Author: Gabriela Torres

The Controversy Surrounding Starbase: A Democracy Abused In April 2025, a small group of over 200 recent transplants to the Rio Grande Valley voted to designate the SpaceX rocket manufacturing facility as the city of "Starbase." This significant decision, however, has raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of such a designation, especially given the minimal involvement of long-term residents in the voting process. Understanding Company Towns The Risks Involved The concept of company towns has a troubling history in American society. In these towns, workers’ lives are often tightly controlled by business interests, leading to exploitative practices. Imagine the potential…

Efrén Olivares: Champion of Immigrant Rights Recognized in TIME100 Next List In a world that increasingly values inspirational voices, Efrén Olivares stands out as a prominent advocate for immigrant rights. His recent recognition in the 2025 TIME100 Next list, an esteemed selection celebrating influential rising stars, highlights his unwavering commitment to social justice. TIME100 Next: A Celebration of Rising Stars Launched six years ago by Time Magazine, the TIME100 Next list serves as an extension of its renowned annual 100 Most Influential People list. According to the magazine’s Editor in Chief, Sam Jacobs, this list aims to spotlight individuals who…

A New Chapter for the Rio Grande Valley: Monica De La Cruz Navigates Political Tensions The Rise of Monica De La Cruz Monica De La Cruz made waves in 2022 when she was elected to Congress as one of the first Republicans to represent the Rio Grande Valley since the Reconstruction Era. Riding the wave of Donald Trump’s popularity, her election symbolized a shift in a region that has long been a Democratic stronghold. With party primaries on the horizon, De La Cruz’s political stance is becoming increasingly scrutinized, particularly as her relationship with Trump begins to evolve. Evolving Dynamics…

The Future of Data Centers in Texas: Opportunities and Challenges The xAI data center is seen, May 7, 2025, in Memphis, Tenn. (George Walker IV/AP Photo) Economic analysts are forecasting a robust economic landscape for Texas and the Rio Grande Valley, with a notable factor being the rise of computer data centers. This surge is primarily driven by the exponential growth in computing power, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency mining, and other technological innovations. Yet, the increasing establishment of data centers brings forth significant concerns regarding their resource demands, particularly energy and water. The Growing Demand for Data…

Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley Faces Funding Suspension: What You Need to Know Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley (CCRGV) has recently come under scrutiny from the federal government, facing suspension of federal funding due to allegations of "incomplete and inaccurate" record-keeping. This situation is significant, as it could severely impact the agency’s operations, particularly its vital services for migrants in Brownsville, Texas. Overview of the Suspension On November 20, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) conveyed its decision to suspend CCRGV’s eligibility for federal funds via a formal letter. This letter also proposed debarment—a…

Trump’s Visit to the Rio Grande Valley: A Show of Support and Dissent Introduction On January 12, 2021, President Donald Trump made a notable appearance in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, primarily to celebrate the construction of the border wall. This event drew a diverse crowd, reflecting the polarized opinions surrounding immigration policies and border security in the United States. A Gathering of Supporters In McAllen, Texas, local supporters gathered enthusiastically to express their backing for the President’s initiatives. One supporter, Raul Garcia, remarked, "I support him and I think he’s a really good president." Such sentiments underscored a significant…

Valley View ISD Faces Backlash After Terminating Coaches Amidst Ongoing Seasons Valley View’s Angela Garcia (23) and McAllen Memorial’s Kassandra Gonzalez (23) battle for position in a District 31-5A game at McAllen Memorial High School on Thursday. (Joel Martinez | [email protected]) Overview of the Situation In a recent Valley View ISD school board meeting, student-athletes and their parents voiced their outrage regarding the abrupt termination of all paraprofessionals, including notable coaches from the basketball and soccer programs. The meeting, held on January 11, saw an outpouring of emotions as the community rallied together to express their concerns about the district’s…

Addressing Racial Health Disparities Revealed by the COVID-19 Pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled stark racial health disparities in the United States, particularly affecting African American and Latino communities. As the virus spread, these communities were hit disproportionately hard, highlighting inequities that have long existed in the healthcare system. Disparities in COVID-19 Infection Rates According to data from May 9, 2021, the rate of COVID-19 cases in predominantly white communities stood at 2,754 cases per 100,000 people. In striking contrast, Latino communities reported a staggering 9,992 cases per 100,000 people. Such figures underscore the unequal impact of the virus, affecting…

Rio Grande Valley Schools Shine with National Blue Ribbon Recognition Introduction In a remarkable achievement, schools in the Rio Grande Valley are breaking through traditional education barriers, showcasing impressive academic performance and resilience. The U.S. Department of Education recently unveiled its list of National Blue Ribbon Schools, which spotlight 325 exceptional campuses across the country. Notably, seven of these schools hail from the Valley, representing over one-fourth of Texas’s recognized institutions. Celebrated Schools in the Valley The 2021 National Blue Ribbon Schools from the Rio Grande Valley include: Achieve Early College High School (McAllen) Zeferino Farias Elementary (Alamo) Dr. Ruben…

Embracing Creativity for Community Growth: Lessons from Savannah and McAllen The Impact of Education and Imagination Only a minute? Listen instead. Savannah’s Creative Ecosystem Savannah, Georgia, a city smaller than McAllen, serves as a testament to what a community can achieve through investment in imagination and learning. The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has infused over $1 billion into the local economy, drawing students, artists, and investors from various locales. This influence has fostered a vibrant ecosystem comprising museums, gardens, and diverse culinary experiences. The overarching belief here is that creativity not only fuels economic growth but also…