U.S. News and World Report: UTRGV No. 1 in Texas public universities for social mobility, helping students graduate and improve their economic standing

By UTRGV News & Media Relations RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – SEPT. 24, 2024 – When it comes to transforming the lives of its students, UTRGV stands as the top institution in Texas, according to the 2025 U.S. News and World Report college rankings. U.S. News ranked UTRGV No. 1 among Texas public universities for social…

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48-Hour Film Race winners end the night at South Texas International Film Festival

Photo above: At left, Sylvia Vera and her husband Samuel Leaños accept the Best 48-Hour Film on Saturday, September 14, 2024. At right, Edinburg Film Friendly winner Dalia Bouchée gives her acceptance speech at the Edinburg Arts Cultural Entertainment Center on Saturday, September 14, 2024.  By Maria Ruiz, The Edinburg Advocate Edinburg, Texas — Labor Day weekend, 40…

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Edinburg celebrates 10th annual film festival with South Texas talent, spotlights mental health awareness with Best South Texas Film 

Photo above: At left, Alondra Gonzalez accepts the Best South Texas Actor award. At right, Gerard Scot Johnson Jr. accepts the Best South Texas Actor award on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at the Edinburg ACE building. Photos by Maria Ruiz/Edinburg Advocate.  By Maria Ruiz Edinburg Texas — The 10th Annual South Texas International Film Festival highlighted local…

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Sheriff Arrests Staff Nurse for Medication Theft at Detention Center; Booked Into Detention Center

Staff Report EDINBURG — The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 48-year-old Jaime Mata, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) employed at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center, following an investigation into the theft of prescribed medication from inmates. The investigation began after reports of discrepancies in medication management at the detention center. During the probe,…

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Edinburg Council Approves $164.5M Balanced 2024-25 Budget, Keeps Same Tax Rate

Staff Report EDINBURG — The Edinburg City Council unanimously approved a balanced budget totaling $164,509,351 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, reaffirming the city’s commitment to financial stability, infrastructure improvements, and community-driven growth. Adopted during a September 17 meeting, the budget maintains the property tax rate at $0.6300 per $100 of assessed valuation, the lowest recorded…

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Hidalgo County Launches Uniform Drought Conservation Plan

Photo above: Falcon Dam reservoir, courtesy Texas Parks and Wildlife. Staff Report EDINBURG, Texas – Hidalgo County officials convened on Wednesday with over 30 representatives from municipalities and water districts to initiate a region-wide uniform drought contingency plan. The meeting, held at the Mission Event Center, marked a significant effort to establish standardized drought triggers…

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DPS Offers Saturday Driver License Appointments in September

Staff Report AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is offering Saturday appointments at select driver license offices across the state through the end of September. Offices in various regions of Texas will be open for half days each Saturday to accommodate additional customers who need to renew or replace their driver licenses…

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Edinburg Chamber to Host Luncheon on Business Valuations

Staff Report The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce will host a Public Affairs Luncheon focusing on business and valuations on Sept. 19, 2024. The event, featuring representatives from the Hidalgo County Appraisal District, will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This installment of the Public Affairs Series: Business & Valuations will include a forum with…

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Climate, Complexity, and Capacity

Dr. M. Ray Perryman The Permian Basin of Texas and New Mexico is one of the largest sources of oil and natural gas in the world and the primary reason that the US is now the leading country in production. Moreover, it helps ensure the energy security of the United States and our allies during…

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