Author: Isabella Cortez
The Impact of Texas Policies on Families of Trans Youth: A Community Under Siege Introduction The landscape for transgender rights and support in Texas has sharply shifted, especially for families living along the Texas-Mexico border. A retired speech therapist, Sara Parsons, has been at the forefront of this community impact after her daughter came out as transgender six years ago. Today, Parsons supports local families via a newly formed support group amidst an environment increasingly hostile toward trans individuals and their families. Rising Concerns: Child Protective Services Investigations Recent actions by Texas officials have heightened concerns among parents of trans…
Discovering the Heartbeat of Latino Football Culture: Season 2 of Puro Texans The Houston Texans are more than just a football team; they embody a vibrant tapestry of culture, community, and passion. The latest season of Puro Texans, hosted by Houston Texans Cheerleader Jessica, offers an intimate glimpse into this exciting realm, especially as it pertains to Latino fans. What to Expect in Season 2 of Puro Texans In the premiere episode of the second season, host Jessica shares her personal journey and the profound influence that the Houston Texans have had on her life. Her story sets the stage…
STC and SHSU Forge a New Path in Criminal Justice Education In a significant development for aspiring law enforcement professionals, South Texas College (STC) has partnered with Sam Houston State University (SHSU) to facilitate a streamlined transfer process for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement graduates. This collaboration is not only designed to enhance educational accessibility but also to strengthen community ties in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Seamless Transfer to Bachelor’s Degrees This innovative partnership was celebrated with a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the beginning of a new educational pathway. Graduates of STC’s Criminal Justice program can now seamlessly transfer…
Rio Grande Valley Partnership Welcomes Paco Sanchez as New President and CEO The Rio Grande Valley Partnership (RGVP) has officially appointed Paco Sanchez as its new President and CEO. Bringing an extensive background in legislative affairs, Sanchez is poised to lead the organization forward into the upcoming state legislative cycle. A Legacy of Legislative Experience Paco Sanchez is no stranger to the political landscape of Texas. With over two decades of experience working in the Texas House of Representatives, he has a profound understanding of the legislative process. Having previously served as Legislative Director for State Representative Armando “Mando” Martinez…
UTRGV Vaqueros Men’s Basketball Hosts UIW Cardinals: A Night to Remember Location: UTRGV Fieldhouse, Rio Grande Valley Date: This Monday at 6:30 PM Event: Community Heroes Night The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s basketball team is gearing up to cap off a thrilling five-game homestand as they take on the UIW Cardinals this Monday evening. This exciting match is set to begin at 6:30 PM at the UTRGV Fieldhouse and promises to be a memorable event for fans and participants alike. A Special Tribute to Heroes In a heartfelt nod to the community, UTRGV is distributing…
Celebrating 87 Years of Agriculture at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show MERCEDES, TEXAS (RFD NEWS) — The Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show (RGVLS) is a cornerstone of agricultural tradition in South Texas, marking its 87th year with an enthusiastic turnout despite ongoing challenges such as drought and water shortages that plague farmers in the region. This event, which originated in 1940, continues to unite the community while focusing on educating the youth about agriculture and animal husbandry. The Essence of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show The RGVLS is drawing significant crowds again this year, reinforcing its longstanding legacy.…
Exciting Developments at the WERC Complex in Edinburg, Texas Introduction to the WERC Complex EDINBURG, Texas — The city is buzzing with anticipation as the UT-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) prepares to launch its Workforce, Economy, Research, and Community (WERC) Complex. This innovative facility, strategically located next to I-69 Central, marks a significant transformation of the former Haggar Clothing Company building, which later served as the base for UTRGV’s Community Engagement and Student Services (CESS). Funding and Project Overview The WERC project is made possible through a generous $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The total project cost…
Albuquerque Community Unites for Rio Grande Valley Blue Star Mothers’ Mission In a heartwarming display of solidarity, the Albuquerque community recently came together to support the Rio Grande Valley Blue Star Mothers in their ongoing mission. This organization, dedicated to assisting military families and nurturing connections with service members, underscores the importance of community involvement and support. Understanding the Role of Blue Star Mothers Blue Star Mothers is a national organization that supports mothers of service members. Founded in the early 1940s, it focuses on providing aid, sending care packages, and creating a supportive environment for families affected by military…
Impact of ICE Raids on the Construction Industry in South Texas The ongoing presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has left a significant mark on the construction industry in the Rio Grande Valley. Recent discussions within the community have brought to light the challenges faced by businesses due to heightened enforcement of immigration laws. Overview of ICE Raids in South Texas On June 4, 2025, ICE arrested 25 construction workers in Brownsville and South Padre Island, claiming they were undocumented. These incidents, among others, have heightened anxiety among immigrant workers and contractors alike, stifling regional construction efforts. Local Response…
Rewrite a fully new long article using the information from Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news.This story was produced by Grist and co-published with the Texas Tribune.Jon Dale was 15 and an avid birder when he began planting native seedlings beside his house in Harlingen to attract more birds. He hoped to restore a bit of the Tamaulipan thornforest, a dense mosaic of at least 1,200 plants where ocelots, jaguars, and jaguarundis once prowled among hundreds of varieties of birds and butterflies. Developers began…