Author: Julian Herrera
The Ongoing Struggle Against Poverty in Hidalgo County, Texas Understanding Hidalgo County’s Poverty Landscape Hidalgo County, Texas, faces a significant challenge with a poverty rate currently standing at 27.1%, more than double the state average of Texas. The statistics are even more alarming when it comes to children, with a staggering 39% living in poverty. These figures emphasize the urgent need for targeted measures to uplift the community. The Impact of the Prosperity Task Force In 2019, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez initiated the Prosperity Task Force with a clear objective—to reduce poverty and improve the overall economic landscape in…
The Political and Economic Landscape of McAllen: A Mayor’s Perspective on Immigration Raids A Shift in McAllen’s Community Dynamics In recent weeks, a noticeable shift has taken place in McAllen, Texas, a prominent city in the Rio Grande Valley. Mayor Javier Villalobos has observed a stark transformation in his community, particularly following a series of ICE raids across the region. "You visit construction subdivisions, and they’re empty. Even Home Depot seems desolate," Villalobos remarked, likening the atmosphere to The Walking Dead. A Historical Context of Political Realignment Historically, the Rio Grande Valley has been a steadfast supporter of the Democratic…
Poolwerx Expands into Rio Grande Valley: A New Era of Pool Care Poolwerx has officially launched its new franchise in the Rio Grande Valley, spearheaded by Franchise Partner Mike Reed. This exciting expansion encompasses the burgeoning markets of Edinburg and Brownsville, designated as territories #425 and #426. With Poolwerx being a global leader in pool services, this move reflects the growing demand for quality pool care in South Texas. About Mike Reed: A New Vision for Pool Care With a robust background of over 30 years in logistics, manufacturing, and accounting, Mike Reed is poised to make a significant impact…
Revitalizing Hidalgo County: A Call for Action and Investment Gene Wu’s Commitment to Hidalgo County In a significant move towards bolstering political support in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas State Representative Gene Wu, the minority leader of the Texas House, has pledged to secure vital funding for the Hidalgo County Democratic Party. This initiative aims to strengthen the party’s position ahead of the 2026 elections, addressing concerns over the region’s declining Democratic presence compared to the well-funded Republican opposition. Addressing Grassroots Concerns During a recent visit to McAllen, Wu engaged with the Hidalgo County Young Democrats and grassroots activists, expressing…
Microtransit Service Set for the Rio Grande Valley: A New Era for Rural Transportation Introduction to Microtransit In a promising development for the underserved rural communities of the Rio Grande Valley, a new Microtransit initiative is on the horizon. To facilitate this essential service, small cities in the region are encouraged to contribute approximately $7,000 each, creating a coalition that can support an efficient and modern transportation system. This initiative, spearheaded by Valley Metro, aims to establish a service akin to popular ridesharing platforms like Uber and Lyft, specially designed to meet the unique needs of these areas. The Vision…
Starr County Celebrates UTRGV’s Tenth Anniversary: A Testament to Educational Excellence The Starr County Commissioners Court held a pivotal meeting on July 28, 2025, focusing on various agenda items, including a significant proclamation that marks the tenth anniversary of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). This gathering reflected the deep-rooted connection between local governance and educational institutions, underscoring their shared mission to advance education within the community. Proclamation to Honor UTRGV’s Milestone At the forefront of the meeting was an action item dedicated to approving the proclamation celebrating UTRGV’s anniversary. Richard Sanchez, serving as the associate vice president…
Join the NRA Friends & Family Community Event in Texas The NRA Friends & Family Community Event is set to take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show Event Center located at 1000 N Texas Ave, Mercedes, Texas. This exciting and educational event is entirely free and welcomes individuals regardless of their membership status with the NRA. A Day Full of Learning and Fun This inaugural community event aims to promote safe firearm ownership and provide insightful introductions to various NRA programs. Attendees can explore the renowned Eddie Eagle GunSafe® Program, the Refuse to…