Author: Isabella Cortez
Emergency Response to Catastrophic Flooding in the Rio Grande Valley Commissioner Sid Miller Offers Support and Safety Guidance On March 28, 2025, Commissioner Sid Miller of the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) community as they cope with unprecedented flooding. In a statement released from Austin, Miller described the devastating impacts of heavy storms that delivered an astounding half a year’s worth of rainfall within just 48 hours. This deluge has wreaked havoc across the region, affecting residents, farmers, and ranchers alike. The Scale of the Disaster The severe weather…
Understanding the Economic Landscape of the Rio Grande Valley: Insights from Local Leaders In a recent gathering held in Edinburg, prominent business and community leaders from the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) convened to shed light on the misconceptions surrounding their region. This event, organized by The Texas Tribune, focused on the significant contributions of the RGV to Texas and national economies, while also addressing the challenges it faces. The RGV: A Vital Economic Contributor Growing Economic Prowess Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. underscored the need for greater awareness regarding the RGV’s economic role. “People often overlook how much we contribute…
Catastrophic Flooding in the Rio Grande Valley: A Comprehensive Overview The Rio Grande Valley is grappling with the aftermath of a severe storm that unleashed nearly six months’ worth of rain in just two days. This unprecedented weather event has prompted emergency declarations across multiple counties, with officials working tirelessly to respond to the destructive impacts. Disaster Declarations Across Multiple Counties On Friday morning, disaster declarations were signed for Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr counties. This formal recognition allows these regions to access essential resources for recovery and relief efforts. According to Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, extraordinary measures are…
RGV Focus Releases 2024 Annual Report Card: A Detailed Look at Educational Progress in the Valley HARLINGEN, Texas – RGV Focus has officially unveiled its 2024 Annual Report Card at the UT-Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine in Harlingen. The report highlights significant educational achievements in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), showcasing that the region is outperforming the state in the majority of tracked metrics. Key Metrics of Success According to the report, the RGV leads the state in nine out of twelve critical educational metrics. These metrics serve as essential indicators of academic performance and readiness for higher education.…
Community Mobilization and HIV Prevention: A Focus on the Valley AIDS Council Introduction: Supporting Growth and Engagement In Weslaco, Texas, community engagement takes a front seat as organizations like the Valley AIDS Council work tirelessly to foster health awareness and mobilization. Recently, Steven Cano, a dedicated community mobilization and HIV prevention specialist, shared insights into the council’s impactful work during a luncheon hosted by the RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Luncheon Highlights: Building a Thriving Village The event, aptly titled "Building a Thriving Village – Supporting a Healthy & Engaged Community," aimed to emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts to…
Severe Flooding Hits the Rio Grande Valley: Disaster Declarations Issued In a shocking turn of events, the Rio Grande Valley has faced catastrophic flooding following an unprecedented rainfall, reported to be equivalent to half a year’s worth in just 48 hours. The situation has prompted multiple disaster declarations across the region, including Cameron, Hidalgo, Willacy, and Starr counties. Flood Impact and Casualties As of now, Hidalgo County has reported a correction in the number of deaths associated with the flooding. Initially stated to be three, County Emergency Management Coordinator Ricardo Saldaña confirmed that two fatalities were linked to the storm.…
Disaster Declaration Issued for RGV Flooding The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is experiencing significant challenges due to recent flooding, prompting officials to issue a disaster declaration. This situation has affected numerous communities and is raising concerns over the immediate and long-term implications for residents and local agriculture. Understanding the Situation The flooding in the Rio Grande Valley has resulted from a combination of heavy rainfall and local drainage issues. As water levels rise, the need for prompt and effective response measures has become paramount. Many families are facing displacement, and critical infrastructure is at risk. Immediate Impact on Communities Residents…
RGV Startup Week 2025: A Celebration of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Rio Grande Valley The Rio Grande Valley is set to host its largest entrepreneurship and innovation event, RGV Startup Week 2025, from April 25 to May 2, 2025. Announced at a recent press conference, this weeklong celebration promises to unite entrepreneurs, innovators, businesses, and community leaders, promoting the region’s vibrant startup ecosystem. What to Expect at RGV Startup Week Diverse Events and Activities RGV Startup Week will feature a variety of events tailored for startup enthusiasts ranging from seasoned entrepreneurs to those just beginning their entrepreneurial journey. Attendees…
The Controversy Surrounding the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” Introduction The proposed One Big Beautiful Bill Act has sparked significant discussion and controversy across South Texas. While some leaders, including U.S. Senator John Cornyn, have expressed their support for the bill, numerous local organizations and lawmakers have voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the negative impacts it may have on funding for critical services in the region. Senators and Their Perspectives During a podcast with Mario Reyna, the Prosperity Task Force coordinator, Rio Grande Guardian Editor, Steve Taylor, urged South Texas leaders who back the legislation to come forward. His request for…
Community Unites in Response to Flooding in South Texas Overview of the Flooding Situation Dallas, Texas (April 4, 2025) – The Rio Grande Valley of South Texas is currently experiencing significant turmoil due to widespread flooding. This disaster has left many communities struggling, with power outages affecting thousands of homes and water damage impacting over 4,500 residences. As the floodwaters recede, local organizations and residents are banding together, exemplifying the resilient spirit of unity in the face of adversity. Salvation Army’s Efforts In response to the catastrophic flooding, the Salvation Army has deployed eight mobile kitchens throughout the affected areas,…