Author Archives: VBR

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,…

Historic Sales Tax Allocation Highlights McAllen’s Economic Influence

February 19, 2026

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Government News Comments

The City of McAllen has shattered its all-time sales tax record, receiving $12.6 million in February’s allocation for December collections, (2025 vs 2024) a 5.31-percent increase over the same period last year. This milestone surpasses the previous high of $11.9 million. “McAllen is no longer simply participating in regional growth. We are defining it,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “As more people choose to visit, invest and shop here, the numbers…

DHR Health to Host Free Community Health Fair

February 12, 2026

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

DHR Health will host its free 16th annual Community Health Fair on Feb. 21 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance (118 Paseo del Prado). The morning includes free health screenings, health education talks led by medical experts, and a variety of booths offering health resources from DHR Health and community partners. By bringing together healthcare professionals and local organizations, the event helps connect individuals…

RGV Hispanic Chamber Announces Women of Distinction

February 12, 2026

VBR

Community Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will soon be recognizing 10 area women representing various social and professional fields with the 2026 Women of Distinction Awards. The presentation will take place during the annual Hats Off to Women of Distinction Awards & Expo on March 5 at the Mission Event Center (200 N. Shary Road). The Women of Distinction Awards celebrate women whose leadership, innovation and service are shaping…