Category Archives: e-Brief Features

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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“Shop The Island” Returns to SPI

e-Brief Features Featured News Retail Comments
shop

South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce‘s “Shop the Island” initiative is back Nov. 22 through Dec. 16. For every $20 spent with any Island businesses, shoppers may register for a $500 Island shopping spree. Every dollar spent locally also ensures a healthy and growing South Padre Island economy. Original receipts may be dropped off no later than the close of business on Dec. 16 at the following SPI Chamber member…

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RGV Hosts Its Annual Charity Bowling Tournament

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments

This holiday season, American Advertising Federation–Rio Grande Valley is hoping to strike out hunger across the four-county region. The organization will host its fourth annual “Keep It Ugly” Charity Bowling Tournament on Dec. 3 at Flamingo Bowl in McAllen, with proceeds benefitting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley and the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, which helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the…

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McAllen Announces South Pole Illuminated Festival

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
South Pole of Texas

The South Pole Illuminated Festival, presented by H-E-B Helping Here, will bring the community together to celebrate the joy of Christmas with lights, festive entertainment, and new attractions for 2025. The festival’s signature Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 28 will once again mark the start of the holiday season in McAllen, officially transforming the city into the South Pole of Texas. During a press event on Nov. 11, McAllen Mayor…

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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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Edinburg EDC Announces Historic Downtown Renovation

Community e-Brief Features News Comments
221–225 E. University Drive and 115–119 N. 13th Avenue

The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation recently announced its support and approval of a major downtown renovation led by LEWIS Building LLC. The project will restore and repurpose a historic 1925 building located at 221–225 E. University Drive and 115–119 N. 13th Avenue. The renovation will be completed in phases. Phase 1 will deliver six “white-box” commercial rental spaces — move-in-ready units featuring finished walls, lighting and essential infrastructure. The spaces…

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STC Names 2025 Faculty of the Year

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
Sharon O’Leary

Sharon O’Leary was hired at South Texas College in 1999 to start the college’s music program. Now, 26 years later, the program is going strong, and she has been named Faculty of the Year for largely contributing to its growth. “I cried when saw I had been named Faculty of the Year,” said O’Leary. “Since 2008, my Department Chair Daniel Cather has been nominating me and this year, I told…

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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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Attention To Detail Spices Up Vet’s Salsa

e-Brief Features Food & Entertainment News Comments
David Carter stacks up his array of salsa products at a Rio Grande Valley street market. (Courtesy)

David Carter grew up a Kansas kid experiencing some of the more extreme weather fluctuations seen in the United States. There are severe winter storms and blizzards to go with severe thunderstorms over the Midwest plains. Then there are the tornadoes. Kansas averages over 80 tornadoes a year and the big storms of the state became immortalized in “The Wizard of Oz.” “I grew up in southwest Kansas and I…

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‘Veteran Way’ Guides RGV Business

e-Brief Features News Professional Services Comments
Every November, Armored Painting and a group of 50-plus volunteers paint a local veteran’s home as part of Operation Veteran Paint Project. (Photo Armored Painting)

Nelson Martinez and Joe Robledo met in fifth grade and from that point on seemed to live parallel lives. They lived one mile apart in Las Milpas in southern Pharr. Both men graduated from Hidalgo High School and each went on to serve two combat tours in Iraq. Martinez served in the Army and Robledo is a Marine. They are each college-educated with bachelor’s degrees in business administration.  Their friendship…

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