Category Archives: e-Brief Features

Lemonade Day McAllen Returns

Lemonade Day

Lemonade Day McAllen returns Oct. 29, allowing local kids to fulfill their dreams of being a business owner once again. The community-wide educational program teaches youth the entrepreneurial skills necessary to start, own and operate their own business via a lemonade stand. However, volunteers, mentors, customers and businesses who can provide a safe stand location are needed to make the day a success. The public can participate in a number…

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Local Contest Encourages Youth Nature Photographers

Southern Exposures Youth Nature Photo Contest

Quinta Mazatlán and the Valley Land Fund are hosting the Southern Exposures Youth Nature Photo Contest through Aug. 1. The annual contest encourages children ages 5 to 18 to take notice and act to protect the beauty of nature in the Rio Grande Valley. Between now and Aug. 1, children from 5 to 18 can submit up to six nature photographs taken only in the Rio Grande Valley. Photos can…

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Garcia Awarded Nation’s Highest Civilian Honor

Dr. Juliet Garcia

Brownsville native and longtime educator Dr. Juliet Garcia will receive the nation’s highest civilian honor today in Washington D.C.  President Joe Biden will award The Presidential Medal of Freedom to the former longtime president of the University of Texas at Brownsville at the White House. For Garcia, it is the culmination of both a life in education and as a local, regional and national leader in the field of higher…

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VIDA’s Support Leads To Success

Lupita Caballero

Edcouch resident Lupita Caballero felt fortunate to have a job as a health-care provider but earning $10 an hour placed her in a situation countless Rio Grande Valley residents know all too well. She knew she needed a degree in nursing to advance in the field of health care, but on her salary, she had no discretionary income to pay for college classes, textbooks and uniforms. Though the hurdles never…

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Large Travel Center & New Restaurants Coming To Mercedes

A new travel center in Mercedes will feature a 12,000-square-foot main area with a Wendy's, a deli, store and a large number of bathrooms. (Courtesy)

The Expressway 83 space near the Rio Grande Valley Premium Outlets will soon have a major restaurant and fueling stop development as a 12,000-square-foot travel center comes to Mercedes. Waxahachie-based Victron Energy Inc. has broken ground on the development, which will be located on the intersection of the expressway’s frontage road and Mile 2 E Road. The travel center will serve as the centerpiece of the development, which will also…

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STC Among “Best Associate Degrees in Texas”

South Texas College ranks among the top institutions for associate degrees statewide according to University HQ. (photo STC)

South Texas College is one of the “Best Associate Degrees in Texas” and is ranked the highest among two-year colleges in the region, according to University HQ. The independent educational organization compiles information for students pursuing higher education. University HQ bills itself as an all-in-one source for information on colleges, entrance requirements and career paths, providing career guides for students. The organization also has STC among the “Top Colleges for…

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Pharr and UTRGV Co-Host 2023 WAC Championships

At a June 20 joint press conference, the City of Pharr and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced that they will be co-hosting the 2023 Western Athletic Conference Swimming & Diving Championships Feb. 22-25, 2023 at the City of Pharr Natatorium. The City of Pharr Natatorium at 3001 North Cage Blvd. opened its doors in January 2022. The facility features an Olympic-size, eight-lane, 50-meter…

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BCIC Recognizes Top Startups in Brownsville

Valley Tire Recycling of Brownsville wins the grand prize at BCIC’s recent Pitch Summit. (Courtesy)

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation hosted its third annual StartUp Texas Pitch Summit on June 16 and selected one grand prize winner among nine competitors.  Valley Tire Recycling took home the top honors and $25,000 in seed funding for their new venture in Brownsville. The other eight candidates will each receive six months of incubation and business support services from the BCIC. By design, the Pitch Summit recognizes emerging startup…

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City of McAllen Seeks Input for Comprehensive Plan

McAllen City Hall

The City of McAllen is developing an updated comprehensive plan and is asking for residents’ input on what they feel the community needs. The plan will help McAllen maintain its character, enhance the quality of life for residents and support economic development. Residents can visit the website Envision McAllen, at mcallen2040.com  to take a survey on needs. They can also share ideas on what they would like to see in…

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McAllen To Host Risk & Safety Conference

risk management

The City of McAllen Risk Management Department is once again hosting the Risk and Safety Expo June 22-23. The sixth annual conference includes sessions, meals, an awards ceremony and welcome reception at at the McAllen Convention Center. The conference is open to risk and safety professionals in addition to anyone who is responsible for developing and implementing workplace safety and risk management policies from various organizations. These include municipalities, counties…

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