Author Archives: VBR

STC and Teach Us Texas Support Aspiring Teachers

Education Featured News Comments
South Texas College and Teach Us Texas have joined forces by signing a memorandum of understanding to facilitate a pathway into the company’s alternative certification program.

To address a nationwide teacher shortage and encourage more students to consider the profession, South Texas College and Teach Us Texas have joined forces by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate a pathway into the company’s alternative teaching certification program. The partnership will allow STC students pursuing an associate degree in Teaching or a Substitute Teacher & Teacher Assistant continuing education certificate a seamless transition into the program. “Our…

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UTRGV Researcher Warns Against Excessive Smartphone Use

News Technology Comments
Dr. Murad Moqbel, assistant professor in the UTRGV Department of Information Systems

Smartphones have evolved into all-in-one devices, replacing calendars, navigation systems, music players and entertainment consoles. But UTRGV’s Dr. Murad Moqbel warns there can be harmful effects as excessive smartphone use becomes normalized. “The first thing many people do when they wake up is get on their phone, and they’re on it until the last moment that they go to bed,” said Moqbel, assistant professor in the UTRGV Department of Information Systems. “Excessive, or…

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VA Holds Free Drive-Thru Food Pantry for Veterans

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
VA Drive-Thru Food Pantries

VA is working to eliminate food insecurity among veterans and their families with a free drive-thru food pantry on Dec. 14 at Harlingen Health Care Clinic. The drive lasts from 9-11 a.m., or while supplies last, at the clinic’s location at 2601 Veterans Drive. Veterans must be enrolled in health care at the VA Texas Valley Costal Bend Health Care System and present a valid VA identification card to confirm their veteran status.…

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Quinta Mazatlan Hosts Holiday Night Shopping

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
Holiday Night Shopping with Local Artists features an exhibition by Jessica Monroe.

Quinta Mazatlan invites the public to experience the spirit of the season at the “Holiday Night Shopping” with music and local artists selling their works inspired by nature on Dec. 14 from 6-8 p.m. The one-night free event features the award-winning South Texas artist Jessica Monroe known for her oil paintings inspired by the natural world. Her paintings bring awareness of environmental issues and celebrate the beauty of nature. Monroe…

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Harlingen EDC Relaunches Grant Program

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation has relaunched its small business matching grant program, Revitalize Harlingen. An incentive grant, Revitalize Harlingen provides up to $10,000 for facade improvements made by eligible commercial businesses or property owners.  The program first began in January of 2023 as the brainchild of Mayor Norma Sepulveda and the City of Harlingen to rejuvenate targeted areas in the city. The program encourages reinvestment by small businesses to…

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STC and Roma ISD Partner for Early College Academy

Education Featured News Comments
Roma early college academy

In partnership with leadership from South Texas College and STC’s Dual Credit Programs, Roma Independent School District launched its first-ever early college academy this week. Two years in the making, the new academy will enable students to earn at least 40 hours of college credit once they graduate high school, the equivalent of taking their core classes before they even graduate. “For the students, I want to be sure they…

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UTRGV Purchases Majestic Theatre

News Comments
Majestic Theatre

UTRGV now owns one of downtown Brownsville’s most iconic buildings – the Majestic Theatre. Built in 1948, The Majestic will be renovated to serve as a much-needed Performing Arts Center for the Brownsville Campus. UTRGV officially closed on the building Nov. 15, purchasing the facility from The Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation. The UT System Board of Regents had granted purchase approval earlier this fall. Jeffrey Ward, dean…

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IMAS Hosts Holiday Market on Dec. 9

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

The International Museum of Art & Science hosts its annual Holiday Market at the Museum on Dec. 9 with an array of local artisans, a gallery talk from a guest curator, Gingerbread Challenge workshops and the annual Christmas Tree Forest community exhibition. IMAS says the Holiday Market at the Museum will be a haven for both art enthusiasts and holiday lovers. Admission is included with a discounted general admission price…

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La Plaza Adds New Retailers

Featured News Retail Comments
STEPS New York is one of five retailers which recently opened at La Plaza Mall, just in time for the holiday shopping season. (Photo La Plaza Mall)

La Plaza Mall has recently added Mango, TOUS, Abercrombie & Fitch, Steps New York and Perfume Gallery to its lineup of retailers. In addition, MINISO will open later this year.  Mango is a worldwide women’s fashion chain from Barcelona, Spain, delivering Mediterranean culture and style. Mango focuses on fashion trends, attention to detail, and efficiency. Located across from JD Sports, Rio Grande Valley area shoppers will find at the retailer…

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Salvation Army Kicks Off Angel Tree

Community Featured News Comments
Salvation Army Angel Tree

The Salvation Army of Harlingen has kicked off its annual Angel Tree program, with “angels” available for adoption. The program provides toys and clothing to children whose families are facing financial difficulties. Organizers say that with the generosity of the community, 400 children will experience the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning. “The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides toys and clothing to children and families who might be…

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