Category Archives: Community

Free STEAM Learning Coming to RGV’s Youngest Minds

Community News Comments
IMAS

The International Museum of Art & Science has received a grant from the PNC Foundation, allowing the museum to bring hands-on STEAM learning experiences directly to young community members at no cost to their families. The grant recognizes the museum’s commitment to providing unique, educational experiences for preschool-aged children and their families. This milestone investment culminates in two initiatives: the ongoing Young Adventurers STEAM workshop series and PNC Adventure Day,…

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Film Commission Designates Mercedes as Film Friendly

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
Mercedes

The Texas Film Commission has designated the City of Mercedes as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step training and certification process. “Congratulations to Mercedes on joining more than 200 Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The Texas Film Commission partners with communities in every region of the state to market their unique appeal and attract new investments in media production. Through ongoing Film…

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Park Brings Nature To City’s Backyard

Community News Recreation & Tourism Comments
A pedestrian walkway makes its way through lush native flora at the Olmito Nature Park.

Joey Lopez took office in 2019 as Cameron County’s Precinct 2 commissioner.  He took office with $500,000 for park development as made available from a successful 2012 bond vote. The funds, Lopez said, were just sitting there and not being utilized in his northwest county precinct.  Lopez began scouting for landowners who could donate tracts of land to the county for park development. The county commissioner set his focus on…

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A&M Trees Grant Plants Awareness 

Community News Comments
Parents and children gather around Alan Williams of Region One as prepares to plant a tree at a San Benito city park. (Courtesy)

Alan Williams works with cities and schools in developing native habitats and will cut to the chase and ask local leaders what they’re willing to invest in green spaces.  “Something I’ve talked to city managers and parks directors about is to be honest with ourselves and look at the time public works departments spend on tree care,” said Williams, who is the landscaping and gardening director for the Region One…

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Event Inspires Girls To Dream Big

Education News Comments
Fifth grade girls in La Joya recently gathered to attend an event encouraging them to look into careers in STEM fields. (Courtesy)

Educators and community leaders across the country are working to encourage young girls to explore opportunities in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematic fields. The acronym for these fields is known as STEM and it is in these fields where women have historically been underrepresented. Nationally, women make up only about 28 percent of the STEM workforce. This underrepresentation is most pronounced in engineering and computer science and highlights the…

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Pharr Honors Women’s Leadership and Impact

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

The City of Pharr recently recognized International Women’s Day with its annual Women’s Day Celebration, embracing this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” and honoring the invaluable contributions of women across the city and community. The celebration began with a meaningful act of service, as City of Pharr employees donated women’s clothing to support members of the local community. This initiative reflected the spirit of giving and unity that continues to define…

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Space & Commerce Take Flight In City

Community News Comments
Cyclists in Brownsville are making the city a go-to place for their fitness hobby with the establishment to hike-and-bike trails throughout the community. (Courtesy)

Nathan Burkhart in his six-year tenure at the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation was on the ground floor of the beginnings of the space industry coming to his hometown. He served as the vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation at BCIC and became familiar with the leadership of SpaceX and its Starbase on Boca Chica Beach. It was during his BCIC tenure that he also met business owners and executives from…

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RGV Culinary Leader Joins STC Foundation Board

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
Sony Rego

A longtime advocate of higher education and supporter of the South Texas College Culinary Arts program, Sony Rego has earned a seat on the STC Foundation Board. Owner of McAllen’s most popular culinary experiences – Santa Fe Steakhouse, Republic of the Rio Grande and University Drafthouse – Rego, through her Santa Fe Foundation has supported hundreds of students through scholarships, internships and career opportunities. “I’ve always been a huge supporter…

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BIPOC Offers Small Business Accelerator

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
PeopleFund

Applications are now being accepted for the Q2 cohort of PeopleFund’s BIPOC Small Business Accelerator program, providing underserved entrepreneurs in Texas with the capital, education and resources needed to support healthy business growth. Applications close April 2 with classes taking place every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 15 through June 3. Program participants commit to an orientation, a series of virtual training sessions, and assigned “homework”. Participants…

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Texas Library Association Names Horan President-Elect

Community e-Brief Features News Comments
Kate Horan

McAllen Public Library Director Kate P. Horan has been elected president-elect of the 2026 Texas Library Association. Her election reflects more than three decades of leadership in public and academic libraries and further elevates McAllen’s presence in library innovation and advocacy statewide. In 2025, Horan received the TLA Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of service. With nearly 35 years in public and academic libraries experience, Horan holds a BA…

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