Category Archives: Featured

Rio Grande Regional Hospital recently conducted its first TransCarotid Artery Revascularization procedure to treat carotid artery disease and prevent future strokes. Before TCAR, the main treatment option for severe carotid artery disease was an open surgical procedure, carotid endarterectomy. CEA removes plaque from inside the carotid artery to restore normal blood flow to the brain, but the large incision leaves a visible scar the length of the neck. It carries…

McAllen Passport Division To Host Passport Fair

September 13, 2023

VBR

Community Events Featured Transportation & Travel Comments

The City of McAllen Passport Division Facility will host a Passport Fair on Sept. 23 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City of McAllen Passport Facility, located in the Downtown Parking Garage at 221 S. 15th Street. “Passport processing times have been extended and we want to make sure that anyone wishing to travel has their required documents in time,” said Administrator Norma Rodriguez. Appointments are not required…

Port Of Brownsville Once Again A Magnet For Trade

September 12, 2023

VBR

Featured Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments

The Port of Brownsville‘s Foreign Trade Zone No. 62 saw a boost in the value of goods transported in 2022, reaching a record total of $13.9 billion in exports and imports. It is a notable increase from the $9.7 billion recorded in 2021. The U.S. Foreign-Trade Zones Board’s 2022 recent report to Congress revealed that FTZ No. 62 held its position as the second highest-ranking FTZ in the country for…

Veterans, Service Members Can Enter State Parks for Free

September 11, 2023

VBR

Featured News Recreation & Tourism Comments

Thanks to a recent bill passed during the last legislative session, active-duty military, honorably discharged veterans and the immediate family members of a service member who died while serving now qualify for one of three new Parklands Passports. These passports are available at no cost and grant the cardholder free entry to all Texas State Parks. The new categories of Parklands Passports, which can be obtained at any state park,…

Knapp Medical Center Receives Five Stars

September 9, 2023

VBR

Featured Healthcare News Comments

Knapp Medical Center in Weslaco, a member of the Prime Healthcare Foundation, is the only hospital in the Rio Grande Valley to receive a five-star rating in the latest hospital ratings report from the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The five-star rating is the highest possible rating (on a scale of one to five). It reflects exceptional quality care being provided to Valley patients by physicians, nurses and…

Mission Attracts New Sports Complex

September 7, 2023

Ricardo D. Cavazos, VBR content editor

e-Brief Features Featured News Recreation & Tourism Comments

A fast-growing sport is expanding in the Rio Grande Valley with plans to construct a 21,500-square-foot venue for padel ball and pickleball players. The RGV Padel Club is making a $2.7 million investment to construct the new facility at 2513 Victoria Drive in Mission. Construction is projected to start within three months and be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024. Estimates are the RGV Padel Club will support 52…

Stage 2 Water Restrictions in Effect for McAllen

September 5, 2023

VBR

Community Featured News Comments

Mandatory stage 2 water restrictions are now in effect for McAllen residents and businesses. Stage 2 restricts sprinkler system irrigation to only two days a week, during specific hours for each of the six zones of the city. When the water supply from Amistad and Falcon Dam reach less than 25 percent capacity, this triggers Stage 2. “McAllen Public Utility is a responsible steward of our water and during the…

UTRGV Ranks No. 1 University In Texas

September 2, 2023

VBR

Education Featured News Comments

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley on Monday started the 2023-24 academic year as the No. 1 university in Texas, based on Washington Monthly magazine’s annual college guide and rankings. According to Washington Monthly, instead of rewarding schools for their prestige, wealth and exclusivity, its rankings give points to universities that help non-wealthy students earn remunerative degrees, encourage students to vote and serve their country, and produce the scholars…

UTRGV Touts Third-Fastest Growing Public Doctoral Institution

September 2, 2023

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Education Featured News Comments

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…

Beach Picnics Give SPI New Experience

August 31, 2023