Rio Grande Guardian
Adam Gonzalez
- Title
- Adam Gonzalez
- Runtime
- 22:07
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) hosted an event titled: “Let’s Build the Future of the Automotive Industry Together in the Rio South Texas Region.” It was held at the Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center. COSTEP CEO Adam Gonzalez was the emcee. He explained that the group wants to thoroughly map all the automotive industry assets the Rio South Texas region has. This would include suppliers to the industry. The Rio South Texas region is defined as the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and northern Tamaulipas. Gonzalez said the project cannot be successfully undertaken without the support of key stakeholders, such as manufacturing companies, industrial park owners, economic development groups, and academic institutions. Here are Gonzalez’s remarks from the podium at the beginning and end of the event.
- Title
- April Castañeda
- Runtime
- 11:16
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- April Castañeda is the new executive director of Donna Economic Development Corporation. She was previously No. 2 at Weslaco Economic Development Corporation. In a podcast with the Rio Grande Guardian, Castañeda spoke about her plans to attract more business to Donna. The big asset the city has, Castañeda said, is its international bridge. Castañeda said the bridge should be taking fully loaded cargo soon. That will be a game-changer, she said. Another big asset on the horizon, Castañeda said, is construction of Highway 68, which will cross I-2 in Donna and extend north to Edinburg.
- Title
- TSC
- Runtime
- 0:32
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- A $20,000 donation has been presented to Texas Southmost College’s nursing program this week. College leaders said the donation reinforces the community’s ongoing investment in the future of local healthcare. The contribution, donated directly by local philanthropist and retired businessman Steven De la Garza, was officially awarded during a special check presentation ceremony held at the TSC International Technology, Education and Commerce Center.
- Title
- Producing more teachers
- Runtime
- 9:41
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Pharr Economic Development Corporation and Region One Education Service Center held a joint press conference on July 9, 2025, to announce a partnership aimed at helping the residents of Pharr become certified educators. They can do so through Region One ESC’s Teacher Alternative Certification Program, which removes financial barriers for participants. The certification can be obtained at no cost to participants. The partnership is part of a broader effort supported by the Rio South Texas Education & Community Development Foundation, working alongside Region One ESC to address the urgent statewide need for certified teachers.
- Title
- Edinburg's growth
- Runtime
- 12:24
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Raudel Garza, executive director of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, recently spoke at a Greater McAllen Association of Realtors event. He spoke about the growth of the city and the work of the EDC. Much of the growth is being spurred by the healthcare sector and UT-Rio Grande Valley, he explained. In fact, with a population of 108,000, the city is the tenth fastest growing city in Texas and the 25th fastest in the nation. Garza also spoke about the need for more industrial parks.
- Title
- Ryan Guillen
- Runtime
- 3:16
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Roma International Bridge in Starr County is the third largest port of entry for the importation of tomatoes from Mexico. Roma is in state Rep. Ryan Guillen’s district. Guillen participated in a press conference hosted by the Texas International Produce Association at GR Fresh in south McAllen on Friday, July 11, 2025. The press conference was called in order to fight to keep the Suspension Agreement on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico in place. The Department of Commerce plans to end the agreement, which pleases tomato growers in Florida. After the press conference had concluded, Rep. Guillen gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian about the issue.
- Title
- Dante Galeazzi
- Runtime
- 3:49
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Texas International Produce Association is battling to keep the Suspension Agreement on Fresh Tomatoes from Mexico in place. The Department of Commerce plans to end the agreement, which pleases tomato growers in Florida. TIPA held a news conference on the issue at GR Fresh in south McAllen on Friday, July 11, 2025. The group was joined by growers and importers, U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, and state Rep. Ryan Guillen. After the press conference had concluded, TIPA President Dante Galeazzi gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian about the issue.
- Title
- Victor Perez
- Runtime
- 14:44
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Pharr Economic Development Corporation President Victor Perez recently gave a presentation to the Greater McAllen Association of Realtors. In a wide-ranging power point presentation, Perez spoke about industrial, commercial, and retail development. He also spoke about the expansion of the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge, and his city’s award-winning fiber-to-the-home broadband service. Later that day, Perez gave the Rio Grande Guardian an interview about his presentation to GMAR. Here is the interview.
- Title
- Juan Escobar
- Runtime
- 35:00
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Vietnam War veteran, former Kleberg County Judge and state Representative Juan Escobar was recently inducted into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame. That sporting prowess, both as a runner and basketball player, was honed as a student at Roma High School. The Rio Grande Guardian wanted to catch up with Escobar to talk about his sporting achievements but also to drill down on his love of local history. He is a famed genealogist. We said we would cover his time in combat and his duties as an elected official on another occasion. Here is the interview.
- Title
- Hidalgo County Courthouse - The Judges
- Runtime
- 2:04
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- ERO Architects has commissioned three videos about the new Hidalgo County Courthouse. In this video, the judges that will use the building review the facilities.
- Title
- Hidalgo County Courthouse - Eli Ochoa
- Runtime
- 2:42
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- ERO Architects has commissioned three videos about the new Hidalgo County Courthouse. In this video, the founder of ERO, Eli Ochoa, explains how and why he designed it the way he did.
- Title
- Hidalgo County Courthouse - The Interior
- Runtime
- 2:37
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- ERO Architects has commissioned three videos about the new Hidalgo County Courthouse. In this video, the designers say they wanted to respect the dignity of the proceedings that go on inside the courthouse.
- Title
- Mario Reyna
- Runtime
- 16:12
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service recently had an in-depth discussion with Mario Reyna, coordinator for the Prosperity Task Force. Part of the discussion focused on RioPlex, the marketing initiative aimed at promoting the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas around the world. RioPlex came about through a Prosperity Task Force subcommittee - the CEO Group. It is driven by industry and commerce leaders in the private sector and Reyna is the chairman of its board of directors. Here is a video recording of the discussion about RioPlex.
- Title
- Orlando Campos
- Runtime
- 22:06
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Orlando Campos is celebrating his second year as CEO of Harlingen Economic Development Corporation. To coincide with this anniversary, Campos recently sat down for an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service about his group’s work. He spoke about the projects the EDC is working on, the importance of Mexico to the city of Harlingen, and workforce training. Campos said he would be attending a big international trade summit in Mexico City this week being hosted by the Texas Lyceum. One of the big projects Campos and his team are working on could mean hundreds of new manufacturing jobs coming to the city.
- Title
- Adam Gonzalez
- Runtime
- 11:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) hosted an event titled: “Let’s Build the Future of the Automotive Industry Together in the Rio South Texas Region.” It was held at the Cambria Hotel McAllen Convention Center. COSTEP CEO Adam Gonzalez explained that the group wants to thoroughly map all the automotive industry assets the Rio South Texas region has. This would include suppliers to the industry. The Rio South Texas region is defined as the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and northern Tamaulipas. Gonzalez said the project cannot be successfully undertaken without the support of key stakeholders, such as manufacturing companies, industrial park owners, economic development groups, and academic institutions. At the end of the event Gonzalez gave an in-depth interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
- Title
- Sergio Castro - Part One
- Runtime
- 1:01:04
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Sergio Castro is co-owner of AIM GIS Solutions. The company helps small cities with their digital mapping needs. Among the cities his company is currently helping are Elsa and Edcouch. Castro gave a presentation about his company's work at the recent 2025 Delta Area Summit. He followed this up with this in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian. Part of AIM GIS's remit in Elsa and Edcouch is to improve the identification of property addresses, so that emergency responders can find those properties easily. Hundreds of addresses will have to change, Castro explains.
- Title
- Lizzy De la Garza Putegnat discusses TSTC
- Runtime
- 7:19
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Marketing and public relations specialist Lizzy De la Garza Putegnat of Harlingen is a board trustee for Texas State Technical College. In this video, De la Garza Putegnat discusses the importance of TSTC, both at the local level and across the state. She points out that the college gets its funding based on performance, which explains why its success rate in helping students learn new skills is so high.
- Title
- Sergio Castro - Part Two
- Runtime
- 30:10
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Sergio Castro is co-owner of AIM GIS Solutions. The company helps small cities with their digital mapping needs. Among the cities his company is currently helping are Elsa and Edcouch. Castro gave a presentation about his company's work at the recent 2025 Delta Area Summit. During his remarks, he said part of AIM GIS's remit in Elsa and Edcouch is to improve the identification of property addresses, so that emergency responders can find those properties easily. Hundreds of addresses will have to change, Castro explained. Here is his presentation in full.
- Title
- Dr. Federico Zaragoza
- Runtime
- 8:31
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Dr. Federico Zaragoza, a Laredo native and former president of the College of Southern Nevada, tells the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service that he wants to give back to the border community. Zaragoza spoke about the impact of Artificial Intelligence at a luncheon hosted by the Laredo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He said he is concerned that border communities and their small businesses are being left behind when it comes to understanding the uses of AI. At the conclusion of his speech he gave an in-depth interview to the Guardian about AI, the education of Hispanic students, and his future plans.
- Title
- Elva M. Cerda
- Runtime
- 18:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Friends and family of the late Nedra Kinerk met at McAllen Heritage Center to celebrate her life on what would have been her 93rd birthday. Kinerk died a few weeks ago after a short battle with cancer. Kinerk, a native of Indiana, moved to the Rio Grande Valley in the late 1980s. A civic leader, she co-founded McAllen Heritage Center, PalmFest and Futuro McAllen. Among those to speak at the celebration of life event were state Sen. Juan Hinojosa, Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez, and McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos. At the end of the event, the executive director of the McAllen Heritage Center, Elva M. Cerda, sat down for an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian to discuss Kinerk's impact as a civic leader and future plans for the center.
- Title
- Previewing the 2025 Luna Awards Luncheon-RGV Region
- Runtime
- 20:00
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Regional Hispanic Contractors Association, in partnership with the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, has set August 27, 2025, as the date for the 2025 Luna Awards Luncheon-Rio Grande Valley Region. The program honors the outstanding achievements of women, women-owned businesses and advocates in the architecture, engineering and construction industries.
The event is slated to take place at the Harlingen Convention Center. Previewing the event, RGVHCC President & CEO Cynthia Sakulenzki says there are more categories this year. They are: A/E/C Firm of the Year, Service Firm of the Year, Rising Star A/E/C Firm of the Year, Outstanding Administrative Professional, Outstanding Professional, A/E/C Woman of the Year, Business Advocate of the Year and the distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award. She said nominations are now open and will close August 1. Accompanying Sakulenzki on this preview is Rio Grande Valley native Alize Dixon, a rising star in the construct...
- Title
- Mario Reyna
- Runtime
- 36:45
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Mario Reyna is coordinator of the Prosperity Task Force, a group set up by Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez to reduce poverty in the region. Reyna came out of retirement to take on this role. He spent 19 years in the military and 23 years in academia. In an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Reyna discusses the work of the Prosperity Task Force, and the work of an entity that came about because of the Prosperity Task Force - RioPlex. He also discusses the PossAble Dream Foundation set up by Region One Education Service Center Executive Director Daniel P. King, and the likely impact federal funding cuts will have on healthcare in South Texas.
- Title
- Jim Darling
- Runtime
- 1:51
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Region M Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group covers eight counties along the banks of the Rio Grande in South Texas. Region M is seeking public comment on its new five-year water plan. The public comment period runs until July 22, 2025. The 2026 Rio Grande Regional Water Plan analyses water availability and water needs for the years 2030-2035. Once approved by Region M, the plan will be sent to the Texas Water Development Board. Former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling is chairman of Region M. He encourages all the residents in Region M to read the new plan, even if it is 600-plus pages in length. He also encourages residents to go to city commission meetings and ask their mayors and city commissioners if they have read the plan.
- Title
- Lizzy De la Garza Putegnat and Titan Fuel
- Runtime
- 4:09
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Given how many boards Lizzy De La Garza Putegnat sits on - such as the Texas Lyceum, Texas State Technical College, and the Greater Chamber Harlingen - it might surprise some that she also has a day job. That job is vice president for marketing and public relations for Titan Fuel, an American logistics, fuel trading, and fuel export company that was established in 2017. The company is located at the Port of Harlingen and has about 90 local employees. In this interview, De La Garza Putegnat gives an overview of the company’s work and the role she plays in advocating on energy and transportation issues at the state Capitol.
- Title
- Dr. Miguel Rodriguez
- Runtime
- 3:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- South Texas Health System-McAllen recently launched its advanced robotic surgery program featuring the Da Vinci 5 surgical system. The Da Vinci 5 is the latest version of Intuitive Surgical’s award-winning surgical systems. The recipient of the 2024 Australian Good Design of the Year Award, the DV5 features 150 innovations designed to improve precision, efficiency and patient outcomes. The advancements include first-of-its-kind force feedback technology, which measures tissue interaction and reduces excessive force and trauma; an improved vision system that provides a more realistic 3D image to the surgical team; and a more ergonomic console, as well as other improvements that streamline operations. STHS McAllen’s 100th successful surgery using the Da Vinci 5 was celebrated recently at the Radisson McAllen Airport Hotel. At the event the Rio Grande Guardian interviewed Dr. Miguel Rodriguez, a general and bariatric surgeon.
- Title
- Veronica Arevano
- Runtime
- 1:38
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- South Texas Health System-McAllen recently launched its advanced robotic surgery program featuring the Da Vinci 5 surgical system. The Da Vinci 5 is the latest version of Intuitive Surgical’s award-winning surgical systems. The recipient of the 2024 Australian Good Design of the Year Award, the DV5 features 150 innovations designed to improve precision, efficiency and patient outcomes. The advancements include first-of-its-kind force feedback technology, which measures tissue interaction and reduces excessive force and trauma; an improved vision system that provides a more realistic 3D image to the surgical team; and a more ergonomic console, as well as other improvements that streamline operations. STHS McAllen’s 100th successful surgery using the Da Vinci 5 was celebrated recently at the Radisson McAllen Airport Hotel. At the event the Rio Grande Guardian interviewed Veronica Arevano, an RN Circulator.
- Title
- Dr. Krystha Cantu
- Runtime
- 4:15
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- South Texas Health System-McAllen recently launched its advanced robotic surgery program featuring the Da Vinci 5 surgical system. The Da Vinci 5 is the latest version of Intuitive Surgical’s award-winning surgical systems. The recipient of the 2024 Australian Good Design of the Year Award, the DV5 features 150 innovations designed to improve precision, efficiency and patient outcomes. The advancements include first-of-its-kind force feedback technology, which measures tissue interaction and reduces excessive force and trauma; an improved vision system that provides a more realistic 3D image to the surgical team; and a more ergonomic console, as well as other improvements that streamline operations. STHS McAllen’s 100th successful surgery using the Da Vinci 5 was celebrated recently at the Radisson McAllen Airport Hotel. At the event the Rio Grande Guardian interviewed Dr. Krystha Cantu, a general surgeon.
- Title
- Name-dropping Richard Branson
- Runtime
- 1:52
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Nathan Burkhart, vice president for entrepreneurship and innovation at Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, name-dropped English business magnate Richard Branson in order to promote a new fintech company based in Weslaco. Appearing on KURV, Burkhart said Supply Pay was “with Richard Branson back in March seeking funding and pitching to billionaires.” Burkhart said Supply Pay was one of the great success stories to come out of BCIC's incubator program at the eBridge Center. KURV Morning News show host Sergio Sanchez was mightily impressed and asked if Burkhart could hook him up with Supply Pay.
- Title
- McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez
- Runtime
- 2:22
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- There is no correlation between the number of undocumented immigrants crossing the Rio Grande in South Texas and the level of crime in the city of McAllen. This is the view of McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez and he says the statistics back up his claim. The number of migrants crossing the river was high a few years ago. Now, the number is much lower. But whatever happens at the river, McAllen’s level of crime continues to go down, Chief Rodriguez said. Rodriguez gave his annual crime report at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce on June 26, 2025. After he made his remarks, the Rio Grande Guardian secured an interview.
- Title
- Carlos Garcia
- Runtime
- 7:09
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- RioPlex is a new economic development initiative that unites the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas. The group, which has been established by CEOs and business leaders in the region, plans to strategically promote the region worldwide. The aim is to highlight economic potential, promote innovation, and attract industrial investments that benefit all communities in the region. RioPlex held its first board meeting at Vantage Bank in McAllen earlier this week. After the meeting had concluded, one of its board members, Carlos Garcia, gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
- Title
- George Cardenas
- Runtime
- 3:10
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- RioPlex is a new economic development initiative that unites the Rio Grande Valley and northern Tamaulipas. The group, which has been established by CEOs and business leaders in the region, plans to strategically promote the region worldwide. The aim is to highlight economic potential, promote innovation, and attract industrial investments that benefit all communities in the region. RioPlex held its first board meeting at Vantage Bank in McAllen earlier this week. After the meeting had concluded, one of its board members, George Cardenas, gave an exclusive interview to the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service.
- Title
- Richard Cortez
- Runtime
- 8:08
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez kicked off his re-election campaign at Club Nautique in Mission on June 26, 2025. Cortez is seeking his third term as county judge. The kickoff event attracted hundreds of supporters, many of them elected officials, business and community leaders. Here is a video showing part of the speech he gave at the event.
- Title
- Adam Copher
- Runtime
- 3:29
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Adam Copher, DNP, RN, CMSRN, is the new Chief Nursing Officer at South Texas Health System-McAllen. Arriving from a similar post for a health system in Florida, Copher has nearly 20 years of experience in nursing and healthcare. He says he has a deep commitment to high-quality, compassionate care and a passion for fostering collaborative, patient-centered environments. STHS held a Meet & Greet for Copher at the University Draft House in McAllen. The Rio Grande Guardian secured an interview with him at the event.
- Title
- Richard Cortez-January 13, 2018
- Runtime
- 1:02:13
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Recorded on January 13, 2018. A conversation with Richard Cortez, candidate for Hidalgo County Judge in the Democratic Party primary.
- Title
- Richard Cortez-February 4, 2022
- Runtime
- 30:45
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Recorded February 4, 2022. Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez looks back at his first four years in office.
- Title
- Darling discusses merger of two Hidalgo County water districts
- Runtime
- 3:21
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Elsa Economic Development Corporation hosted the Delta Area Summit on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The event attracted leaders from the three Delta area cities of Edcouch, Elsa, and La Villa. One of the guest speakers was former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, in his capacity as chairman of Region M Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group. In the Q&A portion, Darling took a question from Rick Carrera, economic development director for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress. Carrera asked Darling to explain the recent merger of two Valley water districts. He was referring to Hidalgo County Water Control and Improvement District No. 3 and Santa Cruz Water Control and Improvement District No. 15. The two districts were reformed as Hidalgo County Consolidated Water Control and Improvement District. In his response, Darling, a former mayor of and city attorney for the City of McAllen, said the City of McAllen had always had disagreements with Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 3.
- Title
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar discusses proposed cuts to Medicaid and ACA
- Runtime
- 14:42
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar hosted a roundtable discussion on proposed federal funding cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at Starr County Memorial Hospital on June 19, 2025. According to the Joint Economic Committee in Congress, an estimated 54,471 residents in Cuellar’s congressional district - TX 28 - would lose coverage under the proposals adopted by the U.S. House. This includes 46,000 from Medicaid cuts and 8,471 from ACA cuts. Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office show the proposed budget changes would result in 16 million Americans losing health coverage. Cuellar voted against the House measure. Here is a segment from the roundtable discussion.
- Title
- Benavidez kicks off her campaign for county judge
- Runtime
- 7:48
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Rose Benavidez, a trustee of South Texas College and president of Starr County Industrial Foundation, has announced she is running for county judge in Starr County. She kicked off her campaign at a packed Julabe Reception Hall in Rio Grande City on June 19, 2025. The current, long-serving county judge, Eloy Vera, has announced he is not running for re-election in 2026. Here are Benavidez’s remarks at the event.
- Title
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar discusses ICE raids
- Runtime
- 3:25
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar briefly discussed raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at a roundtable at Starr County Memorial Hospital on June 19, 2025. Cuellar said he had discussed the issue with McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos and that they were in agreement - that the raids were not being targeted at known criminals and were negatively impacting the Rio Grande Valley economy. Cuellar said he agreed with Villalobos that there needs to be a way of allowing undocumented immigrants the opportunity to work legally.
- Title
- Escobar endorses Benavidez for County Judge
- Runtime
- 5:23
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Roma Mayor Jaime Escobar, Jr., has endorsed economic development specialist Rose Benavidez to be the next county judge in Starr County. Benavidez, a trustee of South Texas College and president of Starr County Industrial Foundation, launched her campaign at a packed Julabe Reception Hall in Rio Grande City on June 19, 2025. The current, long-serving county judge, Eloy Vera, has announced he is not running for re-election in 2026. Escobar introduced Benavidez at the campaign kickoff event. Here are his remarks.
- Title
- U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar
- Runtime
- 4:49
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- On a recent visit to Rio Grande City, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian about the 1944 U.S.-Mexico Water Treaty. The Guardian posed a question to Rep. Cuellar on behalf of veteran broadcaster Ron Whitlock, of Ron Whitlock Reports. Whittlock wanted to know Cuellar's position on his idea of having President Trump renegotiate the 1944 treaty. The reason being that there are too many loopholes in the document that allow Mexico to slide on its obligations, to the detriment of farmers in the Rio Grande Valley. Cuellar responded that there are good reasons for the treaty to be renegotiated. He said if President Trump proposed a renegotiation, it is likely Mexico would agree.
- Title
- Dr. Javier Margo, MD.
- Runtime
- 4:56
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Dr. Javier Margo, MD, is a Rio Grande City-based physician who works primarily at Starr County Memorial Hospital. On June 19, 2025, Margo participated in a roundtable discussion at the hospital that focused on cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. The roundtable was hosted by U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar. At the conclusion of the discussion, Dr. Margo gave an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian. In the interview he said Rep. Cuellar "confirmed our worst fears" about the proposed Medicaid and ACA cuts. He also spoke about an unexpected increase in patients utilizing the hospital. He said that number will only go up if the federal funding cuts materialize.
- Title
- Rick Carrera
- Runtime
- 35:26
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Elsa Economic Development Corporation hosted the Delta Area Summit on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The event attracted leaders from the three Delta area cities of Edcouch, Elsa, and La Villa. It was held at Edcouch-Elsa ISD’s high-tech Technology Building. One of the guest speakers was Rick Carrera, economic development director for the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP). In his presentation, Carrera spoke about COSTEP’s work in what the group calls the Rio South Texas region. Carrera explained that COSTEP focuses on attracting investment in the industrial sector, especially manufacturing, not retail. And he gave advice to the leaders of the three cities in the Delta area on how they can attract economic development.
- Title
- Jim Darling
- Runtime
- 27:19
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Elsa Economic Development Corporation hosted the Delta Area Summit on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. The event attracted leaders from the three Delta area cities of Edcouch, Elsa, and La Villa. It was held at Edcouch-Elsa ISD’s high-tech Technology Building. One of the guest speakers was former McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, in his capacity as chairman of Region M Rio Grande Regional Water Planning Group. Darling spoke about the Rio Grande Valley’s current water crisis, the 1944 US-Mexico Water Treaty, the different levels of priority for water resources given to municipalities and farmers, desalination projects, and the merger of certain water districts. Here is a video recording of everything Darling said in his presentation.
- Title
- Lone Star National Bank
- Runtime
- 15:20
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Texas Workforce Commission has presented a Skills Development Fund grant totaling $262,944 to Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande, in partnership with Lone Star National Bank. The grant will support the customized training of 317 LSNB employees in high-demand banking and financial service occupations. The grant presentation took place at the bank’s McAllen HQ. Here is a video recording of the announcement.
- Title
- David Deanda
- Runtime
- 2:07
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- The Texas Workforce Commission has presented a Skills Development Fund grant totaling $262,944 to Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande, in partnership with Lone Star National Bank. The grant will support the customized training of 317 LSNB employees in high-demand banking and financial service occupations. The grant presentation took place at the bank’s McAllen HQ. At the conclusion of the check presentation, the Rio Grande Guardian secured an exclusive interview with Lone Star National Bank President David Deanda.
- Title
- Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar
- Runtime
- 7:21
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Dalinda Gonzalez-Alcantar is CEO of McAllen Boys & Girls Club. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Gonzalez-Alcantar discusses potential cuts in funding to her group's key programs. The cuts are contained in what is called the "Big, Beautiful Bill." The bill has passed the U.S. House but is currently being revised in the U.S. Senate. Gonzalez-Alcantar says she does not know exactly how much money her club is slated to lose if the bill is enacted as is. However, she said the McAllen Boys & Girls Club has always had great relations with federal elected officials. She is hopeful those officials will protect the club from serious jeopardy.
- Title
- Ricardo Rubiano
- Runtime
- 19:01
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Ricardo Rubiano is founder and principal of Rubi Group Capital and co-founder of Open EB5. He is currently trying to bring new investment into the Rio Grande Valley from Mexico. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian International News Service, Rubiano said there is still great interest from foreign businesses in moving to the United States. However, he said a new concern is the availability of labor.
- Title
- Delta Area Summit - A Discussion on Healthcare
- Runtime
- 12:13
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Elsa Economic Development Corporation, led by Executive Director Daniel Rivera, hosted The Delta Area Summit on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. It was held in Edcouch-Elsa ISD’s high-tech technology building. The event attracted leaders from the three cities that comprise the Delta area, Elsa, Edcouch, and La Villa, plus leaders from unincorporated Monte Alto. During the event, Rivera asked everyone present to come up with some wish list items. Elsa City Manager J.J. Ybarra said he wanted to see a medical center or at the very minimum a medical emergency room established in the Delta. This led to an absorbing conversation between Ybarra, Rivera, Edcouch Mayor Virginio Gonzalez, La Villa Mayor Rosa Perez, and former Edcouch Mayor Pro-Tem Eddy Gonzalez. There was widespread support among the leaders present for Ybarra’s ideas. They all agreed to work together to achieve the goal of bringing a medical center to the Delta.
- Title
- J.J. Ybarra
- Runtime
- 4:11
- Date posted
- 1 year ago
- Description
- Elsa Economic Development Corporation, led by Daniel Rivera, hosted The Delta Area Summit on Tuesday, June 17, 2025. It was held in Edcouch-Elsa ISD’s high-tech technology building. The event attracted leaders from the three cities that comprise the Delta area, Elsa, Edcouch, and La Villa, plus leaders from unincorporated Monte Alto. During the event, Rivera asked everyone present to come up with some wish list items. Elsa City Manager J.J. Ybarra said he wanted to see a medical center or at the very minimum a medical emergency room established in the Delta. There was widespread support among the leaders present. They all agreed to work together to achieve this goal. After the summit ended, the Rio Grande Guardian secured an exclusive interview with Ybarra.
