Category Archives: e-Brief Features

TSTC Breaks Ground on Campus Transformation

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
TSTC Vice Chancellor of External Relations in Harlingen Cledia Hernandez talks about new facilities and programs of study that are scheduled to open in spring 2026 during a recent groundbreaking ceremony at TSTC’s Harlingen campus. (Photo TSTC)

Representatives of Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 7 for two new facilities and renovation of one existing building. The new additions will provide space for two programs new to the campus: Diesel Equipment Technology, and Plumbing and Pipefitting Technology.  The Automotive Technology and Diesel Equipment Technology programs will share nearly 50,000 square feet in one building. In addition, the Electrical Lineworker and Management…

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VA Holds Free Drive-Thru Food Pantry for Veterans

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
VA Drive-Thru Food Pantries

VA is working to eliminate food insecurity among veterans and their families with a free drive-thru food pantry on Dec. 14 at Harlingen Health Care Clinic. The drive lasts from 9-11 a.m., or while supplies last, at the clinic’s location at 2601 Veterans Drive. Veterans must be enrolled in health care at the VA Texas Valley Costal Bend Health Care System and present a valid VA identification card to confirm their veteran status.…

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Quinta Mazatlan Hosts Holiday Night Shopping

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
Holiday Night Shopping with Local Artists features an exhibition by Jessica Monroe.

Quinta Mazatlan invites the public to experience the spirit of the season at the “Holiday Night Shopping” with music and local artists selling their works inspired by nature on Dec. 14 from 6-8 p.m. The one-night free event features the award-winning South Texas artist Jessica Monroe known for her oil paintings inspired by the natural world. Her paintings bring awareness of environmental issues and celebrate the beauty of nature. Monroe…

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Harlingen EDC Relaunches Grant Program

Community e-Brief Features News Comments

The Harlingen Economic Development Corporation has relaunched its small business matching grant program, Revitalize Harlingen. An incentive grant, Revitalize Harlingen provides up to $10,000 for facade improvements made by eligible commercial businesses or property owners.  The program first began in January of 2023 as the brainchild of Mayor Norma Sepulveda and the City of Harlingen to rejuvenate targeted areas in the city. The program encourages reinvestment by small businesses to…

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McAllen Unveils Holiday Wonderland

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
Throughout the month of December, the tallest digital Christmas tree in America will light up the skies in McAllen at the South Pole Dream Land. (Photo McAllen Convention Center.)

Holidays in the Rio Grande Valley involve a lot more than your average Christmas tree, a lighted menorah, wrapping and unwrapping gifts, and eating too much turkey. The Valley is in Texas, where everything is big, including holiday events in McAllen. The city will host everything from parades to shopping events and holiday music from an orchestra and a wind ensemble to “The Nutcracker.” Dream Land Then there’s the South…

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Welding Together a New Life with VIDA

e-Brief Features Education News Non-Profit Comments
Diego Medina

Normally a 10 year old would be considered a child; however, at the age of 10, Diego Medina saw himself as a young man when his parents divorced. He began working in the fields and mowing lawns on the weekends to assist his mother with their household bills.  Over the years, Medina had countless setbacks, and he found it more and more difficult to get ahead. In his early 30s,…

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IMAS Hosts Holiday Market on Dec. 9

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

The International Museum of Art & Science hosts its annual Holiday Market at the Museum on Dec. 9 with an array of local artisans, a gallery talk from a guest curator, Gingerbread Challenge workshops and the annual Christmas Tree Forest community exhibition. IMAS says the Holiday Market at the Museum will be a haven for both art enthusiasts and holiday lovers. Admission is included with a discounted general admission price…

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McAllen ISD Names New Superintendent

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
Rene Gutierrez

The McAllen ISD Board of Trustees officially approved Rene Gutierrez as the district’s new superintendent of schools at a board meeting Monday night. The approval paves the way for the two-time Regional Superintendent of the Year to return to the district where he attended school and graduated from McAllen High in 1983. “We are elated to have Dr. Gutierrez as our new superintendent,” said School Board President Debbie Crane Aliseda.…

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Weslaco Parade & Run Kick Off the Holidays

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
Weslaco holidays

The holidays are upon the Rio Grande Valley and the City of Weslaco is ready to celebrate with community participation in the Weslaco Chamber Santa Dash and Lighted Christmas Parade, both on Dec. 9. The Weslaco Chamber of Commerce and RGV Theme Runs come together to host the return of the annual Santa Dash fun run. Participants will kick off the Weslaco Christmas Parade at 5 p.m., with each 5K…

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Salvation Army Red Kettles Return

e-Brief Features Featured Giving Back News Comments
Salvation Army Red Kettle

The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign will soon be back in Harlingen, ushering in the festive spirit of Christmas. The Red Kettle Campaign is The Salvation Army’s primary fundraising initiative, providing programs and services throughout the year, including food assistance programs, shelter for people experiencing homelessness, emergency financial assistance, youth programs and disaster response. “From its humble origins in 1891 when a Salvation Army Captain used a crab pot…

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