Category Archives: e-Brief Features

STC Earns Designation for Online Excellence

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
South Texas College has earned an “Exemplary Program” designation by Quality Matters indicating the highest level of achievement for all its online courses.

More than five years in the making, South Texas College Digital Learning has become the only online program in the state of Texas to earn an “Exemplary Program” designation indicating the highest level of achievement for all its online courses. The designation awarded by Quality Matters, an international leader for quality assurance in online and digital environments, came about through a college-wide effort where STC met rigorous standards of online…

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SBA Offers Heartfelt Tools for Small Businesses

Business Advice e-Brief Features News Comments
Tools for Small Businesses

Just like any meaningful relationship, managing a small business requires effort, care and the right resources. In the spirit of appreciation, we’re sharing the small business resources we love just in time for Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just  starting your journey, these resources will help you blossom.   SBA Resource Partners The U.S. Small Business Administration has built an extensive support network of resource partners that provide a…

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Texas Labor Market Growth Continues

e-Brief Features News Comments
Texas, Austin

The Texas labor market achieved a new record-high level for jobs and the civilian labor force in December 2024. The state added 37,500 positions over the month, reaching a total of 14,318,700 nonfarm jobs. Texas added 284,200 jobs from December 2023 to December 2024, bringing the annual nonfarm growth rate to two percent, which outpaced the U.S. growth rate by 0.6 percentage points. December marks the 12th consecutive month of…

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Living History Day Brings the Past into the Present

Community Events e-Brief Features Education News Comments
Living History Day

Texas Southmost College will host its latest installment of its Living History Day on Feb. 1 at the TSC South Hall Lawn. The event is free and open to the public. Since 2017, Living History Day has been an event of sights and sounds of the past, celebrating the impact of both global and local historical eras. Visitors are encouraged to wear their best historical time-period costumes, meaning that it’s…

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Grant Funds IMAS Early Childhood Workshops

Arts e-Brief Features News Comments
Children participate in a Young Adventurers workshop at IMAS. (Courtesy)

The International Museum of Art & Science is continuing its Young Adventurers program, thanks to funding from a PNC Foundation grant. The program provides accessible early childhood learning opportunities to children ages 1 to 6 with an accompanying adult, emphasizing the importance of play and exploration in fostering early STEAM skills.  Young Adventurers is an educational program offering monthly weekday morning workshops from 10-11 a.m. Each session introduces a unique…

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McAllen Seeks Feedback to Name New City Park

Community e-Brief Features Featured Government News Recreation & Tourism Comments
McAllen park survey

The City of McAllen’s Parks & Recreation Department is seeking public input to name a new 23-acre nature park located at 8701 N. 23rd Street. This addition to McAllen’s extensive park system will offer activities such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, walking trails, an archery range and a campsite. Other features include boating and fishing piers, a gazebo and a multi-purpose meadow. “The ‘Name Our New Park’ survey represents a unique…

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UTRGV Names New Liberal Arts Dean

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
Jose Dávila-Montes

Dr. Jose Dávila-Montes, professor of Translation and Interpreting in the UTRGV Department of Writing and Language Studies, is the dean of the College of Liberal Arts, effective Jan.1. Dávila-Montes has been at UTRGV and legacy institution UT Brownsville since 2005 and has served as interim dean of Liberal Arts since June 2024. He holds bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Translation and Cross-Cultural Studies from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona,…

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McAllen Creates Traffic Department, Names Director

e-Brief Features Government News Transportation & Travel Comments
Marlen Garza

As the City of McAllen looks to enhance mobility for the safe, efficient and orderly movement of people and goods throughout the city, it has selected Marlen Garza to lead the newly created Traffic Department. Garza most recently served as the assistant director for Traffic Operations in the Engineering Department, where she led key projects related to roadway and traffic improvement projects. “The creation of the Traffic Department reflects McAllen’s…

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January is National Mentoring Month

Business Advice e-Brief Features News Comments

The word mentor has a rich history that dates back to the ancient world, yet its meaning is timeless. The term originated in Greek mythology from the character Mentor in Homer’s epic, The Odyssey. Mentor was a close friend of the hero Odysseus, who entrusted him with the care and guidance of his son, Telemachus, during his long absence. Mentor’s role was one of wisdom, support and nurturing leadership, guiding Telemachus through challenges and…

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VIDA Support Turns Student’s Worries Into Success

e-Brief Features Education Healthcare News Non-Profit Comments

McAllen resident Rachel Tauli Batallang works as a patient sitter, a health-care worker with specialized training to intently monitor and assist patients requiring close supervision. When she started in this position, Batallang earned $9.30 an hour; however, her pay has increased to $12.07 per hour. Batallang enjoys this job but longed to be a nurse. Former classmates of Battalang told her about the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement. This…

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