Author Archives: VBR

The Chronicle of Higher Education recently released the Fall 2023 issue of the Almanac of Higher Education 2023, where for the sixth year in a row, UTRGV is ranked as one of the top 10 fastest-growing public doctoral institutions in the United States. The latest rankings in the almanac reflect the overall enrollment during the decade of 2011-2021. While the nation’s overall enrollment declined during that period, UTRGV surged and was ranked as the third-fastest growing institution…

McAllen Ranks 3 For First-Time Homebuyers

August 31, 2023

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

McAllen has been ranked number three of the top 15 cities in the United States for first-time homebuyers by the financial services website SmartAsset.com. Five Texas cities land among the top 15 places to buy a home for the first time. This study examined 185 metro areas and cities were ranked based on four metrics, composed of: Affordability: Median sale price relative to median income. Median sale price comes from Zillow…

Keep McAllen Beautiful Unveils Newest Mural

August 30, 2023

VBR

Community Featured News Comments

Keep McAllen Beautiful and the Texas Department of Transportation recently unveiled the City of McAllen’s newest work of art, a 408-foot mural located on an irrigation wall at the intersection of Pecan Blvd. and 2nd Street. The mural was painted with an agreement from TxDOT’s “Don’t Mess with Texas” campaign. The signature initiative of their litter prevention program helps educate the public regarding the battle against litter. Earlier this year,…

UTRGV Green Lit To Buy Majestic Theatre

August 29, 2023

VBR

Arts Education Featured News Comments

The University of Texas System Board of Regents on Thursday authorized UTRGV to purchase the Majestic Theatre and an adjacent building in downtown Brownsville. In support of UTRGV’s Performing Arts programs in the College of Fine Arts, UTRGV will renovate the buildings currently owned by The Roy F. and Joann Cole Mitte Foundation. The end result will be the university’s new Performing Arts Center in Brownsville. The center will provide…

City of Pharr Becomes A Certified All Fiber Provider

August 28, 2023

VBR

Featured Government News Comments

The City of Pharr announced last week that it has officially been approved as a Certified All Fiber Provider by the Fiber Broadband Association. The Fiber Broadband Association’s All Fiber Network Certification recognizes members for their commitment to ensuring customers receive the fastest, most reliable broadband services — connectivity delivered over “future-proof” fiber networks. “This is yet another milestone achievement in the work we are doing here in the City of…

Nominations Open For McAllen Man & Woman of the Year Awards

August 26, 2023

VBR

Community Featured News Comments

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 68th annual ‘Man & Woman of the Year’ Awards. Since 1955, the McAllen Chamber of Commerce has been honoring remarkable individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the City of McAllen through their exceptional service and volunteerism. Winners will be recognized during the ‘Man & Woman of the Year’ Awards that will take place from 6:30-10 p.m. on Nov.…

Quinta Mazatlan Exhibits Youth Photography Winners

August 24, 2023

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

Children have been exploring nature and documenting their experiences with a camera or smart phone this summer in the Rio Grande Valley. The exhibit “Nature through the Eyes of Children,” showcasing one winning image from each contestant, is on display at Quinta Mazatlan throughout August. The Valley Land Fund and Quinta Mazatlan’s RGV Youth Nature Photo Contest offers an opportunity for young people to capture their understanding of the natural…

North McAllen To See High-End Mixed-Use Development

August 24, 2023

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Real Estate Comments

Domain Development has announced a $120+ million mixed-use development plan at the southwest corner of North 10th Street and Wisconsin in North McAllen. The project promises to offer an urban lifestyle experience akin to San Antonio and Austin, complete with upscale shopping, top-tier dining, a dynamic entertainment scene, and modern living all in one location. The planned development, named The District, will feature a wide variety of retail shops, from…

McAllen ISD Earns District of Distinction Award

August 23, 2023

VBR

Education Featured News Comments

McAllen ISD is one of just 68 school districts in Texas to earn the Texas Art Education Association 2023 District of Distinction Award. This is the fourth straight year McAllen ISD has earned this honor, placing the district in the top 5.5 percent of school districts in the state. “We are excited TAEA has recognized the creativity and hard work of our dedicated teachers and talented students,” McAllen ISD Acting Superintendent…

TSC President Rodríguez Receives CEO Award

August 22, 2023

VBR

Education Featured News Comments

Texas Southmost College President Jesús Roberto Rodríguez was recently announced as the winner of the 2023 Western Regional CEO Award by the Association of Community College Trustees. The national award is only one of five bestowed annually to CEOs by the organization, one for each of its five regions across the United States and Canada. Rodríguez’s recognitions comes from his work in initiating or helping to develop innovative programs as…