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,…
The city of boots has refreshed its look with paint and repairs that are making it shine anew. The City of Mercedes over the last 13 years has highlighted the city’s western heritage with 30 boots – each standing six feet tall – that are placed on street corners and major intersections. The boots bear the names of colleges and universities in Texas and the United States. The city’s big…
The Thanksgiving turkey and tamales are already a savory memory. Holiday lights sparkle throughout our communities. But nothing says “most wonderful time of the year” quite like music. In McAllen, a revered town band has spread the spirit of Christmas for over 50 years. The McAllen Wind Ensemble is actually the third name of the group, which was established in 1973. Businessman Bill Wilson brought the idea home to McAllen…
SpaceX with its Starbase on Boca Chica Beach is transforming the Brownsville economy and is bringing in a slew of outside investors and companies into the area. The buzz of Brownsville becoming a space city has made some local residents wonder when the opportunities others are seeking will come their way. “We’ve heard it plenty of times from the public,” said Nathan Burkhart, the vice president of entrepreneurship and innovations…