Author: Isabella Cortez

STC Launches First Fire Academy in Starr County: A New Era for Aspiring Firefighters Introduction to the Fire Academy The South Texas College (STC) has proudly inaugurated its first Fire Academy cohort in Starr County, setting a significant milestone for future first responders. Upon successful completion of the academy, students will be eligible to take the Texas Commission on Fire Protection firefighter license examination, marking a pivotal step toward their careers in fire service. The Vision Behind STC’s Fire Science Program In Spring 2011, Victor Fonseca took the helm of STC’s Fire Science Program with little more than ambition. "We…

Janet Murguía Addresses Community Concerns in the Rio Grande Valley San Juan, Texas – In a significant engagement aimed at uplifting low-income families in the Rio Grande Valley, Janet Murguía, the president of UnidosUS, recently convened with local community organizations. The meeting took place at the headquarters of La Unión del Pueblo Entero, marking an important dialogue focused on pressing issues impacting the Hispanic community. Concerns About Federal Funding Cuts Following the private session, Murguía expressed her deep-seated concerns regarding potential federal funding cuts that could severely impact vital programs, including Medicaid and Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). These institutions play a…

Political Shifts in the Rio Grande Valley: A Community Divided The 2024 presidential election showcased significant political realignments across the United States, particularly in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Traditionally seen as a Democratic stronghold, this heavily Hispanic region switched to Republican support for the first time in generations, indicating deep-seated changes in voter sentiment and community dynamics. Socioeconomic Struggles Drive Political Change In communities facing economic hardship, the urgency of daily life can sway political affiliations dramatically. Luz Ramos, a 28-year-old donut shop owner, epitomized this shift. Having never voted before, she felt compelled to engage in the…

Addressing ICE Raids in Immigrant Communities: Insights from Tania Chavez Camacho Introduction In recent discussions concerning immigrant rights and community safety, Tania Chavez Camacho, the executive director of La Unión del Pueblo Entero (LUPE), has shed light on the pressing issues faced by immigrant families in the Rio Grande Valley. Her recent interview with the Rio Grande Guardian highlighted the alarming rise of ICE raids and their impact on local communities. Concerns Raised About ICE Raids Tania Chavez Camacho spoke candidly about her concerns regarding the increasing frequency of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in immigrant neighborhoods. These…

Understanding the Importance of Connection in Suicide Prevention September is recognized as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time when communities come together to raise awareness about suicide and the resources available for those in crisis. In regions like the Rio Grande Valley, there has been a noticeable increase in individuals seeking support. Understanding the factors that contribute to the risk of suicide is critical for effective prevention. The Role of Social Isolation and Mental Health Social isolation, mental health challenges, and life transitions can significantly elevate the risk of suicide. These issues are often intertwined, creating a complex web of…

Unhealthy Air Quality Levels in Texas Nature Reserves: What Tourists Need to Know Tourists visiting nature reserves in Texas, specifically Laguna Atascosa and Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuges, are advised to take precautions due to unhealthy air quality levels reported on Thursday. This warning comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), highlighting the potential health risks associated with elevated pollution levels in the area. Current Air Quality Status The EPA’s AirNow website has issued an alert indicating that regions in South Texas, including the aforementioned wildlife refuges, are experiencing increased levels of air pollution. According to the…

Shooting Incident at U.S. Border Patrol Facility in McAllen, Texas: All You Need to Know On the morning of July 7, 2025, a shooting incident occurred at a U.S. Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas, leading to a chaotic situation for law enforcement and nearby residents. The shooter, identified as 27-year-old Ryan Louis Mosqueda, engaged officers upon their arrival. This incident highlights the growing risks faced by U.S. Border Patrol agents as they continue their work along the nearly 2,000 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. The Incident: What Happened? Early on Monday, agents from the Rio Grande Valley Sector of…

The Need for Change: Addressing Historical Violence in Española In a poignant declaration at the Española City Council meeting on May 13, Luis Peña, a resident of Northern New Mexico, addressed recent events that highlight the pressing need for change in how the community recognizes its history. The pressing question remains: Should we glorify historical figures associated with violence? A Tragic Incident Sparks Outcry On September 28, 2023, the shooting of Jacob Johns, a Native climate organizer, in front of the Rio Arriba County building, marked a chaotic moment in Española. Witnesses reported how community members rushed to save Jacob’s…

The Emerging Landscape of School Choice in Texas: A Potential Turning Point for Education The Texas Legislature stands on the brink of enacting the largest day-one school choice program in the United States. This transformative school voucher legislation, which has already garnered approval from the Senate, is expected to be debated in the Texas House this week. As discussions unfold, the potential implications for communities like the Rio Grande Valley are significant and noteworthy. The Educational Challenges in the Rio Grande Valley The Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is grappling with some of the highest poverty levels in the nation. A…

Supporting Bilingual Education: UT-San Antonio and Valley View ISD Partnership Introduction In an inspiring initiative, the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) has forged a unique partnership with the Valley View Independent School District (ISD) in Hidalgo County for the third consecutive year. This collaboration is committed to fostering bilingual education by allowing students to pursue a high school diploma while simultaneously earning a Minor in Spanish from UTSA. The Valley View ISD: A Snapshot Valley View ISD is one of the smaller educational districts within Hidalgo County, Texas. Historically, it has engaged in collaborations with institutions like UT-Pan…