Category Archives: Government

Pharr Sees Communications Leadership Transitions

e-Brief Features Government News Comments
Kenia Gomez, director of City Communications and Yuri Gonzalez, director of International Commercial Development

The City of Pharr’s Office of City Communications recently announced two teams members, Yuri Gonzalez and Kenia Gomez, rising into new leadership roles. Gonzalez, who led the Office of City Communications since 2021, is taking on a new role as director of International Commercial Development. Having already collaborated with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the Pharr International Bridge on multiple projects, Gonzalez will continue to strengthen international partnerships and…

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McAllen Celebrates Year of Growth

Community Government Comments
McAllen Next Is Now is the city’s new motto and highlights the community’s dynamic growth and development. (Courtesy)

McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos gave his fifth State of The City Address in February and described his community as having “movement, energy and success.” Villalobos was exuberant in giving the address before a crowd of 1,300 at the McAllen Convention Center. The mayor walked around a large stage with a wireless headset microphone and enthusiastically ran down a list of accomplishments and projects achieved in 2025. Villalobos often cited the…

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Public Input Sought on Proposed Hunting Regulation

e-Brief Features Government News Comments

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is accepting public comment until March 26 for proposed changes to the 2026-27 Statewide Hunting and Migratory Game Bird proclamations. Migratory Game Bird Regulations Change the South Zone dove hunting season structure during the first segment to include an earlier regular season opening date (Sept. 1 – Oct. 25, 2026), eliminate the Special White-winged Dove Days, and institute standardized daily bag limits across all days in…

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Historic Sales Tax Allocation Highlights McAllen’s Economic Influence

Community e-Brief Features Government News Comments

The City of McAllen has shattered its all-time sales tax record, receiving $12.6 million in February’s allocation for December collections, (2025 vs 2024) a 5.31-percent increase over the same period last year. This milestone surpasses the previous high of $11.9 million. “McAllen is no longer simply participating in regional growth. We are defining it,” said Mayor Javier Villalobos. “As more people choose to visit, invest and shop here, the numbers…

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STC Campuses Set to Host VITA

Community e-Brief Features Government News Comments
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has returned to South Texas College, offering free tax preparation services to qualifying residents across the Rio Grande Valley ahead of the April 15 filing deadline. VITA offices are available at both STC’s Pecan Campus and Mid-Valley Campus, concluding March 12 at Mid-Valley and March 14 at Pecan. Services at the Pecan Campus will be offered Monday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m.…

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BPUB Director Elected to ERCOT Subcommittee

e-Brief Features Government Moving On Up News Comments
Cory Carswell

Cory Carswell, director of Power Supply and Market Operations for the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, has been elected to represent municipally owned utilities on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas Wholesale Market Subcommittee. The Wholesale Market Subcommittee is a voting body that reports to ERCOT’s Technical Advisory Committee, which in turn advises the ERCOT board of directors. WMS plays a critical role in shaping market rules and reviewing key issues…

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McAllen Police Department Now Hiring Officers

Community e-Brief Features Government News Comments
Police

The City of McAllen Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of police officer. Individuals who are ready to serve their community with courage, integrity and pride are encouraged to apply and take the next step toward a career in law enforcement. “This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who want to serve their community,” said McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez. “When our community calls, police officers answer…

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BPUB Wins Award for Excellence

e-Brief Features Government News Comments
BPUB Director of Finance David Medrano

The Brownsville Public Utilities Board received the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2024. This report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and…

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Learn about the State of the 956

Community Events e-Brief Features Government News Comments
Legislative Luncheon

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Edinburg, will host the 2026 State of the 956 Legislative Luncheon on Jan. 21. The annual State of the 956 luncheon brings together regional leaders, policymakers, business owners and community stakeholders to discuss public affairs and issues affecting the Rio Grande Valley. Attendees will hear from elected officials representing the region on legislative priorities, economic development initiatives and…

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Vet Finds Mission In Training Dogs

e-Brief Features Featured Government News Professional Services Comments
Daniel Villarreal connects with Fajo, who is among the elite type of dogs used for detection work.

Daniel Villarreal’s exit from the U.S. Army came in 2006 and he knew the next mission ahead. He wanted to train dogs for law enforcement and detection work and to help fellow veterans who need service dogs. Villarreal had received an introduction to the world of dogs and how they are trained before enlisting in the Army. He was eager to do that work full time in his post-military life…

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