Author Archives: VBR

This holiday season, American Advertising Federation–Rio Grande Valley is hoping to strike out hunger across the four-county region. The organization will host its fourth annual “Keep It Ugly” Charity Bowling Tournament on Dec. 3 at Flamingo Bowl in McAllen, with proceeds benefitting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley and the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, which helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the…

McAllen Announces South Pole Illuminated Festival

November 13, 2025

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

The South Pole Illuminated Festival, presented by H-E-B Helping Here, will bring the community together to celebrate the joy of Christmas with lights, festive entertainment, and new attractions for 2025. The festival’s signature Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 28 will once again mark the start of the holiday season in McAllen, officially transforming the city into the South Pole of Texas. During a press event on Nov. 11, McAllen Mayor…

BPUB Wins Award for Excellence

November 13, 2025

VBR

e-Brief Features Government News Comments

The Brownsville Public Utilities Board received the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024. This report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and…

Edinburg EDC Announces Historic Downtown Renovation

November 6, 2025

VBR

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation recently announced its support and approval of a major downtown renovation led by LEWIS Building LLC. The project will restore and repurpose a historic 1925 building located at 221–225 E. University Drive and 115–119 N. 13th Avenue. The renovation will be completed in phases. Phase 1 will deliver six “white-box” commercial rental spaces — move-in-ready units featuring finished walls, lighting and essential infrastructure. The spaces…

STC Names 2025 Faculty of the Year

November 6, 2025

VBR

e-Brief Features Education News Comments

Sharon O’Leary was hired at South Texas College in 1999 to start the college’s music program. Now, 26 years later, the program is going strong, and she has been named Faculty of the Year for largely contributing to its growth. “I cried when saw I had been named Faculty of the Year,” said O’Leary. “Since 2008, my Department Chair Daniel Cather has been nominating me and this year, I told…

Learn about the State of the 956

November 6, 2025

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features Government News Comments

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Edinburg, will host the 2026 State of the 956 Legislative Luncheon on Jan. 21. The annual State of the 956 luncheon brings together regional leaders, policymakers, business owners and community stakeholders to discuss public affairs and issues affecting the Rio Grande Valley. Attendees will hear from elected officials representing the region on legislative priorities, economic development initiatives and…

“Manual for Success” Key to Upcoming Men’s Conference

October 23, 2025

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host Ramiro A. Cavazos, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as its keynote speaker for the second annual “Manual for Success” men’s conference and expo on Nov. 5 at the Memorial Event Center in Edinburg. Cavazos leads the nation’s largest business advocacy organization for Hispanic communities, bringing decades of experience in business development, leadership and community…

DHR Health Hosts Fall Fest and Health Fair

October 23, 2025

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

DHR Health Brownsville invites the community to take charge of their health and celebrate the season in a healthy way with their first ever Fall Fest and Health Fair on Oct. 25. The 8 a.m.-to-noon event takes place at the DHR Health Brownsville Hospital at 4750 North Expressway 77. The free, family-friendly event will provide a range of activities for children, including a costume contest and the Brownsville Police Department’s…

Valley Coastal Bend Hosts Prescription Take Back Day

October 23, 2025

VBR

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System will be accepting and disposing of prescription medications from the community during the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 24. Individuals (not only veterans) can use the local VA facilities in Harlingen and McAllen to dispose of unused controlled substance prescription medications. VA holds Medication Take Back Days to align with the bi-annual U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration National Prescription Take Back…

Port of Brownsville: Building the Future

October 16, 2025

VBR

e-Brief Features Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

At the southernmost point of Texas, where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf, the Port of Brownsville is driving a new era of growth and opportunity. Vessels, trains and trucks traverse the port’s industrial landscape, signaling more than just cargo in motion. This is the economic engine driving the Rio Grande Valley’s economy. As the only deepwater seaport located on the U.S.-Mexico border, the Port of Brownsville has become a…