The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has returned to South Texas College, offering free tax preparation services to qualifying residents across the Rio Grande Valley ahead of the April 15 filing deadline. VITA offices are available at both STC’s Pecan Campus and Mid-Valley Campus, concluding March 12 at Mid-Valley and March 14 at Pecan. Services at the Pecan Campus will be offered Monday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m.…
The McAllen Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly session of Latina Hope on Feb. 4. The competitive pitch program facilitates training, networking and micro business development for Spanish-speaking women. The program offers business workshops, as well as specialized skill training in making candles, cards, jewelry, soaps, toys and wreaths. Latina Hope also offers classes in knitting/crocheting, quilting, sewing and alterations. After attending the training, participants are given the opportunity to…
Four schools from McAllen ISD earned a spot among America’s Best Schools Honor Roll – a national platform for schools with strong academic achievement. The list, created by the National Center for Urban School Transformation, includes James “Nikki” Rowe High, Brown Middle School, Seguin Elementary and Thigpen-Zavala Elementary. The 2026 America’s Best Schools Honor Roll recognizes “an exceptional group of schools whose applications demonstrate strong evidence of academic success for…
In observance of American Heart Month and to help educate the community on the importance of heart-healthy behaviors like regular physical activity and a well-balanced diet, South Texas Health System Heart will host its 12th annual Heroes with Heart 5K Walk/Run on Feb. 28 on the STHS Heart campus in McAllen. Open to the community, this year’s 5K will honor Rio Grande Valley service industry professionals who have survived and…
The McAllen Public Library invites readers of all ages to participate in the Texas America250 Reading Challenge, a statewide initiative led by the Texas State Library & Archives Commission and the Texas Center for the Book. The challenge encourages Texans to explore history, learning and service as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Participants may log 2,500 minutes of qualifying activities to be part of the challenge. These minutes include…
The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be closing nominations for its Women of Distinction Awards on Jan. 16. Nominations categories include: STEM and digital innovation, environmental and agricultural achievement, emerging leader, media and journalism, community and social leadership, justice and legal advocacy, educational innovation, healthcare champion, diversity and inclusion, and financial leadership. The awards will be presented on March 5 at the 2026 Hats Off to Women…
RGV LEAD, in partnership with Career Bridge, officially launches its S3 Entrepreneurship Challenge on Jan. 14. The regional initiative focuses on providing continued support, engagement and real-world entrepreneurial learning opportunities for students across the Rio Grande Valley. The S3 Entrepreneurship Challenge Kickoff and Informational Session will take place virtually via Zoom from 8-10 a.m. This session will introduce participating school districts, students, educators and community stakeholders to the program framework,…
The McAllen Wind Ensemble website reads that the group was established in 1973 by local music supporters and “sparked by Bill Wilson’s inspiration from plaza bands in Mexico.” But who is Bill Wilson? Bill Wilson was not a musician who wanted to start his own band. He was a man who saw a need and fulfilled it without fanfare. He was an Oklahoma native and led his high school band…
United Airlines has awarded AGI, the ground handling team operating at McAllen International Airport, with its Gold Safety Excellence Award, recognizing AGI’s outstanding commitment to safety in all aspects of its airport operations. “Safety is universal, and safety culture is something that’s hard to build and easy to lose,” said Marlon Suarez Garcia, senior manager-Line Stations Safety and Regulatory Compliance for United Airlines. “Safety culture is a feeling — and…
The Thanksgiving turkey and tamales are already a savory memory. Holiday lights sparkle throughout our communities. But nothing says “most wonderful time of the year” quite like music. In McAllen, a revered town band has spread the spirit of Christmas for over 50 years. The McAllen Wind Ensemble is actually the third name of the group, which was established in 1973. Businessman Bill Wilson brought the idea home to McAllen…