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…
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce board recently voted unanimously to name Elizabeth Suarez the new president and CEO of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “Elizabeth’s extensive experience, her effective leadership, and her deep roots in the community, make her an ideal candidate to lead our organization,” said Stephan Wingert, chairman of the board for the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. “We are excited to welcome Elizabeth to the Chamber of Commerce.…
Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement has received a Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, an award reflecting BCBSTX’s dedication to community-based organizations that prioritize the well-being of children and families. The grant recognizes the crucial role of local organizations in fostering positive change, tackling underlying factors that influence health, including socio-economic challenges, and promoting economic opportunities. Since its launch in early 2023, BCBSTX has allocated…
Mandatory stage 2 water restrictions are now in effect for McAllen residents and businesses. Stage 2 restricts sprinkler system irrigation to only two days a week, during specific hours for each of the six zones of the city. When the water supply from Amistad and Falcon Dam reach less than 25 percent capacity, this triggers Stage 2. “McAllen Public Utility is a responsible steward of our water and during the…
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on Monday started the 2023-24 academic year as the No. 1 university in Texas, based on Washington Monthly magazine’s annual college guide and rankings. According to Washington Monthly, instead of rewarding schools for their prestige, wealth and exclusivity, its rankings give points to universities that help non-wealthy students earn remunerative degrees, encourage students to vote and serve their country, and produce the scholars…