Category Archives: e-Brief Features

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

‘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…

Read More

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…

Read More

“Manual for Success” Key to Upcoming Men’s Conference

Community Events e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
Ramiro A. Cavazos

The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host Ramiro A. Cavazos, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as its keynote speaker for the second annual “Manual for Success” men’s conference and expo on Nov. 5 at the Memorial Event Center in Edinburg. Cavazos leads the nation’s largest business advocacy organization for Hispanic communities, bringing decades of experience in business development, leadership and community…

Read More

DHR Health Hosts Fall Fest and Health Fair

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
DHR Health Fall Fest and Health Fair

DHR Health Brownsville invites the community to take charge of their health and celebrate the season in a healthy way with their first ever Fall Fest and Health Fair on Oct. 25. The 8 a.m.-to-noon event takes place at the DHR Health Brownsville Hospital at 4750 North Expressway 77. The free, family-friendly event will provide a range of activities for children, including a costume contest and the Brownsville Police Department’s…

Read More

Valley Coastal Bend Hosts Prescription Take Back Day

Community Events e-Brief Features News Comments
Prescription Take Back Day

Texas Valley Coastal Bend Health Care System will be accepting and disposing of prescription medications from the community during the DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Oct. 24. Individuals (not only veterans) can use the local VA facilities in Harlingen and McAllen to dispose of unused controlled substance prescription medications. VA holds Medication Take Back Days to align with the bi-annual U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration National Prescription Take Back…

Read More

Port of Brownsville: Building the Future

e-Brief Features Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments
Port of Brownsville

At the southernmost point of Texas, where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf, the Port of Brownsville is driving a new era of growth and opportunity. Vessels, trains and trucks traverse the port’s industrial landscape, signaling more than just cargo in motion. This is the economic engine driving the Rio Grande Valley’s economy. As the only deepwater seaport located on the U.S.-Mexico border, the Port of Brownsville has become a…

Read More