic. “India Association of RGV is always at the forefront of helping humanity. We are…

Santa Rosa ISD Schools Help Clear the Air

July 29, 2020

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

The students of Santa Rosa Independent School District will breathe a little easier when the school doors reopen. The SRISD Board of Directors will be purchasing an air filtering system that kills viruses and bacteria, and removes allergens from the indoor air. The SRISD Board of Directors voted on July 27 to purchase the Needlepoint Bipolar Ionizer. The air-purifying technology produces positively- and negatively-charged ions that kill pathogens. It also aides in…