Category Archives: News

Four Local School Systems Awarded $1.9 Million Combined

e-Brief Features Education News Comments
Community Partnerships Grant

Mercedes ISD, Progreso ISD, Santa Rosa ISD and Vanguard Academy recently received a combined $1,940,000 in state funding through the Texas Education Agency’s Community Partnerships Grant. According to TEA, the funding supports significant improvements in educational and developmental outcomes for children by expanding access to wraparound services, strengthening family and community partnerships, and increasing access to academic supports. “Communities will soon have access to local and regional resources that will…

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RGV Startup Week Announces Lineup

Business Advice Community e-Brief Features News Comments
RGV Startup Week

RGV Startup Week has announced its lineup, featuring six flagship programs scheduled across the week of April 24 through May 2, with events hosted in Brownsville and partner cities throughout the Rio Grande Valley. More premiere events will be announced. In addition, dozens of panels, workshops, networking sessions, and community-driven programming will be held throughout the week across Brownsville and partner cities. Keynote: Ramón Soler Mallet, Commercial Director of Dr.…

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TWC Announces Adult Diploma Workforce Program

Community e-Brief Features Education Featured News Comments
diploma completion

The Texas Workforce Commission is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a…

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Free STEAM Learning Coming to RGV’s Youngest Minds

Community News Comments
IMAS

The International Museum of Art & Science has received a grant from the PNC Foundation, allowing the museum to bring hands-on STEAM learning experiences directly to young community members at no cost to their families. The grant recognizes the museum’s commitment to providing unique, educational experiences for preschool-aged children and their families. This milestone investment culminates in two initiatives: the ongoing Young Adventurers STEAM workshop series and PNC Adventure Day,…

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Film Commission Designates Mercedes as Film Friendly

Community e-Brief Features Featured News Comments
Mercedes

The Texas Film Commission has designated the City of Mercedes as a Film Friendly Texas Certified Community after completing the multi-step training and certification process. “Congratulations to Mercedes on joining more than 200 Film Friendly Texas Certified Communities,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “The Texas Film Commission partners with communities in every region of the state to market their unique appeal and attract new investments in media production. Through ongoing Film…

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Texas Valley Coastal Bend VA Wins Best Patient Experience Award

e-Brief Features Healthcare News Comments
VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System

VA Texas Valley Coastal Bend Healthcare System in Harlingen has been awarded the 2025 Veterans Health Administration Customer Experience Award for Best Patient Experience Award for facility complexity level 2. This national recognition honors VATVCBHCS demonstrating the Under Secretary for Health’s Veterans First priority by delivering exceptional patient experiences and exemplifying VHA’s mission to build trust, improve access and provide high‑quality, veteran‑centered care. The VHA CX Awards recognize facilities that…

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Mother/Daughter Duo Find A Niche

News Retail Comments
Christina Lopez, left, and her daughter, Sydney Salas, opened Johnston’s Hat Co. in McAllen in October 2025. (Courtesy Johnston’s Hat Co.)

Sydney Salas graduated from Texas A&M University in 2025 and immediately headed down a road less traveled. Her bachelor’s degree was in public health, but she had another field in mind. Salas flew to Denver in May 2025 with her mother, Christina Lopez, who is a State Farm Insurance agent in McAllen. Lopez was yearning to saddle up and fill an untapped niche.  “I wear a lot of hats and…

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Park Brings Nature To City’s Backyard

Community News Recreation & Tourism Comments
A pedestrian walkway makes its way through lush native flora at the Olmito Nature Park.

Joey Lopez took office in 2019 as Cameron County’s Precinct 2 commissioner.  He took office with $500,000 for park development as made available from a successful 2012 bond vote. The funds, Lopez said, were just sitting there and not being utilized in his northwest county precinct.  Lopez began scouting for landowners who could donate tracts of land to the county for park development. The county commissioner set his focus on…

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New Refinery Puts Port ‘On The Map’

Manufacturing/Industrial News Comments
The current construction of the Rio Grande LNG facility at the Port of Brownsville will be one of three major industrial complexes at or near the Port of Brownsville. (Courtesy)

The first new refinery to be built in the United States in 50 years is coming to the Rio Grande Valley at the Port of Brownsville and local officials say it will make the region a hub for energy logistics and growth. America First Refining with the financial backing of India-based Reliance Industries will construct the facility on the southside of port’s shipping channel. It will take up to seven…

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A&M Trees Grant Plants Awareness 

Community News Comments
Parents and children gather around Alan Williams of Region One as prepares to plant a tree at a San Benito city park. (Courtesy)

Alan Williams works with cities and schools in developing native habitats and will cut to the chase and ask local leaders what they’re willing to invest in green spaces.  “Something I’ve talked to city managers and parks directors about is to be honest with ourselves and look at the time public works departments spend on tree care,” said Williams, who is the landscaping and gardening director for the Region One…

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