Category Archives: Featured

IMAS Launches Adults-Only After-Hours Program

Arts Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
IMAS After Dark

The International Museum of Art & Science is launching its new IMAS After Dark with “Fright Night” on Oct. 31, providing a new way for adults to take in the museum. With themed evening events throughout the year, the series provides an exclusive opportunity for adults (21+) to explore the museum’s art and science exhibits in a lively atmosphere. Each night features complimentary beverages, interactive activities and social experiences that…

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Local Nurse Receives Career Stepping Stone with VIDA

e-Brief Features Education Featured News Non-Profit Comments
Yvette Garcia

While in the Vocational Nursing Program at Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, Yvette Garcia attended an informational session conducted by the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. Little did she know that day how much this session would impact her life. Founded nearly 30 years ago through a collaboration between Valley Interfaith and business leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley, VIDA has remained true to its original mission.…

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VIDA Helps Create New Life for Mom of Six

Community e-Brief Features Featured Healthcare News Non-Profit Comments
Clarissa Magaña

When friends of Weslaco resident Clarissa Magaña told her about the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement, her goal suddenly seemed more viable. Acceptance into VIDA would allow her to obtain the degree she always wanted. Earning an associate degree in nursing would also be an important lesson for this single mother’s six children. Already a licensed vocational nurse, Magaña longed to return to school to become a registered nurse. …

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RGV LEAD Connects Industry and Educational Leaders

Community Events e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments
RGV LEAD

Linking Economic and Academic Development (RGV LEAD) will host the State of Education and Industry on Sept. 24, providing a platform for collaboration, discussion of Valley-area current and future workforce needs, and a showcase of partnerships that have a direct impact on students’ upward mobility. For more than 30 years, RGV LEAD has connected industry and educational leaders to address the workforce demands of the Rio Grande Valley. Our mission…

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MFE Sets Record-Breaking Passenger Activity

e-Brief Features Featured News Transportation & Travel Comments
McAllen International Airport

McAllen International Airport set an all-time total traveler record for July in 2024 with 114,694 total passengers, an 8.7 percent increase over the previous record set in June 2024. Overall traffic in 2024 has increased 23 percent year over year, with 70 percent more flights since same time in 2023. “McAllen International Airport has set records in four of the past five years, however this year we have taken it…

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Entrepreneur Lights Way In Harlingen

Featured Retail Comments

Alexandrea Peralta’s business is located across the street from an inner city park that needs an image boost. Putting her Jade Candle Co. shop across the street from a park in Harlingen some local residents avoid points to two of Peralta’s great passions. One is for candle making from scratch and creating products to the specifications of her customers. The other is love of her community and a commitment to…

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SBA Seeks Nominations for Small Business Awards

e-Brief Features Featured Government News Comments
2025 Small Business Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration is now accepting nominations for its highly celebrated National and District Small Business Week Awards, including Small Business Person of the Year. To help nominators prepare a successful package, the Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office will present two September webinars explaining the nomination guidelines. “The SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office is ready to accept nominations,” Angela Burton, district director, said. “I encourage…

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IMAS Hosts Back to School Bash This Weekend

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
H-E-B partners hand out school supplies at IMAS. (Courtesy)

The International Museum of Art & Science will hold its Back to School Bash on Aug. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring hands-on art and science activities, Starlab Planetarium presentations, community tables, food vendors and opportunities to receive school supplies while items last. Visitors will be able to explore museum areas including Water Journey, MPU BioZone, Science On a Sphere exhibit theater, H-E-B Seed to Table play exhibit…

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Young Family Finds Stability with VIDA

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Non-Profit Comments

Parenting happens to be one of the most difficult jobs of all. Single parenting increases that difficulty exponentially. The story of Maria Quintana exemplifies this, but her story is also one of triumph. Quintana has two young children. Unemployed, she received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for her and her children’s meals. Homeless, she and her children stayed with a friend three days a week. They then lived in her…

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Brownsville Couple Moves Closer to Quest for Texas Best

e-Brief Features Featured Food & Entertainment News Comments
La Pale Frozen Fruit Bar owners Daisy and Gerardo Alcazar

H-E-B recently announced its finalists for the 11th annual Quest for Texas Best competition and representing the Border Region is La Pale Frozen Fruit Bar. Owners Daisy and Gerardo Alcazar will join nine other Texas-based finalists in the coming days in Dallas, competing for a combined $70,000 in cash prizes and a chance at placement on H-E-B’s shelves. Launched in 2019, Gerardo and Daisy Alcazar embraced a family tradition of…

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