McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez has been selected by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement to serve on an advisory committee for the organization. He will serve on the committee to address misconduct investigations and hiring procedures. Rodriguez is a veteran with a public service record that spans decades. He has served as the McAllen Police Chief since 2001. “Chief Rodriguez is an excellent choice to help further the mission…
The McAllen ISD Board of Trustees gave the green light to advertise for a permanent superintendent following a board workshop on Sept. 11. The board’s consensus was to fill the position this fall. Before that happens, the Board of Trustees want to gather feedback from the public. “The role of the superintendent is pivotal in shaping the educational trajectory of our district,” Board President Debbie Crane Aliseda said. “This is…
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is a grant recipient of the Trellis Foundation to continue enhancing career pathways for low-income students. This general operating support for VIDA is among $2.5 million total in grants for 26 Texas community-based organizations providing direct impact services to support students in college completion. “We are immensely grateful to the Trellis Foundation, for selecting VIDA as a recipient of this $100,000 grant,” said Felida…
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement is the recent recipient of a $10,000 grant from AT&T, an award reflecting AT&T’s commitment to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. This grant recognizes the importance of investing in students today – at home, in the classroom, at work – to narrow the digital divide by providing today’s learners with equitable opportunity to learn and thrive. Through this grant project, VIDA will…
The City of McAllen, in partnership with Palm Valley Animal Society, will host a free, drive-thru microchip clinic for McAllen residents and their pets on Sept. 23 at the McAllen City Hall parking lot, located at 1300 West Houston Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon or until chips last. Attendees must bring proof of residency, such as a utility bill and driver’s license. Pets must be at least six weeks…
Rio Grande Regional Hospital recently conducted its first TransCarotid Artery Revascularization procedure to treat carotid artery disease and prevent future strokes. Before TCAR, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure, carotid endarterectomy. CEA removes plaque from inside the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain, but the large incision leaves a visible scar the length of the neck. It carries…
The City of McAllen Passport Division Facility will host a Passport Fair on Sept. 23 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 have been extended and we want to make sure that anyone wishing to travel has their required documents in time,” said Administrator Norma Rodriguez. Appointments are not required…
The Port of Brownsville‘s Foreign Trade Zone No. 62 saw a boost in the value of goods transported in 2022, reaching a record total of $13.9 billion in exports and imports. It is a notable increase from the $9.7 billion recorded in 2021. The U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board’s 2022 recent report to Congress revealed that FTZ No. 62 held its position as the second highest-ranking FTZ in the country for…
Thanks to a recent bill passed during the last legislative session, active-duty military, honorably discharged veterans and the immediate family members of a service member who died while serving now qualify for one of three new Parklands Passports. These passports are available at no cost and grant the cardholder free entry to all Texas State Parks. The new categories of Parklands Passports, which can be obtained at any state park,…
Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, a member of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, is the only hospital in the Rio Grande Valley to receive a five-star rating in the latest hospital ratings report from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The five-star rating is the highest possible rating (on a scale of one to five). It reflects exceptional quality care being provided to Valley patients by physicians, nurses and…