Author Archives: VBR

Historic Sales Tax Allocation Highlights McAllen’s Economic Influence

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…

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DHR Health to Host Free Community Health Fair

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
DHR Health Community Health Fair

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…

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RGV Hispanic Chamber Announces Women of Distinction

Community Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
2026 Women of Distinction

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…

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Project SHARE Scholarship Applications Open

Community e-Brief Features Education News Comments
2025 Project SHARE Scholarship recipients

The Brownsville Public Utilities Board is accepting applications through March 9 for ten $2,000 Project SHARE Scholarships that will go to graduating high school seniors whose households have a BPUB utility account for water, wastewater or electric service. To be eligible for the Project SHARE Scholarship, applicants must have a BPUB account at their primary residence for at least one year prior to the application deadline. Applicants must be graduating…

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UTRGV Recognized for Excellence in Online Education

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has achieved significant recognition in the recent U.S. News & World Report rankings for online programs. The university’s online master’s degree in Criminal Justice ranked 15th, marking a jump of 12 spots from the previous year. Additionally, the online MBA program also saw a significant increase, surging 66 positions to 136th, along with other business programs improving their standings. In the 2026 U.S. News & World…

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Pharr EMS Expands Prehospital Care

e-Brief Features Healthcare News Comments
Pharr EMS and TRAUMAGEL

Pharr EMS has introduced TRAUMAGEL into its emergency medical response system, becoming the first EMS service in the Rio Grande Valley and south of Houston to use the innovative, life-saving technology. TRAUMAGEL is a plant-based hemostatic gel designed to control moderate to severe bleeding in seconds. Applied directly to a wound, the gel conforms to the injury site to rapidly control bleeding, helping stabilize patients until they receive advanced medical…

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McAllen ISD Named a Texas Honor Roll District Again

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

For the third straight year, McAllen ISD has been named a Texas Honor Roll school district. In addition, 15 McAllen ISD schools were named 2025 Texas Honor Roll schools. The list is based on data released by a non-profit organization that is part of a national effort to identify higher-performing schools and school districts. The McAllen ISD campuses include: Achieve Early College High School Brown Middle School Cathey Middle School Fossum…

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RGV Startup Week 2026 Opens RSVPs

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
RGV Startup Week

RSVPs are now open for the third annual RGV Startup Week, taking place April 24 through May 1. What began just two years ago has grown exponentially into one of the Rio Grande Valley’s largest entrepreneurship gatherings, drawing regional, state and national attention to the innovation happening locally. RGV Startup Week 2026 will once again bring together entrepreneurs, students, small business owners, investors and ecosystem partners from across the Valley…

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STC Campuses Set to Host VITA

Community e-Brief Features Government News Comments
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has returned to South Texas College, offering free tax preparation services to qualifying residents across the Rio Grande Valley ahead of the April 15 filing deadline. VITA offices are available at both STC’s Pecan Campus and Mid-Valley Campus, concluding March 12 at Mid-Valley and March 14 at Pecan. Services at the Pecan Campus will be offered Monday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m.…

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McAllen ISD Schools Earn National Recognition

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

Four schools from McAllen ISD earned a spot among America’s Best Schools Honor Roll – a national platform for schools with strong academic achievement. The list, created by the National Center for Urban School Transformation, includes James “Nikki” Rowe High, Brown Middle School, Seguin Elementary and Thigpen-Zavala Elementary. The 2026 America’s Best Schools Honor Roll recognizes “an exceptional group of schools whose applications demonstrate strong evidence of academic success for…

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