Author Archives: VBR

South Texas College Dual Credit Programs earned national recognition after being selected to participate in a research study conducted by the Community College Research Center at Teachers College, Columbia University. The study examined how colleges can strategically invest limited resources to sustainably scale practices that provide students with more purposeful and impactful dual enrollment experiences. Based on its findings, the research team expressed admiration for STC’s dual credit model, highlighting…

STHS Heart to Host Heroes With Heart 5K

January 22, 2026

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features Healthcare News Comments

In observance of American Heart Month and to help educate the community on the importance of heart-healthy behaviors like regular physical activity and a well-balanced diet, South Texas Health System Heart will host its 12th annual Heroes with Heart 5K Walk/Run on Feb. 28 on the STHS Heart campus in McAllen. Open to the community, this year’s 5K will honor Rio Grande Valley service industry professionals who have survived and…

BCIC Announces RGV Startup Week Dates

January 15, 2026

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, in collaboration with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, will host RGV Startup Week 2026 from April 24 through May 1, with events in Brownsville and partner cities across the Rio Grande Valley. In 2025, RGV Startup Week delivered 123 hours of activities and reached 403,172 unique accounts on social media. RGV Startup Week content generated 3.56 million views, and attendees…

Turn the Page with the Texas America250 Reading Challenge

January 15, 2026

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

The McAllen Public Library invites readers of all ages to participate in the Texas America250 Reading Challenge, a statewide initiative led by the Texas State Library & Archives Commission and the Texas Center for the Book. The challenge encourages Texans to explore history, learning and service as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants may log 2,500 minutes of qualifying activities to be part of the challenge. These minutes include…

Causeway Run & Walk Registration Now Open

January 15, 2026

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

Registration is now open for the 42nd annual Causeway Run & Walk taking place on April 11. Thousands of runners and walkers will take on a journey across the Queen Isabella Causeway with sunrise views. The race is available as a timed 10K, as well as a timed and untimed 5K. Participants may run, walk or jog the route from the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center to the Beach Waterpark…

Women of Distinction Nominations Close Soon

January 8, 2026

VBR

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be closing nominations for its Women of Distinction Awards on Jan. 16. Nominations categories include: STEM and digital innovation, environmental and agricultural achievement, emerging leader, media and journalism, community and social leadership, justice and legal advocacy, educational innovation, healthcare champion, diversity and inclusion, and financial leadership. The awards will be presented on March 5 at the 2026 Hats Off to Women…

BCIC Starts eBridge Business Academy Jan. 13

January 8, 2026

VBR

Business Advice Community e-Brief Features News Comments

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation will launch a cohort of its eBridge Business Academy, a rebrand of its Blueprint Business Program, on Jan. 13. The business fundamentals course for entrepreneurs and early-stage small business owners will run through Feb. 24 and will be taught in Spanish. With more than 350 graduates to date, the program helps participants strengthen core business skills and apply practical tools to improve how they plan,…

RGV LEAD Launches S3 Entrepreneurship Challenge

January 8, 2026

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

RGV LEAD, in partnership with Career Bridge, officially launches its S3 Entrepreneurship Challenge on Jan. 14. The regional initiative focuses on providing continued support, engagement and real-world entrepreneurial learning opportunities for students across the Rio Grande Valley. The S3 Entrepreneurship Challenge Kickoff and Informational Session will take place virtually via Zoom from 8-10 a.m. This session will introduce participating school districts, students, educators and community stakeholders to the program framework,…

MFE Team Honored by United Airlines

December 18, 2025

VBR

e-Brief Features News Transportation & Travel Comments

United Airlines has awarded AGI, the ground handling team operating at McAllen International Airport, with its Gold Safety Excellence Award, recognizing AGI’s outstanding commitment to safety in all aspects of its airport operations. “Safety is universal, and safety culture is something that’s hard to build and easy to lose,” said Marlon Suarez Garcia, senior manager-Line Stations Safety and Regulatory Compliance for United Airlines. “Safety culture is a feeling — and…

UTRGV Recognizes BCIC’s eBridge Partnership

December 18, 2025

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation is one of 13 organizations recently recognized with UTRGV’s Community Partner Recognition Award for the 2024-2025 academic year. The recognition is connected to UTRGV’s Carnegie Community Engagement Reclassification work and highlights partners whose collaboration supports community engagement across the Valley. BCIC’s recognition reflects its long-running partnership with UTRGV’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center. Together, BCIC and UTRGV ECC operate the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization…