Author Archives: VBR

A longtime advocate of higher education and supporter of the South Texas College Culinary Arts program, Sony Rego has earned a seat on the STC Foundation Board. Owner of McAllen’s most popular culinary experiences – Santa Fe Steakhouse, Republic of the Rio Grande and University Drafthouse – Rego, through her Santa Fe Foundation has supported hundreds of students through scholarships, internships and career opportunities. “I’ve always been a huge supporter…

2026 H-E-B Quest For Texas Now Open

March 12, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Featured Food & Entertainment News Retail Comments

H-E-B is accepting submissions through April 22 for its 13th annual H-E-B Quest for Texas Best, a competition created to find the best Texas-made products. Qualified participants will compete for a combined $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to feature their product on H-E-B shelves across the state. H-E-B’s Business Development Managers will select the top applicants who will present their products before a panel of judges selected by H-E-B…

BIPOC Offers Small Business Accelerator

March 5, 2026

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

Applications are now being accepted for the Q2 cohort of PeopleFund’s BIPOC Small Business Accelerator program, providing underserved entrepreneurs in Texas with the capital, education and resources needed to support healthy business growth. Applications close April 2 with classes taking place every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 15 through June 3. Program participants commit to an orientation, a series of virtual training sessions, and assigned “homework”. Participants…

Pharr Sees Communications Leadership Transitions

March 5, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Government News Comments

The City of Pharr’s Office of City Communications recently announced two teams members, Yuri Gonzalez and Kenia Gomez, rising into new leadership roles. Gonzalez, who led the Office of City Communications since 2021, is taking on a new role as director of International Commercial Development. Having already collaborated with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the Pharr International Bridge on multiple projects, Gonzalez will continue to strengthen international partnerships and…

Texas Library Association Names Horan President-Elect

March 5, 2026

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

McAllen Public Library Director Kate P. Horan has been elected president-elect of the 2026 Texas Library Association. Her election reflects more than three decades of leadership in public and academic libraries and further elevates McAllen’s presence in library innovation and advocacy statewide. In 2025, Horan received the TLA Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of service. With nearly 35 years in public and academic libraries experience, Horan holds a BA…

STC CATA and La Joya ISD Announce Apprenticeships

February 26, 2026

VBR

Education News Comments

A new partnership between the Center for Advanced Training and Apprenticeships at South Texas College, La Joya Independent School District and regional industry leaders is creating a pipeline from the classroom to the jobsite for local high school students. Twelve students from La Joya ISD recently visited Crawford Electric Supply in Mission as part of CATA’s Construction Technician Apprenticeship program, which is enabling the students to receive training as well…

Public Input Sought on Proposed Hunting Regulation

February 26, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Government News Comments

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is accepting public comment until March 26 for proposed changes to the 2026-27 Statewide Hunting and Migratory Game Bird proclamations. Migratory Game Bird Regulations Change the South Zone dove hunting season structure during the first segment to include an earlier regular season opening date (Sept. 1 – Oct. 25, 2026), eliminate the Special White-winged Dove Days, and institute standardized daily bag limits across all days in…

Noche De Gala 2026 Award Nominations Open

February 26, 2026

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host its signature annual celebration, Noche De Gala 2026 “Arabian Nights” on May 14 at the Corinthians Event Center in Mission. The evening will honor leaders and businesses whose impact has strengthened the Rio Grande Valley’s economic and cultural landscape. The chamber is now accepting nominations for its 2026 awards and encourages the public to submit outstanding candidates. Awards to be…

Hundreds Gather for STC Dual Credit Summit

February 19, 2026

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

February at South Texas College means hundreds of education professionals from across the nation gather at South Padre Island for the college’s annual Dual Credit Summit, in collaboration with the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships. This year, nearly 300 K-12 and post-secondary education leaders, advisors and counselors attended the three-day event that included keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities. Rebecca De Leon, Ed.D., STC associate vice president of…

RGVHCC Appoints Castañeda as Chairman

February 19, 2026

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has appointed Tom Castañeda as chairman, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to regional advocacy and economic growth. Castañeda, system director of marketing and public relations for South Texas Health System, brings experience in journalism, marketing and communications. A Rio Grande Valley native, he has led marketing, advertising, community engagement and public relations for the system’s 12 facilities since 2020. “The RGV Hispanic Chamber,…