Category Archives: News

Tamez Recognized as Leader and Legend in Texas Nursing

Eloisa G. Tamez

Eloisa G. Tamez has worn many hats over the course of her life: an American civil rights leader, a professional nurse, a lifelong learner, a professor and an officer of the United States Army’s Nursing Corps. In 2024, she added another accolade to her list of achievements: “Leader and Legend of Texas Nursing.” The Texas Nurses Association recently selected Tamez, professor and associate dean for Student Success & Engagement at UTRGV School of Nursing,…

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Butterfly Center Bolsters Eco-Tourism

The Rio Grande Valley’s well-deserved renown for being a national birding hotspot overshadows another element of wildlife that attracts eco-tourists to the region.  The Valley has a stunning array of butterflies. Almost 40 percent of the over 700 species of butterflies in the United States live in the region. The National Butterfly Center south of Mission is at the forefront of this brand of eco-tourism. The center’s 100-acre site features…

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Body Language Builds Success

body language

What do you think your body language communicates to others? When used properly, body language can be your key to greater success. Your body language can help you build positive business relationships, influence others, motivate others and help you communicate more effectively with others.    An effective leader understands the power of using body language as another effective communication tool. Understanding how to communicate with more than words is critical to…

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Texas Labor Market Growth Continues into 2024

Labor Market Growth

The Texas labor market marked record-breaking growth with January over-the-month increases in jobs, Texans employed and the civilian labor force. Following annual benchmarking revisions to the 2023 labor market data, Texas’ seasonally adjusted job count increased by 18,900 in January to reach 14,053,400 jobs and achieve growth in 43 of the last 45 months. According to the revised data, Texas’ total nonfarm employment grew by 263,900 jobs from January 2023…

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MFE Grant to Fund Terminal Improvements

(photo McAllen International Airport)

More than $25 million is coming to the 15th Congressional District following the passage of the recent 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act. The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 ensures funding for critical government functions and programs, supporting various sectors and agencies in fiscal year 2024. Part of the total funding was the $7.4 million allocated for terminal improvements at the McAllen International Airport. “Thank you to Congresswoman De la Cruz for…

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McAllen to Honor Legendary Women

Legendary McAllen Women’s Luncheon

The McAllen Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Legendary McAllen Women’s Luncheon March 22 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the McAllen Convention Center Ballroom. The chamber invites the community to join them as they honor eight trailblazing women.  “The McAllen Chamber is thrilled to organize this special event dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of women whose leadership has left an enduring impact on our  community,” said McAllen…

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McAllen Library Hosts Annual Languages Festival

World Languages Festival

McAllen Public Library hosts its World Languages Festival at the Main Library at 4001 North 23rd Street on March 23 from noon to 3 p.m. The international event offers attendees a taste of global diversity through storytelling, food, art, music and performances. The award-winning festival, now in its fourth year, has earned recognition for its celebration of global cultures. Attendees can experience a diverse lineup of activities, including collaborations with…

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UTRGV School of Medicine Grant Funds Expansion

UTRGV School of Medicine

Resident physician opportunities at the UTRGV School of Medicine will soon be expanded by a $17.5 million grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The funding spans the 2024-2025 academic year and bolsters expansion of the UTRGV School of Medicine’s Graduate Medical Education programs by offering new residency options within the community. The School of Medicine’s goal is to increase its resident training capacity by academic year 2025 with…

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VIDA Helps Local Nurse Help Others

Melba Gutierrez

When friends told Weslaco resident Melba Gutierrez about the Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement, she listened intently. At the time, financial struggles made it difficult for her to attend nursing school full time because she had to work to help with basic necessities for herself, her partner and their two daughters — a pre-teen and a teen. Gutierrez, in her early 40s and a first-generation college student, applied to…

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TPW Authorizes New Cameron County State Park

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission recently authorized the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to pursue acquisition of approximately 477 acres for a new state park in exchange for approximately 43 noncontiguous acres from Boca Chica State Park. “This is an exciting opportunity to acquire land that has been of interest to us and the conservation community for many years,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz. “We look forward to working…

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