Category Archives: News

UTRGV Recognizes BCIC’s eBridge Partnership

BCIC

The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation is one of 13 organizations recently recognized with UTRGV’s Community Partner Recognition Award for the 2024-2025 academic year. The recognition is connected to UTRGV’s Carnegie Community Engagement Reclassification work and highlights partners whose collaboration supports community engagement across the Valley. BCIC’s recognition reflects its long-running partnership with UTRGV’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center. Together, BCIC and UTRGV ECC operate the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization…

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STC to Launch AI Community Course

In the new year, South Texas College is introducing a new community course – Essentials of AI, or artificial intelligence. T

In the new year, South Texas College is introducing a new community course – Essentials of AI, or artificial intelligence. The course, beginning Jan. 20 through STC’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development, is an entry-level introduction to AI. Faculty from STC’s Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics Technology and Cybersecurity programs will teach the course. Vice President and Provost of Academic Affairs and Economic Development Anahid Petrosian said for the last two…

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UTRGV Breaks Ground on Port Isabel Research Facility

Marine Ecosystems Research Facility groundbreaking

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday for the Marine Ecosystems Research Facility, marking the start of construction on a $21.5 million coastal research center that will expand the university’s capacity in marine and environmental sciences. The project was approved earlier this year by The University of Texas System Board of Regents and will be constructed at 905 S. Garcia Street in Port Isabel. The 14,500-square-foot…

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BPUB Director Elected to ERCOT Subcommittee

Cory Carswell

Cory Carswell, director of Power Supply and Market Operations for the Brownsville Public Utilities Board, has been elected to represent municipally owned utilities on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas Wholesale Market Subcommittee. The Wholesale Market Subcommittee is a voting body that reports to ERCOT’s Technical Advisory Committee, which in turn advises the ERCOT board of directors. WMS plays a critical role in shaping market rules and reviewing key issues…

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Port Honors M&M Mooring

Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra and Mark Clive, owner of M&M Mooring

The Port of Brownsville has honored M&M Mooring as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Chairman’s Award. Brownsville Navigation District Chairman Esteban Guerra presented the award to owner Mark Clive at the recent annual Customer Appreciation Luncheon at the Rancho Viejo Conference Center. “M&M Mooring has been a trusted partner of the Port of Brownsville for nearly three decades, providing essential maritime services with professionalism, reliability and an unwavering commitment…

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DHR Health Hosts “Circle of Care” Conference

caregiver

DHR Health celebrates family caregivers by inviting them to its 12th annual “Circle of Care” Caregivers Conference on Dec. 6 at at the Edinburg Conference Center at Renaissance. The event is designed to empower caregivers with knowledge, resources and inspiration while also prioritizing something they often neglect — their own health and well-being. Taking place from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the conference includes workshops, interactive educational sessions, wellness-focused discussions,…

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Pharr Earns Scenic Texas People’s Choice Award

City of Pharr

The City of Pharr has been awarded the 2025 Scenic City People’s Choice Award by Scenic Texas. The Pharr City Commission announced the achievement during a recent meeting, where the Development Services Department presented the award and shared the news with the community. Chosen through statewide public voting, this recognition highlights Pharr’s ongoing commitment to fostering a more beautiful, vibrant and visually appealing environment for all. Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez praised…

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LSNB Hosts Annual Toy Drive

Christmas For Kids, toy drive

Lone Star National Bank is currently hosting its annual Toy Drive, a community-driven initiative designed to bring joy and holiday cheer to children across the local communities. Through Dec. 12, employees, customers and community members may contribute via collection boxes at all Lone Star National Bank locations. The Annual Toy Drive has become a hallmark of LSNB’s dedication to social responsibility.  This year’s donations will support CASA of Hidalgo County,…

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Mercedes Refreshes Boots & City’s Heritage

Some of the boots of Mercedes were lined up and repaired recently at Viera’s Paint & Body shop.

The city of boots has refreshed its look with paint and repairs that are making it shine anew. The City of Mercedes over the last 13 years has highlighted the city’s western heritage with 30 boots – each standing six feet tall – that are placed on street corners and major intersections. The boots bear the names of colleges and universities in Texas and the United States. The city’s big…

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Entrepreneur Lights Up Holidays

Homeglow’s custom installation features professional-grade lights that are fit to each home with well-concealed extension cords. (Courtesy)

Michael Zapata made his way through college engineering curriculum and earned a degree before realizing he yearned for something else. Majoring in mechanical engineering, the UT-Rio Grande Valley graduate desired a work life beyond the confines of an office-oriented job. The Brownsville native tried working in restaurants and then did outside sales work in Houston before returning home with a clear goal in mind. “I wanted to own my own…

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