Author: Alejandro Cruz
RioPlex Leadership Gathering: Strategies for Growth and Collaboration McAllen, Texas – Vision for the Future Recently, the RioPlex organization hosted a pivotal meeting at the McAllen Country Club, designed to unite board members and ambassadors under the theme “Leadership Gathering.” This event aimed to engage participants in discussions centered around strategic planning, structural organization, and regional growth, positioning RioPlex to make a significant impact in the coming years. Reflecting on Progress and Future Plans At the gathering, attendees reflected on their inaugural year and strategized for the milestones planned for 2026. Such foresight is essential for fostering progress within the…
Transition in Leadership at the U.S. Border Patrol: Chief Jared Ashby Takes the Helm Recent developments within the U.S. Border Patrol have led to a significant and somewhat quiet leadership transition as Chief Jared Ashby steps into a prominent role following the departure of Gloria Chavez, the former Chief of the Rio Grande Valley sector. This change comes amid a backdrop of limited public announcements, prompting interest in the circumstances surrounding Ashby’s elevation. A New Chief Amidst Quiet Changes The leadership shift has been characterized by an absence of formal announcements, making it somewhat of an enigma to those following…
Tim’s Coats: A Celebration of Community Generosity in the Rio Grande Valley Introduction to Tim’s Coats Campaign For more than four decades, Tim’s Coats has served as a beacon of hope and warmth for residents of the Rio Grande Valley during the winter months. Launched in the early 1980s, this community-driven initiative has been instrumental in providing winter jackets to those in need, and it continues to thrive thanks to the generous contributions of local viewers. A Milestone Year In 2025, the Tim’s Coats campaign celebrated its 43rd anniversary, showcasing the unwavering commitment of the community. The recent drive generated…
Marv Esterly: A Legacy of Leadership at Valley International Airport Introduction In a significant chapter for Valley International Airport (VIA), Marv Esterly has officially retired after a distinguished tenure as the airport’s aviation director. His departure marks the end of an era, characterized by numerous advancements and a commitment to the future of air travel in the Rio Grande Valley. Reflections on a Career In an exclusive interview with the RGG Business Journal, Esterly shared insights into his experiences in the aviation industry and the transformative initiatives he spearheaded at VIA. As he reminisced about his beginnings, it became evident…
Lamar Cardinals Set to Face Off Against UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros In an exciting matchup scheduled for Tuesday, the Lamar Cardinals (5-4, 0-1 Southland) are set to host the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (3-6, 0-1 Southland) at 7 p.m. EST in Beaumont, Texas. Following a challenging game where Lamar suffered an 89-71 defeat to the San Diego State Aztecs, the Cardinals are eager to bounce back, particularly after standout Rob Lee Jr. delivered a commendable performance, scoring 21 points. Game Preview Team Records and Previous Performance As both teams come into the game looking to secure their first…
High School Soccer Media Day: Excitement Builds for Upcoming Season On a vibrant Sunday morning, over 25 high school soccer teams from the Upper Valley gathered at Nikki Rowe High School for an exciting media day, heralding the start of the 2026 soccer season. This annual event has become a pivotal moment for players, coaches, and fans alike as they prepare for the competitive season ahead. Anticipation in the Air The media day serves as a platform for teams to showcase their skills, share insights, and express their aspirations for the upcoming season. Coaches and players took the opportunity to…
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Sharyland Business Park: A New Era for the Rio Grande Valley MISSION, Texas – On December 10, 2025, Killam Development proudly unveiled its newest initiative, the Sharyland Business Park, during a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony. This event marks an exciting milestone in the economic landscape of the Rio Grande Valley, showcasing the importance of collaboration among local partners. The Significance of the Sharyland Business Park Killam Development characterizes the Sharyland Business Park as a pivotal industrial development that aims to bolster growth and opportunities within the region. Spanning 175 acres, this expansive project is strategically located near…
End of Water Dispute Between the US and Mexico: A New Agreement on Border Water Management Understanding the Recent Agreement on Water Deliveries In a significant development, the United States and Mexico have reached an agreement to resolve a prolonged dispute regarding water delivery at the Texas border. This resolution comes just days after former President Donald Trump threatened to impose additional tariffs on Mexican imports due to ongoing water shortages impacting communities along the border. According to a statement from the US Department of Agriculture, Mexico will provide an additional 202,000 acre-feet of water starting the week of December…
Federal Backlash: Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley Debarred Over Grant Misuse Overview The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has imposed a six-year debarment on the Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV), a prominent migrant shelter in McAllen, Texas. This action stems from allegations of improper grant usage that has raised significant concerns within the nonprofit community and among immigration advocates. Allegations Against the CCRGV Mismanagement of Federal Funds The DHS’s decision followed a thorough investigation conducted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on behalf of the department. The inquiry revealed that CCRGV had committed…
NextDecade Partners with Wood for Comprehensive Maintenance Solutions at Rio Grande LNG Facility Published: December 12, 2025 In a significant development within the natural gas sector, Scottish engineering and consultancy firm Wood has secured a pivotal ten-year contract with NextDecade. This partnership aims to deliver critical maintenance solutions at the Rio Grande LNG, a major liquefaction and export facility currently under development near Brownsville, Texas. Comprehensive Maintenance for LNG Operations NextDecade’s ambitious project covers an expansive approximately 1,000-acre site, and Wood is set to provide a range of comprehensive maintenance services tailored to support ongoing operations. This collaboration is crucial…