Author: Alejandro Cruz
The Challenges Facing the Rio Grande: A Deep Dive into Ecosystem Disruption Drought Conditions in Albuquerque In late July, an 18-inch-long snapping turtle sat in a dry riverbed where the Rio Grande typically flows through Albuquerque, New Mexico. This solitary creature was a stark reminder of the drastic changes taking place along the river, which usually teems with fish, ducks, insects, and diverse wildlife. Fast forward to October, and rain replenished the river’s muddy waters, allowing ducks to swim near sandbars. While this offered a temporary return to normalcy, the ongoing megadrought in the Southwest poses significant challenges for this…
VAMOS Scholarship Application Opens for 2026 Introduction to VAMOS Scholarships The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS) has officially opened its 2026 VAMOS Scholarship application as of December 1, inviting graduating high school seniors from the Rio Grande Valley to take the next step towards their educational aspirations. This initiative aims to support students who plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree and lack the financial means to do so. About VAMOS Established in 1996, VAMOS has dedicated nearly 30 years to empowering low-income students through four-year renewable scholarships and comprehensive support. The organization has contributed over $26…
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. Lamar Cardinals: A Thrilling Conference Showdown Date and Time: Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EST Location: Beaumont, Texas As the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (3-3) prepare to take on the Lamar Cardinals (2-4), fans can expect an electric atmosphere in Beaumont, Texas. This matchup marks the first meeting between these two in-conference foes this season. Upcoming Game Overview The Vaqueros have had mixed results this season, currently standing at 3-3, with a road record of 1-2. In contrast, the Cardinals are looking to improve on their 2-4 record and remain unbeaten at home so far…
Small Business Saturday Boosts Local Economy in Harlingen As the sun set on Saturday, local shop owners in Harlingen breathed a sigh of relief as Small Business Saturday brought much-needed traffic and support for their establishments. This annual event, designed to highlight the importance of supporting local businesses, encouraged residents to explore the vibrant shopping scene on Jackson Street. A Day of Local Shopping Crystal and Joseph Rodriguez took full advantage of the day by browsing various shops along Jackson Street. "There are so many shops. You just come, one stop, you go down here, you get a little walk,…
Choosing the Right State, Zip Code, and Country: A Comprehensive Guide In the digital age, filling out forms with the correct information is crucial for a seamless online experience. Whether you are shipping a package, signing up for services, or purchasing products, providing accurate details about your location is essential. This guide walks you through the process of selecting your state, entering your zip code, and choosing your country—ensuring that you complete your forms correctly every time. Understanding State Selection When filling out a form that requires state selection, it’s important to choose the right state from the dropdown menu.…
Comprehensive Guide to Selecting Your Shipping Information When completing an online purchase, one crucial step involves accurately entering your shipping information. This guide will walk you through the various sections of the shipping form typically required on e-commerce platforms, ensuring you understand the importance of each field. Understanding the Shipping Information Fields The fields on a shipping form may vary from one platform to another, but they generally consist of the following main categories: Address, City, State, Postal Code, and Country. 1. Selecting Your State The state selection is essential for determining the delivery logistics. Among the options available in…
Hurricane Melissa’s Impact on Jamaica: A Community Rallies for Recovery Hurricane Melissa recently wreaked havoc across Jamaica, particularly affecting Cornwall County and parts of Manchester and St. Elizabeth. The storm, which escalated to a Category 5, did not spare other parishes either. The Rio Grande Valley in eastern Portland, a region historically significant as Maroon territory, experienced some of the most devastating effects. Community Destruction and Resilience The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa saw countless families devastated, with homes destroyed and entire crops lost within a matter of hours. Many communities have been left without electricity, struggling to return to normal…
Unveiling the Thrills of Black Friday Shopping in the Rio Grande Valley Black Friday shopping is underway, igniting excitement among eager shoppers across the Rio Grande Valley. As customers flock to various stores, the hunt for incredible deals takes center stage. Early Birds Score Big Deals In McAllen, shoppers began lining up at La Plaza Mall as early as 5 a.m., demonstrating their commitment to finding the best bargains. Retailers in the area are embracing the shopping frenzy, with some offering discounts ranging from 20% to an impressive 70%. Such significant markdowns appeal to a diverse array of shoppers, from…
Andrej Stojakovic Shines in Illinois’ Victory Over Texas Rio Grande Valley A Stellar Night for Illinois Basketball In a thrilling matchup on Monday night, Andrej Stojakovic led the No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini to an impressive 87-73 victory against Texas Rio Grande Valley. Stojakovic put on an impressive performance, scoring 24 points, marking his fourth occasion in five games where he has surpassed the 20-point mark. Team Contributions and Home Court Dominance The Illini showcased their depth, with Mihailo Petrovic contributing 12 points and both David Mirkovic and twins Zvonimir Ivisic and Tomislav Ivisic adding 10 points each. This victory…
Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley Faces Federal Funding Suspension Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV), a prominent nonprofit in South Texas known for supporting migrants under the leadership of Sister Norma Pimentel, is facing a significant suspension from federal funding. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a six-year debarment following an investigation that revealed extensive grant violations. Details of the Suspension On November 19-20, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), acting on behalf of DHS, issued a Notice of Suspension and Proposed Debarment. This follows multiple audits and warnings that highlighted serious discrepancies, including…