Leo Rivera left the Rio Grande Valley to get his art training and education at a Denver-area design school. It was in Colorado where the Harlingen native did his first large-scale wall mural. Rivera was active in the Denver arts scene for 11 years after graduating from the Rocky Mountain College of Art & Design. Returning home in 2020, Rivera set off to work as what he calls an “artist…
The McAllen Wind Ensemble website reads that the group was established in 1973 by local music supporters and “sparked by Bill Wilson’s inspiration from plaza bands in Mexico.” But who is Bill Wilson? Bill Wilson was not a musician who wanted to start his own band. He was a man who saw a need and fulfilled it without fanfare. He was an Oklahoma native and led his high school band…
The head football coach of a brand-new college football team had a blank slate as his UTRGV Vaqueros kicked off their football season in late August 2025. Travis Bush had been through this before as an assistant coach when UT-San Antonio launched its first football season in 2011. Now Bush was the head man of a new football venture further south in Edinburg. “Coming in there weren’t too many expectations,”…
The welding industry is a growing field as it experiences a strong demand that is driven by big infrastructure projects and increasing manufacturing needs. Retirements in an aging workforce are creating a need for younger replacements as one industry estimate says there are over 82,000 jobs to be filled annually in the field. It remains a male-dominated industry but some shifts are being seen. The percentage of women welders has…
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…
In the new year, South Texas College is introducing a new community course – Essentials of AI, or artificial intelligence. The course, beginning Jan. 20 through STC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development, is an entry-level introduction to AI. Faculty from STC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Technology and Cybersecurity programs will teach the course. Vice President and Provost of Academic Affairs and Economic Development Anahid Petrosian said for the last two…
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for the Marine Ecosystems Research Facility, marking the start of construction on a $21.5 million coastal research center that will expand the university’s capacity in marine and environmental sciences. The project was approved earlier this year by The University of Texas System Board of Regents and will be constructed at 905 S. Garcia Street in Port Isabel. The 14,500-square-foot…
DHR Health celebrates family caregivers by inviting them to its 12th annual “Circle of Care” Caregivers Conference on Dec. 6 at at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. The event is designed to empower caregivers with knowledge, resources and inspiration while also prioritizing something they often neglect — their own health and well-being. Taking place from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the conference includes workshops, interactive educational sessions, wellness-focused discussions,…
The City of Pharr has been awarded the 2025 Scenic City People’s Choice Award by Scenic Texas. The Pharr City Commission announced the achievement during a recent meeting, where the Development Services Department presented the award and shared the news with the community. Chosen through statewide public voting, this recognition highlights Pharr’s ongoing commitment to fostering a more beautiful, vibrant and visually appealing environment for all. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez praised…
Lone Star National Bank is currently hosting its annual Toy Drive, a community-driven initiative designed to bring joy and holiday cheer to children across the local communities. Through Dec. 12, employees, customers and community members may contribute via collection boxes at all Lone Star National Bank locations. The Annual Toy Drive has become a hallmark of LSNB’s dedication to social responsibility. This year’s donations will support CASA of Hidalgo County,…