Author Archives: VBR

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the Universidad de las Américas Puebla have signed a collaborative research agreement to strengthen international research and academic collaborations. This initiative aims to enhance regional competitiveness through a portfolio of applied research and development topics to be carried out jointly by faculty and students of UTRGV and UDLAP. Can “John” Saygin, senior vice president for Research and dean of the Graduate College…

Lone Star National Bank Ranks in the Top Nationwide

April 11, 2024

VBR

e-Brief Features Finance/Banking News Comments

Lone Star National Bank has been named a top performing bank in the S&P Global Market Intelligence Top 50 Community Banks with assets of $3-10 billion. LSNB is the only bank headquartered in central and south Texas to be named and only one of five banks in the entire state that made the list. The rankings assess the performance of banking institutions based on returns, growth and funding, while placing…

Passport Division Hosts Saturday Hours

April 10, 2024

VBR

Community Featured Government News Comments

The City of McAllen Passport Division Facility will be open on April 13 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City of McAllen Passport Facility, located in the Downtown Parking Garage at 221 S. 15th Street. “Passport processing times vary depending on the volume and we want to make sure that anyone wishing to travel has their required documents on time,” said Yasminda Garza, passport facility administrator. Appointments are…

McAllen Public Library Hosts Amnesty Month

April 4, 2024

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

McAllen Public Library is holding its ninth annual Amnesty Month through May 4, offering patrons the opportunity to return overdue library materials without incurring fines. The month-long initiative aims at reclaiming overdue books, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays. During Amnesty Month, patrons can return any overdue item to any of MPL’s three locations – Main (4001 N. 23rd Street), Lark (2601 Lark Ave.) or Palmview (3401 Jordan Rd. W) – regardless…

STC Receives Military Friendly ‘Gold’ Award

April 4, 2024

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Featured Comments

South Texas College has become one of only six institutions across Texas to receive a Military Friendly School Gold Award and Military Friendly Spouse School recognition for the 2023-2024 school year. The recognition comes from VIQTORY, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business, which publishes the annual Military Friendly rating for schools nationwide. The awards affirm STC’s commitment, effort and success in creating opportunities for the military community on all its campuses.…

McAllen, Futuro RGV to Host Government for a Day

March 28, 2024

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

Futuro RGV, the City of McAllen and McAllen District 4 Commissioner Rudy Castillo host the first-ever “Government for a Day” initiative on April 6. The event is for all City of McAllen District 4 residents, symbolizes the city’s commitment to ensuring that every resident feels connected to the services available to them. Government for a Day takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Palmview Community Center, 3401 Jordan…

Tamez Recognized as Leader and Legend in Texas Nursing

March 28, 2024

VBR

e-Brief Features Education Healthcare News Comments

Eloisa G. Tamez has worn many hats over the course of her life: an American civil rights leader, a professional nurse, a lifelong learner, a professor and an officer of the United States Army’s Nursing Corps. In 2024, she added another accolade to her list of achievements: “Leader and Legend of Texas Nursing.” The Texas Nurses Association recently selected Tamez, professor and associate dean for Student Success & Engagement at UTRGV School of Nursing,…

Texas Labor Market Growth Continues into 2024

March 21, 2024

VBR

e-Brief Features News Comments

The Texas labor market marked record-breaking growth with January over-the-month increases in jobs, Texans employed and the civilian labor force. Following annual benchmarking revisions to the 2023 labor market data, Texas’ seasonally adjusted job count increased by 18,900 in January to reach 14,053,400 jobs and achieve growth in 43 of the last 45 months. According to the revised data, Texas’ total nonfarm employment grew by 263,900 jobs from January 2023…

MFE Grant to Fund Terminal Improvements

March 19, 2024

VBR

Featured News Transportation & Travel Comments

More than $25 million is coming to the 15th Congressional District following the passage of the recent 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 ensures funding for critical government functions and programs, supporting various sectors and agencies in fiscal year 2024. Part of the total funding was the $7.4 million allocated for terminal improvements at the McAllen International Airport. “Thank you to Congresswoman De la Cruz for…

McAllen to Honor Legendary Women

March 18, 2024

VBR

Community Community Events Featured News Comments

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Legendary McAllen Women’s Luncheon March 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom. The chamber invites the community to join them as they honor eight trailblazing women. “The McAllen Chamber is thrilled to organize this special event dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of women whose leadership has left an enduring impact on our community,” said McAllen…