Rio Grande Guardian

Title: Raise Your Hand Texas Candidate Forum
Runtime: 55:41
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Raise Your Hand Texas held a Candidate Forum for the Texas House 41 race at McAllen Public Library on Feb. 5. The group wanted to know where candidates stood on key public education issues. The candidates that participated were Seby Haddad, Eric Holguin, and Julio Salinas, all Democrats. The Republican candidates in the race did not show up. The moderator was Pharr-based attorney Veronica Bernal. Raise Your Hand Texas was founded in 2006 by Charles Butt and a group of Texas business and community leaders. Their belief was and is that all Texas children should have equal access to high-quality education. The group is working to create a vibrant civic culture where Texans vote, engage lawmakers and their neighbors, and act together to champion public education in their communities and at the state Capitol.

Title: Brad Frisby
Runtime: 3:34
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: In order to get an update on the much-anticipated Alliance River Crossing project in Donna, the RGG Business Journal recently met up with Brad Frisby, executive vice president of Rhodes Enterprises. The Alliance River Crossing development is being developed by Rhodes. It consists of approximately 1,000-acres of usable property next to the Donna-Rio Bravo International Bridge. Frisby pointed out that the development property is located within a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. He said the master plan calls for industrial, commercial, and some retail development.

Title: Flip Circus 2026 is about to start
Runtime: 6:21
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: This year’s Flip Circus tour - run by the famous Vazquez family of Donna, Texas - starts at Palms Crossing in McAllen, running from Feb. 6 to Feb. 23. It then moves to Sunrise Mall in Brownsville, starting Feb. 27 and ending March 9. The family then takes the tour on the road for ten months across the country. Asked what Flip Circus is all about, bandleader Jan Vazquez said: “The Vazquez circus, I don't know if anybody has seen it yet, but it's a huge tent. It's huge, and it's spectacular, and it has its charm. But we wanted to try something more intimate, more family-friendly, and a bit smaller. So we tried Flip Circus, and so far, it's working out. It's a pretty classical circus. We bring all the classical acts, juggling, clowns, trapeze, illusionists. I think the main difference is its size, the overall vibe of it. But it's still a circus.”

Title: State Rep. Terry Canales
Runtime: 22:57
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: State Rep. Terry Canales of Edinburg is a member of the Texas House Committee on Transportation and chairman of the Select Committee on Transportation Funding. He recently gave the keynote address at the Rio Grande Valley International Rail Conference that was hosted by RGV Rail Advocates and held at Balli's Event Centers & Catering in Mission. In his remarks, Canales said that, going forward, the Legislature will have to put more money into rail, for safety and efficiency reasons. He said he will work hard to make that happen. "You don't have a greater advocate for logic, and logic is rail," Canales said.

Title: Sergio Contreras
Runtime: 2:41
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS) is celebrating 30 years of service to first-generation, low-income students across the Rio Grande Valley. In recognition of this year’s anniversary, VAMOS has a goal of raising $1 million in scholarship funds. The organization’s largest fundraiser each year is a golf tournament. The 30th Annual VAMOS Golf Tournament takes place on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Champion Lakes Golf Course in McAllen, Texas. Proceeds from the tournament will directly support four-year renewable scholarships, with awards of up to $20,000 over four academic years for students from Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties. In 2025, with the support of community sponsors and volunteers, VAMOS awarded four-year renewable scholarships to 63 students to attend the university of their choice. VAMOS Board Treasurer Sergio Contreras said the 2026 fundraising goal will allow the organization to expand its reach and serve even more students across...

Title: Karla Rodriguez
Runtime: 1:59
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: The Valley Alliance of Mentors for Opportunities and Scholarships (VAMOS) is celebrating 30 years of service to first-generation, low-income students across the Rio Grande Valley. In recognition of this year’s anniversary, VAMOS has a goal of raising $1 million in scholarship funds. The organization’s largest fundraiser each year is a golf tournament. The 30th Annual VAMOS Golf Tournament takes place on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Champion Lakes Golf Course in McAllen, Texas. Proceeds from the tournament will directly support four-year renewable scholarships, with awards of up to $20,000 over four academic years for students from Hidalgo, Cameron, and Starr counties. The Rio Grande Guardian recently interviewed VAMOS Alumni Karla Rodriguez. She said the program was invaluable to her.

Title: Samuel Haas
Runtime: 18:11
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Samuel Haas is an urban planner and co-chair of San Antonians for Rail Transit. Haas recenty spoke at a Rio Grande Valley International Rail Conference hosted by RGV Rail Advocates and held at Balli's Event Centers & Catering in Mission. In his remarks, Haas said momentum is building for rail transit in San Antonio. Here is a video recording of his speech in full.

Title: Ada Cuellar
Runtime: 5:53
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: When the Rio Grande Guardian met up with Ada Cuellar a few months ago, ICE raids were not something the Congressional candidate was hearing from voters. All that has changed in the light of the federal agency’s controversial activities in Minneapolis. “I think that they're, right now, very concerned about ICE,” Cuellar said. Asked to elaborate, Cuellar said: “Well, I think the concern here is that they (ICE) are raiding work sites, and that is creating chaos when people need workers and they can't even complete the work because of all of a sudden losing people. So there's obviously the economic piece. But the humanity piece is also a big piece everywhere, and particularly right now. What's happening is that ICE is killing people on the street, so that is top of mind, I think for a lot of people right now, with what happened to Renée Good and Alex Pretti." Cuellar is running as a Democrat in Congressional District 15.

Title: Ruben Cantu
Runtime: 4:46
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: The RGG Business Journal recently caught up with Ruben Cantu, executive director of Frontera Leadership Institute. After a brief hiatus, FLI is back at the eBridge Center in downtown Brownsville, ready to mentor its next cohort of students. In his interview with the Business Journal, Cantu said FLI is ready to expand into other cities in the Rio Grande Valley. All that is needed, he said, is a similar level of support to the amount Brownsville provides. “At Frontera Leadership Institute, we believe in collaboration and innovation to empower the next generation of transformative leaders,” Cantu said. “Our goal is to provide opportunities for emerging leaders to make a real impact in tech and entrepreneurship, especially in the Brownsville area.” He added: “Let’s work together to create a future where authentic leadership and innovation are at the forefront of our success.”

Title: Rose Benavidez
Runtime: 6:23
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Starr County Industrial Foundation recently held its first SCIF Talks event of 2026. It was held at South Texas College’s Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City. The guest speakers were state Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo and state Rep. Ryan Guillen of Rio Grande City. They reviewed last year’s legislative session and looked ahead to the next one, in 2027. After the event, the Rio Grande Guardian sought reaction to what the two legislators said. We interviewed Starr County Judge Eloy Vera and SCIF President Rose Benavide. We also spoke to Rep. Guillen about his legislative agenda. Here is the interview with Benavidez.

Title: State Rep. Ryan Guillen
Runtime: 7:37
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Starr County Industrial Foundation recently held its first SCIF Talks event of 2026. It was held at South Texas College’s Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City. The guest speakers were state Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo and state Rep. Ryan Guillen of Rio Grande City. They reviewed last year’s legislative session and looked ahead to the next one, in 2027. After the event, the Rio Grande Guardian sought reaction to what the two legislators said. We interviewed Starr County Judge Eloy Vera and SCIF President Rose Benavidez. We also spoke to Rep. Guillen about his legislative agenda. Here is the interview with Rep. Guillen.

Title: Eloy Vera
Runtime: 4:21
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Starr County Industrial Foundation recently held its first SCIF Talks event of 2026. It was held at South Texas College’s Starr County Campus in Rio Grande City. The guest speakers were state Sen. Judith Zaffirini of Laredo and state Rep. Ryan Guillen of Rio Grande City. They reviewed last year’s legislative session and looked ahead to the next one, in 2027. After the event, the Rio Grande Guardian sought reaction to what the two legislators said. We interviewed Starr County Judge Eloy Vera and SCIF President Rose Benavide. We also spoke to Rep. Guillen about his legislative agenda. Here is the interview with Judge Vera.

Title: Michael J. Limas
Runtime: 6:50
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Michael J. Limas is a Brownsville-based entrepreneur and financial advisor whose work focuses on downtown revitalization and sustainable urban growth. He recently appeared as a panelist at Laredo Chamber of Commerce's Vision26 Conference. In his remarks he spoke about the success of a bar he co-owns in downtown Brownsville, Las Ramblas at Market Square. The bar has won a prestigious James Beard national award. Here are some of his remarks.

Title: Hugo Martínez
Runtime: 2:45
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: The Pharr Economic Development Corporation recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for IMAS Fresh, a new food-related facility coming to the City of Pharr. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at 600 W. Anaya Road in south Pharr. Victor Perez, president and CEO of Pharr EDC, said IMAS Fresh will enhance Pharr’s growing food and logistics ecosystem, leveraging the city’s strategic location and strong workforce. He said the project represents an investment in local economic development that will contribute to job creation and expanded commercial activity within the city. “Projects like IMAS Fresh demonstrate why Pharr continues to be a destination for business growth,” Perez said. Construction is expected to begin immediately following the groundbreaking, with completion anticipated in the second quarter of 2026. Here is an interview with Hugo Martinez, CEO of Members Construction, LLC.

Title: Victor Perez
Runtime: 4:52
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: The Pharr Economic Development Corporation recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for IMAS Fresh, a new food-related facility coming to the City of Pharr. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at 600 W. Anaya Road in south Pharr. Victor Perez, president and CEO of Pharr EDC, said IMAS Fresh will enhance Pharr’s growing food and logistics ecosystem, leveraging the city’s strategic location and strong workforce. He said the project represents an investment in local economic development that will contribute to job creation and expanded commercial activity within the city. “Projects like IMAS Fresh demonstrate why Pharr continues to be a destination for business growth,” Perez said. Construction is expected to begin immediately following the groundbreaking, with completion anticipated in the second quarter of 2026. Here is an interview with Perez.

Title: Cesar Luis Garcia
Runtime: 2:08
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: The Pharr Economic Development Corporation recently hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for IMAS Fresh, a new food-related facility coming to the City of Pharr. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at 600 W. Anaya Road in south Pharr. Victor Perez, president and CEO of Pharr EDC, said IMAS Fresh will enhance Pharr’s growing food and logistics ecosystem, leveraging the city’s strategic location and strong workforce. He said the project represents an investment in local economic development that will contribute to job creation and expanded commercial activity within the city. “Projects like IMAS Fresh demonstrate why Pharr continues to be a destination for business growth,” Perez said. Construction is expected to begin immediately following the groundbreaking, with completion anticipated in the second quarter of 2026. Here is commentary from Cesar Luis Garcia, general manager of IMAS Fresh.

Title: Paul Rodriguez
Runtime: 6:52
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Paul Rodriguez is president and CEO of Valley Land Title Co. Rodriguez recently spoke at an event hosted by South Texas Builders Association. The meeting was attended by two members of Congress. Rodriguez confirmed what the builders were saying, that raids on construction sites across the Rio Grande Valley are hampering the building of residential homes. Why? Because construction workers are being rounded up and taken away, leaving projects half completed. The RGG Business Journal later secured an exclusive interview with Rodriguez.

Title: U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz
Runtime: 3:18
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz, of Edinburg, Texas, recently participated in a forum hosted by the RGV Builders Association. The event focused on the region's shortage of construction workers and the impact of ICE raids on construction sites. In her remarks on stage, De La Cruz said there was a crisis in the Valley. She said she has a meeting lined up with House Speaker Mike Johnson. She said she would be recommending policy changes. After the forum had concluded the RGG Business Journal secured an interview with De La Cruz.

Title: Johnny Vasquez
Runtime: 6:14
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Johnny Vasquez is executive officer of the RGV Builders Association. He recently participated in a forum the group hosted that also included U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz. The meeting focused on the region's shortage of construction workers and the impact of ICE raids on construction sites. After the forum had concluded the RGG Business Journal secured an interview with Vasquez.

Title: Sam Gilboard
Runtime: 2:10
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Sam Gilboard is federal legislative director of the National Association of Homebuilders. He recently participated in a forum hosted by the RGV Builders Association that also included U.S. Rep. Monica De La Cruz. The meeting focused on the region's shortage of construction workers and impact of ICE raids on construction sites. After the forum had concluded the RGG Business Journal secured an interview with GIlboard.

Title: Daniel Covarrubias
Runtime: 28:36
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Daniel Covarrubias is director of the Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development at Texas A&M International University in Laredo. Covarrubias spoke recently at the Laredo Chamber of Commerce’s Vision26 Conference. At the conference he made a presentation titled “VISION 2026 Economic Outlook Report. It provided a data-driven snapshot of the economic forces shaping Laredo and the broader border region. Here is a video recording of his presentation. Go to the RGG Business Journal website to read the report in full.

Cuellar discusses Las Américas Logistics & Industrial Park

Title: Cuellar discusses Las Américas Logistics & Industrial Park
Runtime: 13:56
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar met up recently with Roma City Manager Alejandro Barrera to go over the improvements happening at Las Americas Roma Logistics and Industrial Park. Barrera said funding secured by Cuellar in Congress is helping to take the industrial park to the next level. Barrera believes uncertainty over U.S. tariff policy might have contributed to the sluggish take up of lots by prospective tenants. However, as that uncertainty lessens, he and the city administration in Roma are confident of the industrial park's long-term success. Cuellar said he, too, is confident of the industrial park's long-term success.

Title: Alejandro Barrera
Runtime: 4:10
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Roma City Manager Alejandro Barrera met up recently with U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar to go over the improvements happening at Las Americas Roma Logistics and Industrial Park. Barrera said funding secured by Cuellar in Congress is helping to take the industrial park to the next level. Barrera believes uncertainty over U.S. tariff policy might have contributed to the sluggish take up of lots by prospective tenants. However, as that uncertainty lessens, he and the city administration in Roma are confident of the industrial park's long-term success.

Congressman Henry Cuellar still supports ICE funding

Title: Congressman Henry Cuellar still supports ICE funding
Runtime: 11:41
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Despite everything that has happened in Minnesota, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says he is not joining many of his Democratic colleagues in calling for the defunding of ICE. “I don't support the defunding of ICE. I don't think that's the right approach,” Cuellar said, in an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian. Cuellar said he and his colleagues added some “guard rails” to rein ICE in. He also said that if ICE was defunded there would be a government shutdown. He said a government shutdown would hurt many important agencies, like FEMA, and TSA, but it would not hurt ICE. This is because ICE and the Department of Homeland Security were given much more money in the Big Beautiful Bill.

Title: Joey Treviño
Runtime: 2:20
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: The Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (RGVAGC) has thanked Glenfarne Group, LLC’s Texas LNG for financially supporting the Chapter’s new Heavy Equipment Operator Training Program. The program is a regional workforce development initiative designed to train and certify local residents in critical heavy equipment skills. Joey Treviño, executive director of RGVAGC, noted that Texas LNG’s need for skilled heavy equipment operators and construction professionals is expected to increase significantly in the months ahead. He hopes the students on RGVAGC’s new course will benefit.

Title: Ernest Aliseda
Runtime: 5:22
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Nursing Education and Research Building. The NERB is a three-story, 53,000 square foot facility located in McAllen, Texas, and is the second building within Texas A&M’s Higher Education Center. Texas A&M officials say the building is designed to meet the growing demand for nursing education in the region, featuring flexible general instruction spaces, teaching laboratories, administrative offices, and student areas. The building has dedicated space for the Veterinary Medicine program. Here is a video interview the Rio Grande Guardian secured with Ernest Aliseda, chief operating officer and associate vice president of Texas A&M Higher Education Center at McAllen.

Title: Indra K. Reddy
Runtime: 3:09
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Nursing Education and Research Building. The NERB is a three-story, 53,000 square foot facility located in McAllen, Texas, and is the second building within Texas A&M’s Higher Education Center. Texas A&M officials say the building is designed to meet the growing demand for nursing education in the region, featuring flexible general instruction spaces, teaching laboratories, administrative offices, and student areas. The building has dedicated space for the Veterinary Medicine program. Here is a video interview the Rio Grande Guardian secured with Indra K. Reddy, interim chief operating officer and senior vice president of Texas A&M Health.

Title: Glenn Hegar
Runtime: 3:21
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Nursing Education and Research Building. The NERB is a three-story, 53,000 square foot facility located in McAllen, Texas, and is the second building within Texas A&M’s Higher Education Center. Texas A&M officials say the building is designed to meet the growing demand for nursing education in the region, featuring flexible general instruction spaces, teaching laboratories, administrative offices, and student areas. The building has dedicated space for the Veterinary Medicine program. Here is a video interview the Rio Grande Guardian secured with Glenn Hegar, chancellor of Texas A&M University System.

Title: Bonnie Rush
Runtime: 2:16
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Nursing Education and Research Building. The NERB is a three-story, 53,000 square foot facility located in McAllen, Texas, and is the second building within Texas A&M’s Higher Education Center. Texas A&M officials say the building is designed to meet the growing demand for nursing education in the region, featuring flexible general instruction spaces, teaching laboratories, administrative offices, and student areas. The building has dedicated space for the Veterinary Medicine program. Here is a video interview the Rio Grande Guardian secured with Bonnie Rush, the Carl B. King dean of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences at Texas A&M.

Title: Susie Flores & Josh Vasquez
Runtime: 3:53
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Susie Flores, vice president of business recruitment and retention for McAllen Economic Development Corporation, recently gave an update on her group’s work to the South Texas Manufacturers Association. Her report was positive. Flores said that for fiscal year 2024-2025, MEDC has commitments for 13 projects out of the 27 it has been working on. “Those 13 projects represent 753,000 square feet of facility absorption for the City of McAllen in the several industrial parks that we have. And the projected number of new jobs that will be created from these 13 commitments will be about 1,000. Josue ‘Josh’ Vasquez, MEDC’s director of workforce development, also spoke at the STMA meeting. He referenced a big jobs fair the group is hosting on Feb. 17 at the McAllen Convention Center.

Title: Steve Valdez
Runtime: 2:14
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Steve Valdez, executive director of Weslaco Economic Development Corporation, recently gave an update on his group’s work to the South Texas Manufacturers Association. The report was very positive. Valdez said that the Mid Valley International Industrial Park now has a 50 percent occupancy rate. As a result, WEDC is now looking for land to develop another industrial park, the third in the city. “We've only had this newest industrial park for about three years, going on four, and this last purchase got us over to the 50% hump,” Valdez said. “So, our commitment to our EDC board and the City was to start looking for a third industrial park. So we're excited about looking for more land.”

Title: Felida Villarreal
Runtime: 17:50
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Felida Villarreal, president and CEO of Valley Initiative for Development & Advancement, otherwise known as VIDA, has announced her candidacy for McAllen City Commission. She is running for District 5, to fill a seat left vacant by City Commissioner Seby Haddad. In an in-depth interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Villarreal explains why she feels qualified to be a city commissioner, what her platform is, and what she is hearing from McAllen residents.

Title: Adrian Gonzalez
Runtime: 1:24
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: The South Texas Alliance of Cities held their quarterly meeting at Glazers in Weslaco on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2026. The City of Weslaco was the host. In an interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez spoke about the importance of regional collaboration. He said he supports the work of STAC and a group of mayors in the Mid-Valley who meet on a regular basis.

Title: Dr. Samuel Zapata
Runtime: 28:21
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Dr. Samuel Zapata is an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics stationed at the Texas A&M Higher Education Center at McAllen. He recently gave a presentation to RioPlex titled: “Agriculture Challenges and Opportunities.” Here is the presentation.

Title: Sonny Hinojosa
Runtime: 7:17
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: The McAllen Citizens League recently hosted a network luncheon that focused on water resources. It was titled: "The State of Water in the Rio Grande Valley – Challenges and Solutions." One of the panelists was retired irrigation district manager Sonny Hinojosa. In the Q&A portion of the program, Hinojosa was asked how many miles of irrigation canals the Valley has, how many of the canals need lining and how much it would cost. Here are his answers.

Title: Jose Olvares
Runtime: 17:33
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: Jose Olivares is chairman of the Department of Business Administration at South Texas College. He recently gave a presentation to RioPlex titled: “What Kind of Jobs Will We Have in the Future?” The presentation focused on the likely impact of AI in the Rio Grande Valley. Here is the presentation.

Title: US Rep. Henry Cuellar
Runtime: 3:55
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: In his latest Conversations with Cuellar webinar, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar took questions from the media. One of the questions came from the Rio Grande Guardian. Cuellar was asked for an update on his efforts to get top officials from the Department of Homeland Security to meet with leaders from the South Texas Builders Association. In a meeting with Cuellar at Pappadeux Seafood Kitchen in Pharr late last year, STBA members voiced concerns about the actions of ICE. They said ICE raids at construction sites had left them with insufficient workers to complete their projects. Cuellar invited the STBA to come to Washington and meet with DHS.

Title: Marisol Rocha
Runtime: 15:58
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: The Rio Grande Guardian recently met up with Dr. Marisol Rocha, superintendent of Vanguard Academy to discuss Vision 2036, the school district's new ten-year roadmap for growth and continued service for students in the community. Rocha also spoke about Vanguard's 25th anniversary, which it is celebrating this year, plus expanded education opportunities in Alamo and Mission. Here is the podcast.

The State of Water in the Rio Grande Valley

Title: The State of Water in the Rio Grande Valley
Runtime: 50:15
Date posted: 8 months ago
Description: The McAllen Citizens League hosted a network luncheon focused on water resources on Jan. 15, 2026. Held at Rio Bank in McAllen, the event was titled: “The State of Water in the Rio Grande Valley – Challenges and Solutions.” The moderator was Julian Alvarez, III, executive vice president and director of community relations at Lone Star National Bank. The five panelists were Isaac V. Sulemana, chief of staff for Hidalgo County Judge Richard F. Cortez; Mark A. Vega, general manager of McAllen Public Utility; Brian MacManus, general manager of East Rio Hondo Water Supply Corporation; Sonny Hinojosa, retired general manager of Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 2; and Joshua ‘Josh’ Moroles, an environmental health and water literacy advocate. Here is a video recording of the event.

Title: Texas Organ Sharing Alliance
Runtime: 2:17
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: DHR Health Transplant Institute successfully performed 101 kidney transplants in 2025, the highest number in a calendar year since the Institute opened in 2017. Dr. Sridhar Allam, DHR Health transplant nephrologist and medical director of the Transplant Institute, described it as a monumental achievement because it represents 101 lives saved and 101 lives transformed for patients and their families living in the Rio Grande Valley. For these patients, kidney transplantation means they are free from regular dialysis treatments with the opportunity to regain their quality of life and live a longer life, he explained. DHR held a press conference at the institute to celebrate the 101 successful kidney transplant operations. Attending the press conference was Mauricio Reyes, regional director for the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, Reyes explained how his group works with DHR.

A celebration at DHR Transplant Institute

Title: A celebration at DHR Transplant Institute
Runtime: 7:47
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: DHR Health Transplant Institute successfully performed 101 kidney transplants in 2025, the highest number in a calendar year since the Institute opened in 2017. Dr. Sridhar Allam, DHR Health transplant nephrologist and medical director of the Transplant Institute, described it as a monumental achievement because it represents 101 lives saved and 101 lives transformed for patients and their families living in the Rio Grande Valley. For these patients, kidney transplantation means they are free from regular dialysis treatments with the opportunity to regain their quality of life and live a longer life, he explained. “I would like to congratulate every member of the Transplant Team on a job well done. This is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and compassion of our multidisciplinary Transplant Team as well as the generosity of organ donors and their families,” Allam said. “We will continue to provide the best transplant care for our patients.” Here are highlights from a pre...

Dr. Manish Singh discusses kidney transplants

Title: Dr. Manish Singh discusses kidney transplants
Runtime: 2:20
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: DHR Health Transplant Institute successfully performed 101 kidney transplants in 2025, the highest number in a calendar year since the Institute opened in 2017. Dr. Sridhar Allam, DHR Health transplant nephrologist and medical director of the Transplant Institute, described it as a monumental achievement because it represents 101 lives saved and 101 lives transformed for patients and their families living in the Rio Grande Valley. For these patients, kidney transplantation means they are free from regular dialysis treatments with the opportunity to regain their quality of life and live a longer life, he explained. Dr. Manish Singh, CEO of DHR Health, said the accomplishment underscores the level of high-quality, advanced medical care that is in the Rio Grande Valley. He said patients do not need to leave the region for this type of advanced care nor incur significant expenses related to travel and lodging associated with frequent follow-up visits. Here is an interview with Dr. Singh.

Title: Dr. Manish Singh, MD
Runtime: 3:20
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The University of Houston and DHR Health Hospital System are working on a joint project to establish The University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine and DHR Health Medical Research and Education Center in the Rio Grande Valley. Supported by a $15 million state appropriation, the new center will serve as a hub for advancing medical research, expanding health education programs and improving access to health care across one of Texas’ most medically underserved regions. In an exclusive interview with the Rio Grande Guardian, DHR’s CEO, Dr. Manish Singh, says DHR now has the money from the state to get working on the project. He showed the Guardian where the new center will be built and gives an estimate on when it will be built.

Title: STX Data & AI Network
Runtime: 4:55
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The STX Data & AI Network has held its first official in-person meeting. Hitherto the meetings had been held via Zoom. Founder Andy Garcia said the energy in the room was incredible. “We covered internal structure, communication channels, project ideas, regional challenges and opportunities and most importantly, how we can come together to build something meaningful for South Texas,” Garcia said. “From engineers in software, robotics, and manufacturing, to data scientists and analysts to educators, designers, and finance professionals — the versatility of this network is what will allow us to become a true regional resource for the Rio Grande Valley.” The first meeting was held at the Pharr Global Business Hub. Garcia gave a shoutout to Pharr Economic Development Corporation, the City of Pharr, and UT-Rio Grande Valley for helping make the event possible. He said the group plans to meet at the Pharr Global Business Hub once a month in the future. “Our goal is simple: create...

Massey Villarreal provides roadmap for Hispanic chambers of commerce

Title: Massey Villarreal provides roadmap for Hispanic chambers of commerce
Runtime: 45:02
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Massey Villarreal, a prominent Republican businessman from Texas, has provided a roadmap for Hispanic chambers of commerce in the state to become more effective in shaping public policy and influencing lawmakers. Villarreal, who has held top positions within the Texas Association of Business, the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce, and the Greater Houston Partnership, gave the keynote address at a recent strategic retreat co-hosted by the Texas Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Coalition and the Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He said the Hispanic chambers should develop a pared down legislative agenda and then lobby in unison. There is strength in numbers, he said. He also said the Texas Association of Business needs the Hispanic chambers more than they need TAB.

Title: Tariffs and ICE raids
Runtime: 6:41
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: The Rio Grande Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce co-hosted a “Strategic Retreat” at PNC Bank in McAllen on Jan. 9, 2026. One of the panel discussions was titled “RGV Regional Economic Snapshot.” During the Q&A, RGVHCC President Cynthia Sakulenzki asked two of the panelists, Mario Reyna from RioPlex, and Rick Carrera from COSTEP, whether they felt ICE raids were having an impact on the economy. She also asked about the impact of tariffs. This video features the responses of Reyna and Carrera.

Title: Judge Ed Emmett
Runtime: 15:00
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Ed Emmett, the former Harris County Judge, was honored as he retired as longtime chairman of the Texas Freight Advisory Committee. “I have never worked with someone that is so dedicated, so committed to public service,” said Caroline Mays, senior director of planning and modal programs for the Texas Department of Transportation. Mays pointed out that she has worked with Emmett since 2012, when he chaired the Panama Canal Stakeholders Working Group. She said when this group was being sunsetted by the state legislature it morphed into the Texas Freight Advisory Committee, which Emmett chaired from the beginning. Texas Transportation Commissioner Alejandro ‘Alex’ Meade said Emmett was “a true public servant.” IBC Bank Executive Vice President Gerry Schwebel was elected Emmett’s successor as chair of the Texas Freight Advisory Committee. This video shows the transition.

Title: Joseph Lucio
Runtime: 13:56
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Joseph Lucio, nephew of former state Sen. Eddie Lucio, Jr., is running for Cameron County Commissioner, Precinct 2. He is challenging incumbent commissioner Joey Lopez in the Democratic Party primary. Lopez has held the seat since 2019. Lucio says he is running to offer a "fresh voice" for accountability and community. "I believe our county should do better. Precinct 2 alone manages over $1 million in roads and bridges funding, yet most residents never see how those dollars are spent." Here is the latest in our Meet the Candidate series.

Title: U.S. Senate Republicans
Runtime: 37:25
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, brought some of his Senate colleagues to the Rio Grande Valley on January 9, 2026. Among them was Senate Majority Leader John Thune. After meeting with Border Patrol officials, the group held a press conference near the Rio Grande in Hidalgo. Among the topics discussed were border security, immigration, and the Big Beautiful Bill. Here is a video recording of the press conference.

Title: Steve Perez
Runtime: 12:30
Date posted: 9 months ago
Description: Programmer Steve Perez, general manager of Fast Port, is a noted expert on AI. He co-founded the Brownsville Tech Hub Club at the eBridge Center in downtown Brownsville after the city won a national award as a tech hub. In this exclusive interview with the RGG Business Journal, Perez explains the latest developments in AI.

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Rio Grande Guardian

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